From the Statue of Liberty to the Met, you’ll never run out of sights to see and things to do in New York City! If it’s your first visit, let this guide be your bible to all the famous landmarks in New York.
1. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty during daytime | Photo Credits: Ferdinand Stohr from Unsplash
Kickstart your NYC getaway with a trip to the historic Ellis Island! Come face-to-face with the most famous celeb in the city, the Statue of Liberty herself! Discover why Ellis Island was nicknamed the “Island of Hope” and the “Island of Tears” as you immerse yourself in the tales of America’s immigrants at the National Immigration Museum.
You can even see the statue up close and get a good view of Lady Liberty through the Statue of Liberty Express cruise. This activity also has a tour guide who’ll share interesting information about the New York landmarks.
2. Empire State Building
Night view of the Empire State Building | Photo Credits: Pedro Kümmel from Unsplash
No proper NYC bucket list would be complete without a visit to the Empire State Building, aka America’s favourite piece of architecture and one of the top landmarks in New York City. See New York in all of its glory from 102 floors up. From its stunning art-deco lobby to its galleries and deck, it’s one big feast for the eyes. At the Observation Deck, visitors are rewarded with incredible panoramic city views!
Klook Tip: Make your visit to the Empire State Building shine even more by coming in during sunset, the most magical time to go and bask in the golden glow!
3. Times Square
Bright lights at Times Square | Photo Credits: James Ting from Unsplash
Time to put on your best pair of shades, ‘cos we’re taking you to Times Square next! A truly iconic NYC landmark, Times Square will dazzle you with its lively collection of 3,340 billboards. Here, tourists and NY locals mingle to join in festivities, get greeted by street performances, and celebrate the annual glitzy New Year’s Eve countdown.
You can even have your photo shown on Times Square for 15 seconds every hour for the next 24 hours. Surely, nothing will beat that experience!
4. Brooklyn Bridge
Famous Brooklyn Bridge after the rain | Photo Credits: Redd Francisco from Unsplash
Don’t forget to take a snap at the Brooklyn Bridge when in New York! Among the top landmarks in New York City that you should visit is the first-ever steel cable bridge in the world.
With Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental, exploring New York City becomes even more fun and convenient. The iconic bridge, built in 1883, connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, giving you an easy way to travel between the two boroughs. As you ride across the bridge, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River and New York City’s famous skyline.
5. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Station packed with commuters and tourists | Photo Credits: Robert Bye from Unsplash
As huge Gossip Girl fans, we can’t help but include the Grand Central Terminal in our New York City bucket list. Where Serena van der Woodsen was once spotted, this world-renowned train station is more than just about trains; it is a place that’s filled with fascinating tales.
From the secret Whispering Gallery to the illustrious Campbell Bar and its cathedral-like ceilings, you’re sure to have a grand time in this New York City landmark!
The Secrets of Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour takes you beyond the station’s busy halls and into its hidden corners filled with history. Led by an expert guide, the tour uncovers fascinating stories about Grand Central’s restoration while showing you secret spots like the Whispering Gallery, hidden tennis courts, old movie theater remains, and other lesser-known details tucked inside this iconic landmark.
6. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum
View of the 9/11 Memorial | Photo Credits: Axel Houmadi from Unsplash
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a solemn reminder of all the 2,983 lives lost during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. The museum tells us that history should never be forgotten through its collection of survivor stories, video footage, and salvaged wrecks.
7. Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center
Tourist at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck | Photo Credits: Lisha Riabini from Unsplash
Think Empire State Building’s have the best view of New York? Then, you haven’t been to the Top of the Rock! Standing 260 metres tall, the Rockefeller Center’s Observation Deck boasts sweeping landscapes of Central Park and the entire Manhattan skyline.
It’s even got a swanky bar on the 65th called the Rainbow Room, where you can enjoy cocktails facing the NYC view!
8. The Chrysler Building
Street view of The Chrysler Building | Photo Credits: Hoover Tung from Unsplash
There are plenty of things to love about New York, one of which is that inspiration is everywhere. Whether strolling around Wall Street or chilling by Madison Square Garden, you can look up and catch the awe-inspiring sight of the Chrysler Building, the most eye-popping Art-Deco skyscraper in the city!
9. The Museum of Metropolitan Art (Met)
Visitors walking around The Met | Photo Credits: Tomas Eidsvold from Unsplash
Another gem in our list of landmarks in New York City is the Museum of Metropolitan Art, aka the Met! On an ordinary day, anyone, whether Hollywood A-lister or not, can wander through its grand halls and discover the world’s most prized treasures dating back 5,000 years of human history.
There are over 17 curatorial collections to explore, plus the Costume Institute, housing fashion’s most fabulous dresses of all time. You can opt for The Metropolitan Museum of Art expert-guided tour to learn the history and highlights of the museum and the art it houses.
10. Central Park
Aerial view of Central Park in the middle of Manhattan | Photo Credits: Jermaine Ee from Unsplash
If you’ve got a free day, take a break from sightseeing tours with a relaxing stroll around Central Park! Covering over 843 acres of land between the Upper East and Upper West of Manhattan, this urban park has tons of things in store for everyone.
Central Park bike rental makes it easy to explore the park’s scenic paths and hidden corners at your own pace. As you ride through the area, you’ll pass peaceful lakes, charming bridges, colorful murals, and popular picnic spots while enjoying a quiet escape from the city. With over 40 bridges found throughout the park, every ride offers something different to see.
11. Chelsea Market
Outdoor facade of Chelsea Market
A Chelsea Market Walking Tour gives you a closer look at one of NYC’s liveliest food and shopping spots. As you stroll through the busy halls, you’ll come across trendy boutiques, local snacks, quirky souvenirs, and classic I-Heart-NYC finds. The walk also lets you take in the neighborhood’s charming Art-Deco buildings and the energetic vibe that makes this area a favorite stop in the city.
Klook Tip: Save up with a New York City Attractions Pass!
Can’t wait to visit New York? Here’s a pass to help you save up! The New York City Attractions Pass lets you access two, three, and up to four NYC attractions with just one pass. See the Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and more without lining up or paying for admission tickets each time.
12. One World Observatory
View from the top of One World Observatory | Photo Credits: Roméo A. from Unsplash
One of the most exciting things to do in New York City is riding the SkyPod and zooming from ground zero to 102 floors up the One World Observatory in under 60 seconds! Once you reach the top, you’ll see the entire New York City below you.
13. Flatiron Building
Side view of the Flatiron Building | Photo Credits: David Becker from Unsplash
Feast your eyes on the iconic Flatiron Building New York, famous for its striking triangular design between Broadway and Fifth Avenue. This architectural beauty has stood proudly in the city since 1902 and remains one of the must-see landmarks in New York City.
14. The Edge Observation Deck
The Edge packed with tourists enjoying the view | Photo Credits: Bernd Dittrich from Unsplash
Level up your NYC sightseeing experience with a thrilling encounter at The Edge! As you lean on glass floor walkways 345 metres above the ground, you’ll feel like you’re living on the edge! After you’ve gotten your fill of thrills, take it slow and sip some bubbles as you enjoy the spectacular sight of NYC’s brightly lit night sky.
15. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
People walking around MoMA | Photo Credits: Josh Wilburne from Unsplash
Where art lovers gather, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) houses some of the most well-known masterpieces in modern art—from Salvador Dali’s Persistence of Memories to Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Still, if you’re not an art geek, a trip to MoMA is also a good time to hunker down and escape the summer heat.
16. Yankee Stadium
A live baseball game at Yankee Stadium | Photo Credits: Chanan Greenblatt from Unsplash
Rounding off our list of the greatest landmarks in New York City is the Yankee Stadium, home to the Yankees and the best franks in town. In the massive 635,000-square-foot stadium, baseball fans cheer on their teams and maybe even catch an exciting game between old rivals—the Red Sox and the Yankees.
Klook Tip: Save up with a New York City Attractions Pass!
Can’t wait to visit New York? Here’s a pass to help you save up! The New York City Attractions Pass lets you access two, three, and up to four NYC attractions with just one pass. See the Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and more without lining up or paying for admission tickets each time.
All you have to do is reserve your visit, show your pass, and enjoy the best of New York City!
FAQs about landmarks in New York City
What are three famous landmarks in New York?
Three of the most famous landmarks you can visit in New York are the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square. Each attraction gives you a different glimpse of the city, from historic monuments to dazzling skyline views and bright city lights.
What is a famous landmark situated in the city of New York?
The Empire State Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks situated in New York City. When you visit, you can head up to the observation deck and enjoy sweeping views of Manhattan and beyond.
What is a national landmark in New York?
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most well-known national landmarks in New York and a powerful symbol of freedom in the United States. You can visit Liberty Island to explore its history and enjoy views of the city skyline from the harbor.
What are the famous places in New York City?
New York City is packed with famous places like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Whether you enjoy history, shopping, food, or architecture, you’ll find plenty of iconic spots worth exploring.
How many landmarks are in NYC?
New York City is home to more than 37,000 designated landmarks spread across its five boroughs. From historic buildings to cultural sites and monuments, you’ll discover something remarkable in almost every neighborhood.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
