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One of the largest metropolises in the world, New York is the city that never sleeps. Its mind-blowing infrastructure and highly advanced lifestyle have made it a global city in the last century. It’s a whirlwind of world-class attractions, a fun lifestyle, and a lot more. From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, great places to dine at, wonderful modern attractions to enjoy, amazing historical monuments to explore, and peaceful natural locations to admire, New York is a maze full of surprises. So, plan a vacation to this ultra-modern world this season and explore its famous attractions with these top things to do in New York, USA.
Top Things To Do In New York, USA
1. Visit the Statue of Liberty
No tour to New York is complete unless you have witnessed the neoclassical Statue of Liberty located on Ellis Island. This 305-feet monument is the crown of the United States and is popular across continents. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it draws visitors in millions every year and that makes Statue of Liberty one of the prime attractions in New York. Dedicated to the Roman goddess Libertas, the statue was built in the late 19th century and has been a notable work of modern artistry.
Entry fee: $12 for visitors above 13 years of age
$5 for children
$10 for senior citizens
Timings: 08:30 am to 04:00 pm
Pro Tip: Do take the free ranger-lead tour of Liberty Island to get an insight into the history and importance of the statue.
2. Spend Some Quality Time at Central Park
New York is quite a busy city and hence, you would find streets packed with commuters all the time. How about breaking free from this chaos and enjoying a little time in the green lawns of the famed Central Park? Spread over an area of more than 800 acres, the Central Park is a scenic landmark in New York and is a popular picnic site in the city. People of all ages come here to enjoy its pristine environment and soak up its colorful atmosphere. With an extensive lake, green vegetation, zoo, ice skating rink, ponds, theatres, woods and more, the park stands out as one of the extraordinary places to visit in New York.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Ideal Timings: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
Pro Tip: Do try luscious delicacies at the Loeb Boathouse in the Lake.
3. Capture the Liveliness of Times Square
A commercial junction where one would find all kinds of attractions! Times Square is a public place that is often referred to as the crossroads of the world for being home to entertainment centers, business buildings, restaurants and more. Decorated with wonderfully lit innumerable billboards, this town square is one of the busiest pedestrian areas in the world and witnesses millions of visitors every year. That’s why it is also called the heart of the world. Hence, visiting it and exploring the liveliness it exudes from every corner is one of the best things to do in New York.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Visit during the afternoons and get the opportunity to enjoy the best of street performances.
4. Enjoy Panoramas from Empire State Building
Serving awesome views from its top decks, the Empire State Building is a perfect place in New York to capture the most extraordinary skyline of the city. This 102-story magnificent architecture was once the tallest building in the world. However, it is the 49th tallest skyscraper in the world as of 2021. Whether you are up the 86th floor or the 102nd floor, you are bound to enjoy the most charismatic and spectacular scenery of the city. Hence, visiting this iconic place is one of the best things to do in New York.
Price Range: $50 – $150 (for different decks)
Timings: 01:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Pro Tip: Get an express New York Pass and skip the long lines at the ticket windows.
5. Take Photos of the Historic Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge in New York is as historic as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Though there might be differences in popularity, the kind of attention it has garnered from world travelers is unmatched. Today, it is one of the most significant landmarks in New York and is known to have inspired innumerable poets, artists, and painters. That’s the reason this gothic structure is a legendary place in pop culture. It was completed in the year 1883 across the East River and connects Manhattan Island and Brooklyn. Go cycling or just simply walk down the pedestrian lane. Also, visit the viewing area to take great panoramas.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Do visit the viewing platform as it is the perfect place to capture the best of Manhattan skyline.
6. Visit the Museum of Modern Art
With its extraordinary exhibitions, the Museum of Modern Art attracts a global audience. Housing a fine collection of modern as well as contemporary pieces of art and craft, MoMA is revered as one of the greatest modern art museums on the planet. It is here you come across the world-famous Starry Night of Vincent Van Gogh. It is here you would encounter the best of masterpieces dedicated to art, photography and sculpture. The works of Warhol and Picasso also adorn the walls of the museum. Take the art lover in you for a surprise and explore the corners of this magnificent place.
Entry fee: $25 for adults
$18 for senior citizens and $14 for students
Timings: 10:30 am to 05:30 pm
(10:30 am to 07:00 pm on Saturdays)
Pro Tip: Do not bring any backpack, purse, etc. as you wouldn’t be allowed to enter the museum with these belongings. However, you can leave them in the lockers outside.
7. Walk the High Line
Once a railroad track carrying freight trains, this elevated green park running from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street has been transformed into a wonderful retreat for locals as well as tourists. A long landscaped sky park with plants, curving walkways, picnic tables, and benches and public art installations, views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline, the High Line is now one of the most visited parks in the New York City. Grab a cup of coffee and sit along the roads and enjoy the beautiful traffic passing by.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Visit it during the evening hours for an extra fun time and more colorful surroundings.
8. Shop at the Fifth Avenue
How about shopping your heart out and purchasing great souvenirs for your loved ones? One of the most famous shopping streets in America is the Fifth Avenue. It is New York’s premier shopping area where numerous top designers have their flagship stores. If you are not here for shopping, then you can enjoy a great walk along lanes and notice the beautiful crowd. The best area for shopping here runs from approximately the south end of Central Park to the New York Public Library.
Entry fee: No entrance fee
Ideal Timings: 10:00 am to 09:00 pm
9. Admire the Splendid Architecture of St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Belonging to the greatest works of Gothic revival, this neo gothic building of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is too splendid for an architecture enthusiast to miss. As it was constructed in the mid of 19th century, the place is of great importance. It is majorly built using Tuckahoe marble and boasts of gigantic bronze doors. The great Organ and the 330-foot spires in the cathedral are some of the most noted figures here. Take a look at its shining façade, explore the lavish interior and catch on the intricate details on the walls, pillars and ceiling. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is surely a delightful sight!
Entry fee: No entrance fee
Timings: 07:00 am to 08:30 pm
Pro Tip: Do take an audio tour to learn in detail about the cathedral’s past and present
10. Catch a Show in the Theatre District
The Theatre District in the Manhattan region of New York is a great place to entertain your evenings and afternoons. It is the place where you would find most of the Broadway theatres. However, the neighborhood is full of restaurants, hotels, movie theatres and other entertainment options. So, walk out of your den and catch a show here. Enjoy beautiful dance, acting and music performances and treat the artsy soul of yours. It is also the place where Madame Tussauds New York is located!
Average Cost: $50 – $300 (depends upon the kind of show)
Usual timings: 11:00 am to 08:00 pm
