New York, the city that never sleeps, is full of endless energy and diverse culture, attracting tourists from all over the world. If you are planning to travel to New York City, this guide will provide you with some practical information and recommended activities. First of all, you must experience the prosperity and light show of Times Square in person. It is recommended that you take a stroll in Central Park to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. In addition, don’t miss taking a ferry to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close. Continue reading the attraction guide below for more detailed information.
1. Edge Observation Deck
The Edge is a modern observation deck at Hudson Yards in New York City. Located on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, it is approximately 1,131 feet (344 meters) high and is one of the highest outdoor observation decks in the Western Hemisphere. The Edge Observatory features a unique cantilever design and fully transparent glass floor, allowing visitors to walk in the air and overlook the magnificent panoramic view of New York City.
The observation deck provides a 360-degree panoramic view, allowing visitors to enjoy iconic attractions such as the Hudson River, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. The transparent glass walls provide an unobstructed view, creating a feeling of being one with the sky, and the view is particularly charming at sunset and at night.
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In addition to the stunning views, the Edge Observation Deck also features a modern bar and restaurant that offers a variety of drinks and snacks, where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the view. In addition, the Observation Deck also features interactive displays and information screens that introduce the history and architecture of New York City to enhance the visitor’s viewing experience.
2. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic monument of the United States, located on Liberty Island at the mouth of the Hudson River in New York City. It was presented to the United States by France in 1886 to commemorate the friendship between the two countries. The giant statue is 305 feet (about 93 meters) high and was designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, and the internal steel frame was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel.
The Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom and democracy. In her right hand, she holds a torch and in her left hand, she holds a slate with the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. The broken chains at her feet symbolize freedom from bondage. The green appearance of the statue comes from the oxidation of the copper shell over time.
Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island, visit the Statue of Liberty and the museum on its base to learn about its history and symbolism. Visitors can also climb the crown of the statue and overlook the New York Harbor and the city.
3. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a famous skyscraper and landmark building in New York City, located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street in Manhattan. Built in 1931, it is 1,454 feet (about 443 meters) high and contains 102 floors. It is one of the most representative skyscrapers in New York City.
The Empire State Building is famous for its unique Art Deco design and glorious history. It held the record for the world’s tallest building for more than 40 years. Visitors can take a high-speed elevator to the 86th and 102nd floor observation decks, from where they can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of New York City, including Central Park, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty.
The Empire State Building is particularly stunning at night, when its top is lit up in different colors to celebrate various holidays and anniversaries. Inside the building there are also exhibits about its construction history, showcasing the innovative technologies and engineering feats used during its construction.
4. 9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is located at the original site of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York City, USA. It is designed to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The memorial consists of two parts: the 9/11 Memorial Plaza and the 9/11 Memorial Museum.
The 9/11 Memorial Plaza features two huge reflective pools, one located at the base of the original World Trade Center twin towers. Bronze panels surrounding each pool are engraved with the names of the 2,983 people who died in the 2001 and 1993 terrorist attacks. The waterfalls in the pools symbolize the loss of life and the eternity of commemoration.
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located underground and features a wealth of artifacts, photos and multimedia exhibits detailing the events, the stories of the victims and the rescue efforts. It also features a memorial hall for visitors to remember and reflect.
5. Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, is one of the most important modern and contemporary art museums in the world. Founded in 1929, MoMA is known for its rich art collections and innovative exhibitions.
The museum houses more than 200,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, film, design and multimedia art. Famous collections include Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”, Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” and Munch’s “The Scream”. These masterpieces show the development of art from the late 19th century to the early 21st century.
MoMA not only displays classic modern art works, but is also committed to promoting contemporary art. The museum regularly hosts various temporary exhibitions, artist lectures and educational programs to provide the public with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of art. Its film and media library is also one of the most comprehensive art resources in the world.
The museum building itself is also a highlight, designed by a famous architect, combining modernist style and innovative spatial layout. Inside there are spacious galleries, a beautiful sculpture garden and several theaters for watching art films.
6. One World Trade Center
One World Trade Center, also known as Freedom Tower, is an iconic skyscraper located in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. Completed in 2014 as part of the World Trade Center redevelopment project, the building is 1,776 feet (about 541 meters) high, symbolizing the year of the United States Declaration of Independence, making it the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
The building’s design incorporates modern construction technology and safety measures, with a glass curtain wall that reflects the sky and city. Its structure is based on earthquake-resistant and explosion-proof standards, ensuring the building’s solidity and safety. A memorial plaza and museum are located at the base to commemorate the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The building houses offices, a conference center, restaurants and an observation deck. The One World Observatory, located on floors 100 to 102, offers a 360-degree view of New York City, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Hudson River.
7. One Vanderbilt
One Vanderbilt is a supertall skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, United States, adjacent to Grand Central Terminal. Completed in 2020, the building is 1,401 feet (427 meters) high, making it one of the tallest office buildings in New York City and a striking new landmark on the Manhattan skyline.
Known for its modern design and sustainable construction techniques, One Vanderbilt was designed by renowned architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox. The building’s exterior features glass curtain walls with unique geometric lines, making it visually striking both during the day and at night. The building features state-of-the-art office space, conference facilities and high-end dining options to provide tenants with a quality working environment.
The base of the building is directly connected to Grand Central Station, making commuters’ travel more convenient. One Vanderbilt also features an observation deck, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, located on the top floor, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of New York City and attracts a large number of tourists and residents.
8. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a world-renowned museum located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City, United States, adjacent to Central Park. Founded in 1869, the museum is known for its rich natural history collections and educational exhibitions, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The museum consists of 28 interconnected buildings and has more than 45 permanent exhibition halls, displaying a variety of exhibits from dinosaur fossils to human evolution. The most famous exhibits include a huge blue whale model, the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, as well as precious collections such as Egyptian mummies and space meteorites.
The American Museum of Natural History also features a popular Hayden Planetarium, hosted by renowned astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson. The planetarium offers advanced cosmic displays and immersive starry sky experiences, attracting a large number of astronomy enthusiasts.
9. Times Square
Times Square is a world-renowned commercial and entertainment center located in Midtown Manhattan, known as the “crossroads of the world”. It is located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, extending between West 42nd Street and West 47th Street. Times Square is famous for its bustling atmosphere, huge electronic billboards and neon displays, attracting countless tourists and locals to visit and entertain.
Times Square is the heart of the Broadway Theater District, surrounded by many famous theaters and performance venues, which stage various musicals and plays throughout the year. There are also a large number of shops, restaurants and hotels here, making it an ideal place for shopping and dining.
Every New Year’s Eve, Times Square holds a grand celebration, attracting millions of people around the world to watch the crystal ball countdown to the arrival of the new year through live TV broadcasts. This tradition has become one of the most famous New Year celebrations in the world.
10. Ellis Island
Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor, is a historically significant island that served as the main port of entry for immigrants to the United States from 1892 to 1954. Today, as part of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Ellis Island showcases American immigration history to the public.
Millions of immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island, seeking new lives and opportunities. The museum preserves a large number of immigration records, photographs and personal items that tell the stories of these immigrants and their contributions to American society. The exhibition shows the immigrants’ journey, including the medical examinations and legal review processes they went through on the island.
Ellis Island’s main building is the original immigration inspection station, which has been restored and now displays rich historical materials and multimedia exhibits. Visitors can visit the historic hall, which was once crowded with immigrants waiting to enter the country and is now the core area for understanding immigration history.
The Statue of Liberty, which can be seen from Ellis Island, symbolizes freedom and hope, and together they form an iconic symbol of America’s immigration history. Visitors can take a ferry to Ellis Island and visit Liberty Island at the same time to gain a deeper understanding of America’s history and cultural heritage.
11. Madame Tussauds New York
Madame Tussauds New York is located in Times Square, Manhattan, New York City. It is part of the world-famous Madame Tussauds wax museum chain. Since its opening in 2000, it has attracted a large number of tourists with its lifelike wax figures and interactive experiences.
The museum displays more than 200 wax figures of celebrities, covering well-known figures in various fields such as entertainment, sports, history and politics. Visitors can interact and take photos with their favorite stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift and former President Obama, as if they were in the star-studded world of celebrities.
In addition to traditional wax figure exhibitions, Madame Tussauds New York also offers a variety of interactive experiences. For example, the 4D cinema brings an immersive movie experience to the audience, and there are also projects such as haunted house adventures and virtual reality games, which add more entertainment elements to visitors.
12. Top of the Rock Observation Deck
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is located at the Rockefeller Center in New York City, USA. It is a great place to enjoy the panoramic view of New York City. The observation deck is located at the top of the 30 Rockefeller Center building, about 850 feet (about 260 meters) high, providing a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view.
The Top of the Rock Observatory is divided into three levels of observation decks, located on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors. Visitors can overlook the iconic attractions of New York City, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square from the spacious outdoor deck. Whether it is day or night, the scenery here is breathtaking, especially at sunset, when the city looks particularly charming against the backdrop of the setting sun.
The design of the observation deck combines modern and historical elements, and there are interactive displays inside to introduce the history and architectural features of Rockefeller Center. The fast elevator quickly takes visitors to the observation deck, and a short film is played on the way to let people learn more about the building.
13. Guggenheim Museum
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is a world-renowned modern art museum located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 89th Street in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. Designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and opened in 1959, the museum is famous for its unique spiral building.
The Guggenheim Museum houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including masterpieces of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Modernism, and Contemporary art. Famous collections include works by artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Kandinsky, and Pollock. The museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions showcase the diverse creations of artists from around the world.
The museum’s architecture is a work of art in itself. Its unique spiral structure allows visitors to view the artwork along a gently ascending ramp, creating a continuous flow of viewing experience. The circular skylight allows natural light to fill the entire space, further enhancing the viewing effect.
14. Intrepid Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a unique military and aviation museum located on the west side of Manhattan in New York City, United States, on the banks of the Hudson River. The museum’s core exhibit is the USS Intrepid, a US Navy aircraft carrier from World War II that was decommissioned in 1974 and converted into a museum, opening to the public in 1982.
The Intrepid Museum displays an extensive collection of military and aviation history, including multiple fighter jets, helicopters, and a submarine. Visitors can see aircraft from different historical periods, such as the F-14 Tomcat fighter and the A-12 reconnaissance aircraft. The museum also exhibits a full-scale model of the Cold War-era USS Sashimi submarine and the Enterprise space shuttle, showcasing America’s achievements in aerospace.
The museum features several interactive exhibits and educational programs suitable for visitors of all ages. Visitors can experience simulated flights, visit the bridge and hangar deck, and learn about the daily operations of an aircraft carrier. The museum also popularizes military and aerospace knowledge to the public through multimedia displays and commemorative activities.
15. DreamWorks Indoor Water Park
DreamWorks Water Park is a large indoor water park located in the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. As one of the largest indoor water parks in the world, it is open all year round, allowing visitors to enjoy water entertainment regardless of the season.
The design of the park is inspired by DreamWorks animated films, including “Shrek the Monsters”, “Madagascar”, “Kung Fu Panda” and “How to Train Your Dragon”. The park is divided into multiple themed areas, each with unique rides and decorations, leading visitors into a fantastic animated world.
DreamWorks Indoor Water Park has a variety of recreational facilities suitable for different age groups, including a huge wave pool, multiple high-speed slides, a lazy river and a children’s water play area. Among them, the world’s tallest indoor water slide “Qinglong Slide” is particularly popular, attracting many adventure lovers to challenge it.
16. Aladdin on Broadway
The Broadway musical Aladdin is a stage play adapted from Disney’s 1992 animated film of the same name. It has won high praise from audiences and critics since its premiere at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway in New York City in 2014. The musical was composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and written by Chad Beguelin.
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Aladdin tells the story of a street kid named Aladdin, who, with the help of the genie, wins the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine and defeats the evil wizard Jafar. The musical retains classic songs from the movie, such as “A Whole New World”, “Friend Like Me” and “Arabian Nights”, and adds new tracks to bring a refreshing experience to the audience.
The stage design and special effects are a highlight of “Aladdin”. The colorful scenery, gorgeous costumes and amazing magic effects, such as the flight of the flying carpet, make the audience feel as if they are in the fantasy world of Arabia. The wonderful performances and well-choreographed dances of the actors also add endless charm to the whole show.
17. Museum of Sex
The Museum of Sex, located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, is a unique museum dedicated to exploring and displaying human sexual history, culture and art. Since its opening in 2002, the Museum of Sex has attracted a large number of visitors through its rich exhibitions and interactive experiences.
The museum’s exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, from sexual behavior and sex education in history to the development of modern sexual culture and technology. Permanent exhibitions include content on sexual health, gender diversity and sex work, displaying a rich collection of historical artifacts, artworks, photography and multimedia displays. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that explore sexual attitudes in different cultures and eras.
Interactivity is a major feature of the Sex Museum. Visitors can participate in various interactive displays and activities, such as virtual reality experiences, sexual health tests, and simulation games, which enhance their understanding and interest in sexual knowledge. In addition, there is a gift shop in the museum that sells books, souvenirs, and toys related to sexual culture.
18. US Open
The US Open Tennis Championships is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and is held every summer at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York City. Founded in 1881, the US Open is one of the oldest tennis tournaments, attracting the world’s top players and countless tennis fans.
The competition venues are mainly concentrated in Arthur Ashe Stadium, the world’s largest tennis stadium, which can accommodate more than 23,000 spectators. During the event, top players compete fiercely on hard courts to compete for the championship titles in five events: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
The U.S. Open is known for its high-level competition and enthusiastic audience atmosphere. In addition to exciting competitions, the event also provides a wealth of entertainment and food options, creating a unique carnival atmosphere.
19. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most famous religious buildings in New York City, located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, near Rockefeller Center. Built between 1858 and 1879, this Gothic Revival-style cathedral was designed by architect James Renwick and attracts a large number of tourists and believers with its magnificent architecture and rich history.
The exterior of the church is built of white marble, with twin spires and ornate carved details. It is a pearl in the New York City skyline. The interior is spacious and ornately decorated, with exquisite stained glass windows, huge rose windows and soaring vaulted ceilings, creating a solemn atmosphere. The cathedral can accommodate about 2,400 believers and has become an important religious and cultural site.
20. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge in New York City, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, across the East River. When the bridge was completed and opened in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world and the first bridge built using steel cables. Designed by John A. Roebling, its unique Gothic towers and steel cable structure make it a masterpiece of engineering and architecture.
The bridge is about 1,834 meters long, with a main span of 486 meters and a height of up to 84 meters. Pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles can pass through a dedicated passage. The pedestrian walkway is located above the vehicle passage, providing an excellent view overlooking the East River and the urban landscape on both sides. Whether it is day or night, the Brooklyn Bridge is an ideal place to enjoy the New York skyline.
21. Manhattan Island
Manhattan Island is the core and most famous area of New York City, located between the Hudson River, the East River and the Harlem River, about 13.4 miles (21.6 kilometers) long and 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers) wide. As one of the most important financial, cultural and commercial centers in the world, Manhattan Island has many iconic buildings and world-class attractions.
Manhattan Island is divided into several districts, including Downtown, Midtown and Uptown, each with its own unique style and function. Downtown is home to the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street and is the global financial center. Midtown is home to Times Square, the Empire State Building and the Broadway Theater District and is the core of tourism and entertainment. Uptown is famous for Central Park and museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum.
The skyline of Manhattan Island is known for its dense skyscrapers, including One World Trade Center and the Chrysler Building. The island’s Central Park is the green lung of the city and provides a vast recreational space.
22. Wall Street
Wall Street in New York is a world-renowned financial center located in Lower Manhattan, stretching from South Street in the east to Broadway in the west, about 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) long. As a symbol of the global financial market, Wall Street is home to a large number of important financial institutions and organizations, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ.
Wall Street got its name from a wooden wall built by Dutch colonists in the 17th century to defend against Indian and British invaders. Today, the street is famous for its dense skyscrapers and busy financial activities. It is the headquarters of many large banks, investment companies and insurance companies, which influence the global economy and financial markets.
The famous New York Stock Exchange is located at 11 Wall Street. Its iconic Greek Revival architecture and the American flag flying in front of the door have become the iconic landscape of Wall Street. In addition, there is also the Federal Hall National Memorial on Wall Street, which was the place where the first President of the United States, George Washington, was sworn in.
23. Central Park
Central Park is a large urban park in the center of Manhattan, New York City, USA, covering an area of about 843 acres (341 hectares), extending from 59th Street to 110th Street, and about 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) wide from east to west. This park is one of the most famous urban parks in the world. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and officially opened in 1858.
Central Park provides a green and relaxing place for New York City residents and tourists, with lakes, meadows, forests, trails and a variety of recreational facilities. Famous attractions include the Central Park Zoo, Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Field and the Great Lawn. Lakes such as Central Lake and Harlem Lake provide excellent places for boating and fishing.
The park offers many cultural and sports venues, such as an open-air theatre, sports fields, tennis courts and an ice rink. In summer, the open-air theatre hosts the Shakespeare Festival, while in winter the Woolman Ice Rink attracts many skaters.
