With nearly 60 million people visiting the city every single year, New York City is the ultimate tourist destination. No matter where you’re from in the world, something is exciting here you’ve never seen. If you’re looking for New York sightseeing, it’s hard to make a narrow list.
Just about every ethnic group in the world has made an enclave in NYC at one point or another. Because of this eclectic and diverse mix of people and cultures, every block seems to be teeming with history and life. You can find something familiar and something alien, sometimes sitting next door to one another.
If you’re planning a trip to do some New York City sightseeing, you might be overwhelmed with options. While there are some obvious tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty or Central Park, try squeezing these six attractions into your itinerary.
Keep on reading to learn more.
1. The Met
If you’re making time to check out Central Park, you might want to work a few extra hours to see one of the greatest collections of objects in the world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has paintings, sculptures, and various objects from all over the world. You’ll find every era of history represented here as well as special design exhibits.
If you like fashion, you’ll love the museum’s recent forays into contemporary and historical clothing design.
Pop around the corner and check out the Met Breuer museum located at the former Whitney Museum. They have rotating contemporary exhibits featuring some of the hottest and most brilliant artists working today.
Before you leave the met, take a minute to enjoy yourself on the giant staircase. Grab a hot dog or a knish from one of the outside vendors and take in the constant waves of tourists that move around the museum.
If you really love contemporary art, wander a few more blocks to Gagosian galleries. You’ll be able to start drawing all sorts of connections between the history you saw at the Met and the cutting edge work done by young and established working artists.
2. Chinatown
Chinatown in lower Manhattan is teeming with history. Butting up against Little Italy, Chinatown offers contemporary art, cheap and delicious dining, and all kinds of shopping.
Stroll along Canal Street, and you’ll find all the souvenirs you need. Take a turn on any side street, and you’ll find bok choy by the pound for pennies on the dollar.
Walk a little further, and you’ll find the Tenement Museum. Learn the history of lower Manhattan and Chinese immigration to the city.
On the weekend during the summer, you might just find yourself in the middle of a street festival. In that case, relax and enjoy the sights, tastes, and the sound of traditional music played by local masters.
3. The High Line
If the weather is nice, check out the high line park running along Chelsea on the west side of Manhattan. While it’s usually pretty crowded, you can take a leisurely stroll if you get there during the off hours. As it’s a fairly upscale neighbourhood, you’ll find people biking and jogging even late at night.
The high line can take you along a large part of the west side of the city. You can use it for New York sightseeing or as a getaway after shopping downtown.
Take it as a route to get to all of the contemporary art, through the meatpacking district, and toward high-end boutiques that run along the west side avenues.
4. Coney Island
As much as New York sightseeing has changed over the years, Coney Island hasn’t changed all that much. While a few of the great old standbys have closed, the coasters, the Ferris wheel, and the hot dogs remain the same. While it’s a bit crowded at the peak of summer, if you go during the off-season, you might find a little piece of beach all to yourself.
While you’re out there in Brooklyn, take a stroll over to Brighton Beach. Brush up on your Russian or grab some traditional cuisine. The two areas have a very blurry border so don’t be surprised if someone yells at you in Russian when you wander into the bike lane.
Coney Island is still a hit for kids and families after all these years. It’s just as much fun for adults who are looking to unwind.
5. Roosevelt Island
Another island that’s a little bit overlooked is Roosevelt Island. With the recently built Four Freedoms Park sitting at the southern tip, the island is an idyllic getaway couched between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
From the Main Street at the centre, you can see both edges of the narrow island. With just a few tasty restaurants and bars, it’s not the place for a night out on the town. It’s a great place to spend a gorgeous day when all of the major tourist attractions get too crowded.
Check it out in April for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Visit on a Saturday for the local farmers market featuring a few vendors from the island. The island hosts a ton of special events all year round, mostly located at or near Four Freedoms Park.
Take the tram across the East River from East Midtown in Manhattan. Take a few pictures on the way over like every other tourist. On the way back, put your camera down and enjoy the ride.
Be a true New Yorker and act like you’ve been there before.
New York Sightseeing Is More Than A Checklist
New York is a great place to live, which is why the population is constantly growing. Just make sure that act like a guest, learn the flow, and pay attention to your surroundings. No one likes a tourist who blocks the subway doors during rush hour.
If you’re in search of truly unique tour experience, check out our list of the most interesting tours the city has to offer. If you have any thoughts or ideas, feel free to share them with us in the comment section.
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