Are you planning a trip to New York City and looking for the top five landmarks? Feeling overwhelmed by the number of things to see in “The Big Apple”? The possibilities are endless! You can do anything in NY, catch a show, go shopping, or even bet for free online.
There are many sporting events to look out for; the New York Yankees are looking to recover some of their form in the American League to boost their world series odds, while the New York Red Bulls are trying to secure a final series playoff spot.
But to narrow things down, this article will present the landmarks you must visit to make the most of your trip.
Keep in mind that some of the following landmarks are not ideal for those who suffer from a fear of heights, agoraphobia, or epilepsy. New York City is known for its tall skyscrapers, dazzling lights, and busy crowds.
If you suffer from a phobia or a health condition, do not visit sites or places that will trigger intense symptoms. You can always enjoy some of these landmarks from a distance.
For example, you can walk in parallel streets to avoid the big crowds on the famous ones or enjoy a view of the city with all its landmarks from a calm rooftop.
Top five landmarks in New York City
Let’s dive straight into the most famous landmarks in the city.
1. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is the main symbol of the city of New York. You will find this statue on almost all NYC memorabilia.
The statue is famous worldwide and has become a symbol referenced in literature, pop culture, and architecture. It’s also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
It was sculpted by a French artist named Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and gifted from the French to the American people in 1886 as a sign of friendship and celebration of the U.S.’s independence.
The statue’s full name is ‘Liberty Enlightening the World,’ it soon became a symbol of warmth, hope, and freedom for immigrants arriving in the United States.
The statue can be found on Liberty Island, which is close to Ellis Island. Both Ellis Island and Liberty Island are only accessible via ferry.
This means visitors must purchase ferry tickets to see the Statue of Liberty up close. When visiting the statue, you will only be able to go up to the top of the statue’s pedestal.
Going inside the Statue of Liberty and up to the very top is impossible.
It is a must-see landmark for anyone who comes to NYC.
2. Central Park
Central Park is one of the biggest parks in NYC. It is located in Manhattan and is free to visit.
Visitors can enjoy a nice walk through the park, visit the sites and attractions found within the green space, observe the squirrels and other animals that live there, and look at the surrounding skyscrapers that mix with the green scenery of the park.
Some of the main sites within the park include:
- the Ramble and Lake
- the Pond and the Hallett Nature Sanctuary
- the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
- the Sheep Meadow
- the park’s multiple statues
As for fun activities and attractions available within the park, they include:
- Wollman Rink (public ice rink for ice skating)
- Central Park Carousel
- Central Park Zoo
- Central Park Mall
- Bethesda Terrace
- Delacorte Theater
- tours in horse-carriages
- bicycle tours
- sports facilities
- Shakespeare in the Park (theater event in the park)
You can also grab some snacks, warm drinks, or ice cream (depending on the weather) and have a picnic in the park.
3. Times Square
New York would not be New York without busy Times Square. In Manhattan, Times Square is an intersection covered in ads, flashing lights, and Broadway posters.
You might see ads for famous American companies, ads for movies and series, and ads for upcoming football or baseball matches in New York.
When in New York, don’t forget to go and root for your favorite local team!
It is usually a very busy place with big crowds, so not ideal for those who suffer from agoraphobia.
Times Square is conveniently located near Broadway theaters, so visitors can visit this intersection before heading to a show.
Locals usually hate Times Square because of how busy and touristy it feels. So, if you’re looking for an authentic New York experience, you can skip this one.
It’s always worth seeing because it is iconic and famous, but don’t expect an authentic experience.
4. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is an iconic skyscraper in Manhattan. It is made up of 102 floors and was built in only a year, from 1930 to 1931.
For a long time, this creation by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon was the world’s tallest building. It is now in the top ten of the tallest skyscrapers in the United States.
It is famous for its Art Deco architectural style, its height, and the views it offers. Visitors can go up the building to the observation decks and observe the city.
5. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a landmark that visitors will inevitably see without meaning. This bridge links Manhattan to Brooklyn and will therefore be crossed by tourists going from one part of NYC to the other.
The bridge was inaugurated in 1883 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It is a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark in the US.
Final thoughts
This article presented the five top landmarks to visit in NYC. We hope you enjoy your trip!