10 Attractions and Excursions In New York City

New York is a city loved by many. Whether you’re looking for history, nightlife, food, or art, this wonderful place won’t disappoint. From iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge to the city’s incredible food scene and fascinating museums, you could spend months exploring NYC. Here are our 10 attractions and excursions you must see when visiting New York City to make your trip unforgettable! It's one of the best city breaks in the USA.

Things to know before visiting New York City

English is the main language spoken in New York, but because the city was a hub for immigration, it’s a melting pot of cultures. You’ll often hear a lot of Italian and Spanish while out and about. ATMs are easy to find in the city, and most hotels, restaurants, and shops will accept credit cards. The currency is US Dollars ($).

There’s no bad time to visit New York City. Whether you’re looking to celebrate Christmas in the city or prefer warmer weather, there are tons of bucket list experiences for travellers throughout the year. John F. Kennedy International Airport is the major international airport serving New York City. Cabs into the city cost around $70$; otherwise, the subway is cheaper for around $12.

Popular Airlines that fly to New York City include:

• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• JetBlue
• British Airways

1. Explore the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island 🗽

Your trip to the Big Apple wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Lady Liberty herself. If you want to learn more about New York City and its immigration history, this Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour is for you! Hop on a ferry to Liberty Island and witness the views of Manhattan’s skyline and the harbour.

It's a great opportunity for tourists to learn more about American culture. Did you know the 26,000-square-foot Statue of Liberty Museum contains interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, an immersive theater, and an inspiration gallery containing the statue's original torch from 1886?

The ferry ride to Liberty Island takes about 15–20 minutes each way. You should plan to spend at least 5–6 hours exploring the attractions. The total cost of this excursion is around $50 per person. The National Park Service recommends an early ferry departure to visit both islands in one day. Tickets are purchased through Statue City Cruises, the official ferry service provider.

2. Visit Times Square 🍕

Times Square is a great starting point for exploring New York because it has attractions and accommodations for everyone. Times Square is particularly family-friendly, from Hershey’s Chocolate World to M&M World and many more immersive, larger-than-life retail locations.

If you are looking for a place to shop or grab some food then Times Square is the perfect place! Everywhere you turn there is a shop or a restaurant and everyone moves at 100mph. It has steakhouses, Italian deli's, cheesecake factories, bagel cafes and lots more!

Times Square is also a hotbed of entertainment and culture. It’s where the world turns its eye to watch the ball drop every New Year’s Eve, and it’s home to countless concerts, performances, pop-ups, and parades throughout the year. When planning your trip, booking accommodation near Times Square would be ideal, as it's close to many tourist attractions and a popular place to take bus tour rides.

3. Experience a helicopter ride over the city 🚁

Experience the beauty of Manhattan and its surroundings in luxury with a helicopter tour! It’s the fastest, most exhilarating way to explore New York City, letting you take in top attractions like the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and Midtown’s towering skyscrapers—all within 15–30 minutes.

Skip the crowds and long lines as you enjoy unparalleled views of the city’s most famous landmarks, all from the comfort of a helicopter. Perfect for tourists looking to see it all in one unforgettable flight, this experience lets you check off your sightseeing list in style. The excursion costs around $200 per person depending on the flight time and where you are flying over. Check out Get Your Guide for similar tours.

Whether celebrating a birthday or anniversary or simply making the most of your vacation, this thrilling adventure will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Elevate your trip to New York with a helicopter tour like no other!

4. Admire The Empire State Building 🍎

The Empire State Building is one of the world's most iconic skyscrapers in Midtown Manhattan, which stands 1,454 feet tall. With 102 stories, visitors can explore its unique Art Deco architecture and enjoy world-class dining, live entertainment, shopping, and educational exhibits. Did you know that this building was the tallest in the world for 40 years? Make sure to pre-book tickets to explore as queues can be quite long.

The Empire State building serves as both an office and tourist attraction. Many tourists tend to visit the Main Deck on the 86th floor that has Floor Observatory where you can pretty much see the whole of New York.

If you are interested in a tour of the Empire State Building, you can book here. Adult tickets cost $44, and children's tickets cost $38. A popular time of day to take the tour is during sunset, as it's the golden hour for great pictures and there are fewer crowds during the evening.

5. See the magic of Broadway 🎭

Broadway shows are one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. People often enjoy watching The Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked and Moulin Rouge. The longest-running musical in Broadway history is The Phantom of the Opera. It opened on Broadway in 1988 and is still going strong today. It's the perfect place to visit if you are travelling with family or children.

Broadway is generally a relaxed experience for everyone. Don't worry too much about what to do, what to wear, and when to clap—the most important thing is that you enjoy the show. Almost all Broadway theatres offer a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as candy for purchase. The length of the line can vary, but you should expect to wait at least a few minutes if you want wine or snacks before the show starts. If you have a stopover in NYC then visiting a show at Broadway is the best way to pass some time.

The average price of a Broadway show ticket in New York City varies depending on the show, the seats, and the performance date and time. The average price for a Broadway musical ticket in 2024/2025 is around $128.50. Bear in mind that adult tickets are more expensive than child tickets.

6. Pay respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum 🇺🇸

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City is a place to honour the victims of the 9/11 attacks and learn about the impact of that day. If you are visiting New York City then the museum is a place to consider visiting to learn more about the history behind it and pay your respects.

Did you know that the museum offers educational programs and resources for students, teachers, families, and the general public? The 9/11 Memorial & Museum educates students, trains teachers, and engages communities to ensure a new generation understands how the events of 9/11 inform the world in which they live today.

The Museum is open Wednesday through Monday and select Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City varies by ticket type for example, an adult fare is around $29 and a children's fare is $17.

7. Discover Central Park on a guided experience 🌳

Central Park is famous for being one of the most-visited attractions in New York City, and for being the city’s largest green space. Home to Big Apple institutions like Shakespeare in the Park and the Central Park Zoo, it has also appeared in numerous films and TV shows. It's an all-year-round destination with festivals in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

The Central Park Zoo is a great place to visit if you are travelling with children as it has 1,487 animals representing 163 species! It's also a nice place to visit during Summer where you can have a picnic in the park.

There are as many ways to go exploring in Central Park as there are things to see. To soak in the park’s beauty book an in-depth walking tour. A 2-hour walking tour costs $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, students, and military, and $15 for youth. It's available on Sundays and Mondays at 9 AM and 12 PM. The park also offers guided horse & carriage tours, bike and e-bike tours, walking tours, e-scooter tours, pedicab tours, running tours, and yoga tours. Visit the Central Park Guide website for more information.

8. Check out Hudson Yards 🛍️

Hudson Yards has it all from great food and designer shops to skyscraper excursions and featured events. If you are looking for somewhere to go shopping then Hudson Yards is perfect with more than 100 stores. They also host different events each year so head over to their website to see what's on.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is just 11 miles from Hudson Yards, making it closer than JFK Airport, which is 17 miles away. We recommend booking a taxi from the airport to Hudson Yards which will be around $90 for a 30 minute drive.

When visiting head to The Climb where people scale the outside of a skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above the ground, then lean out and look down from the highest outdoor platform in New York City! There is also Edge which is suspended in mid-air, giving you the feeling of floating in the sky with 360-degree views you can’t get anywhere else. You can also pay $10 to go and check out the Vessel which is a very unique design.

9. Book tickets to Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art and Natural History Museum 🏛️

You should visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), and Natural History Museum because they offer different but equally compelling experiences. If you are a history lover or have a passion for art visiting these museums is a dream come true.

If you're particularly interested in modern and contemporary art movements, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Pollock, MoMA is the place to go. For an overview of art history, with European masterpieces, Egyptian artefacts, and American decorative arts, visit the Met. If you want to explore the natural world through exhibits on dinosaurs, space, animals, and ecosystems, the Natural History Museum is ideal.

To visit these museums expect to pay around $30 entry for each one however, for students or seniors it may be cheaper. Book tickets to the MoMA, MET and Natural History Museum.

10. Admire the Brooklyn Bridge 🌉

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do in NYC! The views of Manhattan and the skyline are breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset. It's a historic landmark that offers a unique perspective of the city. The bridge is one of the iconic pieces of New York City, going all the way back to 1883.

Did you know that Brooklyn Bridge took 14 years and $15 million to make? The bridge's construction accelerated the development of Brooklyn and New York City. It also connected two districts that were previously only accessible by boat or ferry. It's definitely work visiting if you are in New York due to how iconic it is.

As you approach the stunning towers, you’ll want to take many photos. Take your time, as the views and different angles are great for pics. Enjoy the majestic towers and arches. You’ll be amazed at how huge they are as you approach. Another great thing about visiting the Brooklyn Bridge is that it's free to visit!

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