Even while living in the city, these iconic New York City sights didn’t get old. There are infinite beautiful places in New York City, but these iconic spots are perfect for that rush of a “pinch me I’m in New York” moment.
Read More: New York City Travel Guide
Central Park
Central Park is the most famous park in the world, and a must-visit on any trip to New York City. The park is enormous, spanning more than 50 blocks from north to south, so you could easily spend a whole day here. Within Central Park, the most iconic sights include The Mall, Bethesda Terrace, The Lake, The Bow Bridge and the Resevoir.
See photos of Central Park Cherry Blossoms in Spring
Grand Central Station
One of my favourite “Old New York” sights. Make sure to pop in to either The Campbell Apartment or Grand Central Oyster Bar while you’re at the station. I love the Beaux-Arts architecture, especially the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the hub of the terminal, which is painted with a delicate gold constellation. While you’re here, head into the underbelly of Grand Central for the gorgeous Grand Central Oyster Bar, and the Campbell Apartment on the ground floor, for some more Old New York glam.
The Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is one of my favourite buildings in the world. Built in 1930, the Art Deco skyscraper oozes Jazz Age glamour. Seeing it nestled between towering skyscrapers in Manhattan today, it’s hard to believe that for one year it was the tallest building in New York City – surpassed in 1931 by the Empire State Building.
The Empire State Building
An icon of New York City itself, the Empire State Building is part of the soul of the city. The striking, Art Deco tower lights up in frequently changing colours, acting as a beacon for the city’s mood. It looms large on the skyline from all over Manhattan, and I think it perfectly encapsulates the energy of the city. For the best view of the Empire State Building, visit the Top of the Rock.
Cobblestone Streets in SoHo
One of New York City’s most beautiful (and manicured) neighbourhoods, SoHo’s distinctive cast iron facades and cobblestone streets make it a New York City icon. The most beautiful streets are around Prince St, Mercer Street, Spring Street & Greene St.
Read my SoHo Neighbourhood Guide
The Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most popular tourist activities in New York. Truthfully, I prefer admiring the Brooklyn Bridge from land, either in Dumbo in Brooklyn or from the Seaport District in downtown Manhattan.
Brownstones
One of the most iconic sights in New York City can be found all over the city: the magnificent New York City brownstone. Built between 1840-1890, these historic residential buildings are highly coveted to this day. West Village, the Upper West Side and Cobble Hill are some of the best neighbourhoods for admiring New York City brownstones, but you’ll find them all over town.
The Statue of Liberty
You can see the Statue of Liberty (from a distance) from the edge of Lower Manhattan, starting in Tribeca and all the way down to the Financial District, but for a closer look you have a couple of options. You can take a paid sightseeing cruise, or you can take or you can take a gamble on the free Staten Island Ferry – it has a few routes, and some of them sail right past the statue. This is how I saw the Statue of Liberty up close and I was satisfied with that.
The Flatiron Building
Considered one of New York City’s most iconic buildings, the Flatiron Building is an architectural marvel dating back to 1902. The Flatiron Building is right opposite the lovely Madison Square Park, so you can enjoy the view from the park – perhaps from the original, outdoor Shake Shack inside the park.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is a popular location for television and films set in New York, for it’s iconic Triumphal Arch, fountain & the backdrop against NYU. Washington Square Park is one of my favourite parks in New York City, and I used to spend a lot of time here as I lived nearby. It’s always buzzing with activity, and is one of the most culturally vibrant parks in the city.
Times Square
Note: These restaurants are temporarily closed due to the pandemic, check before your visit to ensure these spots have re-opened.
How many of these spots have you been to? Which is your favourite “iconic” spot in New York City? Let me know in the comments!
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