New York City, colloquially known as NYC,  is a major city in the USA situated in its eponymous state. The city is situated on the North Eastern coast of the USA and faces the North Atlantic City. It is a city that is famous for so many things and has a such deep history that it is difficult to draw out a list of the best things to do in New York City. It is called the Big Apple, The City that Never Sleeps, The Empire State, Knickerbocker, The Melting Pot, America’s City, and sometimes even Gotham. The list of best places to visit in New York City includes museums, historical buildings, art galleries, parks, important entertainment studios, shopping streets, Hollywood sights, nightclubs, public squares, memorial sites, coastal venues, amusement parks, celebrity restaurants, and more. The entire NYC is basically a tourist attraction by itself.

New York City sits on one of the largest natural harbours in the world. This location brought much prosperity to the city and its people. The history goes way beyond Colonization when it was inhabited by Algonquian Native Americans. There are very things to see in New York City concerning the early history of the city. Whatever remains have been preserved in the city’s museum and museum of native American history. The natural harbour was first claimed by the French followed by Dutch and British forces. The city received its present name in 1664 in honor of the Duke of York who later became King James II of England. The majority of historical New York City tourist attractions hail from the colonial period, the era of the American revolution, and the early republic. The city was an integral part of the American war for revolution and the establishment of the United States of America. You will come across numerous NYC attractions that were frequented by historical figures and used for purpose of planning and liberation of the nation. As you embark on New York City sightseeing, you will find much history and mystery lurking behind the modern facade.

Being a major harbour of the New World, the city attracted a variety of people from different parts of the world. In the city, many cultures blended and transformed into something new. You get to explore a variety of cultural NYC activities and experiences in form of food, art, performances, music, dances, and more. This way the city is The Melting Pot. This cultural variety has brought forth an abundance of arts and crafts. There are numerous art museums, studios, and galleries in New York City tourist places. They focus on ancient, classical, cultural, and contemporary artworks. Many artists visit New York City to find inspiration and find success.

NYC is one of the best shopping hubs in the USA. The city has numerous shopping streets, malls, and markets. There are flagship stores of several major brands that are some of the most fun places to go in NYC and are tourist attractions in their own right. The restaurants, bars, cafes, and taverns of the city are equally famous. Some of them hold great historic significance and are frequented by celebrities. It is a city that never sleeps, so naturally, there are fun things to do in NYC at night. The nightlife scene of New York holds legendary status. There are all kinds of bars, clubs, lounges, and party places.

The city is also considered the Hollywood of the North. The locations of the city have been featured in several blockbuster films, television shows, and music videos. The Hollywood and TV locations tour is one of the most popular experiences among tourists on New York City travel.

Despite being a concrete jungle, there are still quite many outdoor activities in NYC. The city is home to several parks, the most famous among them being Central Park. Being a coastal city, there are wonderful beaches among the best places to visit in NYC. Coney Island is the most popular coastal attraction among places to see in NYC.

It is difficult to pinpoint the identity of NYC. Maybe the ambiguity of a central identity is the identity of the city. One thing is for sure, no one can ever get bored or ever get enough of New York City.

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The Top 62 Tourist Places to Visit in New York City (NYC) in 10 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Strawberry Fields

This memorial is dedicated to John Lennon, the lead singer, and songwriter of the Beatles. John Lennon is one of the biggest musical legends and this memorial honors his life, work, and memory. It is one of the most popular places to visit in New York City. The memorial is situated in Central Park and gets its name from one Beatles’ biggest albums titled “Strawberry Fields Forever”. You will need 15 to 20 minutes for this site when you visit New York City.

2. Bow Bridge (Central Park)

Situated in Central Park, this bridge is a celebrity in its own right. The bridge has been featured in numerous movies and television shows, most prominently in romantic scenes. It is among the best things to do in New York City for couples. It is a picturesque location associated with love and romance. The bridge also has a long and storied history. It is the second oldest cast iron bridge in the country and will require 15 minutes of time from New York City sightseeing for this bridge. Do not forget to click pictures at this iconic cinematic location.

3. Bethesda Terrace and Fountain

Dating back to 1859, this is one of the oldest and the largest fountain in the city. The Angel of Water sculpture, which is the centerpiece of the fountain, was sculpted by Emma Stebbins. The sculpture is one of the most beautiful things to see in New York City. Even the staircase and architecture surrounding the fountain is marvelous. This fountain is also part of Central Park and has been frequently featured in film, television shows, and music videos. You will need 15 to 20 minutes from New York City travel for this fountain.

4. Central Park

With a history going back to 1857, this park has become one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. It is said that New York revolves around Central Park. The park is home to several New York City tourist attractions and is almost as famous as the city. The park has also been featured in films, television, shows, music videos, video games, and more.

It is recognized as a National Landmark and receives millions of visitors each year. It is also popular for a variety of fun things to do in NYC at night and day. It has free WiFi, green spaces, ponds, nature trails, walking/jogging tracks, cycling tracks, public gathering spots, sports facilities, picnic spaces, and more. The park also hosts a variety of events and activities in NYC. Spread over 840 acres, you will need at least an hour to explore this legendary park.

Here below I am suggesting a couple of activities to do at Central Park:

• Guided Walking Tour of Central Park
• Central Park TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour
• Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours
• VIP Central Park Private Horse Carriage Ride
• Inside Central Park Bike Tour

5. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Colloquially known as MoMA, this museum houses more than 150,000 pieces of modern art. It is popular among New York City attractions for exhibiting works of renowned artists such as Salvador Dali, Rodin, Pollock, Joan Miro, Paul Klee, Henry Moore, Andy Warhol, Alfred Hitchcock, and many more. The museum exhibits paintings, sculptures, art installations, photographs, films, interactive displays, and so on. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum when you visit NYC.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to The Museum of Modern Art in advance.

6. The Paley Center for Media

Originally dedicated to television and radio, this museum now focuses on a variety of media formats. It is one of the most interesting New York City tourist spots. The museum has more than 150,000 recordings of monumental television and radio shows including Super Bowl Ads, Beatles TV performances, JFK assassination footage, Nickelodeon shows, and more. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

7. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Built between 1858 and 1879, this cathedral is an architectural wonder. It takes inspiration from Neo-Gothic cathedrals of Europe and easily stands out amidst skyscrapers. It is one of the most exquisite New York City tourist places. You can spend several minutes admiring its architecture and several more minutes for the ornate interior decor and artwork. All in all, you will need an hour from NYC travel to tour this cathedral.

I suggest you should either go for an Audio Tour or go for a VIP Guided Tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

8. Rockefeller Center

Built-in 1939, this iconic New York landmark is spread over 22 acres of prime location and contains 19 buildings within its complex. It is one of the most fun places to go in NYC. The center was built to fulfill the vision of John D. Rockefeller, one of the most prominent and influential businessmen in American history. The buildings are renowned for their architecture, decor, and historical significance. These buildings are also home to iconic artworks in form of murals, sculptures, statues, carvings, and reliefs.  Rockefeller Center is also famous for fun things to do in NYC at night including shows, parties, events, festivals, and celebrations. You will need about 2 hours to tour the complex.

I suggest you must get your Ticket to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck in advance.

And if you are interested in Art and Architecture then you should go for a Rockefeller Center Architecture and Art Walking Tour.

9. Times Square

Also known as the “Crossroads of the World” and “The Great White Way”, this iconic intersection is one of the most photographed places in the world. Owing to its popularity, Times Square is a must-do in NYC. It is the junction between Broadway and the 7th. It was originally called Duffy Square. Times Square is most known for numerous billboards that adorn the buildings around it. The location has been featured in numerous films, television shows, music videos, and more.

The square is surrounded by several famous New York tourist places including the Madame Tussauds Museum, Discovery Times Square Exhibition, Ripley’s Believe it or not Museum, ABC’s Time Square Studios, Planet Hollywood, NASDAQ signboard, Iridium Jazz Club, Roseland Ballroom, Carolines Comedy Club and many more. Times Square also has some of the most well-known restaurants, clubs, showrooms, and shopping venues such as the Hard Rock Cafe, Disney Store, M&M World, Toys R Us, and more. The location also hosts numerous events, festivals, parades, and other top NYC activities. The most famous among these is the dropping of the ball on New Year’s night. You will need a couple of hours from NYC sightseeing to explore, enjoy and marvel at Times Square.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Broadway Theaters and Times Square with a Theater Professional.

Day 2

1. Statue of Liberty

This monument is considered the symbol of America. The statue is actually that of Libertas, the Roman Goddess of Liberty and Freedom. The crowned lady liberty raises a torch above her head with one hand and in the other holds a table marked with the date July 4th, 1776, the date of American Independence. At the feet of the lady are broken chains, signifying the liberation of America. The Statue of Liberty tops the list of best places to visit in NYC.

The statue was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and was gifted to the USA by France in 1886. You will need to take a ferry to reach the island where this monument stands. The statue has a museum and a stairway to reach the viewing platform located in the lady’s crown. You will need at least 2 hours to explore the Statue of Liberty and activities to do in NYC on the island.

I suggest you should book your Ticket to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with Ferry in advance.

2. World Trade Center Site / 9/11 Memorial and Museum

This site serves as a memorial to honor 3000 people who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. The site is situated where the World Trade Towers once stood. It is one of the most somber places to see in NYC. The site features two large pools on the site of the Towers with waterfalls pouring into them. The museum at the site tells the story of the 9/11 terror attacks and their aftermath. You will need an hour from New York City sightseeing to pay your respects at this memorial site and learn about the tragic incident which shook the entire world.

I suggest you should get your Ticket to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in advance.

3. St. Paul’s Chapel

This is the oldest church in the city and also the oldest public building still in use. The chapel is a National Historic Landmark. It is one of the few places in the city which survived the Great New York Fire of 76. It is one of the most important historical places to visit in New York City. The church exhibits Gregorian style architecture. Its facade is complemented by an oblong tower and a wooden statue of St. Paul. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from New York City travel to tour this chapel.

4. Wall Street

One of the most legendary streets of New York City, Wall Street is the financial capital of the city. It is associated with trading, business, the stock market, banking, and finance. The street is both famous and infamous owing to numerous incidents and individuals that conducted business here. The street is home to some of the most famous things to see in New York City like the charging bull statue, Federal Hall, New York Stock Exchange, J.P. Morgan building, and so on. This street, like many NYC tourist attractions, has been featured in films, television, shows, news, and music videos. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to casually tour this street when you visit New York City.

I suggest you should book a Wall Street Insider Tour.

5. Brooklyn Bridge

Constructed in 1883, this is the oldest suspension bridge in the USA. The bridge was designed by renowned architect John Augustus Roebling. Spanning 486.3 meters this bridge took 14 years and 600 workers to build. It is one of the most iconic NYC attractions and has been featured in blockbuster films and talked about in song lyrics. People can explore the bridge through a motorway or walk along its length on a pedestrian path. You should dedicate at least 30 minutes to New York City activities to this bridge.

Here below I am suggesting a couple of activities to do on and near Brooklyn Bridge:

• Brooklyn Bridge and Waterfront Bike Tour
• Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Food Tour
• Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Tour

6. Chinatown

This neighbourhood is a minuscule version of Asia with New York. The area features Chinese decor, design, and ambiance. It is famous for a variety of activities to do in NYC such as street food, shopping, dining, and entertainment. The area has also been heavily featured and talked about in films and television shows. You will need an hour or so to explore this neighbourhood.

I suggest you should go for a Food Tour of Chinatown and Little Italy.

7. SoHo

Officially called South of Houston Street, this neighbourhood is famous for its arts and artists. You will see several art galleries, studios, quirky stores, cafes, and restaurants as you explore this area. It is a chic and happening place full of avant-garde as well as unusual fashion, art, food, and more. The area is home to several New York City tourist attractions, famous buildings, and museums. But it is more popular for out-of-the-box shopping, experimental food, innovative decor items, creative art studios, art workshops, and other such fun things to do in New York City. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this area.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Walking Tour of SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown.

Day 3

1. United Nations Headquarters

The UN headquarters is one of the most fascinating New York City attractions, regardless of your interest in world politics. The building has guided tours, exhibitions, and museums dedicated to people of the world, human rights, world politics, climate change, and so on. The building also has a wonderful collection of artworks, photographs, and videos brought in from around the world. You will need at least an hour from NYC sightseeing to tour this building.

2. Chrysler Building

Built-in 1930, this was the first building project in the world to surpass the height of the Eiffel Tower of Paris. This building is known among New York City tourist spots for its iconic Art Deco architecture and interior design. There are sculptures of cars carved into the brickwork of the building to honor the Chrysler brand. The Gothic gargoyles and eagle corner ornaments are the most distinguishing features of the building. These features have been popularized by numerous superhero films and television shows. You will need 15 to 20 minutes of NYC travel to admire various aspects of this building.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Walking Tour of Art Deco and Architecture Midtown Landmarks.

3. Grand Central Terminal

Built during the early 1900s, this is the largest train station of its kind in the world. It is known for its magnanimous size, wonderful architecture, and beautiful interior. Designed with the Beaux Art style of architecture, this station is one of the most iconic New York City tourist places. Some of the most iconic features of the Grand Central Station are Botticino Marble Stairway, Statues of Greek Gods, Mural of Zodiac Signs, Iron Statue of an Eagle, Arched Windows Floor, and four-faced Grand Central Clock. The station also has a mall and a food court within the complex. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour the station and the attractions within it.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Secrets of Grand Central Terminal.

4. Tiffany & Co.

Operational since 1837, this jewelry brand store is associated with luxury, style, gifts, and love. The brand’s pale blue packaging is quite popular by itself. It is one of the top places to go in New York City to purchase a souvenir if you are in a relationship. This store is known for its art deco facade and 2.7 meters tall bronze figure of Atlas. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this store when you visit NYC.

5. Bryant Park

Established in 1847, this public park has severed as an exhibition center and training ground for civil war soldiers before becoming a park. It is popular among tourists and residents alike for outdoor activities in NYC. The park has green spaces, walking/jogging tracks, game areas, 5 hole golf course, cafes, restaurants, picnic spots, a reading room, and a carousel. The park also hosts numerous markets, events, and festivals such as Summer Film Festival, New York Fashion Week, Christmas Market, Yankee Games Live Broadcast, and more. You will need an hour or so to explore this park.

6. New York Public Library

Housed in the beautiful Beaux Arts architecture style Stephen A Schwarzman Building, this library is one of the most magnificent places to see in New York City. The library holds a massive collection of books, artworks, historical artifacts, films, photographs, and television shows. The Rose Main reading room of the library is known for its elegant decor and has been featured in several films and television shows. You will need an hour to tour this library.

7. Empire State Building

This building is considered the most iconic landmark of New York City. It is renowned for its architecture, history, and cultural significance. When it was inaugurated in 1931, it was dubbed the 8th wonder of the world. The building was most famously featured in the movie King Kong. It has since been featured in numerous films, television shows, and music videos. The limestone facade of the building and its art deco spire is its most distinguished architectural features.

People also visit the Empire State Building for a variety of famous indoor activities in NYC. The observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors of the building offer an amazing 360-degree view of the city. The building’s lobby features 8 illuminated panels featuring 7 wonders of the world and the Empire State building as the 8th wonder. The NY Sky Ride on the 2nd floor of the building makes you feel as if you are flying over the city. If you are looking for cool things to do in New York City, do not miss the Empire State Building. You will need 2 hours to tour this iconic landmark.

I suggest you should get your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket for Empire State Building in advance.

8. Madison Square Park

This 150-year-old park is famous for the numerous shows, games, events, and festivals it hosts. It is a public park with a long and storied history. This piece of land has been a potter’s field, Military Arsenal, parade ground, and Juvenile home before it became a park in 1847. It is also one of the most fun places to go in New York City for leisure and recreation. The park has green spaces, a dog walk track, lawns, playgrounds, sports facilities, and free WiFi. The park also exhibits wonderful statues, classic art pieces, and contemporary art installations. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from New York City sightseeing to tour this park.

I suggest you should book an All Access Tour of Madison Square Park in advance.

9. Flatiron Building

This wedge-shaped building was built in 1902 and is one of the finest works of classically European-style architecture among New York City tourist attractions. It has been featured in famous films and television shows like Godzilla, Reds, Friends, Veronica’s Closet, and Spin City. The building’s name is a play on the word Flat Iron because it looks like a cast-iron clothing iron. The architecture of the building is Beaux-arts and greek architectural styles. It is one of the most beautiful things to see in New York City and you should take 15 to 20 minutes to admire it.

You should go for a Guided Tour of Flatiron Food, Architecture, and History.

Day 4

1. American Museum of Natural History

This massive museum is spread across 27 buildings and has 45 exhibition spaces. It also has an IMAX Theatre, a planetarium, research facilities, and a library. The museum was popularly featured in the movie “Night at the Museum”. A skeleton of a T-Rex stands at the entrance of the museum and is one of its most famous exhibits. It is among the best places to visit in New York City for family tourists. The museum traces the natural history of the entire planet with a variety of exhibits in form of archeological excavations, preserved samples, skeleton bodies, taxidermy, and so on. You will need 2 to 3 hours from New York City travel to tour this museum.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to The American Museum of Natural History in advance.

2. Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre

This puppet theatre was built in 1875 and looks like a traditional Swedish Cottage. It is situated in Central Park and has been the headquarter of Marionette Theatre Productions since 1947. This place is best experienced by watching a Marionette performance. You can check the theatre’s website to find shows that coincide with your visit to New York City. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this place.

3. Belvedere Castle

Built in 1869, this castle is part of Central Park. The structure is designed in a gothic romanesque style to look like a fairytale or fantasy castle. The tower of this castle is one of the best New York City tourist spots to get a nice view of Central Park and the city skyline. The castle has wonderful naturalist exhibitions associated with birdwatching like a telescope, bird feathers, a microscope, and a catalog of birds in Central Park. The castle itself is famous as a bird-watching site. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this castle and enjoy fun activities to do in New York City hosted here.

4. Metropolitan Museum of Art

Popularly known as the Met, this is the largest art museum in the United States of America. The museum holds more than 2 million works of art hailing from different cultures and periods of time. People can see Greek, Roman, Egyptian, European, Indian, Iranian, Islamic, African, Oceanic, and American artworks. It is also popular for housing works of renowned artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, Caravaggio, El Anatsui, Rembrandt, Goya, and many more. The museum’s historical and cultural artifacts of lost civilizations. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this museum when you visit New York City.

I suggest you should