The Tourist Spots In NYC You Actually Need To Visit (And Those You Don’t)

Of all the popular tourist destinations in the world, New York City seems to have more must-see places than most. When planning a trip, you might feel awed or even overwhelmed at all the things to do.

However, the truth is that many of the top tourist areas in NYC aren’t worth visiting, or at least some aren’t as good as others. It’s also not always possible to see them all in one trip, so you might have to pick and choose.

This guide will help you narrow down your list to determine the best spots for your upcoming trip.

Tips For Getting Around The City

One of the best things about New York City is there is a very functional public transportation system compared to most U.S. cities. The subway will get you to most tourist spots relatively quickly and cheaply.

However, there are downsides. Subways can be crowded, uncomfortable, and frustrating, especially if you’re not used to navigating them. So, if you want to get around more comfortably, you could look into a car service or use a rideshare app. But, you’ll have to be willing to pay more money for comfort and ease.

NYC Must-See Attractions

There are dozens of attractions around Manhattan and the other boroughs, but here are some of the best:

  • Central Park: It might be one of the best-known attractions, but it’s worth it. Central Park is beautiful almost any time of the year, and you’ve likely seen the locations in many movies.
  • One World Observatory: There are many buildings where you can get a bird’s eye view of the city, but the best one might be at OneWorld. You’ll also get higher up than on any of the others. You can also view the 9/11 Memorial, which is a sobering experience.
  • The High Line: This suspended walkway was created from an old subway line. It’s well-kept, beautiful, and close to many places to shop and eat.
  • The MET: There are so many museums in New York City that it’s hard to pick one. However, the MET does have some of the most exciting and diverse pieces.
  • Brooklyn Bridge: There are various bridges leading in and out of Manhattan and the surrounding areas, but the most iconic is the Brooklyn Bridge. While it can be a bit of a hassle to get to the other side, walking over from Brooklyn to Manhattan offers a fantastic view. It will be crowded, though.

Attractions You Can Skip Or View Briefly

On the other hand, there are some places you should avoid or see more like a local. These include:

  • The Statue Of Liberty: The Statue Of Liberty is meaningful to many people, but going out to see it is sometimes tricky and time-consuming. If you want a good view but don’t have time to book an excursion, you can take the ferry to Staten Island from South Ferry.
  • Times Square: Locals always avoid Times Square unless they see a show. So, if you do have a show planned on Broadway, you might as well get a picture. However, many stores around that area aren’t unique to NYC and are just a tourist trap.
  • Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue: While Rockefeller Center might be in lots of movies, it’s not the most exciting or beautiful building. The Empire State Building is more worth a visit. As far as Fifth Avenue, it can look great in the winter season with the storefront windows, but unless you’re looking to shop, there’s not much exciting to do there.

While this guide gives you some tips for planning your trip, there are many more options. The best idea is to match your interests and what you want to see most. Just remember that getting around can take longer than you’d think; also, plan on doing a lot of walking.

Like many other people before you, there’s a chance you’ll find some magical moments in all the business of this unique place.