What to See in New York City

New York City combines a rich cultural landscape with iconic sights and moments that feel straight out of a movie set. What you’ll find here goes beyond monuments. It’s a dynamic urban landscape where every block tells a story. From the immigrant arrival points at Ellis Island to the modern marvels of Hudson Yards, each neighborhood invites you to experience a different rhythm, culture, and perspective of the city.

Historic Core and Iconic Landmarks

A good place to begin your discovery of the city is Lower Manhattan, where centuries of history converge along the waterfront. From here, you can board the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, two of the most iconic landmarks in American history. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour offers a close-up look at these sites and the stories that shaped them.

Not far from the harbor, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum stands as a solemn reminder of recent history. The surrounding Financial District, with its neoclassical facades and modern skyscrapers, offers a unique blend of past and present. Heading north toward Midtown, the skyline opens up to landmarks like the Empire State Building and Times Square, where the lights and energy of the city are on full display.

Modern Art and Architecture

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) houses one of the world’s most important collections of modern and contemporary works, while The Met takes you on a journey through thousands of years of art history, from ancient artifacts to present-day masterpieces. Just a short distance away, the Guggenheim Museum combines an exceptional art collection with its iconic spiral architecture, making the building itself part of the experience.

For a contrast, explore Hudson Yards, home to the Vessel and the High Line, an elevated park built on a former railway. At the top of Hudson Yards, Edge NYC offers the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.

City Views and Observation Decks

To truly grasp the scale of the city, head to its rooftops. The Empire State Building remains one of the most iconic spots for sweeping views over Manhattan, offering observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. For a different angle, the Top of the Rock provides a clear view of Central Park and the Empire State Building itself. 

The newly opened Summit One Vanderbilt adds an immersive and artistic experience to the cityscape, while One World Observatory offers panoramic views over Lower Manhattan and the harbor, including the Statue of Liberty.

NYC Boroughs and Cultural Districts

To understand the cultural fabric of New York City, it’s essential to explore beyond Manhattan. The city is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island. Each has its own identity, history and character, and within them, language, cuisine and architecture shift dramatically from one neighborhood to the next, reflecting the city’s rich diversity.

The NYC Boroughs tour connects all these elements in one experience.

Experiences and Nearby Highlights

To make the most of your time in New York City, consider adding a few curated day trips and experiences that reveal different sides of the region. A great option is a guided tour to Niagara Falls, a full-day journey to one of North America's most breathtaking natural wonders.

For a deeper perspective on American history, a day trip to Washington DC and Philadelphia offers the chance to explore some of the nation's most significant landmarks, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Whether you stay within the city or explore what lies beyond it, each experience adds another layer to your visit.