Ready for a bite of the Big Apple?
A vacation to New York takes you to one of the most iconic locations on Planet Earth, but deciding what to see can be overwhelming.
Luckily, we’re here to help. Here are five must-see destinations all New York vacations should have.
1. Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty herself is by far the easiest recommendation on this list. She’s more than a landmark — she’s a symbol of the US and its role in the shaping of the modern world.
For many decades of her existence, she has also represented the guiding light for new travelers to the US, so you can extend that legacy by making her your first stop. This is also an opportunity to take in nearby Ellis Island, which forms the other half of that story.
2. Times Square
Times Square is such a famous junction that you could reasonably describe it as a crossroads at the center of the world — culturally, if not literally. From here, it feels like you can go anywhere (you can find more information here about actually getting around).
Whether you see Times Square during a major calendar event like New Year, or on a “quiet” regular day, there’s no mistaking this as the beating heart of the Big Apple.
3. Central Park
Finding the towering cityscape of NYC a little oppressive? Central Park offers a break from all that. If Times Square is the city’s heart, then Central Park is its lungs.
It’s not only the broad sweep of nature that gives Central Park its appeal. On any given day, there’s always a lot to see, from organized events to historical monuments. For year-round entertainment, stop by Central Park Zoo. For many, it’s impossible to imagine Central Park without the thought of ice skating in fall and winter.
4. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
This may be a more somber stop than most, but that only makes it all the more worthy of a visit.
9/11 shaped more than just the story of New York — it has also influenced the course of culture and geopolitics every single year since. Take a moment to reflect on the lives lost and the consequences of that day as you explore the memorial and museum, and remember that great cities are defined by both their victories and their tragedies.
5. Empire State Building
Standing proud in the New York skyline, the Empire State Building holds its own against the newer, shinier buildings of recent decades — a testament to its timeless art deco appeal. Besides, there’s nothing quite like a giant ape to put a building on the map.
The building is impressive enough from the ground or a nearby vantage, but you can also check out its interior museum, or take a ride all the way up to its upper observation floors for breathtaking views.
New York Vacation Sights You Have to See
These five destinations make up the holy grail of locations you have to see on New York vacations. Of course, there’s plenty more to see and do — we’ve only scratched the surface here.
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