1. Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island
The famous statue stands on Liberty Island, reached by a short ferry ride. The boat is the main cost, and the ride itself gives good harbour views.
- Area
- Battery Park / New York Harbor
- Price
- Ferry ticket from Statue City Cruises: US$26 adult, US$23 age 62+, US$17 ages 4–12, free under 4 (ranger and audio tours are free) · book ahead
- Getting there
- Statue City Cruises ferry from The Battery (Castle Clinton ticket office) in Lower Manhattan
- Tip
- Only buy from Statue City Cruises, online or at the Castle Clinton office. The park service warns about aggressive unauthorized ticket sellers near The Battery. National park passes do not cover the ferry.
2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the world's biggest art museums, with Egyptian temples, European paintings, arms and armour, and much more. It is far too big for one visit, so pick a few galleries.
- Area
- Upper East Side (Fifth Avenue)
- Hours
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday–Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, Dec. 25, Jan. 1 and the first Monday in May
- Price
- US$30 adult for visitors from outside New York State (65+ and visitors with disabilities US$22, students US$17, ages 12 and under free)
- Getting there
- 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, on Central Park's east side
- Tip
- Plan for Friday or Saturday evening if you want a calmer visit. Some galleries are closed for renovation, so check the site before you go.
3. Central Park
A huge public park with lawns, lakes, bridges and paths, good for families who need a break from the city.
- Area
- Midtown / Upper Manhattan (59th–110th St)
- Hours
- 6 a.m.–1 a.m. daily
- Price
- Free
- Getting there
- Subway stops on all sides: A/B/C/D/1/N/R/Q on the south, 4/5/6 on the east, 1/2/3/B/C on the west and 2/3/B/C on the north
- Tip
- Pair it with the Met on the east side or the Natural History Museum on the west side. The Conservancy also runs official tours.
4. American Museum of Natural History
Known for its dinosaur halls, the big blue whale model and the Hall of Ocean Life. Children usually enjoy it.
- Area
- Upper West Side
- Hours
- 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily; closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 25
- Price
- US$37 adult, US$30 senior, US$22 ages 3–12 for visitors from outside New York State (general admission)
- Getting there
- 200 Central Park West; B or C train to 81st Street, or 1 train to 79th Street
- Tip
- Entering in the final operating hour is free but you will have little time. Special exhibits may cost extra.
5. Empire State Building observatory
The classic skyscraper view over Manhattan, with an outdoor deck on the 86th floor and an indoor deck on the 102nd floor.
- Area
- Midtown
- Hours
- Open daily into the late evening; hours change by season, so check the official site
- Price
- From US$44 for adults (86th floor), plus a booking charge online · book ahead
- Getting there
- 12 W 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues (Herald Square or Penn Station subway stops are close)
- Tip
- Choose a timed slot online. Allow one to two hours. Go early in the day or at sunset.
6. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
Two reflecting pools mark where the Twin Towers stood, and the museum below tells the story of the attacks. It is a serious, quiet place.
- Area
- Lower Manhattan
- Hours
- Memorial 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily; museum 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Wednesday–Monday (plus some Tuesdays and holidays)
- Price
- Memorial free; museum tickets are bought in advance (price not confirmed) · book ahead
- Getting there
- 180 Greenwich Street, Lower Manhattan
- Tip
- The memorial pools are free and need no ticket. Book museum tickets ahead online, since timed slots sell out on busy days.
7. Staten Island Ferry
A free commuter ferry with views of the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline, a no-cost alternative to a harbour cruise.
- Area
- Whitehall Terminal / New York Harbor
- Hours
- Every day, year-round; runs around the clock, about every 20 to 30 minutes and less often overnight
- Price
- Free
- Getting there
- Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan, to St. George Terminal on Staten Island (about 25 minutes)
- Tip
- Ride out and straight back; sit on the right side leaving Manhattan for the Statue of Liberty views (check which side as you board). It does not stop at Liberty Island.
8. The High Line
A former elevated rail line turned into a long garden walkway above the streets, with art and views of the Hudson River.
- Area
- Chelsea / Meatpacking District / Hudson Yards
- Price
- Free
- Getting there
- Entrances along the west side of Manhattan, from Gansevoort Street (Meatpacking District) north to 34th Street (Hudson Yards). The 7 train to 34 St–Hudson Yards is at the north end.
- Tip
- It runs about 2.3 km, so walk it one way and take the subway back. Chelsea is right below for lunch.
9. Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
Walk the historic 1.1-mile bridge over the East River, then explore Brooklyn Bridge Park and the DUMBO waterfront for skyline views.
- Area
- Lower Manhattan / Brooklyn
- Hours
- Free to walk across; park and bridge access as posted
- Price
- Free
- Getting there
- Subway 4/5/6 or J/Z to Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall on the Manhattan side; from Brooklyn, 2/3 (Clark St), A/C (High St), F (York St); NYC Ferry East River route calls at Dumbo
- Tip
- Start in Manhattan and walk toward Brooklyn for the skyline view, then return by subway or ferry.
Hours and prices were checked October 1, 2026 on the sources below and can change. Tour links search GetYourGuide and Klook; some earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
