Check out our definitive guide to the top New York City points of interest whether you're entertaining business clients for a night out, or just feel like playing tourist for a day trip or weekend getaway! This vetted collection of long-standing favorite landmarks and sites in Manhattan includes everything you've come to recognize about NYC, from movies, culture, news and almost every travel blog online! Landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Central Park maintain their well-earned status in top 10 lists around the world, but we’ve also noted a few other points of interest that you might be surprised to find are fun, and FREE things to do in New York City.
Although it’s not quite the tallest building in New York City anymore, this iconic building is an impressive Manhattan landmark all on its own. The main deck located on the 86th floor is the highest open-air observatory in NYC, with incredible views of the Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. Open air observatory rates run slightly less than the 102nd floor's indoor observation deck (just a few floors up) which boasts (possibly) the best view of Central Park in the world.
Address: 350 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10118
Cross Street: between 33rd and 34th Sts
Hours: daily 8am–2am
Getting There: Subway: B, D, F, M, N, Q, R to 34th St–Herald Sq; 6 to 33rd St
Cost: $32, seniors and military personnel with ID $29, children 6–12 $26, ($54, seniors $51, children $47 for upper deck).children under 6 and military personnel in uniform free.
Opened to the public in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is a world-recognized structural feat of engineering spanning the East River and (at the time) was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Join thousands of visitors, locals, pedestrians and onlookers as you enjoy one-of-a-kind views of Manhattan and other New York City points of interest, such as the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island, and stroll your way down its more-than-a-mile stretch.
Address: Enter on Centre St between Chambers St and Park Row or on Tillary St at Adams St - New York, NY 10038
Cross Street: Centre St between Chambers St and Park Row
Hours: 24 hours a day (unless under maintenance closure)
Getting There: Subway: A, C to High St
Cost: Free
There is no greater park in the world than New York City's Central Park, the country’s first landscaped public park; an 843-acre area that brings in millions each year to experience its natural wonders, scenic adventures and seasonal pleasures! It's iconic, skyscraper-bordered landscape is open in virtually all seasons, serving as the unofficial heart of Manhattan for cultural events like Shakespeare in the Park, and open-air performances of all kinds.
Address: 59th St to 110th St, New York, NY 10023
Cross Street: between Central Park West and Fifth Ave
Hours: 6am-1am, daily
Getting There: Subway: A, B, C, D, 1 to 59th St–Columbus Circle; N, Q, R to 5th Ave; B, C to 72nd St, 81st St–Museum of Natural History, 86th St, 96th St, 103rd St, 110th St; 2, 3 to 110th St.
Cost: Free (some park attractions may have entrance/usage fees)
As a serious contender for best view in the city, One World Observatory takes up every bit of floors 100 - 102 in the tallest building of the Western Hemisphere, with access to an observation deck in just 60 seconds via a technologically advanced bank of 'visually experiential Sky Pod' elevators. During an interactive tour experience you'll learn about the building's history, ending in stunning 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline.
Address: One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007
Cross Street: corner of West and Vesey Streets
Hours: 9am–8pm, daily (seasonal hours may apply)
Getting There: From Midtown Manhattan A, C - to Chambers St, E - to World Trade Center
Cost: $26–$90
It may no longer be the tallest building in NYC, but this gorgeous, glimmering spire of Manhattan architecture from a bygone era is certainly one of the most visually striking skyscrapers in the world. With unusual, triangle-shaped windows in its crown which are illuminated, its nighttime aura exudes every ounce of what was once 'Old New York'. There is no official way for to visit anything beyond the lobby, but still worth an up close visit.
Address: 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174
Cross Street: at 44th St
Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm (lobby)
Getting There: Subway: 42nd St S, 4, 5, 6, 7, to 42nd St-Grand Central
Cost: Free
For a hundred years, Grand Central Station has funneled over 700,000 commuters a day through its meandering halls and gateways to destinations all around the city and beyond. Though it's basically a train station, the monumental edifice is definitely worth exploring in it's own right. Showcasing a grandiose Beaux Arts architectural style, its famous, vaulted, constellation-crafted ceiling and 4-faced clock at the main information booth, are sights to behold.
Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY
Cross Street: Various
Hours: 5:30am-2am, daily
Getting There: Take the shuttle from Times Square, or the 4, 5, 6 or 7 trains to 42nd St.
Cost: Free to explore (unless you need a train ticket)
