What Are The Tourist Attractions In New York

New York Citys New Tourist Attractions Range From Precious Gems To A Man

Its been a hard pandemic for New York City, but some see glimmers of hope for the Big Apples once-vibrant travel economy.

We are cautiously optimistic about the future of New York City tourism, said Christopher Heywood, executive vice president of global communications for NYC & Company, whose website, nycgo.com, offers free planning resources for travelers.

Heywood owes his optimism, in part, to the citys leadership in the struggle to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Authorities, for instance, launched a program this month that requires proof of vaccination for indoor dining and other indoor activities, becoming the first major U.S. city to do so. Indoor masking is encouraged.

I think people are going to look at New York City as a safe bet, Heywood said.

Broadway shows are preparing to return in September, requiring both vaccinations and masks for audience members. Sidewalks and streets have been reimagined as outdoor dining rooms. And recently opened tourist attractions, many with limited capacity, offer new experiences for visitors seeking a fresh look at the city.

You definitely need advanced reservations for attractions you didnt in the past, Frommer said.

Smith is a writer based in Vermont. Her website is jenrosesmith.com. Find her on and : @jenrosesmithvt.

Please Note

The Return Of A Legend

New York restaurants come and go, but Patsys Italian Restaurant is forever. The famed eaterywhich only has one location, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattanturns 77 this year and is only getting better. After a pandemic hiatus, the restaurant is back and better than ever. Chef Sal Scognamillo, owner and operator of Patsys Italian restaurant, is the third generation of Scognamillos to sit at the helm. The Scognamillo recipes at Patsys have remained largely unchanged. Dishes like the stuffed artichoke appetizer, eggplant parmigiana, and spaghetti and meatballs are as rich and flavorful as ever. Ingredients like meats and cheeses are sourced from other family businesses who have worked with Patsys throughout the years so every bite remains true to tradition. Patsys maintains a strong community of repeat customers who know theyll get exceptional cuisine that remains note-perfect year after year. Hours have just expanded to Tuesday through Sunday, 1-9pm. Reservations are available at 212-247-3491 during operating hours or by email at . COVID safety protocols including an air purification system, social distancing, and partitions between tables will be in effect.

These Are My Favorite Nyc Attractions

Also Check: Tolls From Virginia Beach To New York

Top Tourist Attractions In New York City

The largest and most populated city in the USA, New York City is often called the city that never sleeps because it is constantly buzzing with activity. Full of arts, culture, endless restaurants and a night sky where the stars are replaced by bright skyscrapers, New York is a magical place. Loud, boisterous and impatient, Manhattan especially, is a high energy place. Events dont just happen here, they happen with a bang.

With so much to see and do in the city, it can be overwhelming to a New York novice. This comprehensive list outlines the top tourist attractions in New York City that travelers wont find anywhere else. From Broadway to One World Trade Center, weve got them all here.

Greenwich Village Soho And West Village

While youre here, you have to take some time out for local New York.

These three neighborhoods Greenwich Village, SoHo, and West Village are brimming with life and allow you to experience the real city, the way us locals do every day. Its the energy of these neighborhoods that really make New York the amazing city that it is.

While time may be limited, and you may not get a chance to visit all three, definitely make sure to include at least one in your trip. Go shopping in SoHo, catch a comedy show in Greenwich, or grab a bite in the West Village. Each is fun in in its own way, and experiencing local culture is a necessary part of any good vacation.

Recommended Reading: New York Life Cancel Policy

George Eastman House And The International Museum Of Photography And Film

The 50-room George Eastman mansion was completed in 1905 and originally included a stable, garage, barn, five greenhouses, and many gardens. Located in Rochester, the house has been restored to its appearance in the early 1900s, with photographs made by Eastman, as well as letters and notes that assisted in the restoration.

The outstanding International Museum of Photography and Film is located on the grounds and will be of interest to anyone with a passion for photography. The museum also showcases a number of traveling exhibits and movies on a regular basis. Be sure to check their website to see what’s coming up.

Address: 900 East Avenue, Rochester, New York

Official site:

Central Location For Tourist Attractions In New York City

There is no central location since the tourist attractions are all over the city. What do you plan to do specifically? It is really east to get around the city. You do not need to stay in one area.

I meant to say it is easy to get around not east.

Broadway is in midtown. S is Rock center. Wall street, China town, Little Italy and Soho are in lower Manhattan. Museums are mostly uptown so is Harlem. What are you going to do while here?

A central location is “midtown” which is 34-59 st. but as NYfoodee says, you can stay anywhere near a subway and get around since the sights are located uptown, downtown and midtown. There’s no one location where you can walk to everything.

There are lots of sites downtown. There are lots of sites uptown. There are lots of sites in mid-town. There are lots of sites in the boros. In short, unlike many cities, there is not one central district that has a monopoly on the major tourist sites.

As the subway goes everywhere, I would concentrate on finding a hotel that meets your budget, and is in an area where you want to stay. Here are some ideas:

Times Square/Midtown: Very convenient to museums and major shopping. However, it’s not a neighborhood where we live. If you are in Tiimes Square you will be surrounded by tourists, and the dining options are mostly lousy chain restaurants.

Thank you for all of your sincere excellent suggestions. These have certainly given me ideas from which I can research. Keep traveling!

Edited: 12 years agoRemoved on

You May Like: Becoming An Elementary Teacher In New York

High Tea At The Plazas Palm Court

Its not that high tea at the Plaza is bad, its just that youll have to wait a matter of months for a reservation to open up

Unless youre willing to plan and make reservations well in advance, I suggest going elsewhere for afternoon tea.

Dont worry:

Per usual, Ive got you covered. So get those pinkies up ladies and gents because If youre short on time, and money, then Bosies Tea Parlor in the West Village is the place to be.

Here:

High Tea is just $39 for one person and $75 for two people. This service includes 2 teas of your choice, 3 types of sandwiches , macarons, scones, and cakes.

And while the decor is chic and refined:

The atmosphere is still relatively relaxed, so no need to worry about getting scolded for putting your elbows on the table.

The food here is also exquisitely refined, with subtle French influences that take this afternoon tea experience in NYC to the NEXT level

Plus, with over a hundred teas to choose from:

Bosie Tea Parlor is home to the largest selection of teas in the entire city.

Thats why:

This restaurant is a true delight for any tea and dessert mongers out there, like me!

Broadway And 42nd Street

If youre into musicals and theater, theres no better place in the world to be than 42nd Street in New York City, especially at the crux of Broadway and Times Square, where youll be surrounded with Broadway musicals on every corner. The options are immense!

If you arent set on a specific show in advance, visit the TKTS discount ticket booths to save 20-50% on same-day or next-day tickets for performances. The options fluctuate and its always best to arrive early!

To see a specific show at a specific time, be sure to book your tickets in advance. Broadway.com is one of the best resources for finding shows, times, and tickets.

Tours You May Enjoy:

• Disney on Broadway Behind-the-Scenes Walking Tour

Recommended Reading: What Plays Are In New York

New York Performing Arts

The New York City performing arts scene is regarded as one of the best in the world, with Broadway as its brightest star among all the other iconic performance spaces like Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Opera, Apollo Theater, Beacon Theater and legendary jazz clubs like The Blue Note.

But all across New York State, from Tilles Center for Performing Arts on Long Island to Chautauqua Institution in the west, youll find high-quality venues and performance art.

Westchesters four-theater complex, The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, is the major regional presenter of dance and performances in all the arts. Scenes from Fosses All That Jazz were filmed here many celebrated artists have recorded here and several Tony Award-winning productions were rehearsed and previewed here before Broadway.

Center for the Arts of Homer is a 400-seat multi-dimensional arts center that brings an array of well-known musicians, community thespians, artists and dancers to its central New York stage and gallery.

The performing arts in New York are alive and well at Glimmerglass Opera and at an uptown Kingston space, BSP Lounge, that has a full soundstage and serves as a venue for film festivals, dance, community events and concerts. Clemens Center for the Performing Arts, considered the most beautiful theater between NYC and Buffalo, partners with multiple arts organizations and resident companies to increase access to fine performances.

Grimaldia In Dumbo Brooklyn

Okay:

I dont HATE Grimaldis since its an NYC pizza institution that first started with its flagship store at 1 Front Street in Brooklyn.

Since then:

Grimaldis pizzerias have taken over the world, with multiple locations all across the United States.

And while I dont dislike their fresh, coal-fired, brick-oven pizza , I honestly dont think Grimaldis is the same place it used to be.

Which makes total sense when you realize that Patsy Grimaldi sold his iconic pizzeria back in 1998.

Since then:

This former owner of Grimaldis has opened up another pizza place just down the street, known as

Now:

Im gonna go a little rogue here since Im not a HUGE fan of either Grimaldis or Julianas.

I know:

Totally blasphemy, but I cant help it.

The lines at both places are long, the prices are high , and the pizza was OKAY, but nothing exceptional.

For my money:

Id buy pizza from Eataly instead. This innovative Italian food market/restaurant creates a unique food experience with fresh ingredients, exciting new flavor combinations, and modern cooking techniques that will leave your tastebuds singing with delight.

Plus:

Dining here is a multi-faceted experience since this complex offers a comprehensive Italian food experience that includes everything from grocery shopping to upscale restaurant dining.

Added bonus?

The downtown store is conveniently located at 101 Liberty Street, right next door to the must-see, World Trade Center Memorial.

Don’t Miss: How Much Are The Tolls From Virginia To New York

Holiday Pop Up Brooklyn

The Miracle holiday pop-up phenomenon is back this year with Miracle on Union, taking over Williamsburg cocktail bar Thief. Look for over-the-top holiday decor and the seasonal cheer that goes with it. Specialty drinks will be served and bespoke Miracle glassware will be for sale to knock a couple of names off your gift-giving list.

Browse The Colorful Midtown Comics Store

200 West 40th Street bet. 7th and 8th Avenues

Midtown Comics is a comic book and toy marketplace and it is open late! This colorful store is fun to visit even if you aren’t a huge comics fan.

Comic book lovers can buy new releases and find vintage issues. They also sell graphic novels, sci-fi books, and collectibles.

Their hours are Mon-Sat 8 am to Midnight and Sunday Noon – 8 pm. See their website for more information.

TIP: Superhero fans should take a look at our free self-guided Superhero tour to visit many sites from your favorite superhero movies!

Read Also: New York Times Paywall Smasher Browser Extension

Window Shopping On 5th Avenue

Some of the best window shopping in the world can be found along 5th Avenue, home to a myriad of high-end designer shops and department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany. Still one of the best times to enjoy this area is during the Christmas season for the decorative window and lights displays. Location: Rockefeller Center, located between 49th and 50th Streets, to just west of 5th Avenue.

Our Tips For Visiting The Top New York Attractions On A Budget

If you are on a family holiday, or visiting the city with a group of friends and need to book 4 tickets for each attraction, or are alone but just have a tight budget set for your trip, we have something really special for you. NYC sells discount attraction passes which allow you to visit all of the must-see NYC attractions for less while giving you the flexibility of deciding what you want to see once you get there!

Offering discounts of up to 70% on many sights, tours, and attractions New York City sightseeing passes are the ultimate way to save money. Find out which one will save you the most based on the attractions you want to see here:

Recommended Reading: Italian Consulate Nyc Passport

Little Italy And Chinatown

One of the many wonderful things about New York is its diversity, and that is what youll experience when you visit Little Italy and Chinatown. The best part? These two completely different neighborhoods are right next door to each other. Thats the beauty of New York: You get to enjoy two equally fascinating but totally different neighborhoods within mere blocks of one another.

Lots of people visit both these neighborhoods in the same trip. We do for our neighborhood tour, adding in SoHo as well. Since theyre so close, you can get a taste of each in under an hour.

3 neighborhoods, 2 hours, 1 incredible tour

Map Of New York For Downloading

Finally, here is a map of NYC for downloading. You can check this map even when youre offline if you follow the subsequent steps. First, install the Maps.me and Dropbox applications on your smartphone. Both are available for all operating systems and are completely free.

You will have to search New York in Maps.me, download the KML file, and save it to Dropbox. Then, open the KML file from your phone using Maps.me so that all the tourist attraction spots are saved. By doing this, youll have the interactive map of NYC available on your smartphone.

Thats it! With these maps of New York, you have everything you need to start planning your trip and make the most of the City that Never Sleeps.

Don’t Miss: Ny Vehicle Registration

Experience The Midnight Moment

Every night from 11:57 pm to midnight, you can witness the worlds largest digital art exhibition.

Huge billboards in Times Square are synchronized resulting in three fabulous moments of the same whimsical imagery.

Watch a short video of the synchronization and check out our guide for things to do at night in NYC.

Best Things To Do In New York City

• Save this

Save this for later.

New York is so big and so diverse a place that you could live here four lifetimes and not experience all the amazing things the city has to offer. Even figuring out where to start your NYC trip is a daunting task. But we want to help you cut down the impossibly long list of ways to spend your day. Whether you’re a local realizing you’ve yet to fully explore the city’s parks and history, or an out-of-towner who doesn’t know the Met from the MoMA, these quintessential stops will help you catch a glimpse of the city’s beating heart.

You May Like: Can You Register A Car Without A License In Ny

Free Things To Do In Times Square

One could spend hours in Times Square shopping, people watching and being amazed by the billboards.

The ”crossroads of the world” as it is known, is jam-packed with free entertainers as well. See for yourself via their real-time webcam!

In 2016, the city decided to make things a little less chaotic in Times Square by designating certain areas for specific activities.

See their cheat sheet to see the zones.

National Geographic Ocean Odyssey

226 West 44th Street between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue

Using photo-real animation with giant projection screens and immersive sound, your simulated ocean voyage will feel real.

This is a great activity for families with children as there is a great deal of interactive technology including touch screens, holograms, and games involving ocean conservation/research.

This is also a good activity for night owls since it is open late .

Find out about prices, hours, and more at their website.

You May Like: Cost To Get Car Registered