10 places to see in New York city

What are the must-see places, monuments, and museums in New York? Here’s a list of the 10 must-see places in New York!

1- The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

• Why is it essential? Standing on a small island in New York Bay, the Statue of Liberty represents America all on its own! The Statue of Liberty is to New York what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris: the must-see monument. The visit to the Statue of Liberty continues withEllis Island, the island that welcomed immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Another important place in New York’s history.

• My advice: Plan your visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for the day after your arrival. This way, you can take advantage of the time difference to catch the first ferry in the morning. This will help you avoid the queues that form in the late morning.

2- The Brooklyn Bridge

• Why is it essential? This bridge that connectsManhattan has a very distinctive architecture. You’ll see it appear in many films, whenever the action is set in New York. The icing on the cake: the Brooklyn Bridge has a pedestrian bridge, with a breathtaking view of New York.

• My advice: I recommend taking a tour from Brooklyn to Manhattan in the morning. You’ll have the sun behind you and the light will perfectly illuminate the Manhattan buildings.

3- The World Trade Center and the Financial District

• Why is it essential? At the southern tip of Manhattan, the Financial District symbolizes American financial power. VisitWall Streetto see the unmissable New York Stock Exchange. The neighborhood is overlooked by the towerOne World Trade Center, the tallest tower in North America. The tower succeeded the former twin towers of the World Trade Center, destroyed during the attacks of September 11, 2001. You will also see that the memory of September 11 is very much alive in New York. I recommend you take the time to visit the memorial and theSeptember 11, 2001 Museum. Don’t miss theOculus, the amazing World Trade Center station.

• My advice: To learn all about the Financial District, book a tour with Laurène, our French guide in New York. She offers a 3-hour tour that covers the history of the neighborhood, from its origins to the present day. Big plus: before becoming a certified guide in New York City, Laurène worked in finance. Visit the page of the guided tour of southern Manhattan in French.

4- L’Empire State Building

• Why is it essential? Smaller than One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building remains an iconic landmark in New York City. This skyscraper, which opened in 1931, has made countless appearances in films, fromThe day after Independence Day. Besides its Art Deco interior, you can also enjoy the view from its open terrace on the 86th floor.

• My advice: Before you head up to the 86th-floor observatory, take a moment to appreciate the Empire State Building’s interior, especially its magnificent Fifth Avenue lobby. Too many visitors rush in without looking at anything.

5- Le Flatiron Building

• Why is it essential? The Flatiron Building is one of the most striking buildings in New York City. Its triangular shape and thinness seem to defy physics. Just across the street, take a break in the charmingMadison Square Park. You will meet the endearing New York squirrels!

• My advice: Push open the door of the Flatiron Building, a small exhibition awaits you. See my article on the interior of the Flatiron Building.

6- Le Chrysler Building

• Why is it essential? Opened in 1930, the Chrysler Building is now far dwarfed by all the surrounding buildings. The skyscraper is still 319 meters tall! It remains my favorite building in New York, for its elegant architecture.

• My advice: Don’t hesitate to enter the Chrysler Building! A small exhibition awaits you in the entrance hall and you can take a look at the superb doors that guard the elevators.

7- Grand Central Terminal

• Why is it essential? You might be surprised to read that I’m listing a station as one of the must-see places to visit in New York… Grand Central Terminal is not just any station! Its decor is absolutely unique and you absolutely must make a detour there.

• My advice: I recommend stopping at Grand Central on weekdays, late in the day. The station is much busier then, with commuters hurrying to catch their trains. Quite an atmosphere!

8- The UN headquarters

• Why is it essential? The UN headquarters is a journey through contemporary history and current events. Book a guided tour in advance, following my tips on the page that explainsHow to visit the UNThe visit includes the famous Security Council Chamber and the large General Assembly Hall. 

• My advice: After visiting the UN, head back up to 42nd Street. You can then see or revisit the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, and Bryant Park.

9- Bryant Park

• Why is it essential? If you’ve never been to New York City, this name might not ring a bell. Yet, I insist: Bryant Park definitely deserves its place on the list of must-see places in New York. This small park located on 42nd Street, in the heart of Midtown, allows you to really take the pulse of New York. Grab a chair and sit on the lawn, with the tip of the Empire State Building above you. There, you’ll inevitably say to yourself, “Here I am!”

• My advice: Do as the New Yorkers do and come and have a picnic in Bryant Park.

10- The Rockefeller Center

• Why is it essential? Located in the heart of Midtown, Rockefeller Center is a building complex that was built in the 1930s. The buildings feature a superb Art Deco style, like the magnificent entrance hall of the Comcast Building, the tallest building in Rockefeller Center. A short walk away, a must-see is theSt. Patrick’s Cathedral theRadio City Music Hall. If the Rockefeller Center is unmissable, it is also for its observatory, the Top of the Rock. This observatory is lower than that of the Empire State Building and theOne World Observatory of the One World Trade Center tower, but what a view! It’s my favorite! If you don’t like the view, I’ll refund your ticket!

• My advice: Head up to the Top of the Rock when it opens! You’ll skip the line and enjoy the best view, with the sun perfectly positioned to see lower Manhattan.