Manhattan, the real MVP of New York City, is lit AF with all kinds of vibes. From the boujee Broadway theaters and high-end shops on Fifth Ave to the iconic landmarks and chill urban parks, Manhattan’s got the hookup for every season.
To level up your game, cop yourself an NYC attraction pass. The New York Pass is the plug, covering 100+ attractions, including the legendary Big Bus Tour. It’s the move to save mad dough on top-shelf activities. Now, let’s dive into the 25 must-see attractions in the city that never sleeps!
1. Rockefeller Center – Top of the Rock: Sky-High Views and Insta-Worthy Scenes
For a lit panorama of NYC, peep the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. Elevate 850 feet with the Sky Shuttle elevators to floors 67-69. Feeling bold? Hit up the 70th floor’s outdoor deck. Capture epic views of Central Park, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. While you’re at it, check out Rockefeller Plaza’s vibes, including Radio City Music Hall.
2. Times Square: Where the City Goes Off
Times Square, the heartbeat of the city 24/7, is a sensory overload of lights, street performers, and dope entertainment. M&M’s World, Madame Tussauds, and the TKTS Pavilion are just a taste of what’s good. The Broadway Theater District is fire, especially when the lights come on at night.
3. Central Park: Nature’s Escape in the Concrete Jungle
Dip out of the hustle into the massive Central Park, covering 840 acres. Find sculptures like Bethesda Fountain and Cleopatra’s Needle. Get lost in the chill vibes of the Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow. Scoop a bike (included in the New York Pass) for a speedy tour of this green oasis.
4. Empire State Building: Views for Days
Hit up the iconic Empire State Building for 360° views on floors 80, 86, and 102. Sunset is the wave, turning the city into a magical panorama. Grab your tickets in advance or flex with the New York Pass.
5. Wall Street: Where Finance Meets Swagger
Down in Lower Manhattan, Wall Street means business. Check out the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall, and more on a guided tour. Roll through Trinity Church, Bowling Green, and snap pics with the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl.
6. Grand Central Terminal: Time Travel in Style
Grand Central Terminal, a century deep, flexes with Main Concourse Clock and celestial-painted ceilings. Scope the shops and grub spots. Don’t sleep on the nearby Chrysler Building, a true standout.
7. One World Trade Center Observatory: Sky-High Vibes
Peep NYC from the top at One World Trade Center Observatory, between floors 100-102. Take in the 9/11 Memorial & Museum for the full experience. Tickets move fast, so cop yours early or snag the combo ticket.
8. 9/11 Memorial & Museum: History Hits Hard
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a heavy hitter, honoring the World Trade Center attacks. Explore 58,000+ artifacts, including a surviving staircase. The reflecting pools and bronze plaques are real talk.
9. MoMA and Other Art Scenes
Art lovers, hit up the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Van Gogh’s Starry Night. The New York Pass hooks you up with other hotspots like the Met, Guggenheim, and Whitney Museum.
10. St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Tranquility with Swag
Marvel at the Neo-Gothic vibes of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the real deal in the U.S. The stained-glass windows, intricate design, and mad history make it a must-see. This cathedral is an NYC OG landmark, so don’t ghost on it.
