Iconic Locations in NYC: 17 Famous Attractions You Can’t Miss in the Big Apple

Planning a trip to New York City can feel like scrolling through a menu where everything looks good—and somehow, you’re starving. Between fitting in all the NYC landmarks and deciding where to spend your limited energy (and let’s be honest, your comfy shoes’ will to live), it’s overwhelming in the most chaotic, magical way.

Most travelers want to hit the big stuff, but forget that the real power move is knowing which iconic locations in NYC are actually worth the lines, crowds, and $8 pretzels. Because nobody wants to waste time on a “meh” view when a skyline-level wow is just around the corner.

This list isn’t just a roundup—it’s a carefully curated cheat sheet for hitting the greatest hits and a few under-the-radar legends. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, these 17 NYC landmarks are the ones that live up to the hype and then some. Keep scrolling and find out which iconic locations in NYC deserve a spot on your itinerary right now!

Where to Stand in Awe and Snap the Selfie

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty isn’t just a postcard celebrity—it’s an enduring symbol of hope, freedom, and, let’s be honest, a rite of passage for anyone with a camera and a dream. Towering over Liberty Island at 305 feet, she’s been holding that torch high since 1886, greeting millions of newcomers and starry-eyed tourists. 

What most people don’t realize is she stands within a historic district that’s full of fascinating stories tied to immigration, resilience, and reinvention. Seeing her up close from the water is nothing short of goosebump-inducing—yes, even if you’ve seen her a hundred times in movies.

The best way to meet Lady Liberty without the tourist headache? Book the Circle Line: Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise or go all in with the NYC in a Day: Private Walking Tour with the Statue of Liberty—you’ll get unbeatable harbor views, powerful storytelling, and bragging rights for days.

Empire State Building

Rising 1,454 feet into the Manhattan sky, the Empire State Building is more than just one of the most famous landmarks in New York—it’s the ultimate NYC power move. Built in 1931 during the Great Depression (talk about ambitious timing), it quickly became an Art Deco icon and movie backdrop legend. 

From Sleepless in Seattle to King Kong, this skyscraper knows how to make a dramatic entrance. And while the outside is photogenic, it’s the jaw-dropping 360-degree views that’ll live rent-free in your memory.

Snag your ticket to the Empire State Building Observatory and skip the mediocre skyline shots. This is the main character moment you came for!

One World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial

One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, is more than a skyscraper—it’s a symbol of strength, resilience, and a rebuilt skyline that tells the story of a healing United States. At 1,776 feet, it’s the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and offers panoramic views that feel part epic, part emotional. 

Just beside it, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum creates a space for reflection, honoring those we lost and the legacy they left behind. The twin reflecting pools are hauntingly beautiful and incredibly moving—a powerful tribute carved into the city’s heart.

Visitors can experience both reflection and elevation by pairing the 9/11 Memorial & Museum with a trip to the top of the One World Observatory. Together, they offer a powerful narrative—honoring the past while looking boldly toward the future of New York City.

Chrysler Building

With its gleaming spire and stainless steel crown, the Chrysler Building is one of the most stunning examples of Art Deco architecture in the world. Completed in 1930, it briefly held the title of tallest building before getting one-upped by the Empire State. 

What it lacks in observation decks, it makes up for in jaw-dropping detail—just look up and admire those gargoyle-like eagles perched on the 61st floor. It’s the kind of building that turns casual strolls into accidental photoshoots, even if you don’t consider yourself an architecture nerd.

Flatiron Building

Triangular and unapologetically quirky, the Flatiron Building has been stopping pedestrians in their tracks since 1902. Its unusual shape makes it a standout even among New York’s vertical giants, and it’s perfectly positioned between Fifth Avenue and Broadway to anchor your Midtown memories. 

This 22-story beauty has become an unofficial mascot of Midtown Manhattan and is one of the most photographed buildings in the city for good reason. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture fan, or just someone who appreciates a good geometric moment, the Flatiron is the real deal.

To learn its story up close, join the Midtown Manhattan Walking Tour. It’s packed with facts, legends, and the best angles for your camera roll.

Brooklyn Bridge

Few landmarks in New York have the drama, beauty, and brag factor of the Brooklyn Bridge. Completed in 1883, this engineering marvel connects Manhattan and Brooklyn with style, offering panoramic skyline views and serious “I’m-in-New-York” energy. 

Its Gothic arches and cable-suspension design make it instantly recognizable—part historic treasure, part influencer backdrop. Whether you’re walking, biking, or posing mid-stride like you’re in a Beyoncé music video, this bridge always delivers.

Ready to explore it beyond the stroll? Hop on the Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO: Private New York Half-Day Walking Tour or cruise across with a ride from Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rentals—your legs may burn, but your camera roll will thank you.

Where to Stroll, Lounge, and People-Watch

Times Square

Bright, chaotic, and wildly unmissable, Times Square is the throbbing neon heart of the city—part spectacle, part sensory overload, and totally essential. Love it or loathe it, this is one of the most visited New York City landmarks for a reason. 

Jumbo screens flash movie trailers, music videos, and Broadway teasers, while costumed characters hustle for selfies. It’s the kind of place where every moment feels like you’re in a live-action commercial… which, honestly, you might be.

Don’t just stand in the chaos! Discover NY with a guided tour that makes the madness make sense, or hop on the Big Bus New York City Night Tour to see it lit up like New Year’s Eve. Bonus points if you cap it off with a celeb-filled stop at Madame Tussauds New York, where the stars don’t flinch when you awkwardly pose next to them.

Central Park

Spanning 843 acres, Central Park is Manhattan’s much-needed breather button—and your one-way ticket to fresh air, meandering walks, and a carousel that actually slaps. From rowboats and street performers to meadows where people nap like it’s a sport, this green haven is the city’s backyard. 

It’s also packed with hidden gems and iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, and the Bow Bridge. And fun fact: this park has starred in more films than most actors you follow on Instagram.

Want the inside scoop? Pedal through the highlights with Central Park Bike Tours, trace your favorite rom-coms with the Central Park TV & Movie Sites (Walking) tour, or join The Essential Central Park Guided Walking Tour for a relaxing deep dive.

Rockefeller Center

It’s not just a holiday hotspot—Rockefeller Center is a year-round hive of history, art, and people dodging tourists while holding Starbucks. Anchored by the towering GE Building and the famed ice-skating rink, it’s also home to Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios, and that massive Christmas tree that lives rent-free in our December Pinterest boards. 

This space is a visual feast of Art Deco architecture and public art, all framed by Fifth Avenue’s luxury chaos. And whether you’re here for the lights, the shows, or the Top of the Rock view, this place brings big city energy with a side of nostalgia.

For a crash course in culture and cool, join the Rockefeller Center Tour: History, Art & Architecture—you’ll never look at that gold Prometheus statue the same way again.

The High Line

What happens when you turn an old elevated freight rail into a dreamy urban park? You get The High Line, an art-filled, wildflower-lined walkway with skyline views and serious main character vibes. Winding through the West Side from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards, it’s where locals take lunch breaks, tourists take photos, and everyone pretends they’re not winded from the stairs.

There’s something surreal about being eye-level with penthouses and rooftop gardens while munching on gelato from a pop-up stand. And yes, it’s the only place in the city where you’ll spot both wild bees and Louis Vuitton bags within five feet of each other.

To get the full story behind this reimagined space, book the From Chelsea to Hudson Yards: NYC’s Coolest Neighborhoods Tour. It’s history, architecture, and skyline selfies all in one swoop.

Grand Central Terminal

More than a train station, Grand Central Terminal is a full-blown architectural fantasy with a ceiling that makes you forget your train’s delayed. Its whispering gallery, chandeliers, and celestial mural are iconic—and the four-faced opal clock? Pure Instagram bait. 

Commuters rush through it daily, but take a moment to actually look up, and you’ll see why it’s one of the city’s best-kept in-plain-sight treasures. Even if you’re not catching a train, it’s worth stopping in just to feel the hum of old-school New York elegance.

Make it even more magical with the Grand Central Terminal: Private Tour with SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. You’ll get hidden history and wrap it all up with sky-high views.

Washington Square Park

Tucked into the heart of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is where offbeat charm and NYC history collide under the gaze of its iconic marble arch. The vibe here is a little rebellious, a little academic, and totally magnetic—thanks to its NYU-adjacent energy and ever-rotating cast of characters.

You might stumble upon a free piano concert, a public poetry reading, or a dog-walker wrangling 12 perfectly behaved corgis. It’s also one of the best places to sit, people-watch, and contemplate how to pull off that effortlessly cool Villager aesthetic.

Whether you’re chilling by the fountain or just soaking in the bohemian buzz, this park proves public spaces can still feel personal in the middle of the city.

Where to Learn, Gasp, and Feel Very Cultured

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

If you’ve ever wondered what 5,000 years of human creativity looks like under one roof, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is your answer—and yes, it’s as impressive as it sounds. With everything from Egyptian mummies and medieval armor to Van Gogh’s self-portraits and American fashion exhibits, The Met isn’t just a museum—it’s a time machine with a gift shop. 

Sprawling across the edge of Central Park, the building itself feels like an epic artifact, and the rooftop garden? The cherry on top (with views, of course). Even if art history wasn’t your thing in school, The Met makes culture ridiculously captivating.

Want to skip the lines and actually understand what you’re looking at? Book The MET Tour – Metropolitan Museum of Art Skip-the-Line Guided Tour or level up with The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Private 2-hour MET Guided Tour for a deep dive that won’t leave you lost in the Greek and Roman wing for hours.

American Museum of Natural History

A favorite among dino-loving kids and grown-ups who never outgrew their space obsession, the American Museum of Natural History is four city blocks of whoa. From a 94-foot-long blue whale hanging from the ceiling to interactive exhibits on human evolution, this museum is packed with more jaw-dropping moments than a sci-fi film marathon. 

The Rose Center for Earth and Space alone is worth the visit—hello, giant glowing planetarium! Bonus: it’s also the setting for Night at the Museum, so yes, you’re basically on a movie set.

The American Museum of Natural History offers a fun, educational break from the chaos of the city. And with over 32 million specimens, it’s impossible to walk out without learning something new.

United Nations Headquarters

Few places in New York can transport you out of the city and into the center of global diplomacy like the United Nations Headquarters. Located along the East River, this international zone within NYC is where world leaders debate, negotiate, and occasionally throw subtle shade during speeches. 

The guided tours here walk you through major chambers like the Security Council and General Assembly—and trust us, it’s just as fascinating as it sounds. The artwork, gifts from nations around the world, and peace-centric exhibits remind you that New York isn’t just America’s city—it’s the world’s.

It’s a quieter kind of landmark, but one that leaves a big impression (and a surprising amount of trivia you’ll want to name-drop later).

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Smack in the middle of the Midtown madness, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture that feels like a moment of calm in the chaos. Towering spires, rose windows, and vaulted ceilings create a jaw-dropping contrast to the steel-and-glass skyscrapers that surround it. 

Inside, the silence is golden—seriously, it feels like the building knows how loud the city is and is politely rebelling. Whether you’re here for spiritual reasons or just architectural admiration, it’s a must-see.

Want the full experience? Plug into the St. Patrick’s Cathedral Official Self-Guided Audio Tour and explore at your own pace with stories that bring this sacred space to life.

Carnegie Hall

It’s not just a concert venue—it’s Carnegie Hall, a bucket list stage for everyone from classical legends to pop icons. Since 1891, this red velvet-draped space has hosted performances that go down in history, from Tchaikovsky’s U.S. debut to The Beatles’ first American gig.

The acoustics? Flawless. The aura? Dramatic in the best way. Even if you don’t catch a performance, just standing in the space gives you that “I’m fancy now” feeling—and honestly, we’re here for it.

So…How Many of These Iconic NYC Spots Have You Already Checked Off?

Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, NYC landmarks have a funny way of making you feel like you’re seeing them for the very first time. With so many iconic locations in NYC to explore, the real challenge is narrowing down your list without breaking your budget (or your will to walk).

That’s where a little planning magic comes in—build your dream itinerary, score unbeatable deals, and simplify the chaos by bundling your trip with vacation packages through Tripster. From skip-the-line passes to skyline views and unforgettable Broadway moments, New York City attractions, shows, and hotels are all easier to book when it’s one-and-done.

The city may never sleep, but that doesn’t mean your trip should stress you out! Start booking, start packing—and get ready to make your main character moment in NYC unforgettable!

What Are The NYC Landmarks FAQs?