10 must-see places in New York for your first trip

Are you planning your first trip to the Big Apple and feel overwhelmed by the endless possibilities? Don’t worry! We’re here to guide you through the top must-see spots in New York City that are essential for your itinerary. These are the places that should definitely be on your radar!

Imagine the excitement as you book your flight to New York City, a dream finally coming true. Yet, along with that thrill, you may feel lost, like a deer caught in the headlights. Fear not! It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed: NYC is a vast city, and figuring out where to start can be daunting.

We've already shared 100 things to see and do in New York and alternative plans, but if your time is limited or you prefer to focus on the main attractions, this guide is tailored just for you 😉. Also, check out the Go City Pass for great savings on attractions, and enjoy a 5% discount with the code ‘MOCHILEANDO’!

Top spots to visit in New York City

1. Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock, located in the Rockefeller Center, stands at an impressive 260 meters. This panoramic viewpoint features two observation decks, making it an exceptional place to soak in the breathtaking sights of New York City. With the entire city sprawling beneath you, the experience is nothing short of exhilarating. It’s undeniable why it’s one of the most popular attractions!

Many tourists opt for the Empire State Building instead, but here’s the catch: from the Empire, you can’t see its iconic silhouette. That’s why we prefer Top of the Rock as our favorite observation point and one of the best places to visit in New York.

• Tip: If possible, visit both, but if you have to choose, go with Top of the Rock.
• Price: $42 at the gate. You can also book in advance here. It's free with the Go City Pass and New York Pass (which are worth considering).
• Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza

2. Central Park: A Green Oasis in NYC

How many times have you seen Central Park featured in films? Virtually every movie shot in New York has a scene set in this iconic park, the green heart of Manhattan. Entering its winding paths will feel oddly familiar. Don’t miss out on visiting two of the city’s most spectacular museums located nearby: the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• Two tips: First, dedicate at least half a day to explore this green sanctuary. Second, consider renting a bike to see more of the park efficiently.
• Price: Free! The American Museum of Natural History and the Met are included in both the Go City Pass and the New York Pass.

3. Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn is one of the five boroughs of New York City, and it’s one of our favorites! If you have a whole day to explore this "city within a city," we recommend checking out our itinerary for a day in Brooklyn. But if you’re short on time? You can’t skip Brooklyn! Make sure to walk across the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge.

Spanning 1,826 meters, this iconic bridge offers stunning views as you cross the East River from Brooklyn to Lower Manhattan. Take your time; the sights from the bridge are unforgettable and definitely rank in the top three must-visit places in New York.

• Price: Free!

4. Walking the High Line

The High Line is one of the most surprising places in New York City. Many may have never heard of it, but it’s an urban park built on the elevated rails of a former railway line. Here, you’ll find beautiful green spaces, accessible art galleries, and unexpected delights.

Spanning 2.3 km, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Chelsea and Meatpacking Districts while being surrounded by nature amid the concrete jungle. Recently, a new neighborhood called Hudson Yards has emerged at its northern end, featuring The Vessel, an eye-catching structure full of stairs that you must not miss. You’ll also find many of Kobra’s best works here.

• Price: Free!

5. Experience Times Square

Times Square is a dazzling spectacle of lights and energy that never sleeps. No matter when you visit, you’ll find an incredible buzz of life. We recommend two visits: one during the day and another at night when Times Square truly shines in all its glory.

What better way to cap off a fantastic day than catching a Broadway show in the Theatre District? Our dream? The Lion King (last time we were in New York, we won the lottery for Broadway tickets to see it! What a dream come true).

• Price: Free!

6. Taking the Staten Island Ferry

There are two great reasons to take the ferry to Staten Island: the stunning views of Lower Manhattan as you drift away from the city, and the sight of the Statue of Liberty appearing on your left as you approach. And did we mention it’s free? If that’s not a good enough reason, then we don’t know what is!

Alternatively, consider joining this tour to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, home to a fascinating Immigration Museum. Highly recommended!

• Where: Board at Lower Manhattan's Whitehall Terminal to reach the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island. Check the schedule.
• Price: Free!

7. Sign up for the Contrasts Tour

For us, one of the most fascinating tours in New York is the Contrasts Tour. Over half a day, you’ll get to see the diverse realities of NYC, as it’s clear that NYC is not just Manhattan!

This engaging sightseeing tour explores various neighborhoods, each with distinct cultural, economic, architectural, and social characteristics. Generally, it includes areas such as the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, allowing visitors to experience the unique diversity and contrasts that exist in New York.

• Price: For more info and reservations, check here.

8. Spend Sunday in Harlem (Gospel Mass and Brunch)

If your visit to New York coincides with a Sunday, mark this experience down. Step 1: wake up early, as you’ll want to arrive at church on time. A church? Yes! You’re going to attend a Gospel Mass, a truly unique experience.

After singing, dancing, and maybe shedding a tear (it’s incredibly moving), Step 2 is brunch at one of the many soul food restaurants in Harlem, where you can savor mouthwatering southern cuisine. Our recommendation? Chicken and waffles – you won’t regret it!

To walk off that hearty brunch, take a stroll through one of Manhattan’s most unique neighborhoods. If you prefer not to explore alone, we recommend joining this guided tour of Harlem + Gospel Mass, or even better, this combined contrasts and gospel tour.

• Price: The mass is free; brunch costs about $15-20 per person.
• Where: Mass at Bethel Gospel Assembly and brunch at Amy’s Ruth.

9. Get Lost in the West Village

The West Village is one of the most characteristic neighborhoods in Manhattan, and you can’t miss it. Here, you can see the Friends building, Carrie Bradshaw's home from Sex and the City, sample some of the best pizza in the city, enjoy delicious cupcakes, and listen to street musicians at Washington Square. The Village is truly a gem!

• Price: Free!

10. Street Art in Bushwick

If you love street art as much as we do, you must visit Bushwick. This neighborhood has transformed from an area to avoid to a hipster haven and tourist hotspot.

If you have a full day to explore Brooklyn, check out our guide on what to do when you have little time and want to see it all. It was one of our highlights in the city and certainly belongs on this must-visit list in New York.

• Price: Free!

More places to see in New York City

While these may not be in the top 10 (there’s so much to see in New York that some must be left out), we’d like to mention four more spots that are also ideal, especially for a first-time visitor: Little Italy, Chinatown, Lower Manhattan (Financial District), and Midtown Manhattan (where you can find Bryant Park, the Public Library, Grand Central Station, and the Chrysler Building).

Mini Guide to Visiting New York

Before you wrap up, here are some traveler tips that will surely come in handy during your visit:

Where to Stay in New York

Check out our recommendations for affordable accommodations in New York, along with the best neighborhoods to stay (and which to avoid).

Where to Eat in New York

Another great experience in the city that never sleeps is discovering its foodie side. Believe it or not, there’s so much more to try than hot dogs and glazed donuts. We’ve prepared a couple of articles that will surely benefit you (and your wallet too):

• Where to eat cheap in New York
• Typical food of the United States

Info and Tips for Visiting New York

Lastly, we recommend checking out our travel guide to New York, where you’ll find everything you need to know for an amazing trip to the Big Apple. If you prefer to get straight to the point, take a look at our post on tips for traveling to New York.

So there you have it, our top 10 must-visit places in New York for your first trip (or second, or tenth!). Of course, there’s so much more to discover, but these ten experiences will provide the perfect starting point!

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