New York City is one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the United States with many iconic landmarks.
It is an entertainment and financial hub and a city with a rich culture that includes different styles of architecture and art.
There are so many iconic New York City landmarks that it is hard to choose just a few.
Each of these historic buildings and monuments has its own story and appeal, making them worth visiting no matter where you’re staying in the city.
If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, our Travel Makes Me Happy team has compiled a list of famous landmarks you can’t miss!
Each location has a rich history and has played a significant role in shaping New York City into the global city it is today.
We also compiled our favorite restaurants in our Foodie’s Guide to New York City that can help you plan your adventure!
TIP: We love to use the NYC Hop on Hop off bus (and sightseeing pass) and think you get the best value out of it in New York. The great thing about all of these iconic places is that you can get to them (and so many others) with the bus and using the We’ve used this on so many vacations that we included it in our 9 Travel Tips Article and mention it whenever we have used it in a city that we are writing about.
Iconic NYC Landmarks that You Won’t Want to Miss
1. The Iconic Central Park
Central Park is a renowned manmade public park in Manhattan. It was created in 1776 as part of the Commissioners’ Plan of New York City.
Today, it is one of the city’s most frequently visited tourist destinations and features an array of attractions such as a zoo, a botanical garden, lakeside promenades, and performance spaces.
A stroll or carriage ride through the iconic New York gem, Central Park is a must-do on anyone’s NYC itinerary. If you’re visiting in the winter months, you can lace up your skates and glide across Wollman Rink.
We also love Central Park’s fall colors!
2. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is the most recognized part of New York City’s skyline.
The skyscraper has 102 stories and is 1,454 feet high, so it was the tallest building in the world from 1931 to 1970.
The 86th Floor Observatory offers a breathtaking view of Manhattan below. It’s the city’s highest open-air observation deck and what most people expect to find when they go up for this amazing experience.
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3. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty National Monument is one of the most iconic and well-known landmarks in New York and is usually on the list of things to see when visiting the city for the first time.
Also nicknamed Lady Liberty, this monument was a gift of democracy from France to the United States. It’s one of the universal symbols of democracy and definitely an iconc New York City “must-do”.
You can take the Staten Island Ferry to get a great view of Lady Liberty.
4. Ellis Island
Ellis Island paved the way for millions of immigrants to enter the United States and has become an iconic NYC landmark.
The island opened to immigrants on January 1, 1892, and quickly became a popular destination for those seeking a new start in life.
Though Ellis Island may not appear large on a map, it has been an unparalleled destination in the United States history, welcoming more than 12 million immigrants.
Today, Ellis Island is a museum open to visitors who wish to learn more about America’s history and its role in welcoming people from all over the world.
5. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River and connects Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn.
This iconic Bridge is one of the most recognizable parts of the New York City skyline.
A huge crowd gathered on May 24, 1883, to watch the bridge’s opening ceremony. The bridge opened to the public just before midnight, and more than 150,000 people streamed across it over the next 24 hours.
The Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world for more than 20 years. It remained that way until the Williamsburg Bridge opened in 1903.
6. Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center complex is a large, 19-building commercial complex located in Midtown Manhattan.
Be sure to see the New York skyline views from the Top of the Rock observation deck.
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is one of the most popular New York City holiday activities.
The best time to skate is in December, when you can see the illuminated Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
Tourists and New Yorkers alike love ice skating at The Rockefeller Center. Over half a million visitors visit the rink each year to skate and people-watch.
7. Times Square New York
The New York Times relocated its headquarters to Times Square in 1904, so the area became known as “The Crossroads of the World.”
Times Square is one of the busiest tourist areas in the United States, with 330,000 people passing through its neighborhood daily.
Times Square has been one of the most iconic places to visit for many years.
The area is also well-known for its numerous Broadway theatres and restaurants.
It features several large and bright marquees that display advertisements and Broadway theaters like the iconic Coca-Cola sign, which originally debuted in 1920. The company installed a new sign in 2017.
8. Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station is an iconic New York City landmark and one of the most famous stations in the world.
The station is located in Midtown Manhattan, with construction completed in 1871.
The station serves as a central transportation hub for commuters in New York City, and it is also a popular tourist destination.
Grand Central Station is architecturally impressive, with intricate details and an imposing facade.
The Main Concourse’s celestial ceiling features the 12 zodiac constellations.
The Grand Central Information Booth Clock is an impressive piece of art, estimated to be worth more than $20 million.
There are also many great places to eat within the terminal!
9. One World Trade Center
At Ground Zero, the site of the former World Trade Center complex is now home to the spectacular One World Trade Center.
The entire area is a dedication to the lives lost on September 11. The aim is to create an environment that accurately represents what existed before the destruction and pays tribute to the lives lost.
The One World Trade Center is 1,776 feet tall, referencing the Declaration of Independence. It’s the tallest building in the western hemisphere. The building officially opened in October 2014, 13 years after the Twin Towers collapsed.
We had a solemn and emotionally moving experience visiting the complex and it is definitely an iconic landmark worth visiting when you are in New York. You can take a tour of the One World Observatory and Trade Center or just walk around the complex.
NYC Sightseeing Pass 1 Pass to 90 NYC Attractions
10. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is a world-renowned art museum on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City.
It was founded by collector and philanthropist Solomon R. Guggenheim, who bequeathed his entire collection of over 8,000 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from 1905 to 1966.
The museum has been open since October 21, 1955. Their permanent collection is amazing, but the traveling exhibits are definitely worth checking out when in town as well.
11. Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum opened its doors on April 13, 1870. The Met’s collection quickly outgrew its space at the museum.
In 1873, the museum was moved to the Douglas Mansion, a large estate at the time. The museum remained there until builders completed its permanent location in 1879.
Many paintings and sculptures are displayed at the institution; they stand out for art lovers due to their historical or artistic value.
Highlights include Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware and Van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses.
The Met is definitely a New York icon! The collection is amazing as well as the large Egyptian art section.
The cafe is also a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the museum.
12. Iconic Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is the most arguably famous street in the entire country, crossing the whole of Manhattan from north to south. It is home to many expensive retail spaces.
You can find several historical landmarks along Fifth Avenue, including Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Plaza Hotel.
13. 42nd Street
There is plenty to explore along the famous 42nd Street, which runs through Midtown Manhattan and Hell’s Kitchen.
You can see many notable buildings like the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, New Amsterdam Theatre, Holy Cross Church, and many other famous buildings.
Don’t forget to try a food tour in Hell’s Kitchen while you’re there!
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14. New York Public Library Main Branch
The New York Public Library Main Branch is an iconic New York City landmark that has been a fixture of the city skyline for over 130 years.
McKim, Mead, and White designed the building, opening in 1897. It’s worth a visit so you can enjoy the beautiful marble facades and intricate woodwork. The Main Branch is also home to the Museum of Modern Art, founded in 1929 in the building’s basement.
If you want to read more about iconic New York spots Check out the totally updated Frommer’s New York City Day by Day Guide
15. Flatiron Building
Completed in 1902, the Flatiron Building is a 22-story steel frame building with a wedge-shaped design that fits perfectly into its triangular plot on Broadway and Fifth Avenue.
Designed by architect Daniel Burnham, the Flatiron Building is a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture. You probably recognize the building because it’s been featured in several films like Godzilla and the Spider-Man trilogy.
Final Thoughts on these Iconic New York Landmarks
New York City boasts some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center. These famous New York City landmarks are known for their unique looks, architecture, and historical significance.
We love New York City and many things make it a great place to visit. There are numerous iconic NYC landmarks that you can’t miss if you’re planning a trip to New York City! Each one is a must-see for any visitor to the city, and they’re all fantastic in their unique way.
Do you plan on visiting any of these iconic locations?
Travel Resources and Activities
Check out the NYC Prices page of The Sightseeing Pass to see all of the different entry fees included and things to do.
With all of the walking you will need really comfortable shoes! We have a review of our favorite travel shoes to help.
Also check out some of our Empty Nest Travel Tips for a new Adventure