The city that never sleeps: New York is one of the most popular cities in the world. With its 8 million inhabitants New York attracts around 50 million visitors from all over the world to the metropolis every year. There are numerous landmarks to visit, museums to see and tours to undertake. Is this your first time in New York? Discover what you must have seen in New York.
The Empire State Building is one of the top attractions and its silhouette is still a dominant feature of the New York skyline today. The 400 meter skyscraper is located directly in Manhattan on Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Street. Until 1972 the Empire State Building was considered the tallest building in the world. Today it is mainly used commercially and only on the 86th and 102nd floors are the viewing platforms which provide a breathtaking view of the city. With the New York City, which is one of the discount passes for New York, you can look forward to free admission.
The Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River and is the connection between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Of the 65 bridges in New York it is probably one of the most famous and is considered a landmark of New York. It was planned by the engineer John A. Roebling and completed in 1883 by his son and daughter-in-law. The walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must and one of the most beautiful activities in New York! Look forward to the great view over East River, Brooklyn and Manhattan. If you want to take a souvenir photo of the bridge itself visit Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The Central Park is a city park in the heart of Manhattan. Probably the most famous green space of a metropolis and one of the most worth seeing destinations in New York. The extensive green areas invite you to picnic and relax. Basketball and baseball are played on the sports fields in Central Parks, ice skating on the Wollman Rink and children enjoy the zoo's wildlife. The most popular activities in Central Park? A bicycle tour, a visit to the zoo or a boat trip on the lake "The Lake".
The Statue of Liberty of New York is on Liberty Island, in New York Harbor. Her official name is Statue of Liberty and she is also a New York landmark. The Americans also call her Lady Liberty. It was a gift from the French to the Americans on the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Still today in 2020 it is the symbol of freedom and is one of the most important sights in New York. Cross over to Liberty Island on a boat tour, visit the special exhibition and book tickets for the ascent in Krone. Travel tip: Tickets for the crown must be booked at least three months in advance.
The Rockefeller Center is a building complex consisting of 14 skyscrapers, which extends over three blocks. It is located between the famous Fifth Avenue and the Avenue of the Americas, West 47th Street and 52nd Street. The viewing platform on the 70th floor, which is called the Top of the Rock, promises an incredible view of the skyline of New York's inclsuive Empire State Building. Another highlight is the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink. The ice rink is one of the most popular attractions in winter and especially at Christmas an attraction not to be missed.
The boat trips to Liberty Island also cross Ellis Island. The small island has written history. It was the first stop for all immigrants who wanted to live the American Dream. Here it was decided who was allowed to immigrate. Tickets for the boat trip to Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum are included in the New York Pass and Explorer Pass.
The new One World Trade Center is located on the square also known as Ground Zero. The new skyscraper replaces the twin towers of the old World Trade Center, which were destroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The One World Trade Center was officially opened in 2014 and is one of the tallest buildings in the world at 514 meters, which is a size of 1776 feet. This is symbolic of the year of American independence. In May 2015 the One World Observatory opened a viewing platform that extends over the 100th-102nd floor. It offers a 360° panoramic view of all five districts of New York. In addition to the viewing platform the building houses 80,000 square metres of office space and a restaurant.
The National 9/11 Memorial is a memorial to the victims of 9/11 and the 1993 bombings, whose memorial was destroyed by the attacks of September 11 in 2011. The National 9/11 Memorial, officially named Reflecting Absence, consists of two basins that occupy the site where the Twin Towers once stood. They have a copper border in which the names of all victims have been engraved. Below the National 9/11 Memorial you will find two memorial rooms and a museum.
The High Line Park is probably one of the most interesting places in Manhattan. The former freight train track extends from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District up to 34th Street between 10th and 11th Avenue and offers a 2.33 km long park. The city's plans actually envisaged the demolition of the freight train route. But after a citizens' initiative the High Line was converted into a new green space in hectic New York. Whether relaxing in the lunch break or exploring off the beaten track, the High Line Park is one of the most popular destinations for locals and tourists alike and delights with a wide range of activities.
At the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue in the middle of the Theater District is Times Square. One of the main attractions and most popular sights of New York. Whether theatres, restaurants, fast-food chains, hotels or companies such as MTV Studios, Sony, Virgin Records and the technology exchange NASDAQ, Times Square brings them all together. With its flickering neon signs, sparkling lights and bright colours it attracts the crowds especially in the evening. A special highlight is the annual New Year's Eve party. It is probably the most famous New Year celebration in the world. Millions of people follow the ball drop 60 seconds before the New Year and get in the mood to sing the New Year's song Auld Lang Syne. A travel tip for New York on New Year's Eve!
There is no best time to travel in New York. Every season gives the metropolis a unique flair. The temperature fluctuations are quite extreme. In winter freezing cold and snow are not uncommon at temperatures as low as -10°C. In summer, however, it is rather hot and humid and temperatures can rise to over 30°C. The best time to travel to New York is from April to June and from August to October. At this time of the year the temperatures are pleasantly warm and you can discover many outdoor attractions.
Fifth Avenue is probably the most famous shopping mile in the fashion metropolis of New York. World-famous designers like Prada, Calvin Klein or Dolce & Gabbana shake hands here. Retail chains such as Hollister, Apple, and H&M also invite you to take a shopping tour here. Another interesting place for shopping fanatics: the Meatpacking District. The girls from Sex and the City already went on extensive shopping trips here. If you like it a little hipper, you will find yourself in artistic Soho. Mango, Zara, Topshop or the new flagship store from Nike let your credit card glow here. Please remember: if the value of your imported goods exceeds the amount of 430€, you have to pay tax on the value afterwards!
Finest food, market hall flair and culinary delights wherever the eye looks. Over 4,5000 square meters of genuine Italian lifestyle right in the middle of New York City. The Italian food market chain Eataly is located in the Flatiron district and makes the heart of every Italy lover beat faster. Whether ham, cheese, pizza, tasty desserts, the best olive oils or an endless variety of pasta - Eataly is a real treat. For shopping or feasting, from Italian gelato, Nutella Bar to steak and homemade pasta, you are always welcome here. A paradise for every bon vivant and one of the best places to eat in New York!
Every country has its own customs, as is the case with tips. While in Asia tips are unusual and in some countries count as a real "no go", in Germany they are a matter of course with good service. The situation is different with the Americans. Here, waiters, taxi drivers, hairdressers, porters and many more depend on tips, as they use this money to pay for their own insurance, for example. On average, people in New York tip 15-20% . Are you particularly satisfied with the service also more. It is advisable to always have small dollar bills at hand. Change or loose change is frowned upon in New York.
There's a lot of action here! Whether in Fort Greene or Williamsburg, every Saturday from April to November there is a huge flea market with all kinds of antiques, handicrafts, vinatge fashion and dozens of food stalls. The flea market in Williamsburg is located directly on the banks of the East River. The Fort Green flea market is located at 176 Lafayette Ave. The flea markets are definitely worth a visit and a real insider tip!
The rooftop bars in New York are a real highlight and a must for an exciting nightlife in the Big Apple. On the roof of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Times Square by Marriott is the highest rooftop bar in New York, the Sky Room Bar. It is divided into five different areas: the Candlelight Lounge, the Cuba Balcony, the Times Square Lounge, the North Terrace and the South Terrace. At a height of 120 meters you have a breathtaking 360° panoramic view over Times Square and the Empire State Building. Even when it rains in New York, the Sky Room Bar with its retractable glass roof is the perfect place to spend an unforgettable night in NYC.
All activities, tours and tickets in New York See the complete list
