Discover New York’s Icons: 10 Must-See Spots for Every Traveler

New York City’s landmarks are iconic for a reason—each represents a unique piece of the city’s heart and history. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, these ten must-visit sites promise unforgettable experiences. Here’s a deeper dive into each location and how Around Travel tours can enrich your visit.

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

The Met is more than a museum; it’s a journey through human civilization. This institution, located on Fifth Avenue, spans three city blocks and contains over two million works, from Egyptian artifacts and European paintings to Islamic art and modern photography. Highlights include the Temple of Dendur, an ancient Egyptian temple gifted to the U.S., and Van Gogh’s self-portrait. Art lovers can lose themselves here for hours, exploring cultures and epochs from every corner of the globe. 

Around Travel’s in-app audio tour offers a curated experience, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the Met’s celebrated collections.

2. 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum stands as a powerful tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001. The reflecting pools, set within the footprints of the Twin Towers, offer a place of quiet contemplation, while the museum tells the story of that tragic day through artifacts, recordings, and personal stories. Visiting this site can be an emotional journey, one that reminds us of the resilience and unity of New Yorkers and people worldwide. 

With Around Travel’s museum ticket and audio tour, you can gain access and navigate this solemn space with insights into each exhibit, enhancing the experience of remembrance.

3. American Museum of Natural History

This museum is a wonderland for curious minds, offering a journey through natural and human history. From the towering T-Rex skeleton in the fossil halls to the mesmerizing Hayden Planetarium, the museum appeals to all ages. Visitors can explore immersive dioramas featuring animal habitats, trace human evolution, and learn about far-off galaxies. 

Around Travel offers special tours with tickets that dive deep into each hall’s fascinating stories, providing an educational experience for kids and adults alike.

4. Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is the epitome of luxury and style. This iconic shopping street is home to flagship stores of high-end brands like Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, and Louis Vuitton, alongside historical landmarks such as St. Patrick's Cathedral and the New York Public Library. Whether you’re shopping or just taking in the opulence, this avenue offers a glimpse into NYC’s upscale side. 

Around Travel’s Fifth Avenue audio tour provides exclusive insights into the history and architecture of this legendary street.

5. Times Square

The energy of Times Square is unmatched. Bright digital billboards, street performers, bustling crowds, and neon lights define this entertainment mecca. From catching a Broadway show to taking memorable photos, Times Square is alive at any hour of the day. You can feel the heartbeat of New York here, where the city truly never sleeps. 

Join Around Travel for an audio tour of Times Square to soak in the lights and learn about its fascinating transformation over the decades.

6. Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center, with its art deco architecture and iconic ice rink, is a NYC landmark that has captured the hearts of many. The Top of the Rock observation deck provides spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, while Radio City Music Hall hosts legendary performances. During winter, the center’s massive Christmas tree and ice rink add a festive charm. 

Book an Around Travel tour to explore the center’s historical significance, with access to the best viewpoints and local insights.

7. Empire State Building

An enduring symbol of NYC, the Empire State Building offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the city from its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. This Art Deco skyscraper, completed in 1931, is a marvel of architecture and engineering. Whether you visit at sunrise, sunset, or nighttime, the view is always spectacular. 

Around Travel’s exclusive access tickets ensure you skip the lines and fully enjoy your experience atop this NYC icon.

8. The Guggenheim Museum

Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim Museum is both a masterpiece of modern architecture and a premier art museum. Its spiral ramp, winding from the ground floor to the top, is an experience in itself. The collection spans impressionist, post-impressionist, modern, and contemporary art, with notable pieces from Kandinsky, Picasso, and Pollock. 

Around Travel offers museum access and in-depth tours that explore both the artwork and the architectural marvel of the Guggenheim.

9. Central Park

Spanning 843 acres, Central Park is a lush escape in the heart of Manhattan. It offers trails, lakes, and historic sites like Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle, and the Central Park Zoo. With its wide lawns and hidden gems, it’s the ideal spot for a picnic, bike ride, or a peaceful walk. 

Around Travel’s Central Park tours take you to both popular and secluded areas, revealing the park’s rich history and famous movie locations.

10. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

A visit to NYC isn’t complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, two sites that embody the American spirit. A ferry ride takes you to Liberty Island, where you can view Lady Liberty up close and even climb to her crown. On Ellis Island, the immigration museum offers moving stories of those who arrived seeking new lives. 

Around Travel provides entrance tickets with ferry access, giving you more time to explore these landmarks at your own pace.


Each of these sites is an essential part of the New York experience, showcasing different facets of the city’s culture, history, and beauty. To make your trip seamless, Around Travel offers curated tours of each destination, designed to enrich your experience with insights and exclusive access to New York’s most iconic attractions.

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