Although not the capital, New York City is one of the most famous cities in the United States. You’ve probably heard of it since this city often appears in movies, TV series, and music videos. It’s no wonder New York is one of travelers’ dream destinations.
If you’re planning a trip to the United States, you might want to consider these popular tourist destinations in New York. Let’s find out what they are!
1. Times Square
Times Square is an intersection formed by the meeting of Broadway, Seventh Avenue, and 42nd Street. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Times Square has been considered the heart of New York City’s entertainment scene.
Times Square attracts about 50 million visitors annually. The massive digital billboards that shine 24 hours a day create stunning views and an atmosphere of a city that’s always alive.
Times Square Ambiance by AyoMotret Jakarta
Times Square is often the venue for major celebrations like the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to visit if you want to enjoy the crowds at Times Square. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit in the morning.
Read also: Major Public Holidays in the United States
2. Central Park
Central Park is an 843-hectare green space located in the middle of bustling Manhattan. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, and officially opened in 1876.
The park features a vast lawn (The Great Lawn), man-made lakes, waterfalls, and well-maintained gardens. It’s perfect if you need a “spot to zone out” after a tiring journey. Additionally, you can also hunt for photos at several famous spots, such as Bow Bridge or Bethesda Terrace.
A View of Central Park by AyoMotret Jakarta
The park has been a filming location for hundreds of movies, from Home Alone 2 to The Avengers, making it not just a recreational spot but also part of American popular culture.
Read also: Most Popular National Parks in the U.S.
3. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of American freedom and democracy. Standing majestically on Liberty Island at 93 meters tall (including the pedestal), this copper statue was a gift of friendship from France to the United States to commemorate America’s centennial of independence.
Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed millions of immigrants arriving in America through nearby Ellis Island. In 1984, the statue was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can climb to the crown of the statue to enjoy spectacular views of New York Harbor, although reservations are required well in advance.
4. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. Designed by John A. Roebling, the bridge opened on May 24, 1883, and became the world’s longest suspension bridge with a main span of 486 meters.
The bridge has a wide pedestrian walkway above the roadway, which can be used for walking or cycling while enjoying stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. An experience you must try is walking across this 1.8-kilometer bridge, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Brooklyn Bridge by AyoMotret Jakarta
5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as The MET, is the largest art museum in the United States and the most visited museum in the country. Located on Fifth Avenue at the edge of Central Park, the museum houses over 1.5 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of history from around the world.
In 2025, The MET was visited by more than 5.7 million visitors, showing steady recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Some must-see collections include Greek and Roman marble sculptures, Impressionist paintings, and the Egyptian Temple of Dendur.
Read more: 11 American Iconic Buildings
6. High Line
High Line is a unique 2.33-kilometer-long park built on an old railroad track on Manhattan’s West Side. The park stretches from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street near the Javits Center, passing through the Chelsea neighborhood.
The railroad was built in 1934 to transport meat and agricultural goods, but was abandoned in 1980. In 1999, local residents Joshua David and Robert Hammond formed Friends of the High Line, a nonprofit organization that transformed this historic structure into a public space.
Ambience of High Line by AyoMotret Jakarta
The park features winding pathways through greenery with over 500 plant species, innovative benches, contemporary art installations, and spectacular views of the Hudson River and New York City.
7. SoHo & Greenwich Village
SoHo (South of Houston Street) and Greenwich Village are two historic neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan famous for their artistic character and bohemian culture.
SoHo is renowned for its historic cast-iron buildings from the 19th century that once served as factories and warehouses. Today, SoHo has transformed into an upscale shopping district with designer boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Cobblestone streets like Prince Street and Spring Street are lined with international fashion stores and bustling cafes.
Greenwich Village is often called “The Village” by New Yorkers. In the 1950s and 1960s, this neighborhood became home to the beatnik movement, poets, writers, and jazz musicians.
If you enjoy walking, both neighborhoods are a must to explore. You’ll experience artistic vibes and discover interesting local shops.
Conclusion
These seven tourist destinations in New York are not only famous but also have unique characters and stories. All of this will be presented in a free exhibition collaboration between @america and AyoMotret Jakarta, showcasing the work of Indonesian photographers with personal perspectives on New York City.Don’t miss this exhibition! Come, see, and experience the vibes of New York City through inspiring photographs. Check the New York City photography exhibition schedule here.
