Historical places in New York City that you have to visit

Published: May 16, 2024
Historical places in New York City that you have to visit

The city that never sleeps, New York, is all about cultural diversity and freedom, and it's a dream destination for many young people looking for fun. Over 8 million people call it home, making it a veritable melting pot of unique cultures living side-by-side.

It's also one of the oldest cities in America, primarily due to its location on the east coast. But which are the most historical places in New York City? Here are our picks of all the ones you have to visit!

Including:

  • Statue of Liberty
  • Central Park
  • Ellis Island
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Empire State Building
  • and more!
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Statue of Liberty

One of the most recognizable landmarks on Earth, the Statue of Liberty is a must-see attraction. Visitors can always take a ferry to Liberty Island to explore the statue and enjoy stunning city views.

The statue was designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, and gifted to the United States by France over 130 years ago. The statue's tablet reads "July IV MDCCLXXVI", representing the date of America's independence.

It's visited by millions of people annually and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the United States.

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Central Park

Spanning 840 acres, Central Park is a beautiful urban oasis in the heart of New York City. Visitors can explore the park's many paths, trails, lakes, gardens, and famous landmarks, including the Central Park Zoo and the Belvedere Castle.

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Ellis Island

Ellis Island is the site of the former immigration station that served as the gateway to America for millions of immigrants between 1892 and 1954.

Today, visitors can explore the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and learn about the experiences of these immigrants.

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9/11 Memorial and Museum

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum honors the victims of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Visitors can pay their respects at the memorial pools and explore the museum's exhibits, which detail the tragic day's events.

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Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic photogenic symbol of New York City and a must-visit attraction. You can walk or bike across the bridge and enjoy stunning city skyline views if you visit.

It is one of the most visited tourists very often and is considered the most photographed location in history.

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Empire State Building

Another iconic landmark of New York City, the Empire State Building, is a must-visit attraction. The elevator can take you to the observation deck on the 86th floor to enjoy breathtaking city views. The building is 1,454 feet (443.2 meters) tall, including its antenna.

The impressive fact about the empire state building is that It took only 410 days of construction to complete the installation. The building features in many films, including King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. It remained the tallest building until 1971 when the World Trade Center was built.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's most extensive art museums. Visitors can explore its extensive collection of art and artifacts worldwide, including works by famous artists like Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso.

New York is a great hangout destination for school and college students, and they can explore the parts of NYC while staying at affordable student housing in NYC.

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The Met Cloisters

The Met Cloisters is a museum of art and architecture located in Upper Manhattan. It houses an extensive medieval art and architecture collection, including illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, and religious artifacts.

Visitors can explore the museum's gardens and enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River. Art students staying in student accommodations in New York can always take advantage of learning the beauty of this city.

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The Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building in New York City is the most famous landmark. Built in 1902, the Flatiron building is known for its distinctive triangular shape and is a favorite spot for photographers.

The Flatiron District's landmark is precisely known because of The Flatiron Building. It is a great place to learn about New York in depth; there is so much history and many different stories to fill your travel bucket list.

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The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is one of the city's most iconic buildings. Visitors can explore its extensive collections of books and artifacts and enjoy the beautiful architecture and design of the building.

It is the second-largest public library in the United States, and with an astounding architectural design, it is worth the time you invest in discovering past beauty.

A valuable life lesson that young adults can learn is the fast-paced lifestyle in New York City, where its magnificence lies in how it operates. Living in New York City teaches the essential qualities of acceptance and embracing new beginnings, allowing individuals to strive towards becoming their best selves without being held back by their past.

If you want to get into many of the above locations, and many many more, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass For one low price, you'll get into tons of New York's best bits!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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10+ Things to Do in NYC for College Students & Ways to Save Today

As the biggest city in the nation and one of the world's most important centers for everything from finance to fashion, New York City is a hot spot for tourists from around the globe. Bustling with diverse cultural life and a vibrant youth scene, The Big Apple is one of the most exciting destinations for college students. Not to mention the fact that NYC's vibrant nightlife is almost unparalleled (they don't call it The City that Never Sleeps for nothing!). Contrary to what you may have heard, New York attractions can be enjoyed on a college budget. So check out our list of the top places to visit in New York for college students! Save on Attraction Admission With a New York City Explorer Pass®, you can visit some of these great attractions all while saving up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. The New York City Explorer Pass® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum This contemporary attraction is one of the most popular sites for students visiting New York and it's conveniently located right in bustling Times Square. The wax statues of your favorite celebrities (from Bieber to Obama) are so life-like that you can fool your friends with photo ops! Getting In: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are available as an option with the New York City Explorer Pass. Dave & Buster's This restaurant, bar, and the action-packed arcade is NYC's prime place to eat, drink, and play. Dave & Buster's features over 200 video games, fantastic American bar food, and an endless drink menu—what else could a college student ask for? Getting in: Dave & Buster's features a variety of options, from just dining or just playing games to combo packages with savings. Ellen's Stardust Diner This retro '50s diner takes dining to a new level with a talented staff of singing waiters that entertain you while you eat. In the heart of Times Square, Ellen's Stardust Diner is a great place to stop before (or after) your night on the town. Getting in: Ellen's Stardust Diner is open to the public. Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour This comprehensive tour is the best way to see some of the most iconic Central Park spots from all your favorite TV shows and movies. On this guided tour, you'll get to see recognizable featured in Trainwreck, Home Alone II, Breakfast at Tiffany's, When Harry Met Sally, The Smurfs, and lots more. Getting in: Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour tickets are an included attraction choice with the New York City Explorer Pass. St. Mark's Place This is more your style, budget-wise. For chic and cheap shopping, you can't beat St. Mark's Place in East Village. This shopping mecca attracts a young, eclectic crowd, as New York University is quite nearby. Getting in: St. Mark's Place is open to the public. Ripley's Believe It or Not NYC Be prepared to be a little weirded out...in a good way. Dubbed New York's most bizarre attraction, Ripley's is the perfect spot for college students seeking a little off-beat fun. Come face-to-face with strange relics like shrunken heads, and brace yourself for "sideshow wonders" like "The Incredible Lizard Man." Getting In: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! NYC admission is available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Other Music One of the few record stores still standing in NYC. If you're like most college kids, you're too cool for mainstream music. Lucky for you, Other Music, a small but overflowing shop in the hip East Village, has a heaping collection of alternative records and relics to peruse. Getting in: Other Music is open to the public. Check their site for upcoming events. Museum of Sex It's actually educational...really! You'd be hard-pressed to find a subject college students are more enthusiastic about. This progressive museum addresses a wide range of topics once considered taboo in order to present and preserve the history, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality. They also promote safe-sex practices. Getting in: Museum of Sex tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®. Please note: visitors must be at least 18 years of age. The Apple Store on Fifth Avenue Can't live without your newest "iGadget?" At the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue, you'll get lost in a world of cutting-edge featuring all your favorite Apple products. Remember, if you want to save big bucks on admission when visiting NYC, scoop up a New York Explorer Pass and save up to 50% vs. paying at the attraction. You can even use it on your smartphone!
Katie Sagal

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