Historical places in New York City that you have to visit

By Dom Bewley
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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Things to do in Greenwich Village

Bursting with living history and culture, Manhattan’s Greenwich Village is perhaps best known for birthing both 1960s counterculture and the LGBTQ movement. Today, the neighborhood’s innovative nature lives on through its world-class attractions, captivating architecture, and anecdotal landmarks. From highly acclaimed galleries and eye-catching structures to historic theaters and beloved comedy clubs, this vibrant area of the city should offer more than enough to keep you busy. So, if you’re looking to explore The Village, have a read through our list of the best things to check out in the area. With Go City, you can see more, for less. Explore the Area Anybody who’s interested in the history of The Village should make a stop at the Stonewall Inn. Standing as one of the most culturally significant attractions of the area, the inn is known as the site of the 1969 riots that set the gay liberation movement into motion. Nowadays, the bar stands as both a somber reminder of the past and as a celebration of how far we’ve come. Whilst you’re there, why not also check out the Stonewall National Monument across the street? Deeply profound and incredibly important, the park is the first National Monument dedicated to LGBTQ rights and serves as a moving monument to remember the struggle for equality. New York is an architecture fan’s paradise, with Greenwich Village boasting some of the city’s most interesting structures. The perfect stop for design lovers and history buffs alike, the Ascension Church is known as the first church to be built on Fifth Avenue. Visitors can take guided tours to admire its remarkable high ceilings, elegant marble columns and stained-glass windows. With its fascinating history and striking features, this one should be on everyone’s itinerary. To take a break from all the buzz, grab a bite from a local food cart, and head over to Washington Square Park. Offering plenty of space and fresh air, this vibrant urban green space is a great place for spending time with friends and family. Whilst the park is perhaps best known for its emblematic marble arch, it has even more to offer past its historic landmarks. Recognized as a center of culture and activism, the area continues to serve as a meeting place for artists, performers and activists. Go for a casual stroll, have a picnic, or watch the sunset– the choice is yours! Find Interesting Things to Do New York presents a wealth of fantastic attractions, with some of its most unique institutes based in Greenwich Village. Standing out as the only institute of its kind in the city, the Museum of Illusions presents interactive and captivating exhibitions to deceive the eye. From kaleidoscopes and holograms to tiled and reverse rooms, the museum provides an intriguing visual experience which you might want to save some album space for. A little mind-boggling and a whole lot of fun, this place is great for those who are travelling with family. A visit to Greenwich Village isn’t complete without checking out the nightlife. For some drinks and deep belly laughs, head over to the Comedy Cellar. Since its founding in 1982, the club has become recognized as one of the best comedy destinations in the United States. Hosting a diverse lineup of big-name headliners and gifted up-and-comers, this place definitely lives up to its hype. With its pulsing energy, underground vibe and incredible atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the evening after a long day of touring. If you’re eager to locate film and TV sites around the Big Apple, the next item on our list might just be for you. Situated in the West Village, the original Friends apartment building stands as one of the most popular tourist attractions of the area. Whilst the inside is inhabited by New York natives (nope, not Monica or Rachel), the outside is more than enough to draw in thousands for its Instagrammability. It doesn’t take long to make this stop, which means that you’ll have plenty of time to explore the surrounding local area. Get Creative A renowned center of innovation and creative thought, Greenwich Village is a real treat for creative types. Breaking away from the typical art museum experience, the Center of Architecture is the city’s oldest and most influential institution focusing on form, construction and urbanism. Through exhibitions, programs, and special events, the institute aims to foster curiosity in the design process. The perfect way to spend a quiet afternoon, the museum delivers and exiting and unique cultural experience which you don’t want to miss out on. A well-recognized center of creative development, Greenwich Village presents a wide range of cultural institutions for lovers of the performed arts. Located in a venerable landmark building, the Cherry Lane Theatre is recognized as the oldest continuously running Off-Broadway theater in New York City. The venue runs everything from total classics to new and experimental productions at a fraction of the cost of a Broadway ticket. With its intimate setting and unique history, the theater provides an irreplicable cultural experience. Rich in culture and creative activity, Greenwich Village knows how to deliver when it comes to world-class art. A total must-visit for art lovers, the Whitney Museum of American Art shelters one of the biggest collections of modern and contemporary art in the United States. The museum’s permanent collection is comprised of over 25, 000 artworks, spanning from the late 19th century right through to the present day. Amongst its holdings, you’ll find treasures by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Marsden Hartley. Through its captivating exhibitions, special programs, and workshops, the museum works to present a fascinating breakdown of 20th and 21st century art. With its fascinating background and vibrant arts scene, Greenwich Village is a great stop for first timers and seasoned visitors alike. Whether you’re a history lover, a theater geek, or an architecture fanatic, the area has a little something to offer everybody. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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Things To Do In NYC For Chinese New Year

Spending time in NYC for Chinese New Year? This year it falls on January 25 and it’s the Year of the Rat. There are plenty of special events taking place in the Big Apple where you can celebrate. After ringing in the traditional New Year holiday on January 1, it’s round two with Chinese New Year. From firecracker celebrations and wild dance performances to martial arts demonstrations, there’s a whole host of ways to have fun during the many events in the city. The streets of New York turn outlandishly festive during the celebration of the Chinese New Year. What is the Year of the Rat? The rat is known to be the first of the cycle of 12 Zodiac signs. In Chinese culture, rats were viewed to be a sign of wealth and surplus, and those born in the year of the rat are deemed to be quick thinkers and successful... Here’s our list of 9 fun things to do in NYC for Chinese New Year including: Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival Chinatown Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony The New York Philharmonic Lunar Concert The Temple Bazaar The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) And more... 1. Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival 18th Annual New York City Lunar New Year Parade (Image credit: betterchinatown.com) This celebrated parade is vibrant and colorful with its dragon dancers, lion dancers, marching bands, and floats. This year, 2020, it’s the “Year of the Rat.” The parade route stretches from Mott to Chatham Square to East Broadway and towards Grand Street right next to Sara D. Roosevelt Park. This street party welcomes in the Year of the Rat with all sorts of themed food and drink vendors. The parade also features some amazing firework displays and entertainment. Admission to the Lunar New Year Parade is free and open to the public. 2. The Chinatown Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony The Better Chinatown Society organizes the Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony where hundreds of thousands of sparkling fireworks are launched into the sky. The pounding pyrotechnics are designed to ward off bad spirits for the new year. Afterward, there are a number of colorful dance performances. It’s a can’t-miss event. You can even book a Chinese dinner cruise on the Hudson River to see the fireworks. Circle Line Cruises offers a gourmet 12-course dinner. Admission to the Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony is free and open to the public. Tickets to the Lunar New Year Fireworks Cruise are separately ticketed. 3. The New York Philharmonic Lunar Concert The New York Philharmonic puts on an annual Lunar Concert to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year sees the return of conductor Long Yu, the US premiere of the sensational Zhou Tian’s Gift, and the New York premiere of Texu Kim’s ping pong–inspired Spin-Flip. Tickets to The New York Philharmonic Lunar Concert are available for purchase online. 4. The Temple Bazaar The Temple Bazaar is truly a sight to behold. Here, Chinese New Year is celebrated with bright red lanterns floating through the streets. Enjoy Chinese music and awe-inspiring martial arts demonstrations; learn Chinese crafts like calligraphy and paper cutting. You can even munch on authentic, mouth-watering food from Taiwan and Shandong. Admission to The Temple Bazaar is free and open to the public, some events and activities may be separately ticketed. 5. Savor the Dim Sum You can’t experience Chinese New Year without indulging in some timeless and authentic delicacies. New York’s Chinatown is home to one of the largest communities of Chinese people outside of Asia, and settlers brought with them their much-beloved cuisine. To get a taste of the very best of it, you can embark on a walking tour of Chinatown (and surrounding neighborhoods) and learn through taste how this fascinating area grew and grew. Following your tour, you’ll be an expert on the area and well-deserving of a delectable dim sum lunch! We recommend visiting the Nom Wah Tea Parlor for some mooncakes. It’s the oldest dim sum parlor in NYC and dates back to 1920. The SoHo – Little Italy – Chinatown Neighborhood Walking Tour is included on the New York Explorer Pass. 6. Madison Street to Madison Avenue Parade This action-packed festival is all day long. There’s shopping, dance performances, and family entertainment. There’s also traditional Chinese face-changing, colorful lion dancers, and calligraphy demos. It’s just one more way to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year, the colorful celebration will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Admission to Madison Avenue Parade is free and open to the public. 7. The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) One of the best ways to fully appreciate your trip to NYC for Chinese New Year is to take a visit to the Museum of Chinese in America. Here you can learn all about Chinese culture and the traditions you’ll be celebrating with the Lunar New Year, and discover what life in NYC and beyond is like for its large Chinese population. The MOCA is a former machine shop inspired by a Chinese house with rooms extending from a central courtyard. It has exhibits that trace the development of Chinese communities along with mixed-media displays of Chinese restaurants and Laundries in New York. Tickets to the Museum of Chinese in America are available for purchase at the door or in advance online. 8. The New Kam Hing Coffee Shop Get your sugar and caffeine fix at the New Kam Hing Coffee Shop. This 30-year-old coffee shop doesn’t look like much but serves up the best boat-shaped white-sugar cake, coffee, and green tea. It also has an angel-food-like interior that is light and airy. What’s more, take the time to shop for some great Asian cuisine at the Hong Kong Supermarket. It’s a Chinatown megastore that has everything for Asian food fanatics. Get fermented black beans, fresh noodles, and dumpling wrappers. Everything’s fresh, and the sushi stall offers tasty to-go fresh rolls. 9. Concerts at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall How better to end this list than with the prospect of world-renowned symphonies featuring film and harp projections. There’s even a pre-concert reception where you can dine with the artists. Previous performers include Jiaxin Tian and conductor Gregory Singer. Orchestral performances are some of the finest in the world at the hallowed house of high arts: the Lincoln Center. Tickets are available for purchase online. Guided Lincoln Center Tour tickets are available on the New York Explorer Pass. So, from dazzling fireworks shows and colorful parades to great museums and concerts, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of things to do in NYC for Chinese New Year. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, no place celebrates the Chinese New Year better than the Big Apple. Remember To Save on Attraction Admission If you’re looking for things to do in NYC for Chinese New Year, spend some time in Chinatown checking out all of the festive events, and be sure to add some New York City sightseeing to your itinerary, too. Remember, some of these great options are available on the New York Explorer Pass, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the New York Explorer Pass.
Samuel Ford

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