Are you dreaming of visiting the Big Apple? You’re not alone – New York City came out on top in TripAdvisor’s 2023 list of most popular destinations in the US, ranking above Las Vegas, Miami, and two idyllic surfing spots in Hawaii.

There are endless reasons why New York attracts hordes of tourists each year. Alongside unparalleled cultural sites and a vibrant nightlife, NYC has an alluring energy that captivates visitors and residents alike. Consider also the mouth-watering local cuisine, incredible fashion, and world-class events, and it is no surprise that many see a trip to New York as a holiday of a lifetime.

Visitors travelling from the UK can either hop across the Atlantic by plane or indulge in a cruise from Southampton to turn the journey into a luxurious add-on to the holiday. A minimum of five days is recommended for a trip to New York City, and it’s safe to say that there’s enough to keep you busy for weeks on end!

However long you’re planning to stay, don’t miss these essential things to see in NYC…

Empire State Building

Completed in the 1931 and claiming the title of tallest building in the world for the first 40 years, the Empire State Building is an iconic part of the New York City skyline.

You can visit the Empire State Building between 8am – 2am each day, so visitors have the choice between viewing the city in the daytime, as the sun sets, or at night when the streets are glittering. Clocking in at 443m from ground to tip, the views from the Empire State Building are extraordinary.

Statue of Liberty

Another significant structure in NYC is the Statue of Liberty which looks out over New York Harbour. This colossal copper monument was built by renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel and dedicated to the city in 1886 to celebrate a mutual desire for freedom and the abolition of slavery.

If you are feeling energetic, you can climb up inside the monument to look out of the statue’s crown.

Penn Station

Penn Station is a famous transportation hub located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is one of the busiest stations in the United States, serving as a major hub for commuters and travelers.

It serves as a main rail gateway for the Northeast Corridor, connecting cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Amtrak operates numerous long-distance and regional train services from Penn Station. It’s also a significant subway station, serving as a major transfer point for multiple subway lines. This resource is great for planning your trip to or from Penn Station.

Central Park

Anyone who has watched films or television series based in New York City will know Central Park. A blissful green space in the centre of the city, Central Park offers a tranquil escape from the clamour of the main streets. From child-friendly activities such as bike tours and Central Park Zoo to events like SummerStage and Shakespeare in the Park, there are endless things to do here other than relax. You could even enhance your Central Park experience with an engwe t14 for scenic rides.

Times Square

In complete contrast to Central Park is Times Square. This thriving neighbourhood in Midtown Manhattan is characterised by towering billboards that illuminate the intersection at night, as well as a huge variety of theatres where tourists can catch an award-winning Broadway show.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art enthusiasts have to experience the Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known locally as The Met. Over 5,000 years of international art await, all housed in a building that is in itself a glorious piece of artwork. There are always a number of exhibitions running here in addition to special events. There is so much to see, it’s worth getting a guided tour.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.