The largest city in the United States, New York is filled with tourist attractions and landmarks to sightsee. Manhattan alone, is host to such famous venues as Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, and Times Square, along so many iconic museums, art galleries and cathedrals. The city has so much to offer, whether you’re on a family vacation or a solo traveler visiting for only one day.
But with so much to do in such a large city, it’s good to have a plan and know where you’re going. Use our interactive map to highlight the city’s most important landmarks. Click on each one and learn more about popular sites nearby including recommended hotel stays. Our map is free to download, so its the perfect solution in case you ever need to go offline. Print off a copy and take it with you whenever you're exploring The Big Apple.
How to locate tourist attractions in New York
New York is famously known for being the city of five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island) but most of its popular tourist attractions can be found on Manhattan Island.
In fact, Manhattan itself offers several unique districts to explore. For example, Midtown Manhattan is known as the commercial heart of the city and features many tall skyscrapers. It is also home to Times Square, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal and Madison Square Garden.
The Upper East Side is known for being home to Madison Avenue and its upscale shopping centres. But you will also find Central Park, Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art here, alongside several other world leading institutions.
The Upper West Side meanwhile is more well known for being a family-friendly area. However, it too is home to several famous landmarks such as the American Museum of Natural History, the Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
To the south, is the Lower East Side. This area is popular for its eclectic mix of bars and hangouts, featuring a vibrant nightlife scene. It is also where you can find Tenement Museum, with its guided tours and offering a perspective into life as an immigrant in the city.
Located at the far south end of Manhattan is where you will find the Financial District. It is the home of Wall Street, including the New York Stock Exchange and One World Trade Center. St Paul’s Chapel is also located nearby, as is the National Museum of the American Indian. From here you can also see the famous Statue of Liberty monument and visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum by ferry ride.
How to find transportation in New York
For many, the best way of getting around New York City is by subway. It operates 24/7 with services to all five boroughs at an inexpensive price of less than 3 USD per ticket. Where subway services may not be available, the city also operates an extensive network of bus routes, also available in most cases for under 3 USD.
However, a more convenient, but more expensive, method of traveling the city are its black and yellow taxis. These can be hailed on the streetside or booked via smartphone apps. Fares start at 3 USD with additional charges for distance and time. For example, a trip between Central Park and One World Trade Center might be expected to cost 30-40 USD for a 12-minute ride, dependant on traffic and the time of day.
Ridesharing apps and bicycle-sharing programs are also available. Uber and Lyft offer comparable prices to traditional taxi services, while bike sharing can start as low as under 4 USD for a one-way trip.
Keep in mind that Manhattan can also be a great city to walk in, allowing you to explore sights and experiences that you wouldn’t have the opportunity to otherwise. Walking from one end of Manhattan to the other would typically take someone an hour and forty-five minutes to two hours. Factoring in how many places there are to stop and visit along the journey, this can be an excellent way to explore the city and see the very best that it has to offer.
