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Must See Manhattan! - Map of the Top Sights to See in Manhattan

1. Central Park
   Central Park is huge. The park spans over 840 acres, and is right in the center of Manhattan. The contrast of big bustling metropolis, almost jungle/ forest areas, and wide open fields, makes Central Park a truly amazing attraction to see if you're in New York.
   
   TIP: If you're traveling with young children, be sure to check out the Central Park Carousel and Zoo.
   
   



2. Lincoln Center
   The Lincoln Center is comprised of the of The Metropolitan Opera, The New York Philharmonic Orchestra, The New York City Ballet, and several other resident performing arts companies. The world famous Juilliard School is also located here.
   
   TIP: If you don't mind standing, you can get tickets to the Metropolitan Opera in the "Family Circle" section for $15-$30.
   
   



3. Columbus Circle
   Columbus Circle is located at the Southwest corner of Central park, at the intersection of Eighth Avenue, Broadway, Central Park South, and Central Park West.
   
   TIP: If you're planning a visit to New York, the Columbus Circle area is a great place to stay. It is centrally located, is close to midtown attractions, is not too busy (also not to quiet), and Columbus Circle is a major subway hub, so you can easily take the subway to most other locations in the city.
   
   



4. St Patrick's Cathedral
   St Patricks Cathedral ranks high on the list of must see places in Manhattan. The 130 plus year old Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral is over 300 feet high, and is another extreme contrast among the big modern NYC buildings. It is truly an amazing sight to see. Best of all, it's free!
   
   




5. Rockefeller Center
   Rockefeller Center is probably best know for the gigantic Christmas tree lighting every year in December. It is also known for its famous ice skating rink.
   
   Many NBC television shows are also filmed here, and if you get up early enough, you are likely to see the Today Show filming live (and possibly even be on TV!).
   
   TIP: If you are planning a trip to NYC, and have flexible dates, get tickets to a free TV show first and plan your trip around it. Jimmy Fallon is filmed at the Rockefeller Center and tickets are relatively easy to get. Just call (212) 664-3056. The message will tell you whether tickets for next month are available or not. If not, just keep calling every morning - they will eventually be available. You can request up to 4 free tickets. It is fun and unique New York experience!
   
   



6. Top of the Rock
   Top of the Rock is the observation deck of the GE Building (or 30 Rock). At 850 feet (259 meters), it isn't the tallest building in NYC, but it offers one of the only public observation decks at that height in the city.
   
   






7. Times Square
   Located on Broadway between 42nd and 47th streets, Times Square is one of the busiest, brightest, and most crowded places in New York City. The 37-foot-high NASDAQ sign (largest LED sign in the world) and thousands of other lights make night time look like day!
   
   TIP: If you're buying tickets to a Broadway show, many times you can get the cheapest tickets at the show's box office just before the show. Just go and ask for the best price. Theaters would rather sell at a discount than have empty seats.
   
   



8. Grand Central Terminal
   Even if you aren't taking a train, the 100-year-old Grand Central Terminal is still an amazing destination with amazing architecture inside and out.
   
   






9. NY Public Library
   Located at Fifth Avenue at 42nd St, the New York Public Library is famous for it's amazing architecture, and the two famous marble lions ('Patience' and 'Fortitude') that guard the entrance.
   
   







10. Macy's
    Famous for the movie "Miracle on 34th Street", and also the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Macy's and Herald Square has lots of shopping, activities for kids (during Christmas time - Santaland), and places to eat.
    
    TIP: If you want to visit Santa at Santaland without the long lines, come early (9am) in the middle of the week.
    
    



11. Empire State Building
    Located on 5th Avenue, between 33rd and 34th streets, the Empire State building is probably the most iconic sight in New York City. At 1250 feet high, it is now the second tallest building in New York (second to One World Trade Center), but is still the highest public observation deck in the city. There is an 86th floor observation deck, and also a 102nd floor observatory.
    
    TIP: Get there early to skip the long lines.
    
    











12. Madison Square Garden
    Located between 7th and 8th Avenue, and between 31st and 33rd Streets, and atop Penn Station, Madison Square Garden is a multi-purpose indoor arena, and home of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and several other sports teams.
    
    






13. The High Line Park
    Formerly a part of the elevated New York Central Railroad spur called the West Side Line, The High Line is now a 1 mile public park which runs along the lower west side of Manhattan. The High Line Park runs from Gansevoort Street, a few blocks south of West 14th Street, up to 30th Street.
    
    TIP: There are lots of great food stands here, so come hungry!
    
    



14. Chelsae Piers
    Located northern edge of Greenwich Village and the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Piers is a "Sports & Entertainment Complex" featuring the famous multi-level golf driving range seen in many movies (25 movies to be exact)
    
    TIP: Hit some balls at the driving range. It's a fun, memorable, and relatively inexpensive NYC experience.
    
    






15. One World Trade Center
    Previously known as the Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is currently the tallest building in New York. When complete, it will be 1,776 feet tall. The 104 story sky scraper is located just north of the previous World Trade center twin towers in Lower Manhattan.
    
    














16. National September 11 Memorial & Museum | World Trade Center Memorial
    The recently completed National September 11 Memorial & Museum is located on the World Trade Center site, and commemorates the September 11 attacks of 2001 and the World Trade Center bombing of 1993. The monument features two pools with the largest manmade waterfalls in the United States.
    
    




17. Brooklyn Bridge
    Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. It connects Manhattan to Brooklyn, and is an amazing structure to see.
    
    TIP: If you would like to walk across the bridge, you can access the pedestrian walkway over the Brooklyn Bridge near City Hall Park at Park Row and Centre Street.
    
    




18. South Street Seaport
    Located at the end of Fulton Street on the East River, and close to the Financial District, the South Street Seaport features some of the oldest architecture in downtown Manhattan.
    
    Also features food, shopping and nightlife, with a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge
    
    



19. New York Stock Exchange
    Located at 11 Wall Street in Lower Manhattan, the New York Stock Exchange (or NYSE) is the world's largest stock exchange. Also an amazing building to see in person!
    
    
















20. Staten Island Ferry
    Take the Staten Island Ferry (for FREE!) and get a great view of Manhattan from the water!
    
    





21. Statue of Liberty
    There are lots of ways to see the Statue of Liberty. You can see it from the Empire State building. Or you can go to Battery Park for the closest view in Manhattan. If you want to get any closer, you'll have to get on a boat. The trip from Battery park to Ellis Island and Liberty Island is about $20 (less for seniors and children).
    
    TIP: Take the Staten Island Ferry to get a closer view for Free.