There are way too many iconic sights in NYC – the touristy, the hyped, and the underbelly ones. And the best bit is that all of it totally lives up to the experience. The sights and sites that I would see on my laptop screens in a million shows and movies came to life. The experience, to be honest, can become a little overwhelming. On my first day, after being at Top of The Rock, and walking through 5th Ave, Trump Towers and Central Park, it got a little daunting. So, I snuck into the Frick Collection for some calm and Guggenheim for a bit more art.
I am a self-proclaimed Master planner and in my 10 days in the big apple, I managed to tick off all the iconic sights in NYC off my list. Barring some food spots, NYC portions are huge! Everything you want to eat in the city here.
Here goes a photo-blog of top iconic sights in NYC!
Getting Around the iconic sights in NYC
The best way to plan is pretty simple – according to the area. Before starting off I had a rough idea of what is where and the museums and places to eat around it. But give yourself a little room, take your time, soak in the city and always, always travel by public transport in NYC. Because that happens to be one of the top experiences as well!
The NYC Subway, Water Taxi & Air Tram
The very best thing about NYC – you can take one of the oldest Subways in the world. But also, you can take the water taxis and air trams for the same amount. The Subway pass is valid when you are taking the air tram. You can buy the tickets for the water taxi for the same price! Great for spotting some amazing sights. Suggest you buy an unlimited 7-day pass for 30$ for a smooth experience!
Air tram to Roosevelt Island 
Pepsi Cola sign as seen from the Water Taxi
Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
Rockefeller Center is home to the Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios and Top of the Rock. One of the most exciting observation decks. Top of the Rock has 3 levels, and all open and unobstructed. The sheer beauty of the city underneath you is bliss.
Rockefeller Center 
The famous skating rink 
From Top of the Rock 
5th Avenue
Running on one side of the Central Park, with brands lined up left right and centre. Touching The Met, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Madisson Square Park and ending on Washington Square Park. One of the most famous Museum Mile and the Millionaire’s Row.
Apple Store at 5th Avenue 
The Plaza Hotel
This iconic sight in NYC has been featured and seen plenty on the big screen – Home Alone 2, Bride Wars, and the 1974 and 2013 Great Gatsby just to name a few.
Central Park
A park that has art installations, lakes, and a view all balled up into one. There is plenty to do – visit the zoo, the museum, Alice in the Wonderland Statue, Cleopatra’s Needle. Bask in the sun looking and just soak it all in.
The Horses – Jean-Marie Appriou 
Times Square
For the city that never sleeps – Times Square is the epicenter. Always crowded, always lit! Don’t forget to visit the MnM and Hershey’s & Disney stores and go crazy. There is a Los Tacos nearby, for a bit of a late night snack.
DUMBO
DUMBO – Down Under Manhattan Bridge Underpass. This Brooklyn neighbourhood came up after 9/11. And is now one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC. With a beautiful view of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and a lot of cool cafes.
One World Trade Center
Visiting WTC is special in more than one ways. It is stunning to see how it is built back up. Also, one of the most stunning reveals to the observatory. What’s more? Empire State and Rockefeller both have separate tickets for the sunset. But you can go up to One WTC and watch the sun go down, and lights come up. That just there, is the most stunning and iconic sights in NYC!
View from the One World Trade Observatory
9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial is a tribute to all the first responders and people who lost their lives during the attack. Located at the previous site for WTC and opposite the new One WTC, the twin memorial pools are the largest man-made waterfalls in America. The memorial is etched with names, and a white rose is placed besides each of the names on their birthdays.
Flat Iron Building
Previously known as the Fuller Building, the Flat Iron building is one of the most interesting sky scrapers in NYC. The triangular shaped building is your perfect moment for the gram!
Madisson Square Park
Seen White Collar? That’s where Neal hid that giant ring. Oh, and the Shake Shack vibe isn’t to be missed!
View from Madison Square Garden 
Brooklyn Night Bazaar
Karoke, music, cocktails and so many budding artists under one roof. Every night from 6 PM onwards, the vibe is infectious. You see so, so much art and budding artistes under one roof. And it all goes down in the art district of Brooklyn. So, Win Win!
Financial District
The swindley lanes of the Financial District reminded me greatly of the streets back home. High on energy, there are plenty of things to do in the Financial District. The Bull, the Stock Exchange, The Girl, Red Cube, Staten Island Ferry and the Battery Park. There is just so much to do in the Financial District. The best thing, lounge by the docks with a cup of coffee and a hot dog from the stands after the high energy walking!
Red Cube 
Battery Park
Statue of Liberty
One of the most iconic sights in NYC. More like a symbol of NYC. But, unlike a LOT of people, I didn’t actually get down on Lady Liberty. I took a cruise around and went to up close to Lady Liberty. But also got a chance for a lot of sights across the city on the cruise. If you want a free show, the Staten Island Ferry is the best option!
Lady Liberty 
One WTC from the Cruise Brooklyn Bridge from the cruise 
Governor’s Island
The High Line
The High Line is an elevated corridor starting from the Whitney Museum of Art, Chelsea, Meat Packing District and The Vessel. What used to be an elevated rail line, is now home to fresh herbs, beautiful art installations and some of the most iconic landmarks.
Washington Square Park
One of the first few iconic sights in NYC that you see roll in FRIENDS frames! For good reason, because the Friend’s Apartment is really close by! Lots of social causes, artistes and students around.
Friend’s Apartment
The iconic show completed 25 years in 2019, and quarter of a century or one full, it remains to be a classic. Can you miss this if you are a die hard fan? DEFINITELY NOT.
Roosevelt Island
A part of Manhattan, Roosevelt Island is perfect for some downtime from the city madness. Cornell Uni, lots of residential buildings, but my most favourite thing was sitting on the benches, and looking at the city from the calmness. Taking the air tram and water taxi are definite highlights.
Chinatown
Roasted duck on window fronts, one too many dumplings, and the freshest, affordable produce to shop from on the streets. Oh, and cheap souvenirs!
Coney Island
Get transported! Wonder wheels, merry-go-rounds, fried food and a day at the beach. Know all that you can do at Coney Island here.
Empire State
On my bus ride from Manassas to NYC, I made sure I was listening to Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys as I entered the city. The Empire State building is SUCH an icon. And pop-culture has immortalized it furthermore. The ride up here is quite interesting and although looking at Empire State from Rockefeller Centre is more exciting, there is plenty to do when you are in Empire State. Lots of photo-ops, an interactive historical timeline and there even is a version of King Kong inside!
Chrystler building from Empire State 
The view from the Observation Deck
The MET
The MET is not just your regular museum. The legendary institution is a must-visit and not just for the art. The sheer magnanimity will blow your socks off. Check all my favourite museums in NYC here.
New York Public Library
Do you really get through the iconic sights in NYC without visiting this absolutely gorgeous library. Painted murals, vintage telephone booths, and is still one of the largest libraries that see hundreds of scholars day in and day out. What piqued my interest? Castle’s famous hints of course. More here.
Vintage Water fountains 
Telephone booths 
The Great Hall 
One of the oldest Winnie the Pooh versions in the Kid’s section of the library
The Vessel
The most recent entrant to the NYC scene! The Vessel at Hudson Yards is a very unique experience. An interactive piece of art, it has 154 flights of stairs that you climb up, with views across the city on every platform.
Broadway
Broadway – performances and the district both! The Theatre District, Lincoln Centre and Mid Town in all have 41 theatres that host shows and acts. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Frozen, Wicked and so many more musicals have been on Broadway. Theatre District is very closeby to Times Square, and whether or not you invest in a show, you must visit here (although you can’t leave NYC without seeing a Broadway Show)
Lincoln Centre
Lincoln Centre also hosts a lot of Broadway Shows, but is also home to the Juilliard School of Performing Arts. You can also check out some shows at Juilliard which are also free of cost! Broadway tickets do cost a small fortune, you can check out the Tix website, or Broadway Roulette for an added element of surprise.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Where else can you WALK an iconic bridge? Yes, you can walk across the 6000 feet length of the Brooklyn Bridge. And of course it is completely free as well. Best in the evening when the lights come up!
Grand Central Station
Grand Central is where all of the trains converge and you can go ANYWHERE from there. Once ready to be demolished, it was reinstated to its previous glory in the 90s. From Whispering corridors to a fully fledged food court, there isn’t anything that you will miss out at Grand Central Station!
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