By Melissa Liu 

There are so many tourist spots and sightseeing locations to choose from when visiting NYC! The real question is, how many of them are actually worth visiting? Here are the top 5 tourist attractions ACTUALLY worth visiting.

5. Brooklyn Bridge & Dumbo

The Brooklyn Bridge is a beautiful point of interest to see when visiting New York! Whether you view this bridge from the shore or take the trek across it, it is an iconic location to check off your NYC bucket list. The views are particularly amazing during golden hour, so I highly recommend visiting around this time. Not only can you see the Brooklyn Bridge, but the Manhattan Bridge is also nearby. Plus, you get an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline! If you visit from the Brooklyn side of the bridge, you can also take the time to stroll through the lovely neighborhood of Dumbo, where you can find tasty eats and cute boutiques all along the streets. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can also peruse the Brooklyn Flea market here – we love to support small business owners!

4. Central Park

Central Park is the most well-known outdoor space in all of NYC, and it is worth the hype! Although it may not be as popular in the winter, Central Park is well-loved by NYC residents and visitors alike. There are many expansive lawns and boulders to relax on in the warmer months. With all the hustle and bustle in downtown Manhattan, this park is the perfect escape from the stress of the work week. Not only can you take a leisurely stroll along its many walking paths, but you can also visit the Central Park Zoo, the Wollman skating rink, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art! 

3. SoHo

If you are looking for places to shop in NYC, Soho is a must-visit. With everything from big chain stores to smaller, unique boutiques, you can encounter great finds to fit anyone’s style! Occasionally, you can visit various pop-up stores that are only accessible from NYC, which is another amazing perk of visiting this neighborhood. If you get hungry from shopping, there are numerous tasty restaurants in the area. One of the more famous restaurants is Prince Street Pizza, but there is also a plethora of options available just south of SoHo in the neighborhoods of Little Italy and Chinatown!

2. The Met

Although NYC has countless museums to choose from, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has to be one of my favorites. Although the general admission price is a bit steep for the average Met visitor, all Teachers College students get free admission if you show them your museum passport sticker on your ID! This museum has a stunning collection of art, including works from Europe, Asia, Egypt, America, and more. They also have rotating exhibitions, so make sure to visit more than once during your time at TC. The architecture of the museum building itself is also a sight to see. If you go, make sure to allot ample time to view all the exhibits, as this museum has many floors and wings– it’s almost impossible to see it all in one visit!

1. The High Line

My number one most “worth-it” tourist attraction in NYC is the High Line, located in Chelsea! The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated walking path and park. It’s one of the nicest places in Manhattan to take a stroll, especially since it is elevated above the typical traffic that one experiences at street level. The foliage and luxury apartments that line the path makes you feel like you are immersed in a world of peace and privilege, even if it’s just for the duration of a brief stroll. While you’re in the area, you can also pay a visit to Chelsea Market, Little Island, or one of the many free art galleries located in the district.