What are the 3 must-see places on your first visit to New York?
Planning your first trip to New York and not sure where to start? Here are the top 3 places to visit first, based on a survey of our Facebook community.
Visiting New York for the first time and not sure where to start? The results of this survey might help! 🙂 Last week, I asked members of the Destination New York Facebook group which place they think should be visited first in New York. Here are the results! And from my experience living in New York, I can tell you I completely agree with them. 🙂
1/ Times Square
With its neon signs and giant billboards, Times Square is THE place where you’ll really feel like you’re in New York. So it’s no surprise that Times Square tops this survey with 49% of the votes!
- Tip: Once you arrive in New York and drop your bags at your hotel, head straight to Times Square for your first evening. The neon lights and bustling energy will help you fight jet lag and travel fatigue. 😉
2/ Statue of Liberty
In second place with 16% of the votes is the symbol of New York and an entire nation: the Statue of Liberty. Standing at the base of Miss Liberty, you’ll feel that same rush of “I’m really here.” There’s something truly special about being at the foot of this iconic statue that you see everywhere.
- Tip: Plan your Statue of Liberty visit for the day after you arrive. Jet lag will likely wake you early anyway, so take advantage and head to the southern tip of Manhattan to catch the ferry. Arriving early means shorter lines and you can request a ticket to climb the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. This ticket is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis—just ask for it.
3/ Brooklyn Bridge
In third place with roughly 10% of the votes is another iconic New York landmark: the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking across this bridge offers stunning views of the New York skyline: the Financial District with One World Trade Center, Midtown with the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, and in the distance, the Statue of Liberty. It’s a magical walk.
- Tip: Cross the Brooklyn Bridge on day two of your trip, when jet lag is still helping you wake early. Start in the morning to catch the sunlight on the skyline. Always walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan—the view is far more impressive that direction. You can walk it both ways if you like. Also try crossing at night: with minimal lighting, the bridge has a completely different atmosphere.
What’s next?
After Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge, members of the Destination New York Facebook group ranked these places:
- 4th: Empire State Building, 7%.
- 5th: Top of the Rock and Rockefeller Center, 5.1%.
- 6th: Central Park, 4.7%.
- 7th: 9/11 Memorial, 4.1%.
For more ideas on what to see, visit the New York Guide section of the blog.
P.S.: A big thank you to all the group members who answered the survey! 🙂