1. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Description:

The Statue of Liberty is a globally recognized symbol of freedom, located on Liberty Island. After visiting, you can take the ferry to Ellis Island to explore its immigration history museum.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Liberty House Restaurant (New Jersey side)
  Price Range: $50–$100 per person.
  Fine dining with views of the Statue of Liberty.
• Inatteso Pizzabar Casano
  Price Range: $20–$40 per person.
  Casual Italian dining near Battery Park, perfect for pizza and pasta lovers.

Nearby Activities:

• Ferry Ride to Ellis Island:
  Price: Adult tickets start at $24. Children under 12: $12.
• Battery Park:
  Price: Free access to the park.

Nearby Hotels:

• The Wagner Hotel
  Price Range: $350–$600 per night.
  Luxury hotel with views of the harbor.
• Conrad New York Downtown
  Price Range: $400–$700 per night.
  Upscale, all-suite hotel near the ferry terminals.

2. Central Park

Description:

Central Park is an iconic green space offering a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re boating, walking, or enjoying a concert, it’s a great place to escape the city's busy atmosphere.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Tavern on the Green
  Price Range: $50–$100 per person.
  An upscale American restaurant offering seasonal dishes in an elegant setting.
• The Loeb Boathouse
  Price Range: $40–$80 per person.
  Enjoy a meal by the water with lovely park views.

Nearby Activities:

• Rowboat Rental:
  Price: $20 per hour.
• Central Park Zoo:
  Price: Adults: $13.95, Children (ages 3-12): $8.95.
• The MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art):
  Price: Adults: $30, Students: $17, Children under 12: Free.

Nearby Hotels:

• The Plaza Hotel
  Price Range: $600–$1,200 per night.
  Iconic luxury hotel with grand décor.
• The Mark Hotel
  Price Range: $800–$1,500 per night.
  Chic Upper East Side hotel with modern design.

3. Times Square

Description:

Times Square is the electrifying heart of New York’s entertainment district. It’s best experienced after dark when the billboards and neon lights come to life.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Carmine's Italian Restaurant
  Price Range: $30–$60 per person (family-style).
  Large portions of Italian-American favorites.
• Joe's Pizza
  Price Range: $5–$10 per slice.
  Grab a quick, authentic New York-style pizza.

Nearby Activities:

• Broadway Shows:
  Price Range: $50–$300 depending on the show and seating.
• Madame Tussauds New York:
  Price: General admission: $45.

Nearby Hotels:

• The Knickerbocker Hotel
  Price Range: $450–$900 per night.
  Luxury accommodations with rooftop dining.
• The Westin New York at Times Square
  Price Range: $350–$650 per night.
  Modern hotel with easy access to Times Square attractions.

4. Empire State Building

Description:

The Empire State Building offers breathtaking panoramic views of New York from its observation decks. It’s a must-see, especially at night when the city is fully lit up.

Nearby Restaurants:

• STATE Grill and Bar
  Price Range: $40–$80 per person.
  Modern American dishes located in the Empire State Building.
• Keens Steakhouse
  Price Range: $60–$120 per person.
  A historic steakhouse offering premium cuts and classic American fare.

Nearby Activities:

• Empire State Building Observation Decks:
  Price: General admission starts at $44 for the 86th floor, and $79 for access to the 102nd floor.
• Fifth Avenue Shopping:
  Price: Varies depending on store, from luxury brands to mid-range.

Nearby Hotels:

• The Langham, New York
  Price Range: $600–$1,200 per night.
  A luxurious hotel offering spacious rooms and top-tier amenities.
• Archer Hotel New York
  Price Range: $400–$700 per night.
  A boutique hotel with a trendy rooftop bar.

5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)

Description:

The MET houses an extraordinary collection of art from every era and culture. It’s a top destination for anyone interested in art, culture, and history.

Nearby Restaurants:

• The Dining Room at The Met
  Price Range: $60–$100 per person.
  Fine dining with stunning views of Central Park.
• Sarabeth’s
  Price Range: $30–$60 per person.
  Known for its brunch and American comfort food.

Nearby Activities:

• The MET Cloisters:
  Price: General admission to both MET locations is $30 for adults, $17 for students.
• Guggenheim Museum:
  Price: Adults: $25, Students: $18, Children under 12: Free.

Nearby Hotels:

• The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
  Price Range: $700–$1,500 per night.
  Luxurious hotel known for its elegance and sophistication.
• Hotel Plaza Athenee
  Price Range: $450–$850 per night.
  Charming boutique hotel close to Central Park.

6. Brooklyn Bridge

Description:

The Brooklyn Bridge is a historic suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Walking or biking across it provides unmatched views of the New York skyline.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
  Price Range: $20–$40 per person.
  Famous coal-fired pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge.
• The River Café
  Price Range: $100–$200 per person.
  Fine dining with incredible views of Manhattan.

Nearby Activities:

• DUMBO Exploration:
  Price: Free to explore art galleries and parks, with some paid attractions.
• Brooklyn Bridge Park:
  Price: Free access.

Nearby Hotels:

• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
  Price Range: $500–$1,000 per night.
  Eco-friendly hotel with great views of the skyline.
• The Tillary Hotel
  Price Range: $200–$400 per night.
  A modern, budget-friendly hotel near the Brooklyn Bridge.

7. Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock

Description:

Rockefeller Center is a bustling area with an observation deck, ice-skating rink, and the famous Christmas tree during winter. The Top of the Rock offers breathtaking views of the Empire State Building and Central Park.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Rainbow Room
  Price Range: $100–$150 per person.
  Upscale dining with incredible views.
• Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
  Price Range: $75–$150 per person.
  High-end steakhouse located nearby.

Nearby Activities:

• Top of the Rock Observation Deck:
  Price: Tickets start at $40 for adults.
• Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center (Seasonal):
  Price: Skating fees range from $20–$54, plus skate rentals.

Nearby Hotels:

• The Peninsula New York
  Price Range: $700–$1,400 per night.
  Luxury hotel on Fifth Avenue with an incredible rooftop bar.
• Lotte New York Palace
  Price Range: $500–$1,200 per night.
  Prestigious hotel with grand accommodations and a prime location.

8. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Description:

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum honors the victims of the September 11 attacks and educates visitors on the event's impact. The two reflecting pools are a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Eataly Downtown
  Price Range: $30–$70 per person.
  A bustling Italian marketplace with various food counters and restaurants.
• O'Hara's Restaurant and Pub
  Price Range: $20–$40 per person.
  Casual pub offering American food and drinks.

Nearby Activities:

• One World Observatory:
  Price: General admission starts at $43.
• The Oculus:
  Price: Free access to the architectural marvel and shopping center.

Nearby Hotels:

• The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
  Price Range: $700–$1,500 per night.
  High-end hotel with impeccable service.
• The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel
  Price Range: $400–$900 per night.
  Historic luxury hotel close to the Financial District.

9. Wall Street

Description:

Wall Street, located in Lower Manhattan, is the financial heart of not only New York City but the entire world. It's home to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the Charging Bull statue, symbolizing financial strength. A visit to Wall Street offers a glimpse into the bustling world of finance and the historical significance of this area.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Fraunces Tavern
  Price Range: $30–$70 per person.
  A historic American tavern serving traditional pub food. This is the same place where George Washington gave his farewell address to his officers.
• Delmonico’s
  Price Range: $50–$120 per person.
  A classic steakhouse that’s been serving Wall Street patrons since the 19th century, known for its signature Delmonico steak and elegant setting.

Nearby Activities:

• New York Stock Exchange (Exterior View):
  Price: Free to walk around; no public access inside the NYSE.
• Charging Bull and Fearless Girl Statues:
  Price: Free; a popular photo spot where you can take in the powerful symbols of Wall Street.
• Federal Hall National Memorial:
  Price: Free. Visit this historical site where George Washington took his oath of office as the first U.S. president.

Nearby Hotels:

• The Wall Street Hotel
  Price Range: $400–$800 per night.
  A luxury boutique hotel offering refined elegance with contemporary design, just steps from the heart of Wall Street.
• Andaz Wall Street – a concept by Hyatt
  Price Range: $350–$700 per night.
  A modern and sophisticated hotel offering spacious rooms and easy access to the Financial District's main attractions.

10. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Description:

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the most influential museums of contemporary art in the world, featuring iconic works from the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh, and Warhol.

Nearby Restaurants:

• The Modern
  Price Range: $125–$250 per person.
  A Michelin-starred restaurant located inside the museum.
• Il Gattopardo
  Price Range: $60–$120 per person.
  High-end Italian cuisine near the museum.

Nearby Activities:

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral:
  Price: Free entry, though donations are appreciated.
• Rockefeller Center:
  Price: Various shopping and dining options, with prices varying.

Nearby Hotels:

• The Baccarat Hotel
  Price Range: $900–$2,000 per night.
  Opulent, French-inspired luxury hotel.
• The St. Regis New York
  Price Range: $1,000–$2,500 per night.
  One of the city’s most prestigious hotels, known for its timeless elegance.

Conclusion

New York City is filled with remarkable sights and experiences, from art museums to iconic landmarks. This guide to the top 10 must-visit attractions provides detailed insights, nearby dining options, activities, and hotels, complete with price ranges to help you plan the perfect trip. Don’t forget to use mapsr.com for seamless navigation during your journey.