Here’s a list of the Top 10 Places to Visit in New York City, especially if you’re using a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour — a great way to see major attractions efficiently. I’ve included key info like what to see, why it’s popular, and ticket prices or nearby stops where applicable:


🗽 1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Stop: Battery Park
  • What to See: The iconic symbol of freedom, plus the Immigration Museum at Ellis Island.
  • Price: ~$24 for ferry ticket (Hop-On buses don’t go on the island; you’ll transfer to a ferry).
  • Tip: Book early for crown access!

🏙 2. Times Square

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Stop: Times Square / 7th Ave
  • What to See: Giant digital billboards, Broadway theaters, restaurants, shopping.
  • Price: Free to walk around.
  • Attractions Nearby: Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

🏛 3. Empire State Building

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Stop: 5th Ave / 34th St
  • What to See: Observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
  • Price: ~$44–79 depending on floor and skip-the-line options.
  • Tip: Go early or at sunset for best views.

🌉 4. Brooklyn Bridge

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Stop: Park Row / City Hall
  • What to See: Walk the bridge for skyline and harbor views.
  • Price: Free.
  • Nearby: DUMBO (Brooklyn side) and One World Observatory.

🏞 5. Central Park

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Stop: Central Park South / Columbus Circle
  • What to Do: Stroll, bike, visit the zoo or boat on the lake.
  • Price: Free, rentals/activities extra.
  • Nearby Attractions: The MET, Central Park Zoo.

🖼 6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Stop: 5th Ave / 82nd St
  • What to See: Ancient Egypt, European masters, fashion, arms & armor.
  • Price: ~$30 adult, suggested donation for NY residents.
  • Tip: Allow at least 2 hours — it’s huge!

🏛 7. One World Observatory & 9/11 Memorial

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Stop: Church St / Liberty St
  • What to See: Observatory views + deeply moving 9/11 Museum & memorial pools.
  • Price: ~$32–44 for observatory; ~$29 for museum.
  • Tip: Go early or in the evening for less crowd.

🎡 8. Hudson Yards & The Vessel

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Stop: 10th Ave / 34th St
  • What to See: The Vessel (art installation), Edge observation deck, luxury shops.
  • Price: Vessel (currently closed for climbing); Edge ~$41.
  • Nearby: High Line Park (great walk to Chelsea Market).

🎭 9. Broadway / Theater District

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Stop: Times Square / Theater District
  • What to See: Musicals and plays like Hamilton, Lion King, Wicked.
  • Price: ~$50–200+ (TKTS booth offers discounts).
  • Tip: Try same-day tickets or lotteries!

🏙 10. Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Stop: 5th Ave / 50th St
  • What to See: Observation deck, skating rink (seasonal), NBC studios.
  • Price: ~$40–55 for Top of the Rock.
  • Nearby: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall.

🚌 Bonus: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Info

  • Companies: Big Bus, TopView NYC, Gray Line
  • Typical Price: ~$50–70 for 1-day pass
  • Included: Uptown + Downtown loops, sometimes Brooklyn or night tours
  • Good For: First-time visitors, easy navigation, photo ops.

Want a Google Maps link with all the spots pinned? Or a quick itinerary for a 1- or 2-day visit using the bus tour?

Hop-on Hop-off New York

Absolutely! Here’s a FAQ-style guide for the Top 10 Places to Visit in New York City — especially handy for tourists using Hop-On Hop-Off buses or doing self-guided tours. 🗽🗺


🗽 Top 10 Places to Visit in New York City – Tourist FAQ


1. What is the most famous tourist attraction in NYC?

The Statue of Liberty is arguably the most iconic. It’s a symbol of freedom and one of the most visited spots in the U.S. Pair it with Ellis Island for a deep dive into immigration history.


2. Are Hop-On Hop-Off buses worth it in NYC?

Yes, especially for first-time visitors. They’re a convenient way to cover top attractions without navigating the subway. Most have audio guides, and you can get 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day passes.


3. What are the top 10 must-visit places in New York?

Here’s a quick list:

  1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
  2. Times Square
  3. Empire State Building
  4. Brooklyn Bridge
  5. Central Park
  6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)
  7. One World Observatory & 9/11 Memorial
  8. Hudson Yards & The Vessel
  9. Broadway / Theater District
  10. Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock

4. How much do NYC attractions cost?

  • Free: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, 9/11 Memorial Pools
  • $25–$45 range: Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory
  • Museums: Around $30, but many offer suggested donation or free entry certain days

5. Can I see all the top places in one day?

You can see 4–6 if you plan well and use a Hop-On Hop-Off bus or subway. Prioritize based on interest (e.g., history, views, museums).


6. What’s the best time to visit NYC attractions?

  • Early morning or late afternoon = fewer crowds.
  • Avoid weekends if possible for museums and observatories.
  • Sunset is ideal for skyline views (Empire, Top of the Rock, or Edge).

7. Which observatory has the best view: Empire, Top of the Rock, or One World?

  • Empire State: Classic NYC vibes.
  • Top of the Rock: Best view of the Empire State.
  • One World: Highest, with a stunning 360° view and modern experience.

8. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Yes, especially for:

  • Statue of Liberty (even more if you want pedestal/crown access)
  • Broadway shows
  • Empire State Building / One World Observatory
  • Top museums

Many places allow skip-the-line or timed entry tickets online.


9. What’s nearby each major attraction?

Here’s a few:

  • Central Park: The MET, Museum of Natural History
  • Times Square: Broadway theaters, Madame Tussauds
  • Downtown (One World): Wall Street, Oculus, Brooklyn Bridge
  • Hudson Yards: High Line, Chelsea Market

10. Is it safe to walk between attractions?

Yes, generally safe in daylight and busy areas like Midtown, Downtown, and Central Park. Stay alert at night, especially in less crowded spots.


Want me to turn this into a downloadable PDF, or make a map-based itinerary for a short trip?