As a leading travel planning platform, we’ve analyzed a year’s worth of the thousands of trip plans created using our free planning tool to uncover the most popular attractions in New York City this year.
January 10, 2025
As a leading travel planning platform, we’ve analyzed a year’s worth of the thousands of trip plans created using our free planning tool to uncover the most popular attractions in New York City. Our data-driven insights offer a unique perspective on what travelers love most about the Big Apple. After compiling the top 100 attractions added by Khonsu travelers, we’ve summarized this year’s travel trends and the destinations that captured travelers’ attention.
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Ok … On to the list
Claiming the #1 spot in NYC trip plans, Times Square is the ultimate symbol of NYC’s vibrancy and energy. Its iconic neon lights, towering billboards, and constant buzz make it a magnet for visitors from around the globe. It’s no surprise that this intersection is synonymous with the city itself and remains a favorite for both Instagram moments and entertainment seekers.
Ranking high year after year, Central Park is a sanctuary amidst the city’s urban landscape. Spanning 843 acres, it offers everything from picturesque walking paths and iconic bridges to family-friendly activities and seasonal events. Travelers love it as a serene escape or a backdrop for quintessential New York photos, ensuring it stays a top pick.
This historic landmark is as much a piece of living history as it is a favorite attraction. Spanning the East River since 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge’s gothic arches and sweeping skyline views draw millions each year. Travelers often love it for offering a scenic, pedestrian-friendly journey between Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Few attractions hold as much emotional weight as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. This moving tribute honors lives lost while sharing stories of resilience and rebuilding. Its reflective pools, surrounded by the names of those who perished, and the museum’s powerful exhibits make it a deeply meaningful stop for visitors.
This Art Deco masterpiece continues to inspire awe, with its architectural elegance and unmatched views. Opened in 1931, the Empire State Building is a towering symbol of NYC’s ambition and resilience. Whether day or night, its observation decks remain a highlight of the city experience and a top choice for travelers.
A cultural and entertainment hub, Rockefeller Center is a magnet for visitors in every season. Its famous ice rink and towering Christmas tree make it a winter icon, while its shops, restaurants, and art installations attract crowds year-round. It’s not just a destination but a quintessential part of NYC’s identity.
Unsurprisingly ranked among the top attractions, this transit hub is much more than a place to catch a train. Its majestic celestial ceiling, adorned with constellations, wows first-time visitors, while its Beaux-Arts architecture captivates history enthusiasts. Grand Central is also a culinary hotspot, with options ranging from quick bites for commuters to fine dining, making it a well-rounded stop for travelers.
A standout for urban innovation, the High Line reimagines NYC’s industrial past as a lush, elevated park. Spanning 1.45 miles, it winds through Chelsea, offering art installations, serene gardens, and unbeatable cityscape views. Its blend of nature, culture, and design secures its spot as a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
Once an elevated train track, the High Line has been transformed into a lush urban oasis that celebrates NYC’s industrial past. Spanning 1.45 miles through Chelsea, it features serene gardens, art installations, and unparalleled views of the city. This blend of history, nature, and culture makes it a standout attraction loved by both locals and visitors.
This sleek newcomer has quickly risen in popularity thanks to its cutting-edge design and immersive experience. Located in Midtown Manhattan, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt combines dizzying heights with reflective art installations that blur the lines between reality and illusion. Its modern, adrenaline-pumping take on observation decks redefines skyline views for today’s travelers.
An enduring symbol of freedom and the city itself, the Statue of Liberty draws visitors from around the world to experience its history and awe-inspiring views. Whether from the pedestal or the crown, the panoramic vistas of New York Harbor make this iconic landmark a must-see for those looking to connect with America’s rich heritage.
Home to towering dinosaur skeletons, immersive exhibits, and one of the world’s most renowned planetariums, this museum is a favorite for families and curious minds alike. Its blend of science, education, and wonder ensures that every visit feels like a new adventure.
Located at the heart of Midtown, Top of The Rock offers sweeping 360-degree views of NYC, rivaling those of the Empire State Building. The unobstructed views of Central Park, the skyline, and the Statue of Liberty, especially during sunset, make it a standout for photographers and sightseeing enthusiasts.
Chinatown blends the rich traditions of the Chinese diaspora with the bustling energy of New York City. Its streets are filled with authentic markets, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, offering a glimpse into the immigrant experience while remaining unmistakably a part of the city’s fast-paced life. The blend of old-world Chinese traditions and NYC's modern vibe makes Chinatown a distinct and cherished neighborhood, even as many immigrant communities have moved out of Manhattan in recent years.
With its cobblestone streets, industrial-chic vibe, and stunning views of the Manhattan Bridge and skyline, Dumbo has become a must-visit for photographers and creative souls. Its boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants make it a destination that combines history with cutting-edge style.
Offering a free and scenic ride across New York Harbor, the Staten Island Ferry presents unforgettable views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. This budget-friendly attraction is a great way to take in iconic sights without the cost, making it a favorite for visitors of all ages.
The Met is one of the largest and most prestigious museums in the world, with exhibits that span 5,000 years of human history. From ancient artifacts to masterpieces of art, its extensive collection ensures that every visit offers something new to discover.
Located in the heart of Midtown, Bryant Park is a beloved urban oasis offering seasonal attractions like an ice rink in winter and free movie nights in summer. Its central location and charming green space provide a welcoming spot for both locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Steeped in Italian-American heritage, Little Italy remains a beloved neighborhood known for its historic eateries, lively festivals, and cobblestone streets. A visit here offers a nostalgic experience, where visitors can savor classic Italian dishes while strolling through the original heart of NYC’s Italian community.
Home to the largest stock exchange in the world, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Wall Street is one of NYC’s most historic neighborhoods. Visitors come here to see the famous Charging Bull Statue, the NYSE building (though entry is restricted), and the cobblestone streets that evoke the city’s horse-and-carriage past.
Our final most popular attraction for the year, Macy’s Flagship in Herald Square, is an iconic department store known for its spectacular holiday displays and starring role in the Thanksgiving Parade. A year-round favorite, it’s one of the world’s largest department stores, with 11 floors spanning an entire city block, offering a timeless shopping experience that draws visitors from around the globe.
Among the 100 popular attractions, a few stood out to as unexpected favorites for travelers.
Ranked just below the New York Public Library at #37, The Battery offers much more than breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty. With its historical pathways, ferry terminals for both Staten Island and Liberty Island, and over 200 years of history, it’s a convenient, yet significant, stop for those who know where to look.
At #51, this historic firehouse in Tribeca stands as a pop culture landmark, famous for its role as the exterior of the Ghostbusters HQ in the classic film. Built in 1903, it’s a free-to-visit site that attracts fans from around the world, offering a hit of nostalgia for movie lovers.
Ranked #62, Strawberry Fields in Central Park is a tribute to John Lennon, reflecting both his life in NYC and his peace activism. The five-acre memorial, featuring the iconic Imagine mosaic, is located across from the Dakota, where Lennon lived with Yoko Ono. Designed without a statue, per Lennon’s wishes, it’s a global symbol of peace with contributions from countries around the world. Its deep connection to the Beatles continues to draw fans from across the globe every year.
Ranked #85, Belvedere Castle stands atop Vista Rock, the second highest natural point in Central Park. Completed in 1872, this architectural gem was originally designed as an open-air lookout tower, offering breathtaking views of the park. With its historic charm and strategic location, the castle remains a favorite for those seeking a quieter, scenic retreat in the heart of the city.
Ranked #92, Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner is a surprising pick compared to Katz’s Delicatessen, which ranked #44. Known for its thin-sliced, lean pastrami, Sarge’s stacks its sandwiches with layers of meat in a more delicate, less fatty style than Katz’s signature thick cuts. With its retro diner vibes, shorter lunch lines and towering sandwiches, it’s quickly gaining recognition as a must-try hidden gem in the city's culinary scene.
Ranked #99, The Strand Book Store is a beloved local institution, with “18 miles of books” that make it a literary haven for New Yorkers. Its inclusion on this list is surprising, just making the top 100 cut-off for the year. Offering a vast selection of books in its sprawling space, The Strand continues to charm both book lovers and those in search of a unique NYC experience.
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