New York's recommended tourist attractions guide. Introducing the latest and most popular 14 places by area

New York is a city where old and new spots collide

New York City, located in the northeastern part of the United States, is also known as NYC and is the largest city in the U.S. It is the economic center of the country, with a focus on finance and commerce, and is also the birthplace of a wide range of American culture, including film, musicals, dance, jazz, and art.

As the birthplace of American culture and industry, historic facilities and theaters remain, while new entertainment and services are constantly being born, allowing visitors to experience both old and new attractions at the same time. This is the unique pleasure of this city.

Manhattan is the tourist center of New York

New York City is divided into five administrative boroughs, called Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The image of "New York" with its soaring skyscrapers and numerous tourist attractions is mostly derived from Manhattan.

In this article, we will introduce tourist spots mainly in Manhattan, including Brooklyn, which has become increasingly popular in recent years as a stylish cultural hub.

Learn about Manhattan's areas and city features

Manhattan is a long, narrow island between the Hudson River and the East River, also known as Manhattan Island. The area is roughly divided from north to south into Harlem, Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown, and each area has a different atmosphere.

Harlem is an area that thrived as the center of black culture, Uptown is a cultural area centered around a huge park, Midtown is an entertainment area home to New York's most famous tourist spots, and Downtown is an area dotted with small, unique towns.

Recently, it is becoming common to add Brooklyn, a city that has been redeveloped and transformed into a fashionable tourist destination, to Manhattan.

Getting around New York and sightseeing tips

The area of Manhattan is said to be about the same as the area within Tokyo's Yamanote Line, so it's easy to travel by train or bus. The subway is the recommended means of transportation in New York.

Yellow cabs, the city's official taxi service, and Uber, which has become the everyday mode of transportation for city residents, are well known, but the city center is often congested, so it is often the case that the subway is a shorter way to travel.

However, subways are not good for travelling from east to west, and tourist attractions are relatively clustered in each area, so it might be a good idea to start from the nearest station and travel around on foot.

1. "Uptown" is a quiet residential area surrounded by greenery and culture

The area around Central Park, which stands out in the center of Manhattan, is called Uptown, and the park divides it into an east and west area. Both areas have a calm atmosphere with high-end residential areas, and even just strolling through the sophisticated streets will make you feel like a celebrity.

If you're sightseeing in the Upper East Side on the east side, head to Museum Mile, an area lined with art museums along 5th Avenue.

Within a 2km stretch, famous museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum are gathered. Madison Avenue is also recommended for high-end brand shopping.

The Upper West Side on the west side is dotted with art and culture related facilities such as Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the American Museum of Natural History. The Dakota, where John Lennon of the Beatles lived, is also located in this area.

"Central Park" is a play spot in harmony with nature

Central Park, an oasis for New Yorkers, is a huge park that spreads across the center of Manhattan. In addition to natural areas such as vast lawns, lakes, and gardens, there are also tourist facilities such as museums, zoos, and castles scattered throughout the park, so there are many ways to enjoy it.

It's nice to enjoy a picnic with takeout hamburgers and sweets from the surrounding shops, cycling and boating are also popular, and in the winter there is even an ice rink. Various events are held all year round, but there are many recommended events in the summer.

In June, the New York Philharmonic holds free concerts, and from June to October it hosts the Summer Stage, where you can enjoy music, theater, and movies for free every day (some shows require a fee).

Even though drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in New York, beer is specially sold at the Summer Stage venue, so you can have a great time savoring a beer in the summer night breeze and losing yourself in the music.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) is a global art museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the three largest art museums in the world. It houses a collection of 1.5 million pieces, including world-famous paintings, sculptures, photographs, and crafts, including works by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso, and is said to be the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

There are also many art exhibits from various regions of the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, making it an irresistible experience for history and culture buffs.

The Temple of Dendur in the Egyptian art zone is particularly popular; stepping inside makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time to ancient Egypt.

It's so large that we recommend deciding which zones and works you want to see before you visit. There is also a restaurant overlooking Central Park and a casual cafeteria, so you can spend the whole day relaxing there.

The museum offers a free one-hour Japanese highlights tour, so even those who are short on time can enjoy the museum without worry (a separate admission fee is required). Many events will be held in 2020 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the museum's opening, so be sure to visit it this year.

Meet the impressive dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History, which was also the setting for the movie "Night at the Museum," is located on the west side of Central Park and is one of the world's largest museums, housing materials on dinosaurs, as well as the evolution of humans, animals, and plants, and space science.

The most popular exhibits are the dinosaur and mammoth skeletons on the 4th floor. The gigantic Tyrannosaurus is so realistic that it looks as if it could start moving at any moment. Also, the Titanosaurus, said to be the largest dinosaur in history, is so big that it doesn't fit in the room, so don't miss it.

In addition to the exhibits, the planetarium at the Rose Center is also a popular attraction. When the planetarium show starts, you'll be so engrossed that you'll feel like you've entered the world of space.

If you want to see the planetarium, make sure your ticket to the American Museum of Natural History includes a planetarium show.

2. "Midtown" is the bustling center of New York with many attractions

Midtown is the quintessential New York area, home to the city's most iconic skyscrapers and a dense concentration of offices and entertainment venues.

It refers to the area from the southern end of Central Park to around 31st Street, and the eastern part of the area, separated by 5th Avenue lined with brand shops, is called Midtown East, while the western part is called Midtown West.

The west side in particular is a vibrant area centered around Times Square, a bustling shopping district around the intersection of 7th Avenue and 45th Street, and home to tourist attractions such as Broadway and Rockefeller Center.

The east side is an office district where the United Nations Headquarters and the headquarters of global companies are located, and the restaurants and shops frequented by top businessmen are also popular with tourists.

"5th Avenue" is a world-famous shopping street

Fifth Avenue, which runs north to south through the center of Manhattan, is truly a shopping paradise. The sight of famous brand flagship stores and long-established department stores all gathered in one place, especially from 49th to 59th Street, is a spectacular sight. Fifth Avenue has a strong image of luxury stores, but recently, reflecting the current social climate, the number of casual brands is on the rise.

Among the attractions on 5th Avenue is Tiffany & Co.'s flagship store, which is also known as the setting for the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" starring Audrey Hepburn.

Tiffany's flagship store is currently undergoing renovations from January 2020 to the end of 2021, and the store is currently hosting a limited-time "The Tiffany Flagship Next Door" at the adjacent 6 East 57th Street.

There are also famous tourist spots nearby, such as Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral, so be sure to visit them as well.

Be impressed by modern and contemporary art at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York

The Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA) has a collection of over 200,000 pieces and is America's greatest treasure trove of modern and contemporary art.

The museum hosts a wide range of exhibitions by era and theme, including paintings by well-known masters such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Andy Warhol, as well as sculpture, photography, performance art, and video.

To accompany your visit, we recommend using the free Japanese-language services available, such as audio guide rentals, guidebooks, and the MoMA app. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the museum, so you can view the floor map and use the audio guide on the app.

After viewing the exhibits, be sure to visit the two museum shops inside the building. They have a wide selection of stylishly designed items, so you can find a unique and stylish souvenir.

Seasons and Events in New York

New York is located at 40 degrees north latitude, just as far as Aomori Prefecture in Japan. There is no rainy season, but there is a short spring followed by a hot summer, and then a short autumn followed by a frosty winter. Each season has its own merits, so be sure to plan your itinerary taking into account various events.

Spring is still a season with extreme temperature differences, but April is packed with events such as cherry blossoms blooming, the start of the Major League Baseball season, and the TriBeCa Film Festival, and the American Ballet Theatre's spring performance is also held at this time.

Although the humidity in summer is not as high as in Tokyo, there are still many days when the temperature exceeds 30°C. When the sun gets stronger, summer stages are opened all over the city, and the town is filled with music.

Other notable events include the Museum Mile Festival in June, the Gay Pride Parade, Independence Day fireworks in July, and Summer Streets in August, when Park Avenue becomes a pedestrian precinct.

In autumn, head to Central Park to see the beautiful autumn leaves. Along with the autumn leaves, cultural events such as Fashion Week and the New York Film Festival are held in September. At the end of October, when winter has completely taken over, Halloween is held, and in November the city marathon is held, attracting many people.

The best way to enjoy the freezing cold of New York is the Christmas illuminations. The city is decorated with sparkling lights, starting with Rockefeller Center. In addition to the New Year countdown in Times Square, New Year is celebrated in Chinatown, fitting for a city of diverse people.

Rockefeller Center is a must-see at Christmas

Located in the heart of Manhattan, Rockefeller Center is a complex of several buildings built in 1933 by American billionaire John D. Rockefeller to provide a place for tourists and locals to see, marvel at, and enjoy New York.

The most popular observation deck on the 70th floor of the Comcast Building is called Top of the Rock. Once you reach the top in a glass-ceilinged elevator, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of New York City, making it a great spot for taking photos.

This is also where the huge Christmas tree that always appears when talking about Christmas in New York is decorated. In winter, an ice rink opens under the tree, and you can easily rent skates at the entrance, so it's nice to spend time like you're in a scene from a movie.

Enjoy classic entertainment at Broadway musicals

Broadway is the home of musicals, the epitome of New York entertainment. Theaters are clustered around Times Square, with a variety of shows being performed every night.

The ever-popular shows include "The Lion King," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "Chicago." Enjoy dazzling stories with overwhelming acting, music, vivid dance, and stage design.

If you are not confident in your English, choose a performance you have seen in Japan so that you will find it easier to understand the plot.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from Japanese reservation sites, or you can search for same-day tickets directly at the theater's ticket box. The Times Square ticket office "TKTS" offers same-day tickets at up to 50% off, making it a great deal.

Looking down on the skyscrapers from the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building, which is a symbol of New York along with the Statue of Liberty, was started to be built in 1930 and opened in 1931. The 443.2m tall building is located almost in the middle of Manhattan and attracts more than 4 million tourists from all over the world every year.

The main observation deck on the 86th floor is open-air and offers a spectacular panoramic view of all of New York, including Central Park, the Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty, while feeling the breeze blowing from a height of 320 meters.

You can also go up to the Top Observation Deck on the 102nd floor, where you can see the city from 381m above sea level, even higher than the main observation deck, though through glass.

Using the MetroCard or an app is convenient for the subway.

The fare for the New York subway and bus is a flat rate of $2.75 per ride, regardless of distance. It is convenient to purchase a MetroCard, which can be recharged and used multiple times.

There are cards available, such as the Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard, which can be purchased at the ticket machines at the station and recharged as much as you like, and the UnlimitedRide MetroCard, which is a great option for tourists. You can choose the period of time for the unlimited ride card, such as 7 days for $33.

However, New York City is currently transitioning to a new system called "OMNY," where fares can be paid by touching a smartphone, etc. The plan is to completely transition to this system by 2023, abolish MetroCards, and issue unique cards for international travelers.

If you want to search for transfers or find out about service information, the "New York Subway MTA Map" app is convenient. You can check on the spot by using the free Wi-Fi at New York subway stations.

A tour of the unique station building is also interesting

New York's train stations are full of character, so if you're going to use a train station, be sure to take note of the architecture.

Grand Central Terminal is a historic station built in 1871. The current station building was designed when it was extensively renovated in 1913, and the intricate carvings give it a museum-like appearance, with high ceilings painted with the twelve zodiac signs, making it hard to believe it's a station building.

The modern station buildings that opened in recent years have also been a hot topic. The World Trade Center Transportation Hub, which serves multiple subway lines, is also known as the Oculus, and its pure white framework design makes it look like you're inside a living creature.

Other new station buildings worth checking out include Fulton Street Station, where sunlight pours in even underground, and 34 Street Hudson Yards Station, with its airy entrance design.

3. "Downtown" is home to stylish neighborhoods

Downtown Manhattan, which stretches from the end of Midtown to the southernmost tip of Manhattan, is an area that is home to many towns with diverse histories and cultures.

Rather than touring the big landmarks, you can enjoy walking around the town, browsing galleries and independent shops, and admiring the quaint houses, while taking in the individuality of each area.

The city is also seeing revitalization, with the Meat Packing District, which is home to the High Line, which uses the former elevated railroad tracks, being a popular area where old warehouses and meatpacking plants have been renovated with a new style. The neighboring historic preservation district, Chelsea, is an artsy area with beautiful, quaint buildings and many galleries.

There are also a wide variety of other areas, such as Soho and Nolita, shopping districts lined with boutiques and select shops by cutting-edge designers and popular with fashionable people, and Lower Manhattan, which is home to Wall Street, the center of global finance, and One World Trade Center, which opened on the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Enjoy interactive art at Hudson Yards' newest attraction

The Hudson Yards Vessel, a landmark of Hudson Yards, said to be the largest redevelopment project ever in New York, and a large complex opened in March 2019.

The Shed, a multi-purpose cultural facility, also opened in April. One of the most notable features is the Hudson Yards Vessel, a public art piece with a design reminiscent of a beehive. Not only does it have an eye-catching exterior, but it also serves as a unique observation deck that you can actually enter and enjoy.

There are stairs running throughout the building, and you can climb them while enjoying the open space with no ceiling, and enjoy the view outside and the interior structure from the approximately 80 landings scattered throughout. There is also an elevator, so you don't have to worry if you get tired.

To visit the Hudson Yards Vessel, you can reserve your tickets online in advance, but it's free so be sure to check it out.

In addition to the Hudson Yards Vessel, there is also a large seven-story complex on the premises where you can enjoy shopping. The most notable feature of this complex is the luxury department store Neiman Marcus, which occupies floors 5 to 7 and is opening its first store in New York.

There are also around 100 other diverse shops, ranging from multiple luxury brands to fast fashion brands, cafes, and restaurants.

Hudson Yards is directly connected to the High Line and is conveniently located just outside the nearest subway station, 34th Street Hudson Yards. Experience the new New York at this easy-to-visit spot.

The High Line is a green aerial garden that uses an abandoned railway line

The High Line is a park built on the elevated freight railroad tracks that were constructed between 1930 and 1933 and were in use until 1980.

The 2.33 km long promenade stretches from Manhattan's Meatpacking District to 34th Street, and is home to over 350 species of plants and flowers that bloom all year round, making it a beloved place of relaxation for New Yorkers.

As you walk along the walkway, which is located about 9 meters above ground, you can enjoy the vibrant greenery, as well as New York's cityscape and buildings, public art scattered throughout the area, and take-out gourmet food.

There are many guided tours and musical events to choose from, including botanical tours led by the High Line's horticulturists and tours of the park and its surrounding architecture.

There is also a special app for the High Line that tells you about sights to see, where the restrooms are, and the names of plants, so we recommend downloading it and spending a relaxing day on it.

Use a sightseeing pass to explore the city smartly and save money

Admission fees to tourist spots in New York are relatively high, so if you plan to visit many different places, it's a good idea to purchase a sightseeing pass in advance.

There are several types of passes, but basically they are discount sets that allow admission to multiple tourist spots, and you can choose the spots you want to go to from the facilities listed for each pass.

Some passes have a set price based on the expiration date or the number of spots you can choose from, but each pass has different features, so please read the terms and conditions carefully to find out which pass is best suited to your travel style. Some well-known passes include the New York City Pass, New York Pass, and New York City Explorer Pass.

One thing worth mentioning is that if you purchase the pass in advance, you can skip the lines at popular attractions like the Empire State Building.

Although skip-the-line tickets are not available at all attractions, they can save you a lot of time by allowing you to enter smoothly. We recommend that you consider purchasing your ticket in advance before you go on your trip.

Chelsea Market is a pioneer of indoor markets

Chelsea Market is a marketplace that was originally a Nabisco factory. With a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy a variety of gourmet foods from restaurants to cafes and grocery stores, it has become an indispensable part of the daily lives of New Yorkers as well as tourists.

There are many international cuisines to choose from, including Lobster Place, famous for its fresh seafood. There are also kiosks selling Chelsea Market original bags and mugs, so you can get souvenirs that you can only buy here.

The second floor is connected to the lush High Line, and there are many galleries in the surrounding area, making it perfect for combining a stroll.

View of New York City from the crown of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States of America in 1886 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its independence. Its glittering figure on Liberty Island continues to be loved as a symbol of American freedom and democracy.

The statue, which is approximately 93 meters tall from the pedestal to the tip of the torch, can be toured inside. In particular, the crown, which serves as an observation deck, offers a spectacular view of Manhattan, as well as a close-up look at the torch and plaque held by the goddess, providing a truly New York experience.

Liberty Island, where the statue stands, can be accessed by sea from the ferry dock in Battery Park on the Statue Ferry. Tickets are required for admission, and ticket prices vary depending on the content. The pedestal section is limited to 3,000 people per day, and the crown section is limited to 240 people per day, so make sure to make reservations early.

Tips for avoiding crowds when sightseeing

The important thing about sightseeing in New York is to avoid traffic jams and queues at ticket booths. Popular spots such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are crowded with many people every day, and there are long queues at the ticket booths.

Countermeasures include going early in the morning right after opening or on a weekday, making reservations in advance in Japan if possible, and using tickets that allow you to skip the lines, such as the New York City Pass, but the most important thing is to plan ahead and act with plenty of time. It is also effective to avoid taxis and use the subway as much as possible.

There are plenty of free Wi-Fi spots in the city

There are many free Wi-Fi spots in the city, so it's convenient when you want to check something or transportation while sightseeing. "LinkNYC" is a free Wi-Fi service provided by the city, and is installed mainly in the city center.

Free Wi-Fi is available on subways and public transportation, called "Transit Wireless Wi-fi," and also in parks, many cafes, and restaurants. When you want to use the Internet, try looking for these spots.

4. Brooklyn is a popular area for stylishly renovated spaces

Brooklyn is a district that has been gaining attention in recent years as a place where unique cultures have been born one after another. It is located across the East River from Manhattan Island and is connected to the Brooklyn Bridge, which is said to be the most beautiful bridge in New York.

The city is dotted with towns with their own unique cultures, such as Dumbo, which is popular for its parks at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge and shops renovated from warehouses, and Williamsburg, where fashionable people gather to shop at vintage shops and art galleries.

It's about 30 minutes by subway from Manhattan, but the town's artistic and laid-back atmosphere, which is different from that of a big city, attracts not only New Yorkers but also tourists.

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and look out over the skyscrapers

The Brooklyn Bridge is a beautiful Gothic-style bridge with a total length of 1,834 meters that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. It took 14 years to complete and was designed by European immigrant Roebling in 1883. It is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States and the first suspension bridge in the world to use steel wires.

It has also appeared in many productions, including the New York-set movie "Saturday Night Fever" and the hugely popular TV drama "Sex and the City." It is safe, with a double structure consisting of an upper section for pedestrians and bicycles, which also has rest benches, and a lower section for vehicles.

It takes about 30 minutes to walk across at a leisurely pace, so on a nice day you can enjoy a stroll or running with the New Yorkers. The route across from the Brooklyn side is recommended because you can enjoy the power of the Manhattan skyscrapers gradually coming closer.

Explore the city on a ferry or open-top bus

In addition to walking around the city on foot, you can also take a ferry or an open-top bus to see the city. There are six NYC Ferry routes operating on the East River, and the East River Line and South Brooklyn Line, which connect Manhattan and Brooklyn, are also recommended for sightseeing.

In addition to the NYC Ferry, there is also the Staten Island Ferry, a free ferry used by island residents. This is a popular route for tourists as you can see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from the water.

Many companies operate double-decker buses with an open-air second floor. Each company has its own unique route, such as a downtown route, an uptown route, or a night view route.

Another unique attraction is THE RIDE, a tourist bus that puts on a variety of performances at tourist spots.

5. Harlem is the birthplace of black culture

Harlem became an area where many African Americans lived after the 20th century and where black music, including jazz and gospel, flourished.

This refers to the area from north of Central Park to south of 155th Street. In the past, this area was considered unsafe and had few tourists, but recent redevelopment has led to an increase in stylish, accessible shops, especially around 125th Street in the downtown area.

In Harlem, try to spot an undiscovered star at the legendary Apollo Theater, which has launched many artists, or listen to the powerful voices of gospel singing at a church's Sunday service, a unique experience that is unique to the city.

The Apollo Theater is still the birthplace of stars

Located on 125th Street, Harlem's main street, the Apollo Theater is an immensely popular music club that has produced many famous musicians and is a hall of fame for black music.

Among them, Amateur Night, which has been held every Wednesday since its first event in 1934, is known as an entertainment show where the American Dream can come true, and is an essential part of any discussion of American music. Aspiring singers and dancers from all over the world have gathered here, both now and in the past.

In the past, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and others have performed, and Ryuichi Sakamoto and Ken Hirai from Japan have also performed as guests. The winner is decided by the applause of the audience, so your applause may create a future star.

New York, America's largest city, is home to a diverse range of people, and the collision of these different personalities has created a unique culture and city. You can fully experience the atmosphere of the city beloved by New Yorkers by climbing to the observation decks of skyscrapers to look at the vast parks and skyscrapers, and walking through stylish spots that have been renovated from warehouses and former elevated railway tracks. Using the spots introduced here as a reference, we hope you will enjoy a trip full of new discoveries.

In cooperation with New York City Convention and Visitors Bureau