The 5 must-see places in New York

July 23, 2025

1/ The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Why is it a must-see? Perched on a small island in New York Bay, the Statue of Liberty represents America all on its own! The Statue of Liberty is to New York what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris: the must-see monument. The visit to the Statue of Liberty continues with Ellis Island , the island that welcomed immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Another important place in the history of New York.
My advice: plan your visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for the day after your arrival. This way, you’ll be able to take advantage of the jet lag to catch the first ferry in the morning. This way, you’ll avoid the lines that form in the late morning.
More info: visit the pages dedicated to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island .

Why is it a must-see? This bridge, which connects Manhattan to Brooklyn, boasts a very distinctive architecture. You’ll see it appear in many films, whenever the action is set in New York City. The icing on the cake: the Brooklyn Bridge has a pedestrian bridge with a breathtaking view of New York City.
My advice: I recommend taking the Brooklyn-Manhattan tour in the morning. You’ll have the sun behind you, and the light will perfectly illuminate the Manhattan buildings.
More info: visit the Brooklyn Bridge page .

Why is it a must-see? At the southern tip of Manhattan, the Financial District symbolizes American financial power. Head to Wall Street to see the unmissable New York Stock Exchange. The district is dominated by One World Trade Center , the tallest tower in North America. The tower succeeded the former twin towers of the World Trade Center, destroyed during the attacks of September 11, 2001. You will also see that the memory of September 11 is very much alive in New York. I recommend you take the time to visit the September 11, 2001 Memorial and Museum . Don’t miss the Oculus , the amazing train station of the World Trade Center.
My tip: To learn everything there is to know about the Financial District, book a tour with Laurène, our French guide in New York City. She offers a 3-hour tour that covers the history of the neighborhood, from its origins to the present day. A big plus: before becoming a certified New York City guide, Laurène worked in finance. Visit the page for the guided tour of Lower Manhattan in French .
More info: visit the page dedicated to the Financial District .

Why is it a must-see? Smaller than One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building is nonetheless a New York landmark. This skyscraper, which opened in 1931, has appeared in countless films, from The Day After Tomorrow to Independence Day . In addition to its Art Deco interior, you can also enjoy the view from its open terrace on the 86th floor.
My advice: Before rushing to the 86th-floor observatory, take the time to appreciate the Empire State Building’s interior, especially its magnificent Fifth Avenue lobby. Too many visitors rush in without looking at anything.
More info: visit the Empire State Building page .

Why it’s a must-see? The Flatiron Building is one of the most striking buildings in New York City. Its triangular shape and thinness seem to defy physics. Just across the street, take a break in the charming Madison Square Park . There, you’ll meet New York’s endearing squirrels!
My advice: step inside the Flatiron Building; a small exhibition awaits you. See my article on the interior of the Flatiron Building .
More info: visit the Flatiron Building page .