If you’re planning a trip to New York City soon, you might want to add these stops to your itinerary.
TripAdvisor released their Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Things to Do list for 2025, and five attractions found in the Big Apple are featured on it.
“The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel,” according to TripAdvisor. “It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period.”
Here’s which New York attractions made the list.
TripAdvisor’s top attractions in New York
Empire State Building
Ranked No. 2 on TripAdvisor’s list, the Empire State Building sees over 2.5 million visitors per year, according to the building’s website. The building first opened May 1, 1931, after taking only one year and 45 days to complete and is currently the 6th tallest building in the U.S., standing at 1,454 from ground to the top of its antenna.
Located in the heart of Manhattan, over 70 elevators help visitors bypass its 1,860 steps from street level to the 102nd floor observation deck. The Big Apple’s famous spectacle has a total of 103 floors.
“The Empire State Building is arguably the most iconic building in New York City,” TripAdvisor says. “Other than a classic photo-op, you can learn about the building’s history through informative displays and videos, then have a meal at one of the seven on-site restaurants.”
Central Park
Also located in the heart of Manhattan, TripAdvisor ranked Central Park No. 4 on its list. The park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West.
Its 843 acres sees 42 million visits per year, the park’s website states, and was created in 1858 “to address the recreational needs of the rapidly growing city.”
“Stroll around the lawns, gardens, and reservoirs, but make sure to look up at the historic buildings and romantic Belvedere Castle,” TripAdvisor says. “There’s even public art and live musicians along the leafy promenades. The best way to explore is by bike, row boat, or horse-drawn carriage.”
Brooklyn Bridge
As of 2024, an average of over 103,000 vehicles and almost 29,000 pedestrians cross over TripAdvisor’s 7th ranked Brooklyn Bridge every day, according to the New York City Department of Transportation.
Designed by John A. Roebling and completed in 1883, the 6,016-foot bridge connects lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights and supports five lanes of vehicles, a pedestrian promenade and a protected bicycle path.
“There are a few landmarks that dominate New York City’s skyline, one of which is the iconic Brooklyn Bridge,” TripAdvisor says. “Walk or bike across it in the pedestrian lanes, while taking in the scenic views of Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn. Even better, this attraction is free to visit.”
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Around 200,000 works can be found in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, according to the museum’s website, which might be why it snagged the 9th spot on TripAdvisor’s list.
Created by Lillie P. Bliss, Mary Quinn Sullivan, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and original trustees A. Conger Goodyear, Paul Sachs, Frank Crowninshield and Josephine Boardman Crane in 1929, the art museum’s current building in midtown Manhattan opened its doors in 1939 and welcomes millions of visitors each year.
“The Met is a treasure trove,” TripAdvisor says. “Priceless artwork, sculptures, and artifacts fill its galleries, so you’ll want to spend an entire day (or two) here. With everything from Egyptian mummies to Post-Impressionist paintings, there’s something for everyone.”
Statue of Liberty
The last New York attraction on TripAdvisor’s list is the Statue of Liberty. Ranked No. 13, the patinaed copper gift from France was completed in the U.S. in 1886 and is located on Liberty Island, the U.S. National Park Service website states.
From the ground to the tip of the flame of its torch, the Statue of Liberty stands at 305 feet and one inch tall and was designed by Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi. An American architect — Richard Morris Hunt — designed the pedestal that the statue stands on.
“There’s plenty of space for photos, knowledgeable guides who share a lot of history, and a rotation of exhibits,” TripAdvisor says of the monument. “It’s accessible, affordable, and you’ll pick up a new perspective on national pride and hope.”
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 5 top-rated NY attractions make TripAdvisor’s 2025 ‘Best of the Best’ list
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
