Must-See Cultural Visits to Experience in New York

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Visiting New York City (NYC) is an adventure into a fascinating cosmopolitan metropolis where every street corner reveals precious artistic and cultural treasures. Beyond its towering skyscrapers and vibrant neighborhoods, this city known as the “Big Apple” is filled with iconic landmarks that spark the curiosity of both locals and tourists. To learn more about these historical gems, it is essential to plan a structured visiting itinerary. Here are the must-see cultural sites to discover in New York.

Start by visiting the 9/11 Memorial

Also known in English as the 9/11 Memorial, the September 11 Memorial is a space dedicated to honoring the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place in 2001.

This place of remembrance is located in New York’s Lower Manhattan, at the exact site of the former Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. It consists of two large reflecting pools that feature impressive waterfalls flowing into their center. These massive fountains are bordered by bronze panels engraved with the names of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial is both an emotional and educational experience, allowing you to honor the memory of the martyrs and understand the consequences of terrorism in the New York City area. It is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the courage, determination, resilience, and solidarity shown by the city’s residents during this tragic event.

Note that access to the memorial honoring the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks is completely free, but you will still need a ticket to tour the underground site housing the 9/11 Museum. Opened in 2014, this museum showcases items recovered from the rubble, including identification cards, shoes, firefighter helmets, steel columns from the Twin Towers, burned trucks, and more.

On site, you will discover photos of the victims, audio recordings left by people trapped in the Twin Towers, testimonies from survivors, and many other thematic exhibitions. To book your entrance to the 9/11 Museum, you can check its official website or purchase a tourist pass (New York City Pass, SightSeeing Pass, etc.) at an authorized ticket booth.

We also recommend adopting a casual dress style not only to fully enjoy your visit but also to align with New York fashion. So opt for fitted jeans, a colorful graphic t-shirt, a casual shirt, white sneakers, a cap, a light scarf, and sunglasses.

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Commonly referred to as “The MET” by Americans, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a prestigious art gallery established in 1872 on Fifth Avenue in New York. This cultural center houses over 2 million works from various centuries and artistic movements. From ancient sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces and contemporary creations, this neoclassical museum guarantees memorable discoveries.

A visit to the MET will allow you to admire the works of great artists such as Picasso, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet. It is also an opportunity to explore collections of paintings, photographs, textiles, costumes, weapons, and jewelry from both American and European history.

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, special galleries are dedicated to Egyptian art and Greek antiquity. Don’t hesitate to explore them to learn more about mummies, sarcophagi, ritual objects, ceramics, and frescoes from these cultures that have marked world history.

Make sure to take the time to visit the Rooftop Garden, a picturesque garden offering panoramic views of Central Park, the Manhattan skyline, and New York’s skyscrapers. Be sure to catch the concerts, film screenings, or art workshops that are regularly offered on site.

Note that the Metropolitan Museum of Art is open year-round, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and the first Monday in May. Tickets can be purchased online, on the museum’s website, or at self-service kiosks located at the entrance.

We recommend booking a guided tour to explore the best exhibits spread across the 280 halls of the MET.

Discover the Catacombs of New York

A visit to the Catacombs of New York is the perfect activity for diving into the underground mysteries and remnants of this historically rich city. Built beneath the former St. Patrick’s Cathedral (1809), this iconic site served as a burial vault for wealthy families and notable figures of the metropolis for over two centuries. The stone vaults, narrow passages, and dark corridors create an eerie atmosphere while evoking curiosity among visitors.

On site, you will discover the graves of many figures such as John Connolly, the first bishop of NYC, and Thomas Thompson Eckert, a former major in the U.S. Army and confidant of President Abraham Lincoln. It’s also an opportunity to admire the gothic details and colorful stained glass that showcase the craftsmanship of 18th-century artisans. You will encounter other historical remnants such as old stone-extraction tools, wall inscriptions, and abandoned artifacts.

It should be noted that the visit to the Catacombs of New York is by reservation only and requires the presence of a guide. Depending on your schedule, you can choose between four time slots called Evening Tours (11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, or 5 PM). Additionally, tour groups are intentionally kept small by the guides to preserve the intimacy of the experience and to share fascinating anecdotes about these underground tunnels.

Visit the iconic American Museum of Natural History

Officially named the “American Museum of Natural History” (AMNH), the American Museum of Natural History is a vast complex spanning 150,000 square meters. It was inaugurated in December 1877 in Manhattan, at the intersection of Central Park West and 81st Street. It is renowned not only for its extensive collection of stuffed animals and interactive exhibits but also for its scientific center that gathers over 250 researchers.

During your visit to the museum, you can explore halls dedicated to various species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians from around the world. Be sure to visit the rooms dedicated to meteorites, gemstones, and minerals to make fascinating discoveries about planets. The American Museum of Natural History also houses the Orientation Center where you can observe dinosaur skeletons, early vertebrates, primitive animals, and several mammals.

Want to learn more about the origins of humans and civilizations? Take advantage of your time at the AMNH to explore the rooms dedicated to these themes. You will be able to trace the evolution of humanity and cultures through exhibits of unique objects and specimens.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which includes installations such as:

• the Hayden Planetarium,
• the Hall of the Universe,
• the Big Bang Theater,
• the Cosmic Path.

These sections of the American Museum of Natural History immerse you in the mysteries of space, celestial bodies, and the world around us. You can continue your exploration in the impressive whale room, where a skeleton of this marine mammal is displayed from the ceiling. Feel free to stop by the Theodore Roosevelt memorial as well as the discovery room specially designed for children aged 5 to 12.

To fully enjoy your visit to the American Museum of Natural History, plan to spend between 2 to 3 hours there. We recommend checking the museum’s official website for its opening hours and downloading an interactive map of the venue. A free mobile app is also provided by the AMNH to facilitate ticket purchases, your geolocation on site, and understanding the ongoing exhibits.

Discover the New St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York

During your cultural visit to New York, the new St. Patrick’s Cathedral is worth the trip. A true architectural masterpiece and iconic symbol of the city, this place of peace and spirituality is located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. It stands out for its neo-gothic style, colorful stained glass, and sculptures that give it a unique charm.

The construction of this religious edifice took place between 1853 and 1878, replacing the old St. Patrick’s Basilica, built in 1809 north of Little Italy. The latter became increasingly cramped to meet the growing needs of the Catholic community in New York. Visiting the new cathedral allows you to admire the striking contrast its architecture offers against the modern skyscrapers surrounding Fifth Avenue.

Inside, you can contemplate:

• the altars adorned with marble, candles, and flowers,
• the high vaulted ceilings,
• the majestic organs,
• the stained glass with religious motifs,
• the devotional objects.

The St. Patrick’s Basilica also houses side chapels that provide special spaces for prayer, veneration, and meditation. It is no wonder that over 5 million visitors come here each year to reflect and attend religious celebrations. Note that access to the basilica is generally free. However, donations are always welcome to support maintenance and religious activities.