New York is a world-class city that’s almost certainly on everyone’s destination bucket list, and rightfully so. 

Ask any visitor what brought them to New York, and you’ll get a bunch of different answers. Maybe it’s the towering skyscrapers, amazing Broadway shows, or the shopping streets—but one less common, yet still important destination to check out are the city’s many historical landmarks. Even though New York is all glam and chic now, let’s not forget that it’s one of the oldest cities in America and has also tremendously contributed to how the country has been shaped. 

With all that said, you simply have to check out some of NYC’s must-see attractions for sightseeing enthusiasts on your journey. The Big Apple truly has got something for everyone, including the history buff, the shopaholic, and even the foodie. Keep reading on to learn more about some of New York City’s must-see historical destinations. 

The Statue of Liberty

If you’re in New York and you don’t visit the Statue of Liberty, you’re seriously going to miss out. It’s arguably America’s most famous landmark, not just an icon of New York. The iconic monument was gifted to the United States by France in 1886. Fun fact: it was designed by the architect of the Eiffel Tower! 

What makes the Statue of Liberty a must-see is its perfect representation of the quinessential “American dream.” It proudly welcomes immigrants to America and stands tall with deep values of liberty and independence. The statue’s color may have changed over the years, but its grandeur isn’t likely to diminish anytime soon. It’s also close to Ellis Island, which is another historical attraction that demands a visit. 

Federal Hall

If you wish to step back in time and get a glimpse of where the American Government was born, Federal Hall is a key place you need to visit. It’s the site where George Washington took the oath as the US’s first President in 1789. You’re bound to be impressed by the unique Greek Revival-style architecture of this historic building. 

But if that does not impress you already, what’s guaranteed to blow you away is the expansive museum within the memorial houses. Filled with plenty of artifacts and exhibits, this place is heaven for those who are interested in history. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

If you’re a big fan of Gossip Girl, you’d be lying if you said that you also didn’t want to sit on the steps of the Met and rule the world!

But there’s more to The Metropolitan Museum of Art than just its iconic steps. Located on 5th Avenue, it’s a symbol of history and art. It was founded in 1870, and since then, it has expanded to a massive size filled with exhibits and works of all kinds. 

Can you believe it has more than 2 million pieces of art sectioned? The museum has displayed countless exhibitions for more than 150 years—and, of course, it’s also where the famous Met Gala takes place every year. 

Fraunces Tavern

If you wish to visit NYC’s most historic bar, you need to add Fraunces Tavern to your list. It’s said that it was a popular meeting place for America’s Founding Fathers. That alone is an excellent reason why you must sneak a peek at this historic location and even chug down a few drinks while you do so. 

The tavern has had many roles to play throughout the years, being a private residence, tavern, and even a hotel. But in the present day, there’s a museum you can visit where you can learn all there is to know about the location’s rich history. 

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is an iconic and historic location that has been featured in multiple classic and recent films. Also called the Grand Central Terminal, it has been the main transportation hub of Manhattan for ages. But today, it is so much more. 

When you visit Grand Central, you get restaurants, casual eateries, and cocktail lounges. There are also countless luxury stores. But if you’re an Astrology enthusiast, this place will blow your mind, seeing as the celestial ceiling has constellations of the 12 zodiac signs. Granted that the station is quite crowded all the time, but still—you won’t be disappointed by its sheer scale and brilliance. 

Find Rich History Within The Streets of New York

For many, New York only has a reputation as a concrete jungle—but unless you’ve been there and experienced it for yourself, you simply won’t know how much rich history the Big Apple has to offer. 

Give these five places a visit and transport yourself back in time as you walk their grounds and within their walls.