Must-See Cultural Visits to Make in 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 imposing skyscrapers and bustling neighborhoods, this city, nicknamed “Big Apple,” is brimming with iconic landmarks that pique the curiosity of locals and tourists alike. To learn more about these history-laden gems, it is necessary to plan a structured itinerary. We present to you 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 9/11 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 Lower Manhattan, New York, at the exact site of the former Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. It consists of two large pools with impressive waterfalls cascading towards their centers. These massive fountains are bordered by bronze panels inscribed 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 impact of terrorism in New York City. It is also an opportunity to absorb the courage, determination, resilience, and solidarity displayed 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 entirely free, but you will need a ticket to visit the underground site housing the 9/11 Museum. Inaugurated in 2014, this museum showcases items recovered from the debris, including identity cards, shoes, firefighter helmets, steel columns from the Twin Towers, burnt trucks, and more.

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

We also recommend adopting a casual dress style not only to fully enjoy your visit but also to fit in with New York fashion. Opt for a fitted pair of jeans, a colorful patterned 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 New York’s Fifth Avenue. This cultural center houses over 2 million works from various centuries and artistic movements. From ancient sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces and contemporary creations, this museum with neoclassical architecture guarantees memorable discoveries.

A tour of 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. Feel free to explore them to learn more about mummies, sarcophagi, ritual objects, ceramics, and frescoes from these civilizations that have marked world history.

Enjoy your visit to the MET by also exploring the Rooftop Garden, a picturesque garden offering panoramic views of Central Park, the Manhattan skyline, and New York’s skyscrapers. Don’t miss the concerts, film screenings, or art workshops 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 automatic kiosks at the entrance.

We recommend booking a guided tour to explore the best exhibitions spread across the MET’s 280 halls.

Discover the catacombs of New York

Visiting the catacombs of New York is the ideal activity to delve into the underground mysteries and remnants of this history-rich city. Built under the old 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 a strange ambiance while piquing visitors’ curiosity.

On-site, you will discover the tombs of many personalities 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 is also an opportunity to admire the Gothic details and colorful stained glass windows that showcase the craftsmanship of 18th-century artisans. You will uncover other historical remnants such as old stone extraction tools, wall inscriptions, and abandoned artifacts.

Note that visiting the catacombs of New York requires a reservation and the presence of a guide. Depending on your schedule, you can choose from four tour times called Evening Tour (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 provide fascinating anecdotes about these underground tunnels.

Head to 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 covering 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, which houses 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. Also, 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 origin of humans and civilizations? Take advantage of your visit to the AMNH to explore the rooms dedicated to these topics. You will be able to trace the evolution of humanity and cultures through exhibitions of rare objects and specimens.

Don’t miss 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 Pathway.

These sections of the American Museum of Natural History immerse you in the mysteries of space, stars, and the world around us. Continue your exploration in the impressive whale room, where a skeleton of this marine mammal is displayed on the ceiling. Be sure to also stop by the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial and 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 and 3 hours there. We recommend checking the museum’s official website for its opening hours and downloading the interactive map of the site. A free mobile app is also offered by the AMNH to facilitate ticket purchases, your geolocation on-site, and understanding the current exhibitions.

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 a visit. A true architectural masterpiece and an iconic symbol of the city, this place of peace and spirituality is located on Manhattan’s 5th Avenue. It stands out with its neo-Gothic style, colorful stained glass windows, and sculptures that give it a unique charm.

The construction of this religious building took place between 1853 and 1878, replacing the old St. Patrick’s Basilica, built in 1809 in the northern part of Little Italy. The latter was becoming increasingly limited in accommodating the growing needs of New York’s Catholic community. Visiting the new cathedral allows you to admire the striking contrast of its architecture with the modern skyscrapers surrounding 5th Avenue.

Inside, you can contemplate:

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

The St. Patrick’s Basilica also houses side chapels that serve as privileged spaces for prayer, veneration, and meditation. It is rightly so that more than 5 million visitors come here annually to reflect and participate in religious celebrations. Note that access to the basilica is generally free. However, donations are always welcome to support maintenance and religious activities.

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