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Find out what made New York, well, New York — with these must-visit historical sites.
A Tale of Two Eras
New York City, an architectural time capsule, brims with historical sites that echo both the recent and distant past. Exploring the Big Apple is like sifting through layers of time, each location revealing a noteworthy story.
However, of all of those stories, there are perhaps a few that every first-time visitor should know. For one, New York was formerly called New Amsterdam by its predominantly Dutch residents. When King Charles II captured the territory and gave it to his brother, the Duke of York, it received its current name.
More discoveries await you in the city that never sleeps! With that said, dive into our list of New York’s must-visit historical sites, where you can traverse time while you traverse space!
Historical Sites in New York
However modern, New York City is like a living book of American history. Here are key destinations that should not be missed when going on a historical exploration:
BROOKLYN BRIDGE
Location: Between Manhattan and Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Bridge, a marvel of 19th-century engineering, offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and a nearby park that’s perfect for a family picnic. It connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn and was hailed as the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1883. It later lost that title to the Williamsburg Bridge, which is just up the river, but it remains the first-ever steel suspension bridge in the world!
STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT
Location: Liberty Island in New York Harbor
The Statue of Liberty, which may be found on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, was a gift from the French to the Americans. French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi modeled it after the Roman goddess Libertas, who was the goddess of freedom. Today, it is one of the most recognizable icons of NYC and of the United States, standing as a symbol of hope, freedom, and democracy.
ELLIS ISLAND
Location: New York Harbor
Once the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the U.S., Ellis Island is filled with stories of hope and perseverance. The federal government acquired the island from New York State in the middle of the 19th century with the intention of using it as a military fortress. To deal with the massive flow of immigrants coming to the United States from Europe, the federal government decided to turn the island into an immigration processing facility in 1890.
Fun fact: When Ellis Island first opened on January 1, 1892, the first immigrant to be processed was a 15-year-old Irish girl named Annie Moore!
CENTRAL PARK
Location: Manhattan
From the tranquil Bethesda Fountain to the Strawberry Fields tribute to John Lennon, Central Park is an oasis in the concrete jungle. Frederick Law Olmsted originally just built it to provide NYC residents with a break from the city bustle, but it ended up revolutionizing urban parks everywhere!
With 843 acres to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do in Central Park. You can spend a whole day boating, jogging, biking, ice skating, riding a horse-drawn carriage, or bird-watching in this New York historical site.
TIMES SQUARE
Location: Intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue
The dazzling neon lights and bustle of Times Square, the “Crossroads of the World,” offer an exhilarating sensory overload. You can see a Broadway show, visit the surrounding shops, or simply revel in the electrifying energy of this iconic spot.
Times Square got its name after the New York Times relocated its headquarters to a new structure nearby in 1904. Even back then, this area was the glamorous center of entertainment and transportation. Though it fell into rough times during the 60s and 70s, it was able to bounce back thanks to a city-driven cleanup drive.
FLATIRON BUILDING
Location: 175 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
Perhaps the most iconic thing about the Flatiron Building is its unique dimensions. However, it is also known for being one of NYC’s oldest skyscrapers and one of the first buildings to be built with a steel skeleton.
The building has seen many uses, but the most notable part of its history is when it housed a nightclub in its basement in 1911. That very nightclub was the first in the city to have a black Jazz band perform.
GRAND CENTRAL STATION
Location: 89 East 42nd Street at Park Avenue, Manhattan
The celestial ceiling and bustling energy of Grand Central Terminal will have you staring in awe. The whispering gallery and iconic four-faced clock are must-see features, but you can also indulge in a culinary adventure in nearby shops.
This New York historical site dates back to the 19th century. Though no trains pass through this structure, more than 750,000 people do on a daily basis! More interestingly, it is the largest train station in the world, spanning 49 acres with 44 platforms and 67 tracks!
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
Location: 20 W 34th Street
Standing 1,250 feet tall, the Empire State Building was considered the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion. On its own, it is a crown jewel of the Art Deco movement, but it was truly thrust into the spotlight – literally – when it was featured in the film King Kong.
Scaling this architectural marvel rewards you with unparalleled views of the city, but it also provides a sense of thrill when you find out that this building has survived a WWII Bomber crash and up to 25 lightning strikes a year!
Where to Stay Near New York’s Historical Sites
After a day of being steeped in the past at New York’s historical sites, you’ll need a comfortable spot to rest and recharge. Here are a few neighborhoods close to the previously mentioned sites that are not just conveniently located but also bursting with local charm.
- FINANCIAL DISTRICT: Close to Federal Hall, the Financial District is home to Wall Street and the Charging Bull statue. This area also offers a multitude of dining options, including the hip yet vintage The Malt House and stylishly Italian Felice.
- LOWER MANHATTAN: Near the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry service, Lower Manhattan features the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and One World Trade Center. From shopping at Brookfield Place to dining at Eataly, this district has it all.
- MIDTOWN MANHATTAN: Convenient for visits to Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Midtown boasts iconic sights like the Empire State Building. Enjoy the stylish restaurants or – in true New Yorker fashion – grab a bite from famous food carts in the area.
- BROOKLYN HEIGHTS: Adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge, this quaint neighborhood offers panoramic skyline views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. It also hosts a variety of restaurants and unique shops, like the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange.
- UPPER WEST SIDE: Located near Central Park, the Upper West Side is rich in culture with attractions like the American Museum of Natural History. Pop into Zabar’s, a famous food market, for some local treats and souvenir shopping.
Relish the Past in NYC With Rent By Owner
The Big Apple, steeped in rich history and vibrant culture, is a captivating blend of past and present. The historical sites of New York tell compelling stories that engage the senses, sparking a deep connection with this unforgettable city. If you find yourself standing beneath the Statue of Liberty or strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll know that every moment spent in these spots is a step back in time, a unique experience that you’ll cherish.
To make your visit even more memorable, plan your trips and craft amazing itineraries with Rent By Owner! With our travel content, you’re sure to have your wanderlust in high gear. Plus, we list thousands of vacation rentals across New York so you can find your home away from home. So why wait? Start planning your historical journey through the Big Apple today with Rent By Owner.
TLDR
This guide takes you on a sensory journey through must-see historical sites in New York City, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Flatiron Building, Central Park, Grand Central Station, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and Ellis Island. It also explores accommodation options in five key districts: Financial District, Lower Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights, and the Upper West Side. Plan your visit to these historical gems and find your perfect stay with Rent By Owner.
