Landmarks
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island | New York's symbol on an island in the harbour, and the immigration museum on Ellis Island. | By ferry from Battery Park; the crown by advance booking |
| Times Square | The heart of Manhattan with its giant screens and lights. | Midtown Manhattan |
| Brooklyn Bridge | A historic bridge you can walk across, with views of Manhattan. | Lower Manhattan |
The views
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Empire State Building | The most famous skyscraper, with an observation deck on the 86th floor. | Midtown Manhattan |
| Edge at Hudson Yards | The highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, with a glass floor. | Hudson Yards |
| Summit One Vanderbilt | A deck of mirror rooms and glass lifts by Grand Central. | By Grand Central |
| Top of the Rock | An open deck on the 70th floor with views of Central Park and the Empire State. | Rockefeller Center |
Parks and museums
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Central Park | A vast park in the heart of Manhattan, with lakes, paths and horse carriages. | Manhattan; free |
| The Metropolitan Museum of Art | One of the world's largest museums, with treasures from every civilisation. | Fifth Avenue |
| The American Museum of Natural History | Dinosaur skeletons and the hall of whales, great for children. | By Central Park |
Shopping
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth Avenue | The world's best-known street for shopping and luxury brands. | Manhattan |
| Woodbury Common Premium Outlets | A huge outlet of brands at reduced prices. | About an hour from New York |
Tips before you go
- You need a US visa (B1/B2), and the wait in Riyadh is about a month and a half, so apply early.
- Saudia flies direct from Jeddah daily and from Riyadh 3 times a week.
- The subway runs around the clock; pay by card or phone at the gate.
Hotels in New York
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in New York?
The Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State, Edge and Summit, Brooklyn Bridge, the Met and Fifth Avenue.
Are there direct flights to New York?
Yes, Saudia from Jeddah daily and from Riyadh 3 times a week.
Do Saudis need a visa for the USA?
Yes, a B1/B2 tourist visa; the wait in Riyadh is about a month and a half.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.