Top Tip: Times Square is also known as the city’s entertainment hub, so be sure to explore Broadway, which is nearby and any live street performances.

9. SoHo

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Architecture is a big part of New York’s make-up, and SoHo is one of the best areas to admire the city’s buildings. SoHo is in Lower Manhattan, and its buildings are unique, to say the least.

For starters, over 200 cast-iron buildings make up this trendy neighbourhood. It has a lovely combination of Renaissance, Italianate, and Federal architecture that shows off old grandeur.

A classic lower Manhattan fire escape

Inside these buildings, you’ll find upmarket restaurants, shops, and bars that make this such a trendy area. Although the architecture takes centre stage, the cobblestone sidewalks and vibey nightlife mean you’ll have plenty of breathtaking photo opportunities.

Little italy‘s tribute to Audrey, now a major NYC downtown attraction 10. Wall Street

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At first glance, this financial district in Lower Manhattan isn’t your typical idea of a pretty neighbourhood. But the more time you spend here, the more its charms kick in.

Neoclassical architecture creates a powerful environment with its large columns and arches. Aside from the architecture, the charging bull sculpture is one of the top sights you can visit along the cobblestone streets of Wall Street.

But possibly the best part of Wall Street is Battery Park – the southernmost point of Manhattan. It provides unforgettable views of Liberty Island, and you can see an old sandstone war fort at Castle Clinton.

Top Tip: You can learn all about its history and see the breathtaking attractions on a Wall Street walking tour.

11. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

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Pay a visit to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for a journey into the beauty of Catholic architecture. You’ll find the cathedral in the Midtown Manhattan region, and it’s quite easily the prettiest cathedral in New York.

For starters, the building’s facade is magical. It’s the largest Catholic Gothic cathedral in North America, and the intricate design is gorgeous. You can access Saint Patrick’s Cathedral from Madison Avenue. Keep in mind that the church is still in use to this day, so religious ceremonies still occur.

St Patrick’s Cathedral NYC

During a self-guided audio tour, you’ll see large columns, ordained relief sculptures, and beautiful wooden seats. The high ceilings and stained glass windows create an awe-inspiring feeling when walking through the building.

Top Tip: If you’re a big architecture fan, read my post on the most famous cathedrals in New York City.

12. Bryant Park

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I don’t think you’ll find a more dramatic setting for a park in New York than Bryant Park. This 9.6-acre space in Midtown Manhattan is glorious. Picture the high-rising New York skyline overhead with trees lining a large open lawn.

It hasn’t always been a serene space in the city’s heart, with drugs and crime dominating the park in the 1970s. Now, the park is a beautiful open space for all to enjoy, thanks to the renovations done between 1988 and 1992.

It’s easy to see why this space with a dark past is considered a public miracle. Aside from admiring the jaw-dropping scenery in and around this small park, you can also join the free public tours every Wednesday.

13. Socrates Sculpture Park

Image by Socrates Sculpture Park on Facebook

The outdoor spaces keep coming, and the Socrates Sculpture Park is one of the most distinct. As the name suggests, you can walk amongst large-scale sculptures and take in the views of Lighthouse Park in the centre of the East River.

In 1986, under the leadership of artist Mark di Suvero, this space had a drastic transformation from a landfill to a beautiful sculpture park. You can access the park along Vernon Boulevard in the Queens District, and admission is always free.

New sculptures fill the park annually, so you’ll have a new experience each time you visit. That, coupled with the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, make this one of the most beautiful places in New York City.

14.The Elevated Acre

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Over the years, the Elevated Acre has become a lesser-known gem in comparison to the famous High Line. This is an elevated one-acre garden above the streets of Lower Manhattan near Wall Street.

With a lawn, beer garden, and amphitheatre, the Elevated Acre is an oasis within the urban jungle that is Manhattan. You spend hours strolling through the winding path of Brazilian Hardwood forests and taking in the views of Brooklyn.

Grab a bite to eat from one of the lovely food trucks nearby, like Souvlaki GR Food Truck, and head to this rooftop garden for a relaxing afternoon. As it’s not as popular as the High Line, you can relax in this quiet, secluded park space.

15.Bannerman Castle

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Believe it or not, this buzzing urban city contains some remnants of medieval times. Enjoy a short one-hour and 30-minute drive along the Palisades Interstate Parkway to the Hudson’s Highlands State Park.

Once here, you’ll witness captivating views of the Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island. Built in 1901, this mesmerising castle dominates a portion of the Hudson River landscape. Simply put, it’s an ode to ancient Scottish castles and the ancestry of the Bannerman family.

Today, you can join walking tours, cruises, and kayaking tours of this iconic castle or simply admire it from Hudson’s Highland State Park.

16. New York Public Library

Brumback Library

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You may wonder how a library makes it onto this list, but trust me when I say it’s breathtaking. The New York Public Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is one of the prettiest places in this city.

Not only can you enjoy some much-needed silence, but the architecture here is also extraordinary. You’ll find this building on W 40th and W 42nd Street next to Bryant Park.

The large open spaces have massive arched windows that allow light to flood into the rooms. The ceilings all have beautiful paintings, and the Rose Main Reading Room is particularly magnificent.

Top Tip: You can join a guided tour of the building from Mondays to Saturdays at either 11:00 or 14:00.

17. Empire State Building