New York City is home to some of the world’s most iconic buildings—each the bearer of its own unique story and cultural significance. From historic landmarks to modern skyscrapers, these various structures, buildings, institutions help define the city and continue to be attractions appealing to visitors and residents alike.
After you’re done crossing places to visit off your to-do list, why not check out other things to do in New York? We’ve got tons of ideas that will make your stay in the Big Apple that much more enjoyable.
Tall Tales: Skyscrapers in New York
New York’s skyline is defined by its towering skyscrapers. Some offer a glimpse into the past, others showcase cutting-edge and futuristic ingenuity.
Empire State Building
20 W 34th St.,
New York, NY 10001
United States
One of the most recognizable skyscrapers around the world, the Empire State Building was completed in 1931, during the Great Depression.
From about 1931 to 1971, this was the tallest building in the world. Though it no longer is, it maintains its reputation as an icon and symbol of Manhattan, one seen on magnets and postcards. Head to the building’s observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors to see why this skyscraper was named the #1 destination on Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
💡 Fun fact: The Empire State Building was built in just 20 months—a huge deal at the time. It took more than 3,400 workers to construct.
Chrysler Building
405 Lexington Ave,
New York, NY 10174,
United States
The Chrysler Building is considered by many to be an Art Deco and architectural design masterpiece.
The building was completed in 1930—at the height of this opulent aesthetic’s popularity. Its distinctive spire and intricate ornamentation were inspired by automotive design, which makes sense given its name and that it was commissioned by Walter Chrysler, founder of the Chrysler Corporation. It remains one of the city’s most beloved skyscrapers.
💡 Fun fact: There are more than fifty metal ornamentations protruding from the Chrysler Building.
One World Trade Center
285 Fulton St,
New York, NY 10007,
United States
One World Trade Center stands at 1,776 feet and this skyscraper was built as a tribute to resilience and renewal in the wake of the attacks on September 11, 2001.
More than just a standing homage to democracy, it’s a cutting-edge sustainable design and is now the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
💡 Fun fact: Its height was deliberately chosen to commemorate the year 1776, the year the United States Declaration of Independence was signed.
Rockefeller Center
45 Rockefeller Plaza,
New York, NY 10111,
United States
Rockefeller Center is an architectural gem located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This plaza showcases the grandeur of Art Deco design blended with modern entertainment.
Beyond its striking façade and impressive statue of Prometheus that greets you in the Lower Plaza, Rockefeller Center is something of an American icon. It’s home to NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and the famous (and mighty festive) Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
The Top of the Rock observation deck provides breathtaking city views, making it a must-visit landmark for people visiting New York.
Flatiron Building
175 5th Ave,
New York, NY 10010,
United States
The Flatiron Building is known for its distinctive, and different than any other building you’ll see in New York, triangular shape—there’s no building like it anywhere else! As you might’ve guessed, it got its name from its striking resemblance to an iron.
When it was under construction back in 1902, the building was considered a feat of engineering—though its design was initially met with criticism. Despite those initial outcries, it quickly became one of New York’s most photographed buildings. Its steel-frame construction reaches 87 meters high. It was one of the tallest buildings at the time of completion.
Seagram Building
375 Park Ave,
New York, NY 10152,
United States
A masterclass in modernist design, the Seagram Building in Midtown Manhattan revolutionized skyscraper architecture with its ultra-sleek bronze-and-glass aesthetic.
Designed by architect Mies van der Rohe, this building is mid-century modernism at its finest. Completed in 1958, it was one of the first buildings to include an open plaza in its design, paving the way (pun intended) for many other buildings to follow.
💡 Fun fact: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed Westmount Square, a building located in our hometown of Montreal. Much like Seagram, this design also features an open plaza—inviting folks.
Hearst Tower
300 W 57th St,
New York, NY 10019,
United States
Hearst Tower is the home of Hearst, one of the United States’ premier media companies. What makes this structure so exceptional is that it’s New York City’s very first LEED Gold-certified skyscraper, meaning it’s one of the first environmentally friendly buildings to open its doors across the city. It features plenty of innovative eco-friendly elements like rainwater collection and energy-efficient lighting.
MetLife Building
200 Park Ave,
New York, NY 10166,
United States
The MetLife Building towers over Grand Central Terminal (another famous landmark that appears on our list!). This architectural marvel was designed in what’s known as the International style—a European style that favors function over aesthetic. It opened in 1963, and walking through it can feel a bit like being in an episode of Mad Men. Ultimately, it’s a symbol of corporate power in Midtown and is a bustling commercial center.
💡 Did you know? The lobby of the MetLife Building serves as a pedestrian passage to get to Grand Central Station.
Wow-Worthy Circus Acts!
Get ready to be amazed in New York City! Jaw-dropping Cirque du Soleil performances are just a click away.
Historical landmarks in New York
New York is a city steeped in history. These iconic landmarks tell the story of how the city became the cultural and corporate destination it is today.
Grand Central Terminal
89 E 42nd St,
New York, NY 10017,
United States
Grand Central Terminal is more than a transportation hub—it's an architectural masterpiece. True to its name, Grand Central’s palatial setting showcases the marvelous Beaux-Arts aesthetic: opulent archways, a celestial ceiling, and—its famous four-faced opal clock.
More than just a beautiful place to wait for the next train, Grand Central is one of the world’s busiest train stations and a treasured piece of New York history.
💡 Fun fact: Grand Central Terminal sees an average of 750,000 daily visitors and features a famous four-faced clock and a celestial ceiling.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
5th Ave,
New York, NY 10022,
United States
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a stunning building and an impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture. Its classic architecture stands out in a sea of modernist structures. It’s been a popular landmark since it first opened in 1878, partly due to its intricate stained-glass windows, towering spires, and detailed stone carvings.
Way back when, St. Patrick’s Cathedral was the tallest structure in New York—the spires that were added in 1888 made it peak over the rest of the city. Of course, it was later replaced by another famed New York landmark—the Empire State Building—but that doesn’t mean seeing this building in person is anything less than impressive.
💡 Fun fact: St. Patrick's Cathedral's main doors each weigh 4,200 kg. But they were designed in such a way that makes them evenly balanced, so even one person can open these on their own.
Trinity Church Wall Street
89 Broadway,
New York, NY 10006,
United States
Trinity Church in Wall Street played a key role in the historical development of the US. Founded in 1698, it’s one of the oldest buildings in all of New York, even the country. A small group of members of the Church of England asked the Royal Governor Benjamin Fletcher to grant the church legal status—and the rest is history. The church was built at the head of Wall Street and looks out at the Hudson River, where it still stands today.
It's a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. Though construction began in the late 1600s, it was only completed in 1846.
💡 Did you know? Trinity Church is the final resting place of Alexander Hamilton.
Woolworth Building
233 Broadway,
New York, NY 10279,
United States
Once upon a time, the Woolworth Building was the tallest skyscraper in the world, at 792 ft. high. By the time construction of this Neo-Gothic behemoth was completed in 1913, no one in New York had seen anything like it. That’s the way it remained until the Chrysler Building was finished almost two decades later.
The “Cathedral of Commerce” is this icon’s nickname. Its exterior gives it a near-religious like beauty: terracotta detailing gives it a regal and striking presence. That’s what it gets for being one of the earliest skyscrapers to dominate the sky—others followed the standard it set.
The Dakota
1 West 72nd Street,
New York, NY 10023,
United States
The Dakota on 72nd Street is a masterpiece of 19th-century residential architecture and has been home to some of New York’s most famous residents, including John Lennon and Yoko Ono, among others. Construction of the Dakota was completed in 1884. Its grand exterior features intricate stonework, a distinctive gabled roof, and balconies with balustrades (railing that prevents anyone from falling).
💡 Fun fact: Other notable former residents include Lauren Bacall, Leonard Bernstein, and Judy Garland.
Federal Hall National Memorial
26 Wall St,
New York, NY 10005,
United States
Federal Hall National Memorial is yet symbol of New York’s history. The site is located in Lower Manhattan, at 26 Wall Street. This was the site where George Washington was sworn in as the first president of the US. Later, it was where Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Executive Branches gathered.
The current Greek Revival building, completed in 1842, is designed with imposing columns—reminder of the birthplace of democracy, Greece. Today, the building is a museum honoring the country’s early government and constitutional legacy. Due to its status as a symbol of history, it is governed by the U.S. National Park Service and is considered a memorial sight.
Museums and cultural sites in New York
New York City is home to some of the most significant museums and cultural institutions in the world. Here is a handful of our favorites well worth a visit.
Museum of Modern Art
11 W 53rd St,
New York, NY 10019,
United States
You can’t talk about art in New York without mentioning The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This contemporary art museum, located in the Upper East Side, houses an extensive collection of masterpieces so iconic, your first exposure to them might have been in textbooks. Works by the likes of Van Gogh, Warhol, and Picasso are all hung up upon these walls. Lovers of photography, film, and digital media will also find works that speak to them here.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 5th Ave,
New York, NY 10128,
United States
The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is as much an architectural marvel as it is a destination for art lovers to explore. This building is most famous for its spiraling, continuous ramp. Being built this way lets visitors be guided, like a current in a river, to visit the artworks in fluid motion. In this sense, it completely reimagines the way art is and should be viewed.
Whitney Museum of American Art
99 Gansevoort St,
New York, NY 10014,
United States
The Whitney Museum is dedicated to American contemporary art. Its permanent collection boasts an extensive collection of 20th and 21st-century masterpieces. Located in the Meatpacking District, you’ll find open gallery spaces and a rooftop terrace that overlooks the city and Hudson River, offering stunning views.
The Whitney is best known for its Biennial, a prestigious exhibition that puts contemporary artists’ works in the spotlight.
The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
1000 5th Ave,
New York, NY 10028,
United States
The Met is the largest museum in the U.S. and a destination for both art lovers and historians. The building’s Beaux-Arts façade on Fifth Avenue leads way to galleries upon galleries featuring everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts and European masterpieces. In total, you’ll encounter about 2 million pieces of art spanning five millennia. We told you it was a trip through history.
💡 Did you know? The Met is the largest museum in the United States, and the fifth largest in the world.
New York Public Library
476 5th Ave,
New York, NY 10018,
United States
You might not think about visiting a library when visiting New York City, but the New York Public Library makes it all worthwhile. The New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts design and one of our favorites on this list.
The New York Public Library, opened in 1911, is the largest marble building ever built in the country and took 16 years to construct. But it isn’t just the outside that will impress: Inside, rows and rows of books and large reading rooms await.
💡 Did you know? The entranceway of the New York Public Library is guarded by two Lion statues out front—they’re named Patience and Fortitude, and were named in the 1930s by the former mayor of NYC, Fiorello LaGuardia.
United Nations Headquarters
405 E 45th St,
New York, NY 10017,
United States
The United Nations Headquarters overlooks the East River and serves as a symbol of global diplomacy and solidarity.
Designed by an international team of architects, including Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer, the building’s modern structure was conceived this way to symbolize unity and harmony.
Curious about what happens inside? Visitors can explore the General Assembly Hall and learn about international efforts for peace.
Fredrick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space
200 Central Park W,
New York, NY 10024,
United States
You’ll know you’ve arrived at the Rose Center for Earth and Space when you see the futuristic glass sphere, the Hayden Sphere, that houses it. Located inside the American Museum of Natural History, this museum explores space and time, in all its 13 billion years of existence.
The Hayden Planetarium, helmed by famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, offers immersive journeys through the cosmos with its numerous displays, the massive replica of the Solar System, and the Hall of the Universe. The Big Bang theater recreates the Big Bang in a video voiced by actor Liam Neeson.
The Met Cloisters
99 Margaret Corbin Dr,
New York, NY 10040,
United States
What ho! The Met Cloisters is a place for medieval lovers to come gather in Upper Manhattan—so grab your armor and head on down.
An extension of the Met and nestled in Fort Tryon Park, The Met Cloisters site is a serene escape from the city’s hustle. But it also feels like taking a trip through time. Its building feels downright castle-like, with its European monastic architecture and lush gardens.
But, visitors come here to get their medieval art fill, which includes: manuscripts, stained glass, ancient tapestries and yes, armor.
Modern architectural marvels in New York
Design lovers enjoy coming here for the modern architectural masterpieces that just so happen to be an everyday occurrence in New York City.
The Oculus
185 Greenwich St LL3110,
New York, NY 10006,
United States
There’s no other building quite like The Oculus. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, this building resembles a bird in flight—it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and starting over again. Inside this feat of design, you’ll find high-end retail and transit connection—it’s as functional as it is poignant.
Edge NYC
0 Hudson Yards,
New York, NY 10001,
United States
Edge NYC is an observation deck located at 30 Hudson Yards. It’s the highest outdoor Skydeck in the Western Hemisphere. Its glass floors and angled walls give visitors breathtaking views of New York, a first-of-its-kind observation deck.
One World Observatory
117 West St,
New York, NY 10007,
United States
The One World Observatory is the observation deck located at the One World Trade building. To get there, hop on the high-speed SkyPod elevators which whisk visitors to the 102nd floor in a matter of seconds. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be met with an immersive digital experience, showcasing how the development came to be following the attacks on September 11, 2001.
The National Arts Club
15 Gramercy Pk S,
New York, NY 10003,
United States
The National Arts Club is housed in a 19th-century mansion. With its ornate interiors and stained-glass windows, this spot has long been a gathering place for creatives. Today, it continues to celebrate the arts by hosting many exhibitions, performances, and events on the regular.
American Standard Building
40 W 40th St,
New York, NY 10018,
United States
The American Standard Building (originally the American Radiator Building) stands out against all of New York’s other towers, thanks to the building’s unique black-and-gold façade. Though this was once the home of the American Radiator Company, it’s since been converted into the Bryant Park Hotel.
💡 Fun fact: The building’s color scheme is no doubt striking, but it was chosen intentionally. Black brick was chosen for this building due to its relationship to coal, while the gold detailing represents fire.
Time Warner Center
10 Columbus Cir,
New York, NY 10019,
United States
The Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle is a great example of mixed-use developments at play. Here, you’ll find luxury residences, office space, retail shops and restaurants as far as the eye can see (even some fancy restaurants and Michelin-starred options). In a way, it’s a city within a city—everything is convenient and accessible. From the outside looking in, you’ll know you’ve arrived as you scope out its reflective glass exterior. This is a modern Manhattan landmark.
TWA Terminal at JFK
One Idlewild Drive,
New York, NY 11430-1962
United States
Airport hotels sometimes get a bad rap, but The TWA Terminal at JFK Airport dispels that notion. Architect Eero Saarinen’s sweeping, wing-like structure pays homage to the golden age of air travel: think Pan-Am, the 1960s, Mad Men-era.
Its 512 sound-proof guest rooms overlooking JFK’s runways make this a hotel stay for the ages. Today, it offers visitors a nostalgic yet modern experience, blending aviation history with contemporary hospitality.
Architectural diversity
Welcome to New York, the city where visitors take in various architectural styles that look right at home side by side.
Art Deco style in New York
New York's skyline is what it is today thanks to the elegance and opulence of Art Deco architecture. The Chrysler Building, with its shimmering crown, and the Empire State Building, exemplify this bold design movement and, in a way, symbolize the city of New York itself.
Defined by intricate ornamentation and streamlined forms, Art Deco transformed the cityscape into a masterpiece of modernity, paving the way for New York to become the cultural and economic destination it is today.
Beaux-Arts influence in New York
Beaux-Arts architecture brings a classical elegance to New York. A prime example of this aesthetic is the Grand Central Terminal, with its turn-of-the-century arches and opulent detailing (like the celestial ceiling).
Gothic architecture in New York
Gothic Revival architecture has always had its place in New York city. Buildings like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with its astonishing spires and intricate stained glass, have helped shape the fabric of the city’s architecture. This is just one example of many within the city.
Characterized by its intricate details like gargoyles, archways and spires, Gothic Revival—sometimes called Neo Gothic—is a form of architecture used most often for government or religious buildings, like churches and cathedrals. They add a certain depth to a city’s landscape, as evidenced in New York.
Modern design trends in New York
In terms of its buildings, New York City pushes design boundaries. Some notable mentions include One Vanderbilt’s pristine glass façade and angular lines. Then, you have the Jenga-like structure of 56 Leonard, which is quite a sight to see.
Billionaire’s Row, a section of Manhattan featuring ultra-luxury residences, continues to multiply—a pocket of tall, skinny buildings that reach the clouds.
Embracing New York's architectural legacy
Lovers of architecture can all agree: Few other destinations in North America can compare to the majesty and stateliness of New York’s architectural heritage. The skyline boasts a brilliant blend of modern infrastructure with heritage buildings. Everywhere you look, a new experience awaits.
After you’ve spent a day strolling the iconic streets of New York, why not wind down by catching one of our shows in New York the next time we’re in town? Our performances feel as mighty and towering as some of the skyscrapers in the city—telling stories through movement as we sway on stage, captivating audiences, creating lasting legacies of our own.