New York is famous the whole world over. Far from being a provincial little town in the back of beyond, it is not only a major American city, but a destination the majority of the global population would like to visit at least once in their lifetimes. 

We’ve all dreamed of walking along its fashionable suburban streets, staring in awe at its towering skyscrapers, and perusing its cosmopolitan art galleries and top-class eateries with our own eyes. Should you be lucky enough to actually get the chance, here are just five of the must-see sights New York has to offer.

Central Park

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Functioning as park, museum, and concert hall in one, the famed Central Park covers a vast swathe of Manhattan in its green and verdant beauty. An ideal place to visit all year round, it has a wealth of hidden treasures for visitors to explore, from its magnificent Conservatory Garden through to a towering 11-foot tall Alice in Wonderland statue. With 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, monuments, and sculptures, and a whopping 36 bridges, it offers a unique experience for each person who visits it. Take a trip to see what you’ll find.     

American Museum of Natural History

For those with a love of the natural world and a hunger for knowledge, we’d recommend paying a visit to the American Museum of Natural History. Hosting a wealth of interactive exhibits, its wonderful displays will educate you on everything from dinosaurs through to sea creatures and outer space. There are approximately 32 million artefacts tucked away inside its vast walls, as well as 25 different buildings and 45 separate exhibition halls to explore. The Rose Centre for Earth and Space is one of the most popular, although our personal favourite is undoubtedly the beautiful Butterfly Conservatory. When it comes to viewing its treasures, you really will be spoilt for choice. 

Saratoga Race Course

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If you’ve ever seen Thoroughbreds in full flight, there’s no doubt that you will appreciate the thrilling speed and magnificence of these equine athletes, and one of the best places to see them in all of their glory is at the inimitable Saratoga Race Course. Boasting a long and rich history, the track has hosted some of the most famous horses ever to run in America, from the legendary Man O’ War to racing superstar Secretariat. Drawing everyone from celebrities to politicians, it ought to be appreciated in the flesh by you, too. Dress to the nines, place a bet either on-track or online via one of the operators compared by Oddschecker, who will be able to offer you free bets, and be sure to sip plenty of champagne. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. 

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building towers above the New York skyline, and has deservedly earned a place as one of its most famous monuments. With this in mind, it undoubtedly belongs on this list, which is why we recommend you pay it a visit too. Take a trip to the top to marvel at the Big Apple from above. Standing 1,050 feet up in the air, you’ll be able to see the whole of the city spread out before you, in all of its breath-taking, cosmopolitan beauty. It’s a sight that’s guaranteed to stay with you forever. 

Statue of Liberty

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In any game of word association, ‘New York’ is likely to evoke a response of ‘Statue of Liberty’. The city and its towering symbol of freedom have become utterly synonymous, and no trip to the Big Apple would be complete without seeing it for yourself. A shining beacon that draws visitors all year round, the colossal neoclassical structure was dedicated in 1886, and has stood in its current position ever since, promising liberty and opportunity to those beginning a new life in the fabled lands of America. Take a trip out on a ferry to Ellis Island, and became the latest in a long line of people to be awed by this leviathan monument to a beautiful ideal. 

Offering a wealth of internationally renowned cultural treasures, New York is the ultimate tourist destination. Tell us, which of these five fantastic sights would you want to see first?