I Ranked Every NYC Attraction from WORST to BEST!

Which NYC Tourist Attractions are Worth Visiting in 2024? I rank the Top 20 in this video, with the pros and cons of each!
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NYC Tourist Attractions or Tourist Traps Chapter List:
00:00- Intro
00:28- 20) Madame Tussauds NY
01:26- 19) Coney Island Boardwalk, Brooklyn
02:31- 18) Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise
03:32- 17) Little Island
04:28- 16) Times Square
05:31- 15) Rockefeller Center
06:28- 14) One World Observatory
07:21- 13) Intrepid, Sea, Air, & Space Museum
08:16- 12) Edge- Observation Deck
09:14- 11) Brooklyn Bridge
10:00- 10) The High Line
10:42- 9) Empire State Building
11:40- 8) Central Park
12:33- 7) American Museum of Natural History
13:23- 6) Top of the Rock
14:16- 5) The MET
15:18- 4) See a Broadway Show
16:22- 3) Summit One Vanderbilt
17:22- 2) Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
19:18- 1) The 9/11 Memorial & Museum
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"More About Here Be Barr"
I'm Jon Barr, an ex-sportscaster turned travel vlogger. If you're looking for waste no-time ,incredibly informative videos loaded with useful travel tips, you've come to the right place! My vlogs are made for the savvy traveler. Subscribe to learn all of my travel tips, tricks, and secrets that have helped me visit 33 countries. Based out of NYC but always on the go.
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[@HereBeBarr]

Watch These Next: 50 Best FREE Things To Do in New York City: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYbKlWCJiKiejtU and The BIGGEST Lies About NYC People Keep Believing...: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4HSlmZ8l859npI

[@user-cv8oi8pm3p]

H❤🇺🇸🙌🌏😇

[@blakjackal]

These are the kinds of videos I need. Not just overhyped, 'everything is amazing' tourism videos with 0 research. Just some honest insights into what's worth the $ and what isn't.

[@ringslow]

As a lifelong New Yorker, I always bring first time visitors on the Staten Island ferry. You get a great statue view and downtown skyline. And it will always be free

[@fabinho_dos_santos]

I'm from Europe and have just been to New York (& Boston) within the last two weeks. The Staten Island Ferry was the first activity I did in New York. The views on Lady Liberty and the skyline for free are great and the ferry itself is chill. I would definitely recommend it.

[@anlasbry]

Thank you for warning people about the scammers and con men who stand near Battery Park and aggressively accost tourists and sell them fake tickets. Anyone going to the statue should be well aware of this.

[@karenb9788]

I actually got “taken” by a group of Russians running a party boat that took us by Lady Liberty. The views of Lower Manhattan were to die for. Ended up being the best $30 I spent during that trip. My photos are amazing.

[@anlasbry]

@@karenb9788 you were lucky. Most people who get scammed by the thieves taken for a ride, literally and figuratively, and end up paying double what the legitimate tour costs.

[@logikgirl12]

New Yorkers are not evil people. You just laugh it off and say no thank you.

[@glennstarkey7087]

Another reason esp of you have a rental car or a ride to recommend the NJ approach...less crowded almost no scammers

[@anlasbry]

@@karenb9788 you were lucky. Most of the scammers are just garbage.

[@robbrown4621]

As an aging hipster I would recommend St Mark's Place in the East Village, Joey Ramone's apartment building that he lived in nearby, the site of where CBGB's was, the former Luna Lounge location, Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom, Irving Plaza, Veniero's Italian Pastry, Cooper Union (Abe Lincoln gave his House Divided speech here in 1860), and the old site of Trash & Vaudeville. There is also McSorley's Ale House, Katz's Deli, the building where the Village Voice is located, and Veselka Ukrainian Restaurant. These are all within walking distance and if you research them on line first, you will learn a lot about the rise of various music and art scenes that would go on to influence the world.

[@HereBeBarr]

McSorley's is never a bad idea.

[@dziobak87]

Just returning from my first NYC (and USA) trip. I found your videos super useful. Thanks! Cheers!

[@dmcgjr]

I've used your videos as a valuable resource for my periodic visits to NYC. I truly appreciate the information you share. My list of things to do continues to expand.

[@stepheneson4107]

I've been to all twenty of your attractions, and the only quibble anyone might have is the order that you rank them in. But each and every one of these is spot-on for both pros and cons. Well done and highly recommended.

[@louistomasiello8221]

The back to the future show was great I highly recommend

[@mridulsingh1]

I am also planning to see it. Almost everyone recommended the same.👍🏻

[@TheWarrior1256]

Literally travelling from Europe to NYC in 4 days. Amazing timing, haha!

[@matthiasbraun4628]

Hey Jon! I recently spent a week in NYC and I absolutely loved it! I used your videos to plan the entire trip and the great advice and insider tips made it so much easier to navigate everything! I actually never felt like a stranger, who knew? The city is completely overwhelming in the best possible way! Keep up the great work!

[@abbaming2406]

Thank you for this list! I am disabled so going to attraction sites takes some research. Your video gave me a lot of foresight on what I can or can not do! This is a huge help. So grateful to you and your channel!

[@stefanschneider3681]

Super well done! Informative, but also personal, always pointing out WHY you rank it where.

[@yamahatracker6947]

Thanks, love your videos, you are my official NY guide.

[@suefitz2498]

Excellent assessment as always. ❤

[@hongdatee]

One of your best videos. Thanks for doing this!

[@MFamilyOnTheMove]

We are coming to NYC for the first time in July and this is a great video to help us plan our days! So much to fit in.

[@user-pl6hh5ws9z]

I like ur pro and cons vido it sounds super unbiased

[@walkwithwan]

WOW! amazing video

[@AmbroseChamberpot]

I was about to complain about leaving out the statue of liberty but then #2 popped up

[@ivof77]

Another great attraction to do / visit is the Madison Square Garden arena tour. It's great if you are a sports or concert goer.. very insightful

[@mrdisco1]

Back to the Future is a must see, especially if you’re a fan of the movie

[@elizabethmccormick9243]

Back to the Future was fantastic! Highly recommend it.

[@RadenYohanesGunawan]

NYC is the dream city for me. So many things to do there! ❤

[@p1eguy32]

one correction on here, the Enterprise space shuttle at Intrepid is the real Space Shuttle Enterprise! it's not just a replica!

[@HereBeBarr]

yep, i've gotten this comment a lot haha. my error.

[@cindee1794]

My first trip to NYC, I paid for 3 things and they were all worth it: Empire State Building (lower observation deck), Central Park pedicab tour (booked and paid for in advance) and the City Sights hop on, hop off bus (also booked and paid for in advance). The bus offered 4 tours in addition to the hop on, hop off option. It also included a boat ride that went out by the Statute of Liberty and admission to the Museum of the City of NY which was basically an ode to Joel Grey (big waste of time). My second trip I did a bicycle tour of Central Park (also booked and paid for in advance) and the particular guide I had was phenomenal! I also went to the 911 Memorial, which I think every American should visit at least once, if possible. The rest of my trips were spent enjoying the architecture of the main Library, Grand Central, and the Waldorf Astoria, and spending an afternoon in Battery Park. All of which was free. The High Line was not even conceived of at that point, so I will be sure to do that the next time I make it up there. I'm also interested in seeing The Cloisters and visiting a couple of museums.

[@glennstarkey7087]

Esb issue is they have the tiny 1930s elevators so it gets real crammed real quick perfer timed tix of top of the rock

[@angelhernandezrivera6195]

I lived in NYC for about a decade. I travel almost every year taking nieces and nephews and the things I think you failed to mention are 5th Avenue from Rockefeller to the Park and also the area around Washington Square Park (not the whole Village but Bleeker Street, McDougal and the Friends apartment. Can also stop at Bleeker Street Pizza and pick up a slice of Nona Maria)

[@martinlewis3547]

Did the public ferry from Dumbo to Williamsburg at sunset. Was definitely the highlight of my trip at only $4!

[@bhismilinirampersad3360]

Thanks Jon 👍😊

[@noxAlynor]

I was in NYC last week, for the second time since 2018 and I had looked at your ranking of observatories beforehand and then switched from Top of the Rock to Summit last minute - no regrets. I designed the trip to be equally exciting for me as a second timer and my partner who was flying to NYC for the first time. But my personal highlight was the proposal in Central Park under a random cherry tree.

[@XavierBlade-gj5wn]

I hope you have a good marriage with your partner

[@GregStinson]

Amusing to see my home town of Blackpool in one of your videos, as there is a Madam Tussauds there, haha 🤣

[@babs546]

I watched Back to the future last month when I was visiting NYC from Italy. I loved it, it brought back memories of enjoying the original movie so much. There is more technology in that musical, compared to all the others I watched previously.

[@davet1081AA]

Really rockin' that I❤️NY t-shirt on the boat. Hahaha...

[@jmason61]

Excellent video! I grew up around NYC but haven't been there in about 20 years. My work friend here in California asked me about some travel tips.....

[@jaz499]

Back to the future is a fantastic show! The star of the show is the car. Amazing!

[@Elevatorboy886]

Back to the future was amazing

[@icesee]

Regarding back to the future it is very very funny, also the tricks are really impressive but our delorean broke for a few minutes :D

[@benc6252]

I absolutely MUST see Coney Island because im a huge fan of The Warriors.

[@edwardcolquitt6]

Back to the Future is EXCELLENT. Highly recommend.

[@XavierBlade-gj5wn]

Empire State interior is way more sick than I thought, King Kong and an elevator ride of it being built! That is sick, thankyou for showing us

[@chrisrankinsmusiccrush9493]

Brilliant brilliant video Jon. Yeah I think of finalized the observation decks to two. Top of the Rock and Summit One Vanderbilt and I’m pretty sure we’re going to the Statue of Liberty and will do the Crown. Going all the way from Perth I think it will Be worth it judging from your specific video from that day.. only 4 months to go 🎉

[@allornadaaccordingtojack7601]

Wow, amazing job on this list, and I am a native NYer. Favorites for me are the Highline and the Museum of Natural History. One that you didn't mention is the Cloisters Museum in uptown NYC, which is a part of the Met (Metropolitan Museum of art). It is another favorite of mine. Thanks.

[@nottellinnoone2074]

Ive been to new york 6 times and for 5 to 7 days each time ...i loved going into the crown at the statue of liberty . I wanted to go for ages but my first time in 2003 it was closed and stayed closed for years . I finally had the chance in 2015

[@GabeGOG]

Back to the Future WAS SO MUCH FUN! ❤ Sure, a lot of Nostalgia carries this show but the technology behind it all is undeniable 💪 definitely a fun watch if you're a fan of the films!

[@blpalv15]

My uncle, when he was in the Navy, was on the Intrepid.

[@2000konnie]

I highly recommend taking a tour with a tour guide of the Brooklyn Bridge. People take it for granted, but they shouldn't. The history behind the bridge is fascinated. It isn't just an important history even in NYC, but for America. So, I did a tour around 2018, and the tour guide was excellent, but I can't remember the name. There are probably others though. Check the ratings.

[@MagnaAnima]

Gotta go to little island in the evening!!!

[@liammcpherson]

DO A VIDEO WHERE U GO TO EVERY PARK IN NYC OR THE TOP 10 BIGGEST PARKS IN NYC

[@jessedylan6162]

Pelham Bay Park, The Greenbelt, Van Courtlandt Park, Flushing Corona, Central Park, Marine Park...top 5

[@eduardolimoeiro1327]

I agree with 99% minus Harbor Lights because it's amazing to do at least once.

[@adventureswithcarl123]

Saw back to the future musical on broadway! definitely on my top five broadway shows that I have seen in nyc!

[@davidwright5719]

At 9/11 museum, go to what they call the “artifact room”. Most of the museum is a memorial, but the artifact area is an excellent museum that tells a story and you can learn a lot from it.

[@CharlesReiche]

Action Kid photobomb @4:04

[@jerryspeights7896]

I saw Back to the Future the night before it officially opened and my opinion is the last 30 minutes alone are worth the price of admission! The special effects make you feel like you are watching the movie live. Go see it now while they still have the original cast - especially Hugh Coles; get an interview with him!!!

[@MISTERKOOLGUY193]

im probably going to new hork in the spring break

[@robertcampion4111]

My wife and myself visited NYC nine years ago and did some of the things on the list, but also some not on your list including the Tenement Museum in Lower East Side and a walk around the brownstone buildings in Brooklyn Heights.

[@sbel6626]

I went to Coney Island as a solo female traveller, in April. The place was DEAD and it was just me. I had the entire place to myself, I got to go on all the cool rides without screaming kids, oppressive heat or chaos. Then I walked down to Brighton Beach, got some vareniki to go, and ate them on the beach. 10/10 experience.

[@purpleprincess121]

We just saw back to the future and it was amazing. Please go see it if you get the chance :)

[@mridulsingh1]

Thanks a lot for this lovely infotainment video. I’ll be visiting NYC next month (June’24). I have already made reservations for some of the major tourist attractions such as Empire State Building, Circle line cruise, One world observatory, American museum of Natural History, The Edge at Hudson and The Most Important 9/11 Memorial and Museum❤.

[@Richievaillant]

Back to the future is brilliant! Cannot recommend it enough. It has it all! ... We have the West end here in London, so we are seriously debating whether it's worth our time (short trip) to see a Broadway show that we can see at home. Not a dis, just a serious consideration, like with madame Tussauds.

[@abrahamclott5604]

I would have guessed that the UN, MOMA, Roosevelt Island Tram, and SI ferry would have made the list. Also maybe The Bronx Zoo.

[@ratsorizzo2497]

14:18 I would assume you would know the NYPL Main Branch from the Met by now.

[@beckystar101]

The cons of the Brooklyn Bridge is that there are sellers everywhere selling the same thing. Pro, is a nice walk and historical

[@fredbettesworth5397]

How long would you recommend to stay for 1st time

[@SupermarketSweep777]

I personally would put Intrepid higher and I say that having done the USS Midway and slept over on USS New Jersey. Even if you're not into military they'e still worth the time to see and appreciate the history they represent.

[@robertpalatsky5017]

MY friend lives in The Bronx. I have yet to go to the Statue of Liberty, but I do want to at some point.

[@joaoafigueroa6569]

I did Coney Island on my first time to NYC (Sunmer time) and I don't regret it. It's a great place and has history. Also, you can see the locations of the movie "Requiem for a Dream". I don't agree with you this time. If you wanna see something different, justo go 🎉❤

[@letsrolloutnyc]

Great video

[@rodinsa]

I visited Coney Island just because I was a fan of The Warriors 😂

[@babs546]

I had very bad claustrophobia when climbing the stairs to go to the crown of the Statue of Liberty.

[@davebowker1113]

Times Square………nobody goes there anymore it’s too crowded Thanks, Yogi 👍👍

[@yugioht42]

Florida beaches are really nice and you’re like spoiled for choice. The thing is what do you want in a beach is the thing. Daytona is great for families just to get away for a day, Clearwater is nice for couples, cocoa is a fun all around beach, and new symerna is near Daytona but is quieter. South beach isn’t for me as the scene is about seeing and being seen. I suggest Daytona near the Pier as the boardwalk is there it’s a nice spot for having a little fun but the amusement parks were taken out due to massive safety concerns (a coaster crashed into the ground) It’s a little less fun but still fun.

[@adrianmeyer5010]

4:05 ActionKid !

[@foodmusicdeath]

If staying over in Jersey then I would strongly advise getting the Liberty/Ellis Island boat from Liberty State Park and NOT Battery Park; it literally took 10mins to get on board...arrived back at Battery to see queues of well over an hour...I've never felt so smug 😅

[@HereBeBarr]

Power tip here

[@jaimerosado3896]

Dude, how many observation decks do you need in a video before enough is enough?

[@ibbig7933]

I really don’t like the whole Times Square Area but did not have on the list that my 12-year old was magically attracted by it😆.. maybe next time we really can skip it. Best regards ines

[@clowchan]

It should be noted that the intrepid is free if you are current or former military (and they do check IDs) I thought BTTF musical was fine. Beat for beat same as the movie (which may be a pro OR con for people) The DeLorean and Doc Brown were the best parts. Jelani Remy has the best song (also that one customer, Billy Hipkins, you've interviewed a couple times works for the show as Roger Bart and Casey Likes' dresser)

[@Nonamearisto]

14:23 That's the New York Public Library, not the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

[@potsomelawyer3034]

Hi.. how’s your friend doing nowadays.. with the camera earlier on..

[@user-pf2xc9xc4u]

Can't believe you even put Madame Tussaud's on the list. As you said, it's not a New York thing. I would have substituted the Museum of Modern Art.

[@HereBeBarr]

It’s more popular for tourists… I know

[@MarcPagan]

You left out Trixie. She's a very popular "working girl" near the Lincoln Tunnel's entrances ..around the 10th ave and 33rd street area or so. Sorry, too easy :) But, over the decades I've seen quite a view.

[@yaakovgoldberg5445]

I live right near NY in NJ and I've never been to most of the places

[@rodneyboulton6410]

I only went to madame tussauds as it was on my attraction pass and I had a couple of hours to kill. I wouldn't go there again. Plenty more things to see that are unique to nyc

[@adrianosbrandao]

The video mistakenly showed the New York Public Library instead of the Metropolitan Museum.

[@martinatverdakova2500]

I'm planning to go for first time to NY and memorial museum is not on my list and is first on yours.

[@TheAgnesina4]

Agreed with all exception made for #20 which to me should not even be in the list and #3 which to me will forever be #1 since it went up!

[@Mrbeahz1]

Re: "If you don't like art don't come to the Met". Maybe you like music: they have rooms of old and new instruments. Maybe you like history: Well, there is that Dendur temple. And plenty of Greek, Roman and Gothic coins and artifacts. Maybe you like weapons: there are halls of old guns, crossbows, halberds, broadswords, plus knights in armor and on horseback.

[@peterszep4215]

It’s not a replica of the space shuttle on then intrepid, it’s an actual shuttle.

[@peterkuchenbrod5696]

A con about the Statue of Liberty...depending on when you go, it could be absolutely MOBBED with school field trips! It happened to me once, and I haven't been back (but I'd like to).

[@HereBeBarr]

Yep

[@robertthomson1587]

I climbed up to the crown when I visited the Statue of Liberty and was disappointed. The views weren't all that great. I thought the most interesting part of the Statue of Liberty was the museum in the pedestal.

[@anthonypearson6759]

7:47 that’s not a replica, it’s an actual space shuttle! It was never flown but it was space-worthy. They flew it to NYC in 2011 on the back of a 747, and did a few laps around the city, before sending it up the river on a barge.

[@CTE18899]

Intrepid space shuttle is not a replica of the enterprise, it is the real deal. However, enterprise never entered space.

[@michaelcorner3861]

MOMA is the best of its kind in the world, full stop. Can't imagine how and why it isn't mentioned.

[@glennstarkey7087]

Id say walking the Manhattan is better than the Brooklyn good views of the Brooklyn...land very close in bk and almost NO crowds I know you disclaimed this but yeah Nathan's is a tourist trap...you go to any of the boardwalk bars (i recommend Paul's daughter) coney island is worth it also for parents...its a bay...no hard surf unlike Rockaway or Jones Beach Circle line....night Staten Island ferry see the lady FOR FREE also tickets still an issue but big crowd buster for visiting the lady...use the jersey approach...faster less crowded same statue same Ellis island take path to Hoboken then grab a bus to the port Other attractions id do Flushing meadows Corona park Bronx zoo A yankee game (tho the bars and merch dens near it are very slimy beware East village bars and clubs...not what it was but still good stuff for nightlife Brookfield place esplanade very underrated walk from near ground zero (one of the best views of the memorial are from the winter garden) to pier a and the entrance to the statue of liberty boats

[@MRP3261]

Jon Coney Island I'm sorry I have to disagree. I use to work at the NY Aquarium from 1988-1995. Brooklyn Cyclones ( Maimonides Park) Class " A" affiliate of the NY METS. Luna Park and Deno's amusement parks. Nathan's famous for the Hot Dogs Of course the Beach which is OK. Big Problem in my opinion is SEVERE WEATHER. Don't get me wrong Rockaway has a beautiful beautiful beach and I've caught some big fish off Rockaway also seen Humpback Whales off Rockaway.

[@burm68]

I think that is the Enterprise space shuttle, not a replica

[@Efoure4]

As a BTTF fan i honestly thought the show was pretty garbage. THe musical numbers were not particularly memorable or even appreciated, they just heavily slowed down the pace of the show. The effects of the Delorean, now that's a different story. .. Amazing! Really well done, as was all the standard acting, non musical numbers. We also saw Harry Potter and that blew this out of the water... Fantastic. We did 19/20 things on your list on our trip... A very busy 10 days... I wasn't too impressed with the street vendor food and it felt really really over priced. I guess they spot a tourist easily :P I watched nealry all your stuff before we visited and i gotta say... great work... We stayed in NJ toooo :P NJ > NY.

[@xr6lad]

Disagree about Intrepid. Sorry I’d put it before any lookout or bridge. And it is unique because 1: It has a space shuttle. 2: it has a submarine 3: it has a Concorde. Sorry but the High Line - every city has a park!!

[@freddysantoso6880]

Back To The Future was fun. Minor movie plot elements were altered to adapt it for the stage as well as make it more relevant and/or politically correct. IMHO the highlight was the actor who played George McFly He was worth price of admit 🙌

[@november132]

well that sucks. won't be seeing it if it's PC

[@xr6lad]

@@november132agree. I mean ‘make it politically correct’- I’m tired of offended snowflakes. Thats a reason not to go.

[@frednich9603]

Great video Jon! I can't believe you just now got to the 9/11 museum!

[@HereBeBarr]

I know was always on my to do list

[@GustavoAlvizo]

7:46 it’s not a replica. It’s the OG