New Yorkers have plenty of reasons to explore their own city as four of its iconic landmarks have been recognized among the top 10 attractions in Tripadvisor’s “2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do.”
This annual ranking, released last week, is based on user reviews collected from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, and highlights outstanding landmarks and historical sites from across the nation.
Leading the way once again, the Empire State Building achieved a remarkable second place among U.S. attractions, falling only behind the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex located in Merritt Island, Florida.
In addition to the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art also secured spots on this coveted list, showcasing the diverse offerings of New York City’s cultural heritage.
Tripadvisor President Kristen Dalton remarked, “With such a huge selection of travel activities and excursions available on the platform, Tripadvisor helps travelers find the experiences that turn a trip into a lifelong memory.”
She added, “Whether you crave adrenaline or prefer to take things slow, ‘The Best of the Best Things to Do’ showcases the world’s top-rated experiences.”
This year, the NASA Kennedy Space Center not only claimed the top U.S. spot but was also ranked as the third-best attraction in the world, a testament to its engaging exhibits, tours, and artifacts related to space exploration.
It’s also worth noting that the Empire State Building had previously ranked first on this list last year, demonstrating the ongoing allure of this iconic structure.
Tripadvisor has also praised Siesta Key in Florida as the best beach in the country and fourth best in the world earlier this year, and now the Sunshine State is home to the top attraction in the U.S.
Here are this year’s top 10 attractions in the U.S., along with descriptions provided by Tripadvisor:
10. Alcatraz Island — Located in San Francisco, California, this former federal prison housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and is steeped in rich history.
9. The Metropolitan Museum of Art — As the most visited museum in New York City, the Met offers a chance to experience more than 5,000 years of art from various cultures.
8. National Museum of World War II Aviation — Situated in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this unique museum exclusively focuses on the crucial role of aviation throughout World War II.
7. Brooklyn Bridge — An architectural marvel that opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn and Manhattan and serves various modes of transportation.
6. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — This Key Largo park is recognized as the nation’s first underwater park, showcasing the vibrant coral reefs at Molasses Reef.
5. Stetson Mansion — A stunning Victorian mansion in DeLand, Florida, built for hat maker John B. Stetson in 1886, celebrated for its architectural grandeur.
4. Central Park — For over 150 years, this 843-acre green oasis in the heart of Manhattan has been a beloved retreat for both locals and tourists.
3. Sun Studio — Located in Memphis, Tennessee, this studio is famously known as the birthplace of Rock ‘N’ Roll, where Elvis Presley recorded his very first song.
2. Empire State Building — Recognized as the World’s Most Famous Building, it towers at 1,454 feet and offers visitors the only 360-degree open-air view of Midtown Manhattan.
1. NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — Dive into the incredible saga of space exploration and humanity’s journey into the cosmos at this engaging complex in Merritt Island, Florida.
Looking further afield, for those considering international travel, Tripadvisor has named Spain’s Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, a historic church in Barcelona, as the top global attraction for 2025.
Following closely are the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France; the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; the Louvre Museum in Paris; and Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
In terms of experiences, Tripadvisor’s top-rated bookable travel experience in the U.S. for 2025 is a Hawaiian tour and snorkeling excursion in Honolulu.
This experience topped other popular options such as a guided walking tour in Salem, Massachusetts; a Chicago river cruise aboard the First Lady; a 9/11 memorial tour in New York; and a food tour of Chinatown and Little Italy also in New York.
Meanwhile, the top experience in the world was highlighted as a private walking tour of Florence, Italy.
image source from：nbcnewyork
