Many tourists come to New York City to view the famous sights and renowned museums, while others come to shop and watch Broadway shows. However, visiting this metropolis would not be complete without taking in some of New York's well-known structures. The Big Apple has stunning architecture, and historic structures in New York City can be appreciated by those who are not designers or architects. While some of them are worth visiting on the outside, others are worth going inside to explore. Here is a list, in no particular order, of the 10 best buildings to visit when in New York City.

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10 Enjoy The City's Best Views At The Top Of The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building, which is situated in Midtown Manhattan on Fifth Avenue, New York City, was constructed in 1931 and was once considered to be the highest building in the world. Its total height, including the antenna and spire, is 1,454 feet (443.17 meters). It is the most frequently photographed structure in the area and was featured in various movies, television programs, musicals, books, and more. The observatory at the top of the building provides guests with a 360-degree view of the city and six other states. The Empire State Building is open to tourists every day of the year, but it is recommended to go early in the morning or after 10 p.m. to avoid waiting in line and being caught in crowded spaces.

  • Price: Starting at $44 for the 86th-floor observatory, and $79 for the 102nd & 86th-floor decks

9 Enter The Mesmerizing Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building in New York, which temporarily held the title of NYC and the world's tallest building, was created as a result of the desire of automobile tycoon Walter P. Chrysler to have the tallest landmarks possible shout out their names. The pinnacle of this most exquisite skyscraper in New York was finished in 1930 and is 1,046 feet (319 meters) above Manhattan street. The building's silver-colored stone is its most distinctive architectural treatment, and it is entered through an opulent marble and chrome-steel lobby. NYC visitors must not skip it!

  • Opening time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

8 Appreciate Modern And Contemporary Art At The MoMA

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) was founded in 1929 with the sole purpose of exhibiting modern and contemporary art. The museum is one of the biggest and most significant museums in the world. It has a modest structure by New York standards and has a design of "International Style" that will delight its visitors. The MoMA has over 150,000 works of art, highlights modern art, and gives visitors access to pieces by the greatest European and American artists.

  • Opening Schedule: Sunday through Friday, from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday, from 10:30 AM to 07:00 PM
  • Price: Starting at $25

7 Go To The Most Recognizable Landmark, The Rockefeller Center

One of New York City's most recognizable landmarks is Rockefeller Center which is the world's best commercial urban ensemble. It consists of 19 commercial buildings that range in height, design, and use. It was the idea of John D. Rockefeller, one of the richest men in the nation, and was completed in 1940. It is most recognizable for its illuminated Christmas tree, Saturday Night Live, the Today show, and the ice-skating rink that is attended by visitors from around the world.

  • Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Prices: Between $34 and $40

6 Visit The Beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral

One of the most well-known churches in New York City is St. Patrick's Cathedral, which occupies an entire city block along Fifth Avenue with a height of almost 330 feet (100.58 meters) and a capacity for 3,000 worshippers. Its architecture fuses art and religion through altars, pipe organs, shrines, and a copy of Michelangelo's Pietà sculpture. A must-see is the stunning stained-glass windows, particularly the rose window, which casts an exquisite glow throughout the interior. The historical church hosts both regular services and musical events.

  • Price: $99 for a VIP guided tour

Related: The Met, MOMA, Or The Guggenheim? Here's Where To Go

5 Check Out Flatiron Building's Impressive Architecture

One of New York City's coolest and oldest still-standing structures is formerly known as the Fuller Building. Due to its resemblance to clothing irons used at the turn of the 20th century, it has been given the nickname Flatiron. It is 285 feet (87 meters) tall and only 6.5 feet (2 meters) wide at its narrowest point. The Flatiron Building is famous for being one of the first structures to use a steel skeleton and other architectural features of the Beaux-Arts style. The outside is worth a closer look since it is not accessible for visitors to go inside.

4 See The Astronomical Ceiling Mural In Grand Central Terminal

The iconic structure in New York with a lot of artistic and architectural quality is Grand Central Terminal. Nearly a million people pass through this famous train station each day, despite being over a century old. There are numerous fascinating chambers and areas to explore in this stunning Beaux-Arts structure, in addition to a large number of stores and eateries. The Main Concourse's heavenly ceiling mural, which has 2,500 gold stars and constellations like Orion and Pegasus, is another noteworthy feature.

3 Explore The Unique And Famous Guggenheim Museum

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is the most beautiful architecturally of all the museums in New York. Frank Lloyd Wright, who is the museum's architect, had a vision of an inverted ziggurat, which seemed like it was composed of white ribbon. The form produces a rotunda as it spirals higher. A continuous ramp inside ascends from the first story to the top, with galleries branching off at each floor. Visitors may feel like inside a spiral seashell thanks to the rotunda's enormous domed skylight.

  • Price: starting at $25

2 Book A Fancy Room At The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel, which also offers flats, is superbly situated near Central Park South. Its marble façade, copper trim, and green-tiled mansard roof are all visible from the outside. Its white brick columns and balustrade rise 21 floors, and it was designed in a French Renaissance style. The hotel's interior is much more stunning, so it is recommended to stay in it. An overhanging staircase with Italian marble finishes, gold trim, and a crystal chandelier can be found in the main foyer to enchant the hotel guests.

1 Reach The Top Of The Tallest Building In New York City, The One World Trade Center

One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, is one of New York City's best structures and is close to the 9/11 Museum. Being the highest structure in New York City, it is incredibly difficult to miss. It was intentional for One World Trade Center to be 1,776 feet (541.32 meters) tall to coincide with the year the Declaration of Independence was signed. The tower's pinnacle emits an exceptional light beam. Visitors enjoy the astonishing view of its best observation decks.

  • Price: Starting at $44