7 NYC Historic Sites You Can’t Miss

New York City is known for its bright lights and fast pace, but beyond the surface lies a deep and fascinating history. From the Statue of Liberty to hidden gems like the Tenement Museum, the city is filled with stories that shaped both New York and the nation. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking to add depth to your stay, these iconic sites offer a meaningful glimpse into the city’s past—all within easy reach of The Moderne Hotel.
 

1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

No visit to New York City would be complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of freedom, democracy, and the enduring spirit of America. Gifted by France in 1884, Lady Liberty has stood tall at the entrance to the New York Harbor, welcoming immigrants from around the world. A visit to Liberty Island also includes the Statue of Liberty Museum, where you can learn more about its creation, history, and significance. While you're in the area, you might as well take the ferry over to Ellis Island, which was once the busiest immigrant inspection station in the U.S. Today, you can find a National Museum of Immigration exhibiting the details that immigrants experienced when coming to New York in hopes of a new life.

Distance from Moderne Hotel: 3.6 miles

2. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum

A visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is an emotional experience that commemorates the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and honors the lives lost that day. The memorial's twin reflecting pools sit in the footprints of the original Twin Towers, surrounded by a grove of trees, offering a quiet space for reflection. The museum is a moving tribute, telling the story of the events leading up to, during, and after the attacks on the World Trade Center with artifacts, photos, and personal stories. This site serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity of New Yorkers in the face of tragedy.

Distance from Moderne Hotel: 5.2 miles

3. The Tenement Museum

New York has always been a city of immigrants, in which cultures and traditions clash and blend to create what makes NYC's culture today. The Tenement Museum, on the Lower East Side, offers guided tours of restored tenement apartments to give you a glimpse into the lives of first-generation immigrants who lived in cramped, overcrowded spaces in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You'll get a chance to hear personal stories of families who came to New York seeking better opportunities, all while learning about the day-to-day challenges they faced in one of the biggest cities in America.

Distance from Moderne Hotel: 4.8 miles

4. The New York Historical Society

Founded in 1804 as New York City's oldest museum, the New York Historical Society offers a largely curated exhibit covering the full breakdown of New York's history. From its early days as New Amsterdam to its rise as an economic and cultural powerhouse, the museum's archives include art, artifacts, documents, portraits, and rare maps that tell the story of New York's role in the American Revolution, Civil War, and more.

Distance from Moderne Hotel: 1.2 miles

5. The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is not only an engineering marvel but also a symbol of the city's growth and industrialization. Opening in 1883 and spanning the East River, it connects Manhattan to Brooklyn and has long been one of New York's most recognizable landmarks. The bridge was designed by a father-and-son duo and at the time of inauguration, it was the longest suspension bridge span in the world.

Distance from Moderne Hotel: 5.4 miles

6. General Grant National Memorial

Located in Riverside Park in Manhattan, Grant's Tomb is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States and an important figure in the Civil War. This massive mausoleum is the largest mausoleum in North America and serves as a symbol of the nation's gratitude to Grant for his leadership during the Civil War. The General Grant National Memorial also offers exhibits and educational programs that show Grant's life, his military career, and his presidency. The tomb is a peaceful and reflective space, offering a connection to both New York's history and America's past.

Distance from Moderne Hotel: 5 miles

7. The Chrysler Building

Aside from the Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building is another major landmark, and its architecture is a crucial part of New York's history. Completed approximately around 1930, this art deco building was the tallest building in the world for a brief period of time before being surpassed by New York City's most iconic building, the Empire State. While you can visit the lobby of this marvelous building, anything beyond that point is currently limited, but you can always admire the exterior and the history of one of the defining buildings of the early 20th century.

Distance from Moderne Hotel: 1.7 miles

There’s no better way to understand New York than by exploring the places where history lives. From major monuments to local stories, each of these sites reveals something unique about the city’s past—and they’re all within easy reach of The Moderne Hotel. So take a break from the usual and explore the New York that shaped the world.