For the eighth consecutive year, New York City has experienced a record number of tourists. According to city officials, the Big Apple welcomed 62.8 million visitors in 2017, a 2.3 million increase since 2016. Here’s why more people are traveling to NYC than ever before:

NYC is a top tourist destination in the U.S. because of all the attractions, entertainment, history, and food choices.

Anthony Quintano/Flickr The iconic Empire State Building is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

The city welcomed 49.7 million domestic travelers and 13.1 million international travelers in 2017.

Yoann JEZEQUEL @ Taylorright.com/Flickr Both numbers were all-time highs.

NYC is considered the most active hotel development area in the U.S.

Moxy NYC Times Square /Marriott More than 4,000 new rooms were added to the city’s hotel inventory in 2017. The Moxy hotel at 485 7th Ave. in Midtown Manhattan, features 612 rooms.

Exciting new attractions are piquing interest in the Big Apple as well.

SpyScape Museum/Facebook The SpyScape Museum, shown here, along with Gulliver’s Gate and the NFL Experience, have helped drive tourists to the city.

The NYC Ferry system debuted in May 2017, and has added additional travel convenience throughout the city’s waterways.

NYC Ferry/Facebook The ferries make it easier for visitors to get to all the famed attractions found here.

Tourism is expected to exceed 65 million visitors in 2018, according to city officials, so if you are among them, you had better start making travel arrangements soon! To get you in the planning spirit, here are 21 photos that will make you want to visit New York City.

Anthony Quintano/Flickr

The iconic Empire State Building is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Yoann JEZEQUEL @ Taylorright.com/Flickr

Both numbers were all-time highs.

Moxy NYC Times Square /Marriott

More than 4,000 new rooms were added to the city’s hotel inventory in 2017. The Moxy hotel at 485 7th Ave. in Midtown Manhattan, features 612 rooms.

SpyScape Museum/Facebook

The SpyScape Museum, shown here, along with Gulliver’s Gate and the NFL Experience, have helped drive tourists to the city.

NYC Ferry/Facebook

The ferries make it easier for visitors to get to all the famed attractions found here.

If you’ve spent time in the place known as the city that never sleeps, what particular attractions do you think are must-sees? Any advice on hotels to stay at, tours that are worth the time and money, and restaurants that should be experienced? We’d love for you to share your experiences to help other travelers have a memorable trip to New York City.

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