nyc tourist locations

New York City Travel Guide

34 Best Things to Do in NYC

There are countless reasons to be mesmerized by New York, from its skyscrapers and monuments to its vibrant art, food, fashion and nightlife. Across the city, fresh perspectives are yours to be found; go for a stroll in Central Park or along the High

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Central Park Central Park free

This part-park, part-museum, part-concert hall swallows central Manhattan, and many of the city's most notable attractions are situated next to it or within its limits ( the Guggenheim , the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History , to name a few). But travelers insist that you shouldn't just pass through Central Park on your way to another place. This 843-acre green space is a favorite of New Yorkers and tourists; you can come here to exercise, dine, go to the zoo and more.

Almost everyone has a positive impression of the park, but no one has quite the same experience or recommends that you do quite the same thing. There's an almost impossible amount of sights to see here (hidden treasures, indeed), including more than 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, monuments or sculptures, and 30 bridges. Here's a shortlist:

National September 11 Memorial & Museum National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum serves as the primary tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as the six lost in the 1993 bombing. The memorial's twin reflecting pools and human-made waterfalls rest as eerie footprints where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood. The 1-acre pools are enclosed in bronze panels on which the names of every victim are inscribed. The museum spans across 110,000 square feet and relays the narrative of the attacks through a series of multimedia displays, real-time recordings, authentic artifacts and an interactive table.

Recent visitors cited the overall atmosphere of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum as sobering and moving. Many travelers say they were impressed with the site as a whole, noting its respectful and informational displays. Reviewers say you won't want to rush your time here, with some recommending that you budget three to four hours to see all of the exhibits.

Empire State Building Empire State Building

U.S. News Insider Tip: Watch out for "sunset peak" pricing, which adds an extra $10 per ticket for two hours around sunset each evening. But on a clear day, it just might be worth it. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

New York City Tourist 101 dictates that you must swing by this landmark structure in midtown Manhattan. And despite the hefty admission fees, the crowds and the long lines, recent visitors insist that you won't be sorry. In fact, taking a trip to the top of the Empire State Building is either the perfect way to begin or end your Big Apple excursion – on a clear day you'll be able to the see the city's major highlights some 1,250 feet beneath you.

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Metropolitan Museum of Art Metropolitan Museum of Art

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come for the art, stay for the rooftop cocktails. A seasonal rooftop garden bar offers views over Central Park, which is especially coveted at sunset. The roof garden stays open into the evening on Friday and Saturday. – Jessica Colley Clarke

No museum in the United States is as celebrated as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spilling over with masterpieces from all over the world, including notable collections from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity, "the Met" is an art experience unlike any other, and like much in New York, it's impossible to see all the museum has to offer in one day (or even two days, for that matter).

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of many travelers’ must-see lists. A feat of 19th-century technical engineering and a beacon for immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, the statue can be admired from several different vantage points around Manhattan, including Battery Park and the High Line . But to truly appreciate its size and significance, you’ll want to visit the statue and Ellis Island while on your NYC vacation.

The only way to access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is by using the official National Park Service ferry operator, Statue City Cruises. If you’re departing from the New York side, you’ll hop on a ferry at Battery Park in lower Manhattan. If you’re departing from the New Jersey side, you’ll depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The ferry ride takes approximately 15 minutes.

Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge free

One of many signature landmarks of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge is also one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Its six lanes (and one pedestrian and bicycle walkway) span the East River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. Walking across the bridge remains a tourist pastime.

Some visitors decide to skip the bridge in favor of other attractions, but if you're short on money, this truly is one of the best ways to experience the city and to get a unique view of either borough at no cost. Several reviewers warn that since there is no shade along the bridge, it can get quite hot in the summertime (though there are vendors selling bottles of water). Many also warned that it can get quite crowded, and advised visiting in the morning before 9 a.m. if you don't want to maneuver around crowds.

The High Line The High Line free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds. If you walk from north to south, add on a visit to The Standard Biergarten or the vibrant Chelsea Market for great people-watching, food and drink. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Set on an abandoned rail track on Manhattan's West Side, this sprawling, nearly 1½-mile-long landscaped park stretches over three of the city's most lively neighborhoods: the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen. Standing 30 feet above street level, the High Line offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan's cityscape. But the vista isn't the only reason visitors and Manhattanites flock to this manicured green space. Here, you'll find continually changing public art installations, a handful of food vendors and a sprawling picnic and sunbathing area (known as the 23rd Street Lawn).

NYC Food Tours NYC Food Tours

Known for everything from cheap eats to authentic international fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, New York City is a culinary hot spot and undoubtedly one of the best foodie cities in America . However, chances are you won't have time to experience everything the city has to offer in just one trip. One way to get a taste of New York's excellent cuisine across a variety of neighborhoods is to take a food tour.

Whether you want to explore a particular borough or neighborhood, or even a specific cuisine or dish, you'll find a tour to appease your taste buds. Relying on traveler reviews and expert analysis, U.S. News rounded up the best food tours in New York City . Though tours vary in length and price, they all receive rave reviews from past travelers, who applauded the variety of food and the expert knowledge of the guides.

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Washington Square Park Washington Square Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Finding an empty bench in Washington Square Park after visiting one of the neighborhood's independent bookstores – from The Strand to Three Lives & Company to Left Bank Books – is a true lower Manhattan pleasure. – Jessica Colley Clarke

The central gathering place of Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park, an almost 10-acre green space known for its downtown buzz. Here, kids splash in the fountain, musicians perform to a crowd, artists sell sketches or photographs, and chess enthusiasts gather to challenge each other to a game. What was historically a cemetery and later a bohemian hot spot is now a neighborhood institution that draws locals and visitors alike with its kids' playground, sizable dog run and ample shady space for picnics. An arch dedicated to George Washington is the dominant architectural feature of the park.

Broadway Broadway

U.S. News Insider Tip: Start your day with a stop at the TKTS booth in Times Square or at the Lincoln Center location to snag discounted same-day tickets for an array of Broadway and off-Broadway shows. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

Some out-of-towners spend their entire New York trip at one show or another on the Broadway circuit. And if you like plays and musicals, this is where you should be: "The Great White Way" represents the heart and soul of American theater. Considering that nearby Times Square is a dizzying maze of sights and sounds with no real starting point, some visitors suggest you can see all you need to of that neighborhood just by trundling back and forth between shows.

One World Observatory One World Observatory

Formerly known as Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in lower Manhattan. This observatory sits atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the highest point in the city. You'll find it adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial . At more than 125,000 square feet, the three-level observatory is located on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors of this office skyscraper. Travelers enjoy the panoramic, 360-degree views, up to 45 miles in every direction on clear days.

Visitors reach the observatory by direct express elevators known as SkyPods. The trip upward includes a visual presentation showing how New York has changed over the decades, from open land to smaller buildings to skyscrapers. The trip takes less than a minute. Expect a multimedia presentation at the top before stunning views are revealed. A restaurant and bar on the 101st floor are open to guests who have purchased tickets to the observatory.

Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal free

At this beautiful train station, you can eat some lunch or shop till you drop, but recent travelers most enjoyed just taking in the scenery. Before you enter, be sure to snap a few shots of the exterior's ornate beaux-arts neoclassical architecture. Inside the celebrated main concourse, you're treated to glimmering marble floors, gold and nickel-plated chandeliers and a sky-themed ceiling. Other must-sees include the Information Booth clock, the Whispering Gallery and Grand Central Market, a European-style food market that sells produce, gourmet ingredients and treats. Food options range from the upscale (Cipriani Dolci and The Campbell Bar) to the legendary (the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant) to the fast and easy (Shake Shack). As mentioned, there are also plenty of shopping options, though most travelers suggest you leave most of Grand Central's pricey merchandise in the store. If you want a train-themed souvenir, visit The New York Transit Museum Store in the shuttle passage.

Travelers call the train station "iconic" and say it's a beautiful space to walk through or to grab a meal and people-watch.

Bryant Park Bryant Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This Midtown park draws crowds for two seasonal events: summer movie nights under the stars and a holiday market complete with ice skating. For summer picnics or winter shopping sprees, Bryant Park delivers year-round. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Sprawling across nearly 10 acres, Bryant Park sits just south of Times Square – though it feels a world away. Though its lush green space has existed for more than 150 years, Bryant Park was a revitalization project of the 1990s that made it a sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. This is the preferred place for midtown Manhattan professionals to eat lunch, for fashionistas to strut during fashion week and for performers to showcase their talents during annual events like Broadway in Bryant Park and Piano in Bryant Park. If you're interested in learning more about the park's history, consider joining one of its free tours. Tours, which last 45 minutes, are free and offered every other Wednesday, year-round.

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Staten Island Ferry Staten Island Ferry free

Perhaps the most famous ferry service in the United States, the Staten Island Ferry runs daily between the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan and St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. The city has been operating the ferry service since 1905 and transports some 70,000 passengers across New York Harbor every day. It’s one of the last remaining vestiges of an entire ferry system that served New York City residents before the construction of any bridges.

But the Staten Island Ferry is more than a transportation service; it’s an attraction, drawing tens of thousands of out-of-town visitors a year for a free ride across the harbor (that’s right, no charge; the service is provided by the City of New York). The 5-mile ride lasts about 25 minutes. Passengers must disembark and then reboard to make the return trip to Manhattan. Travelers remark about the views of the Statue of Liberty , Ellis Island, Manhattan skyscrapers and the bridges of lower Manhattan.

Museum of Modern Art Museum of Modern Art

You don't have to be an art lover to appreciate the Museum of Modern Art; this airy midtown gallery also doubles as a shrine of pop culture and 20th century history. Some of the most significant contemporary pieces hang on its walls, including Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans," Van Gogh's "Starry Night," Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory," Monet's "Water Lilies," and the list goes on and on. In October 2019, the museum reopened after completing an expansion project that added more than 40,000 square feet of gallery space, as well as a performance studio that features live programming.

Recent travelers were impressed by the extensive art collection and loved being able to see the museum's famous paintings. The $30 entry fee for adults ($17 for students; $22 for seniors; free for kids 16 and younger) can be hard to stomach for some, but reviewers insist you won't regret the money spent. A few travelers express disappointment with the crowds (which are most common on rainy days), but suggest getting some fresh air at the museum's Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.

New York Public Library New York Public Library free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you love all things book-related, consider visiting The Morgan Library & Museum nearby, which features J.P. Morgan's stunning 1906 library. The museum offers free admisson (and live jazz music) on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

This main branch, officially called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, attracts plenty of book lovers, history junkies and architecture aficionados. Most people swing by the Bryant Park landmark to say hello to Patience and Fortitude (the famous marble lions guarding the entrance) and to admire the lovely beaux-arts design.

American Museum of Natural History American Museum of Natural History

Visitors love the American Museum of Natural History off Central Park West. Whether you're exploring the interactive exhibits on the land, the sea or outer space; user reviews take on a common theme. This museum is incredible. Even the cafeteria and gift shop are worth your notice.

There are more than 34 million artifacts inside, spread across four city blocks, 26 buildings and through 45 exhibition halls, so don't plan on seeing everything in one day. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a particular favorite, but you should also plan on visiting the dinosaurs, the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe and the Butterfly Conservatory (accessible November through May), which houses nearly 500 butterflies. Local experts say the institution is one of the city's can't-miss museums , especially for families.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Wander along Brooklyn's Washington Avenue, and you can't avoid stumbling upon this verdant 52-acre park. A main highlight here is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, punctuated by wooden bridges and Japanese maples. And if you arrive at the end of April, you can't miss the Cherry Esplanade ( Sakura Matsuri ) when rosy cherry blossoms burst into bloom. Another standout: the Shakespeare Garden, which contains more than 80 plants described in the playwright's works.

Thanks to the garden's extensive collection, which includes 13 gardens and five conservatories, there's plenty of scenery to soak up here. Plus, you can take advantage of year-round exhibits and events, such as children's gardening workshops and Lightscape, the annual wintertime lights display. After you've taken respite in Brooklyn's cherished green space, recent visitors suggest moseying over to two staples located down the street: Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum.

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Brooklyn Bridge Park Brooklyn Bridge Park free

Located on the Brooklyn side of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre oasis at the foot of the famous bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. The park stretches 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s waterfront, connecting Columbia Heights and Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, an eclectic neighborhood of boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants. Travelers rave about the views of the lower Manhattan skyline, the New York Harbor and the bridge.

Among the city’s newest parks, Brooklyn Bridge Park was once an industrial district and home to a transportation terminal that served as an entry point for immigrants. Today, the park features rolling hills, promenades, playgrounds, basketball courts, sports fields, a roller skating rink, gardens, and more among six piers and the riverfront. What’s more, the park is home to more than 12,000 species of plants and wildlife. It also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, such as sunset yoga and stargazing.

The Guggenheim The Guggenheim

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or simply, "The Guggenheim," is one of the most well-known art museums in the country, and it's just as renowned for its cutting-edge design as it is for its pieces. The coiled building (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) stands out on Fifth Avenue at 89th Street. Inside, the halls are chock full of works from the likes of Picasso, Cézanne, Degas, Manet and Van Gogh, among others.

Visitors loved the building's design and architecture, but offered more mixed reviews for the art on display. Some raved about the permanent collection and the special exhibitions, while others felt the cost of entrance tickets was overpriced for the amount of art displayed. Reviewers recommended the Museum of Modern Art over the Guggenheim if you're short on time.

Off-Broadway Shows Off-Broadway Shows

Off-Broadway may not have the glitter of the Great White Way , but these smaller theaters and their productions are often innovative and are no less engaging. Unlike Broadway, these theaters are not centered around Times Square , but scattered all over Manhattan and generally seat fewer people (between 100 to 499 audience members). Smaller venues provide a more intimate experience for plays, musicals and revues. Many of New York’s most famous productions found their start off-Broadway, such as “Hair,” “Rent” and “In the Heights.”

Tickets also are more affordable, generally between $20 and $75 per person. Look for innovative productions at places like the Public Theater, Cherry Lane Theatre or Playwrights Horizons. The Signature Theatre showcases revivals and new plays.

Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck

This iconic plaza has it all – beautiful sculptures, an enormous skating rink, a fishbowl view of NBC Studios, plus a plethora of stores and restaurants. Though undoubtedly there will be intense crowds, this is an experience that's worth having at least once. During the wintertime holidays, the plaza sparkles with an illuminated Christmas tree and skaters gliding across the ice rink. But don't fret if your New York adventure doesn't take place during the cold months. There's plenty to do year-round. If you plan ahead, you can spend a morning watching a taping of the "Today" show, an afternoon admiring the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and an evening catching a performance at Radio City Music Hall .

Travelers say the Top of the Rock offers some of the best views of Manhattan and say the experience is worth every penny. Visitors recommend booking the Rock Pass ticket that includes a tour of the building and observation deck access.

Little Island Little Island free

New Yorkers have long needed to get creative to maximize space on the island of Manhattan, where space is limited. But with the opening of Little Island in 2021, that creativity stretched beyond the island's borders and into the water. Little Island is an artificial island located on the west side of Manhattan in the Hudson River. This public park, which is free to visit, offers a new space for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in nature, art, free events like concerts and one of the most memorable locations in New York City to catch the sunset.

Most recent visitors praised Little Island for its peaceful atmosphere, splash of greenery and views of the Hudson River and beyond. Some recent visitors recommend planning a visit on a weekday rather than a weekend, when this attraction can be crowded with people picnicking, especially during the golden sunset hours. Regardless of what time of day visitors stop by, almost everyone is left with a positive impression of the park and note its sculptures, family-friendly vibe, impressive variety of plants and free concerts.

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St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral free

This sprawling cathedral sits amid the hustle and distinctively secular bustle of Rockefeller Center . But that doesn't take away from its otherworldly vibe. Whether you're religious or just making an architectural pilgrimage, you can't help but be impressed by St. Patrick's. Opened in 1879, the neo-Gothic cathedral spans the length of an entire city block and features 330-foot spires. Its interior is just as impressive thanks to its numerous altars, stained-glass windows, organs and imposing 9,000-pound bronze doors. The church welcomes more than 5 million visitors annually.

Travelers love the historical church's beauty and stained-glass windows, but say you don't have to carve out too much time to see it. Previous vacationers also suggest visiting at Christmastime to really see the church in all its glory.

Little Italy Little Italy free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Taste the best of Little Italy at C. Di Palo Wine Bar. With connections to the fine foods store serving this neighborhood for more than a century, this wine bar serves Italian cheeses, meats and wines in a comfortable, modern environment. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Once a thriving enclave of Italian immigrants, Little Italy is now a popular tourist destination (though remnants of the past remain). Restaurants serving classic Italian dishes on red-and-white checkered tablecloths can still be found in the neighborhood. Among the neighborhood staples is Lombardi’s, a restaurant that has been tossing pizzas since 1905 and claims to be the first pizzeria in the United States. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, another famous Little Italy eatery best known for its cannolis and espresso, has been around since 1892.

Times Square Times Square free

Some say that Times Square is like a five-block metaphor for New York City itself – it's exciting, colorful and always jumping. Others describe this area of midtown Manhattan as artless, overpriced and congested. Perhaps this commercial stretch from West 42nd to West 47th streets is a little of both, and though locals would advise you to avoid it, you should at least catch a glimpse of its neon lights. Most travelers recommend visiting the area after dark to see the marquee displays. Many add checking out Times Square before or after a Broadway show is the perfect time to fit it into your schedule. However, if you're not a fan of crowds, reviewers suggest you avoid this area altogether.

Times Square's biggest tourist draw is the annual New Year's Eve ball drop. Revelers crowd the area to see New York's famous Waterford crystal ball descend 77 feet from a pole on the One Times Square building. If you're feeling brave, take a trip to New York and Times Square at this time of year and watch the ball drop for free! Just plan on coming in the early morning and staying all day, and note that the area is super crowded, even by New York standards.

Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue free

It's fitting that St. Patrick's Cathedral would be on the same street as stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. That's because for many people, shopping is a religious experience, and here between 34th and 59th streets you'll find the holy grail.

Even if you're not planning to put your credit card to work at high-end stores, travelers say a stroll along Fifth Avenue is a must. It's one of the top places to shop in the city, according to local experts. Plus, during the winter holidays, the street is decked out in festive decor.

Bronx Zoo Bronx Zoo

According to travelers, these 265 acres sheltering more than 10,000 animals should be near the top of every young family's itinerary in New York. And if you're an older visitor, the Bronx Zoo could be a great way to escape the nonstop activity in Manhattan. This zoo's claim to fame is that it's one of the largest metropolitan animal parks in the country. It's also one of the best zoos in the U.S . Originally opened at 1899, the zoo also houses several famous landmarks, including the Rainey Memorial Gates, the Rockefeller Fountain and the historic Zoo Center, which was constructed to look like a palace.

Among the zoo's popular exhibits is JungleWorld, which aims to recreate the jungles of Asia with animals like white-cheeked gibbons, gharials, tapirs, fruit bats and more. There's also the Wild Asia Monorail, a seasonal outdoor monorail that allows visitors to observe animals like rhinos, tigers and red pandas roaming freely in the outdoor habitat. Other star attractions include the Congo Gorilla Forest, the seasonal butterfly garden, Tiger Mountain and the Children's Zoo. Along with the animals, there are also several rides and experiences, such as a carousel and sea lion feedings.

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Apollo Theater Apollo Theater

U.S. News Insider Tip: Go to BLVD Bistro on 116th St. before or after your visit to the Apollo. They serve breakfast all day and literally have the best grits and pancakes I have ever had in my life. It is also Black-owned! – Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global

One of the most famous music halls in the United States, "the Apollo" started as a burlesque theater in 1914. By the 1930s, it transformed into a concert hall that helped launch the career of several black musicians. A then-unknown Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson (with the Jackson 5) and Stevie Wonder all performed on the Apollo stage during an Amateur Night competition. If you're in Harlem on a Wednesday you can still go to Amateur Night, an experience some previous travelers highly recommend.

Metropolitan Opera House Metropolitan Opera House

Stroll through the courtyard of the Metropolitan Opera House even if you're not going inside for a performance. Every element of this opulent building – from the limestone architecture, to the lobby's glittering chandelier, to the acoustics in the concert hall – is gorgeous. Travelers call this opera house a feast for the eyes and ears. Tickets are notoriously expensive (as much as several hundred dollars for the best seats), but the sticker shock evaporates quickly if you're into performing arts. You can try to score a same-day ticket at a discounted rate, plus there are discounts for senior citizens.

The Metropolitan Opera House features spring performances by the American Ballet Theatre and fall and winter performances by the Met Opera Company. Showtimes and ticket prices vary by performance and seating, so check the Met Opera's website for additional details. You'll find the opera house at Lincoln Center Plaza on Manhattan's Upper West Side – take the 1 train to 66th Street.

Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall

It's where Ella Fitzgerald pined for the man she loved, the Rolling Stones couldn't get no satisfaction and Lady Gaga had a "Bad Romance." Among performers, there's no New York concert venue that's quite like Radio City Music Hall. Not only is it the largest indoor theater in the world, its marquee spans a full city block. Opened in 1932, the theater is a New York City Landmark. Today, the theater welcomes musical performers like Ben Platt and Lil Nas X, as well as comedians like Chris Rock.

If you're in town any dates between November and January, consider attending the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which stars the Rockettes. According to recent visitors who attended a show, there's not a bad seat in the house. If you're not able to attend a performance, consider signing up for the hourlong Radio City Stage Door Tour. The guided tour includes stops at areas of the historic venue not typically seen by the public, such as Radio City’s secret apartment, The Roxy Suite. You'll also an enjoy an in-depth history lesson about the stage and its iconic art deco design. The tour concludes with a meet-and-greet with a Radio City Rockette. Tours are offered daily starting at 9:30 a.m.; tickets cost $42 per adult and $38 per kid 12 and younger.

The Battery The Battery free

Also known as The Battery, this 25-ace park sits at the very southern tip of Manhattan Island, and offers a green respite from the steel and concrete of lower Manhattan. The park, named after artillery batteries that protected the settlement in the 17th century, is popular with visitors because of its views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty .

The park is home to perennial gardens, bike paths, grand lawns, an urban farm and a unique carousel, known as the SeaGlass Carousel. On the carousel, riders sit within iridescent fish and glide through a 360-degree aquatic adventure. The carousel’s bioluminescent design honors the waterfront site as well as another landmark, the Castle Clinton, one of the country’s earliest aquariums.

Coney Island Coney Island

Known as the "the People's Playground," this famous amusement area in Brooklyn has witnessed an illustrious past. In the early 1900s, Coney Island enticed New Yorkers to visit with its bathing pavilions, seaside resorts and amusement park. The Great Depression took its toll on the fun-loving spot, causing many attractions to close. But after years of economic instability, Coney Island has reclaimed its place on the Brooklyn map, with a fresh roster of eateries and entertainment (including a July Fourth hot dog-eating contest and an annual Mermaid Parade ) found along the boardwalk. Coney Island now features several separate amusement parks, as well as a museum, which hosts a variety of exhibits and shows.

According to recent visitors, Coney Island is a worthwhile trip in the summer if you have the time and are traveling with young kids who would enjoy the rides. If you're not up for indulging your inner thrill-seeker, you can also walk along the beach, which spans nearly 3 miles and features several sports courts, as well as playgrounds. A walk along the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk is just as memorable, according to recent visitors.

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Chrysler Building Chrysler Building free

Technically, the Chrysler Building is an office building open Monday through Friday, but you don't need to go inside to appreciate its aesthetic appeal. Recent visitors praised the building's unique architectural style (though a few wished you could still go inside to admire its intricate lobby and elevators).

Built in 1930, the Chrysler had a short-lived run as the tallest building in the city, before it was usurped of its title by the Empire State Building . Nevertheless, this 1,046-foot-high skyscraper remains a favorite among New Yorkers for its classic art deco style. And unlike the Empire State, at this site you won't need an expensive entry ticket, a strong stomach to stand soaring heights or patience for long lines to see what all the fuss is about. You can behold the building's menacing gargoyles and triangular openings from many spots in Manhattan. Though the lobby is currently closed to visitors, there have been talks of building an observation deck, though none is available at this time.

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One of the greatest cities in the world , New York is always a whirlwind of activity, with famous sights at every turn and never enough time to see them all.

Brooklyn Bridge and the New York City skyline

Some people come here to enjoy the Broadway shows; others come specifically to shop; and many come simply to see the tourist attractions: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, historic neighborhoods, and world-famous museums . As someone who visits regularly, I like to come with friends, try new restaurants, and discover new experiences.

Many of the best places to visit in New York are within walking distance of each other, or just a short ride away, making this city a delight for sightseeing. If you have plenty of time and enjoy the water, touring New York City using the NYC Ferry System offers a unique way to see the sights.

Any time of year and any time of day or night there are an endless array of things to see and do in New York.

See also: Where to Stay in New York City

1. Statue of Liberty

2. central park, 3. rockefeller center & top of the rock observation deck, 4. metropolitan museum of art, 5. broadway and the theater district, 6. empire state building, 7. 9/11 memorial and museum, 8. american museum of natural history, 9. high line, 10. times square, 11. brooklyn bridge, 12. fifth avenue, 13. grand central terminal, 14. lincoln center, 15. one world observatory, 16. the frick collection (frick madison), 17. new york public library, 18. wall street, 19. radio city music hall, 20. st. patrick's cathedral, 21. carnegie hall, 22. bryant park, where to stay in new york city for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to new york, map of tourist attractions in new york city, best time to visit new york, ny.

America's most iconic sight, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of every first-time visitor's list of things to do in New York. It was France's gift to America. Built in 1886, it remains a world symbol of freedom and is one of the top attractions in America .

It is one of the world's largest statues, standing just under 152 feet tall from the base to the torch, and weighing approximately 450,000 pounds. You can see the statue from land, with particularly good views from Battery Park , on the southern tip of Manhattan.

To truly appreciate the Statue of Liberty, the best thing to do is to take a short boat trip to Liberty Island and see it up close. Take a pleasant stroll around the base, and if you have reservations, enter the pedestal or the crown. The crown is open for tours, but book well in advance if you want to enjoy this special experience.

On a tour of the Statue of Liberty, you have the option to stop at Ellis Island and explore the Immigration Museum . This fantastic museum is located in the historic immigration station complex, where thousands of immigrants were processed before entering the United States.

Displays focus on the process, the experiences, and the stories of the people who came through here on their journey to the United States. You can even search the on-site computer database to see a record of immigrants who came through here.

Tickets to go inside the statue sell out. Pre-purchasing tickets is a must during the high season and a good idea at any time of year. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour takes you to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This tour allows reserved access to board the ferry and includes access to the Museum at Ellis Island.

Author's Tip: Buying tickets near the ferry can be tricky, with hawkers swarming you as you exit the subway claiming to be "official representatives" and trying to sell you more expensive tickets before you can find the ticket booth. Be sure to buy in advance at the link above or ignore the hawkers until you reach the booth in Castle Clinton in Battery Park.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in New York State

An oasis of green amongst New York's concrete canyons, Central Park is a sanctuary of peace and quiet for visitors and locals alike.

A walk, pedal, or carriage ride through the crisscrossing pathways of Central Park is a must-do on anyone's New York City itinerary. In winter, you can even lace up your skates and glide across Wollman Rink . This huge park in the city center, a half-mile wide and 2.5 miles long, is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful and livable city.

Besides being a great place to experience a little nature, Central Park has many attractions within its borders, and most of them are free, making it one of the few cheap things to do in NYC. Some of the most popular places to visit include the Belvedere Castle , Strawberry Fields , the Central Park Zoo , and the Lake . If you are exploring the park on your own, start by picking up a map at one of the visitor centers and plot your route.

Central Park also offers activities throughout the year, from 5km runs and yoga classes to penguin feeding at the Central Park Zoo. Have a look at the park's events schedule for details on what's happening during your visit.

If you're visiting during the summer months, you may want to catch a performance of Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. This is a relaxing way to spend an evening in New York City and performances are free.

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The 37 Best Things to Do in New York City

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg and Alex Erdekian

Aerial view of New York City skyline with Central Park and Manhattan USA

One of the most mysterious things about New York City is that the closer you look—even at something as minor as a street corner—the more you see. And the longer you look, the faster it changes before your eyes. People can live here for 100 years and never run out of places to go or people to meet, so deciding the best things to do in New York is daunting; which is why we're narrowing your options. Whether you're a local itching to get out of your neighborhood or an out-of-towner who doesn't know The Met from the Mets, these new and classic activities alike will dazzle you. From wandering Central Park to slurping soup dumplings in Chinatown , these are a few of our very favorite things to do in New York City, from Midtown to Brooklyn.

Read our complete New York City travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Central Park Manhattan New York. Lawn with skyline in background

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To get that Nora Ephron New York experience, you have no choice but to take a stroll through Central Park while in the city. As you step off the crowded sidewalks of 59th Street into a mass of green, you’ll hardly realize what lies before you: 693 acres of man-made gardens, meadows, forests, and hillsides. If you ambled down every one of Central Park’s pathways, you would walk 58 miles. Along the way, you pass sculptures, bridges, and arches, plus 21 playgrounds, a winter ice-skating rink, even a zoo . But you’d hardly notice the four major crosstown thoroughfares, which cleverly disappear into foliage-covered tunnels. Map your park route to stop at classic Central Park landmarks, like the Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and the Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial.

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Chinatown is one of the neighborhoods that makes lower Manhattan vibrant and unforgettable. After surfacing from the steps of the Canal Street subway station onto the sidewalk, meandering past thick crowds, neon light shops, and vendors peddling fake designer bags, you’ll find yourself in the narrow streets of Chinatown, where there are bright heaps of produce, succulent ducks hanging in windows, and restaurants old and new. Touching Tribeca, SoHo, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side, Chinatown has a rich history and began being populated by Chinese immigrants as early as the 1850s. You can visit in whichever way makes sense for you. Whether you spend an hour devouring a box of roast pork or duck from street-style Wah Fung No. 1 before you have to proceed elsewhere, or you spend half a day shopping for produce, dining out, and paying a visit to the Museum of Chinese in America , everyone will gain something from a visit to Chinatown.

The Whitney Museum New York City exterior

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The Whitney got a major upgrade when it relocated from the Upper East Side to its vastly-expanded Meatpacking headquarters in 2015. It houses 50,000 square feet of indoor galleries with works by Jean Michel Basquiat, Richard Avedon, and Alexander Calder, four outdoor exhibition spaces and terraces, and a ground-floor restaurant and top-floor bar, both by Danny Meyer, one of the town’s best-known restaurateurs. The floors are connected by two artist-designed elevators (albeit slow-moving, crowded ones). If mobility isn’t an issue, take the stairs instead, which offer uninterrupted views of the Hudson river. The upper floors and sculpture terraces are also connected by a series of exterior staircases, with great views of the downtown skyline, and a rare opportunity to experience art en plein aire.

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A spring or summer day spent cheering at an NYC ballpark is a classic activity for a reason. Located in the Bronx, Yankee Stadium is the home field of New York’s 27-time World Champions. It’s a half-hour subway ride from Penn Station and approximately a 20-minute subway ride from Grand Central Terminal, making it easily accessible from Manhattan. It replaced the 1923 original in 2009 and cost $1.5 billion to build, making it one of the world’s most expensive stadiums. It seats 50,287 fans. New York Yankees games, obviously, are the main event here, but you can also attend concerts, college football, and soccer matches.

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Morgan Library and Museum New York City Interior

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The Morgan is like a multi-hyphenate millennial—only instead of actress/model/influencer/whatever, it’s museum/library/landmark/historic site/music venue. Inside the multimillionaire’s personal library, expanded into a must-see museum and cultural space, you'll find rare artifacts, paintings, and books, some dating back to 4000 B.C. that are worth more than your house. In particular the museum is home to one of 23 copies of the original Declaration of Independence; Mozart's handwritten score of the Haffner Symphony; the collected works of African American poet Phillis Wheatley; the only extant manuscript of Milton's Paradise Lost ; and Charles Dickens’s manuscript of A Christmas Carol . Swoon.

Cathedral of St John The Divine New York City

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The Cathedral of St. John the Divine on 112th and Amsterdam in Upper Manhattan’s Morningside Heights is the largest cathedral in the world and the sixth-largest church by area. Hundreds of thousands of visitors walk through these doors annually for a reason. The cathedral itself—and its remarkable Gothic architecture, story-telling stained glass windows, and 17th century tapestries—is already worth visiting. But there is artwork that is especially meaningful to New York City here as well, including Keith Haring's white gold and bronze altarpiece and a 9/11 memorial sculpture by Meredith Bergmann, which holds debris of the towers in it. The cathedral holds daily and Sunday worship services, which welcome all. There is no charge to pray, meditate, or contemplate in the cathedral. Visitors who show for sightseeing purposes can enter for $5 admission. Special tours are offered depending on the day of the week.

Many mirrors reflecting in the interior of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

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There’s no shortage of jaw-dropping views found throughout the city, but the team behind Summit One Vanderbilt has assembled a bunch of big names to bring together a full experience where you could easily spend a few hours. It starts with the elevator, a light- and sound-filled ride that whooshes visitors up to the 91st floor. There, you’re greeted by a massive, mirrored room that looks out over New York City. Additionally, there are rotating art installations from Kenzo Digital, as well as two special features: Levitation, a glass skybox that lets you feel as if you’re floating one-thousand feet above Madison Avenue; and Ascent, a separate glass elevator that brings you up even higher to gaze over downtown Manhattan. Inside, a Snøhetta-designed Nordic-inspired space serves food and drinks from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events, including pastrami-stuffed pretzels and ricotta toast; there’s also a wrap-around outdoor terrace that feels like the city's most exciting rooftop bar.

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The sister institution to MoMA is no ordinary art museum. Located in a striking Renaissance Revival former public school building in Long Island City, Queens, MoMA PS1’s setting is just as interesting as its collection. All manner of cutting-edge contemporary art is shown here, with a collection over 200,000 pieces strong, from the likes of James Turrell and Ai Weiwei. The people-watching can be just as good as the art, as creative types from around the city come here to find inspiration.

Inside Bemelmans Toulouse Lautrecinspired piano bar NYC

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At Bemelmans, Ludwig Bemelman's illustrations—you might remember them from the Madeline books—adorn the walls. In one panel, a bunny smokes a cigar in Central Park ; in another, a man hands a boy a clutch of balloons. This is a bar where gawking is permissible. The cocktails here very much depend on who’s making them: an Old Fashioned might be a bit watery, a whiskey sour too tart. But often a dirty gin Martini is just perfectly executed. Everything is expensive—it’s clear why you’re here—so take the edge off that sensation by digging into the free, hearty snacks that float your way.

For locals and first-time visitors alike, seeing a Broadway show is a special experience, and one that is exclusive to New York City. Times Square is ordinarily a drag, but when you’re moseying into Midtown Manhattan for a show the bright billboards and lights don’t flash in your face—they dazzle in your eyes. A Broadway show's costumes, sets, songs, and stories are the stuff of dreams. In November, anticipated Spamalot— (parodying Monty Python and the Holy Grail) —and Harmony —a performance telling the true story of the Comedian Harmonists—take the stage.

Orchid path Orchid Show Cuba in Bloom at the Enid Haupt Conservatory The New York Botanical Gardens The Bronx New York USA

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The New York Botanical Garden has carefully manicured flower gardens, lush fields, winding hikes, and impeccable greenhouses. There are spaces that feel deeply intimate, as if you're truly separated from the world, and there are vast expanses where it's hard to believe you're still in the Bronx . In winter, the greenhouses host an annual train show recreating all of New York City in miniature; the warmer months bring every floral delight imaginable, from cherry trees to peonies. Plan to spend at least half a day here and pack a picnic.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

It’s one thing to be in the midst of Manhattan, on the ground; it’s quite another to look upon it from across the river. In Brooklyn Heights, a couple subway stops away from lower Manhattan, the city’s image looms large before you. Arguably the best view of the skyline in the city, the Brooklyn Heights promenade hovers above the Brooklyn-Queen Expressway. Underlying the peaceful, tree-lined walkway, traffic rumbles below. The promenade stretches from Remsen Street at the south end to Middagh Street at the north. Around the corner, pedestrians can discretely cross a basketball court to access a suspended footbridge that zigzags down to the piers of Brooklyn Bridge Park. While in the picturesque neighborhood, make stops at the New York Transit Museum, the Sardinian trattoria River Deli, and the old-time dive bar Montero.

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Grand Central Terminal is more than just one of the busiest train stations in the world—it's a window into old New York and into a time when train travel was the ultimate luxury for the wealthy and a necessity for the working man. If you aren't commuting in or out of the city, avoid coming during rush hour, and take your time admiring the landmark architecture and checking out the top-notch dining and shopping.

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Every American should visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at least once. As you enter the museum, you descend from the street to bedrock level—the foundation of the former Twin Towers—and are placed in a meditative mindset, forced to recall where you were on that fateful day. The museum itself is a masterful balance: It's grand in scale, contemplative in its construction, and personal in its execution. It pays homage to the enormity of the loss, both physical and spiritual.

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When the Brooklyn Bridge was constructed in 1883—extending 1,595 feet across the East River, connecting lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights—it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Now, it’s a historic staple of the New York City skyline, transporting commuter car traffic underneath and touristic foot traffic above . Standing before arches and rectangles with city skyscrapers rising in the distance, will at once inspire a sense of grandiosity and slightness.

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Located on four acres in northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, the Met Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is America’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the art and architecture of the Middle Ages. The building overlooks the Hudson River and actually incorporates five medieval-inspired cloisters into a modern museum structure, creating a historic, contextualized backdrop in which to view the art.

Sculpture hanging from ceiling at MoMA New York

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Located in Midtown Manhattan, the MoMA is larger than it appears as you approach it from the street below. One of the world’s most influential museums—displaying the works of important artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, and Diane Arbus—it has 630,000 square feet of space and attracts more than a million visitors a year. While making a beeline for the fifth-floor Collection Galleries to take in The Starry Night and Monet’s Water Lilies is understandable, don’t miss the exhibitions, which tell new stories and can only be experienced in a limited time frame. Allocate time to spend pouring over the remarkable books and objects in the famous gift shop, too—an NYC must-visit in its own right.

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Countless careers have been made and stars have passed through this world famous, legendary Harlem theater—Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, Lauryn Hill, and D’Angelo to name a few. The venue—which began as a white-only burlesque destination until 1934, when under new ownership it began welcoming and becoming central to the Black community—has been active for 88 years, with swing, blues, jazz, R&B, and comedy acts taking the stage. Today, visitors can attend events like Amateur Night at the Apollo, one of the city’s most long-standing, fame-making live shows. Capacity is 1,500, with three levels of seating, and contrary to the way it appears on 'Showtime at the Apollo,' is intimate without much legroom.

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Prospect Park is in many ways the Central Park of Brooklyn; in fact, it was designed shortly after by the same team of architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, and has many of the same features: sprawling meadows, walking trails, and picturesque bodies of water. In feeling though, it’s more rambling and less manicured than its touristed Manhattan counterpart. Prospect Park Woodlands is Brooklyn’s last remaining forest, with 250 acres of trees, turtles, chipmunks, 200 species of birds, and other fauna and flora. There's also basketball and tennis courts, a carousel, playgrounds, zoo, and a 3.35-mile loop for runners and bikers (they’re fast —watch out!). While there, make a trip to adjacent Brooklyn Botanic Garden , particularly lovely during cherry blossom season.

Bedford Avenue Williamsburg Brooklyn New York United States of America

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Sip iced coffee in McCarren Park, catch an indie show at Baby's All Right, walk two blocks over to some of the city's most-coveted Italian at Lilia (with a month-in-advance res, of course.) This is the busiest thoroughfare in hip Williamsburg: Bedford Avenue—and the L train that feeds it—might as well be North Brooklyn’s own personal people-watching catwalk. Pedestrians with voluminous pants, dogs with miniature rain boots, and high-speed scooters will swish past you. As you make your way south from the subway station, likely en route from the East Village, you’ll pass local businesses that characterize the area, like Catbird (ethereal, vintage-inspired jewelry), Spoonbill & Sugartown Books (poetry, special design and cookbooks, cards), and Awoke Vintage (best-known for their genuine denim often from the ‘90s.)

Coney Island New York City USA. Ferry wheel at amusement park with passageway in foreground

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Coney Island has a reputation as a circus-worthy tourist trap, which is exactly what it is. But you may be surprised by the old-timey charms of this beachfront American town. You’ll definitely be impressed by the food and drinks—Totonno's Pizza, Gargiulo's and Coney Island Brewery in particular. Locals and tourists hang out on the beach, eat ice cream cones on the promenade, and stand in line for the famed Cyclone roller coaster. The beach and boardwalk along with spots like Nathan’s are open year-round. The amusement park itself is seasonal. Events like the annual Mermaid Parade (crowded as they may be) are worth watching for the audacity and theatrics you can’t find anywhere else in the world but Coney Island.

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World-renowned performing arts center Lincoln Center is always worth visiting when the opportunity arises, and in October 2022, David Geffen Hall, home to the New York Philharmonic, reopened after a major renovation that improved the venue’s acoustics and spiffed it up with a modern look. The sprawling Upper West Side complex is also home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and Juilliard. All kinds of music, dance, theater, and films show here; Some highlights from the upcoming calendar include the New York Film Festival, the operas like The Life and Times of Malcom X and La Boheme , and ballets like The Nutcracker . Whether you’re on a special date or reconnecting with old friend when you’re in town, seeing a live performance at Lincoln Center will always make for an elegant and memorable night out.

Flowers blooming in Washington Square Park in spring

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If people-watching is your sport, Washington Square Park is your place. Entertainment is a given in this intimate, not-quite 10-acre space, filled with career chess players, musicians, performers, students, sunbathers, strollers, and general throngs of Greenwich Villagers, desperate for a bit of fresh air. Take your time as you go through: Pause beneath Washington Arch, honoring our country’s first president (for whom the Park is named), and observe the laurel wreaths and intricate motifs that extend from the base to the keystones, atop which twin eagles perch like constant watchmen. Washington Square Park is the beating heart of this vibrant New York neighborhood.

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For nearly a century and a half, the Met has remained the cultural epicenter of New York City, thanks to forward-thinking exhibits and an extensive permanent collection. With its Gothic-Revival-style building, iconic tiered steps, and Central Park location, the building is a sight to be seen. But step inside its Great Hall—as a ceaseless parade of museumgoers move to-and-fro—and you’ll feel the overwhelming sense of possibility and discovery that lays beyond. If you've got limited time or compatriots with limited attention spans, start with the Temple of Dendur, a 2,000-year-old soaring Egyptian temple (the only complete one in the Western Hemisphere)

Musician performing at Blue Note Jazz Club New York

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Blue Note has been one of the best jazz clubs in New York, and the world, since the 1980s. It offers music every night at 8 p.m. and 10:30, and on Friday and Saturday nights has a late night series at 12:30 a.m., which showcases emerging talent. If you're looking to get a taste of jazz in NYC, you can do no better. Over the years, legendary musicians including Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Charles have performed on the Blue Note Stage, as well as contemporary jazz acts such as Wynton Marsalis, Keith Jarrett, and Chris Botti. Tables are intimate, close-set, and all-ages (with the bar being 21-plus).

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Union Square is a place of the people, not unlike the agoras of ancient Athens—and no offering of Union Square showcases this quality quite like the bustling Greenmarket. From upstate New York, the Berkshires , New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, vendors sell artisan bread, honey, fresh-cut flowers, heritage meats, pastries, seasonal fruits and vegetables both common and uncommon, and much more. Don't miss the free events, like book signings and more: Cooking demos take place at the Market Information tent daily, beer and spirits pop-ups show seasonally, and the education station offers tours and tastings.

Rockefeller Center Midtown Manhattan NYC New York City NY USA. Image shot 052008. Exact date unknown.

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Rockefeller Center sits in the heart of midtown Manhattan, both in terms of its physical location and its prominent place in the city's folklore and culture. Whether you want to check out a performance on the plaza outside the TODAY show, visit the Christmas tree, or practice your best moves on the ice skating rink, you're in for an iconic, family-friendly experience. If you buy a ticket to Top of the Rock, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the city below. No matter where you are, you're bound to be constantly pointing and shouting “hey, look at that!”

Front facade of the Olive Tree Cafe Comedy Cellar Greenwich Village New York NY USA

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None of the promoters on MacDougal Street shouting “stand-up comedy tonight!” are trying to get you into the Comedy Cellar, where the show is already sold out. Blockbuster stars like Jerry Seinfeld and Eddie Murphy made their names at the Cellar; if you're lucky, one may show up the night you're there. Seating is intimate and close together, and there is a two-item minimum on food or drinks. It's 21-plus and vaccine-mandatory; be prepared to surrender your phone at the door, too. There's no bad seat in the house, but sit in the front at your own risk of getting (playfully) heckled by the host or a comic.

Museum of Natural History New York City interior Elephants

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Truly one of the world's great natural history museums, the American Museum of Natural History spans four city blocks just across from Central Park . All aspects of the natural world are represented here, from a vast collection of taxidermy mammals, to depictions of the life of Native American tribes, to an entire hall dedicated to marine life—including a life-size model of a blue whale. The crown jewel is the dinosaur floor, with an imposing Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton that dominates the room. The newest attraction comes in the form of the long-awaited Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation , which opened in May of 2023 and, among many other things, boasts a comprehensive insectarium and vivarium. Breathtaking architecture from New York-based Jeanne Gang doesn't hurt, either.

People walking in street in front of Strand Bookstore Manhattan New York

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With its towering stacks, filled with more than 2.5 million titles, this 94-year-old bookstore is less neighborhood haunt and more globally recognized institution. You could call the Strand's employees tour guides, considering their deft ability to find the exact title you're looking for and recommend a book you may not have otherwise plucked from the shelves. The store will make you question why you don’t read more; and chances are you won’t leave empty-handed.

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With more than 700 different animal species spread across 265 acres of parkland thoughtfully designed to mimic natural habitats, the Bronx Zoo is a great place to escape from Manhattan for the day, especially if you're traveling with kids. Don't miss the giraffe building, the Congo gorilla forest, the house of reptiles, the flamingos in the sea bird aviary, and the sea lions, who always make for an exciting show. If you want to blow the minds of a bunch of kids, you can do no better.

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Located in New York Harbor, only 800 yards from Manhattan and 400 yards from Brooklyn, walking onto quirky, car-free, brick-covered, 173-acre Governors Island feels like being transported to an alternate universe from the city—but in reality it's a quick, affordable ferry ride away. One-way fare is $4 and boats are serviced from Lower Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building every day, as well as from Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook on the weekends. In the past couple of years, Governors Island has become an even more popular city destination, and has welcomed a slew of new luxury businesses. One is special in particular: Collective, the only place you can stay overnight on the island. Collective is a glamping experience, offering plush beds inside the tents, morning yoga, sunset cocktails, and iconic skyline views—Lady Liberty included, herself. Which is all to say, you’re by no means roughing it here. On the menu at their restaurant, you’ll find grilled seafood, gorgeous spreads of pastries, and more. Another luxury experience new to the island is QC NY Spa, with top-grade saunas and a skyline view-filled pool.

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Fashion and dogs; dogs and fashion. At McCarren Park, these wonders abound. Located smack between Williamsburg and Greenpoint and bound by Nassau Avenue, Bayard Street, Lorimer Street, and North 12th Street, McCarren is one of North Brooklyn’s best gathering places and community hubs. Activities on offer include softball, volleyball, soccer, handball, and more, but you’ll also see Brooklynites running on the track, rollerblading around the park’s perimeter, and hoisting each other up in acroyoga poses on the grass. Shopping and dining opportunities fringe the park and make for a bustling atmosphere—including the Greenmarket on Saturdays, a thrift market bursting with vintage clothes on the weekends, Awoke Vintage, Forma Pasta, Bernie’s, Frankels, and more.

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Located in Brooklyn on a hip stretch of Bushwick’s Jefferson Avenue, Elsewhere—a vast, three-story nightclub and live music venue with multiple dance floors, stages, and a rooftop—has become one of the city’s best nightlife destinations. Spinning disco balls and kaleidoscopic lights set the scene. A somewhat recent staple in the city’s nightlife scene, Elsewhere is a converted warehouse that opened in 2017. Blocks away from similar venues like Avant Gardener and House of Yes, Elsewhere stands out for its inclusivity, its intimate vibe in spite of its size, and for lifting up smaller, up-and-coming acts.

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One of the best public beaches you can visit in New York City proper, Rockaway is a sandy, sprawling stretch of surf located in Queens on the Atlantic Ocean, complete with a 5.5-mile boardwalk of delicious concessions. A summery way to get there in style? Take the ferry from Wall Street or Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and let the wind blow through your hair as you take in the city views, sailing under the Verrazano Bridge and past Coney Island on the way. From just about everywhere else in the city, you can also get there via the A train. Each stretch has a different crowd and personality: Beach 90-106 is the busiest section, with the most food and drink options; Beaches 67-69 as well as 90-92 are the surfing zones; between Beach 153 and Beach 169 you’ll find Jacob Riis Park, which is popular with young people and is a summer gathering place for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

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Located on Ludlow Street in the Lower East Side, Metrograph is an independent movie house and a New York City cinema destination. When you walk in, you’ll notice that the decor is trendy, artsy, and has almost nothing in common with an AMC. You might overhear film buffs opining on French directors you never heard of, but hey, it’s all part of the charm. It shows a curated roster of films that includes exclusive archival screenings, special premiers, and Q&As with notable filmmakers; a few of the films playing on the current lineup in November include The Wall , a 1990 documentary about the Berlin Wall with vérité-style footage; Bill Cunningham New York on 35mm film, introduced by director Richard Press and producer Philip Gefter; and the classic Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf , starring Elizabeth Taylor. Seats are assigned and booked online—to purchase in person, tickets go on sale a half hour before showtime. Seats are red-velvet-cushioned, and pretty comfortable.

Bonus: The legitimate restaurant on site called the Metrograph Commissary serving brunch and dinner, where movie-goers can extend their outing with a meal or a round of drinks. You won’t find your typical movie theater slushies here—espresso martinis, steak tartare, and duck with rosemary are on the menu.

NEW YORK NY MARCH 1 Atmosphere at Gagosian Opening Reception for Sterling Ruby at Gagosian Gallery on March 1 2017 in...

Chelsea's Art Galleries Arrow

If you’ve done the Met and the MoMA a million times but have yet to explore the city’s art gallery scene, get thee to Chelsea. The West Side neighborhood is one of the city’s best-known for art and is home to some of the world’s most respected contemporary art galleries, like David Zwirner —representing legends like Yayoi Kusama, Alice Neel, and William Eggleston—and Gagosian —Damien Hirst, Richard Avedon, Takashi Murakami, and Anna Weyant, whose star is rising. These spaces feel exclusive and glamorous, and you feel special upon walking inside and experiencing their treasures. (And unless you’re an heiress, you’re only window shopping.) The Chelsea gallery scene exemplifies one of New York City’s greatest strengths: walkability. We’d recommend mapping out the spots you want to hit and making half a day out of it—West 24th Street between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues is a prime route.

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27 Top Tourist Attractions in New York City

The largest and most populated city in the USA, New York City is often called the “city that never sleeps” because it is constantly buzzing with activity. Full of arts, culture, endless restaurants and a night sky where the stars are replaced by bright skyscrapers, New York is a magical place. Loud, boisterous and impatient, Manhattan especially, is a high energy place. Events don’t just happen here, they happen with a bang.

With so much to see and do in the city, it can be overwhelming to a New York novice. This comprehensive list outlines the top tourist attractions in New York City that travelers won’t find anywhere else. From Broadway to One World Trade Center, we’ve got them all here.

Map of New York City

27. Chelsea Market

After making history as the place where the Oreo cookie was invented, the Chelsea Market has become one of the most popular food halls in New York City. The old Nabisco Factory has made way for a collection of high-end supermarkets, delis and specialty stores.

While the market is a great place to shop and stock up on produce, the various eateries are the real attraction. There are over 30 food vendors selling delicious eats at the Chelsea Market. Some of the popular places you should check out include the Chelsea Creamline, Num Pang for Cambodian and the amazing tacos at Los Tacos No. 1.

26. Madison Square Garden

Arguably the world’s most iconic stadium, Madison Square Garden, has a storied past that continues to evolve into the modern day. MSG remains an incredibly busy stadium hosting both the New York Knicks of the NBA and the NHL’s New York Rangers. In-between all of that, they still have time to be the second-busiest venue for concert sales on earth.

Experiencing a sporting event or a concert at Madison Square Garden is sure to be an unforgettable experience. But the stadium also provides an exceptional behind-the-scenes tour that allows you to explore the locker rooms and step out onto the court.

25. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

For history and military enthusiasts and anyone that would love to set foot inside a submarine, you must visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Featuring a spectacular collection of aircraft and amazing views of downtown Manhattan, the museum is a memorable experience from the get-go.

The major part of the museum is the USS Intrepid. This aircraft survived several close battles over the Pacific in World War II and has enjoyed a permanent home at the museum since the early 1980s. Along with this fighter plane, you can also explore a guided missile submarine, the only one available to the public in the country.

24. Chrysler Building

Since its opening in 1930, the Chrysler Building has held an important position in the famed skyline of Manhattan. Its stunning art deco design makes it easy to spot, even in a city full of amazing skyscrapers. For almost a year, the Chrysler Building, with its tiered arches and steel crown, was the tallest building in the world. Until the Empire State came along.

You can view the Chrysler Building from several spots around the city, including a glorious spot in Gramercy Park. But nothing tops exploring the elegant lobby, complete with an interior sourced from countries all around the world.

23. Coney Island

For the longest time, Coney Island was a seaside escape for New Yorkers seeking some sun, sand and a bit of fun. Although technically no longer an island thanks to a landfill that connected it to the rest of Long Island, Coney Island has kept its appeal among residents.

Today you can escape downtown on the train and explore the “island’s” many attractions. One of those being the Coney Island Cyclone, a classic wooden rollercoaster that began operating in 1927 and can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

22. Frick Collection

Henry Clay Frick made his name in the 1800s as an influential player in Pittsburgh’s coke and steel industries. But he quickly got out once he made his fortune to pursue his genuine passion, art. Until his passing in 1919, Frick collected an amazing amount of exceptional decorative pieces and work from prominent luminaries who existed well before his time.

Six years before he passed, his collection was turned into a museum. The Frick Collection has since become a must-see New York City gallery. The highlights are pieces by Rembrandt, Fragonard and Vermeer.

21. Greenwich Village

Once a literary haven for such prominent writers as James Baldwin, Jack Kerouac and William S Burroughs, Greenwich remains a great neighborhood to explore. This despite sky rocketing rental costs. The leafy streets lined with 19th century brownstone homes are the real attraction. The beautiful neighborhood vibe allows you to get lost in its streets as you wander along the footpaths.

Greenwich Village’s many cafes and bars, which were once home to our favorite authors and even Bob Dylan, are still inviting. While the first integrated nightclub in the US, Cafe Society, may have closed, Greenwich Village continues to provide some of New York City’s best nightlife.

20. Broadway

Such is the importance of Broadway in everyday culture that this stretch of road has become known across the world. A visit to New York is not complete without catching a live show on Broadway. In fact, it remains a rite of passage for all New Yorkers. All told, Broadway has 41 venues, each with over 500 seats.

New acts such as Hamilton and the Book of Mormon have taken Broadway by storm in recent years. But the famous theater street is still well-served by classic shows, such as the Phantom of the Opera which has been running since 1988.

19. New York Public Library

In a city full of iconic attractions, the New York City Library stands out as one that many would instantly recognize. The library is a part of the third largest public library system on earth, giving readers and researchers an envious amount of access to literature, science, humanities and fine arts.

The building’s interior is stunning, however, it is the library’s entrance that is most likely to keep your camera busy. With a marble facade and a pair of large Corinthian beams, the New York Public Library is a masterpiece.

18. Museum of Modern Art

MoMA, as many would know it, is home to some of the most famous pieces of modern art. The Museum of Modern Art has a collection of 150,000 pieces. Some of the more renowned include Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, the Dance by Matisse and Picasso’s iconic Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.

Along with their permanent exhibitions, MoMA puts on consistent short-term exhibitions. Including collections from ‘old masters’ and even solo shows from world renowned artists.

17. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

With a wondrous neo-Gothic design, the St Patrick’s Cathedral is a sight to behold. The original building opened in 1878, covering an entire block of Manhattan. The cathedral recently underwent a $177m restoration that returned it to its former glory.

Visiting the beautiful cathedral is free, and it is just as stunning from the inside. Walk through and admire the several side chapels and the two altars. The St Louis altar was designed by Tiffany and Co. Most memorable, however, is the Pieta, the rose window and the Gallery Organ which was added to St Patrick’s Cathedral in 1930.

16. American Museum of Natural History

Comprising four floors and 45 permanent exhibits across 28 connected buildings, the Museum of Natural History holds claim to being the best museum in New York City. The massive museum is incredibly captivating and has a way of guiding you through otherwise complex information. You could spend hours walking through and still not see everything.

With dozens of categories from anthropology to zoology, amazing fossils, and even a replica of a 95ft blue whale, there isn’t much the American Museum of Natural History doesn’t cover.

15. One World Observatory

Standing at 1776 ft (541m) representing the same year the USA became a country, One World Trade Center stands in place of the north building of the Twin Towers. The building took almost ten years to complete and upon opening, was the tallest building in the western hemisphere and the sixth tallest on earth.

Aside from admiring the sheer size of the building from afar, one of the best activities to do here is to head up to the One World Observatory. From the observation area you will have 360-degree views towards all of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

14. Staten Island Ferry

Before the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, among others, ferries shuttled residents of New York City across the harbor and the Hudson River. One of the last remaining ferries is the one to Staten Island, and it is one of the best free things to do in New York. Running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

While you may not be overly interested in exploring Staten Island, the trip itself is more than worth it. As you pull out of Manhattan, you will enjoy an amazing view of the city and the Statue of Liberty that you can’t get anywhere else for free.

13. Ellis Island

For over six decades since opening in the 1890s, Ellis Island was the point of arrival for over 10 million immigrants. The importance of this immigration is played out in real time, with half of the current US population having a connection with this historic island.

The place to visit here is the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Take the audio tour with hours’ worth of fascinating information and learn about the history of immigration in the USA.

12. Bryant Park

If you have visited the New York Public Library, you may be interested to know that it is in Bryant Park, a popular urban oasis. This beautiful green space helped revitalize the city and provides the perfect place to kick back with a coffee and enjoy some light reading.

During the summer, you will find movie nights held each week, while the chess tables are always busy alongside yoga on the grass. During the winter, Bryant Park also offers a rink and is a magical place to ice skate in front of many skyscrapers.

11. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The largest gallery in America is found in New York. The vast Metropolitan Museum of Art presents art and artifacts dating back centuries and from all corners of the globe. There are dozens of different sections of the museum that house everything from Egyptian mummies to old European armor and classical sculptures.

Popular parts of the museum that are not to be missed, however, include Rembrandt’s Aristotle, Van Gogh’s self portrait, and the Egyptian Temple of Dendur dated to 15BC.

10. September 11 Memorial

The National September 11 Memorial has been constructed in honor to those who were killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The names of those who died are engraved in two bronze panels flanking the Memorial pools. The pools are each nearly an acre in size and mark the footprints of the Twin Towers that once stood on that site.

The National September 11 Memorial Museum serves to educate the public on the implications of the attacks through multimedia displays, archives, narratives and a collection of artifacts.

9. High Line

The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above Manhattan’s West Side. The park is maintained and operated by Friends of the High Line, which fought for the preservation and transformation of the rail line into green space.

Every month there are new fun and diverse activities for visitors. These include stargazing, tree tours and art tours along with season specific events such as the Haunted High Line Halloween in October.

Some of the park’s attractions include naturalized plantings and splendid views of the Hudson River. The High Line also integrates cultural attractions into its design with architecture and art installations.

8. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal has been dubbed the “world’s loveliest station” and is one of the top tourist attractions in New York City. The cavernous Main Concourse is home to the impressive clock made of pearly opal glass.

Visitors are also treated to the elaborate astronomical ceiling decorations originally conceived in 1912. The lower level, home to the dining concourse and train tracks, offer diverse dining options including the Oyster Bar.

Vanderbilt Hall just off the main concourse, which was originally constructed as a waiting room, now hosts the annual Christmas market and special exhibitions. The elegantly restored Campbell Apartment was meant to replicate a 13th-century Florentine palace, but now hosts tourists and commuters in its cocktail lounge.

7. Rockefeller Center

A tour of Rockefeller Center, a complex of 19 buildings built by the Rockefeller family, offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of New York City’s greatest treasures. These buildings have housed many major corporations over the years including General Electric and are home to the NBC studios.

At 70 stories high, the Top of the Rock observation deck gives visitors an unobstructed 360 degree views of New York City. The NBC Studios tour gives visitors the chance to glimpse the sets of their favorite NBC shows or sit behind a news desk.

Rockefeller Center is also home to Radio City Music Hall, which was restored to reflect its 1930s glamor. Rockefeller Center transforms during the holiday season with the impressive Christmas tree overlooking the skating rink and Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

6. Fifth Avenue

Ranked as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, Fifth Avenue is a prime destination for visitors with a taste for luxury. The section of Fifth that crosses Midtown Manhattan between 49th and 60th Streets is lined with high-end shops including designer showrooms and prestigious department stores.

The section of Fifth Avenue between 82nd to 105th streets on the Upper East Side is referred to as the Museum Mile. Nine museums are situated along this stretch of Fifth including the Guggenheim and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

5. Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge, built between 1869 and 1883, is one of the oldest and most recognizable suspension bridges in the world. It spans 5,989 feet and connects Manhattan to Brooklyn across the East River. More than 120,000 vehicles, 4,000 pedestrians and 2,600 bicyclists cross the bridge every day.

Visitors to the bridge can walk, drive, or bike across this famous New York City landmark. There is a pedestrian walkway situated above the traffic, where visitors can take in views of the harbor and both boroughs. The 2 km (1.3 mile) stroll across the bridge offers plenty of opportunities for admiring the New York skyline.

4. Times Square

With over 39 million visitors annually, Times Square is the world’s most visited tourist attraction. The bright lights and big city feel of this commercial intersection have iconified this spot as “The Crossroad of the World.” Today, Times Square is a major center of the world’s entertainment industry.

The annual New Year’s Eve ball drop, which began in 1907, has been a staple of the square’s allure. The shopping, entertainment and plethora of restaurants offer many activities and options for every type of visitor. It’s an area not to be missed on a trip to New York City.

3. Central Park

Located in the center of Manhattan, Central Park is a sprawling 840 acres and home to Belvedere Castle, the Central Park Zoo among many other attractions. For naturalists looking to take a break from the big city, relaxing in the Great Lawn or a walk along the extensive paths throughout the park can offer a much needed respite.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities to entertain visitors including catch and release fishing at the Dana Discovery Center, rowboat rentals from the Loeb Boathouse. The park boasts six miles of paved roads open only to joggers, bicyclists as well as skateboarders and inline skaters. Central Park is also especially friendly for families with playgrounds and the Tisch Children’s Zoo.

2. Empire State Building

The iconic Empire State Building soars over a quarter of a mile above Manhattan and offers expansive views to the millions of visitors it attracts every year. On a clear day, visitors can see New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

There are two observations decks in the tower, on the 86th floor and 102nd floor. Both offer impressive views and interesting facts about the building’s extensive history and importance. The Empire State Building has made appearances in over 250 films and was named “America’s Favorite Architecture.” It is open daily from 9:30am until midnight and tickets can be purchased at the counter or online.

1. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, has welcomed new arrivals to the shores of America for over a hundred years. Lady Liberty on her pedestal stands at an impressive 93 meters (305 feet), which visitors can climb for views of Brooklyn and Gustave Eiffel’s supportive framework.

For those who choose not to climb the 154 steps to the crown, the pedestal offers panoramic views of the harbor and downtown New York City. Guided tours of Liberty Island are offered throughout the day by Park Rangers and a self-guided audio, offered in nine languages, tour is included with a ferry ticket to the island.

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Reader interactions.

July 18, 2014 at 3:44 am

Thanks..Nice post. Also enjoy there Festivals & Events like New York Fashion Week, a global extravaganza that happens twice a year in February and September, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November and New Year’s Eve At Times Square

The 21 best attractions in Manhattan

From the Statue of Liberty to the High Line, these are the best Manhattan attractions in NYC

If you’re planning on making a visit to New York City, it would be ridiculous not to start with Manhattan and its attractions. Though in point of fact neither the biggest borough (that’s Queens !) nor the most densely-populated (that’s Brooklyn! ), it is the center of the city: historically, geographically, and culturally.

Dominated by some of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, here you’ll find globally famous attractions like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. You’ve got some of the best restaurants in New York . And all the biggest and best Broadway shows are here because Broadway is literally in Manhattan. Whether you’re just visiting the Big Apple for the weekend or you’re a lifelong New Yorker looking for something new to do, these attractions in Manhattan are essential additions to your bucket list.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best New York attractions RECOMMENDED: The best non-touristy things to do in NYC

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Best Manhattan attractions

1. One World Observatory

Towers and viewpoints
Financial District

The current tallest building in the United State, the One World Observatory at World Trade Center lets visitors experience panoramic views of NYC on levels 100, 101, and 102. The tour begins with a thrilling trip in the Sky Pod elevators (some of the fastest in the world) which lead to a two-minute video presentation of gorgeous city images on floor 102. Check out City Pulse on the 100th floor, which shows HD videos featuring notable NYC landmarks and neighborhoods. Then it’s time to brave the Sky Portal, where a 14-foot wide circular disc gives you a view of real-time, high-definition footage of the streets below.

2. Empire State Building

Monuments and memorials
Midtown West

Finished in 1931 at the height of the Great Depression, this 1,454-foot Art Deco skyscraper was the tallest building in the world for almost four decades and has long stood as a symbol of American innovation and ambition. Still looming large as ever in New York’s skyline (where it’s still the seventh-tallest building), the Empire State remains one of the most visited attractions in the city. Taking in those awe-inspiring panoramic views from the open-air observation deck on the 86th floor remains a huge draw (reservations are required), but a recent $165m upgrade has added even more appeal. Make sure you also check out the newly revitalized galleries on the second and 80th floors; the sight of King Kong’s clutches coming through the walls really is something.

3. The Statue of Liberty

Liberty Island

In a city where almost everything is iconic, Lady Liberty could just edge it as the icon of icons – certainly where tourists are concerned (New Yorkers famously avoid it like the plague). Our tip is to avoid the foam-crown-sporting masses and pre-book a combo cruise-and-tour ticket . A climb to the crown – and why wouldn’t you? – affords a panoramic view of New York Harbor and the chance to see the literal nuts and bolts of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s creation, which was given to the people of America by the people of France in 1886. We thoroughly recommend stopping in the museum on Liberty Island, if only to marvel at the initial ambivalence of 19th-century New Yorkers when they were asked to fund the construction of the pedestal.

4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Occupying 13 acres of Central Park, the Met, which opened in 1880, is impressive in terms both of quality and scale: there are some two million items in its permanent collection, from classical antiquity to modern American design. Added in 1895 by McKim, Mead, and White, the neoclassical facade is daunting. But despite its grandeur and vastness, the museum is surprisingly easy to negotiate, particularly if you come early on a weekday and avoid the crowds.

5. Central Park

Things to do
Walks and tours

Surely the world’s most famous public park, the still startlingly enormous Central Park is one of the most beloved attractions in New York City, and an iconic fixture of numerous films, TV shows, and songs. It’s surprisingly easy to forget you’re in Manhattan once you penetrate the idyllic, 843-acre plot, which was first brought to life in the mid-nineteenth century by urban visionaries Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. Their thoughtful design reflects a harmonious balance of scenic elements that live on today: pastoral (the open, picnic-ready lawn of the Sheep Meadow), formal (the liner, tree-lined Mall), and picturesque (the densely wooded paths of the Ramble).

Rent a bike in Central Park.

6. Chrysler Building

Civic buildings
Midtown East

If you want to call this magnificent pinnacle of Art Deco architecture NYC’s most eye-popping skyscraper then we’re not going to argue with you. Triangle-shaped windows in its crown are lined with lights, creating a beautiful effect come nighttime. Oozing a moneyed sophistication oft identified with old New York, you can’t actually go up it as a tourist – it’s still in use as offices – but the go-ahead has been given for a new observation deck, and in the meantime, the magnificent art deco lobby is open to the public.

7. The High Line

Though it’s spawned many imitators, t here’s something uniquely New York about this wonderful aerial walk, built on an abandoned railway track, an ultra-smart move-in footage-starved Manhattan. What we like best is how the pathway rises above the city while keeping you rooted in urban life: where else can you walk through a field of wildflowers as cabs zip along the street beneath you?

8. Theater District

When it’s running at full capacity – understandably, things have been pretty patchy since March 2020 – then more than 13 million locals and tourists take in Broadway shows every year. Most of NYC’s 41 Broadway venues – that is to say, professional theaters with a capacity of over 500 – are located in the Theater District. Roughly speaking, that’s 41st Street to 52nd Street between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue. Each season brings a new wave of mega-musicals, plays, and star-driven revivals. Tickets don’t tend to be cheap – although discounts are often available – but you would be crazy to leave New York City without taking in one of the season's best shows.

Get spooked on a haunted Broadway theater tour.

9. Harbor helicopter tour

For generations, the architects who have worked in Manhattan have known one thing: the only way is up. Take their lead and view the area’s iconic buildings, bridges, parks and statues from the air. Ideal for when your feet need time off from earth-bound site-seeing, a helicopter tour will sweep you up and around the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and so forth, including giving you a view of Central Park normally reserved for the birds. Head to Pier Six on the East River and, well, prepare for lift off.

10. National September 11 Memorial & Museum

On the former site of the Twin Towers, stand North America’s largest man-made waterfalls. Designed by Michael Arad, its twin reflecting pools bear the names of the 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks and serve as a solemn reminder of all that was lost on both September 11, 2001, and the World Trade Center bombing in 1993. For those who wish to learn more about the events, the museum offers first-hand accounts of survivors, picture and video footage of the attacks, and recovered objects such as a wrecked recovery vehicle and the 30-foot National 9/11 Flag.

11. Rockefeller Center

Built by the fabulously wealthy businessmen John D Rockefeller, the construction of this enormous complex employed over 40,000 workers over nine years. Nowadays, more than 350,000 visitors make their way to the historic landmark every year, starting early in the morning with folks hoping to spot celebrities or appear in the background of the Today Show. Always in demand is the NBC studio tour, which covers the network’s history and sites in 30 Rock. The busiest time to visit, of course, is December when the enormous, 70-foot Christmas Tree stands proudly above the plaza ice rink.

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12. Grand Central Terminal

Historic buildings and sites

This iconic transit hub, which opened in 1913, is used by thousands upon thousands of commuters each day. And it’s also a destination in its own right: its majestic Beaux-Arts architecture is an awesome marriage of form and function. Famous features include the vaulted, constellation-adorned ceiling and the four-faced opal clock topping the main information booth. They’re both located in the Grand Concourse. Meanwhile, ornamentation above the 42nd Street entrance includes a likeness of Mercury, the god of travel (naturally), and an ornate Tiffany-glass timepiece.

13. Whitney Museum of American Art

Art and design
Meatpacking District
price 2 of 4

In 2015 the Whitney Museum said bye-bye to its Marcel-Breur-designed home of nearly 50 years on Madison Avenue and decamped to a brand new building in the Meatpacking District, conceived by international starchitect Renzo Piano. Right at the foot of the High Line, the all-new Whitney has some 63,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor exhibition space. Its collection – which is based around American artists of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries – holds about 15,000 pieces by nearly 2,000 artists, including Alexander Calder, Willem de Kooning, Jasper Johns, Louise Nevelson, and the entire estate of Edward Hopper.

Save on the best NYC attractions.

14. New-York Historical Society

Upper West Side

One of America’s first cultural and educational institutions, the New-York Historical Society was founded way back in 1804. Instead of the niche view of NYC’s past that some other attractions offer, it offers a comprehensive look at the New York of yesteryear. Exhibits here are wide-ranging, covering all aspects of city life, and the museum’s permanent holdings—you can see a lot of them in the open-storage galleries on the fourth floor—offer a glimpse into daily city life in NYC past, with items such as vintage clothing, toys, and furniture on display.

15. The Guggenheim Museum

Built in 1959 by Frank Lloyd Wright to house the eponymous philanthropist’s collection, nowadays the iconic concrete spiral is considered as much a work of art as the paintings within it. Alongside great works by European masters such as Manet, Picasso, and Chagall, the institution holds the most Kandinskys in the US, as well as one of the largest collections of Mapplethorpe's in the world. And yes, there really is a correct way to see the exhibits: Wright’s intent was for you to begin at the bottom and work your way around to the top.

16. Times Square

The heart of Manhattan was once a global byword for seediness and sin, packed to the gills with sex shops and drug dealers. In recent decades, however, its notorious reputation has almost totally evaporated: nowadays the area can feel like a tourist-clogged shopping mall. If you must go – and frankly, it’s pretty hard to totally avoid it – then changes such as the stairs above the TKTS booth and a pedestrian plaza along Broadway have improved the sightseeing experience…somewhat.

See Times Square on a walking tour.

17. Chelsea Market

Markets and fairs

More than six million people a year visit this former biscuit factory turned food hall: a fact that’s unlikely to surprise anyone who has ever braved the epic line for Los Tacos No. 1. In addition to 35-plus eateries, Chelsea Market is home to the rotating boutique selection of Artists & Fleas, plus a selection of other local boutiques. The fact Google snapped the space up for a cool $2.4 billion a few years back only goes to show how iconic it really is.

Explore Chelsea Market and The Highline.

18. Flatiron Building

When it debuted in 1902, critics thought the Flatiron Building wouldn’t last: they worried that a strong wind might topple the long, thin, pyramidal structure. Fortunately, architect Daniel Burnham’s smart solution to the problem of a triangular lot has proven nothing if not enduring, and the unique architecture is still very much in place. Following the departure of its main tenant Macmillian, the building is empty while a lavish extensive renovation is carried out, due for completion no earlier than 2022.

19. American Museum of Natural History

Science and technology

If the American Museum of Natural History only contained the 94-foot blue whale model in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life and the 122-foot cast of the Titanosaur fossil in the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Orientation Center, then it would be worth visiting on those grounds alone. What’s that, you want more ? Fair enough: you can also consider the vast collection of taxidermied animals, check out the dazzling Hall of Gems and explore the heavens in the awe-inspiring Hayden Planetarium during your visit.

20. Macy’s Herald Square

Department stores

Though it’s no longer the biggest department store in the world, the original Macy’s location is no slouch, covering a prodigious 2.2 million square feet. You could spend days shopping in this 11-floor building, but buying stuff isn’t the only draw. Visit in the spring to peep the extravagant Macy’s Flower Show, or wait until after Thanksgiving to take in the festive holiday windows and drop off your Christmas list to Old Saint Nick himself.

21. New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Libraries, archives and foundations

Catch a glimpse of this monumental library’s Beaux-Arts facade and you’ll see why it took nine years and $9 million to construct (when $9 million was a lot of money). The grand columns, Tennessee marble lions dubbed Patience and Fortitude and spectacular Rose Main Reading Room make the library one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The contents aren’t too bad either: bibliophiles shouldn’t pass up the chance to look through the vast collection of books and literary ephemera, including the original Winnie-the-Pooh bear and first folio editions of William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies .

Looking for more things to do?

The best bike tours in NYC

For those looking to experience the city like a locals, hop on two wheels and join of the best bike tours NYC has to offer

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65 Best & Fun Things To Do In NYC (New York)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: December 24, 2022 - Last updated: October 16, 2023

The Big Apple.

The City of Dreams.

The City So Nice, They Named It Twice.

New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet.

Welcoming more than 60 million visitors per year, it’s an absolute treasure trove of attractions, landmarks, resorts, skyscrapers, and general vacation destinations.

You’ve probably seen large swatches of NYC even if you’ve never stepped foot in the city.

It’s been used in countless films since the inception of Hollywood, so places like Times Square, Grand Central Station, and the Empire State Building have all taken on a legendary status for aspiring travelers.

Another nice thing about NYC is that it’s a truly year round destination, so it doesn’t matter when you’re planning to go.

You can attend New York Fashion Week in the spring and catch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the winter.

There’s always something going on.

Are you ready for the vacation of a lifetime?

Do you want to experience the best, brightest, and most bodacious things to do in NYC?

Dive right to Empire City!

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a booking through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

1. Statue of Liberty

Matej Hudovernik / Shutterstock

Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…

The Statue of Liberty has been welcoming visitors to New York since 1886.

A gift from France, this robed, torch-bearing goddess is a symbol of freedom, enlightenment, and safe harbor for people from around the world.

It’s a pretty cool tourist attraction, too.

You’ll take a ferry to get there, and you can either climb the stairs or ride the elevator to the top of the goddess’s crown.

A panoramic view of NYC will await.

No matter where you’re coming from, the Statue of Liberty is a must see in terms of NYC attractions.

She’s a once-in-a-lifetime sight for many, so she’s definitely worth your bucket list.

Check out these awesome activities around the Statue of Liberty.

Address: New York, NY 10004, United States

2. Central Park

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One of the most famous places to go in all of New York City, Central Park is a lush and lavish destination.

You’d never expect from its vibrant greenery that it’s surrounded on all sides by gleaming skyscrapers!

Entertainment options in the park include everything from a shopping mall to a full-sized zoo.

There are more than two dozen playgrounds, and you can walk, bike, skate, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride between them.

In the summertime, there are free outdoor concerts and movie nights; in the winter, there are ski tracks and ice skating rinks.

Another great thing about Central Park is that there’s never an admission charge, so if you’re looking for free things to do in NYC, here’s an option that won’t cost you a dime!

You’ve probably already seen Central Park in a dozen different movies, but there’s nothing like walking the paths and smelling the roses on your own.

There’s a reason why it’s a top sightseeing destination in the city, and you won’t want to miss it!

Check out these tours & activities around Central Park.

Address: New York, NY, United States

3. Times Square

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You know Times Square .

Everyone knows Times Square.

It’s one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in the world, especially during major, fireworks-shooting events like New Year’s Eve.

You don’t have to wait for a holiday to hit up Times Square, however.

Just like NYC, it’s a destination that never sleeps.

The billboards are always flickering with new, neon-colored ads.

The streets are always crowded with buskers, magicians, musicians, and street vendors.

Some people even say that seeing Times Square at night is better than seeing it during the day, so it’s something to put on your bucket list twice!

Make time for the Times.

It’s a top 10 destination in New York City, especially if you’re trying to hit all of the major landmarks during your visit.

You’ll look back on these particular photos for years to come.

Address: Manhattan, NY 10036, United States

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For the trendy, there’s no place like Tribeca.

It’s a youthful neighborhood in NYC where cobblestone streets are lined with cafes, bistros, and boutiques of every variety, many of them set against a backdrop of industrial buildings converted into chic lofts.

There’s a deeper history to Tribeca, too, and it’s related to 9/11.

The neighborhood was hit hard in the aftermath, so it pays tribute to the tragedy with a number of memorial events and activities.

One of these is actually the Tribeca Film Festival: It was created to boost the local economy after the attacks, and it’s since evolved into the world-famous attraction that it is today.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for swanky things to do in New York City this weekend, hit up Tribeca.

The coffeehouses are open day and night, and the shops, galleries, and restaurants are more than enough to fill your Instagram reel.

Any money that you spend will be supporting a vital NYC community, too.

Check out this walking tour around Tribeca.

Address: Tribeca, New York, NY, United States

5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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If you’re an art lover wondering what to do in NYC, the answer is the Met.

The largest art gallery on the entire continent, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is so big that it’s measured in acres, not feet.

It’s home to a staggering two million objects, including paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, vintage fashion, suits of armor, and much, much more.

You could literally get lost among them all.

Depending on when you visit, there are many special events to enjoy at the Met, too.

Kids can join storytime.

Lovebirds can sip cocktails during couples’ nights.

Visitors of all ages can sign up for tours, performances, lectures, and family activities.

There’s a reason why The Metropolitan Museum of Art is such a world-famous destination.

Believe the hype, and book your ticket this week!

Check details, prices and reviews here.

Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States

6. Rockaway Beach

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You don’t have to fly to the Bahamas to enjoy a sun-soaked vacation.

NYC is close to a number of beaches that offer surf and turf, including Rockaway Beach .

Nestled on the coast, Rockaway Beach is a beautiful destination with waves as far as the eye can see.

You can go swimming and surfing; you can join in sand volleyball games; you can explore the boardwalk and its quaint little shops that sell everything from skateboards to snow cones.

It should be noted that Rockaway Beach isn’t technically located in NYC, but thanks to a free ferry service sponsored by the city, it’s quite easy to reach.

Many natives hop aboard to enjoy a day by the water before returning home.

All in all, if you’ve been dreaming of sandcastles and umbrella drinks, Rockaway Beach is a must do for your New York vacation.

It’ll offer all of the benefits of a tropical getaway, but you’ll stay close to the action of NYC, too!

Address: Far Rockaway, NY 11693, United States

7. City Climb

New York City has no shortage of skyscrapers, and you can see them from all kinds of towers, observation decks, and helicopter tours.

If you really want a thrill, however, consider strapping on a harness and scaling one yourself!

Billed as an “open-air building ascent,” City Climb offers the utterly unique experience of climbing a skyscraper with your own two hands.

You’ll rise more than 1,200 feet in the sky after mounting steps and platforms one by one.

You’ll be strapped into a safety harness the entire time, so you won’t fall, but your hind brain might not realize it.

Your heart will definitely be in your throat as you scale some of these jaw-dropping heights!

If you’re looking for cool things to do in the Big Apple, consider climbing a skyscraper.

There’s nothing like a bird’s eye view of NYC, especially when you’ve made it to the top under your own power.

You’ll have earned every breathless glimpse of the city below.

Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States

8. Brooklyn Pizza Tour

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One of the most archetypal dishes in New York City is a folded-over pizza slice, and with the Brooklyn Pizza Tour, you can sample your way through the borough’s best.

A bus will take you to multiple pizzerias during the 4.5 hour tour.

In between stops, you’ll also have the chance to explore the Brooklyn Bridge, the Coney Island Boardwalk, and several other notable landmarks of NYC.

Your tour guide will be a Brooklyn native who’s able to point out everything from Saturday Night Fever filming locations to the army terminal where Elvis Presley went off to war.

Enjoy pizza like a true New Yorker when you sign up for the Brooklyn Pizza Tour .

It’ll provide a tasty trip through the city, and what’s more, it’ll let you rest your full belly on a bus ride as you go!

9. FAO Schwarz

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Design your own Barbie doll.

Dance on the light-up floor piano.

Ride a train or a fire truck.

These are just a few of the childhood wonders available at FAO Schwarz , the world’s oldest toy store.

Walking into FAO Schwarz is like walking into Santa Claus’s workshop.

Toys line every available surface, and your eyes won’t know where to look as things flash, whizz, bang, sparkle, and pop in all directions.

If you’re ready to buy, you’ll have shelf after shelf of ideas.

But you can also have a good time without spending any money at all.

Just let your little ones race down the aisles, hug the life-sized stuffed animals, or press the “try me” button on everything they see.

If you’re speculating on what to do with kids in NYC, FAO Schwarz is the answer.

It’s such a beloved institution of the city that it actually re-opened in a new location after the original was shut down.

Folks just couldn’t bear to lose it!

Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, United States

10. Empire State Building

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Considered one of the man-made wonders of the world, the Empire State Building is a truly stunning piece of architecture.

At the time of its construction in 1931, it was the tallest building ever!

Today, it’s been out-built by other skyscrapers, but it’s never been outdone.

It still stands proud among the giants as one of the most popular NYC attractions.

Countless movies have used it as a backdrop or a scene stealer, including King Kong, Independence Day, and Sleepless in Seattle.

Its observation decks are also a marvel: You’re sure to get dizzy as you gaze out from the 86th or 102nd floor.

At that height, everything below seems like a speck of dust!

Buy a ticket for the Empire State Building if you’re looking to experience all of NYC’s most iconic landmarks.

It’s a must see for anyone who’s ever been awestruck at the gigantic building in their favorite New York based movies.

Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States

Visiting other parts of the New York State? Why not check out some of the things to do in Buffalo, NY ?

11. Area 53

While generally temperate in terms of weather, NYC can have some inclement days, especially in the winter when snow and sleet are common.

How can you entertain yourself when you’re stuck indoors?

Try somewhere like Area 53 !

One of the biggest “activity centers” in the city, Area 53 offers all kinds of fun for both the young and the young at heart.

There’s laser tag; there’s paintball; there’s an inline skating rink.

An adventure park offers slides, battle beams, obstacle courses, and rock climbing walls.

An old-fashioned arcade is filled with nostalgic classics like Skee-Ball.

Area 53 isn’t just for kids, either, unlike other activity venues with a playhouse theme.

They even host 21+ nights where you can hang out with other adults and bring your own beer.

Are you looking for cool stuff to do on a rainy or snowy day in NYC?

Work up a sweat at Area 53, a land where you’re never too old to climb a rope ladder or whack your friends with ninja sticks.

Address: 53 Bridge St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

12. New York City Walking Tours

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There are so many NYC walking tours that it would be impossible to list them all.

However, here’s a small sample of what you can expect to find from local tour groups:

– Sightseeing tours that will take you on a loop of the city’s most famous attractions – Food tasting tours of Hell’s Kitchen – Underground catacomb tours via New York City’s cathedrals – Sunday morning tours of Harlem that include brunch and gospel services – Graffiti and street art tours that change weekly as new works are created, covered, and re-tagged

At the end of the day, the experience that you’ll have is up to you.

Put on your sneakers and get going!

13. American Museum of Natural History

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The American Museum of Natural History is a mammoth, and this description doesn’t just refer to the gigantic woolly mammoth skeleton hanging out in the gallery.

It’s a way of conceptualizing the staggering size of the museum.

Housing more than 34 million objects, it’s so large that it spans 26 interconnected buildings.

You could spend days exploring and still not see everything.

And what things there are to see!

There’s a reason why the American Museum of Natural History is one of NYC’s top tourist destinations.

From mummies to meteorites, it’s full of interesting, engaging exhibits that’ll inspire wonder about the natural world.

You can touch whale bones; you can traipse among the hanging globes of a solar system; you can learn about ancient human civilizations and their art, fashion, tools, and belief systems.

You don’t have to be a “museum person” to appreciate the American Museum of Natural History.

Just like its scenes in Night of the Museum, it’ll come alive in your imagination.

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, United States

14. Little Italy

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NYC is home to several neighborhoods that have grown immigrant populations so vast that they’ve become tourist destinations.

Little Italy is one of them.

Home to bakeries, pizzerias, and cheese shops, Little Italy celebrates Italian culture on every street corner.

You’ll find flags hanging from the windows and vendors shouting “buon appetito!” as they serve piping hot platters of lasagna.

You’ll also see the Italian American Museum , which can teach you about the first Italian seafarers that landed in NYC and brought their language, food, art, and customs.

A quick note if you’re visiting in September: Little Italy hosts the Feast of San Gennaro every year, which includes parades, opera performances, meatball eating contests, blessings from religious leaders, and other social and cultural events.

You might have heard that Little Italy is much smaller than it used to be, and that’s true.

However, it’s still one of the most amazing things to do in New York City when you’re craving a cannoli, and it can still deliver an authentic experience for culture enthusiasts who want to pretend that they’re in Naples.

Check out these tours & activities around Little Italy.

Address: Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013, United States

15. Apollo Theater

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A mainstay of Harlem, the Apollo is one of the longest-running theaters in NYC, and it’s been the birthplace of countless stars.

From Diana Rossa to Ray Charles to Aretha Franklin, it’s basically hallowed ground for legendary performers.

Originally a “whites only” burlesque theater, the Apollo started to attract African-American performers in the 1930s, eventually becoming one of the best places to visit for people of color who wanted to make a name for themselves in the biz.

It gave rise to all kinds of jazz, blues, and R&B, though it offered other acts as well.

You might have heard of staples like “Amateur Night at the Apollo” and “Showtime at the Apollo.”

They’re still running today!

Other events at the Apollo include concerts, comedy shows, swing dances, gospel nights, vaudeville performances, and more.

You can check their online schedule to see what’s coming soon.

The Apollo Theater is an emblematic destination in NYC’s arts and theater scene, and it’s been that way for almost a century.

If you’re planning on dinner and show while in the city, this is the place to see the show!

Address: 253 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027, United States

16. The Museum of Modern Art

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The Starry Night by Van Gogh.

The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali.

Fruit Dish by Pablo Picasso.

These are just a few of the heavy hitters that you can see at The Museum of Modern Art , NYC’s most biggest and most prestigious art museum.

Offering hundreds of thousands of works, MoMA is a horn of plenty when it comes to art.

You can browse paintings, prints, sculptures, films, illustrations, photography collections, architectural models, and more.

Some exhibitions are permanent; others rotate in and out of the museum, buoyed by the work by international artists and the influences of other cultures and histories.

There’s an admission fee to MoMA, but if you’re on a budget, you can plan your visit for a discount day such as Friday afternoons after 5:30PM.

It’s entirely possible to experience Van Gogh as one of the free things to do in NYC.

Isn’t that amazing?

Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, United States

17. Broadway

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If you’re a fan of the theater, going to a Broadway show will be like a dream come true.

Not only will it send you on a journey through the glitzy lights of Times Square, but it’ll also put you front and center for award-winning productions of Hamilton, Hairspray, The Lion King, and more.

The one downside of Broadway is that it’s immensely popular, so you’ll want to book your tickets well in advance.

Think months, not weeks.

You can also apply for Broadway’s lottery system to score seats even for sold-out shows.

Are you on a budget?

Consider exploring off-Broadway or even off-off-Broadway, the latter of which can be a hilariously quirky experience even more memorable than a “real” show.

Broadway is the ultimate of New York City attractions, so even though it’ll take some prepping and planning to get your ducks in a row, the curtain call will make everything worth it.

18. New York Aquarium

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New York City is such a big, bustling place that it’s home to multiple aquariums and marine sanctuaries.

However, everyone agrees that the New York Aquarium is the best.

Housing literally hundreds of species, the New York Aquarium has to be seen to be believed.

You’ll walk through underwater tunnels with millions of gallons of water above your head.

You’ll see sharks, dolphins, fish, and coral, everything darlingly large and dazzlingly colorful.

There are many activities to enjoy at the aquarium, too.

You can watch sea lion shows; you can observe the penguins being fed.

There’s a 4D theater for educational films and a “playquarium” where you can actually touch crabs, urchins, and sea snails.

Whether you’re a wide-eyed kid or an adult who’s never grown out of their shark phase, the New York Aquarium is one of the most fun things to do in NYC.

Visit for yourself to understand why it’s a top 10 destination in the Big Apple!

Address: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, United States

Planning to visit Brooklyn? Be sure to check out some of the things to do in Brooklyn !

19. Strand Book Store

The Strand Book Store isn’t one of the loftier things to see in New York City.

In fact, it’s downright humble.

But don’t let its appearance fool you: It’s one of the oldest bookshops in the city, and it’s the only survivor of “Book Row,” a former neighborhood of almost 50 bookstores that closed one by one.

The tomes are piled high inside of the building.

Everywhere you turn, there’s another table, another shelf, or another heap.

Book-related memorabilia is also available, and you can find a wide assortment of stationery as well.

The Strand buys used books, too, though you probably won’t have any in your vacation luggage.

But their acceptance of a broad range of novels, comics, memoirs, and textbooks means that you can benefit as a buyer from a very diverse collection!

The Strand Book Store is considered a New York City staple.

It’ll make a great stop on your tour of NYC, and if you wind up buying anything, you can take pride in supporting the local economy.

Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States

20. Grand Bazaar NYC

Grand Bazaar NYC

You can think of the Grand Bazaar as the biggest flea market in New York City.

Held every Sunday, rain or shine, it’s an electric mix of vendors from every borough, but they all have one thing in common: They value affordability.

The bazaar was created in response to the rising costs of NYC retailers, and profits go to public schools and enrichment programs across the city.

It’s the kind of place where you can feel good about spending your money.

As for how you can spend your money, the sky’s the limit.

There’s food, drink, jewelry, antiques, and more.

Full-room furniture spreads are next to amateur art galleries.

There are florists, bakers, artisans, and craftsmen.

Every stall has something new to discover.

Best of all, since it’s open every Sunday, you can visit the Grand Bazaar year round.

If you’re wondering what to do this weekend on a last-minute trip to NYC, it’ll offer a fun, colorful excursion with the possibility of picking up some great souvenirs.

Address: 100 W 77th St, New York, NY 10024, United States

21. Bryant Park

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A staple of Midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park is where everyone goes to unwind.

From office workers on their lunch breaks to families enjoying picnics and ping pong tables, it’s a popular site with visitors of every demographic.

This includes tourists!

Places to go in the park include gardens, cafes, carousels, playgrounds, and pop-up shops.

You’ll find lawns staked out by everyone from chess players to yoga and tai chai classes.

In the summer, giant screens are erected for outdoor movie nights.

In the winter, the park transforms into a holiday wonderland complete with a free ice skating rink.

There’s honestly no limit to the fun offered by Bryant Park.

There are traditional outdoor activities, and there are quirky things like bingo games and ribbon dancing performances.

Head on over during your NYC vacation and let yourself forget your troubles for awhile!

Address: New York, NY 10018, United States

22. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

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You might have seen photos, but they’re nothing like reality.

Madame Tussauds is one of the craziest things to do in New York City, especially if you spring for the “immersive” tour package.

You see, the museum offers a lot more than just life-sized wax figures of celebrities and politicians.

It’s also an entertainment venue with gleefully outlandish attractions.

The Marvel movie theater will rattle, rumble, and mist you with water as you follow the adventures of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

The interactive roleplaying games will let you shoot lasers at deranged clowns.

You can even take home a personalized souvenir in the form of your own wax hand!

If you want to put a kooky page in your NYC scrapbook, visit Madame Tussauds.

A wax museum is already interesting enough, but when you add immersive and interactive special effects, it becomes something truly unique.

Address: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, United States

23. Brotherhood Winery

Brotherhood Winery

The Brotherhood Winery is located about an hour outside of NYC, but if you’re looking for an authentic experience in wine country, you’ll need to leave the city limits and roll into the lush green hills of Washingtonville.

Established in 1839, the Brotherhood Winery is the oldest winery in America, a mark of esteem that even Napa Valley can’t match.

The Brotherhood takes the honor seriously and continues to use the same cellars and aged oak barrels that started it all.

Especially impressive is the fact that its underground, dimly-lit vault was excavated by hand back in the day!

As a visitor, you’ll be allowed to see these cellars for yourself.

You can also sign up for tours, tastings, and other special events that range from holiday lighting ceremonies to murder mystery dinners hosted at the on-site restaurant.

Of the many excellent places to visit in NYC, the Brotherhood Winery is one with real history.

If you’re a connoisseur of spirits, this is a place you won’t want to miss.

Address: 100 Brotherhood Plaza Dr, Washingtonville, NY 10992, United States

24. Smorgasburg

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Smorgasburg is an open-air food market that you can find in New York City during the spring and summer months.

Nicknamed “the Woodstock of eating,” it’ll give you the chance to try cuisine from all around the world, usually at very reasonable prices or with samples and mini-plates that won’t strain your budget.

Another option is to go with a friend and split portions so that you can both try a little bit of everything!

Menu options range from traditional favorites to out-of-this-world experiments like ramen burgers, spaghetti donuts, and spicy lemonades.

Seating is available, but it can get crowded during tourist season, you might want to bring a blanket and have a picnic.

Vendors often rotate throughout the day, so it’s worth coming back more than once and seeing what’s new.

If you’re thinking about what to do in NYC when you’ve worked up an appetite, consider Smorgasburg.

You’ll definitely get full, and what’s more, you’ll discover tons of new dishes and cuisines along the way.

Address: 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States

25. Greenbelt Nature Center

Greenbelt Nature Center

Though it’s best known for its economic development, the state of New York has large reserves of untouched, undeveloped wilderness, and these can serve as some of the most beautiful vacation spots in the US .

One such example is the Greenbelt Nature Center .

Located in the heart of Staten Island, it has a lovely building that’s often used as a venue for weddings and other events, but its true claim to fame is what lies around the property.

Beyond the borders of the venue, there are nearly 3,000 acres of wilderness, and they’re primed for outdoor activities of all kinds.

You can hike. You can bike.

You can even pack a lunch and eat among the local flora and fauna.

The area is known for its biodiversity, so you might spot everything from green tree frogs to black-capped chickadees.

When you’re eager to get away from it all, hike for miles around the Greenbelt Nature Center.

You might even forget that you’re in NYC.

It’s a truly special area for greenery.

Address: 700 Rockland Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, United States

26. Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

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Dog lovers, this one is for you.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an annual, multi-day competition that determines the “best in show” for all types of dog breeds.

You might’ve caught highlights on TV before, but nothing beats actually being in the stands as a spectator!

Usually held at Madison Square Garden, the show offers a fun and lively look at some of the best-trained and best-groomed canines in the country.

Multiple events unfold over the course of the competition, including fan favorites that showcase things like doggie obstacle courses.

When you aren’t watching the dogs vie for a blue ribbon, you can explore nearby neighborhoods for food, drink, and other amusements.

Tarrytown always has good deals for tourists, and so does Irvington.

If you love seeing what fur balls can do when they really set their minds to it, buy a ticket for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

It’ll definitely be a fun memory for you during your New York City extravaganza.

Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001, United States

27. Boroughs of the Dead Ghost Tours

Boroughs of the Dead Ghost Tours

Do you feel a chill on the back of your neck?

You might be experiencing the call of Boroughs of the Dead , NYC’s premiere company for ghost tours.

They’ll take you on an unforgettable adventure through the spookiest sanctums of the city.

Tours are grouped by location, so you can choose to explore Brooklyn , Queens, Manhattan , Roosevelt Island, and other areas in and around the city.

Depending on your destination, you might explore everything from haunted cemeteries to murder mansions with grisly pasts.

You’ll hear tales of voodoo, vampires, poltergeists, and hidden treasures.

You’ll even get to visit the home of horror novelist H.P. Lovecraft.

Taking a ghost tour will be one of the most fun and memorable things to do in NYC.

You’ll see the sights, but you won’t be a typical tourist; instead, you’ll be a brazen paranormal investigator.

Get ready to invoke the spirit of the Winchester brothers with the Boroughs of the Dead!

28. Marquee

The nightlife scene in NYC is spectacular, and so if you’re looking to cut loose, this is the city to let your hair down and let the rhythm move you.

There are countless number of bars, pubs, clubs, cabarets, and music lounges.

The Marquee is one of the more established names in Manhattan, so much so that it’s branched out to other locations like Las Vegas .

There are two floors for drinks and dancing, and DJs spin almost every night, including top talent like Steve Aoki and DJ Snake.

The lights, music, deco, and neon-tinted crowds are all designed to immerse you in a magical environment where it feels like anything could happen.

The Marquee is one of the best things to do for adults in NYC.

When you’re wide awake in the city that never sleeps, hit the dance floor and see if you can meet somebody new!

Address: 289 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001, United States

29. Coney Island

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If you enjoy cotton candy, carnival games, and old-fashioned roller coasters, Coney Island is one of the best vacation places in the world .

In fact, there was a time when it was the vacation destination.

At the turn of the century, Coney Island had the most famous boardwalk in the world, lit up every night by carousels, tilt-a-whirls, bumper cars, arcade rooms, and Ferris wheels.

Today, Coney Island hasn’t lost a bit of its magic.

It’s leaned into its vintage charm, and it’s become a place where generations of visitors keep coming back with their kids and grandkids.

Entertainment at the island ranges from “The Cyclone,” one of the world’s last remaining wooden roller coasters, to “The First Symphony of the Sea,” a 332-foot mural of marine life.

Outside of amusement park thrills, you can also enjoy parks, playgrounds, and aquariums.

Grab a hot dog and stay awhile.

Coney Island is basically a tourist destination in its own right, so you won’t lack for unique things to do while you’re there.

Address: Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224, United States

30. General Grant National Memorial

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Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, wanted to be buried next to his wife when he died.

It was a sweet request, but since there were archaic laws about burying women in military cemeteries, it couldn’t happen in the traditional way.

Instead, the mayor of NYC and the Grant family came together to build their very own mausoleum.

Today, the General Grant National Memorial is the largest of its kind in the entire country.

It’s also one of the coolest things to do in New York City for history buffs.

You can tour the grounds, look at historical artifacts, and watch an educational film about Grant’s life.

In the summertime, West Point’s military band plays a tribute concert on the front lawn.

You can also, of course, pay your respects to the tombs of Grant and his wife.

His final wish was granted in the end.

Visit the General Grant National Memorial if you’re looking for fun and interesting attractions for a day trip.

You might not expect a mausoleum to be in the same neighborhood as a shopping mall, but that’s the beauty and diversity of NYC!

Address: W 122nd St &, Riverside Dr, New York, 10027, United States

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31. Brooklyn Bridge

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The Brooklyn Bridge is such an iconic part of the New York City skyline that many people don’t even realize it’s part of Brooklyn.

Spanning over 6,000 feet, it feels like a ubiquitous part of NYC, especially when you’re walking it on foot.

It does have a beginning and an end, however, intersected with by its gigantic stone arches.

It connects Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights.

You’ll probably cross the bridge at some point via car, bus, or trolley, but you can also take its pedestrian pathways for a scenic stroll.

There are also bike lanes for cyclists.

As you might expect from such a landmark destination, the Brooklyn Bridge is also centrally located.

There are many fun places to visit near and around it, and it can serve as a touchstone for your travels if you’re worried about getting swallowed by the NYC maze.

Ultimately, it’s worth a trip across the Brooklyn Bridge.

It isn’t a mind-blowing experience, but it’s a nifty one, and it’ll make you feel like you’re really crossing off the hot spots of your NYC to-do list.

Check out these tours & activities around the Brooklyn Bridge.

Address: Brooklyn Bridge Blvd, New York, NY 10038, United States

32. Rockefeller Center

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Rockefeller Center is another one of those things to see that you’ve probably already seen.

From the plaza to the radio hall to the statues of Atlas and Prometheus, it’s an iconic destination that’s frequented many NYC-based shows and movies.

Stuff to do at Rockefeller Center depends on what time of year that you visit.

In the winter, there’s ice skating under the twinkling lights of the famous Christmas tree.

In the summer, there are boogie nights and sleepover camps.

Sightseeing is another popular activity, and it’s something that you can enjoy year-round.

If you’ve ever wanted to join the waving crowds outside of The Today Show, this is your chance to get on TV!

Rockefeller Center is an iconic destination in Midtown Manhattan, so it’s definitely something to put on your travel itinerary.

Whether you’re in the mood for winter wonderlands or summer adventures, you can experience it through the legacy of the Rockefellers.

Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, United States

33. Yankee Stadium

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Yankee Stadium is one of those iconic NYC attractions that every baseball addict has on their bucket list, but it can provide a rollicking good time for casual fans, too.

The field is amazing, of course, with its vivid green pitch and nostalgic, old-school setup.

Other memorable spots range from the seven-story Great Hall to the Monument Park museum with its retired jerseys of famous players.

The stadium is best known as the home of the New York Yankees, but it sees other action as well, primarily soccer and football.

Concerts are also popular since the venue can get nice and loud with its 50,000 seat capacity.

If you’re in the mood for peanuts and popcorn this weekend, consider catching a game at Yankee Stadium.

You’ll be the envy of every MLB fan in your life, and you might just find a new appreciation for America’s favorite pastime as well.

Address: 1 E 161 St, The Bronx, NY 10451, United States

34. Historic Richmond Town

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As rich as its name, the Historic Richmond Town is a place where history comes alive.

You’ll be treated to an amazing demonstration of colonial living that encompasses more than two dozen buildings, a working farm, and a full staff of customized actors who are committed to playing their roles.

The main campus consists of churches, cottages, schoolhouses, outhouses, post offices, and railway stations.

Farther on the grounds, there’s a farm where visitors can participate in fun seasonal activities like apple picking and pumpkin decorating.

Actors are always on standby to lead tours and answer questions about everything from blacksmithing to butter churning.

Every building has educational merit, but if you really want to know your stuff, consider visiting the on-site museum with its exhibitions on American history dating back to the 1700s.

The Historic Richmond Town is one of the most enchanting places to visit for historians in NYC.

Not only will it teach you about turn-of-the-century living, but it’ll do so in a memorable way that’ll help the lessons stick.

Address: 441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306, United States

35. Greenwich Village

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Greenwich Village is one of the most famous neighborhoods in New York City.

Known as “the cradle of the LGBT movement,” it spent most of the ’60s and ’70s as an artsy, bohemian kind of place where creativity flourished thanks to the free spirits of its residents.

Today, Greenwich Village has undergone a lot of gentrification, so it isn’t quite the boho capital that it used to be.

However, you can see still its roots in everything from its street murals to its cozy cafes and vintage clothing boutiques.

There are tons of fun, non touristy things to do, including off-Broadway shows and walking tours of famous film and TV destinations.

If you’re interested in the history of Greenwich Village, it’s also a great destination for landmarks, particularly LGBT landmarks.

The Stonewall National Monument is located here.

Are you wondering what to do to experience the true culture of New York City?

Go for a ramble through Greenwich Village, a legacy destination with a lot to offer open-minded visitors from all walks of life.

Check out this 2-Hour Greenwich Village Tour.

Address: 14th Street and West of Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States

36. Fifth Avenue

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Shopping on Fifth Avenue might sound like something out of a dream, but it can become a reality when you visit Manhattan .

It offers a score of high-end boutiques ranging from Tiffany and Co. to Saks Fifth Avenue.

That said, there’s a lot more to the neighborhood than just its retail outlets.

If you’re into museums, for example, there’s a stretch called the “Museum Mile” because of its congregation of artistic and cultural institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

If you enjoy architecture, you might like “Millionaire’s Row” with its collection of historic, top-dollar mansions.

Other points of interest include churches, cathedrals, hotels, and gentleman’s clubs.

Sipping a latte and strolling down Fifth Avenue is one of the most glamorous things to do in NYC.

Even if you don’t spend a dime, you’ll want to go sightseeing to soak up the atmosphere.

Don’t forget to snap a selfie or two to show off to your friends later!

Address: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118, United States

37. Big Apple Circus

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Circuses are something of a dying art, but one place where you can still enjoy the magic of a ringmaster is the Big Apple Circus .

Acrobats will walk the high wire.

Animal trainers will show off tricks.

Trapeze artists will make you gasp, and juggling masters will make you laugh.

Other performers include aerialists, daredevils, musicians, and even comics!

Another thing worth noting about the Big Apple Circus is that it’s kept in touch with changing standards of care, so you don’t have to worry about supporting a bad cause.

It’s known for its humane treatment of animals and its community outreach programs that send clowns to children’s hospitals.

Duck into the big top tonight and see an old-fashioned yet modern-minded circus.

Everyone in the family will have a great time, and you can enjoy the spectacle guilt free.

Address: 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States

38. Chelsea Market

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New York City is a melting pot of cultures and communities, and nowhere is that more apparent than Chelsea Market .

It’s a “global marketplace” where every corner has been claimed by something new.

Food vendors, for example, range from taco shacks to ramen noodle stalls.

Shopping outlets include everything from European fashion boutiques to import stores with crafts and furnishings from the Middle East.

You can also get your nails done, send off a letter, browse art galleries, and enjoy live music shows.

There are even dance troupes that perform at Chelsea, so you never know when you might be able to catch a free ballet performance!

Part flea market, part food court, and all fun, Chelsea Market is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for adventure in NYC.

It’ll take you all around the world within just a few city blocks.

Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States

39. Roosevelt Island

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Roosevelt Island has some of the most unique of New York City’s attractions.

From the crumbling ruins of a smallpox hospital to a 19th century lighthouse that offers incredible views of the water, it’s definitely worth a day trip.

You can explore by foot, bike, car, or tram.

If you decide to take the tram, which is on an elevated railway, you’ll also be treated to panoramic views of NYC that are similar to an observation deck but for only a fraction of the cost.

Landmarks at Roosevelt Island are numerous.

There’s an old insane asylum that’ll give you the creeps; there’s a beautiful park that’ll let you frolic with the fam.

Some people skip Roosevelt Island when they come to New York City, but that’s a mistake.

It might be a lesser-known locale, but that just makes it a hidden gem, and uncovering it will make you an explorer.

dress: Roosevelt Island, New York, NY, United States

40. High Line

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The High Line is a top NYC attraction.

It’s an elevated walking path or “rail trail” that was built on the remnants of abandoned train tracks, and since its transformation, it’s become one of the coolest, most unique things to see in the city.

The entire trail is a little under 1.5 miles, so it’s walkable for all kinds of visitors.

You’ll enjoy sweeping views of downtown NYC as well as the Hudson River running alongside it.

Another point of interest is the architecture of the trail: It’s a fusion of man and nature where gleaming metal structures meet wild foliage.

Take a stroll along the High Line when you’re looking for fun experiences in NYC that aren’t big-budget tourist attractions.

Not only is it free, but it’s something that you can enjoy anytime and for any duration, making it a perfect pit stop during a whirlwind vacation.

Check out these tours & activities around the High Line.

Address: New York, NY 10011, United States

Looking for more thrills around New York State? Why not check out some of the things to do in Lake George ?

41. The Battery

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The Battery is a tranquil spot in the urban landscape that is NYC.

It’s also a must do for anyone trying to get to Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty; the ferry takes off from the park.

Otherwise, activities at The Battery are pretty low key.

Kids can ride an aquatic carousel.

Families can stroll along the nature trails, have picnic lunches on the grass, or participate in locally organized scavenger hunts.

There are waterfront views of the harbor.

Flower gardens fill the air with fragrances.

All in all, The Battery can serve as a very peaceful site for weary travelers.

If you ever find yourself needing a breather while on vacation, sit under one of its shady trees and just “be” for awhile.

42. The Guggenheim

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The Guggenheim is one of those tourist attractions that’ll make you do a double take when you’re walking down the street.

White and circular, it doesn’t look like anything else on NYC’s Fifth Avenue, and it was deliberately designed that way.

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright wanted it to be something new.

The building was such a shock upon its completion that it caused controversy in the art world among people who were concerned that the architecture would overshadow the artwork!

The inside of the museum, however, is just as splendorous as the outside.

It’s a home for everything from paintings to sculptures, many of them in surreal or abstract styles, so they aren’t necessarily realistic.

Instead, they’re studies of art, shape, color, and form.

They’ll definitely serve as a visual extravaganza as well as one of the best things to do in NYC.

Check out the Guggenheim if you’re looking for fun and unique experiences in New York City.

Not only will its architecture make you reach for your camera, but its exhibitions will broaden your horizons in terms of art and how it can move you.

Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128, United States

43. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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You don’t have to leave NYC to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

In addition in green spaces like Central Park, you can also enjoy a pocket of paradise at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden .

Covering 52 acres in total, the garden is actually a series of gardens that cover the globe in terms of ecology.

There’s an aquatic plant house to showcase flowers that bloom in wetlands.

There’s a three-story conservatory that separates desert, tropical, and temperate flora.

To represent Japan, there are cherry blossom esplanades and gated archways leading to waterfalls.

To represent the English countryside, there are small cottages overgrown with the flowers and trees of Shakespearean works.

When you tire of the gleaming metal of New York City’s metropolis, take a breather with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

It’s quite literally a destination where you can stop and smell the roses.

Address: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, United States

44. Chrysler Building

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You’ve probably heard the phrase “as big as the Chrysler Building .”

At the time of its completion in 1930, it was the tallest building in the world, and it’s still among the top dozen.

It’s easily one of the most famous and notable of NYC attractions.

The bad news is that you can’t ascend the Chrysler Building.

While there are plenty of tours that let you experience NYC’s heights, this building doesn’t offer them.

It’s still worth a visit, however, for being a highly recognizable fixture in NYC media.

You’ve seen Spider-Man climb it.

You’ve seen Godzilla squash it.

You’ve even seen UFOs flying overhead in Independence Day!

Checking out the Chrysler Building is just one of those activities that you have to undertake while visiting New York City.

It’s a classic even when you’re seeing it from the sidewalk or milling around the ground floor lobby.

Address: 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174, United States

45. SPYSCAPE

Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

SPYSCAPE is a quirky and niche interest museum, not the kind that’s common in NYC.

In this case, it’s all about the world of subterfuge!

Sneak through the front doors like Jason Bourne, then embark on a mission to discover the hidden secrets of the museum’s exhibitions.

You’ll be tested both physically and mentally as you break codes, duck under lasers, interact with clues and checkpoints, and test your skills at lie detection.

At the end of your visit, you’ll be given a customized dossier about your spy skills, and you’ll learn where you rank among the great espionage agents of history.

Special attractions at the museum have included things like Batman crossovers, but these gimmicks, while fun, aren’t the true foundation of the venue.

There are real facts to be learned here about everything from WWII reconnaissance to modern day cybercrime; they’re just delivered in an electrifying “edutainment” format.

Do something different with a trip to SPYSCAPE.

You’ll learn, and you’ll have a blast while you’re doing it.

Take that, James Bond!

Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

46. Chinatown

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Are you in the mood for dim sum?

New York City’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the world, so it’s the perfect destination to experience a little jiayou without having to leave NYC.

The first thing that you’ll notice about Chinatown is that it’s crowded.

The sidewalks will put you shoulder to shoulder with vendors and visitors alike, and the effect can make you lightheaded, especially when you’re taking in all of the sights simultaneously.

Lights will flicker from laundromats and convenience stores.

Food marts will pile produce on tables and hang poultry from the windows.

Street vendors will hawk everything from fresh bao buns to fake designer bags.

Other, quieter areas of Chinatown are near the busy blocks, and this is where you’ll find attractions like the Museum of Chinese in America .

Chinese immigrants have been in the area since the 1850s, so there’s a lot of history to unpack for the interested.

Ultimately, however, the real fun of Chinatown is in its bright and buoyant streets.

It’s one of the most vibrant places to visit in all of New York City, and unlike other destinations, it’s escaped gentrification.

It’s the kind of neighborhood where you can walk and talk the real NYC.

Check out these tours & activities around Chinatown.

Address: Canal Street to Bayard Street, New York, NY 10013, United States

47. New York Fashion Week

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You’re probably familiar with the glitzy and glamorous New York Fashion Week that’s invitation-only for the Anna Wintours of the world.

But did you know that Fashion Week also has shows that are open to the public?

You’ll need to be prepared for fierce competition to secure tickets, but if you’re a fashionista, emerging triumphant from the battle will be worth it.

You’ll have an up close and personal view of the runway and all of its emerging looks.

If you splurge for VIP tickets, you’ll be treated to a “designer experience” that can include everything from after-party access to meet-and-greets with the models.

If you can swing it, New York Fashion Week is one of the most fantastic things to do in NYC.

Live your daydreams of The Devil Wears Prada by strutting your stuff right through the velvet ropes!

48. Cathedral of St. John the Divine

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The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is one of the grandest things to see in NYC.

Between its spires, steeples, arches, columns, and towers, it’s a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, and it’s all the more impressive for being technically unfinished.

That’s right: Only two-thirds of the cathedral were completed, so it was meant to be even grander.

Looking at it now, of course, you’d never guess that its construction was cut short.

It’s been welcoming the devout since the early 1900s, and it offers plenty to admire, including iconography etched into everything from bronze doors to stained glass windows.

The cathedral is open daily, and it’s free for prayer and worship purposes.

To take a tour, you’ll need to pay a small fee, but the experience can be worth it for a behind-the-scene look of its many and varied architectural features.

For example, the tour gives you the chance to climb all 124 feet of the church’s spiral staircases.

Secular or not, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is an amazing tourist destination in New York City, and it’s worth a visit when you’re in the neighborhood.

If nothing else, it’s cool to see such an old-fashioned church surrounded by the modern metropolis of NYC!

Address: 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, United States

49. Little Island

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Little Island is an artificial island that was designed by architects to serve as a outdoor space amid NYC’s urban jungle.

Notably, it was built atop a series of rounded structures called “tulips” that jut out of the river and bloom with greenery, giving it the feeling of a storybook landscape where you might expect gnomes or fairies to come and greet you.

There’s no cost to visiting Little Island, so you can count it as one of the free things to do in NYC.

Potential activities include going for walks, grabbing a bite to eat at one of the food kiosks, or attending local music or theater events.

There are also a series of playful installations ranging from spinning disc posts to dance chimes installed in the asphalt, so you could make a game out of discovering them all!

Take a trip to Little Island if you’re looking for unique ways to spend your time in NYC.

Its designers worked hard to make it an appealing retreat, and your enjoyment will be their reward.

Address: West 13th Street Pier55 in Hudson River Park, New York, NY 10014, United States

Officially known as “South of Houston Street,” SoHo is one of the most fun places to go for shopaholics, influencers, and other trendsetters in NYC.

It can get expensive when you’re buying off the rack, but it’s also possible to find good deals or even limit yourself to window shopping so that you don’t spend a dime.

The atmosphere is the best part of SoHo.

Once a grid of factories and foundries, it’s been converted to a very chic neighborhood filled with upscale shopping.

You can buy clothes, shoes, perfumes, handbags, and more.

You can also dine at trendy cafes and gourmet white tablecloth restaurants.

There are even a few nightclubs if you like to party among the elite!

Visit SoHo for a taste of the high life in New York City.

Again, you don’t have to pull out your wallet if you’re zealously guarding your vacation fund.

You can just pop on some sunglasses, sip a bubble tea, and stroll among the shopfronts with all of their retail promises.

Check out these tours around the SoHo.

Address: South of Houston Street, New York, NY 10022, United States

Have more time? Why not check out some of the best things to do on Long Island ?

51. Chelsea Piers

Marcel René Kalt alias Groovio , CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons

Covering more than 28 acres as an indoor/outdoor complex, Chelsea Piers is a venue that’ll keep you busy.

It offers golf ranges, tennis courts, batting cages, climbing walls, an indoor ice rink, and more.

You can run a track or toss a football.

You can learn parkour.

You can swing on gymnastics bars.

Everyone in the family can find something to do, too, making Chelsea Piers an excellent cure for boredom.

There’s even a toddler gym!

Visitors of all ages can encourage mind and body development by engaging in physical activity.

It’s often difficult not to overindulge during a vacation, but if you’re watching your waistline, you might appreciate the fitness classes at Chelsea Piers.

You can also engage in other athletic activities that’ll get you moving.

If you feel the need to stay active this week in NYC, book some time at Chelsea Piers.

Address: 62 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011, United States

52. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Some people say that NYC attractions look the most beautiful from the water.

You can decide if they’re right when you book an excursion with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises .

Operating on the Hudson River, the cruise line provides exciting day trips around New York.

Different tours are available on different boats depending on the type of experience that you want to have.

The full island cruise, for example, circles Manhattan in its entirety; the semi-circle cruise only covers half the sights but is twice as fast.

The speedboat tour is the absolute fastest, and it’s undertaken on a fun, colorful vessel called “The Beast.”

A night cruise will let you see the lights of the harbor during and after sunset.

The kiddie cruise includes games and activities that’ll keep your little ones entertained.

All things considered, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises offers a little something for everyone.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a parent with kids or a corporate shareholder looking for a nice retreat for your employees.

A cruise will be a good time for all.

Address: 83 North River Piers West 43rd Street and, 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States

53. Bronx Week

The Bronx doesn’t always have the best reputation, but this is doing a disservice to one of the oldest boroughs in New York City.

It’s a historic, character-rich part of NYC with a lot to offer visitors and residents alike.

To experience the best of the Bronx, try visiting during Bronx Week.

This annual celebration is a showcase of the art, food, culture, and customs that have kept the neighborhood going strong for decades.

It also offers some of the most interesting things to do in NYC if you’re looking for activities that are off the beaten path!

The week kicks off with a parade, and things only get better from there.

Festivities include everything from outdoor concerts to induction ceremonies in the Bronx Hall of Fame.

Hit up Bronx Week to explore an oft-misunderstood area of New York City.

Once you’ve realized how much fun it can be, you’ll be glad that you visited.

54. Hershey’s Chocolate World

Hershey’s Chocolate World

If you can’t get enough Kisses, this is the attraction for you!

Hershey’s Chocolate World is more than just a shop: It’s an cocoa-flavored emporium.

In addition to twirling around the stacks and stacks of chocolate, you can also indulge in fun, sweet activities like concocting your own milkshakes, building gigantic s’mores, pulling the lever on candy machines, and posing with chocolate bars as big as your head.

All of your favorite Hershey brands will be represented, including Kit Kats, Reese’s, and Hershey itself.

In addition to buying edible goodies, you can also shop for chocolate-themed NYC memorabilia that ranges from plushies to tee shirts.

Go a little crazy in Hershey’s Chocolate World.

You can always blame it on a sugar rush!

Address: 20 Times Square, 701 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States

55. Hudson Yards

Viktor Fuchs / Shutterstock

You’ve never seen anything like Hudson Yards .

That’s the point of its existence.

An utterly unique real estate development, it’s been a playground for architects since its inception in 2012, resulting in several blocks of ultra-modern, ultra-amazing buildings.

You can be forgiven for thinking that the whole thing looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.

The skyscrapers seem to defy gravity as they bend and twist; the plazas are dominated by mind-bending skylines.

For example, the Vessel is a 16-story spiral staircase that looks like a labyrinth risen out of the ground.

The Edge is a glass-and-metal observation deck that overlooks Manhattan at dizzying angles.

This isn’t even getting into the dozens of shops, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial business that line the area like pearls on a necklace.

It might surprise you to learn that Hudson Yards was originally a junkyard, but that’s NYC for you.

It’s a city that can transform its ugly and abandoned spaces into urban wonders.

If you want to visit tomorrow land, just visit Hudson Yards.

Address: Hudson Yards, New York, NY, United States

56. Sloomoo Institute

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Have you ever wanted to sink your hands into a vat of multicolored slime?

How about standing under a slime shower like you’re on Nickelodeon’s Double Dare?

The Sloomoo Institute is one of those bizarre, “only in NYC” attractions that’ll make for a great story when you get home.

Billing itself as a sensory experience, it’s all about slime: creating it, squishing it, splattering it on the walls.

You can learn the science behind slime even as you’re playing with it or cooking it up like a mad scientist in a lab.

Kids will have a blast at the museum, of course, but adults are welcome as well.

It’s an all-ages destination for anyone who’d like ASMR slime stations or immersive slime CGI videos.

Slink your way over to the Sloomoo Institute for a truly one-of-a-kind experience with slime.

You’ve never seen anything like this before, and you never will again.

Address: 475 Broadway, New York, NY 10013, United States

57. United Nations Headquarters

Osugi / Shutterstock

Get a truly global perspective at the United Nations Headquarters .

It’s the real worksite of not just domestic and foreign government officials but also of international organizations such as UNICEF.

You’ll need to sign up for a guided tour of the UN; you can’t just walk around.

You’ll have several options for your experience.

The standard tour will teach you about the UN’s work while letting you peek into important rooms like the General Assembly Hall and the Security Council Chamber.

The children’s tour will incorporate games and quizzes for the next generation of leaders.

The garden tour will take everyone outside, allowing you to smell the cherry trees, snap photos of famous fountains and statues, and check out historic relics like fragments of the Berlin Wall.

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to check out the United Nations Headquarters.

It’s one of a kind, and it’s only in New York City.

Address: 405 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States

58. Dominique Ansel Bakery

Nami Uchida / Shutterstock

Have you ever tried a cronut, that delectable mix between a croissant and a doughnut?

It was invented by a chef named Dominique Ansel right in the heart of NYC, and you can relish in his recipe firsthand at the Dominique Ansel Bakery .

Just to be clear, you won’t be the only one angling for the doughy deliciousness of a cronut.

It has such a cult-like following in New York City that the line outside of its home bakery can stretch for blocks, and the cronuts are typically sold out by mid-morning.

If you can manage to nab one, however, it’ll be a mouthwatering experience.

If you don’t make it to the front of the line in time, don’t fret: There are plenty of other goodies to try, including the cookie shot, blossoming hot chocolate, and frozen s’mores.

Visit the Dominique Ansel Bakery to tell your friends and family back home that you visited ground zero of the cronut.

It’s a fun and unique opportunity that’ll make for a great NYC travel story.

Address: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, United States

59. Whitney Museum of American Art

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With a tall, multi-story building staggered by tiers and dominated by windows, the Whitney Museum of American Art is a work of art.

You’ll gawk at the views of the river outside just as much as you’ll marvel at the paintings and portraits hanging on the walls.

There are even terraces where you can breathe in the fresh, crisp air while exploring sculpture gardens!

As for the names that you can expect, there’s an impressive roster: Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper, Jean-Michel Basquiat.

This is another example of New York City museums where prestige carries a real weight.

Special events at the museum range from lectures to exhibition tours to film screenings, so depending on when you go, you might be able to experience all kinds of education or entertainment.

Put the Whitney Museum of American Art on your shortlist if you’re looking to experience class and culture while in NYC.

From the whitewashed walls to the staircases dripping with art deco lights, it’s a luxe destination for highbrow art.

Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014, United States

60. Carnegie Hall

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

Carnegie Hall is such a venerable institution in the music world that visiting it is basically a pilgrimage.

Founded in 1891, it’s seen a staggering amount of legends perform on its stage, including Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin, Louis Armstrong, and Tchaikovsky.

Speakers have included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Comedians have included Groucho Marx.

Even the Beatles once played at Carnegie Hall!

As you can see, it’s a diverse place of music, and that tradition continues to this day.

When you look at upcoming events at Carnegie Hall, you’ll be dazzled at the sheer range of the acts that you can enjoy.

Carnegie Hall is one of the landmark places to go for music lovers of all styles.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re into classical orchestras or contemporary bands.

If you’re in NYC, you can’t miss it.

Address: 881 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

Planning to visit other areas of New York State? Why not check out some of the things to do in Albany, NY ?

61. Resorts World New York City

Resorts World New York City

Resorts World is the only casino in NYC, giving it a monopoly in terms of gambling.

You’ll have to chase Lady Luck right into its plushly carpeted halls of slot machines and electronic gaming tables.

If you like to toss the dice, however, a trip to Resorts World is easily one of the best things to do in NYC.

You can win big by betting on everything from baccarat to blackjack.

Most of the games are digital, including video poker, but there are real window dressings in the form of craps tables and roulette wheels.

Once you start raking in the cash, of course, you won’t care that everything is online.

Amenities at the casino include a number of hotels and restaurants.

Make sure to drop by the Sugar Factory, Food and Wine Magazine’s pick for the “most Instagrammable restaurant in America.”

When you’re looking to hit a jackpot in NYC, there’s literally only one place to go.

Book a suite at Resorts World this weekend and let the chimes sing you to success!

Address: 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Queens, NY 11420, United States

62. The Morgan Library & Museum

H.J. Herrera / Shutterstock

New York City has dozens of libraries, but The Morgan Library & Museum is the only one where you’ll find documents dating back to 4000 BCE.

Its rare and valuable collections will absolutely amaze you in terms of historical merit.

Here are just a few of its gems:

– An original copy of the Declaration of Independence; – A version of the Haffner Symphony handwritten by Mozart – Charles Dickens’s personal manuscript of A Christmas Carol.

The texts can be found by going into the hushed depths of the library archives where heavy wooden bookshelves glow between dimly lit lamps.

It’s exactly the kind of atmosphere where you’d expect to find old, rare books, which gives it a delightful sort of charm.

If you’re wondering what to see as a bibliophile in the Big Apple, you won’t want to miss The Morgan Library & Museum.

Its aesthetic is outdone only by its prestige.

Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

63. Turnstyle Underground Market

You’ve marveled at the malls.

You’ve unearthed treasures at the flea markets and thrift shops.

Now it’s time for something completely different: an underground market hosted below a subway station!

The Turnstyle Underground Market is an utterly unique destination that’ll make you feel like you’ve entered a strange new world.

Spanning an entire city block, it has retail stores, pop-up shops, kiosks, stands, stalls, and all manner of eateries.

You can grab a cinnamon roll and a coffee; you can sit down for a three-course meal.

Everything will be completely underground.

There are multiple descent points from the streets to the tunnels, and despite the fact that it’s all built like subway station, you won’t need a metro card to enter.

Wandering around the Turnstyle Underground Market is one of the coolest things to do in New York City.

Just ask yourself how many times in your life that you’ve had the opportunity to go shopping in a mole-like shopping mall, and you’ll have your answer for whether it’s worth visiting.

Address: 1000 S 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

64. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Located near Grand Central, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt gives you the chance to see NYC from 1,200 feet high.

However, it’s a lot more than just an observation deck.

Every moment of the experience is designed to thrill you.

You’ll start with an elevator ride to the 91st floor that includes a light and sound show.

Once you’re at the top, you’ll pass through an artist-designed mirror room with more than 30,000 square feet of reflective surfaces.

Last but not least, you’ll enjoy breathtaking aerial views of New York City’s attractions, and you can pick your poison in terms of perspectives: There’s a glass “skybox,” an elevator with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a number of outdoor terraces spread over the open air.

Special tickets are available if you want to visit at sunset or at night.

All things considered, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an experience like none other.

Whether you’re saying hello to the city for the first time or wishing it a fond farewell at the end of your vacation, do it with a bird’s eye view.

Address: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States

65. NYC Must-See Week

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Last but certainly not least, if you’re looking to wring every bit of fun that you can get out of your New York City vacation, consider visiting during the NYC Must-See Week.

Held every year in January, it offers 2-for-1 tickets to many of the most iconic tourist attractions in the city.

The line-up changes annually, but previous participants have included the Bronx Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

Some years have also offered free tickets to local festivals.

If you can’t decide what to do in the city, do it all.

Plan your trip for the NYC Must-See Week and hit up the very best that the five boroughs have to offer.

Start Planning Your Trip To NYC

These are just a few of the best and brightest things to do in NYC.

There’s a reason why it’s one of the top tourist destinations on the planet, so whether you’re in the mood for festivals, parades, malls, museums, concertos, or casinos, try taking a bite out of the Big Apple!

Visitor Information

Planning a trip to the five boroughs can be part of the fun, but there’s a lot of ground to cover. Check out our overview of the essentials, and dig deeper to find detailed info on transportation and other practicalities.

Welcome to NYC

The City is open and ready to be explored. Read on for plenty of pre-trip planning as well as how to navigate while here. And see the side navigation contents for quick links to information on transportation, weather, public restrooms and much more.

Getting to NYC

Whether you live across the Hudson or across the Atlantic, getting to NYC is easy. If you’re coming from outside the United States, check this page for visa information. Head to our coverage of arriving by plane, train, bus or car for all the details on airports, regional transit, city train stations and parking.

Getting Around NYC

New York is an excellent walking city, and getting around by foot is the best way to familiarize yourself with neighborhoods and their (sometimes subtle) divisions. Of course, sometimes you’ll need to move more quickly or cover great distances, for which you’ve got subways, buses and cabs at your disposal. Check out our guide for everything you’ll need to navigate public transit, hail a taxi or take the ferry across the harbor.

International Visitors and Arrivals from Abroad

Visas and ESTA Visitors to New York City from outside the United States may need a visa to enter the country. For details, visit the US Department of State’s website . Some 40 countries (including Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the UK and members of the EU) are part of the visa-waiver program; instead of a visa, citizens of these countries can apply online for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) up to 72 hours in advance of travel to the US (valid for stays of up to 90 days). The application fee is $21. Canadians just require a valid passport to enter the US.

Trusted Traveler Programs Fly through the lines at JFK, LGA and Newark. The Department of Homeland Security has introduced several programs that can help expedite security and customs screenings when traveling to and from the US, including New York City. The programs, customized based on travel needs and designed to enhance passenger experience, are available for US citizens and residents as well as those from certain foreign countries. Visit dhs.gov/tt to learn more about the options and their benefits.

US Customs and Border Protection Recent improvements by US Customs and Border Protection have helped decrease wait times to enter the United States for both visitors and citizens coming from abroad. Among these are the Trusted Traveler Programs listed above, as well as self-service kiosks located in the international arrivals terminals at area airports and an app for smartphones and tablets. Discover what to expect when arriving from an international destination by watching “You Have Arrived,” a short instructional video; to learn more about the self-service kiosks and app, watch “Global Entry – The Quickest Way Through the Airport!”

Tours and Visitor Passes Visit our Attraction Passes page to see which deal best suits your visit to NYC with this guide to passes that help you save on attraction admission prices. Most are preset but one also offers the chance to build your own itinerary. You can also join a tour with a guide and go by bus, bike, boat or other mode of transport to see the City. For a breakdown of city tours by type and theme, visit our Tours page.

New York City is composed of five boroughs. While Manhattan and Staten Island are islands, Brooklyn and Queens are geographically part of Long Island, and the Bronx is attached to the US mainland. The boroughs are linked by bridges, tunnels and ferries. Manhattan Island is roughly 13.4 miles (21.6km) long and about 2.3 miles (3.7km) across at its widest point. The Hudson River runs along its western shore, forming the border with New Jersey on the other side; the East River separates Manhattan from Brooklyn and Queens, while the much narrower Harlem River forms its northern border with the Bronx. Staten Island lies to the south across New York Harbor.

Except at its northern and southern tips, the borough’s avenues run roughly north and south, and streets run east and west. One-way thoroughfares are common, with traffic moving east on even-numbered streets and west on odd-numbered streets. Fifth Avenue divides the island into east and west sides (for example, locations on 57th Street west of Fifth Avenue are designated “W. 57th St.,” and east of Fifth Avenue, they’re “E. 57th St.”). As you move farther east or west from Fifth Avenue, street addresses increase, usually in increments of 100 from one block to the next. For north-south avenues, 20 blocks equals a mile, and the street numbers increase as you go uptown. Blocks can be a useful measure of distance, but keep in mind your direction: walking uptown from 1st Street to 6th Street is about a quarter of a mile, but walking the same number of blocks crosstown, from First Avenue to Sixth Avenue, is approximately a mile.

Useful Phone Numbers

Here are some important phone numbers to keep handy during your NYC visit.

Emergencies (police, fire or ambulance): 911

NYC government agencies and any questions or requests about City services (non-emergency): 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (639-9675)

Directory assistance: 411

Printed NYC literature: 800-NYC-VISIT (692-84748) or 212-397-8222 (the latter is for international callers only), Mon.–Fri., 7:30am–5:30pm CT.

In New York City and throughout the United States, the dollar is the standard currency. This converter allows you to determine the value of other currencies compared with the dollar.

New York remains among America's safest large cities, but visitors should still use common sense to protect themselves and their property. Be aware of your surroundings, and make sure to always use licensed, reputable businesses for any services you need. For example, don’t hail livery cabs (as opposed to taxis) at the airport, and don’t rent bikes from companies that seem suspicious. If you’re not sure where to find legitimate businesses, the listings at nycgo.com are a good place to start, as are those published by the Better Business Bureau. Your hotel concierge should be able to answer questions on this topic and will be helpful if you need more information about neighborhoods in the five boroughs. Another useful resource is 311, the City’s official government services and information hotline.

Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs

The legal minimum age for drinking alcohol in New York City (and throughout the USA) is 21. Many bars and nightclubs will ask to see photo ID before letting you in. Smoking (including all tobacco products, vaping products and marijuana) is prohibited in all public buildings, bars, restaurants and stores (plus some outdoor public areas). You must be 21 years old or over to buy cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products, cigars or any tobacco products.

It’s now legal for adults 21 or over to possess up to 3 ounces (85g) of cannabis/marijuana (or just 0.85 ounces/24g of concentrated cannabis) for personal use in New York, and officially licensed dispensaries where you can buy recreational marijuana products have begun to open—the first appearing in late 2022. Smoking rules still apply (you can’t smoke at outdoor dining areas at restaurants, for example). Possession of more than the permitted amount, and all other narcotics, is prohibited. Note that driving a vehicle under the influence of cannabis/marijuana or alcohol is a serious offense in New York, resulting in fines, possible jail time, and deportation (for foreign visitors).

NYC Time Zone

New York City is on Eastern Standard Time (Greenwich mean time minus four hours during daylight saving time, from about mid-March into early November, and minus five hours the rest of the year). EST is three hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (California and the West Coast).

New York State

If you’d like to explore the rest of the state, visit iloveny.com, the official website for New York State tourism.

NYC PRACTICALITIES

Getting to New York City—by plane, train, car or bus—is easy.

entrance to Times Square Subway, Midtown, Manhattan

Here's all you'll need to navigate the City subway, bus, ferry, bike or taxi.

15 Secret Subway Tips

Ride the rails like a local with these insights into the City's mass transit system.

Tipping and Sales Tax

Here's a handy reference for when you’re dining out, taking taxis and making purchases.

Public Restrooms

Throughout New York City, there are restroom facilities you can use while you’re out and about sightseeing.

People walking near Bethesda Fountain in Central Park

Weather and Climate

Here's a brief overview of the weather across the year in NYC.

New York Public Library, Midtown, Manhattan

Internet Access

You’ll have no trouble keeping connected in the City.

interior of Empire State Building, Midtown, Manhattan

NYC: Above and Beyond

Build your New York City itinerary at the Empire State Building.

wedding reception, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

New York City is among the world's most exciting and romantic places.

WiFi in NYC

Find the best spots to get WiFi access in the City.

The Ultimate New York Travel Guide 2024

Our new york travel tips for first time visitors.

Are you traveling to New York for the first time and want to get an overview of what you should pay attention to? Here, I show you step by step the most important information you need to know for your New York trip. There’s a lot to see and do in New York, from world-famous landmarks like the Empire State Building to a wide selection of unique museums and New York-style foods that you should definitely try.

Everything you need!

Hello you 👋 Here you will find everything you need for your New York trip!

These are our best New York Travel Tips for first time visitors:

Table of Contents

New York at a Glance

Best time to travel to new york.

Visiting New York is worthwhile at any time of year, but I personally like the warm months best. Summer in New York can be very hot and humid. So, for many, the best times to visit New York is April and June, and September and October.

Spending Christmas in New York or enjoying the pre-Christmas season in New York City is also a wonderful experience. The ice rinks are open, the city is beautifully decorated, and, if it snows, the dream vacation at wintertime is perfect!

Paying in New York

You can pay for almost everything with your credit card, even the smallest amounts. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, stores, restaurants, and bars. Don’t have one yet? Then, check out the best credit card to have in the USA here.

New York for First Time Visitors: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip (70+ pages)

Best Way to Travel in New York

Finding your way around New York is quite easy, even if it doesn’t look like it at first. The streets’ checkerboard pattern makes finding your way around easy. These are the best ways to get around New York:

Metro / Subway: If you have longer distances ahead of you, then the Subway is your friend, because here you can travel really cheap. It’s easy to use! The MetroCard is available at every Subway station. You can buy single rides or the popular MetroCard for 7 days; that way you can travel for a week in New York at a fixed price. You can learn more about using the Metrocard in New York here.

Taxi: In New York, you can choose between the Yellow Cab and Uber. You can check out our tips and all the information you need to know in our following blog: Taxi in New York City .

By bike: With many of the New York sightseeing passes (you can find out more about this budget tip in my New York Pass comparison ), the bike rental is included. We ourselves really love using New York’s Citi Bikes. This city bike program has over 1,000 stations throughout New York City, and it’s super-cheap. We’ll show you how it works in the Citi Bike New York article.

On Foot: You’ll be surprised how much walking you’ll do in New York. After all, there’s something to see on every corner. So be sure to bring comfortable shoes!

Where to Stay in New York?

Which neighborhood is best for you depends on several things: your interests, how close you want to be to the attractions and what your travel budget is. In the image below, I’ve drawn you my favorite neighborhoods of New York including the main attractions nearby.

And, on the subject of safety: In all of Manhattan, the Bronx , Brooklyn, and large parts of Queens, you don’t have to worry about being out and about in the evening. New York City is one of the safest cities in the world!

More than 100 hotels and over 70 neighborhoods to choose from –and after just 4 quick questions, I’ll show you which hotels in New York are best suited for you!

Where Should you Stay in New York?

Manhattan – it doesn’t get more central than this: Manhattan is the most famous borough of them all. Plus, it contains 95% of all the attractions New York is known for. Everything is within easy reach, and you are right in the middle of it all. On the other hand, the hotels are a bit more expensive than in Brooklyn or Queens .

Here, you can find my 33 hotel tips for Manhattan .

Brooklyn – urban and relaxed: For a long time, Brooklyn was the insider’s tip: now it’s “completely” normal neighborhoods. However, you’ll quickly notice one thing: life is much more normal, because it’s more of a residential area. It’s super relaxed, pleasant, and just as diverse as Manhattan. Above all, you can enjoy the Manhattan skyline from here!

Here, you can find my 20 hotel tips for Brooklyn .

Queens – the new trendy neighborhood: Queens is a bit more “normal” than Brooklyn is, but, lately, we’ve noticed that it is getting more and more gentrified. The hotels in Long Island City (not to be confused with Long Island!) are especially popular because they are cheaper compared to Manhattan—and they have a perfect connection to the Subway, which makes Queens a great alternative to Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Here, you can find my 20 hotel tips for Queens .

What to See in New York?

One thing to know in advance: just because there is so much to see in New York, a little planning makes absolute sense. For highlights like the Empire State Building ( here ), the Edge Hudson Yards observation deck ( here ) or the One World Observatory ( here ), I recommend buying the tickets online in advance. This will not only save you waiting time on site, but you can also be sure that you will actually be able to visit your desired sights.

👉 These are our 33 best attractions in New York .

These are my tips after more than 20 visits to New York:

Observation decks: New York City has no less than five (!) major observation decks to offer, and each one is a dream in itself. My two favorites are The Edge Hudson Yards and the One World Observatory , because from here you have a sensational view of New York from above and you can see the Empire State Building . From the end of 2021, another cool option will be added with the glass One Vanderbilt . One more thing about the Empire State Building: It’s the most visited observation deck in New York, so it’s always busy. Avoid the crowds in the morning – and if you really want to go to the Empire State Building in the evening, choose Thursday, Friday or Saturday. During those times, a saxophonist plays on the observation deck. Important: book the Skip-the-Line-Tickets (you can do that here). Then, you can easily save 1-2 hours of waiting time!
Visit the Statue of Liberty : The trip from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty is super-popular. To save yourself long waiting times, make sure you take the first ferry of the day. Here, you can find the best Statue of Liberty Cruises right now.
Definitely take a boat tour , because seeing New York from the water is like being on vacation. Choices range from the free Staten Island Ferry or the NYC Ferry ($2.90 each way) to sailing tours (gorgeous) and the classic sightseeing tours that are included with all major New York passes.
Walk along the High Line from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards .
Visit Times Square in the evening – that’s when it’s at its most impressive.
Relax in Central Park or Bryant Park .
Plan a maximum of three attractions per day . After all, you don’t want any sightseeing stress.

The 41 Absolute Best New York Attractions In 2024

10 FREE Things to Do in New York City

The 36 Absolute Best Museums in New York

The 9 best observation decks in new york city, new york budget tip.

With the right New York sightseeing pass , you can easily save a lot of money on up to 100 tours and attractions. To find out if a New York Pass is worth it (or not), check out our free New York Pass Advisor to find out which New York Pass is best for you.

And on this page you’ll find our New York Pass comparison .

Itineraries in New York

You don’t know where to start? Then let us inspire you! We have some suggestions for you. By the way, the most popular is the 1 week New York itinerary .

The Perfect Itinerary For Your New York Trip

This itinerary contains over 50 spots and highlights of the city, including a map that shows you the best way to travel each day, taking you to or past the many big attractions. In addition, we‘ve added our favorite places, from great breakfast spots to start your day right to small bars and restaurants and hidden insider spots.

What awaits you here now is the perfect New York week, because this is what my itinerary would look like if I were visiting the Big Apple for the first or second time right now!

What to Do in New York?

For me, an unforgettable New York trip includes the following things in addition to visiting the main sights:

Go Shopping

New York is also really good for shopping. There are many small shopping spots and addresses, but also the big brands can often be found with flagship stores. If that’s not enough, you can go shopping in one of the outlets and flea markets of New York.

The best shopping areas in New York are Broadway, SoHo , Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and Williamsburg in Brooklyn. And, of course, 5th Avenue!

Avoid Times Square for shopping!

A real tourist trap are the stores around Times Square – they are not only overpriced, but also the quality is not right in most cases!

Here you can find our Guide to Shopping in New York with everything you need to know!

Shopping in New York: The Ultimate Guide 2024

The Best Outlets in NYC – The Ultimate Guide for 2024

The 15 Best Flea Markets in NYC – Shop Vintage and Rare to Find Items

Shopping in SoHo NYC: The 25 Best Stores Right Now

Visit a rooftop bar.

I love the rooftop bars of New York . You can sit and relax, enjoy a sensational view of the city and listen to relaxing music. All this mixes with the so-typical sounds of the city in the background, and if you have something delicious to drink or eat on top of that, it can’t get any better! You can see where we like to go in our article on the 43 best rooftop bars in New York .

By the way, if you want to experience the view of New York when you get up early in the morning, check out my list of the 26 best New York hotels with a view !

Visit a Broadway Show

New York is known for its many musicals and Broadway shows – most of which are performed in the Theatre District around Times Square. Here are our tips on the best Broadway Shows in New York . If you already know which Broadway show you want to see, I recommend ordering the tickets in advance ( here ). If you’re still flexible, you can buy leftover tickets at TKTS in Times Square, for example.

Attend a Parade or Special Event

OK, hotel is booked, attractions are on the list, the myNY itinerary is ready, shopping spots are sighted and the first restaurants and bars are also noted. Now comes the last step on the list to the perfect travel planning for New York: the events, parades, and holidays.

They are the icing on the cake of every New York vacation and, therefore, could not be missed in our New York Travel Guide! Just check out our monthly specials that are relevant to you: January , February , March , April , May , June , July , August , September , October , November and December .

Enjoying the Gastro Scene (in the Evening)

Now comes one of my favorite parts of planning our New York trips: the city’s many bars, restaurants, rooftop bars, and food markets. In our travel guide and insider guides on the website, we put a lot of emphasis on finding the best gastro spots and rooftop bars. So, feel free to browse through them, and if you like something, just add it to your myNY itinerary. Just click on the heart symbol, and you’re done!

The 24 Most Beautiful Bars in NYC Right Now

The 12 Best Food Markets in NYC

The 23 Best Waterfront Restaurants & Bars in New York Right Now

The Best Burger in New York City

Marvel at grand central station.

Be sure to take the time to see Grand Central Station . Not only is it the setting for many series and movies set in New York, it’s also very impressive and has a fantastic ceiling!

The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)

Walking through DUMBO and Soho

The neighborhoods of DUMBO in Brooklyn and Soho in Manhattan are among the most iconic neighborhoods in the city and are fascinating for their combination of old New York with new New York.

Things to Do in DUMBO

The 15 Best Things to Do in SoHo NYC – The Complete Guide 2024

What to eat in new york.

What should I start with first? With the New York pizza slice, the New York cheesecake, the wonderful pastrami sandwiches at Katz’ Delicatessen, or at the Pastrami Queen? In addition, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse and Luger are two really good steak restaurants waiting for you and if you want to eat really good burgers: go to J.G. Melon, the hidden Burger Joint or Shake Shack!

Get personal tips & tricks, specifically tailored to your trip!

We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!

Specify dates

I hope my New York Travel Guide helped you plan your first trip to New York. Was there anything missing? Feel free to write it in the comments!

I wish you a wonderful time in New York City!

New York on a Budget: The 19 Best Money-Saving Tips for 2024

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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Welcome to the NYC Insider Guide . Please enjoy our Insider tips, free maps, where to spend and save your money, secret ways of getting discounts and most importantly, what to book NOW so you don’t miss out! - All the Best, Melissa

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Tourist Places In New York City

Here are some the best places to visit in new york city:, statue of liberty.

A colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic places to visit in New York City. It is a copper statue; the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the world was gifted by France to the United States for friendship.

Top Experiences To Do in Statue Of Liberty

Times Square

Located at Broadway, 7th Avenue cornered by 42nd and 47th Streets, Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment hub, and one of the major New York City attractions. Dating back to the 1880s, its original name was Long Acre Square. However, the mayor of New York renamed it Times Square, in 1904, after the popular daily The New York Times took up residence in the building.

Central Park

Central Park is the fifth largest urban park in New York City and is located between the Upper West and Upper East sides of Manhattan. The park has lots of popular attractions for its visitors. Some attractions are historically significant but all of them are beautiful, such as artificial lakes, meadows, waterfalls, and wooded areas. These attractions also include Belvedere Castle, and Blockhouse, a remaining Fort from the War of 1812.

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Metropolitan Museum Of Art

Locally known as “the met,” the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in America. It has a rich collection of over two million words, divided among seventeen curatorial departments. One of the world’s largest and finest art museums, you get the artworks of over 5,000 years representing the world’s culture, from prehistory to the present and from every corner of the Earth.

Broadway And The Theater District

Broadway is the name of the oldest north-south running, diagonal road that begins from State Street at Bowling Green. The Theater District is an area in Midtown Manhattan, New York, where 41 major Broadway theatres are located. Also known as the Broadway Theater district, it is amongst the prominent New York City attractions, especially for theatre lovers. Home to the city’s best theatres, it is recognized as the heart of the entertainment industry.

The Museum Of Modern Art

MoMA or the Museum of Modern Art is one of the most popular places to Visit in New York City known for its world’s largest collection of artefacts. A fusion of creativity, the museum plays a crucial role in preservation, development and collection of modern art. MoMA was established in 1929 and a permanent collection was brought into the realm in 1952.

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World Trade Center

A large complex of several buildings, the World Trade Center is located in the Financial district of Lower Manhattan in New York City. The twin towers of the World Trade Center, the north and south, were devastated to an extent sufficient to shake the nation’s spirit in the 9/11 attack. The buildings were then rebuilt and opened to people in 2014.

Rockefeller Center

The Centre is a complex of nineteen commercial buildings in Midtown Manhattan, as well as one of the major New York City Attractions. Named after John D. Rockefeller Jr., the centre was created over 100 years ago. To bring his idea of a “city within a city” to ground reality, a fusion of art, style, and entertainment, the centre has every bit to offer what the city has.

Empire State Building

A 102-storey Art Deco modernist skyscraper in the heart of New York, Midtown Manhattan, the building is named after the nickname of New York, ‘Empire State’. One of the most distinctive and famous buildings in the United States of America, the Empire State building is listed amongst the renowned New York tourist attractions. It also tops America's favourite architecture list, and stands tall at 1250 feet.

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9/11 Memorial And Museum

The memorial and museum commemorates the terrorist attacks on September 9th, 2001, in which the Al Qaeda terrorist organisation hijacked four passenger-laided aeroplanes. During the rebuilding of the devastated twin towers of the World Trade Center, the 9/11 memorial and museum was established.

High line is a 1.45 mile long elevated linear park on the West Side of Manhattan. It is maintained by Friends of the High line, a non-profit organisation. The organisation is dedicated to reimagining the public spaces and its role to create connections, healthy neighbourhoods and cities. Walk through the garden, explore artworks, experience performances, cherish delicious food, and build connections with friends and neighbours.

Brooklyn Bridge

The first fixed crossing of the East river, the Brooklyn bridge is a cable-stayed/ suspension bridge that connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It was the first bridge to use steel for cable wires. It is also considered as an amazing feat of the nineteenth century engineering marvels.

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Fifth Avenue

Also known as the shopping district, Fifth Avenue is the area between 49th and 60th streets in Manhattan. It does not fail to reserve its name in ‘places to visit in New York City’. Fifth Avenue is one of the most expensive shopping districts on the Earth. It is also one of the most picturesque streets and avenues in Manhattan with museums, hotels, restaurants and luxurious buildings.

One World Observatory

It is basically an observation deck at the top of One World Trade Center. The observatory floors were located on 100-102 floors of the centre, with dining options at the ONE Dine and exhibits. The Observatory provides space to host events, for example, ASPIRE, a 9000 square foot space, which provides an unparalleled vantage point in the city to enjoy and host events.

Wall Street

An eight-block long street located in the financial district of Lower Manhattan in New York City, the Wall Street is a 800 metre long stretch. The Wall Street extends in the West from Broadway to South Street and the East river in the east. Since ages, Wall Street has been headquarters of some of the largest Brokerages and Investment banks of the United States of America.

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New York Public Library

Home to 53 million items and spread over 92 locations, the public library is listed as one of the most popular places to visit in New York City. It is also the second largest public library in the United States and the fourth largest in the world. People from anywhere can attend the public programs and access the facilities available in the Library, by showing an ID proof.

St. Patricks Cathedral

A Catholic Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of New York and the Parish Church. Enjoy the stunning architecture of the Cathedral, and pray the rosary during evening hours. The largest neo-Gothic Cathedral spreads over an entire city block and is visited by millions of visitors annually.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is an art museum that exhibits collections of modern and contemporary art, presenting new ideas on modernism. The museum has housed the art-collecting activities of Solomon R. Guggenheim and is part of UNESCO World Heritage . It’s one of the most famous places to visit in New York City attracting visitors with its unique architecture and collection.

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Bryant Park

The park is a recreational area with walking paths, cycling paths, artificial lakes, and boat rentals for its visitors. One of the busiest public places in the World, Bryant Park is famous for its winter village theme, with cosy igloos and other winter sports activities. Mecca for arts and culture, the Park has engaging and captivating events, festive, delicious food, and fitness classes to offer its visitors.

Carnegie Hall

A concert venue in Midtown Manhattan, Carnegie Hall is famous for its history, rooted in its acoustics, beautiful interiors, and concert halls.One of the most prestigious facilities in the world, the gallery has been one of the ultimate badges of musical honour. The mission of Carnegie Hall has been to present music and musicians and to transform the power of music.

American Museum Of Natural History

As the name suggests, the American Museum Of Natural History is a natural history museum situated on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Home to around fifty exhibits, the museum is considered one of the world’s largest and most notable museums. The museum is a renowned institution and offers both education and entertainment. Explore the museum’s landmark, the rose centre for Earth and Space.

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Washington Square Park

The Greenwich Village neighbourhood of Lower Manhattan has this beautiful Washington Square Park that stretches over 9.75 acres. It is one of the New York City attractions, a well known public park, is used for meetings and as a centre for cultural activities. The greenery around the park, walkways and the beautiful stone-rimmed fountain has spectacular views and sights to offer its visitors.

Radio City Music Hall

An entertainment venue and theatre, the Radio City Music Hall falls within the Rockefeller Center. Located in Midtown Manhattan, it is nicknamed “The Showplace of the Nation” and it is the Headquarters for the Rockettes. The night shows, performances, comedian shows, and chart-tapping musical art, the Hall has everything to offer to its attendees.

Liberty Island

An island owned by the federal government, Liberty Island is one of the famous New York tourist attractions that holds historical and national significance. It is located in Upper New York Bay in the United States. The island is dedicated to the notable Statue of Liberty, which is also its most notable feature.

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New York Harbor

The opening of the Hudson river, the New York harbour empties into New York Bay near the East River Estuary. One of the most beautiful places to visit in New York City, the harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. It plays a vital role in the region's economy, wherein it transports millions of kilograms of cargo, through thousands of water vessels.

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

the red st basils church in moscow on a white winters day

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

man and woman standing in front of main church in moscow

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

red orthodox church in moscow russia red square on a winter day

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

woman in winter jacket standing in front of St Basils Russian Orthodox in moscow on a winter day

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

selfie of man and woman pointing to the Kremlin in Moscow

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

red exterior of lenins mausoleum in moscow russia

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

man in sinter jacket standing in arbat street moscow at night with glistening white lights strung from the buildings

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

people walking inside GUM mall in russia with christmas lights

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in my post about finding cheap flights that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

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Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

turned-on chandelier on ceiling of moscow metro

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

group of people walking in moscow red square at night with christmas lights everywhere

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

woman in head scarf hugging bronze statue of angry bear

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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Here are the places The New York Times just recommended people visit in Toronto

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The New York Times just published the latest in their series of '36 Hours' travel articles and this time the city they've written about is Toronto.

While normally I wouldn't trust a non-local for suggestions on how to spend your time in the city, the Times does a better job on these articles than most publications, detailing the best ways to spend a day-and-a-half in a city, and their recommendations for Toronto are actually not bad.

Here's everywhere New York Times writer Ingrid K. Williams recommended you visit while in Toronto (even if you live here).

Detailing the best-of-the-best, the most-un-skippable of all Toronto experiences, Williams suggests exploring Trillium Park (even though part of it is fenced off ), eating at Kensington Market's Sunny's Chinese , visiting MOCA in the Junction Triangle and grabbing a drink at Crybaby Gallery near Dundas and Dufferin.

Sunny's Chinese is a go-to spot for dinner in Kensington Market. Photo by Fareen Karim.

Attractions

Once you've exhausted the key stops, Williams suggests Massey Hall , Evergreen Brick Works , the Gardiner Museum , UofT's Philosopher's Walk, the Bata Shoe Museum , the Beach (as in, the neighbourhood), the McMichael and Zaal Art Gallery as must-see attractions.

White Lily is a popular brunch spot in Riverside. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Restaurants

Choosing a small selection of restaurants to be decreed as the "best" is kind of like picking a star in the sky and calling it the most beautiful. While not wholly wrong, it's also not entirely right.

In any event, Williams' list of Toronto's must-visit restaurants and food spots includes Patois , Bad Attitude Bread , Milky's Coffee , Taverne Bernhardt's , Bowie , Bathurst Local and White Lily Diner .

A smaller selection of small businesses made it onto the list (presumably because NYT readers will be busy visiting all those museums), but leading the charge are Easy Tiger Goods , Issues Magazine Shop and Etc Home .

If you're looking for more recommendations, I suggest Tusk for trendy womenswear, The Apartment Life for vintage decor and furniture and Acadia Art & Rare Books — a favourite of Guillermo del Toro's .

Ode is an under-the-radar lodging spot on Dundas West. Photo by Fareen Karim.

Williams also recommends a selection of hotels to stay at, like the Ace Hotel , the Drake Hotel , Ode or finding a vacation rental — specifically in or around Trinity Bellwoods.

Herman Wong at Milky's

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17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow

Written By: Linda Voltaire

Updated On: December 21, 2022

Visiting Russia? These are the top 17 things to do in Moscow to help you plan your trip.

If the western world has New York City , the first great metropolis on the eastern side of our planet is Moscow. A huge city with a complicated and impressive history, Moscow gets a bad rep over Russian politics – but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Capital to the largest country in the world, Moscow takes the grandeur of its standing very seriously.

This is a place where luxury is king and where opulence takes a front seat in every aspect of life. The buildings are grand and imposing, the parks are luscious and enormous, and even the subway stations look different in Moscow than anywhere else in the world.

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Moscow, Russia

Walking around Moscow is also going through the tumultuous history of the 20th century, which had Russia as one of its main protagonists. There are fascinating remains of these times everywhere in the former Soviet capital, from the gorgeous Seven Sisters skyscrapers to the Orthodox cathedrals that were closed for the better part of a century. Still, Moscow is also a completely modern city, with a vibrant social and party scene, incredible restaurants, and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

After living in Russia’s capital as an ex-pat for four years, I got the privilege to experience not only the main attractions in Moscow but also the everyday life in this huge city and quickly found my sweat spots off the beaten tracks! So here is my list of my top 17 things to do in this exciting metropolis!

things to do in moscow russia | russian market

Attractions in Moscow

When visiting a famous city like this one, it’s a must to go through the most iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin & Surrounding Area

moscow tourist attractions | St. Basil’s Cathedral

No place tells the story of Moscow’s power in the past century the way the Red Square does. This is where the biggest political meetings in the USSR occurred for many decades, and you can feel the power on each step.

Here, you’ll also find the historic museum at the entrance, showcasing the decades of history behind this iconic landmark. The Lenin Mausoleum, perhaps the most famous resting place in the world and home to the remains of the former communist leader, is also here.

On one side of the Red Square you’ll find the Kremlin, the fortified complex that now hosts the presidential residence. This is also home to the most iconic of all Moscovite landmarks: St. Basil’s Cathedral, a 16th-century marvel of colors. This is the best spot to take a selfie and show the world you’ve reached the Russian capital!

Get your Kremlin Skip the Line Tickets and Kremlin tour here.
Free cancellation up to 24-hours in advance of the tour.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

You can easily spend a couple of days just exploring the Moscovite city centre, and the Bolshoi Theatre should be your second stop. Walk past the Red Square and then head to the nearby Bolshoi Theatre, one of the oldest and most renowned houses of opera and ballet on Earth.

Visit for the impressive early 19th-century architecture, but if you’re seeing a ballet performance, make sure you book between 3 and 6 months in advance! I can strongly recommend this as it is a truly unique experience!

Book a private 2-hour tour of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre.
See the presidential box reserved for tzars, watch a rehearsal and skip the lines through a separate entrance.
Free Cancellation up to 24-hours in advance.

3. Luxury Shopping at GUM and TSUM

While many might think of Moscow as the sad place with the long bread queues from the USSR days, it’s been quite the capitalist haven for a while.

If you’re up for some shopping, you’ll find one of the biggest luxury malls in town, TSUM, right behind the Bolshoi and GUM, at the red square. GUM is the most famous department store in town, where you’ll find luxury everywhere and all high-end brand.

All in an imposing late 19th-century building with lots of history, worth a visit just for the design, its bridges and the glass roof even though you are not up for shopping!

4. Christ the Savior Cathedral

things to see in moscow | christ the savoir cathedral

A newer addition to the gorgeous Moscovite cathedrals and my grandeur neighbor during my years in the city Don’t let the young age of this building fool you. After the perestroika in the early 90s, the newly revived Russian Orthodox Church received permission to build a cathedral on this site. They did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church.

The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes as tall as the skies in bright gold and gorgeous paintings and decor! Bring a shawl to cover your hair to adjust to the local tradition.

Head to the back of the cathedral and you will find one of the most photographed bridges in Moscow, the Patriarshiy Most. This is the perfect spot to get a good view and photo of the cathedral but also to see the Kreml and Gorky Park from a distance. Or why not just enjoy a moment watching the river and its boats!

Get around Moscow with ease using the Hop On Hop Off boat and Bus ticket. 24, 48 or 72-hour tickets available.

5. Gorky Park

tourist attractions in moscow | gorky park

Cross the river and head to Gorky Park along the Moscow river. The most famous green area in town, similar to New York ’s Central Park and the weekend hangout for locals. There are many beautiful parks in the city, but if you’re only visiting for a few days, this is the unmissable one!

With fair attractions to entertain children, beautiful artificial lakes and gardens, and lots of outdoor activities, it’s a lovely place to relax. A place of rest in the middle of the metropolis. The area in front of the New Tretyakov Gallery & the Muzeon Park of Arts is actually one of my favorite oasis as a bit more quiet and peaceful than Gorky itself.

Why not spend some time in the museum to get a great tour of Russia’s history through art or just enjoy the art exhibition outside where local artists spend their weekends.

6. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow is from the Moscow River. There are many stops for the boats and one is just next to Gorky Park. See the city from another perspective – and turn the ride into a romantic one by taking the evening cruise. Moscow is magic during the night.

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, take the Radisson Blu cruise – or the Erwin for a delicious seafood dinner. Both stop at Gorky or at the luxury Radisson Royal Hotel, set in one of the Seven Sister’s skyscrapers.

We use Get Your Guide when booking city tours and they offer a River Sightseeing Cruise seeing all the main tourist attractions in Moscow

7. Metro Hopping

unusual things in moscow | train station

First inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow subway system is one of the oldest in the world, and certainly the most beautiful. Started under Stalinist times, each metro station is dedicated to grandeur and oozing personality.

Visiting the subway stops is an attraction in and of itself, and Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, Kropotkinskaya are my favorites. Those surrounding the Red Square are also mesmerizing – in general, these are kind of like underground palaces.

Most of the signs at the Moscow Metro now have Latin letters, so it’s very easy to get around!Unfortunately, the trains are not as beautiful and pleasant as the stations but still, this is a true Moscow experience. Take a guided tour of the 9 most beautiful Metro Stations including the award-winning art deco station. See more details here.

8. Arbatskaya & Artsy Moscow

Novy Arbat Street is one of the most touristy areas in the city, with lots of shops and cafés directed at visitors. When you walk a little beyond, you’ll find a different part of town, where the hip scene thrives because so many artists live in the area. Just follow the small streets with fewer tourists!

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings hosts the main building of the Moscow State University, one of the most prestigious colleges in Russia – and the one with the best view.

Although this is a little outside the city centre, the sight from above is more than worth it, with the nearby fountains and park and then the whole of the city behind them.

10. Russian Market

where to shop in moscow | russian market

If you love to visit markets wherever you go, Moscow has one of the most impressive ones in the world – the Izmailovsky. You can easily take the metro here and feel like you’ve been transported to another time.

This place was first built in the 16th century and retains the look of an old fairytale, with a lineup of colorful old castle. A lovely local experience beyond the confines of the bustling metropolis, where you can also try some delicious Russian barbecue.

Here, you’ll find beautiful souvenirs at great prices.

Off The Beaten Track Moscow

Once you’ve covered the most touristic spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer – and the places below will also be full of locals! Moscow is a city for hipsters, full of trendy and arty spots where you can literally feel the creativity oozing! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend my sweat spots below!

11. Patriarshiye Prudy

moscow unique things to do | patriarshy prudy

This is my favorite area in the entire city! While Moscow is generally a very noisy metropolis, Patriarch Ponds is far quieter, yet such a vibrant place. This is a very hip and trendy area making you think you are rather in Paris than in Moscow. Here the streets are narrow and full of chic eateries and clubs to see the local crowd.

A little bohemian and with an air of peace you won’t find anywhere in the city this is a great spot to spend an afternoon with your thoughts.

12. ArtPlay

Barely 15 minutes away from the city center you’ll find the artsiest Moscow district: ArtPlay. For decades, this block was a factory, but it was renovated to become a hub for the arts not too long ago.

Now, you’ll find it’s full of exhibitions, showrooms and art schools – and some of the most creative people in town. Writers, painters, and young hip people use ArtPlay as a rendezvous, and you can feel the creative energy here. The industrial design with modern interior decoration is also a feast for the eyes!

13. Shopping Local Designs

If you’re into design, both international and local, you’ll find lots of cute things at Patriarshiye Prudy. Department store Podium Market is also a great spot for shopping, as a department store everywhere in town, with lots of local and international brands. There’s one in the Four Seasons Hotel next to Red Square. My favorite Moscow mall is Tsvetnoy Central Market, a cool spot with great brands, lots of inspo, and even a cute café!

14. Moscow City

Like many other great capitals of the world, for the past few decades, Moscow has hosted a super modern area full of modern skyscrapers – Moscow City. With a completely different vibe than the rest of town, it’s like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressively tall glass buildings. Here, you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, such as Ruski and Sixty they are perfect spots for dining or enjoying a glass of wine with a view. There are also a relatively new shopping mall with lots of international brands called Affimall!

Wine, Dine, and Party in Moscow

Gone are the gloomy Moscow days – cold as it might be in the winter, Russia’s capital is a place for the senses. Great food and drinks abound – and the clubs are hot, too!

15. Where to Eat in Moscow

Moscow is a great metropolis where people love to dine out, and there are endless options for delicious food. The flavors are as diverse as you’d expect from a big city, with options of fine dining and little hipster eateries.

For traditional Russian flavors, I can’t recommend Café Pushkin, Dr. Zhivago, and Turnadot enough.
When looking for international cuisines, Italian is always the way to go, and my local favorite is Probka.
Fine dining is best done among the clouds at White Rabbit, with European flavors.
As for the hip spots, you can spend a full day just eating around trendy places, from burgers to Asian fusion.

More Dining Options

Patriarshiye Prudy offers a lot of small and classy spots with cool concepts, like breakfast restaurants I Love Cake and Fresh.
For dinner, I love the NYC experience of Saxon & Parole, and the wonderful trendy Pins, with its delicious food and drinks.
For delicious Asian food head to CutFish.
Lastly, there’s a recent revival of food markets in Moscow, offering lots of great choices of international flavors at affordable places.
Don’t miss out the Vietnamese food stand at the Danilovsky market, and everything at Usachevsky!

16. Rooftopping

things to do in moscow russia | city scape

Big cities deserve to be seen from above, having a cocktail among the clouds. These are my recommendations for rooftop bars in Moscow.

As I mentioned in the Moscow City section, Sixty & Ruski are two of my favorites, overlooking the newest part of town.
White Rabbit and its fine dining is also a lovely place for a fun dinner looking down on Moscow.
O2, in the city center, has an advantage above all others: amazing views of the Red Square.
Buono, above the Radisson Royal Hotel, might be the most romantic rooftop hotel in town, with its candlelit setting.
Also on the Radisson stands the Mercedes. It’s a luxurious and posh experience with delicious cocktails.
The Sky Lounge offers a peculiar experience, mixing an old Soviet building with futuristic additions.

17. Moscow by Night

Party the night away! The city is full of bars everywhere, but there are some areas where you’ll find more than others.

Patriarshiye Prudy has lots of hip and small clubs and great bars, including the super fun private club Clava, which has a great vibe and people from all walks of life.
For more hipster style bars, Red October is the place to go.
Streak is a summer favorite, with a lovely terrace to catch a beautiful sunset – plus, their mozzarella bar is delicious.
At night, Red October lights up with clubs everywhere, including the cool rooftop one Gipsy.
Jagger is also a great spot during summer with a more relaxed vibe in garden setting.
For the traditional Russian luxury experience, go to SohoRooms, a whole other world including all-night go-go dancers.

There are so many things to do in Moscow at night and during the day, you definitely need several days to explore this exciting destination.

Moscow is a must-see city, a city like no other ! I hope you will enjoy this Russian metropolis as much as I did!

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About Linda Voltaire

Linda Voltaire is the owner of Travel with a Silver Lining, home to reviews of gorgeous boutique & design hotels, hip & trendy eateries as well as authentic and personal travel experiences beyond the crowd. She started blogging after a life-changing trip across South America. Follow Linda at TravelWithASilverLining / Facebook / Instagram /

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10 thoughts on “17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow”

These places look so awesome! Moscow is truly a beautiful city

Very good article, you have explained so nicely. Russia has always been a part of history and its good to know about much more about architecture and other things, wish i could see the inside of façade

Thanks for sharing such a nice article.You have very beautifully explained everything that one need for a trip to Moscow.

Nice article. Love the hidden gems and graffiti art, would love to visit Artplay. Thanks for a comprehensive guide to Moscow!

Moscow is a city where the past and the future live side by side. Here we can find everything from medieval fortresses and Soviet monoliths to glass skyscrapers and innovation centers.

Your article is good and meaningful .

Thanks for sharing about ArtPlay district, we didn’t know about it and it looks amazing 🙂 Hopefully there’ll be a second time in Moscow, we visited last May and really liked the city!

Wonderful stuff! I’ve been to Moscow, but not properly – it’s a long story lol!

Anyhoo, my next thing is to fly from Berlin to Moscow and then travel from there to Beijing via the Trans-Mongolian / Trans-Siberian train. Now, if only I could just find the time …!

I hear Moscow is very beautiful at night. I hope to get out there one day. A friend of mine went to St. Petersburg and had a great experience. Despite all the tension we see on the news with Russia and other Countries like the U.S. I wonder what the sentiment is with Russians and foreigners visiting their country for tourism. Especially Americans.

that looks like quite a beautiful place. 🙂

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Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

Share full article

A small, black disk surrounded by a bright, white halo suspended in a mostly dark sky over the still waters of a lake in which dim, golden light from the horizon is reflecting. There are dark hills and mountains beyond the lake.

By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Watch CBS News

U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be imminent and fear Gaza war could spread

By Debora Patta , Tucker Reals

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 5:25 PM EDT / CBS News

Update: Iran launched drone attacks against Israel on Saturday. Read CBS News' latest coverage here .

Tel Aviv — Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital.

Two U.S. officials told CBS News that a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country. Sources have told CBS News the retaliation could include attacks carried out both by Iranian forces, and proxy groups around the region that it has been funneling additional arms to for weeks.

The officials said it would be challenging for the Israelis to defend against an attack of that magnitude, and while they held out the possibility that the Iranians could opt for a smaller-scale attack to avoid a dramatic escalation, their retaliation was believed to be imminent.

Asked Friday how imminent he believes an attack is, President Biden responded, "I don't want to get into secure information, but my expectation is sooner than later." The president urged Iran not to move forward, saying his message to Tehran was: "Don't."

Tehran has not indicated publicly how or when it will return fire, so it's unclear how far Iran's leaders will go. If they decide to carry out a direct attack on Israel, there's fear it could blow Israel's ongoing war against Iranian ally Hamas up into a much wider regional conflict.

With the Iranian retaliation expected at any time, the U.S. State Department on Thursday warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities, which are better protected from incoming rocket fire by the country's Iron Dome missile defense system. The latest guidance noted that travel by U.S. government employees in Israel could be further restricted with little notice as things develop in the tinderbox region.

"Whoever harms us, we will harm them," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday as he visited troops at an Israel Defense Forces airbase. "We are prepared … both defensively and offensively."

Iran-Burning Flags Of The U.S. And Israel

On Saturday, all U.S. embassies in the Middle East were put on high alert and required to hold emergency action committee meetings. Diplomats in Lebanon and Israel were specifically told not to travel to certain areas within those countries.

Sima Shine, a security expert and former official with Israel's national intelligence agency Mossad, told CBS News it was a dangerous moment for the region, and the "most worried" she has been. She said anxiety over an all-out war was likely just as high "on both sides, in Israel and in Iran."

If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019 .

"They will try to do it on the military or some military asset," Shine predicted. "But the question will be the damage. If there would be many injured people, killed or injured … I think it has the potential for a huge escalation."

Iran- International Jerusalem Day Rally In Tehran

Shine stressed, however, that she still believes neither side actually wants a regional conflict.

U.S. "really trying to avoid war"

The U.S. sent a senior general to Israel this week to coordinate with the close American ally on any response it might make to an Iranian attack. Speaking Friday on "CBS Mornings," America's top military officer said, "we're really trying to avoid war."

"This is part of the dialogue that I have with my counterparts within the region, to include the Israeli chief of defense, who I talked to yesterday," said Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., adding that the U.S. military was "doing things not only to prevent a war, but at the same time, one of my primary things is to make sure all the forces in the region are protected."

"My role, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is to plan and prepare," Brown said. "That's one thing we do very well."

Brown's Israeli counterpart, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, "completed a comprehensive situational assessment on the readiness of the IDF for all scenarios," Israel's military said Friday.

"The IDF is very strongly prepared, both offensively and defensively, against any threat," Halevi was quoted as saying in the statement. "The IDF continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas, constantly preparing to deal with existing and potential threats in coordination with the United States Armed Forces."

The IDF said the visiting U.S. general, Central Command chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, was taking part in the IDF's situational assessment.

The dilemma for Iran, said Israeli expert Shine, is to figure out how to deliver its promised response to Israel's attack in Syria, but in a way that does not lead to further escalation. Likewise, Shine said Israel could choose to show restraint when it responds to whatever Iran eventually does.

If either side gets the balance wrong, the consequences for the region, and even the world, could be dire.

Weijia Jiang, David Martin, Margaret Brennan and Olivia Gazis contributed reporting.

Middle East
Benjamin Netanyahu

Debora Patta is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Johannesburg. Since joining CBS News in 2013, she has reported on major stories across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Edward R. Murrow and Scripps Howard awards are among the many accolades Patta has received for her work.

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Want to see the next total solar eclipse in 2026? An expert recommends booking travel now.

2026 will be Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years.
Travelers worldwide will likely head to Spain, Iceland, and Greenland for the event.
A hotel expert encouraged travelers to start planning and booking their trips now.

It'll be two decades before the next total solar eclipse hits the US .

Another option: hop on a plane to Europe and turn the 2026 total solar eclipse into a viewing vacation.

Eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told Space.com that up to 3.7 million people likely traveled for the solar eclipse on Monday.

HotelPlanner's chief communication officer, Philip Ballard, told Business Insider that the eclipse was a major revenue generator for many cities. For places like Austin, Texas, and Rochester, New York, it could have created $1 billion in revenue, Vox reported.

"I would say the total solar eclipse has become a global phenomenon," Ballard said.

Ballard added that the next solar eclipse , which will pass through Iceland, Greenland, and Spain on August 12, 2026, could result in similar tourism and revenue influxes.

And if travelers are considering a trip to Europe for the solar eclipse, Ballard recommends planning your trip now.

Determine your eclipse viewing destination

According to Space.com , 2026 will be Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years. Its path will go through Greenland, parts of western Iceland, and northern Spain.

Choosing where to watch the eclipse will be a tough and important decision for travelers.

Iceland and Greenland have some positives. These regions will experience longer totality times, so viewers can watch the eclipse longer. Plus, the sun will be higher in the sky, so finding a spot to watch the eclipse will be less challenging, Space.com reported.

The downside is that these regions are more likely to be cloudy, according to the outlet.

Book flights and hotels far in advance

Ballard encouraged people to book their hotels in their destination of choice as far in advance as possible.

"You should start looking now and booking hotels now because those cities in the path are already going to be at peak season," Ballard said.

Ballard said it's similar to when a Super Bowl city is determined or a Taylor Swift tour date is announced — you immediately see spikes in bookings. He predicts hotel occupancy rates will hit near-record highs, and room prices may double around the solar eclipse date.

Ballard's general rule of thumb is to book international travel at least three months in advance, but since this is such an anticipated event, booking earlier is smart. His advice is to start discussing plans with friends and family. If you decide on a destination, book a refundable room to keep your options open if plans change.

Regarding purchasing a plane ticket, a study from Expedia states that international travel's sweet spot is at least six months in advance.

According to Expedia, travelers who book six months in advance save an average of 10% more than travelers booking within two months or less.

Skip the hassle of planning altogether and book a solar eclipse tour

Another option is to let a tour operator do the work for you. A handful of tour companies have seen the increased interest in the solar eclipse and launched tours designed around the event.

These tours will have predetermined locations to view the eclipse, hotel blocks reserved, and itineraries highlighting both the region and the eclipse.

However, these can sell out quickly. For example, Space and Telescope created an 11-day tour of Spain around viewing the 2026 solar eclipse. The tour has already sold out as of Wednesday, and the waitlist is full.

Other operators, such as Wilderness Travel and Eclipse Traveler, have similar itineraries for the total eclipse in 2026.

Watch: A small Australian town was treated to a rare hybrid solar eclipse

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Although this is a little outside the city centre, the sight from above is more than worth it, with the nearby fountains and park and then the whole of the city behind them. 10. Russian Market. If you love to visit markets wherever you go, Moscow has one of the most impressive ones in the world - the Izmailovsky.
Florida Gulf Coast tourism tax may be increasing
In 2023, the Manatee County Tax Collector took in more than $30 million in tourism taxes. In addition, Manatee County's tourism industry generated more than $625.9 million in direct revenues.
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A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see. "Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year," said ...
U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be
If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019. "They will try ...
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For places like Austin, Texas, and Rochester, New York, it could have created $1 billion in revenue, Vox reported. Advertisement "I would say the total solar eclipse has become a global phenomenon ...

New York City Travel Guide

34 Best Things to Do in NYC

Central Park Central Park free

National September 11 Memorial & Museum National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Empire State Building Empire State Building

Popular Tours

Metropolitan Museum of Art Metropolitan Museum of Art

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge free

The High Line The High Line free

NYC Food Tours NYC Food Tours

Washington Square Park Washington Square Park free

Broadway Broadway

One World Observatory One World Observatory

Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal free

Bryant Park Bryant Park free

Staten Island Ferry Staten Island Ferry free

Museum of Modern Art Museum of Modern Art

New York Public Library New York Public Library free

American Museum of Natural History American Museum of Natural History

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn Bridge Park Brooklyn Bridge Park free

The Guggenheim The Guggenheim

Off-Broadway Shows Off-Broadway Shows

Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Little Island Little Island free

St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral free

Little Italy Little Italy free

Times Square Times Square free

Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue free

Bronx Zoo Bronx Zoo

Apollo Theater Apollo Theater

Metropolitan Opera House Metropolitan Opera House

Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall

The Battery The Battery free

Coney Island Coney Island

Chrysler Building Chrysler Building free

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