Choose from 201 Fun Things to Do in New York
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New York Harbor
New York Harbor, located at the mouth of the Hudson River, is home to stunning views of the Big Apple and Lady Liberty. Ranked among the largest natural harbors in the world, this gateway to Manhattan is also one of the most scenic, offering travelers incredible photo ops along urban walking paths, bridges and piers. Visitors can Jet Ski, kayak and boat in the New York Harbor waters, where popular dinner cruises and sunset sails take place daily. This epic waterway also services major cruise liners as they enter and depart Manhattan. But even travelers who arrived in New York via land or air can experience the thrill and the beauty of the waterway on a Staten Island Ferry ride or one of the other public boats that transports both locals and visitors in and around the city.
Practical Info
Passenger ships travel from the harbor to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook, Brooklyn and MOTBY in Bayonne, New Jersey. Travelers can also find boats traveling to Bear Mountain and other destinations further up the Hudson River.
Address: New York, USA
From $ 18
New York Cruise Port
The largest city in the United States, New York boasts one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. A major center for food, music, culture, fashion and business, the city known as the “Big Apple” truly is a city that never sleeps. With a plethora of world-class museums, cultural institutions, quirky neighborhoods and shopping and dining opportunities to suit any budget, New York has something for everyone!
How to Get Into New York City
The New York City Cruise Terminal is located on the west side of Manhattan, between West 48th and West 52nd Streets. It should take you just 15-20 minutes to walk into Midtown from there. If you prefer not to walk or you are heading to another area of the city, taxis are readily available. The subway doesn’t extend to the port, but buses can be found at 42nd, 49th and 50th Streets.
Some ships may dock at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, south of Brooklyn Heights, or at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, on the New Jersey side of New York Harbor.
One Day in New York City
One could easily spend a week or more in New York without running out of things to see and do – with so many options, it is nearly impossible to see the city in just one day. Many of the most popular attractions also come with long lines, so keep that in mind as you are planning your visit.
Start by heading to the heart of Manhattan, Times Square. Grab a cup of coffee and a New York bagel and enjoy some people watching before moving on to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Empire State Building. Located at Fifth Avenue and 34th Street, the building’s 86th floor observation deck offers sweeping views of the city – but be prepared to stand in line for a ride up!
From there, walk up Fifth Avenue, home to many of New York’s most prestigious shops and one of the most expensive streets in the world. Eventually you’ll find yourself at the southern end of Central Park. The park, covering over 800 acres in the center of the city, offers a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the crowded Manhattan sidewalks. You could easily spend much of the afternoon there.
Not far from Central Park, you can find two of New York’s best known museums, the Guggenheim Museum (Fifth Avenue & 89th Street) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Fifth Avenue & 82nd Street). The latter boasts over two million works of art displayed throughout more than 50 galleries. Other museums of interest include the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (the world’s largest naval museum), the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of the City of New York.
If museums aren’t your thing, instead take a ride on one of the oldest subway systems in the world down to the Financial District. There, pay a visit to the 9/11 Memorial commemorating those who were killed in the World Trade Center attacks of September 11, 2001. Then, take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry and enjoy an incredible view of both the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Finally, make your way back towards Times Square to grab a slice of New York style pizza and do a little souvenir shopping before it’s time to set sail again.
Port Information
English is the official language and the currency is the US dollar. ATMs are widely available, but to change currency, you will likely need to head to a major bank or to the Times Square Visitors Center on Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets. Telephones and bathrooms can be found at the cruise terminal.
How to Get Into New York City
The New York City Cruise Terminal is located on the west side of Manhattan, between West 48th and West 52nd Streets. It should take you just 15-20 minutes to walk into Midtown from there. If you prefer not to walk or you are heading to another area of the city, taxis are readily available. The subway doesn’t extend to the port, but buses can be found at 42nd, 49th and 50th Streets.
Some ships may dock at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, south of Brooklyn Heights, or at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, on the New Jersey side of New York Harbor.
One Day in New York City
One could easily spend a week or more in New York without running out of things to see and do – with so many options, it is nearly impossible to see the city in just one day. Many of the most popular attractions also come with long lines, so keep that in mind as you are planning your visit.
Start by heading to the heart of Manhattan, Times Square. Grab a cup of coffee and a New York bagel and enjoy some people watching before moving on to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Empire State Building. Located at Fifth Avenue and 34th Street, the building’s 86th floor observation deck offers sweeping views of the city – but be prepared to stand in line for a ride up!
From there, walk up Fifth Avenue, home to many of New York’s most prestigious shops and one of the most expensive streets in the world. Eventually you’ll find yourself at the southern end of Central Park. The park, covering over 800 acres in the center of the city, offers a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the crowded Manhattan sidewalks. You could easily spend much of the afternoon there.
Not far from Central Park, you can find two of New York’s best known museums, the Guggenheim Museum (Fifth Avenue & 89th Street) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Fifth Avenue & 82nd Street). The latter boasts over two million works of art displayed throughout more than 50 galleries. Other museums of interest include the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (the world’s largest naval museum), the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of the City of New York.
If museums aren’t your thing, instead take a ride on one of the oldest subway systems in the world down to the Financial District. There, pay a visit to the 9/11 Memorial commemorating those who were killed in the World Trade Center attacks of September 11, 2001. Then, take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry and enjoy an incredible view of both the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Finally, make your way back towards Times Square to grab a slice of New York style pizza and do a little souvenir shopping before it’s time to set sail again.
Port Information
English is the official language and the currency is the US dollar. ATMs are widely available, but to change currency, you will likely need to head to a major bank or to the Times Square Visitors Center on Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets. Telephones and bathrooms can be found at the cruise terminal.
Address: Port of New York, New York City, New York, USA
From $ 84
New World Stages
Set in the heart of New York’s theater district, New World Stages is a premier performing arts complex that has hosted some of the world’s most iconic shows. Its five stages extend to include a public lounge and art gallery as well as event spaces and an underground bar.
Built on the former site of Madison Square Garden and open since 2004, it is one of the city’s newer theatrical venues. It is currently home to five shows on its five stages, including the popular Avenue Q, as well as readings and concerts. Many of its play and musicals are known for their quirky and lively nature, many having historically shown on Broadway. The theaters are intimate in size, housing only 199 to 499 guests each. With quality performances and small venue size, it is considered be a central spot in the Off-Broadway theater scene.
Practical Info
New World Stages is located in New York’s theater district between between 8th and 9th Avenues, not far from Times Square. Parking is available on 49th and 50th Streets, or the complex is accessible by four different Subway lines (49th and 50th Street stations.)
Address: 340 West 50th Street, New York, NY, USA
Hours: Vary based on showtimes
Admission: With ticket for show
From $ 35
High Line
Hailed as an urban renewal triumph following its opening in 2009, New York City’s High Line—an abandoned elevated railway track converted into a park—has since spawned a series of copycats, including Chicago’s 606 and Sydney’s Goods Line. Stretching over the formerly industrial west side of Lower Manhattan, the lengthy public park serves as an escape hatch for New Yorkers who want to rise above the hubbub at street level, and is a must-see for out-of-towners for its Hudson River views, ample greenery, artisanal food stands, public art, and some of the best people-watching perches in town.
The Basics
Millions of visitors stroll across this 1.45-mile (2.33-kilometer) linear park every year. Many explore at their own leisure, while others come as part of group or private tours, which typically also visit surrounding areas such as the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and Greenwich Village. Having a tour guide in tow means visitors can find out about the evolution of the area and the development of the park. There are also free themed walking tours led by High Line docents, volunteers who offer an insider’s perspective on the park’s history, design, and landscape.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The High Line, a NYC public park, is free to enter.
- Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
- The High Line is wheelchair accessible. Elevators are at Gansevoort, 14th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th streets, and there’s ramp access at 34th Street.
How to Get There
The High Line snakes from Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th avenues. In addition to the elevator and ramp access points, there is also stepped access at 18th, 20th, 26th, 28th, and 30th streets, and at 11th Avenue. Take the subway to 14th Street and Eighth Avenue (L, A, C, and E trains), 23rd Street and Eighth Avenue (C and E), 14th Street and Seventh Avenue (1, 2, and 3), 18th Street and Seventh Avenue (1), 23rd Street and Seventh Avenue (1), Penn Station (A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3) or 34th Street–Hudson Yards (7).
When to Get There
The High Line is open from 7am to 11pm June through September; 7am to 10pm in April, May, October, and November; and 7am to 7pm December through March. Get there first thing in the morning to experience the walkway in relative peace. Summer afternoons are prime sunbathing time, while summer evenings are ideal for couples, as the dipping sun casts the city in a romantic amber glow.
What to See and Do at the High Line
The High Line is a hive of activity, particularly during the warm summer months when food vendors set up shop. The park hosts special events such as live music performances, dance parties, spoken word festivals, and stargazing sessions, as well as guest speakers, interactive kid-friendly activities, and guided meditations. Throughout the year, the lofty park also hosts open-air art exhibitions, from large-scale installations to murals and sculptures.
Address: New York City, USA
Hours: Vary depending on season
From $ 25
One World Trade Center
With its easily recognizable spire, One World Trade Center is an icon of the New York City skyline. Opened in 2014, the silver mirrored skyscraper towers some 1,776 feet (541 meters) high, making it the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Observation decks at One World Observatory afford incredible views.
The Basics
One World Trade Center’s close proximity to Ground Zero, the Financial District, New York Stock Exchange, and 9/11 Memorial Museum makes it a perfect place to take in the views while on a tour of downtown sites.
One World Trade Center is open to visitors via One World Observatory, where a SkyPod elevator whisks visitors up 102 stories in 47 seconds to an observation deck and iPads offer an in-depth look at more than 40 New York City landmarks. Save time with a skip-the-line ticket, or combine your observatory visit with a luxurious cruise around Manhattan, hop-on hop-off city tour, or entry to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- One World Trade Center is a must-see for families and first-time visitors.
- Book your One World Observatory entrance ahead of time to avoid disappointment; millions of people visit annually.
- Give yourself 45 minutes to an hour to enjoy the interactive exhibits within the observatory.
- One World Observatory is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are allowed.
How to Get There
One World Trade Center is accessible via the PATH train, ferry, and 11 different subway lines. The closest subway stop is the Fulton Center, and the entrance is on West Street.
When to Get There
One of the main reasons to visit One World Trade Center is the observatory’s panoramic views of the Big Apple, so plan your visit for a day when the forecast is clear. Observatory tickets are for a particular date and time, and it’s a good idea to show up at least 15 minutes early.
Dare to Walk on the Sky Portal
Daring visitors can test their mettle with a walk across the Sky Portal. The 14-foot-wide (4-meter-wide) circular glass disc uses high definition footage of the New York City streets 100 floors below to make you feel like you’re walking on air.
Address: 285 Fulton Street, New York City, New York, USA
From $ 19
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
One of three main airports in the New York City area (the others being Newark and JFK), LaGuardia Airport, or LGA, is frequented by a number of travelers to New York. It’s the smallest of the three airports and is mainly domestic, with hubs for Delta and American airlines. With the exception of flights to Canada, this is not an international airport. LGA has four terminals: A, B, C, and D.
The Basics
NYC traffic is constantly snarled, so avoid the hassle of navigating your own way to and from the airport by booking an airport transfer. Shared transfers by van offer pickup and drop-off at Manhattan hotels, while private transfers by sedan or SUV provide a personal and flexible experience with Brooklyn service options. It’s also possible to book a skip-the-line airport transfer to avoid having to wait at the curb for your ride. If you’re feeling VIP, take a helicopter transfer to Lower Manhattan.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Terminals A and D are home to Delta Air Lines, while terminal B houses airlines such as Southwest, United, Air Canada, JetBlue, Spirit, Alaska, and American. Terminal C includes Delta and American airlines.
- To reach the rental car facility, catch your agency’s shuttle at Terminal A.
How to Get There
LGA Airport is located in northern Queens, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Midtown Manhattan and 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Brooklyn Heights. Book an airport transfer to easily move to and from areas of New York City such as Manhattan and the Bronx. There is no subway or train connection. Ride-sharing vehicles operate at LaGuardia with special instructions, so pay attention to the directions on your app.
Address: Queens, New York 11371, USA
From $ 12
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is actually comprised of four major research libraries and about 100 branches spread throughout Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, but the Beaux Arts-style Stephen A. Schwarzman Building generally takes the title for itself. Home to a non-circulating collection of volumes on the humanities and social sciences, as well as a circulating children's collection, this landmark library is renowned both for its signature stone lions out front and for its free access to some of the most fascinating research materials in the world.
The seven-story building itself was designed in 1902 by Beaux-Arts architecture specialists Carrère and Hastings, and finally opened in 1911. Its outdoor stone lions, nicknamed "Patience" and "Fortitude," greet visitors at the front steps. In 2008, billionaire financial adviser Stephen A. Schwarzman financed a $100 million expansion of the library system as a whole, and the main branch was renamed in his honor.
Highlights include an archive of New Yorkers' oral histories; firsthand accounts of Shackleton's explorations at the South Pole; a vast array of historical photos and maps from around the world; some of Shakespeare's earliest works; ancient Japanese scrolls; vintage baseball cards; and famous comic books.
The seven-story building itself was designed in 1902 by Beaux-Arts architecture specialists Carrère and Hastings, and finally opened in 1911. Its outdoor stone lions, nicknamed "Patience" and "Fortitude," greet visitors at the front steps. In 2008, billionaire financial adviser Stephen A. Schwarzman financed a $100 million expansion of the library system as a whole, and the main branch was renamed in his honor.
Address: 455 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
Hours: Monday, Thursday–Saturday: 10am–6pm; Tuesday–Wednesday: 10am–8pm; Sunday: 1–5pm
From $ 25
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
One of three main airports in the New York City area (the others being JFK and LaGuardia), Newark Liberty International Airport, or EWR, is located in Newark, New Jersey. Frequented by travelers to New York and the rest of the east coast, it's a hub for United Airlines and operates many international flights. The airport features three terminals: A, B, and C.
The Basics
Take the hassle out of getting to and from Newark Liberty by booking an airport transfer at the beginning and end of your trip. Shared transfers by van offer pickup at Manhattan hotels, while private transfers by SUV and sedan provide a personal experience with options for Brooklyn pickup and drop-off. It's possible to book a skip-the-line airport transfer to avoid having to wait at the curb for your ride.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Terminal A is home to Air Canada, Alaska, American, JetBlue, Southwest, United Express, and Virgin America airlines.
- Terminal B houses Delta and many international airlines, including Air China, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Lufthansa, Norwegian, and Virgin Atlantic.
- Terminal C is home to United and United Express.
- The airport's AirTrain provides transportation between terminals and to rental car stations.
How to Get There
Newark is located 17 miles (28 kilometers) from Midtown Manhattan, across the water in New Jersey. Book a transfer to and from your lodging, take EWR's AirTrain to the airport train station and catch trains between the airport and NYC, or opt for the Newark Airport Express bus. Ride-sharing vehicles operate at the airport at specific locations.
Address: 3 Brewster Rd, Newark, New Jersey 07114, USA
From $ 12
New York Botanical Garden
Founded in 1891, the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is a 250-acre (101-hectare) green oasis amid the dense concrete of New York City. As well as a rose garden with more than 650 varieties and a 50-acre (20-hectare) forest, the garden also has an impressive Victorian-era glasshouse and a Home Gardening Center for amateur enthusiasts.
The Basics
Access to the NYBG is ticketed and visitors can book all-garden passes in advance. Once inside, explore the vast grounds, including the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the Thain Family Forest, and the Rock Garden. A good way to get your bearings—and save yourself from achy feet—is to take the tram tour. Some New York City sightseeing passes include free admission to the garden, as well as access to hop-on hop-off buses, which stop outside the entrance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- New York Botanical Garden is a must for anyone who needs a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- A visit to the garden inevitably involves some walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Most of the exhibits are outdoors; dress accordingly.
- Most areas are wheelchair accessible, as is the tram, though some sections are inaccessible because of sloping, uneven topography.
How to Get There
NYBG is situated on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx, NYC. To get here, ride the Metro–North Harlem local line from Grand Central terminal to the Botanical Garden station. The nearest subway stops are Bedford Park Boulevard (B, D, or 4 train) and Allerton Avenue (2), which are a 15-minute and a 20-minute walk away, respectively.
When to Get There
There is in no bad time to visit the NYBG. The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden is in full bloom May to October, while the Thain Family Forest is most spectacular during fall. The Holiday Train Show attracts crowds November to January, while the Orchid Show takes place in March and April. Ticket prices are reduced midweek, and admission to the grounds (excluding the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, special exhibitions, the Rock Garden, and the tram tour) is free on Wednesdays.
The Home Gardening Center
For keen gardeners, the NYBG’s Home Gardening Center is a big part of the garden’s appeal. Between March and November, the center offers a program designed to inspire and educate amateur gardeners. As well as model gardens and display areas, the center also offers tips from experts on vegetable gardening, composting, and other essential techniques.
Address: USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
New York City Little Italy
Like its neighbor Chinatown, Little Italy is a vibrant remnant of Manhattan’s legendary multicultural makeup. A great area for city walks, the focus is Mulberry Street and Old St Patrick’s Cathedral.
It’s a historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, tenements, pizza bars, and Italian restaurants. The most authentic remnant of Little Italy is the section of Mulberry Street between Broome and Canal streets.
In September Mulberry Street hosts the 11-day San Gennaro street festival, with parades, street vendors, and outdoor food stalls.
Practical Info
Little Italy is in Lower Manhattan, bordered by the Bowery, Bayard, Bleecker and Lafayette streets. Subways close by include Spring Street, Prince Street, and Broadway-Lafayette.
Address: Mulberry Street, New York City 10013, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 8
New York City Chinatown
Home to 95,000 people, New York City’s Chinatown is one of the largest and oldest ethnic Chinese enclaves in the United States. The Manhattan neighborhood offers a heady blend of restaurants, cafés, sidewalk food stalls, street vendors, and traditional herbal medicine shops. Round out the Chinatown experience at its museums and temples.
The Basics
Chinatown offers something for nearly everyone. Bargain for not-quite-right perfumes and handbags, dine on dim sum at an authentic Chinese tea house, shop for exotic Chinese antiques, find unusual ingredients in the Asian food markets to cook pork buns at home, and discover more than 150 years of history and culture at the Museum of Chinese in America and the city’s largest Buddhist temple. Columbus Park is a great place for a picnic after grabbing food from a street vendor.
Guided food tours are an excellent way to explore Chinatown. A Chinatown food tour includes an in-the-know tour guide who will show visitors around the neighborhood's best food options, from popular restaurants to hidden stalls. Private or small-group tours often combine routes in Chinatown and the adjacent neighborhoods of SoHo and Little Italy.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Chinatown is a great place to practice your Cantonese or Mandarin; there is also an increasing number of Fuzhounese-speaking residents.
- For a dim sum meal, unless you have a party large enough to fill a traditional oversized table, expect to share a communal table with other diners.
How to Get There
New York’s Chinatown is centered on Canal Street, the Bowery, Worth Street, and Baxter Street, and is bordered by Tribeca, Two Bridges, the Lower East Side, and Little Italy. Take the B or D subway and get off at Grand Street. The M9, M15, and M103 MTA buses traverse the neighborhood as well.
When to Get There
As is the rest of the City That Never Sleeps, Chinatown is always abuzz with some kind of activity, day or night. If you’re in search of a dim sum meal, you’ll find the freshest and best selection in the morning (as dim sum is typically eaten for breakfast).
Shopping in Chinatown
Next to eating, the best Big Apple Chinatown experience is shopping. Stroll your way down Canal Street between Broadway and Mulberry Street for the best stretch of sidewalk shopping, including knock-offs of all shapes, styles, and sizes. Other popular stops include Chinese candy stores, the enormous Asian groceries, and herbal medicine shops.
Address: Canal Street, 10013, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 8
Queens Museum
Queens is New York City’s most diverse borough and only one museum is dedicated to the people, history and stories of this iconic destination. Whether it’s artistic or educational, the Queens Museum offers up something for just about everyone and those is the know say it’s worth venturing beyond Manhattan.
Exhibitions cover a wide range of topics from Tiffany glass to the ins and outs of urban water systems. Travelers will find photo galleries showcasing images of the city skyline and even nods to pop culture with installations about the Ramones and punk rock. it may be off the traditional Manhattan tourist path, but the Queens Museum celebrates one of New York’s best boroughs.
Practical Info
The museum is located in the New York City Building in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. It is accessible via the number 7 train to Mets-Willets Point.
Address: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York City Building, Meridian Rd, Queens, New York 11368, USA
From $ 50
Radio City Music Hall
A gift to New York from the Rockefellers, this glitzy landmark has been entertaining the masses since the Rockettes dancing troop first kicked up their heels here in the early 1930s. The 6,000-seat theater still hosts nightly shows, with performers ranging from stand-up comedians to chart-topping musical artists.
The Basics
Getting a photograph of Radio City Music Hall’s famous neon sign is a rite of passage for first-time visitors to New York City. The iconic landmark is featured on many sightseeing tours of the city, as well as on hop-on hop-off bus tours. Travelers who want to explore the venue’s hallowed halls can join a Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour, when they may even get to meet a real-life Rockette.
For those who want to catch a show, the ultimate Radio City Music Hall experience is the annual Christmas Spectacular, during which the Radio City Rockettes put on a festive one-of-a-kind show.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visiting Radio City Music Hall is a must for anyone with an interest in NYC’s entertainment history.
- Radio City Music Hall is wheelchair accessible.
- Bags are thoroughly searched upon entry, so avoid bringing one to speed up the security process.
How to Get There
Radio City Music Hall is located in Midtown Manhattan. The best way to get there is by public transit. Take the subway to 50th Street/Broadway (1) or 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, or M). MTA buses M5, M6, M7, and M27/M50 all stop at Rockefeller Center/50th Street.
When to Get There
There is no bad time to visit Radio City Music Hall, with an exciting program of tours and events happening year-round. Consider coming during the holiday season to witness the Christmas Spectacular and to see Rockefeller Center decorated for the season. Ticket holders should arrive at least 30 minutes before their show.
Inside Radio City Music Hall
Designed by acclaimed industrial designer Donald Deskey, the Radio City Music Hall interior is an art deco masterpiece. Among the highlights are the sophisticated Grand Foyer and the auditorium itself, whose column-free design ensures that every seat in the house has an uninterrupted view of the Great Stage.
Address: 1260 Sixth Avenue, 10020, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
Experience the quiet country estate, also known as Springfield and overlooking the Hudson River, that Franklin D. Roosevelt called home. FDR’s wife Eleanor said the stately two-story Federal-style estate with gaudy green shutters had a “healing quality” for the President, and, still surrounded by 300 acres of wooded lots, it retains a peaceful atmosphere today. More modest than the Vanderbilt Estate just up the street, the home is filled with memories of the only US President to serve more than two terms and who led the US out of the Great Depression and until World War II. The site is both Roosevelt’s birthplace and final resting place—he was born in an upstairs bedroom and is buried alongside Eleanor and his favorite pet, a Scottish terrier named Fala, in the garden.
Everyone can wander the grounds via self-guided audio tours, but to glimpse the home’s wood-paneled early 19th century (mostly original) interior finery, you’ll need to buy a ticket and join a ranger-guided tour starting from the Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center. There, a looped 22-minute film shares some of the estate’s history. The tour winds past collections of paintings in the Entrance Hall to the Living Room and Library where FDR entertained notable nationals and foreign dignitaries, the Music Room, and several bedrooms. Top Cottage, a Dutch Colonial-style structure separate from the house built just for FDR as a retreat, is also open to visitors.
Also nearby and included in the price of admission, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the first US Presidential Library, can be visited by self guided tour.
Practical Info
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is located at 114 Estates Lane in Hyde Park, New York, about 90 miles north of New York City and six miles north of Poughkeepsie. The "Roosevelt Ride," a free shuttle service from Poughkeepsie Metro-North Station to several area historic sites, operates daily between May and October and requires advance reservations.
The grounds are free and open daily from sunrise to sunset. Tours of the house last about an hour and run between 9am and 5pm. Several departure times are offered daily, though times change seasonally and can sell out in the summer high season. Admission costs $18 and is valid for two days. A ranger-led tour of the surrounding grounds via FDR’s Farm Lane Tour is available for an additional $10.
Address: 4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, New York 12538, USA
Hours: The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Admission: Admission costs $18 and is valid for two days.
From $ 73
New York Transit Museum
Set in a decommissioned subway station in Brooklyn, the Transit Museum was opened in 1976 as part of America’s Bicentennial celebration. The original intention was for the museum to be temporary, but its displays of New York City transport memorabilia, subway dioramas, vintage streetcars and more proved so popular that the museum was made a permanent attraction.
In addition to a large archive of vintage photos, artifacts and documents (available to the public by appointment only) and rotating contemporary art exhibits, the museum presents three permanent exhibitions. Steel, Stone & Backbone: Building New York's Subways 1900-1925 is a thorough exploration of how the New York City subway was planned and implemented; the interactive Fare Collection features vintage turnstiles and modern-day MetroCard kiosks; and On the Streets: New York's Trolleys and Buses presents a simulated traffic intersection replete with a 12-seat bus, street signs, parking meters and fire hydrants, as well as histories of the men who electrified buses and streetcars.
In addition to a large archive of vintage photos, artifacts and documents (available to the public by appointment only) and rotating contemporary art exhibits, the museum presents three permanent exhibitions. Steel, Stone & Backbone: Building New York's Subways 1900-1925 is a thorough exploration of how the New York City subway was planned and implemented; the interactive Fare Collection features vintage turnstiles and modern-day MetroCard kiosks; and On the Streets: New York's Trolleys and Buses presents a simulated traffic intersection replete with a 12-seat bus, street signs, parking meters and fire hydrants, as well as histories of the men who electrified buses and streetcars.
Practical Info:
The museum has a gallery annex and store at Grand Central Terminal
in Midtown Manhattan, located just off the main concourse in the Shuttle
Passage, adjacent to the Station Masters' Office. Here you can purchase
clothing, accessories, maps, posters, toys and more that pertain to the
MTA. This gallery annex is open seven days a week.
Address: Boerum Place, New York, NY 11201, USA
Hours: Open Tue-Fri, 10am - 4pm; Sat & Sun, 11am - 5pm Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Admission: Adults $7, Children 2-17 $5
From $ 30
Prospect Park
This 585-acre park in the heart of the borough of Brooklyn is as much a destination for locals seeking an outdoor urban escape, as it is for travelers seeking to experience the beauty of the Big Apple’s other famous park. Regardless of the season, this epic landscape in the heart of Brooklyn offers up plenty to do, see, and enjoy. Well-paved loops and picturesque trails make for ideal traffic-free bike, running and walking paths. A great green lawn is the perfect place for sunbathing, picnics or an afternoon kickball or baseball game, and free outdoor grill space means warm-weather barbecues are always on point.
The much-loved Summer Stage series invites some of the biggest names in music to the park for free performances, and winter months mean free ice-skating and sledding, too. There are nature programs for children, a small zoo for family fun, horseback riding, and plenty of other family-focused activities available in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
Practical Info
Prospect Park is easily accessible using public transportation and an ideal place to visit any time of year.
Address: Brooklyn, New York 11215, USA
Hours: 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily
From $ 25
One World Observatory
Travelers looking to experience life—or, at least, New York City—on the top of the world need look no further than the One World Observatory. The tallest building in the western hemisphere, One World Trade Center features a high-speed elevator that shoots visitors straight to the three-story observatory in just 47 seconds. On the ride up, impressive time-lapse technology showcases the city’s transformation from the 1500s to the present in immersive floor-to-ceiling screens. At the top, spectacular 360-degree views of New York City’s waterways, iconic skyline, and renowned landmarks stretch for miles.
The Basics
Travelers to the One World Observatory are welcomed to One World Trade Center with video displays telling the story of the building’s construction, then head up 1,268 feet (386 meters) via 15-person sky pods to the main observation deck and the city’s best views. Several installations allow visitors to zero in on various neighborhoods and check out real-time footage of streets far below. Standard timed-entry admission tickets are available, as are skip-the-line priority reserved tickets, priority anytime tickets, and flexible tickets that allow entry at any time on a specific day or anytime after 4pm for sunset. Guided 45-minute highlights tours are offered by reservation. New York City tours that include One World Observatory admission often couple the visit with trips to other top attractions such as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Statue of Liberty, or Ellis Island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Standard day tickets are by timed entry. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
- It’s best to allot 45 minutes to an hour for the observatory tower.
- The One World Observatory and its exhibits are wheelchair accessible.
- There is no coat or bag check, and large backpacks and luggage are not permitted.
- One Mix, the bar on the 101st floor, offers snacks with a view. Outside food is not allowed.
How to Get There
The One World Observatory is located inside One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. The entrance is via the West Plaza located alongside West Street, at the northwest corner of the World Trade Center site. The tower is easily accessed by taxi, and a number of subway stops—including Chambers Street (A or C train), World Trade Center (E), Rector Street (1), Fulton Street (2, 3, 4, or 5), and Cortland Street (R or W)—are within short walking distance. The M20 and M55 buses also stop near the building.
When to Get There
One World Observatory is open daily from 9am to 8pm much of the year, and until 10pm May through August. Last entry is 45 minutes before closing. Daytime visits afford sweeping panoramic views, while evening and nighttime visits showcase the city’s romantic twinkling lights. And after the sun goes down, so do the prices—nighttime tickets are half price. Prime time—also the priciest time to visit—is from sunset to twilight, when visitors get to experience a little bit of both.
Dining at the Top of the World
One Dine, the highest restaurant in the United States, is accessible only to One World Observatory ticket holders and requires advance reservations. The 101st-floor fine dining establishment serves a seasonal menu and offers craft beer, wine, and cocktails overlooking the main observation floor. For small plates and drinks, head to One Mix (no reservations required).
Address: 285 Fulton Street, New York City, New York 10006, USA
Hours: Nov 17 - Jan 7: 9am - 9pm, May 5 - Sept 4: 9am - 10pm. Last entry one hour before closing.
Admission: Adults $36
From $ 19
Mast Brothers Chocolate
In the 1980s, the biggest chocolate bar choice was between Snickers and Mars. Today, the dynamic duo Mast Brothers has upped the ante with meticulously crafted artisanal chocolate with cocoa that’s sustainably sourced from around the globe. Innovative flavors like sea salt, smoke, olive oil and sheep milk take the timeless candy bar to the next level. It’s chocolate elevated for the adult palate.
And while these precious bars decked out in fashionable paper wrappers that reflect the Mast brothers’ own aesthetic are available in specialty stores nationwide, there’s no substitute for a stop at Mast Brothers Chocolate in Williamsburg. Travelers can tour the site, sample the rich, bold bars during a coached tasting, and learn about the drive it takes to continue to create the borough’s best bar. The shop’s sleek design is a nod to fashion house show rooms and highlights the refined style of these truly tasty bars.
Practical Info
Mast Brothers Chocolate is located near the Bedford Avenue stop of the L train in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is open from 10am until 8pm daily and free tours are available to all without appointment. Chocolate is produced at the nearby Navy Yard factory located at 46 Washington Avenue.
Address: 111 North 3rd Street, Brooklyn, New York 11249, USA
Hours: 10am to 8pm daily
From $ 55
New York Stock Exchange
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the world’s largest stock exchange, a symbol of capitalism and commerce in the United States. This iconic NYC building is both a landmark of the world financial industry and the epicenter of American finance.
The Basics
Although the stock exchange trading floor is closed to the public due to security regulations, guided tours of New York City frequently combine an exterior photo stop at the stock exchange with tours of Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, Lower Manhattan, the Federal Reserve, and the greater Financial District. The building’s Roman design and impressive columns bearing fluttering US flags make for picture-perfect photo ops.
How to Get to the New York Stock Exchange
The New York Stock Exchange is in Lower Manhattan on Wall Street, between Broad and New streets. New York City isn’t the easiest to navigate by car, so arriving by cab, on foot, or via public transit is the way to go. The closest subway stations are at Wall Street, Broad Street, and Rector Street.
When to Get There
The external facade is equally impressive in the daylight and when lit up at night. Visit by day with a guided tour to see the goings-on around the active building, or at night for a quieter experience.
Expand Your Knowledge
In lieu of witnessing the action on the trading floor, visit the nearby Museum of American Finance to get your financial history fix.
The Basics
Although the stock exchange trading floor is closed to the public due to security regulations, guided tours of New York City frequently combine an exterior photo stop at the stock exchange with tours of Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, Lower Manhattan, the Federal Reserve, and the greater Financial District. The building’s Roman design and impressive columns bearing fluttering US flags make for picture-perfect photo ops.
- History buffs will benefit from the narrative that comes with guided tours of the stock exchanges exterior.
- Most guided walking tours of the area last about two hours.
- Tours that also visit sights such as Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty generally depart from nearby Battery Park.
How to Get to the New York Stock Exchange
The New York Stock Exchange is in Lower Manhattan on Wall Street, between Broad and New streets. New York City isn’t the easiest to navigate by car, so arriving by cab, on foot, or via public transit is the way to go. The closest subway stations are at Wall Street, Broad Street, and Rector Street.
When to Get There
The external facade is equally impressive in the daylight and when lit up at night. Visit by day with a guided tour to see the goings-on around the active building, or at night for a quieter experience.
Expand Your Knowledge
In lieu of witnessing the action on the trading floor, visit the nearby Museum of American Finance to get your financial history fix.
Address: 11 Wall Street, New York City 10005, USA
Hours: Interior not open to the public
From $ 19
New Amsterdam Theatre
If you love Disney and Broadway, then the New Amsterdam Theatre might be your little slice of heaven in Manhattan. The narrow Beaux-Arts building, around the corner from iconic Times Square, is home to Disney Theatrical Productions — featuring live, colorful, loud, and showy versions of Walt Disney’s silver screen classics. Though the building was one of the Theater District’s earliest venues, first opened in the early 1900s, the ornate interior detailing — wall frescoes, cupped box seats and finely detailed ceiling fixtures — are mostly new or restored since Disney took over the historic playhouse in 1995.
Choose your vantage from among the 1,702 seats, arrayed in three levels — orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony (including boxes) — all with good sight lines, but beware that some find the seats too narrow and the theater chillier than other Broadway venues. The New Amsterdam recently hosted productions of the Lion King, Marry Poppins, as well as various benefits and concerts. It is currently selling tickets for its glitzy rendition of Aladdin, featuring familiar and new music not included in the animated version.
Practical Info
The New Amsterdam Theatre is located at 214 West 42nd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues in the Theater District of Manhattan. The box office, on the lower floor of the theatre is open Monday through Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday from 10am -8pm and Sunday 10am-6:30pm. Shows run at least once a day between Tuesday and Sunday and ticket prices vary based on show time (weeknights tend to be cheaper than weekends) and seats selected. Shows run about 2 hours and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Children under four and recording devices of any kind are not permitted inside the theatre.
Address: 214 West 42nd Street, New York City, New York, USA
Hours: Varies by performance
Admission: Varies
From $ 72