Choose from 201 Fun Things to Do in New York
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St. Patrick's Cathedral
The largest neo-Gothic, Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States, St. Patrick’s Cathedral occupies an entire city block, and welcomes millions of visitors annually. First built in 1879, the New York City landmark is renowned for its soaring spires, colossal organ, and exemplary rose window, and is the seat of the Archbishop of New York.
The Basics
St. Patrick’s is a New York icon and rich in the city’s lore: F. Scott Fitzgerald wed Zelda Sayre at the cathedral, and Babe Ruth’s funeral was held here. Today, St. Patrick’s awes visitors with its white marble edifice, enormous bronze doors, and numerous altars. A recent restoration, which involved cleaning and repairing the cathedral’s interior and exterior, means St. Patrick’s looks more impressive than ever.
Thanks to its accessible location in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a popular stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours, private driving and walking tours, self-guided audio tours, bicycle tours, and more. During the festive season, the cathedral is additionally included in a number of Christmas-themed itineraries. St. Patrick’s also offers guided group tours that you can book in advance, plus open public tours held at 10am on select days.
Things to Know Before You Go
- St. Patrick’s is a don’t-miss for fans of religious architecture, history buffs, and the faithful.
- A self-guided audio tour of St. Patrick’s is available via smartphone app, as well as handheld devices provided by the cathedral.
- The cathedral hosts Mass at different times throughout the day; during Mass, no talking or photography is permitted.
- The cathedral is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Located in bustling Midtown Manhattan, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is easy to access. The 1, 2, 4, 6, D, and E subway lines all stop within a few blocks of the landmark, while Grand Central Terminal, which includes access to Metro-North trains and additional subway lines, is roughly a 10-block walk away. You can also reach St. Patrick’s on foot or by taxi or bus.
When to Get There
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is open daily from 6:30am to 8pm, with varying hours during the holidays. Visit on Sunday afternoons for the cathedral’s organ recital series, or attend period guest choir concerts; both are free and open to the public. Christmas and Easter are particularly festive times to visit St. Patrick’s, as it hosts a special schedule of Masses.
Celebrating Christmas at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is given by the Archbishop of New York, is one of New York’s most popular Christmas traditions. Tickets are available on a lottery basis; register in advance. If you are unable to attend, the cathedral also hosts a Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at 5:30pm, and Christmas Day Mass at 8am and 12pm.
Address: 460 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
From $ 10
Wild Center at Tupper Lake
Explore 81 acres (33 hectares) of New York open space at Tupper Lake's Wild Center, an indoor/outdoor science center running by Adirondack Park. Between five indoor exhibits and miles of open trails, you'll learn everything you need to know about the area's natural surroundings. Head to Big Wolf Great Hall inside the center for one of its daily wildlife shows, where you'll see live animals like ravens, porcupines, owls, and snakes. Outside, you can weave through the treetops and visit a four-story tree-house along the elevated Wild Walk walking path for incredible views of the forest.
For a more immersive experience, sign up for a free, guided hike through the trails or ride a canoe down the Raquette River for an extra fee. You can also man the trails on your own. Hike the Living River Trail to pass a running waterfall and the park's resident otters, and don't forget about the complimentary snowshoes if it's icy out there.
Practical Info
The Wild Center is located at Tupper Lake in upstate New York. It is near the center of Adirondack Park and is best reached by car. It is open daily from the end of May to mid-October, and only Friday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, thereafter. If off-season, it’s best to check the website for openings. Admission costs $20 for adults and $13 for children, and tickets are good for two days.
Address: T45 Museum Dr, Tupper Lake, New York, USA
Hours: Daily 10am–5pm (May–Oct); Fri & Sat: 10am–5pm (Nov–Apr)
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Staten Island Ferry
The distinctive orange Staten Island Ferry passing through New York Harbor has been a familiar sight to New Yorkers since 1905, when the fleet first began carrying commuters between Staten Island and Manhattan. In recent years the free ferry has gained traction with tourists, who crowd the decks to admire front-row views of New York City’s dazzling skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.
The Basics
The Staten Island Ferry is first and foremost a commuter vessel, and there is no on-board commentary. For extra insight, context, and information about the surrounding sights, join a guided tour of NYC or Lower Manhattan that includes a round-trip on the ferry. To maximize your experience, take the trip out to Staten Island during the day and return after dark to see the NYC skyline all lit up. The voyage to Staten Island takes around 25 minutes each way. Boats depart at least every 30 minutes, with more frequent departures during commuter rush hours. No ticket is required.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For the best views of Lady Liberty, sit on the right side of a Staten Island–bound ferry.
- Some, though not all, ferries in the fleet have large outdoor side decks, which afford the best views.
- The ferry is accessible to wheelchair users.
- Refreshments, including beer and hot dogs, are available on board.
- All passengers must disembark at St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island.
How to Get There
The Staten Island Ferry runs between Whitehall, near Battery Park in Manhattan, and St. George on Staten Island. To get to the Whitehall Terminal, take the subway (1 train) to South Ferry. Other nearby subway stations include Bowling Green (4 and 5), Broad Street (J and Z), and Whitehall Street (1, R, and W).
When to Get There
The best time of year to ride the ferry is during summer, or on warm spring or fall days when you can comfortably soak up the view from the open-air decks. If you don’t like crowds, avoid rush hours (6–9am for boats departing from Staten Island, and 4–7pm for boats departing from Manhattan).
Exploring One of New York’s Lesser-Known Boroughs
Most visitors to NYC never venture outside Manhattan and Brooklyn, though Staten Island—New York’s least-populated borough—has several fascinating sites. Within easy reach of St. George Terminal is the Lighthouse Museum, St George’s Historical District, and the waterfront Richmond County Bank Ballpark, where the minor league Staten Island Yankees (not to be confused with the major league New York Yankees) play. Also of note is the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, home to the Noble Maritime Collection and Staten Island Children's Museum.
Address: Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 4 South Street, New York City 10004, USA
Hours: Open 24 hours every day
Admission: Free
From $ 35
Whitney Museum of Art
The Whitney (as it’s locally known) was established in 1931 by sculptor and arts patron Getrude Vanderbilt Whitney when the Metropolitan Museum of Art rejected her personal collection of 600 avant-garde works of art. The museum houses over 19,000 unique, modern and sometimes controversial works from the 20th and 21st centuries, many by still-living artists.
Especially renowned for its Whitney Biennial exhibition, which highlights the work of young and emerging artists, the museum is devoted to connecting under-the-radar artists with New York’s wealthiest and most influential art collectors. Held every two years in the spring, the Biennial often features huge sculpture displays that are mounted in nearby Central Park.
At present, architect Renzo Piano has created a new home for the Whitney, on Gansevoort Street in the Lower West Side’s Meatpacking District. This new version of the museum, which has just recently opened, also marks the entrance to the High Line, a mile-long elevated greenway that repurposes an old stretch of the New York Central Railroad.
Especially renowned for its Whitney Biennial exhibition, which highlights the work of young and emerging artists, the museum is devoted to connecting under-the-radar artists with New York’s wealthiest and most influential art collectors. Held every two years in the spring, the Biennial often features huge sculpture displays that are mounted in nearby Central Park.
At present, architect Renzo Piano has created a new home for the Whitney, on Gansevoort Street in the Lower West Side’s Meatpacking District. This new version of the museum, which has just recently opened, also marks the entrance to the High Line, a mile-long elevated greenway that repurposes an old stretch of the New York Central Railroad.
Practical Info:
Free docent-led tours of current exhibitions are offered daily,
generally starting between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. On the museum’s
lower level, a modern farm-to-table café, Untitled, is open the same
hours as the museum; those coming here just to dine need not pay museum
admission.
Address: 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014, USA
Hours: Open 10:30a-6pm Mon, Weds, & Sun. Open 10:30a-10pm Thurs-Sat. Closed Tues.
Admission: Adults $22, Seniors/Students $18, Members Free, Under 18 Free
From $ 25
Strong National Museum of Play
While we might not regularly think of it as such, simply sitting down to play for a while is a science unto itself. What is it that captures the imagination or piques a particular interest, and what form of playing is educational—rather than just passing time? These are some the questions explored at the National Museum of Play—formerly the Strong National Museum of Play in the city of Rochester, New York. There are interactive and hands on exhibits on everything from video games to action figures, and the center has a way of bringing out the kid in even the most serious of adults. There’s a video arcade full of classic games and enormous exhibits on Sesame Street, and even an indoor butterfly garden that is filled with 1,000 butterflies. While the center is heavily geared towards kids, it ends up being a family outing that everyone in the party can enjoy, since it’s hard to go wrong when visiting a building full of 400,000 toys.
Practical Info
There is a small restaurant on site if you end up wanting to visit for the entire day, which ends up happening fairly frequently for families swept up in the fun. The museum is located towards the center of Rochester, only a couple blocks back from the Genessee River on the western side of town. It costs $14 per person ages 2 and up, and an additional $4 for a 20-minute experience inside of the butterfly garden.
Address: 1 Manhattan Square Drive, Rochester, New York 14607, USA
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, and Sun 12pm-5pm
Admission: $14
From $ 16
St. Paul's Chapel
Located at 209 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, St. Paul’s Chapel is Manhattan’s oldest public building in continuous use. Moreover, it is the only surviving church from the Revolutionary Era, and holds much history from this period. Opened in 1766, it is part of the Episcopal Parish of Trinity Church and has been a place of worship and refuge for many over the years, including George Washington and Revolutionary War British Generals Cornwallis and Howe, who would go there to pray and 9/11 recovery workers who were cared for inside the chapel. If you’re interested in seeing where George Washington himself sat inside the church, there is an oil painting of the Great Seal of the United State over his pew. The interior of the church is less grand and more cozy yet elegant with glass chandeliers and an ornamental design above the alter created by a French veteran of the revolution, Pierre L’Enfant. For those who want to do more than just wander around the site, St. Paul’s is extremely active and holds regular mass, concerts and lectures.
Hours for St. Paul’s Chapel are 10am - 6pm Monday through Saturday and 7am to 6pm on Sundays. To get to the chapel by subway you can take the 4, 5, 2, 3, A, C to Broadway-Nassau Street; E to Chambers Street; 6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall.
Hours for St. Paul’s Chapel are 10am - 6pm Monday through Saturday and 7am to 6pm on Sundays. To get to the chapel by subway you can take the 4, 5, 2, 3, A, C to Broadway-Nassau Street; E to Chambers Street; 6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall.
Address: 209 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA
From $ 19
Tenement Museum
In an 1863 tenement building, the captivating Tenement Museum provides insights into the hardscrabble lives of newly arrived immigrant families in New York City’s Lower East Side during the 19th and 20th centuries. Guided tours demonstrate the challenges newcomers to America faced and show how migrants helped shape the area.
The Basics
The Tenement Museum can be visited only as part of a guided tour. Tours fall into three categories: tours of restored and re-created tenement buildings and businesses, neighborhood walking tours, and tours led by costumed interpreters portraying former residents. All tours begin at the visitor center, where a video provides some background information on the tenements and the people who lived in them. For a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience, opt for a private guided tour that includes a cruise around the Statue of Liberty, a trip to Ellis Island, and a walking tour of the formerly immigrant-heavy Lower East Side and East Village neighborhoods. The Tenement Museum also features on some food-focused neighborhood tours that show the big influence multiethnic inhabitants have had on local cuisine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most guided museum tours last one to two hours.
- Some tours require participants to climb several flights of stairs so are not accessible to wheelchair users.
- Tours often sell out, so book in advance to ensure a spot on your preferred date and tour.
How to Get There
While the tenement building is at 97 Orchard Street, all tours begin and end at the visitor center at 103 Orchard Street. The nearest subway stops are Delancey Street (F train), Essex Street (J, M, and Z), and Grand Street (B and D), all of which are within five minutes’ walking distance of the museum.
When to Get There
The Tenement Museum is very popular and tours frequently sell out during summer, so it’s best to book in advance. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour’s start time so you can check in and store your bags. Allow more time if you want to watch the 30-minute movie at the visitor center before the tour.
How to Choose a Tenement Museum Tour
Hard Times, a building tour that encompasses tours of two apartments—one belonging to the German-Jewish Gumpertz family and the other to the Italian-Catholic Baldizzi family—provides a captivating introduction to life in the tenements, while Irish Outsiders follows the Moore family as they prepare for St. Patrick’s Day in 1869. For children 5 years old and under, Meet Victoria Confino—an interactive tour with a costumed guide—is recommended. Shop Life, a tour that focuses on immigrant businesses, is the only wheelchair-accessible tour to enter 97 Orchard Street.
Address: 103 Orchard St, New York, NY 1002, USA
Hours: Fri - Wed: 10:00am - 6:30pm, Thurs: 10am - 8:30pm; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day.
Admission: Tour prices vary.
From $ 38
Washington Square Park
Named after the first president of the United States, Washington Square Park has become an iconic landmark in New York City, hosting both community gatherings and international travelers. Situated in funky Greenwich Village, the park began as marshland. Tales have circulated regarding the park’s use as an old ‘potter’s field,’ or common grave site, which attracts many spook-seekers today. The grand fountain and marble arch, both honoring the park’s namesake, draw in visitors seeking a connection to America’s history, or simply a spot to people-watch.
Since 1827, the land has served as a public park, accommodating its’ eclectic community by serving as a playground, avant-garde artist hub, dog park, chess championship ground and much more. Take a tour of the 9.75-acre park, or simply sunbathe on the greenery and soak up the NYC atmosphere.
Practical Info
Washington Square park is located in Greenwich Village, Manhattan in New York. The park is at Fifth Avenue, bordered by Waverly Place, University Place, West 4th Street, and MacDougal Street.
Address: Fifth Avenue, bordered by Waverly Place, University Place, West 4th Street, MacDougal Street, New York City, NY, USA, USA
From $ 20
Wilderstein Historic Site
When Thomas Holy Suckley purchased a stunning plot of land along the riverfront back in 1852, he had a vision for building a residency that paid homage to the natural beauty the Hudson River Valley was known for. The building’s exterior originally took on the look of an Italian Villa, while the home’s interiors were designed by the now-famous Joseph Burr Tiffany.
Visitors to this iconic home just in the heart of the Hudson Valley will be able to journey through time as they walk through the picturesque hallways of this well-preserved destination. The interiors showcase some of the best of early American design and the grounds offer up one of the most breathtaking romantic landscapes in the Valley.
In addition to exploring the Wilderstein’s beautiful interiors, travelers can also check out the network of trails, walkways and carriage routes that wind through some 40-acres of land. Although tours of the home are available between May and October only, the grounds are open year-round from 9am-4pm and are free of charge to walk.
Practical Info
The Wilderstein is located at 330 Morton Road in Rhinebeck, New York. It is accessible via Amtrak from New York City by taking the train from Penn Station to Rhinecliff-Kingston Station. The historic site is about 1.5 miles from the train station. Tour season is May through October, Thursday through Sunday. Entrance is $11 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
Address: 330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck, USA
Hours: Tour season is May through October, Thursday through Sunday
Admission: $11 for adults and $10 for students and seniors
From $ 73
Wall Street
Synonymous with US financial markets, capitalism, and the history of early New York, Wall Street runs for eight blocks, from Broadway to South streets, through Lower Manhattan. It may be the financial heart of the city and bustling with traders most days of the week, but the area also offers plenty of historic interest to visitors.
The Basics
Wall Street features many examples of grand architecture, including the New York Stock Exchange and the 18th-century Federal Hall, commemorating the site where the first US Congress convened and Washington was sworn in as president. More contemporary works include Santiago Calatrava’s World Trade Center Oculus and One World Trade Center, the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.
With New York’s Financial District also inextricably connected to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, many walking tours of the area include visits to the National September 11 Memorial. Tours (private and group) typically also take visitors to such landmarks as the Charging Bull sculpture and New York Stock Exchange and some also include access to the One World Observatory. Fans of the hit musical Hamilton can also take a specialized walking tour to places associated with the Founding Father.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wall Street is a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.
- The 9/11 Memorial is free to visit, but there is an entrance fee to the museum.
- Remember to behave in a way befitting the somber nature of the 9/11 Memorial.
- The New York Stock Exchange is no longer open to visitors, but the Federal Reserve offers free tours.
How to Get There
Wall Street, Rector Street, Fulton Street, and Broad Street subway stations are all clustered around Wall Street, making the area easily accessible from anywhere on New York’s subway system.
When to Get There
On weekends, when banks are closed and streets are near empty, it can feel like you have the whole place to yourself, allowing you the space to take in the architecture. Note, however, that Wall Street restaurants primarily serving the people who work there are usually also closed on weekends. If you want to see Wall Street in action, visit on a weekday morning.
One World Observatory
Located on the 100th to 102nd floors of the 1,776-foot -high (541 meter) One World Trade Center, the One World Observatory offers the most expansive views in the city, as well as informational, interactive exhibits. Booking priority admission gives you access to the VIP line and the VIP elevator, which takes you straight to the top without waiting in line.
Address: Wall Street, 10005, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 14
West Village
The West Village, one of New York City’s most celebrated neighborhoods, is home to many of the city’s top restaurants and shops. A large part of its draw are the tree-lined, cobblestone streets in all their urban charm. The area’s Bohemian past, 19th century townhouses, and small boutiques are still alive and well. It has a quaintness that sets it apart from the rest of Manhattan — yet it is still a hotspot of activity.
The West Village has been a center of many social and cultural movements, including Beat literature and gay rights. Though it is mostly residential (real estate is highly sought after,) it’s home to iconic spots such as Magnolia Bakery and the White Horse Tavern. You can also take a walk along the Hudson River Park, also found in this neighborhood. It’s one of the best (and most scenic) places in Manhattan to simply stroll and absorb the energy of the city.
Practical Info
The West Village is the western area of Greenwich Village in Lower Manhattan. To get there, take the 1 train to Christopher Street, or the A, C, E, B, D or F Subway lines to West 4th Street.
Address: Houston St. to 14th St. and Sixth Ave. to Hudson River, New York City, New York, USA, USA
From $ 35
Upper West Side
Located between Central Park and the Hudson River and West 59th Street and West 110th Street, the Upper West Side is known for being one of Manhattan’s more upscale residential neighborhoods, with beautiful brownstones and a generally safe atmosphere. For those looking to experience some of New York’s best cultural sites, the Upper West Side has plenty. For example, Lincoln Center is an important cultural institution in the neighborhood, as the center puts on an array of topnotch music, dance and theater performances. In fact, it is home to some of the world’s most elite performing arts groups like The Juilliard School, The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet and the New York Philharmonic.
There is also the American Museum of Natural History, American Folk Art Museum, The Cloisters Museum and Gardens, The Children’s Museum, Museum of Arts & Design, Nicholas Roerich Museum and New York’s oldest museum founded in 1804, the New-York Historical Society. Outdoor beauty also abounds in the Upper West Side between two parks, the iconic Central Park as well as the tranquil Riverside Park which runs along the Hudson River from 58th to 156th streets.
To get to the Upper West Side by subway, you can take the 1 to 66th Street-Lincoln Center; 1, 2, 3, B, C to 72nd Street or 96th Street; 1 to 79th Street; B, C to 81st Street; 1, B, C to 86th Street; 1, B, C to 103rd Street or 110th Street.
There is also the American Museum of Natural History, American Folk Art Museum, The Cloisters Museum and Gardens, The Children’s Museum, Museum of Arts & Design, Nicholas Roerich Museum and New York’s oldest museum founded in 1804, the New-York Historical Society. Outdoor beauty also abounds in the Upper West Side between two parks, the iconic Central Park as well as the tranquil Riverside Park which runs along the Hudson River from 58th to 156th streets.
To get to the Upper West Side by subway, you can take the 1 to 66th Street-Lincoln Center; 1, 2, 3, B, C to 72nd Street or 96th Street; 1 to 79th Street; B, C to 81st Street; 1, B, C to 86th Street; 1, B, C to 103rd Street or 110th Street.
Address: USA
From $ 39
Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial
Located in Central Park, Strawberry Fields encompasses 2.5 acres dedicated to Beatles band member John Lennon. Opened in 1985, five years after Lennon was murdered outside his home at The Dakota apartments, the memorial is named after The Beatles’ hit “Strawberry Fields Forever.” The focus of the memorial is a stone mosaic with inlaid tiles spelling out the word “Imagine,” named after another famous Beatles’ song. This is where you’ll catch impromptu jam sessions by fans, especially on the anniversary dates of John Lennon’s birthday on October 9 and death on December 8. It’s also a place for vigils, such as after the September 11th attacks, as well as memorials for other beloved musicians. While the entire memorial is a place of peace, the Garden of Peace is particularly special, filled with plant life and rocks donated by 150 different countries for contemplative meditation.
To get to the memorial, visitors should enter at Central Park West at West 72nd Street. To get there using the subway, take the A,B,C,1,2,3 to 72nd Street.
To get to the memorial, visitors should enter at Central Park West at West 72nd Street. To get there using the subway, take the A,B,C,1,2,3 to 72nd Street.
Address: USA
From $ 8
Statue of Liberty
Guarding the entrance to New York Harbor on Liberty Island, the 305-foot (93-meter) Statue of Liberty came to the United States as a gift from France to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Lady Liberty has been a symbol of democracy and hope for NYC and the US since 1886. Together with neighboring Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty National Monument is administered by the National Park Service.
The Basics
Statue of Liberty tours start with a scenic ferry ride to the island, where you can explore the grounds or head to the famed, 10-story-high observation pedestal to see the original torch and gain great views and photo ops of the New York City skyline and neighboring New Jersey. It's also possible to secure tickets to the crown for an up-close at Lady Liberty, but be prepared to climb 354 steeply winding steps to the top.
When to Get There
Combine Your Statue of Liberty Visit with a Stop at Ellis Island
The Basics
Statue of Liberty tours start with a scenic ferry ride to the island, where you can explore the grounds or head to the famed, 10-story-high observation pedestal to see the original torch and gain great views and photo ops of the New York City skyline and neighboring New Jersey. It's also possible to secure tickets to the crown for an up-close at Lady Liberty, but be prepared to climb 354 steeply winding steps to the top.
Guided tours feature live narration and historical insight while offering personal attention, and informative audio tours explore the construction and restoration of the monument. The monument is also a highlight on New York Harbor cruises, city helicopter tours, and waterfront walking tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Liberty Island is southwest of the tip of Manhattan in Upper New York Bay. To visit, catch a Statue Cruises ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan; the ferry continues to Ellis Island if you'd like to also visit there. The closest subway stations for Battery Park are South Ferry and Bowling Green.
- Choose between three levels of access: grounds only, pedestal access, or crown access. Pedestal and crown tickets should be booked well in advance.
- Opt for an exclusive early-access tour to beat the crowds.
- Access to the Statue of Liberty museum is included with pedestal tickets.
- While the observation deck is not wheelchair accessible, the information center, gift pavilion, bookstore, and exterior grounds are.
- All visitors to the monument are subject to security screening.
Liberty Island is southwest of the tip of Manhattan in Upper New York Bay. To visit, catch a Statue Cruises ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan; the ferry continues to Ellis Island if you'd like to also visit there. The closest subway stations for Battery Park are South Ferry and Bowling Green.
When to Get There
Summertime crowds can get intense, so the earlier you arrive at Battery Park for the first few departing ferries, the better. Booking priority-access tickets in advance is a helpful way to maximize your time. The first ferry to Liberty Island departs at 9:30am and the last departs at 3:30pm, with extended hours in summer and around holidays.
Combine Your Statue of Liberty Visit with a Stop at Ellis Island
Many visitors choose to combine a Statue of Liberty tour with a visit to nearby Ellis Island; your ferry ticket includes access to both stops, and many guided tours offer a combination experience. Visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to learn about the history of immigration in the United States.
Address: Liberty Island, New York City, New York 10004, USA
Hours: Daily 8:30am - 6pm
Admission: US$17
From $ 18
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Travelers to picturesque Dutchess County will find what is easily recognized as one of the best examples of Gilded Age architecture in the area. Built in 1832, the 25-room mansion was originally the home of Morgan Lewis, a governor of New York, and later was passed down to his great-granddaughter. The home was mostly used for parties and entertaining, since the family more frequently stayed in their Paris, Rhode Island, New York of California homes.
Visitors to this iconic estate will find a massive portico outside the imposing building, complete with regal columns and an impressive façade. The interior is decorated in typical French style, with towering 18-foot ceilings in some areas. Its restored turn-of-the-century charm continues to attract travelers interested in seeing how the Mid-Atlantic’s elite once lived.
Guided tours of the home and grounds are available for those who want to learn more about the architecture, history and lifestyle of the Staatsburgh State Historic Site’s former residents.
Practical Info
The historic site is located at 75 Mills Mansion 6 Road in Staatsburg, New York. It is open to visitors Thursday through Sunday from 11am-5pm.
Address: 75 Mills Mansion 6 Road, Staatsburg, USA
Hours: Open Thursday-Sunday from 11am-5pm
From $ 73
West Point
Less than an hour north of New York City, West Point is home to the United States Military Academy, the West Point Museum and the West Point Golf Course. A trip to this historic defense hub provides ample opportunity to learn about the military history of America on a cadet-guided tour of the academy grounds. Travelers can learn about student life at the West Point Museum near the town’s Visitor Center, where regular film showings, a small museum and an expansive gift shop make for the perfect stop. The museum is also home to the oldest and largest collection of military memorabilia in the Western Hemisphere.
Practical Info
West Point is located in Orange County, 40 miles north of New York City on the western side of the Hudson River.
Address: West Point, New York, USA
From $ 275
Verrazano Narrows Bridge
This iconic double-decker suspension bridge that connects Staten Island to Brooklyn spans some 4,260 feet and was once the longest bridge of its kind on earth. Perhaps best known as the starting point for the famed New York City Marathon, it offers stunning views of incredible city skylines and easy passage between two of the Big Apple’s boroughs.
Opened in 1964, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge was the last public works project in the city that was overseen by the famous Robert Moses. Roughly 12,000 people helped to construct this incredible thruway and since every cruise ship bound for ports in New York or New Jersey has to pass beneath this bridge, its height and specifications are taken into consideration when ships are designed.
Practical Info
The bridge’s toll is $11.08 for drivers using E-ZPass and $16 for all other vehicles. The fare is only collected on cars entering State Island.
Address: Staten Island, New York 10305, USA
Hours: 24 hours
Admission: $16
From $ 101
Stone Street Historic District
The borough of Manhattan is filled with iconic buildings, famous landmarks and world-class restaurants. It’s also home to plenty of places that serve to unlock stories of the city’s colorful past. Stone Street Historic District, where one of the oldest streets in Manhattan still exists, is one such location.
The small two-block Mecca of bars and restaurants is located in the heart of the city’s Financial District. The surrounding streets are typically swarming with suits, but during summer months, café tables filled with tourists and local businessmen dot the area. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite or a drink on the way to Battery Park or after spending a morning wandering Wall Street and Lower Manhattan.
Practical Info
Stone Street Historic District includes Stone Street, South William Street and Pearl Street, as well as Coenties Alley.
Address: New York, New York, USA, USA
From $ 35
Saks Fifth Avenue
Arguably the most luxurious department store in the city, Saks Fifth Avenue is the result of a partnership between two powerful New York City department store families: the Saks’ and Gimbel Brothers. In September 1924, Horace Saks and Bernard Gimbel opened this famous chain’s flagship store in Midtown Manhattan, next door to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and across the street from the site that would become, in 1939, Rockefeller Center.
Saks’ flagship building occupies an entire city block and is decorated in the Art Deco style, inspired by the 1925 Paris Exposition. The store’s layout is divided into a series of high-end specialty shops, each highlighting individual designers of clothing, accessories and home wares. The 8th floor shoe department, 10022-SHOE, is a fantasy-inducing collection of the world’s greatest luxury shoe designers, and is named with the zip code of the surrounding neighborhood.
Though utilizing ground floor windows for elaborate product displays had become common practice by the 1920s, the flagship has since become especially famous for its window scenes, which feature entire room sets, costumes, mannequins, a wide variety of art and craft materials, video projection screens and more. Especially at Christmastime, the window displays here are a tourist attraction all on their own.
Saks’ flagship building occupies an entire city block and is decorated in the Art Deco style, inspired by the 1925 Paris Exposition. The store’s layout is divided into a series of high-end specialty shops, each highlighting individual designers of clothing, accessories and home wares. The 8th floor shoe department, 10022-SHOE, is a fantasy-inducing collection of the world’s greatest luxury shoe designers, and is named with the zip code of the surrounding neighborhood.
Though utilizing ground floor windows for elaborate product displays had become common practice by the 1920s, the flagship has since become especially famous for its window scenes, which feature entire room sets, costumes, mannequins, a wide variety of art and craft materials, video projection screens and more. Especially at Christmastime, the window displays here are a tourist attraction all on their own.
Address: 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
Hours: Open Mon-Sat, 10am - 8pm; Sun, 11am - 7pm
From $ 35
Whirlpool State Park
Whirlpool State Park proves that the Niagara region’s natural beauty doesn’t end with Niagara Falls. With hiking trails, picnic tables, Niagara River views, and an impressive whirlpool, this park is a great place to spend a few hours. Thanks to the highly oxygenated water, there’s good salmon and trout fishing here, too.
The Basics
Situated on the grassy, wooded area beside Niagara Gorge, the whirlpool is a natural formation downstream from Niagara Falls. It was created by the enormous volume of water passing through. A public learning center encourages visitors to find out more about the park and its natural features.
Visitors on day tours to the US side of Niagara Falls often make a quick stop at Whirlpool State Park. Scenic helicopter tours are also available, from which you can see the park and the whirlpool from above. Visit independently if you want to spend a bit more time in the park. Pack a picnic and hit the trails, or just relax.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While the park is open year-round, the restrooms are only operational between mid-April and late October.
- The park’s natural history room is open daily from May to September, and only during weekends the rest of the year.
- The park is to the south of the 42-acre (17-hectare) Devil’s Hole State Park, which also overlooks the Niagara Gorge. It’s worth combining a trip to the two parks for a leisurely day out in nature.
How to Get There
Aside from organized bus tours, the Discover Niagara Shuttle is a convenient way to visit Whirlpool State Park, on the US side of the Niagara Gorge, near Lewiston. Park your car and explore the Niagara region on this hop-on hop-off shuttle, which connects 15 sites along a 14-mile (22.5-kilometer) route.
When to Get There
The park is at its best during summer and fall, when the weather is fine and the greenery and foliage are at their most colorful. Fishing is best during fall and winter, but winters here are cold and snowy, so dress appropriately. The park is open from dawn till dusk throughout the year.
African-American History at Lewiston
Lewiston, near Whirlpool State Park, is a small town with an interesting history. The Freedom Crossing Monument honors Lewiston’s place on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes across the US that runaway slaves used to escape to Canada in the 19th century. As Lewiston is within sight of Canada, many slaves passed through here on their way to freedom.
Address: Robert Moses State Parkway, Niagara Falls, New York 14303, USA
From $ 66