Choose from 159 Fun Things to Do in New York City
ShowingFilter 81-100 of 159 listings.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
One of three main airports in the New York City area (the others being Newark and LaGuardia), John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, is one of the most frequented transportation hubs on the east coast. It has six terminals (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8) and is the operations base for JetBlue and an international hub for Delta and American airlines.
The Basics
New York City traffic is nothing to joke about, so avoid the stress 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 a private transfer by sedan or SUV provides a more luxurious and flexible experience with Brooklyn service options as well. It’s possible to book a skip-the-line airport transfer to avoid having to wait at the curb for your ride. For VIP transportation, there’s even a helicopter transfer from the airport to Lower Manhattan.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Terminal 1 is international with airlines such as Air France, Cayman Airways, and Korean Air, while terminal 2 is Delta domestic.
- Terminal 4 is international with Asiana, Caribbean, Emirates, Delta, Singapore, SWISS, and Virgin Atlantic airlines. Terminal 5 is home to Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and a few international airlines.
- Terminal 7 houses British Airways, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and other international airlines, while terminal 8 includes Alaska, American, and Cathay Pacific airlines.
- Travelers can take the AirTrain to the Federal Circle Station to pick up rental cars.
How to Get There
JFK Airport is is located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, 16 miles (26 kilometers) from Midtown Manhattan and 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Park Slope in Brooklyn. Book a roundtrip transfer to get between the airport and areas in New York City such as Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Alternatively, JFK’s AirTrain connects to the NYC subway. Ride-sharing vehicles also operate at the airport at specific locations.
Address: Jamaica, New York City 11430, USA
From $ 49
Museum of Interesting Things
This traveling exhibit of old-school inventions and technological antiques is sure to inspire creativity and curiosity in the youth it seeks to engage. Perfect for the entire family, travelers will find a unique hands-on experience at the Museum of Interesting Things, where kids can get up close with artifacts from the past and travel back in time with their expert “guide” who offers up incredible detail, rich information and plenty of entertainment in the process. The Museum of Interesting Things makes history come alive through storytelling and interaction, making it the ideal stop for families who want to infuse their travel with a bit of learning. In addition to artifacts, exhibits often include 16mm film snippets and other visual highlights.
Practical Info
The Museum of Interesting Things will be at the Secret Speakeasy in New York City on November 22. Tickets are available for $10 the opening event at a SoHo loft located at 177 Prince Street.
Address: 177 Prince Street, New York, USA
Admission: $10
From $ 15
Morris-Jumel Mansion
This iconic whitewashed house in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood was built in 1765 and is officially the oldest home in the borough. Now a museum dedicated to the city—and the nation’ —colorful past, the Morris-Jumel Mansion once served as the headquarters for the American Revolution.
In addition to exploring the galleries, which are filled with historic artifacts and photographs, travelers can enjoy the expansive gardens, which are tended by local volunteers, and even relax during warmer months with live music performances in the stunning outdoor setting.
Practical Info
The mansion is located at 65 Jumel Terrace in Roger Morris Park, near Amsterdam Avenue. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.
Address: 65 Jumel Terrace, New York City, New York, USA 10032, USA
Hours: Open Tues-Fri 10am-4pm and Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $10; Children: $8
From $ 25
Madison Square
Located in the Flatiron District, specifically at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway at 23rd Street, Madison Square is one of New York’s most important and historical squares. This is where you’ll find iconic buildings like the Flatiron Building, One Madison Park and Metlife Tower, as well as the main focus of the square, Madison Square Park. The park runs from Broadway to Madison Avenue and East 23rd to East 26 St Streets, and is a great place to snap photos of the surrounding architecture, admire 19th-century statues and monuments and stroll through the 6.2 acres of tranquil green landscape. Fun fact: This was the original location of Madison Square Garden and a temporary display area for the Statue of Liberty’s right arm and torch from 1876 to 1882. Along with the green space, Madison Square is renowned for being one of the city’s best shopping areas, especially in terms of home design and housewares. To get to Madison Square by subway, take the N, R to 23rd Street; 6 to 23rd or 28th Street; F, M to 23rd.
Address: Broadway and Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA
From $ 50
Macy's Herald Square
Located at 151 West 34th Street, Macy’s Herald Square is the department brand’s flagship store. Since its opening in 1902 the flagship store in particular is advertised as the world’s largest department store, although according to the “Guinness Book of World Records” the title now belongs to Shinsegae’s store in South Korea’s Centum City, which is 5,487,595 square feet and over twice the size of Macy’s Herald Square. Even so, it is almost impossible not to find what you’re looking for in the department store, which showcases over 1 million square feet of merchandise over 10-and-a-half levels. Browse everything from cosmetics to apparel to housewares and beyond. In fact, the space is so expansive they have a Visitor Center on the 34th Street Balcony Level and restaurant located throughout. Additionally, Macy’s Herald Square can also help you become a better chef with their onsite cooking school, De Gustibus, which offers an array of classes and chef series. If you’re visiting during the winter holidays, take a stroll past their storefront windows, which are decorated every year in intricate and festive displays.
To get to Macy’s Herald Square by subway, take the D, F, N, Q, R, B, M trains directly to Herald Square. You can also take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E to the nearby Penn Station and walk down one Avenue. Macy’s Herald Square hours are generally 9am-9:30pm on weekdays, 10am-9:30pm on Saturdays and 11am-8:30pm on Sundays.
To get to Macy’s Herald Square by subway, take the D, F, N, Q, R, B, M trains directly to Herald Square. You can also take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E to the nearby Penn Station and walk down one Avenue. Macy’s Herald Square hours are generally 9am-9:30pm on weekdays, 10am-9:30pm on Saturdays and 11am-8:30pm on Sundays.
Address: USA
From $ 12
Hudson River
An inspiration for artists, a scenic escape for New York City dwellers, a vital artery for commerce, and a designated American Heritage River, the Hudson River plays a crucial role in many facets of New York State life. The river is a magnet for locals and visitors, attracting pleasure cruisers, campers, history buffs, and hikers alike.
The Basics
The Hudson River runs for 315 miles (507 kilometers) from its source in the Adirondack Mountains all the way to New York City before finally emptying into the Atlantic. Though easily accessible from other cities such as Albany and Kingston, most visitors encounter the Hudson during trips to New York City. You can see the river from many of west Manhattan’s top attractions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art; the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum; and the High Line, an elevated park set along a disused railway track.
Cruises on the Hudson depart from piers on Manhattan’s west side. Choose between dinner, sightseeing, or sunset city cruises, or opt for longer cruises that travel beyond the boundaries of the Big Apple to destinations in the Hudson Highlands, such as Bear Mountain. Most Hudson River cruises feature on-board commentary about the area’s history and architecture.
For a unique perspective on the winding waterway, take a helicopter ride, enjoying bird’s-eye views of the river, the Manhattan skyline, and the George Washington Bridge. Seasonal fall foliage helicopter tours showcase the rust-red and golden leaves of the Hudson Valley’s woodlands.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Hudson River is a magnet for sightseers who want to soak up views of both NYC and the peaceful Hudson Valley countryside.
- Bring an extra layer, as it can feel colder out on the river than on dry land.
- Some Hudson River cruises can accomodate wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Within New York City, you can experience the Hudson River all along the 11-mile (18-kilometer) Hudson River Greenway, a traffic-free walking and cycling path beginning at Battery Park (ride the 4 or 5 subway to Bowling Green station) in Lower Manhattan. The route runs through Hudson River Park, Riverside Park, and Fort Washington Park.
Departing from Grand Central Station, the Metro-North Hudson Line train brings passengers into the Hudson River Valley, running along the east bank of the river as far as Poughkeepsie.
When to Get There
Hudson River sightseeing tours run year-round, with open-air sightseeing decks in summer and enclosed, heated interior decks in winter. The Hudson Greenway is best enjoyed in spring, summer, or fall. Go early in the day for the quietest experience. The Hudson Valley is at its prettiest during the fall apple-picking season.
The Famous Hudson Valley Fables
It was acclaimed writer Washington Irving who helped put the Hudson River Valley on the map, with the publication of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent, which was published serially throughout 1819 and 1820. The most well-known stories in the series were “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Fans of Irving’s work can visit the author’s old home, Sunnyside, near Tarrytown.
Address: New York, USA
From $ 19
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City stands as a place of remembrance and a somber tribute to those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Reopened 10 years after the 2001 attacks, the eight-acre (3.2-hectare) plaza—built on the World Trade Center site—features two massive square reflecting pools whose waterfalls cascade down into the footprints of the former Twin Towers. The surrounding plaza is a peaceful and moving green space, while the museum, located beneath the plaza, lends a deeper understanding to the impact of that day. You’ll undoubtedly leave with a heavy heart.
The Basics
The outdoor 9/11 Memorial is open daily and does not require tickets or reservations, while museum entry is ticketed and can be purchased up to six months in advance. At the memorial, visitors can walk the perimeter of the pools to read the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed on 9/11 at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as those killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, etched in bronze panels around the pools’ rims. At the museum, there are three sections: before September 11, the day of, and after. Inside the quiet halls, visitors can explore expressive artworks, walk down the very staircase used by workers to escape the buildings on 9/11, hear voicemail messages left by the victims to loved ones, enter a quiet space for reflection, and watch several videos including a time-lapse film of the transformation of the WTC site. Most weekdays, the museum holds live, 30-minute talks featuring survivor stories and personal tales of remembrance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Give yourself at least two hours at the memorial and museum to explore and reflect.
- Hourlong staff-guided tours of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum can be bundled with museum admission. It’s best to arrive at least 15 minutes before your designated tour time.
- Mobile apps and a museum audio guide can enhance a self-guided experience.
- Some sections of the museum may not be appropriate for kids under the age of 10.
- There is a café on the atrium terrace level.
- The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is fully accessible.
How to Get There
As with much of New York City, the best way to get to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is public transit or a taxi, as parking is extremely limited. The site is accessible by subway (A, C, E, J, R, Z, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains), bus (M5, M20, and M22), and PATH train. Once you arrive, memorial entrances are at the intersections of Liberty and West streets, and West and Fulton streets. The main museum entrance is at Fulton and Greenwich.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 9am to 8pm Sunday through Thursday and 9am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday. Last entry is two hours prior to closing. Weekday mornings and the cold winter months tend to be the least busy times to visit. Early birds will appreciate the early-access museum tour, a behind-the-scenes experience offered several times weekly before official opening hours. If you’re on a budget, the museum opens its doors to the public for free on Tuesdays from 5 to 8pm.
Finding a Personal Connection to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is an emotional experience for most visitors, but especially so for friends and families of victims, and for survivors of that day. Those with a personal connection to someone lost in the attacks can visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum website and, on the Find a Name page, type in a name, flight number, or affiliation to learn where an individual’s name is etched around the north or south pool.
Address: One Liberty Plaza, New York City, New York, USA
Hours: Sun-Thu: 9am-8pm, last entry at 6pm. Fri & Sat: 9am-9pm, with last entry at 7pm
Admission: $24
From $ 14
Madison Avenue
Fans of ‘Mad Men’ and will love exploring the iconic Madison Avenue, which is recognized across the world as the premiere address for top advertising and marketing firms. Though not a part of the first city street grid, it was later introduced as a one-way thoroughfare connecting Midtown Manhattan to Harlem.
In addition to being a hub of global business, Madison Avenue sits at the heart of New York City’s premiere retail market. Visitors looking for high-end fashion can shop designers like Roberto Cavalli, Chloe, Armani, Prada and more all in one place. But green spaces like Madison Square Park cater to visitors who want to relax under the shade of a towering tree or explore a number of museums, including the Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museum of Art are also just blocks away.
It’s easy to explore the Madison Avenue sights on a self-guided walking tour, but themed options like the ‘Mad Men’ Cocktail Tour of New York City, guided shopping tours and hop-on hop-off bus routes provide a fun-filled way to see one of the Big Apple’s most iconic streets up close.
Practical Info
Madison Avenue runs north to south in the borough of Manhattan between Madison Square Park at 23rd Street and 142nd Street. It is easily accessible using public transportation along the 4, 5 or 6 lines as well as a number of bus routes.
Address: Madison Avenue, New York City, USA
From $ 30
Madison Square Garden
Billed as “the world’s most famous arena,” Madison Square Garden—colloquially known as the Garden—has been a mecca of sports and entertainment for over half a century. Home to the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, the Midtown Manhattan venue also regularly hosts wrestling and other sports events, concerts with world-renowned artists, and more.
The Basics
Madison Square Garden is a popular stop on hop-on, hop-off bus tours or private driving tours of New York, while cycling and walking tours also pause outside the landmark. You can also spy it from the skies on a helicopter tour of Manhattan, or get a behind-the-scenes tour included with a New York Sightseeing or FreeStyle Pass. The legendary venue hosts games, concerts, and other performances all year long, so you can also get a ticket for a dose of competition or entertainment. Book event tickets on Ticketmaster—Madison Square Garden’s official online ticket platform—or at the box office, typically open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Madison Square Garden, especially tours of its inner workings, is ideal for sports fans.
- Tours are held daily from 9:30am to 3pm.
- Check MSG’s website for a list of banned items, including outside food and drink, video cameras, selfie sticks, and oversized bags.
- In addition to the main arena, Madison Square Garden also hosts the more intimate Hulu Theater, plus restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Collapsible strollers are welcome at events, so long as they fit under your seat.
- The venue is accessible to visitors with mobility, sight, or hearing issues.
How to Get There
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is just steps from Penn Station, which is serviced by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E subway, and New Jersey Transit or Long Island Railroad trains. You can also walk from the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W subway at 34th Street/Herald Square, which is just minutes away; if arriving from New Jersey, get off the PATH Train at 33rd Street. Madison Square Garden is also easily accessible via bus or taxi, or on foot.
When to Get There
Madison Square Garden hosts roughly 320 events per year, so there’s no bad time to visit to take in games, concerts, and other performances. The New York Knicks (basketball) and the New York Rangers (ice hockey) both typically play between October and April.
Madison Square Garden’s Most Famous Visitors
Since its opening in 1968, Madison Square Garden has hosted some of the world’s biggest artists and celebrities. All genres of musicians—including John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Billy Joel, Madonna, U2, Taylor Swift, and Andrea Bocelli—have taken to its stage. The venue has even hosted Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. And every February, the Garden hosts two Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show competitions.
Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York City 10001, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The world's premier modern art gallery, MoMA provides visitors with a master class in modernist and contemporary art. The collection numbers more than 150,000 works of art, along with a sizable film and photography collection. Familiar standouts include Monet's water lilies and works by van Gogh, Rousseau, Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Pollock, Andrew Wyeth, and Frida Kahlo.
Exhibitions are held from time to time, along with performance art and exhibits of architecture, prints, and illustrated books. The building was recently renovated to vastly expand the museum's exhibition space.
Getting There
The Museum of Modern Art is in Midtown Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues on W 53rd Street. The closest subway station is Fifth Avenue / 53rd Street.
Address: 11 W 53rd Street, 10019, USA
Hours: Wed - Mon 10:30am - 5:30pm
Admission: US$20 for adults
From $ 25
Manhattan Skyline
Perhaps the most common backdrop for opening scenes of movies for the past several decades, the Manhattan skyline is New York City's shining beacon, designed to impress and inspire. From historical fixtures like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building to One World Trade Center, the man-made masterpiece dazzles at any time of day and from any vantage point in the NYC area.
The Basics
From land, water, and air, there are plenty of ways to admire the Manhattan skyline. Take a cruise on the Hudson River, East River, or New York Harbor for views of the city skyline and other landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge, an activity that provides the chance to see the skyline at your own pace. For aerial views, head to the top of Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, or One World Observatory, or opt for a helicopter tour for a VIP-style experience in the Big Apple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The skyline is broken into two notable sections—Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan.
- The walk from One World Trade Center to the Empire State Building is about three miles (five kilometers).
- If you want to visit a skyscraper observatory such as that at the Empire State Building, consider a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the typically long wait.
- For water views without booking a cruise, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry.
When to Get There
Consider the time of day for your viewing based on what you're looking for. If you want great photos, avoid the middle of the day, when the sun is high; for a romantic atmosphere, opt for a dinner cruise or nighttime stroll. Go during the holidays for the chance to admire the skyline in the snow and see the landmark buildings decked out in seasonal decorations.
Famous Buildings in the Manhattan Skyline
The 102-story Empire State Building is possibly the most iconic piece of architecture on the planet, built in 1931 in Art Deco style. The Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center offer more Art Deco examples, while the Time Warner Center, 4 Times Square, and One World Trade Center (aka Freedom Tower) feature modern architecture.
Address: New York City, New York, USA
From $ 18
Majestic Theatre
New York City is known for its arts and culture and Midtown Manhattan is recognized as the hub for theatergoers who want to watch live performances of some of Broadway’s biggest shows. With 1645 seats the Majestic Theatre has served as the stage for some of the neighborhood’s most iconic shows including 42nd Street, as well as The Phantom of the Opera—the longest-running production in Broadway history.
Although travelers will need tickets to a show to actually check out the theater’s interior, visitors can still step inside the lobby and admire this Broadway gem from outside during a tour of Times Square.
Practical Info
The Majestic Theatre is located at 245 West 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues in Midtown Manhattan. It is accessible using the ACE subway lines to 42nd Street/Times Square. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Address: 245 W 44th St, New York City, New York, USA 10036, USA
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 12pm-6pm
From $ 35
Manhattan Municipal Building
Manhattan has no shortage of towering buildings, but only a handful have architectural flourishes that set them apart and make their exteriors attractions in their own right. The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building, right in the heart of lower Manhattan, is a skyline mainstay half a city block wide, 40 stories tall, and topped by the sparkling copper “Civic Fame” statue by Adolph A. Weinman. The building, covered in tan limestone, was completed in the mid 1910s and was the winning building design in an architectural contest hoping to unite many city employees under a single roof. Now more than a century later, the civic building remains one of the largest government office buildings in the world.
Ripe with symbolism, its center features four pinnacle turrets surrounding a massive central spire, which represent Manhattan and the surrounding four Burroughs of New York City. At it’s very top, the Civic Fame statue depicts a barefoot woman in a flowing dress holding a crown with five points for the five boroughs in her left hand.
After arriving at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall Metro stop (the building was the first in the city to incorporate a stop at its base), visitors stream through the arcaded plaza on the building’s south end. Be sure to look up for the sculpture and relief details adorning the building’s exterior before walking through the huge triumphal arch—inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome—which once supported a steady stream of car traffic before road patterns were altered. Inside, admire the embellished elevator banks and historical photos on the lobby level or purchase books and souvenirs in the official store of the City of New York.
Practical Info
The Manhattan Municipal Building is located at 1 Centre Street and above the Brooklyn-Bridge City Hall Metro Stop servicing lines 4, 5, and 6. The building is a few blocks southwest of Manhattan’s Chinatown and under a mile northeast of the World Trade Center Memorial Park. The inside has free WiFi and workstations for visitors conducting business in the building.
Address: 1 Centre St., New York 10007, USA
From $ 35
Museum of Jewish Heritage
Located at 36 Battery Place in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, the Museum of Jewish Heritage is a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust. Opened in 1997, the mission of the museum is “to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the broad tapestry of Jewish life in the 20th and 21st centuries—before, during, and after the Holocaust.” In their collection, the Museum of Jewish Heritage showcases over 25,000 items that are used to tell the story of Jewish history. The permanent Core Exhibition features multiple perspectives on Jewish history, life and culture through artifacts, audio testimonials, photographs and films that are separated into three sections: “Jewish Life A Century Ago,” “The War Against the Jews” and “Jewish Renewal.” Not only is the exhibition itself impressive, but also the six-sided building it resides in, which is symbolic of the Star of David as well as the six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust. As there is much to see in the museum, it is recommended to allow an average of two hours to explore the Core Exhibition.
Other permanent exhibits include the Keeping History Center, which showcases the museum’s collection as well as awards panoramic views of the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty, the Garden of Stones, a memorial garden for those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and Reflection Passage, an architectural experience that uses outdoor nature to manipulate indoor aesthetics. There are also always rotating exhibitions, usually multiple ones at a time, giving insight into different Jewish-related themes.
Other permanent exhibits include the Keeping History Center, which showcases the museum’s collection as well as awards panoramic views of the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty, the Garden of Stones, a memorial garden for those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and Reflection Passage, an architectural experience that uses outdoor nature to manipulate indoor aesthetics. There are also always rotating exhibitions, usually multiple ones at a time, giving insight into different Jewish-related themes.
Practical Info
The Museum of Jewish Heritage is open Monday, Tuesdays and Thursday
from 10am to 5:30pm, Wednesday from 10am to 8pm and Friday from 10am to
5pm. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for students
and free for members and children 12 and under. Wednesday nights from
4pm to 8pm are free admission. To get to the museum by subway, take the
4, 5 to Bowling Green or the 1, N, R to Rector Street.
Address: 36 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280, USA
Hours: Sun-Tue, Thu 10:00am - 5:45pm. Wed 10:00am - 8:00pm, Fri 10:00am - 5:00pm (Closes at 3:00pm through Mar 8th). closed Saturdays, Major Jewish Holidays, and Thanksgiving.
Admission: $12 Adults, $7 Students, Children 12 and under Free
From $ 12
Hunter Mountain
Hunter Mountain is the second-highest of the Catskill Mountains, and home to an extremely popular ski resort.
The peak of Hunter Mountain is at roughly 4,040 feet, not far behind the tallest Catskill (Slide Mountain). During the summer months, activities include hiking and horseback riding, though there are only four routes to the top of the mountain that get any amount of upkeep. The most popular is Spruceton Trail, the former road that leads to the fire tower that sits at the mountain's peak.
The ski resort on Hunter Mountain opened in 1959, and although it doesn't actually include the highest point of the mountain it does have a 1,600 foot vertical drop. It's popular for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. The ski resort also has summer activities, including zipline tours, golf, fly fishing, and 4x4 adventures.
Practical Info
Hunter Mountain is roughly 56 miles from Albany and 127 miles from New York City in central New York.
Address: Hunter, New York, USA
From $ 60
Manhattan Bridge
Connecting western Brooklyn with southeastern Manhattan, the Manhattan Bridge spans an impressive 6,855 feet across the East River. The suspension bridge allows for passage by vehicle, train, pedestrian, and bike. Construction on the historic bridge began at the turn of the century in 1901. Now it carries more than 450,00 people back and forth each day (the majority on public transport). It remains an icon of New York City, shown in numerous depictions of the city on film and television.
Its design was revolutionary at the time and served as a model for many of the long-span suspension bridges built after it. In 2009 the American Society of Civil Engineers named it a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. An arch and colonnade built to mark the bridge's entrance from Manhattan still stands as a city landmark. With its four-columned towers and long cables, it is particularly beautiful to behold as the sun is setting. A walk across it offers spectacular views of the city skyline.
Practical Info
The Manhattan Bridge runs between Flatbush Avenue Extension in Downtown Brooklyn and Canal Street in Chinatown, Manhattan. It is one of three toll-free bridges connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan. From Brooklyn you can enter at the intersection of Sands and Jay Street, and from Manhattan, at Forsyth and Canal Streets.
Address: South Street and FDR Drive, New York City, New York, USA, USA
Hours: 24/7
From $ 8
Hudson River Park
This 550-acre parks is the second largest in New York City and home to a scenic walking, biking and running path where thousands of New Yorkers can run, ride and stroll without having to wait at crosswalks or navigate busy city streets. Epic stretches of greenway meet up with the scenic Hudson River, where travelers can picnic on uninterrupted strips of lush grass or quiet tables nestled onto well-developed piers.
In addition to places designed to rest and relax, Hudson River Park boasts plenty of recreational sites as well. The Waterside Park near 11th Avenue and 24th Street houses a massive sports activity center with a playground for kids and basketball courts for adults. Famed Chelsea Piers, with its indoor ice skating rink, soccer fields and driving range is also located off of Hudson River Park.
Practical Info
The park runs through Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Chelsea and Midtown West. It is accessible from the West Side Highway.
Address: 353 West St, New York, USA
From $ 34
Hudson Valley
Overview
New York’s Hudson Valley has long inspired artists and writers with its peaceful winding river, forested hills, and sleepy towns. Set just 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Manhattan, the historic valley is a peaceful escape famous for its art, local culinary offerings, and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
The Basics
Step back in time at the medieval Castle-on-Hudson, a 19th-century luxury hotel sitting atop a scenic Tarrytown hillside, or tour New Rochelle, the city that inspired some of Norman Rockwell’s most memorable illustrations. Canoeing, kayaking, and sailing are popular outdoor activities, and easy access to the Appalachian Trail allows travelers to get their fill of nature.
Most Hudson Valley tours depart from New York City and include round-trip transportation, making for an easy day trip. The region is dotted with wineries and breweries, and culinary excursions allow you to avoid the hassle of driving, explore the countryside, and taste local wines, beers, or ciders. Bike tours are a good option for travelers who want to get some exercise and explore the countryside up-close, while helicopter and hang-gliding tours provide sweeping views over the entire region.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hudson Valley is a must-see for history buffs, foodies, and nature lovers.
- The valley’s restaurant scene is famous for its talented chefs and abundance of local ingredients. Be sure to grab a bite at a local establishment.
- Most Hudson Valley towns feature bike-friendly streets, while scenic off-road bike trails are often easily accessible.
How to Get There
Hudson Valley is located just north of Manhattan and ecompasses New Paltz, Nyack, Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, and Beacon. The Metro North train connects the Big Apple to multiple Hudson Valley cities, while guided tours typically provide round-trip transportation from Manhattan.
When to Get There
Spring and summer weather is typically pleasant in the Hudson Valley, making those seasons ideal for outdoor activities. While temperatures may be crisp in autumn, the region’s spectacular fall foliage is a draw for many travelers.
Wine, Beer, and Spirits in the Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is an East Coast hotbed for wine production, putting out award-winning cabernet francs, chardonnays, and merlots. The region is home to some of America’s oldest vineyards, which were operating before California’s Sonoma and Napa valleys rose to fame. Craft beer breweries, cider orchards, and boutique distilleries also populate the valley.
Address: Cortlandt, New York 10567, USA
From $ 99
Madame Tussauds New York
New York City is home to some of the biggest celebrities and most famous faces—but a walk through Midtown doesn’t always result in getting star struck. Luckily the quirky Madame Tussauds—an iconic wax museum in the heart of Times Square—offers travelers the chance to check getting up close and personal with big names in music, movies and television off their list.
From world leaders to Hollywood stars, the halls of Madame Tussauds are filled to the brim with faces recognized across the globe. Travelers can saddle up for photo ops that will have friends back home believing that lunch with Leonardo DiCaprio really did happen on a visit to the Big Apple.
Practical Info
Madame Tussauds is located at 234 West 42nd Street in Times Square. It’s accessible using the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R and 7 trains. Hours of operation vary depending on the time of year and tickets can be purchased online at a reduced rate.
Address: 234 West 42nd Street, New York, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) is a history and art museum, created with the intention of ‘preserving and presenting’ the history of New York City — and its people. The museum celebrates New York, serving to educate the visiting public about the city’s distinctive character, its history of diversity, and its ever-changing nature. The building is a red-brick-and-marble neo-Georgian creation, completed in 1930 and located at the northern end of ‘Museum Mile’ on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It is a private, non-profit organization, funded by New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group. The compact museum isn’t a big place, but manages to impart plenty of New York’s storied history in a personal way that many bigger museums don’t. Exhibits include ‘From Ship to Shore,’ which depicts what it was like for immigrants to arrive in New York Harbor. The exhibit ‘New York’s Yiddish Theater,’ takes you through the theater culture that formed on Manhattan’s Lower East side in the late 19th century and leaves a legacy today. ‘Gilded New York’ features the city’s visual culture at the end of the 19th century (when the rich loved to flaunt their money!). ‘Activist New York’ shows the intricacies of social activism on many different issues throughout history.
Practical Info
The Museum of the City of New York is located at 1220-1227 Fifth Avenue, from East 103rd to 104th streets, across from Central Park in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. To get there by bus, take the M1, M2, M3, M4 or M106 to 104th Street. By subway, the museum can be reached by taking the #6 Lexington Ave. train to 103rd St., or the #2 or #3 train to Central Park North/110th St.
Address: 1220 5th Ave, New York 10029, USA
Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission: Adults, $14; Seniors and students, $10; Ages 19 and younger visit for free.
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