best places to visit new york

15 of the best things to do in New York City in 2024

Mar 23, 2024 • 8 min read

A trip to Central Park is a classic stop on any NYC itinerary © Marco Rubino / Shutterstock

Three life-changing words: New York City .

Millions are drawn to it; some never shake it. Monumental, artistic, cultural, commercial, cosmopolitan – the City That Never Sleeps is everything you've imagined. You'll never be bored here – the only problem is narrowing down what to do from the endless list of possibilities.

To help you get started, here's a list of my favorite inspirational highlights – all perfect experiences for your next trip. However, the big sights lure big crowds, so brace yourself. If you're after a calmer NYC experience, sights in the "outer borough" (beyond Manhattan) will generally be less crowded. 

Ticket costs can also be substantial, so consider purchasing a New York CityPASS , which offers good discounts on top attractions.

Where Locals Go: NYC locals share their favorite nearby vacation spots

1. Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The iconic copper-green  Statue of Liberty dominates a small island in New York Harbor, casting a protective shadow over neighboring Ellis Island , the site of a stirring Immigration Museum . Still symbolic today, these two landmarks served as an uplifting gateway through which over 12 million soon-to-be-Americans passed from 1892 to 1924.

Planning tip: Boats to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leave from The Battery in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The monuments are often visited on a combined ticket – book well ahead, especially if you hope to spend time in Liberty's pedestal or crown.

2. Soak up the views from the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings

The tallest building in the world when it opened in 1931, the 1454ft  Empire State Building remains a much-loved character on the NYC skyline, although somewhat controversially, street-level views of this New York City skyline icon are about to be obscured by a luxury condo apartment. Vistas from the outdoor, 360-degree view, 86th-floor deck and the indoor 102nd-floor observatory are breathtaking, though – particularly at sunset. Look northeast at the art deco Chrysler Building , also once the world's tallest before being dethroned by the Empire State.

Planning tip:  Buy tickets in advance and devote a few moments to the second-floor Story of an Icon museum.

3. Pay tribute to lost lives at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The National 9/11 Memorial is located where the World Trade Center Twin Towers once stood. It features sobering tributes to the lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, most poignantly two sunken pools with cascades of water pouring into the fallen towers' footprints. Adjacent to the memorial is a profoundly moving museum with remnants and reminders of the tragic day.

Planning tip:  The memorial is free; museum tickets are best bought online in advance.

4. Have family-friendly seaside fun at Coney Island

Jutting like a Brooklyn thumb out into New York Harbor's Lower Bay, Coney Island boasts a wide beach, a popular seaside boardwalk and a lively amusement park, all reachable by subway in about an hour from Midtown Manhattan. Popular attractions include the family-friendly New York Aquarium , Nathan's Famous hot dogs , Deno's Wonder Wheel and thrill-filled Luna Park , featuring the wooden Cyclone rollercoaster – a city and national historic landmark.

Planning tip:  Walk to nearby Brighton Beach for classic Russian and Ukrainian eats.

5. Tour the vast collections at NYC's major museums

The Met  is NYC's most visited museum for very good reasons. With 5000 years of art from all over the world, two million individual objects and 17 acres of exhibition space, it's massive, astounding and seemingly inexhaustible.

An inside tip – the Met's often bypassed uptown Cloisters were cobbled together from authentic sections of European medieval monasteries. Tickets cover three-day admission to both Met branches.

Directly across Central Park from the Met is another significant museum with a broad scope: the American Museum of Natural History , where your ticket grants you access to more than 50 exhibits and 34 million artifacts!

Art lovers will find modern masterpieces from Warhol, Pollock and more in the Museum of Modern Art ; book ahead to skip the line, particularly at weekends. Somewhat smaller and less crowded, though definitely still comprehensive, is the Brooklyn Museum .

Detour: For something much more contemporary and free of hordes, try Brooklyn's Bushwick Collective Street Art .

Use this guide to plan the ultimate museum tour of New York City

6. Hang out in Central Park

Hemmed in by buildings, Central Park serves up 843 acres of green space – meadows, groves, gardens and lakes, as well as restaurants, theaters, concert venues, fountains, skating rinks, ballfields, playgrounds and much more. Park Drive, although often crowded, is a favorite route for runners, skaters and cyclists.

Seeking some green space with fewer people? Brooklyn's Prospect Park , created by the same landscapers as Central Park, has all the same charm with far less throng.

Detour: For a leafy overview of Manhattan, consider cycling along sections of the 31-mile Manhattan Waterfront Greenway , especially the Hudson River Greenway segment.

Can't get enough of Central Park? Our local tells you where to find Central Park's best corners

7. Walk across Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Undoubtedly NYC's most beautiful river crossing, the 1596ft-long, stone-towered Brooklyn Bridge was one of the world's first steel suspension bridges when it opened in 1883. Today, a walk along its pedestrian passageway delivers delightful Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline views.

Brooklyn Bridge Park , the 1.3-mile, 85-acre green space on Brooklyn's East River shoreline, prolongs the pleasure (and the Manhattan views). Check out the waterfront, glass-enclosed Jane's Carousel and multiple revitalized pier-based leisure and activity areas.

Save these restaurants to your Brooklyn itinerary

8. Gaze upon the Manhattan skyline  

Manhattan's tumble of buildings is a mesmerizing spectacle, changing in natural and artificial light, particularly at dusk and night. Harbor cruises are a fantastic way to enjoy it, but there are also numerous land-based vantage points along the East River.

In Brooklyn, head for Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, East River State Park in Williamsburg and Transmitter Park in Greenpoint. Over in Queens, go to Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City and Astoria Park.

Planning tip:  For a once-in-a-lifetime splurge and unbeatable views, take a helicopter tour over NYC; yes, it's pricey, but it's worth it.

9. See art and architecture on the High Line and at Hudson Yards 

The 1.5-mile-long High Line is one of New York's great surprises. This art-filled, community green space – featuring gardens, events, and amazing city outlooks – was crafted from an abandoned elevated railway. It can be packed on warm evenings when the unique modern architecture on all sides is illuminated.

The northern terminus of the High Line is at the Hudson Yards , Manhattan's newest luxury development, with gourmet restaurants, upscale shops and singular attractions like Vessel , a multilevel public landmark, and The Edge , the city's highest (101st-floor) open-air observatory.

10. Visit the landmark Rockefeller Center

Perhaps best known for its winter backdrop – a world-famous ice-skating rink and New York's giant ceremoniously-lit Christmas tree – the art deco Rockefeller Center is a busy, art-filled national historic landmark all year round.

Named for its entrepreneurial developer – John D Rockefeller Jr, America's first billionaire – it claims highlights such as the 70th-floor Top of the Rock observation deck, the Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios Tours , as well as plenty of Midtown shopping and dining.

11. Be dazzled by the lights of Times Square and the Theater District

The neon lights really do shine bright on Broadway, especially in Times Square at the heart of the world's most celebrated theater district. Day and night, it provides billboarded sensory overload. In the area are dozens of marquee-fronted playhouses hosting box-office hits, alongside Madame Tussauds and National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey . Bryant Park, Midtown's small but activity-filled green oasis, and the lion-flanked entrance of the New York Public Library , a national historic landmark, are also nearby.

12. Ride the New York City Subway and Staten Island Ferry

The wheels never stop turning in NYC, aided by its sleepless subway , one of the world's biggest mass transit systems. Another iconic part of the New York transport network is the free, orange Staten Island Ferry , the cheapest way to grab pics of Lady Liberty.

For NYC urban transport history, the kid-friendly Transit Museum has climb-aboard subway cars from all eras. There's a museum annex and shop in Grand Central Terminal , a Midtown beaux-arts wonder with an unforgettably grand main concourse.

13. Support conservation at the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens

Who'd have thought the US's biggest and oldest zoo is in NYC? The conservation-minded Bronx Zoo hosts 6000-plus animals in 265 acres of specially designed habitats. Adjacent to it is the New York Botanical Garden , a 250-acre, year-round nature showcase with dozens of indoor and outdoor gardens included in your ticket.

Planning tip: Smaller but impressive alternative zoos can be found at Central Park, Prospect Park and Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens). The 50-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden is famous for its seasonally blossoming cherry trees.

14. Find art and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn

In a city that places a high premium on space, Brooklyn now claims three hip, rehabilitated industrial areas commandeered by entrepreneurs, artisanal makers, retailers, artists, start-ups and nonprofits. Industry City occupies six large warehouses on the Sunset Park waterfront.

Further south, 100-plus companies fill the vast and storied Brooklyn Army Terminal . And east of Downtown Brooklyn, the expansive, historic Brooklyn Navy Yard is a modern made-in-Brooklyn manufacturing hub.

15. Go to a game at a New York stadium

New Yorkers take outsize pride in their sports teams, so how better to absorb the city's energy than at a game? The Bronx's Yankee Stadium and Mets' Citi Field in Queens are grand open-air stadiums, while Manhattan's Madison Square Garden , home of Knicks and Liberty basketball and Rangers hockey, and Brooklyn's futuristic Barclays Center , where the Nets basketball and Islanders hockey teams play, are enclosed, so good for rainy days.

Planning tip:  If you'd prefer to see the Giants and Jets compete in the National Football League, their arenas are in nearby New Jersey .

And now for the hard part: should you go to a Mets or Yankees game? Two local experts weigh in

Keep planning your trip to NYC:

• Find out which NYC neighborhood fits your vibe
• Find the best time of year to visit
• Getting around NYC is fairly straightforward –  find out how in our full transportation guide
• Even better, read on for top tips to see New York on two wheels

This article was first published May 25, 2021 and updated Mar 23, 2024.

Explore related stories

Sep 17, 2024 • 5 min read

Wedged between Midtown Manhattan and Queens, New York City’s Roosevelt Island offers a unique low-key version of big-city life.

Aug 30, 2024 • 6 min read

Aug 1, 2024 • 6 min read

Jun 11, 2024 • 4 min read

Mar 22, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 9 min read

Feb 19, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 16, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 3, 2024 • 4 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 5 min read

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best of New York for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy New York without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

The best attractions and things to do in Manhattan

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

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

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

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

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best Manhattan attractions

1.  one world observatory.

• Towers and viewpoints
• Financial District

The tallest building in the United State, One World Observatory at World Trade Center lets visitors experience panoramic views of NYC on levels 100, 101, and 102. The tour begins with a thrilling trip in the Sky Pod elevators (some of the fastest in the world) which lead to a two-minute video presentation of gorgeous city images on floor 102.

Check out City Pulse on the 100th floor, which shows HD videos featuring notable NYC landmarks and neighborhoods. For a special dining experience, make a reservation for dinner or cocktails.

2.  Empire State Building

• Monuments and memorials
• Midtown West
• price 2 of 4

Some things get better with age. The Empire State Building—now approaching its 100th birthday—is definitely one of them. 

The Empire State Building became an icon when it opened in 1931 as the world's tallest building. Though the landmark may have lost its No. 1 height status, it's remained a beloved destination with incredible views of the city. Thanks to recent updates, it's not just about the views anymore. The building now spotlights art, architecture, and history; plus, it offers a slew of cool events and excellent dining options. 

Tourists tend to make the Empire State Building their first stop upon arriving in New York City, and they're onto something—it's worth a visit, no matter if you're a lifelong New Yorker or just passing through town.

3.  The Statue of Liberty

• Liberty Island

In a city where almost everything is iconic, Lady Liberty is the icon of icons – certainly where tourists are concerned. Our tip is to avoid the foam-crown-sporting masses and pre-book a combo cruise-and-tour ticket . A climb to the crown – and why wouldn’t you? – affords a panoramic view of New York Harbor and the chance to see the literal nuts and bolts of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s creation, which was given to the people of America by the people of France in 1886.

We thoroughly recommend stopping in the museum on Liberty Island, if only to marvel at the initial ambivalence of 19th-century New Yorkers when they were asked to fund the construction of the pedestal. 

4.  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Opened in 1880, the massive museum t akes up 11.5 acres within Central Park along Fifth Avenue, across two million square feet and receives more than 4 million visitors annually. Its collection, which spans 5,000 years of art history from pre-history to the present, boasts 36,000 objects, including 2,500 European Old Master, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, as well as the greatest collection of Egyptian art and artifacts outside Cairo—among them, the full-scale Temple of Dendur.

Other major attractions include The Met’s American and Lehman Wings; The Costume Institute; the Rooftop Garden , which offers spectacular views of the Park and the Midtown skyline; and, of course, its 29 amazing period rooms.

Time Out tip: To avoid the crowds, come on a weekday or visit for date night .

5.  Central Park

• Things to do
• Walks and tours

Surely the world’s most famous public park, the startlingly enormous Central Park is one of the most beloved attractions in New York City, and an iconic fixture of numerous films, TV shows, and songs.

It’s surprisingly easy to forget you’re in Manhattan once you penetrate the idyllic, 843-acre plot, which was first brought to life in the mid-nineteenth century by urban visionaries Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. Their thoughtful design reflects a harmonious balance of scenic elements that live on today: pastoral (the open, picnic-ready lawn of the Sheep Meadow), formal (the linear, tree-lined Mall), and picturesque (the densely wooded paths of the Ramble).

Rent a bike in Central Park.

6.  Chrysler Building

• Civic buildings
• Midtown East

If you want to call this magnificent pinnacle of Art Deco architecture NYC’s most eye-popping skyscraper then we’re not going to argue with you. Triangle-shaped windows in its crown are lined with lights, creating a beautiful effect come nighttime.

Oozing a moneyed sophistication oft identified with old New York, you can’t actually go up it as a tourist – it’s still in use as offices – but the magnificent art deco lobby is open to the public.

7.  The High Line

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

8.  Theater District

More than 13 million locals and tourists take in Broadway shows every year. Most of NYC’s 41 Broadway venues – that is to say, professional theaters with a capacity of over 500 – are located in the Theater District. Roughly speaking, that’s 41st Street to 52nd Street between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue. Each season brings a new wave of mega-musicals, plays, and star-driven revivals. 

Tickets don’t tend to be cheap – although discounts are often available – but you would be remiss to leave New York City without taking in one of the season's best shows.

Get spooked on a haunted Broadway theater tour.

9.  9/11 Memorial and Museum in NYC

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is one of the most popular—and certainly the most heartbreaking—attractions in New York City. Located where the Twin Towers once stood, the memorial and museum tell the story of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The 9/11 Museum, located where the Twin Towers once stood, explores the history of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The museum houses artifacts, historical records, firefighting equipment and a memorial exhibition. Tours with expert guides are available. 

Outside the museum is the memorial, which honors the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing on February 26, 1993. The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest man-made waterfalls in North America.

10.  Rockefeller Center

Built by the fabulously wealthy businessmen John D Rockefeller, the construction of this enormous complex employed over 40,000 workers over nine years. Nowadays, more than 350,000 visitors make their way to the historic landmark every year, starting early in the morning with folks hoping to spot celebrities or appear in the background of the Today Show.

Always in demand is the NBC studio tour, which covers the network’s history and sites in 30 Rock. The busiest time to visit, of course, is December when the enormous, 70-foot Christmas Tree stands proudly above the plaza ice rink.  Book Online

11.  Grand Central Terminal

This iconic transit hub, which opened in 1913, is used by thousands upon thousands of commuters each day. And it’s also a destination in its own right: its majestic Beaux-Arts architecture is an awesome marriage of form and function. 

Famous features include the vaulted, constellation-adorned ceiling and the four-faced opal clock topping the main information booth. They’re both located in the Grand Concourse. Meanwhile, ornamentation above the 42nd Street entrance includes a likeness of Mercury, the god of travel (naturally), and an ornate Tiffany-glass timepiece.

12.  Whitney Museum of American Art

• Art and design
• Meatpacking District

Standing at the foot of the High Line along Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, the 63,000 square facility features both indoor and outdoor exhibition space. True to its founder Gertrude Vanderbilt's wishes, the Whitney is dedicated to presenting the work of American artists. Its collection holds about 15,000 pieces by nearly 2,000 artists, including Alexander Calder, Willem de Kooning, Edward Hopper (the museum holds his entire estate), Jasper Johns, Louise Nevelson, Georgia O’Keeffe and Claes Oldenburg.

Three outdoor sculpture spaces provide views of the Hudson and the surrounding neighborhood. This is a goldmine for slightly lesser-known but fantastic exhibitions. 

13.  New-York Historical Society

• Upper West Side

History buffs will love this Upper West Side institution. Built in 1804, it's the oldest museum in New York City. In a nod to history, the museum kept the hyphen in its name—that’s how the city’s name was spelled back in the early 1800s. The New-York Historical Society features more than 1.6 million works that explore the history of the city and the country, including exhibits, art and historical artifacts.

The Patricia D. Klingenstein Library has more than three million books, newspapers, maps, photographs and more from our nation’s founding through slavery and Reconstruction and beyond. The Gilder Lehrman Collection is also housed in the New-York Historical Society, where you can view signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment and the Constitution.

14.  Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

• Upper East Side
• price 3 of 4

Frank Lloyd Wright broke the mold on museum design when he completed his building for the Guggenheim in 1959. Since then, millions of visitors have come to the Gugg to gawk at its spiraling rotunda, but they stay for its daring art shows and its collection, which includes Peggy Guggenheim’s trove of Cubist, Surrealist and Abstract Expressionist works, as well as the largest collection of Kandinskys in the United States.

Beautiful and innovative both inside and out, what more inspiration do you need?

15.  Times Square

Times Square in NYC—New York’s crowded attraction—is a global icon in its own right. It’s the "center of the world" and the epicenter of NYC tourism with the best Broadway shows and photo opportunities with The Naked Cowboy and even those creepy mascots.

Its fabled days of grime and crime are a distant memory, thankfully, but it still has much to experience, especially during the holiday season.

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

• Libraries, archives and foundations

Catch a glimpse of this monumental library’s Beaux-Arts facade and you’ll see why it took nine years and $9 million to construct (when $9 million was a lot of money). The grand columns, Tennessee marble lions dubbed Patience and Fortitude and spectacular Rose Main Reading Room make the library one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

The contents aren’t too bad either: bibliophiles shouldn’t pass up the chance to look through the vast collection of books and literary ephemera, including the original Winnie-the-Pooh bear and first folio editions of William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies .

17.  Chelsea Market

• Markets and fairs

More than six million people a year visit this former biscuit factory turned food hall: a fact that’s unlikely to surprise anyone who has ever braved the epic line for Los Tacos No. 1.

In addition to 35-plus eateries, Chelsea Market is home to the rotating boutique selection of Artists & Fleas, plus a selection of other local boutiques. The fact Google snapped the space up for a cool $2.4 billion a few years back only goes to show how iconic it really is.

Explore Chelsea Market and The Highline.

18.  Flatiron Building

When it debuted in 1902, critics thought the Flatiron Building wouldn’t last: they worried that a strong wind might topple the long, thin, pyramidal structure. Fortunately, architect Daniel Burnham’s smart solution to the problem of a triangular lot has proven nothing if not enduring, and the unique architecture is still very much in place. 

While it's still cool to look at, the building has been under scaffolding for years now, so set your expectations if you're heading there for a photo.

19.  American Museum of Natural History

• Science and technology

If the American Museum of Natural History only contained the 94-foot blue whale model in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life and the 122-foot cast of the Titanosaur fossil in the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Orientation Center, then it would be worth visiting on those grounds alone.

What’s that, you want more ? Fair enough: you can also consider the vast collection of taxidermied animals, check out the dazzling Hall of Gems, explore the heavens in the awe-inspiring Hayden Planetarium, and get inspired in the new Gilder Center.

20.  Macy’s Herald Square

• Department stores

Though it’s no longer the biggest department store in the world, the original Macy’s location is no slouch, covering a prodigious 2.2 million square feet. You could spend days shopping in this 11-floor building, but buying stuff isn’t the only draw.

Visit in the spring to peep the extravagant Macy’s Flower Show, or wait until after Thanksgiving to take in the festive holiday windows and drop off your Christmas list to Old Saint Nick himself.

21.  Harbor helicopter tour

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

Head to Pier Six on the East River and, well, prepare for lift off.

Looking for more things to do?

The best bike tours in nyc.

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

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Claim your listing
• Local Marketing Solutions
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

New York City   Travel Guide

Why Go To New York City

Cool, cosmopolitan, crowded, constantly evolving … the Big Apple blends big city splendor with small-town charm. Amid New York's iconic landmarks and towering skyscrapers, you'll experience a vibrant culture permeating each of the city's distinctive neighborhoods and boroughs. Follow trendsetters to the East Village and Brooklyn to check out indie boutiques, iconic bakeries and trendy coffee shops. Afterward, peruse the racks of the sleek shops lining Fifth Avenue , admire the cutting-edge art collections at the MoMA  and the Met , catch a memorable show on Broadway or sit down for a meal at the latest "it" restaurant.

As the most populous city in the U.S. – set at the forefront of food, fashion and the arts – NYC requires stamina. But don't let the Big Apple's frenetic sights and sounds intimidate you from soaking up its grandeur. Enlist the help of a local to help you navigate it all. Wander through the concrete jungle and you'll discover roaring taxis zipping down bustling blocks, fast-paced pedestrians strolling past on their way to marquee galleries and trendy cocktail bars, and Times Square 's neon lights flickering at all hours. And yet, the city's twinkling lights and chaotic corners also invite you to embrace every New York minute, explore every enclave and create your own urban adventure. There are endless ways to spend your time in the city that never sleeps, but before you leave, stop and look around – what's here today will be transformed into something bigger and better tomorrow.

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

• # 1 in Best U.S. Cities to Visit
• # 1 in Best East Coast Vacation Spots
• # 2 in Best Food Cities in the U.S.

See All 12 Rankings

Best of New York City

Best hotels in new york city.

• # 1 in The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, New York
• # 2 in The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
• # 3 in Baccarat Hotel New York

Best Things to Do in New York City

• # 1 in Central Park
• # 2 in National September 11 Memorial & Museum
• # 3 in Empire State Building

Popular Tours

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

(10307 reviews)

from $ 99.00

New York City 90-Minute Cruise: Lady Liberty, Bridges and Skyline

(225 reviews)

from $ 29.99

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

(3808 reviews)

from $ 46.82

New York City Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit New York is anytime . Each season in Gotham offers visitors plenty of reasons to visit. Early fall offers crisp breezes, bright sun and comfortable temperatures while late fall and winter make merry with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and holiday decorations. Deep winter – January and February – is cold, but that also means cheaper hotel rates . Spring is glorious and New Yorkers celebrate the thaw by taking to the streets, shopping at outdoor markets, frolicking in Central Park and dining outside. Summer is hot, but hey, so are lots of places, and at least this is New York. No matter when you decide to visit New York City, consider travel protection – such as a  travel insurance policy or a cancel for any reason plan – in the event you encounter weather issues or trip delays.

Weather in New York City

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Exercise shopping smarts If you're a high roller with a thick wallet,  Fifth  and Madison avenues are your shopping strips. Bargain-hunters should stick to SoHo and Chinatown.

Enter the subway with caution Many subway stations have different platforms for trains going uptown and downtown. Make sure you enter the correct platform before swiping your ticket through the turnstiles. 

Skip the train If you live in a major East Coast city, chances are you'll be able to reach New York City for a relatively affordable price by hopping on the BoltBus or Megabus , two companies that transfer visitors to NYC for cheap.

Take a tour Seeing all of the Big Apple's top sights can be a challenge, which is why signing up for a guided tour may be a smart idea. Whether you're looking for a walking tour , a  food tour , a boat tour , a helicopter tour  or a bus tour , you'll find a variety of experiences to choose from.

How to Save Money in New York City

Say no to cabs A cab here, a cab there … pretty soon, you'll find that cabs have eaten up all your spending cash. Yes, they're convenient but cost-efficient they are not. Learn the subway system instead, or try Uber or Lyft.

Say yes to street vendors Eat some cheap meals on the street at vendors, especially the ones with "Vendy Awards" posted, and you can put the money you would've spent on an expensive lunch toward your MoMA admission.

Say maybe to the TKTS booth If you're willing to spend an hour of your New York City vacation waiting in the half-price ticket booth in Times Square , you could save some serious money on a Broadway show.

Culture & Customs

New York City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. So it should come as no surprise that it's also one of the most diverse. The city is known for its ethnic neighborhoods, as well as its status as the country's trendsetter, making it difficult to define one specific "culture" of the Big Apple. As home to the most vibrant theater and fashions scenes in the country and a large contingent of schools and Wall Street on top of that, NYC also shelters a large gay community as well as many students, artists, fashionistas, writers, businessmen and so on. 

Stereotypically, New Yorkers are portrayed as brash and rude. But as TripAdvisor explains, "New Yorkers are unfailingly proud of their great city, and this pride can, at times, come off as arrogance." Contrary to popular belief, most New Yorkers are happy to help you explore their home.

What to Eat

It's fitting that New York's most popular nickname includes a reference to food. Experts say that the city is jam-packed with delicious places to eat, from the high-end celebrity chef hot spots to cozy eateries. When you're in this cosmopolitan city, you'll have to sample some of its specialties. Most people associate NYC with pizza: New York-style pizza consists of hand-tossed thin crust, a light layer of tomato sauce, plenty of mozzarella cheese and an assortment of toppings. There are dozens of pizzerias dishing out traditional pies across the city, but locals say Joe's Pizza and Grimaldi's Pizzeria are two of the top spots to grab a slice of pizza . Another New York staple? Bagels. The large, soft, doughy bagels can be topped with thick cream cheese (often you can choose from various schmear flavors), lox or your favorite breakfast sandwich accoutrements. Experts say you can't go wrong with a bagel from Ess-a-Bagel , Bagel Bob's or Tompkins Square Bagels .

In addition to its casual eateries, New York City has a vibrant food market (visit Chelsea Market and Gotham West Market ) and farmers market scene. And of course, the Big Apple is home to numerous upscale restaurants highlighting cuisine from around the world. The list of must-try restaurants is constantly changing, but those looking to enjoy an exquisite multicourse meal should make reservations (well in advance) at Eleven Madison Park , Le Bernadin or Daniel . If you'd like to explore fine dining restaurants with more reasonable price tags, Butter , Scarpetta and Marc Forgione are a few celebrity chef-helmed eateries that won't completely bust your budget. The wealth of food options in the city is also part of why New York City consistently lands on the U.S. News ranking of the Best Foodie Cities in the USA . For a comprehensive understanding of the city's dining scene, take one of the Big Apple's top food tours .

What's more, New York City isn't only home to fantastic restaurants, but also to several stand-out bars and breweries . When the weather warms up, locals and travelers alike love heading to the top rooftop bars around the city to soak up the skyline views.

In the past, New York City has owned a reputation for being a rough and dangerous city, but now it's one of the safest large cities in the country. As a tourist, you're not likely to encounter any serious crimes, but you should still use common sense when exploring the city. In the evenings, stick to well-lit areas with other people and keep a close eye on valuables. To discourage pickpockets, keep your wallet in your front pocket and your purses zipped closed.

Like other large cities, New York City is filled with its own group of eclectic personalities. Should someone out of the ordinary approach you, follow many New Yorkers' leads and simply walk away. Be particularly wary in places like Manhattan's Lower East Side and parts of boroughs Queens, Brooklyn and especially the Bronx. Central Park can also get seedy at night.

Despite what people may think, the subway in New York City is safer now than it has ever been. That said, you should be particularly watchful of your belongings while riding, especially when the trains are packed and crowded. Stay near the ticket booths and get into cars with more people or with the conductor, who will normally stick his head out when the train stops. Consider taking a cab at night if you are alone.

Getting Around New York City

The best way to get around New York City is on foot as traffic is fairly heavy around-the-clock. That said, the subway system is a convenient option, too, and it extends throughout Manhattan and into the other New York boroughs. Buses are another affordable way to get around, but keep in mind they traverse streets clogged with weaving cars and cabs. Picking up a car isn't the best mode of transportation, as traffic is heavy. To get from the two main airports – LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK) – into the city, you'll likely want to take a taxi or ride-hailing service like Lyft or Uber. If you'd like to mix in a little sightseeing with your transportation, consider a bus tour  or a boat tour .

Many East Coast travelers tend to arrive in New York City on one of the bus services like FlixBus  or Megabus . Amtrak is another popular way of getting into the city and trains roll into Penn Station daily.

Central Park occupies more than 800 acres in the heart of Manhattan and is the largest urban park in the United States.

Explore More of New York City

Things To Do

Best hotels.

You might also like

Philadelphia

# 1 in  Best Day Trips from NYC

# 7 in  Best Day Trips from NYC

# 1 in  Best Places to Visit in New Jersey

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

16 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

Christina Maggitas|Rachael Hood|Catriona Kendall September 13, 2024

The 26 Best Beach Resorts in the World

Marisa Méndez|Erin Vasta|Rachael Hood|Catriona Kendall September 5, 2024

30 Fun Fall Weekend Getaways for 2024

Holly Johnson August 29, 2024

The 19 Best Fall Family Vacations for 2024

Amanda Norcross August 27, 2024

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in New York State

Written by Shandley McMurray and Lana Law Updated Sep 16, 2022

The task of choosing a handful of top attractions to represent the entire state of New York is not an easy one thanks to its nearly endless number of things to see and do. From the historic to the most contemporary, New York State overflows with interesting places to visit.

New York City is undeniably the state's most popular tourist destination, and it's packed with famous attractions, restaurants, and shops. The borough of Manhattan is home to many of the city's top destinations, like Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and much more.

Upstate New York, as locals call pretty much anything north of the city, offers year-round vacation possibilities. In summer, the many lakes and mountains, along with New York's charming small towns , are the main attractions.

Winter is also a popular time to visit due to the ski resorts and luxury hotels and lodges that make great getaways.

Plan the perfect escape any time of year with our list of attractions and places to visit in New York State.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Niagara falls, central park, times square, finger lakes, lake placid, lake george, storm king art center, cooperstown, thousand islands, the adirondacks, the catskills, letchworth state park, darwin d. martin house complex, buffalo, watkins glen state park, george eastman house and the international museum of photography and film, rochester.

The Statue of Liberty is the nation's most iconic monument , a symbol of hope to millions of immigrants on their way to Ellis Island.

Tourists can visit both attractions via a ferry operated by the National Park Service that meets passengers at Battery Park and runs continuous loops throughout the day.

The first stop is the statue, where visitors can enjoy views of both the monument and the New York City skyline at no charge. You can also purchase tickets to access the pedestal or crown, although crown passes sell out at least six months in advance.

Be sure to wander through the museum in the base of the statue and check out the extensive educational signs, statues, and historic markers.

The ferry stops next at Ellis Island, where there is a museum on the first floor of the main building, an architectural masterpiece that once served as the main processing center and hospital from 1892 to 1954. On the upper level, tourists can wander the rooms of the quarantine wing and see some of the original bunks and facilities used by those hoping to start new lives.

Inside are poignant exhibits, with walls of photos, documents, and personal stories that capture defining moments in American history, one person at a time.

Tourists should plan at least a half day to enjoy sightseeing at both attractions, or if pressed for time consider hopping aboard the ferry and using the ride to get phenomenal views of these New York City landmarks from many angles.

Official site: www.nps.gov/stli

Niagara Falls is one of the natural wonders of North America, drawing millions of visitors each year. Located along the border of Canada and the United States, there are actually three waterfalls within the park: Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the widest and tallest, dropping 167 feet from a 2,700-foot-wide ledge.

For the best panoramic view of all three falls, go up the observation tower, or take the famed Hornblower boat tour into the basin of Horseshoe Falls. It's one of the most popular things to do in Niagara Falls . In addition to park information and tour tickets, the visitor center has a gift shop, several dining options, and a theater that shows a 40-minute film about the history and legend of the falls.

The park also provides nighttime illumination of the falls and hosts spectacular fireworks shows on special occasions.

In winter, the falls transform into a frozen spectacle of massive icicles, freezing fog, and ice-covered trees and railings. On clear, calm days, the plume of mist rising off the falls stretches high into the sky and can be seen from as far away as the CN Tower in Toronto.

Official site: www.niagarafallsstatepark.com

Although it may appear on a map as a small patch of green within the grid of Manhattan streets, Central Park is an expansive space that contains enough sights and things to do to last for days, if not longer.

Central Park is home to a wide range of attractions , from impressive architecture and peaceful gardens to skating rinks.

Bethesda Terrace is known for its stunning Bethesda Fountain, and the Mall , an idyllic, broad pathway canopied by the arching limbs of centuries-old American elms, begins at the terrace. Tourists will find several peaceful spots to relax, like the formal Conservatory Garden , the Shakespeare Garden , or the famed Chess & Checkers House .

Kids will enjoy the Central Park Zoo , which features sea lions, penguins, and other animals, and the younger ones will want to ride on the historic Carousel . The park also has, of course, expansive green lawns and enough playgrounds to keep kids busy for days.

Heckscher Playground lies mid-park between 61st and 63rd streets and boasts an extensive sprinkler area to help little ones cool off on a hot summer day. It dates to 1926 and also has slides, a giant sandbox, and climbing structures, as well as lots of open space to run around.

The Billy Johnson playground near the zoo features a stone slide beloved by kids. Be sure to bring a newspaper, or better yet, the lid of a pizza box to sit on while sliding, as it makes the ride faster.

Several ponds are also on hand to enhance the ambience. Pack a picnic and enjoy your meal with a side of people-watching.

Central Park can be toured by horse-drawn carriage for the ultimate romantic sightseeing experience.

Official site: www.centralparknyc.org

There are weeks' worth of attractions and things to do in and around Times Square, but even a brief visit to experience the bigger-than-life excitement is worth the trip. The heart of Times Square is at the junction of Broadway and 7th Ave, where you will be mesmerized by the massive screens that announce everything from the newest films and shows to special presentations.

The pedestrian areas are full of artists, performers, and tourists taking in the cacophony of the city and the enticing smells wafting from the food trucks that line the streets. While in the neighborhood, a visit is not complete without dinner at Sardi's Restaurant and a show in the world-famous Theater District .

Traveling with the kids? You'll find plenty of family attractions, including Madame Tussauds , which has not only amazing waxworks and interactive exhibits but also offers a new perspective from the glass-walled viewing platform that protrudes over the sidewalk.

Times Square is also home to a staggering number of stores, big and small, and no visit is complete without a stop at M&M World where you can't help but smile. The Empire State Building , another NYC icon, is within walking distance of the square and is open until 2am for breathtaking views of the city below.

According to Iroquois legend, the long, narrow lakes in the landscape west of Syracuse were formed by the impression of the fingers of the Great Spirit. The numerous lakes that make up the Finger Lakes region offer a range of outdoor opportunities in a visually stunning landscape.

Cute towns and Finger Lakes resorts are dotted along the lakeshores of the main lakes, most of which are particularly busy during the summer months. Some interesting ways to explore the area are on the Cayuga Trail, the Seneca Lake Trail, and the Keuka Trail.

The town of Corning is home to the living history museum Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes , as well as The Rockwell Museum , which features a variety of artwork. Auburn is also home to several attractions, including the Harriet Tubman House , the Seward House Museum , Willard Chapel, and the Fingerlakes Mall. Additional attractions include the Finger Lakes Museum in Branchport and the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Park.

Seeing the falls at Watkins Glen State Park ; riding in a hot air balloon over Letchworth State Park , and having an adventure at Greek Peak Mountain Resort are among the best things to do in the Finger Lakes .

The world-famous winter sports resort of Lake Placid, at the foot of Whiteface Mountain , has twice hosted the Winter Olympics (1932, 1980). Today Lake Placid is a major tourist center , located in beautiful natural surroundings with lakes and hills.

While it is perhaps best known internationally for its winter recreation, particularly skiing, the town is a popular summer destination as well. All kinds of unique shops and restaurants line the main tourist strip in Lake Placid. Beautiful resorts are found along the shores and in the rolling landscape.

In addition to the actual body of water named Lake Placid, there is also the incredibly scenic Mirror Lake , which is a centerpiece of the town. The setting for this lake makes it one of the most beautiful lakes in New York State .

The town of Lake George is located at the southern end of a 32-mile-long lake of the same name. The town is a major tourist destination in the summer, and the lake itself is the main attraction.

Many of the islands on the lake have been developed for camping, and the area is particularly popular with motorcyclists.

Million Dollar Beach , on Beach Road, provides swimming, picnic facilities, and volleyball courts. Sightseeing cruises are also a fun way to see the lake. Prospect Mountain offers a high scenic point for a view out over the lake and surroundings.

Historical points of interest around Lake George include Lake George Battlefield Park and the Fort William Henry Museum .

Wear comfortable shoes when you visit Storm King Art Center, which was named for the nearby mountain overlooking the Hudson River. This magnificent outdoor sculpture gallery set among 500 acres of bucolic landscape is by far one of the most captivating attractions in New York state – and you'll want to walk around it all.

Not a walker? No worries. There's a tram on-site to take you past most of the massive sculptures, but you'll want to download the site's app to get the most detailed information about each piece. Also, since this is an open-air attraction, plan your visit for a nice day to get the most out of your trip.

Many of the ambitious works on display throughout the fields and hills of this unique exhibition change frequently, and the art looks different in every season. That means you're in for a new experience with every visit. And trust us, going once really isn't enough!

Storm King is open Wednesdays to Mondays from 10am to 5:30pm. Last entry is at 4. It will take at least two hours to explore the area, more if you'd like to stop and appreciate the impressive works, so plan your trip accordingly. There's a café on-site offering healthy lunches, drinks, and snacks to help ward off hunger pangs during your journey.

Address: 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, New York

Official site: https://stormking.org/

Cooperstown sits at the southern tip of Otsego Lake in central New York state. It is best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum , where baseball aficionados can admire the sport's legends and view memorabilia.

The Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum is a fun follow-up to the Hall of Fame, and although it is on the smaller side, it is fun to pose with baseball's greats in a laid-back atmosphere and enjoy their "baseball bloopers" film in the small theater.

Cultural attractions in Cooperstown include the Fenimore Art Museum and the Alice Busch Theater , which hosts the Glimmerglass Festival, an annual international opera event. There are also historic sites like Hyde Hall , once a sprawling colonial estate, as well as The Farmer's Museum , where life on Lippitt Farmstead and a historic village is brought to life.

Dotted all over a 50 mile stretch of the St. Lawrence River are thousands of little islands. They are located along a granite shelf extending from the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains in the United States, with the boundary actually running between the islands. It is an area of great scenic beauty any time of year, but especially vibrant in autumn during foliage season.

Operating between mid-May and mid-October, boat tours among the maze of islands show ever-changing vistas and include glimpses of holiday homes that range from the plainest of log cabins to the most luxurious of summer villas. One of the most amazing sights in the Thousand Islands is the stunning Boldt Castle dating from 1900.

The Adirondacks are a scenic range of forest-covered hills in northern New York state, with numerous lakes and recreational opportunities. The hills are part of the Canadian Shield and reach a height of over 5,000 feet.

The highest peak is Mount Marcy at 5,345 feet. The Adirondacks are a favorite holiday destination for New Yorkers. People come here to enjoy hiking, canoe on the extensive waterways, and relax at lakeside cottages and resorts in the Adirondacks .

This is a beautiful area to photograph in the fall, with an incredible display of New York autumn colors .

Another popular destination to experience nature in New York State is the Catskills. The rugged countryside of rolling hills and peaceful lakes is perfect for recharging your mental batteries. You can be as active as you like by undertaking activities like biking, canoeing, and hiking; or as lazy as you like by sitting by the pool, snoozing, or visiting the spa at one of the many top resorts in the Catskills.

In the winter, the Catskills transform into a snowy wonderland and draw skiers from far and wide to some of the finest ski resorts in New York .

Letchworth State Park is home to three sets of waterfalls along the dramatic Genesee River Gorge. Steep cliff walls line the gorge, which is surrounded by forest, and it is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East."

Middle Falls is the largest, with a 107-foot drop, and is illuminated at night from May through October. It's dubbed one of the best waterfalls in New York for good reason! Upper Falls is just as captivating, but only drops about 70 feet. It is surrounded by stunning rock cliffs and crossed by the photo-worthy Portage High Bridge.

The park offers a full range of facilities, from campsites and cabin rentals to trails, swimming, a playground, and concessions. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and designated snowmobile trails.

One of the most memorable experiences in Letchworth State Park is definitely the hot air balloon rides that soar high above the phenomenal landscape, offering views that truly can't be beat. Book one during fall for the most impressive display of Mother Nature's best color show.

Darwin and Isabelle Martin commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build a multi-structure complex in 1904, which he did at the height of his Prairie House era. It is considered by many to be his finest such work.

One of the top things to do in Buffalo , the house is open to the public and can be toured on either a Basic Tour or an In-Depth Tour, with guides who can direct viewers to the details and enhance visitors' understanding of the structure. Portions of the estate that were torn down over the years are being reconstructed.

Address: 125 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo, New York

Official site: www.darwinmartinhouse.org

Watkins Glen is located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake within the Finger Lakes State Parks . The glen extends for two miles, dropping a total of 400 feet over 19 waterfalls, past 200-foot cliffs that were carved by the water.

In addition to admiring the gorge from its rim trails, visitors will find many things to do, including fishing, hiking, and even swimming in the park's Olympic-sized pool. The park has campsites for both tents and RVs, as well as picnic areas for day visitors. Guided tours of the gorge are available in season.

Official site: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/142/

The 50-room George Eastman mansion was completed in 1905 and originally included a stable, garage, barn, five greenhouses, and many gardens. Located in Rochester, the house has been restored to its appearance in the early 1900s, with photographs made by Eastman, as well as letters and notes that assisted in the restoration.

The outstanding International Museum of Photography and Film is located on the grounds and will be of interest to anyone with a passion for photography. The museum also showcases a number of traveling exhibits and movies on a regular basis. Be sure to check their website to see what's coming up.

Address: 900 East Avenue, Rochester, New York

Official site: https://www.eastman.org/

Kingston is a quaint waterfront town that lies on the outskirts of the Catskills, about two hours north of Manhattan. It's a popular place to spend a weekend in New York , with a slew of fun things to do, especially during summer.

When the warm sun shines, this unassuming town really comes to life–in the form of outdoor concerts, festivals, and other fun events. Grab a bite on an outdoor patio by the Hudson River, hop on a cruise, or tour one of the area's multiple museums.

The Hudson River Museum is particularly interesting if you're a fan of all things nautical, while train lovers could spend hours in the Trolley Museum of New York .

Save time to practice a little retail therapy in the boutique shops Uptown , but do not miss a wander along the streets of the Stockade Historic District . This region is comprised of eight blocks of fairy-tale worthy buildings and so much charm, you'll want to stay longer.

More on New York

• State of New York
• New York City
• United States

98 Best Tourist Attractions in New York City

• 5 Pinterest

They say All roads lead to Rome — clearly, they were taking the wrong roads, because, in this modern era, all roads lead to the magnificent multicultural melting pot that is New York City; the skyscraping concrete jungle and the behemoth of a tourist magnet that is the infamous the Big Apple.

Beckoning tens of millions of travelers year after year, this dense, diverse, and dearly beloved metropolis is overflowing with excitement, delivering entertainment of all kinds around every corner — you could live in the Big Apple for a decade and still only uncover a sliver of its magic.

But if you’re only going to visit for a few days, how on Earth are you supposed to know which attractions to prioritize? Fear not, intrepid traveler! We’ve got your back with our list of the 99 best tourist attractions in New York City .

From top-notch museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History, to awe-inspiring architecture including the Empire State Building and Grand Central Terminal, to world-famous green spaces like Central Park and Bryant Park, there’s something for everyone in this city that never sleeps (and really doesn’t stop moving either).

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your NYC adventure today !

1 – Statue of Liberty

There’s no denying that the Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in all of New York City , so it would be a sin to leave without paying this UNESCO World Heritage Site a visit.

Acting as a symbol of freedom and democracy ever since she was first unveiled in 1886 as a gift from the people of France to the United States, this neoclassical beauty towers 151 feet from toe to torch, or over 300 feet high if you include its base — and while it can certainly be appreciated from the water on one of the many boat tours in the area , to stand in her shadow, admire her crown, and climb the statue itself delivers another spectacular perspective.

Ferries to Liberty Island (where Lady Liberty stands) run regularly from both Battery Park and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, so there’s no excuse to exclude this beauty from your list! And, if you’re looking to save a few bucks, the Staten Island ferry runs around the clock from Downtown Manhattan, providing postcard-worthy (and totally free) views of both Lady Liberty and the lower skyline .

• Statue of Liberty tours

See also: Statue of Liberty Last Minute Tickets – It’s not Sold out!

2 – Metropolitan Museum of Art

Looking for the best museums in New York City ? Arguably the world’s most renowned museum (although the Louvre would certainly throw its hat in the ring), the Met is a New York icon and one of the “must-dos” on any first-time trip to NYC.

Housing over two million pieces of art from around the world , this vast museum in Central Park has everything from Egyptian hieroglyphics to European masterpieces by Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh and more — not to mention its famous sculptures like The Winged Victory of Samothrace (aka Nike), who, despite being headless, stands guard at the top of a grand staircase.

It goes without saying that an afternoon exploring such a place could easily be turned into days as you wander through countless halls filled with centuries’ worth of artwork, so if you want to really get your money’s worth it’s best to take a guided tour .

The Met is open from Sunday to Thursday from nine in the morning until five at night (note: except for Wednesday), and on Friday and Saturday from nine in the morning until nine at night if you’re on the hunt for an evening of culture — so there’s plenty of time to squeeze it into your itinerary!

• Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets

See also: Fun things to do in New York City at night

3 – Rockefeller Center

A Midtown beacon of entertainment, shopping, and tourists that takes up an entire city block, Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous landmarks in all of New York City and a must on any first-time trip to the Big Apple.

Built between 1930 and 1940, this iconic destination is a hub of activity year-round and is one of the most popular places in New York City to snap a selfie — especially around Christmas time when their famous ice rink opens up for skaters and thousands flock into town for some holiday magic under the infamous giant tree!

However, even if you don’t make it during the winter months (or can’t stand that freezing NYC wind chill) there’s still plenty to do at Rockefeller Center!

With multiple works of art dotted throughout its grounds such as Prometheus outside 30 Rock, plus killer views from the Top of the Rock observation deck , plenty of entertainment and souvenirs at the Radio City Music Hal or NBC studios (see if you can snag a ticket to a live show!) and world-class shopping , this grandiose Art Deco complex has a slice of every pie.

4 – Central Park

A green oasis smack-dab in the heart of the concrete jungle, Central Park is one of the most famous public parks in the world and an undeniable New York City staple.

Created in 1857, this massive park stretches from Midtown all the way up to Harlem and covers more than 800 acres (or around twice the size of London’s Hyde Park) — meaning there’s plenty of room to wander, explore, and relax amongst nature without ever having to leave Manhattan.

Walking trails and expansive lawns aside, you’ll be spoiled for choice for things to do in Central Park : the area is home to a variety of different attractions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art at its eastern edge or the Museum of Natural History on its western edge (both unmissable Manhattan museums), Alice in Wonderland statue near 72nd street, Belvedere Castle on Vista Rock, the Shakespeare Garden , the cute-as-a-button snapping turtles in turtle lake, the vintage Carousel , Strawberry Fields (a memorial to John Lennon) and more — not to mention countless food carts, sports fields, street performers, and horse-drawn carriages.

There’s no doubt about it: Central Park is a New York City icon that should be on every visitor’s itinerary! With so much to see, the classic way to explore is by bike ! Rent your own and discover the park at your own pace or join a guided tour if you’d prefer someone else do the navigating.

• Central Park tours

5 – Grand Central Terminal

Made famous through an endless list of cinematic appearances over the decades , Grand Central Terminal is a train station that’s just as much of an attraction as it is a functional transportation hub.

Completed in 1913, this beaux-arts beauty dominates Midtown Manhattan and has been a crossroads for millions upon millions of New York City locals and tourists alike, housing 44 platforms – more than any other station in the world.

Besides its impressive size and architecture, not to mention the astronomical mural which dons the cavernous main concourse roof, Grand Central is also home to a vast array of shops, restaurants, and bars – perfect for grabbing a bite or taking a break from all the sightseeing. And if you’re feeling up for it, be sure to check out the whispering gallery on the lower level!

6 – Helicopter Tours

Ready to snap that jealousy-evoking Instagram shot? There’s no better way to do it than with a helicopter tour of New York City — where unrivaled bird’s eye views await.

Usually departing from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport (although there are a few spots around the Big Apple, so you can typically find something close to where you’re staying), you’ll soar above some of the city’s top sights including Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and so much more , soaking in stunning views of Ellis Island and Lady Liberty herself along the way.

Ideal for couples looking for a slice of romance, thrillseekers looking for some sky-high magic, or anyone who simply wants a new way to explore the city, helicopter tours of New York City are certainly an experience to remember .

Craving more altitude still? You’ll find flight lessons and aerial photography tours available as well!

• helicopter tours in New York City

See also: Helicopter Tours in New York City – Which One Is the Best?

7 – Top of the Rock Observation Deck

As the world’s most famous skyline, it’s only natural that New York City would have a few observation decks where visitors can marvel at its majesty from up high. And, of course, one of the most popular is Top of the Rock.

Offering unparalleled 360-degree views from the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza (an official New York City landmark also known as the GE Building), this Midtown attraction offers unobstructed vistas spanning Central Park to the north, Times Square and the Hudson River to the west, and the Empire State Building and beyond to the south — no matter which direction you look, stellar panoramas await .

Hot tip: try to arrive about an hour before sunset when the city begins to twinkle and enjoy a cocktail at Bar SixtyFive while you watch as day turns magically to night.

• Top of the Rock tickets

See also: Top of the Rock Tickets Price – Everything you Need to Know

8 – Brooklyn Bridge

Historic, iconic, and a tourist magnet for decades, the Brooklyn Bridge has long been considered one of the best tourist attractions in New York City .

Stretching over a mile above the East River and connecting Manhattan with Brooklyn , this 1883-built suspension bridge was originally designed to improve transportation between the two boroughs — which it continues to do in spades today.

However, its true value lies not so much in its role as a connector but rather for what it represents: an architectural masterpiece and a feat of 19th-century engineering that took close to 15 years to build , using 15,000 miles’ worth of wire.

Today, pedestrians and cyclists can follow the same path taken by thousands upon thousands of commuters each day on their way across, with a host of history and architecture-themed tours for anyone looking to learn a little more about the postcard-worthy landmark.

• Brooklyn Bridge tours

See also: Best things to do in Brooklyn

9 – Escape room

Any budding detectives out there? If you consider yourself a problem-solver, a code-cracker, and a bit of a next-generation Sherlock Holmes, then put your money where your mouth is and test your wit in one of New York’s immersive, thought-provoking, always-exciting escape games!

With locations scattered all over the city (make sure to check The Escape Game ), you’re never too far from a room where you and your friends (or complete strangers) can put your lateral thinking skills to the test. Race against the clock to find clues, solve puzzles, and break out of the room before time runs out!

Choose from themes like prison breaks, art heists, a gold rush, detective missions, or even go for a horror-themed game if you’re looking to add a little fright into the mix. Either way, there’s no doubt about it: escape games in New York City are always fun!

• escape rooms in New York City

10 – Museum of the Moving Image

Tucked away off the beaten track in Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image is a true gem that celebrates all things film, TV and digital media — with an impressive collection of artifacts including everything from historic cameras to costumes worn by your favorite on-screen characters, plus props used in famous films and fascinating insights into the art of animation.

Besides the “Behind the Screen” exhibition, which showcases over 1,400 rare and unusual historical artifacts on its own, the museum also hosts regular screenings showcasing classic movies and newer releases (with a focus on independent films) at its own theater inside (included with museum admission); while traveling exhibits focused on special filmmakers, techniques, or themes ensure that no two visits are the same. A must for any movie buff!

11 – Guggenheim Museum

Despite often being overlooked in favor of the Met and the MoMA, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum remains an art-lover’s heaven on earth , with a reputation that extends far beyond the five boroughs.

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1959, and now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cylindrical building was intended to house a permanent collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern, and contemporary art from around the world .

And today it does exactly that, showcasing a wide variety of works by renowned names like Monet, Van Gogh, Manet, and Magritte, to name but a few,

What’s more, its spiraling ramp has become as much a part of the museum’s identity as the art on display within, making it an attraction in and of itself for visitors who want to take their time browsing through the galleries.

• Guggenheim Museum tickets

12 – Museum of Modern Art

Guaranteed to delight, pose questions, and challenge your notions of art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has long held a reputation as a quintessential Manhattan destination for any culture vulture.

Boasting a permanent collection of close to 200,000 pieces from all around the world — one which has improved year after year since its founding back in 1929 — this Midtown museum is home to Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series, Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night and Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon — plus works by Salvador Dalì, Frida Kahlo, Roy Lichtenstein, and pretty much every other major contemporary artist you could think of (and then some).

Throw in a sleuth of sculptures, film, photography, over 28,000 works specific to architecture and design items, and regular events throughout the year, and it becomes easy to see why the MoMA is considered one of the best tourist attractions in New York City.

To help you navigate this art behemoth, they offer a range of docent-led tours as well as a MoMA Audio Guide — an app that lets you listen to artists, curators, and conservators discuss various pieces in the collection.

• Museum of Modern Art tickets

13 – Madison Square Garden

Never shy of a roaring and electric atmosphere, Madison Square Garden is New York City’s premier sports and entertainment venue .

And no, it doesn’t matter if you’re not a fan of the NBA’s Knicks or the NHL’s Rangers – this arena is worth visiting for its sheer size, scale, and architectural magnificence alone .

Perched atop Pennsylvania Station (which makes for easy access) MSG has been drawing in basketball fans keen to see the NBA franchise in action ever since opening day , as well as hockey-lovers looking to get up close with their favorite NHL stars on ice.

It also hosts plenty of other sporting events throughout the year too – from boxing matches to UFC bouts and wrestling tournaments; while concerts by some of music’s biggest names have become a staple at this iconic venue for decades.

Wanna take a look behind the scenes? Tours of this historic venue offer visitors a look at everything from the locker rooms and press areas to private suites and even the hallowed ground where rock gods like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Elton John have performed over the years.

• Madison Square Garden tours

See also: Best things to do in Manhattan

14 – Museum of Natural History

Showcasing everything from prehistoric dinosaur skeletons to rare gems and stones , New York City’s Museum of Natural History is a haven for all those with an interest in biology, geology, anthropology, and the fascinating realities of the world around us.

Open since 1874, this museum holds one of the largest natural history collections on the planet – housing more than 34 million specimens ranging from insects to minerals, dinosaur skeletons, ancient rocks that date back billions of years, and a vast collection of plant specimens.

This sprawling complex in Theodore Roosevelt Park (adjacent to the western edge of Central Park) also features a range of educational displays dedicated to topics like biodiversity, climate change, ocean life, evolution, microbiology and more ; not forgetting its incredible 40-foot-wide, 66-foot-high IMAX screen that makes you feel like you’re in the thick of the action!

• Museum of Natural History tickets

15 – Chelsea Market

If you’re in the mood for some gourmet eats after all that sightseeing, Chelsea Market is a must-visit. Located in the Meatpacking District (fittingly), this indoor food hall offers everything from artisanal cheese and chocolate shops to award-winning restaurants , drool-worthy tacos, as well as trendy boutiques and a few galleries on the side.

The Market has been around since 1997, but it only really hit its stride in recent years; nowadays, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in New York City and a stone’s throw from both the High Line and the East River.

Come hungry and be prepared to sample everything!

16 – High Line

Fast becoming an NYC staple since opening in 2009, the gentrified High Line is a public park built on an elevated section of a long-abandoned railway spur called the West Side Line.

Stretching about a mile and a half over 30 blocks and welcoming around eight million visitors every year , this popular elevated promenade winds its way along the lower west side between Hudson Yards and the northern edge of Chelsea (stopping off at the Chelsea Market), offering unparalleled views of Manhattan’s glittering skyline along the way!

Enviable views and peaceful stroll aside, a creative array of artwork combining sculptures and murals, as well as plenty of food carts throughout the area provide a buzzing yet peaceful atmosphere.

Hot tip: after stretching the legs, grab a seat at The Standard High Line’s rooftop bar for a killer view and killer handcrafted cocktail to boot.

17 – Whitney Museum of American Art

One of New York City’s finest museums dedicated to American art, the Whitney Museum is a must for anyone interested in 19th and 20th-century American works – especially those by living artists.

Among the broad 23,000-piece collections, crowd-favorite highlights include paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures that date back all the way to 1900; collections ranging from pre-eminent figures such as Edward Hopper and George Luks through to pop-culture icons like Andy Warhol ; as well as a range of changing special exhibitions throughout the year that ensure that no two visits are the same!

Tucked away on the shores of the Hudson River in the Meatpacking District, this imposing modern building is a sight to behold in its own right, with a ground-floor restaurant and a top-floor bar delivering top-notch views of the West Village and beyond.

• Whitney Museum of American Art tickets

18 – Times Square

Dubbed The Center of the Universe by many New Yorkers, Times Square is a bustling cacophony of bright lights, costumed characters, foot traffic and curious tourists that’s as chaotic and colorful as it is iconic.

Located in Midtown Manhattan at the junction of Broadway, Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street, this awe-inspiring spectacle might be cliché, but it remains one of the best tourist attractions in New York City and certainly one for the bucket list.

As a hub for art, entertainment and commerce (and the location of New York City’s annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop), Times Square has been labeled The Crossroads of the World by many over time; with its high concentration of neon signs, billboards and advertisements offering plenty of photo opportunities along every step .

Grab a ticket for a Broadway show, pop into one of the souvenir shops, satisfy your sweet tooth at M&M’s World, find the Naked Cowboy, and be sure to take a selfie atop the famous red steps.

Hot tip: Yo wish to elevate your NYC adventure ? Grab a moment under the spotlight by getting your picture or video featured on a massive billboard , just like we did at TourScanner. Platforms like TSX liveboard facilitate this unique experience, ensuring your 15 seconds of fame amidst the incessant buzz.

See also: fun things to do in Times Square

19 – New York Aquarium

A family-favorite attraction and one of the oldest continually operating aquariums in America , this Coney Island landmark has been entertaining curious visitors since it first opened its doors way back in 1896 (however, was housed in Battery Park until the 1950s before finding its new home) with over 10,000 colorful fish and ocean-dwellers on display .

Situated on 14 acres of land on the boardwalk fronting the Atlantic Ocean, guests can marvel at more than 300 species of marine animals spread over dozens of exhibits, showcasing everything from sea otters to sharks, starfish, and stingrays!

An undeniable highlight, the Spineless exhibit showcases the weirdest and most wonderful slippery sea-dwellers (think Pacific octopus, moon jellies, and zombie worms), while the hands-on sea lion trainer shows at the Aquatheater and 4D-movie theatre provided educational entertainment for kids and adults alike!

• New York Aquarium tickets

20 – Fifth Avenue

Credit card at the ready, folks!

When it comes to high-end shopping in New York City (with a potential dose of celebrity-spotting too) , the best place to go is Fifth Avenue where you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury department stores and designer boutiques ; with flagship locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany, and Bergdorf Goodman drawing a constant crowd, while coveted brands like Chanel, Cartier, Hermes, Prada, D&G, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more await.

Those looking for an off-the-rack bargain can also head over to H&M’s largest Manhattan location on Fifth Avenue and 48th Street (with more than 57,000 square feet spanning five floors), or pop into Lululemon, Barnes & Noble, Adidas, the NBA Store, Uniqlo and more along the way!

While shopping is the main event, the strip also houses the 19th-century Neo-gothic St. Patrick’s Cathedral (opposite the impressive ATLAS statue) as well as the main location of the New York Public Library (at 5th and 42nd).

21 – 9-11 Memorial & Museum

Sobering and powerful, and brilliantly designed to be profoundly moving, the September 11 Memorial & Museum is an eye-opening and riveting destination that, despite its potential to evoke sadness, is essential on any New York visit.

Located at the site of the former World Trade Center twin towers, which were destroyed during the attacks on September 11, 2001, this museum tells the story not only of that fateful day and its lead-up, but also of its aftermath and the fight to rebuild, and how it has shaped both America and the world.

An infinite in-ground waterfall in the open air, the memorial pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the attacks with two massive reflecting pools set within the footprints of where the towers once stood; while inside, poignant exhibits tell stories of heroism and heartbreak from survivors, first responders and others affected by that history-shaping day.

• 9-11 Memorial & Museum tickets

See also: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets Price – All you Should Know

22 – One World Observatory

Located on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors of One World Trade Center (the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere), this extraordinary observation deck stands an impressive 386 meters above street level and gives visitors unparalleled views of New York City’s glittering skyline.

Reached via its own dedicated elevator, known as Sky Pods, guests are whisked up to the observatory with a video-enhanced journey through space and time that shows what NYC looked like throughout the decades!

The experience continues once you arrive at the top with three floors packed full of interactive exhibits for all ages; including stories about how the building was constructed during one of America’s darkest hours (with many poignant tributes included); along with cutting edge technology, floor-to-ceiling windows, and One Dine — an upscale eaterie known for its sophistical meals with a view to match.

• One World Observatory tickets

See also: One World Observatory Tickets Price – All you Need to Know

23 – Broadway

Offering a spectacular night out on the town for visitors of all ages and interests (and let’s not forget matinees too), Broadway’s reputation precedes it as a melting pot of performance arts and culture smack-bang in the heart of Times Square .

With a variety of world-famous titles to choose from — The Lion King , The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera , Chicago , Matilda, Aladdin , Avenue Q, Newsical the Musical, and Kinky Boots, just to name a sliver — you’ll never run out of fascinating choices full of the city’s best on-stage talent.

Hot tip: check out the red stairs in Times Square to find the TKTS booth — if you’re lucky, you’ll find iconic shows at 50% off at the last minute.

• Broadway tickets

Read more: Best Broadway shows and musicals to see right now !

24 – Empire State Building

Imposing itself over Midtown Manhattan since 1931, the Empire State Building has been drawing in visitors and tourists like moths to a flame ever since it first lit up the New York City skyline.

Standing at an impressive 102 stories high (not including the antenna), this Art Deco stunner was the world’s tallest building for more than four decades following its completion and remains one of the most popular attractions in town.

Not only is it possible to visit the tower’s open-air 86th-floor observation deck on most days of the year, but you can head even higher to the Top Deck on the 102nd floor , where floor-to-ceiling windows provide views that stretch for over 80 miles on a clear day, and then learn a few things at the selection of fascinating on-site historic exhibits!

Hot tip: while a visit to the ESB’s observation deck is quintessential, if you want to get the building itself in the backdrop of your photos, consider going to Top of the ROck, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, or the Edge at 30 Hudson Yards.

• Empire State Building tickets

See also: Empire State Building Tickets Price – Everything you Should Know

25 – Luna Park in Coney Island

A longstanding attraction straddling the Atlantic coast, Coney Island has welcomed sun- and thrill-seeking locals and visitors since the 1800s, and today is home to Luna Park (an amusement park) which offers more than 40 rides and attractions like bumper cars, roller coasters (don’t miss the Cyclone), and the heart-pumping Sling Shot catapult!

Free to enter for visitors of all ages (just pay for whichever rides you jump on!), Luna Park is open seasonally from April to October each year, with a bounty of Midway games, carnie eats, and souvenir stores to boot.

26 – Flatiron Building

Emblematic of the Gilded Age in New York City, the 285-foot-tall Flatiron Building was one of the first skyscrapers to be built in Manhattan and still remains an iconic sight on the city’s skyline more than a century later.

Designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and completed in 1902, this triangular 22-story structure gets its name from its distinctive shape that resembles — well, a flat iron.

Aside from admiring it from afar or snapping photos of its gorgeous Beaux-Arts facade, you can also go inside for free (just head to the ground floor) and explore exhibits about the building’s history and construction ; plus there are often pop-up art installations taking place throughout the area!

27 – World Trade Center

While most associate the World Trade Center with being the site of the 9-11 memorial and the symbol of resurgence that is the skyline-defining Freedom Tower, this Lower Manhattan complex actually houses a plethora of attractions — from retail to dining and entertainment, once you’ve ticked off the sobering memorial, there’s plenty more to see in the area.

You’ll find over 1.5 million square feet of shopping space throughout the complex, as well as the architecturally marvelous Transportation Hub — nicknamed the Oculus — that attracts photographers from near and far. Throw in ample green spaces (check out the Battery Park Esplanade), a sleuth of restaurants.

Looking for a hotel in the area? Any of the Four Seasons , Andaz 5th Avenue , and Ritz Carlton are modern, elegant, and a stone’s throw from Lower Manhattan’s main attractions.

• World Trade Center tours

28 – Chrysler Building

Before the Empire State Building stole its thunder, the Chrysler Building was the tallest in the world (a title it held for just 11 months). Still, since being completed in 1930, this Art Deco masterpiece has remained one of New York City’s most beloved skyscrapers , appearing in many a film and on many a postcard!

You can admire it from all around Midtown Manhattan, but to dive deep into its history, a locally-led walking tour comes highly recommended .

Besides learning all about its unique art deco design and the iconic gargoyles perched atop, and the man behind it, you’ll also learn tons of other interesting (and surprising) facts about Midtown!

29 – St. Patrick’s Cathedral

In the heart of Fifth Avenue’s hustle and bustle, right across the street from Rockefeller Center, you’ll find St. Patrick’s Cathedral — the largest decorated Neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral in North America and one of New York City’s most historic landmarks.

While it is a functioning parish, this iconic Roman Catholic church welcomes visitors around the clock for guided tours and self-guided visits around its interior to admire the stained glass windows, statues, and impressive organ (the largest in New York City).

Dating back to 1878, the Gothic Revival structure is also the final resting place of the past nine Archbishops, so if you’re into history and religion, it’s a quintessential stop.

30 – Queens Museum

While not as popular as its Manhattan counterparts, the Queens Museum is a gem of the city, and well worth visiting if you have time to spare.

As the only remaining structure from New York City’s 1939 World’s Fair site (the New York City Building), the Museum itself is a marvelous historical attraction; since opening its collection to the public in 1972, it has since then has been offering visitors an insightful glimpse into Queens’ history, unpacking its diverse communities, its artists through 20th-century works , and providing a wider look at the stories of New York City.

The highlight? The “Panorama of the City of New York” — an expansive 1:1200 scale model of all five boroughs (including every single structure) that covers nearly 10 thousand feet!

Found in Flushing Meadows, the Museum is around the corner from the 11-acre Queens Zoo, kid-friendly Fantast Fores Amusement Park, New York Hall Of Science, and the ever-peaceful Garden of Meditation — it’s easy to spend an entire day strolling around the area.

31 – Sightseeing cruise

If you’re short on time and don’t think you’ll be able to tick off all the top New York City attractions while in town, taking a cruise around Manhattan is one of the best ways to see as many highlights as possible.

A 90-minute ride (or sometimes a little longer, depending on your tour of choice) will take you past most of NYC’s iconic landmarks — from Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to Governors Island and Chelsea Piers!

Along with your tour guide, learn about Brooklyn Bridge’s history (the longest suspension bridge in North America!), admire One World Trade Center up close, spot Lady Liberty, and be treated to fun facts along the way that even locals won’t know!

With a sleuth of tours available — private charters, party boats, dinner cruises, history-themed excursions, speedboat adventures, and romantic sails , to name a few — there’s something to suit every budget and interest!

• boat tours in New York City

See also: NYC Boat Tours – Which one Is Best?

32 – New York Botanical Garden

A welcomed breath of fresh air in the heart of this otherwise chaotic metropolis, New York City’s Botanical Garden is an award-winning botanic wonderland that boasts some 250 acres of unspoiled natural beauty .

Located in The Bronx next to the infamous Bronx Zoo and a short metro ride from Midtown Manhattan, these verdant gardens are home to a plethora of rare and exotic plants and flower s – with no less than one million living plants covering 12,000 species from all over the planet.

As such, it’s not hard to see why sightseers flock here time and time again seeking solace during those long summer afternoons; nor is it difficult to understand why photographers love snapping away at this colorful and truly enchanting haven!

For something different, don’t miss the rock garden, and be sure to check the calendar to check out the rotating special events.

• New York Botanical Garden tickets

33 – Museum at Eldridge Street

Located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side in Chinatown, the Museum at Eldridge Street is a perfect stop if you’re looking to learn more about New York City’s 19th-century Jewish community.

The museum was built over 100 years ago (in 1887) as the first synagogue of Eastern European Jews on the lower east side and has since been restored to its original glory; today, it welcomes visitors with exciting exhibitions (including artists’ depictions of NYC), educational videos, tours that explore its fascinating history, and absolutely stunning stained glass windows and decorations.

While there’s never a poor time to visit this underrated attraction, if you’re looking to save a few bucks, Mondays are ‘Pay As You Wish’ .

34 – Central Park Zoo

Lions, tigers and bears, oh my!

There are over 130 species of animals at New York City’s Central Park Zoo — located in the southeast corner of America’s most famous green space.

Come for a family-friendly day out and spend quality time together exploring this urban zoo ; from snow leopards to sea lions, sloths and red pandas (an adorable highlight!), you’ll meet an array of fascinating creatures here.

And you’ll learn a thing or two as well; the Wildlife Conservation Society runs regular educational programs that leave kids and adults alike delighted and full of stories to tell.

The best part? The zoo is small enough that it can easily be explored within a few hours, and is right in the thick of the action, an easy walk to both the Great Lawn and Strawberry Fields.

• Central Park Zoo tickets

35 – The Frick Collection

If you’re a fan of classical European art, The Frick Collection is an absolute must-visit when in New York City.

This museum, located on the Upper East Side not too far from Central Park on East 70th Street, houses one of the world’s most impressive private collections of paintings, sculpture, furniture, and decorative European arts from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century.

Take your time browsing through works by masters such as Rembrandt, Titian, Vermeer, Gainsborough, and El Greco in this intimate setting; all the while admiring the sprawling mansion on whose walls they sit — a piece of art in its own right.

36 – Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Aviation and space enthusiasts, this one’s for you!

Over at Pier 86 in Hell’s Kitchen, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is one of the best tourist attractions in New York City, and for good reason; it’s home to an impressive collection of military vehicles spanning aircraft, spacecraft, boats, and submarines!

In addition to its exhibitions (which include a guided tour of the USS Intrepid), the museum also offers interactive activities for kids and adults alike, movie screenings under the stars on its flight deck (weather permitting), as well as artifacts that provide a unique look into the world of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and NASA (don’t miss the Enterprise shuttle!).

Discounted tickets can often be found online; just make sure you allow yourself enough time to explore everything this top NYC attraction has to offer.

• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum tickets

37 – Radio City Music Hall

Bearing the coveted (and longstanding) title of being the largest indoor theatre in the world, Radio City Music Hall is an iconic New York attraction , and justifiably dubbed the Showplace of the Nation.

Throughout the year, all-star names in music, comedy, and performance art grace its stage. But if you’re not lucky enough to attend a live performance here, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience this legendary space; tours are available daily and provide visitors with a glimpse into the theatre’s architecture (it was built in 1932), as well as its history and role in shaping America’s culture today.

And if it happens to be Christmas time? The Rockettes’ annual Christmas Spectacular show will leave crowds of all ages mesmerized!

• Radio City stage door tour tickets

38 – AKC Museum of the Dog

Dogs are a huge part of the New York City culture; from dog-friendly apartments and businesses to special events, this city loves its canines!

If you’re a pet parent or simply love animals — particularly our four-legged friends — make sure not to miss the AKC (American Kennel Club) Museum of the Dog in Midtown Manhattan.

Right around the corner from the Chrysler Building, this small but charming attraction houses over 700 canine paintings and sculptures by a variety of artists , as well as sections devoted to dogs on the silver screen, presidents’ dogs, war dogs, and

From noble hunting hounds to loyal lapdogs, and a special focus on deep in Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Great Danes, and German Shepherds, there’s something for everyone here.

39 – Staten Island Children’s Museum

Looking for things to do in NYC with kids ? Offering a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, a trip to Staten Island is definitely worth it for at least one attraction: the Staten Island Children’s Museum !

This interactive museum caters specifically to kids (ages 0-12) and encourages hands-on learning through play . With exhibits on everything from transportation and science to history, insects, ships, giant board games, and even a “Become a Firefighter” zone complete with a working fire pole, there’s plenty here to keep youngsters entertained for hours on end.

As a little bonus, regardless of whether your drive across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge or hop on a ferry ride over, the views of New York Harbor and Manhattan are sure to be spectacular.

40 – Edge Observation Deck

Delivering an unmatched open-air thrill as the highest outdoor skydeck in the Western Hemisphere (as of 2022), the Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards is among New York City’s top modern tourists magnets, dishing up views of the Empire State Building on one side and the shimmer Hudson on the other.

Standing 100 stories above street level — about 1,100 feet high — and with 360-degree views of the Big Apple, visitors can enjoy a unique perspective of the city in every direction — including underneath them! (Yes, there are glass floor panels in parts of this deck.)

While you’re in the area, check out the futuristic honeycomb-like structure that is the Vessel, a climbable sculpture with 154 interconnecting flights of stairs that offers a bird’s-eye view from the top.

• Edge Observation Deck tickets

41 – National Lighthouse Museum

Located on Staten Island (the least populated of New York City’s five boroughs), the National Lighthouse Museum is a fun spot for history buffs , as well as anyone who wants to learn more about lighthouses and their role in maritime safety with an emphasis on local examples.

Featuring exhibits that focus on both past and present lighthouse technology — along with an impressive collection of artifacts, photos, models, paintings, rare books, and documents — this museum also hosts special events throughout the year such as are exhibitions, festivals, and boat tours galore!

It’s about a five-minute walk from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal , making it an easy addition to break up the free sightseeing ride from Lower Manhattan.

42 – LEGOLAND

Adored by both kids and adults, LEGOLAND is a theme park chain with locations in Europe, Asia, North America, and Dubai that are devoted to the iconic interlocking plastic bricks .

Not to be confused with the NYC flagship attraction, its Discovery Center — located in the Rockefeller Center and which offers visitors a chance to explore creative building zones, shop unique builds, and admire miniature Lego-made landmarks — the sprawling Legoland theme park over in the town of Goshen is perfect for families hunting for a fun day trip!

Just 60 miles northwest of New York City, this beloved park features both indoor and outdoor attractions, rides for all ages (particularly those 2-12), a Lego-themed hotel, a water park, interactive live entertainment shows, friendly costumed characters, as well as a stack of whimsically themed eateries. With so much to see and do, an entire day is definitely needed.

43 – National Museum of the American Indian

Eye-opening, educational, and providing an alternative cultural activity from the plethora of art museums around the city, the Smithsonian-affiliated National Museum of the American Indian is a fantastic place to learn about the indigenous people from all over North, South, and Central America.

Located on the first two floors of the gorgeous Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House (a classical Beaux-Arts beauty that faces Bowling Green Park in Lower Manhattan), this insightful museum details how, among others, Native Americans have lived for thousands of years through in-depth exhibitions, as well as film screenings and live performances throughout the year — including traditional dance shows.

It’s free to enter and open every day of the week , making it one of the best tourist attractions in New York City for those looking for something a little different.

44 – Fotografiska New York

A relative newcomer to the city’s art scene as a sister of the popular Swedish photography house in Stockholm, Fotografiska New York is fast gaining traction as a notable landmark, becoming more and more popular every year since making its debut in the Meatpacking District back in 2010.

Boasting an impressive program of rotating exhibitions (featuring both emerging and established photographers), as well as talks, screenings, workshops, and portfolio reviews for aspiring shutterbugs , this cutting-edge space is definitely worth penciling into your itinerary if you’re at all interested in the medium. Housed inside a 19th-century chapel, even the building is a work of art — and, on that note, don’t miss the moody and historic Chapel Bar!

Hot tip: Photobugs, considering opting for the 1-hour private guided tour, where knowledgeable and passionate Fotografiska staff will take you behind the scenes and deliver tidbits usually missed by the general public.

• Fotografiska tickets

45 – New York Public Library

Unequivocally one of the most famous libraries in the world, the New York Public Library is a phenomenal research institution whose own story dates back to way back in 1895.

A cathedral of learning, with millions upon millions of books, manuscripts, and other items on its shelves, the flagship Beaux-Arts building on Fifth Avenue is one of the most opulent sights in Manhattan . (In fact, it’s so beautiful that it was used as a location for movies such as The Devil Wears Prada and Ghostbusters.)

Aside from housing an impressive collection of knowledge dating back centuries, the library is also open to visitors who want to admire its architecture and take a breather in its many reading rooms — perfect for when you need to escape the bustling city streets outside.

While the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building steals the thunder, all in all, you’ll find over 90 locations scattered around the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

46 – Staten Island Zoo

A surefire hit for galavanting families, the Staten Island Zoo is a small and unassuming urban zoo that’s home to an impressive range of animals from all over the world , with a reptile exhibit that takes the cake.

A favorite spot for locals thanks to the smaller crowds compared to its more famous counterparts, this attraction offers up-close encounters with critters such as kangaroos, leopards, ostriches, goats, honey bees, and more at prices that won’t break the bank — making it ideal if you have kids in tow.

Hot tip: for those pinching pennies, admission is FREE after 2 pm on Wednesdays.

47 – Wall Street

Chaotic, crowded, loud and unmissable: Wall Street is one of the most iconic streets in all of New York City , and it’s no wonder that tourists flock here by the thousands.

Made famous (in part) by its eponymous stock exchange, this narrow thoroughfare cuts through the heart of Lower Manhattan and is flanked on either side by some of the city’s most impressive skyscrapers.

While you may not be able to get up close and personal with the bankers and traders working inside, a wander down Wall Street offers an unrivaled glimpse into the New York Stock Exchange , the other arms of NYC’s financial district, and a chance to snap some photos next to the Charging Bull statue.

With so much history associated with the area, a guided tour with a financially-savvy local (or a foodie tour, if you’re into that too) comes highly recommended.

• Wall Street tours in New York City

48 – Queens County Farm Museum

If you want to get out of the city and explore a little bit of rural America, look no further than the Queens County Farm Museum — an underrated attraction that is both peaceful, educational, and, as one of America’s longest operating farms, historic.

Located in Floral Park, this museum is home to 47 acres of farmland, complete with a petting zoo, tractor rides, and an ice cream parlor to satisfy any sweet tooth.

What’s more, it’s the only working farm left in all of New York City (the others have been mostly turned into housing developments), making it a unique spot to visit for those looking for a taste of old-school Americana.

49 – The Paley Center For Media

Hidden in the shadows of the MoMA in Midtown Manhattan, the Paley Center for Media is a must-visit haven for cinephiles and TV nerds.

Open to visitors of all ages, this free attraction boasts an impressive collection of television shows and movies from across the decades , with over 160,000 showings on hand at any time — just browse the catalog and take your pick!

With exhibits that dive into the Internet, mobile video, and podcasting to boot, it’s the perfect place to take shelter from the rain or escape New York’s often sweltering heat ; sit back in one of its cushy armchairs and enjoy screenings that span everything from Hollywood classics like The Wizard Of Oz to interviews with famous comedians, or the latest binge-worthy TV hit.

50 – Yankee Stadium

No trip to New York City is complete without a visit to Yankee Stadium , one of the most revered sporting venues in America .

Home to the nation’s (arguably) most successful sports franchise, a tour of this stadium offers an inside look at both the Yankees’ illustrious history and their current roster of players , with all kinds of memorabilia on display at the free-access (with a home game ticket) museum — items like Lou Gehrig’s jersey, Joe DiMaggio’s bat, and Babe Ruth’s 1927 World Series Ring.

History buffs, make sure to take a quick stroll through Monument Park, whose statues pay homage to some of the Yankees’ most famous bygone heroes. And, of course, sports fans, grab a ticket to a roaring and energetic home game for a wonderful day in the bleachers.

• New York Yankees tickets

51 – Brooklyn Children’s Museum

A hidden gem tucked away in a primarily residential area, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is officially New York City’s largest cultural institution designed especially for youngsters , which makes it an absolute must-visit for visitors with kids in town.

Boasting interactive exhibits on everything from outer space to nature and the human body , this museum is designed to inspire curiosity and teach our next generations about world cultures, history, careers, and so much more.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum also offers rotating exhibits, an ice skating rink in the wintertime, and festival programs that are both fun and educational!

52 – Ellis Island

While often confused with Liberty Island (the slice of land on which Lady Liberty actually sits), Ellis Island is steeped in even more historical significance as the gateway for over 12 million immigrants who entered America through its doors from 1892 to 1954 in search of a new life.

Now a part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, this island is open to visitors daily and offers an in-depth look into the immigration process that shaped New York City and America into what it is today.

What’s more, Ellis Island is also home to a museum whose exhibits tell the stories of some of these immigrants, giving faces and voices to those who were once just names on a page.

• Ellis Island tours

53 – MoMA PS1

Over in Queens’ Long Island City, the MoMA PS1  is one of the most impressive contemporary art museums in New York , dedicated exclusively to showing off works that’ll provoke thought and spur creativity.

Housed in a former public school building, the modernized attraction displays over 200,000 of the world’s most Ingenuitive contemporary pieces, from paintings and sculptures to videos and installations , with a focus on works from the late 1800s to the modern day.

With installations from names like Ai Weiwei and James Turrell, and paintings from Francis Bacon and Sol LeWitt sculptures, not to mention a strong photography collection from talented Americans like Diane Arbus and Cindy Sherman, the range and diversity of the art here is astounding.

What’s more, the MoMA PS1 also doubles as an educational center, offering classes and workshops for both children and adults throughout the year!

See also: Fun things to do in Long Island

54 – Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Founded in the late 1950s, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is one of New York City’s most impressive cultural institutions , housing a total of a dozen performing arts companies and close to 30 indoor and outdoor venues, serving as home to world-renowned arts organizations like The Metropolitan Opera, The New York Philharmonic Orchestra, esteemed Juilliard School of Music and so many more.

Today, this expansive complex offers everything from ballet (from none other than the acclaimed New York City Ballet) to film, opera, musicals and guest speaks throughout its iconic plaza, making it an easy place to spend an evening soaking up NYC culture on the Upper West Side .

So check the calendar, grab your better half, dress to the nines, and say hello to a splendid evening of bourgeoisie entertainment.

55 – Apollo Theater

One of the most famous theaters in all of America, Harlem’s Apollo Theater is a longstanding symbol of African-American talent , has been the stomping ground for many a famous name over the decades — the careers of Jimi Hendrix, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin were propelled by this stage , to name but a few.

Calling itself the “intersection of artistry and activism”, the 1500-seat theater puts on a mix of revues, concerts, dance performances and comedy shows throughout the year, with an emphasis on showcasing new and upcoming talent through its famous Amateur Night contests, where next-generation musicians compete for the chance to perform on stage.

Boasting a history and legacy matched by few venues in the country, a night at the Apollo Theater for a play, comedy act, R&B show, or hip-hop performance — or a guided tour that dives into its transition from whites-only theatre to iconic music venue — is always an occasion to remember.

56 – Museum of Jewish Heritage

One for the history buffs, the Museum of Jewish Heritage is a powerful and emotional institution that acts as a living memorial to the Holocaust , telling the story of 20th century Jews from all over the world.

From roots in Eastern Europe to migration across America and beyond during World War II, as well as a moving and sobering look at the unspeakable tragedy that was the persecution of Jews — the Holocaust — this museum invites visitors to learn, reflect, and pay respect to both the triumphs and tragedies of Jewish history through exhibitions, tours, and programs , with a range of educational workshops that ensure we never forget.

Local tip: After browsing what is the third-largest Holocaust museum in the world, make your way up to the second floor for the LOX cafe, where scrumptious traditional Jewish dishes are complemented by excellent views over Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park and the Hudson River. If you’re traveling on a budget, admission is free on Thursdays between 4 and 8 pm.

57 – New York Catacombs

Coming as a surprise to many first-time visitors, the Catacombs at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral is a hidden gem that lies below the 150-year-old church and functions as an underground crypt housing dozens of notable New Yorkers’ tombs.

The eerie, candlelit space is open for guided tours only , with tickets available on a first-come-first-serve basis that take you on a subterranean journey to no less than 35 family crypts home to former respected bishops and priests, and 5 protected clerical vaults.

The tour lasts around 90 minutes, providing a fascinating insight into a usually overlooked aspect of the Big Apple.

• New York Catacombs tours

58 – Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

Serene and secluded on Staten Island, away from the big smoke, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is an urban oasis that’s home to 83 acres of lush and colorful gardens , a host of museums, dozens of buildings (some restored from the 1800s) including a Japanese teahouse, and much more.

What originally began as a retirement home for sailors in the mid-1800s has since blossomed into a distinguished Smithsonian Affiliate and one of the city’s most unique cultural destinations , with something on offer for everyone regardless of age or interest.

The center hosts regular exhibitions by local and international artists in its rotating galleries, puts on plays and dance performances in its theaters, and runs educational programs for kids and adults alike; while the botanical gardens are the perfect place to relax among blooming flowers, towering trees, tranquil ponds, and top-notch harbor views .

For anyone on the hunt for a spot of learning, don’t miss the Noble Maritime Collection and Staten Island Museum, while families, make a beeline for the Staten Island Children’s Museum — all on-site at Snug Harbor.

59 – Roosevelt Island

Sandwiched in between Manhattan and Queens, Roosevelt Island is one of New York’s lesser-known neighborhoods — but definitely not to be missed.

The two-mile-long island was once a place for the sick, poor, and unproductive members of society — the outcasts — who had nowhere else to live in the 1800s (such, the land houses an almshouse, a penitentiary, and a then-called lunatic asylum), before being transformed into a residential community with high rise apartment buildings and lush green spaces.

It may still sit off most tourists’ radars today, but this narrow strip of land packs plenty of punch when it comes to sightseeing attractions : walk along Main Street for unforgettable views over Manhattan; learn about its history at the Smallpox ruins; visit the island’s 50-foot-high lighthouse; make a stop at the Octagon Tower and Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, or take a ride on its quaint aerial tramway for spectacular skyline views.

60 – El Museo del Barrio

One of the best tourist attractions in New York City for anyone fascinated by Latin culture and history, El Museo del Barrio is a community-based museum located in the heart of East Harlem bordering Central Park.

The museum celebrates and showcases the art, music, dance, food, and fashion of Latin America and the Caribbean with rotating exhibitions , artist talks, films screenings (including bilingual contemporary Latin American films), concerts, and more.

If you’re looking to work on your Spanish, the Museo hosts a welcoming Spanish-language book club, and if you’re looking to dive deep into history, more than 6000 artifacts explore the last 800 years of Puerto Rican and Latin development.

61 – Chinatown

Foodies and culture vultures, get excited! Chinatown acts as a magnet for tourists looking to explore a unique pocket — just one of many — and get a taste of the vibrant multiculturalism of the concrete jungle.

This fast-paced neighborhood is home to some of the most delicious (and affordable) food in town, as well as an impressive array of stores selling all sorts of trinkets, souvenirs, and knick-knacks.

Take a wander through the streets and explore all that Chinatown has to offer; you’ll find yourself surrounded by colorful temples, pagodas, and archways, bustling marketplaces, aromatic restaurants , and locals who are more than happy to show you around.

With so much to see, and so many hidden gems known only by the locals, a guided walking tour comes highly recommended.

• Chinatown tours in New York City

Hot tip: Discover the diverse neighborhoods of New York City with the best NYC city tours

62 – International Center of Photography

A quintessential shutterbug stop on any NYC tour, the International Center of Photography (ICP), founded in 1974, is dedicated to conveying and increasing understanding of the power of photography — and, as both a school and a museum, it draws photographers like moths to a flame.

The museum’s permanent collection contains more than 200,000 images from noted photographers such as Lewis W Hine, Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange — just a sliver of the 3,000 photographers who have been on display throughout the years.

With fascinating exhibits that rotate regularly, no two trips are the same; and if you’re looking to hone your craft and snap a few shots yourself, what better place to learn than the world’s leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture?

63 – Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Overflowing with color and natural beauty all year round, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre oasis on the edge of Brooklyn sprawling Prospect Park that’s home to more than 14,000 types of plants that dabble in all kinds of climates, near and far.

The garden has something for everyone, including an impressive Japanese garden with waterfalls and tea houses, rose gardens, a children’s garden with interactive exhibits , a herb garden, absolutely stunning cherry blossoms, plenty of space to meander and contemplate in between.

With at least one or two events every week, plus educational programs for adults (i.e. how not to kill your house plant), there’s always something new to explore at this urban paradise ; so pack your camera and spend an afternoon wandering through some of the most diverse flora on offer in New York City!

64 – The Skyscraper Museum

Fitting for a city that’s nearly as vertical as it is wide; if you’ve ever wondered what goes into making a skyscraper (or just how tall they can really get), The Skyscraper Museum is the place to be.

This small but mighty museum, founded in 1996, is dedicated to exploring the development of high-rise architecture and engineering in the Big Apple , with both permanent installations that look at design, construction sites, real estate investments, and well as exhibits that rotate every few months.

From the original World Trade Center and Empire State Building to some of the newest and most impressive buildings in the city (Central Park Tower, for one), this museum has it all; plus, if you’re looking for a unique souvenir to show off to the folks back home, there’s even a gift shop selling scale models of famous skyscrapers from around the globe.

65 – Brookfield Place

The bustling intersection of shopping dining and sightseeing, architecturally impressive Brookfield Place , located in Battery Park around the corner from the World Trade Center and 9-11 Memorial, is a high-end mall, office complex, and cultural center all rolled into one, topped off with great views of New Jersey and the Statue of Liberty over the Hudson.

With everything from Gucci to Louis Vuitton and Peleton (plus a sleuth of eateries where you can dive into delectable American or European fare), Brookfield Place is a shopper’s paradise ; but it’s also home to some great art galleries and performance venues , making it a must-visit for those who appreciate both high fashion and high culture.

66 – The Woolworth Building

Having held the title of the world’s tallest building between 1913 and 1930 , the Woolworth Building is an architectural marvel that’s often forgotten in favor of its newer, taller, shinier counterparts.

However, towering above the city’s bustling Financial District, this formerly-dubbed “cathedral of commerce” remains one of the best tourist attractions in NYC.

A common spot on architecture-themed adventures of the area — whether that be a walking tour, boat cruise, or photography tour — this 792-foot Tribeca tower makes for a quick and notable stop.

• architectural tours in New York City

67 – The Met Cloisters

With dozens of museums all over New York City, including the massive Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue, there’s no shortage of great art to take in around town; but for those who want something a little different from your typical museum visit might be pleasantly surprised by The Cloisters.

Located uptown at Fort Tryon Park (known for its stunning views of the Hudson), this branch of The Met is dedicated entirely to medieval architecture and artifacts from Europe (and the only one in America to do so) , focusing largely on Romanesque and Gothic eras, with sculptures, paintings, tapestries and more that take visitors on a journey back through the ages.

Feeling like an odd mashup between old-world Europe and modern-day Central Park, the Cloisters are best explored with the 2-hour audio guide.

68 – South Street Seaport Museum

A historic gem in the Financial District (which features some of the city’s oldest architecture), the South Street Seaport Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the fascinating maritime history of New York City.

Taking up an old-school block of waterfront architecture, this unique museum complex is made up of a fleet of historic ships (including the 1885 schooner Pioneer; the 1907 lightship Ambrose, and 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker), as well as several galleries that take you on a journey through New York’s past – from its beginnings as New Amsterdam to its future as one of the most modern cities in America.

Hot tip: get into the maritime spirit by taking a harbor cruise before exploring the plethora of notable restaurants and bars nearby.

69 – Fort Totten Park

Located in Queens on the north shore of Long Island, F ort Toten Park is a smaller park, but one that draws crowds for its rich history — alongside the preserved Civil War fortress are epic views over The Bronx and Manhattan.

A former strategic military location that dates back over 160 years , Fort Totten is now a popular destination for kayaking, swimming in the onsite pool, sunbathing, and just enjoying the beautiful sights of New York City.

Start your journey at the visitors’ center to learn all about the park’s history, or, for those who enjoy guided treks, consider joining one of the informative and enjoyable ranger-led tours that dive into the fortress as well as the surrounding wildlife.

70 – SPYSCAPE

Feel like dabbling in a little… espionage? One of the coolest museums in New York City, the new SPYSCAPE is a spy-themed playground that’s equal parts fun and educational.

From interactive mazes to clever quizzes, this exciting museum puts you into the shoes of a real secret agent for an immersive adventure that’s totally unlike anything else around town (we promise).

Spread across seven different experience zones, future agents can admire the latest in intelligence and spy technology, experience the magic of artificial intelligence first-hand, and even browse a dedicated 007 James Bond exhibit!

• SPYSCAPE tickets

71 – Deno’s Wonder Wheel

Having put smiles on faces for decades, Deno’s Wonder Wheel is a classic New York City attraction that’s been dazzling the masses on Coney Island since the roaring ’20s.

As officially the oldest continuous operating ride at Coney Island, the Ferris wheel rises 150 feet above sea level and offers some of the best views in town from its swinging and stationary cars.

However, it’s not all about the Wheel; the amusement park actually boasts nearly two-dozen thrilling rides , including the Phoenix roller coaster, a sleuth of kiddie rides, the Spook-A-Rama haunted house, and an immersive VR experience called Stop the Zombies.

Throw in all the classic carnie arcade games plus an old fashion Sweet Shoppe and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, and you’ve got yourself one heck of an afternoon on the cards.

See more: Cheap things to do in NYC

72 – Bryant Park

A rare slice of greenery in the heart of skyscraper-city, Midtown, Bryant Park is a beloved public park that’s perfect for a relaxing break during your busy day .

The 42nd Street park features l ush gardens, plenty of benches and shady spots to take a load off, energetic street performers, as well as free WiFi and regular events like summer movie nights, fitness classes, live concerts, art installations, and a whole lot more.

Dubbed Manhattan’s Town Square, the park remains a buzzing meeting point no matter the time of year — in the colder months, don the skates for a few laps on the ice rink and browse the seasonal Christmas markets, mulled wine in hand!

73 – The Vessel

Sticking out in the Hudson Yards skyline like a sore thumb, the Vessel is a new, edgy, and heavily photographed attraction that’s already become one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks in just the few short years it’s been standing.

Created by renowned British architect Thomas Heatherwick, the honeycomb structure is comprised of 154 interlocking flights of stairs (Harry Potter vibes, anyone) — 1776 steps in total — and o ffers incredible views over The Big Apple as well as nearby attractions like Hudson Yards itself, The High Line and the Chelsea Piers.

Looking to save a few bucks? Set an early alarm and arrive within the first hour of operation for free entry ($10 at other times).

74 – Madame Tussauds

The closest thing to meeting your favorite celebrities, Madame Tussauds is a waxy hubbub of Hollywood A-listers, iconic musicians, historical figures, political figures, and quintessential New York faces , all under one roof.

The wax museum is the perfect choice for a rainy day in New York City and remains one of the most popular things to do in Times Square , with over 200 lifelike figures on show, plus interactive experiences like Marvel Superheroes and Star Wars.

With plenty of scenes set up for selfies, you’ll be tricking your friends and raking in the likes in no time!

• Madame Tussauds tickets

75 – SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

A fresh addition to the glorious Manhattan skyline, the super-sleek SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is quick staking its claim as one of the best tourist attractions in New York City — while a formidable observation deck, this cultural experience tucked away atop the 73rd floor offers so much more than a great view.

Full of deliberately placed glass and mirrors throughout the area, SUMMIT delivers a magical and immersive artistic experience through its three ‘grammable sections: Air, Transcendence, and Affinity.

At a whopping height of 1,301 feet (or roughly equivalent to the Empire State Building), the new tower is easy to spot from miles around and offers unparalleled 360-degree views over all five boroughs , as well as Jersey City and beyond on a clear day.

For true thrill-seekers, the Ascent elevator — looking like something out of a Roald Dahl book — juts out from the building and climbs even higher! And after coming back down to Earth, drinks and creative dishes await at Après.

76 – Governors Island

A short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge Park, Governors Island is a car-free haven that’s perfect for summertime ambles.

The 172-acre island offers plenty to discover, with acres of lush green parkland as well as historic mansions and buildings transformed into art galleries, museums, and cultural spaces . Chill out in Hammock Grove, snap some colorful pics at the lavender fields, or take a guided tour of the island on the weekends to learn more about its military history1

It’s also home to some of New York City’s best events including music festivals, artistic workshops, lawn parties and DJ nights — check the calendar to see what’s coming up — plus the Governors Island Winter Village in Colonels Row with an ice rink to boot.

77 – Macy’s Herald Square

From the iconic Thanksgiving Parade to the Miracle on 34th Street, Macy’s is as much a part of New York City culture as bagels and pizza slices.

So, it should come as no surprise that this historic department store — which has been around since 1902 — still holds some magic for visitors today.

Macy’s Herald Square is actually one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions in its own right; walk through the doors and you’ll be met with massive murals depicting scenes from NYC life and history , along with plenty of opportunities to revel in Americana and pimp out your wardrobe.

If you’re more about its movie magic than its fresh fashion, consider joining an NYC movie tour to check out how Macy’s has featured in famous films and TV sets from the likes Broad City, Home Alone, Girl Meets World, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Miracle on 34th St, and a whole lot more!

• movie tours in New York City

78 – Jane’s Carousel

Now, remarkably, over 100 years old, this whimsical, old-timey family attraction — which now sits in the heart of DUMBO’s Brooklyn Bridge Park after originally being housed in Ohio — has been delighting kids and adults alike since 1922 .

Jane’s Carousel is a true New York City gem , and it’s easy to see why it was once dubbed the “most beautiful carousel in the world” . It features 48 exquisitely carved horses and chariots as well as an impressive glass enclosure which, despite being intended for its protection from the elements, makes the attraction even more unique.

Take a spin on the beloved Jane’s Carousel for just $2 per ride, or enjoy the views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline from the surrounding boardwalk — either way, you’re guaranteed a good time!

79 – Carnegie Hall

With a glowing reputation as a top venue for classical music and jazz (notwithstanding some rock and pop here or there too), Carnegie Hall is one of the world’s most prestigious concert halls.

Originally built in 1891, this iconic institution has hosted performances by some of the biggest names in show business including Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Pink Floyd , as well as more contemporary artists such as Beyonce and a wide selection of world-renowned orchestras.

Today it continues to present over 200 concerts each season with countless performances every year from critically-acclaimed musicians and superstars alike. While tickets are needed to be (usually) booked well in advance , if you’re strolling by on a whim, check out the free Rose Museum or book a guided tour of the national historic landmark a couple of days prior.

80 – West Village

Buzzing with art galleries, trendy restaurants, and independent boutiques, the West Village is one of the most charming and picturesque neighborhoods in all of New York City.

Formerly a bohemian enclave for artists and writers (and still home to many creative types), this west-of-Broadway district that winds along the Hudson River has retained much of its old-world feel with narrow streets, intimate brownstones, and an eclectic mix of businesses ideal for a spot of window shopping (or actual shopping).

Take a leisurely stroll through the West Village while people-watching or popping into some stores you might not find anywhere else in the city; and, to learn a thing o two about the area’s vibrant history and diverse culture, consider joining one of the many locally-led walking tours.

• walking tours in New York City

Hot tip: Check out our list of the best walking tours in NYC you shouldn’t miss .

81 – Staten Island Museum

This small but mighty institution in the borough’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center has a wide variety of permanent and rotating exhibits on everything from natural history and archaeology to technology , local art and culture, and NYC-specific history.

The Staten Island Museum is perfect for a rainy day activity or something different to do on your next trip out to the oft-forgotten borough. And, believe it or not, that extensive variety of artifacts and exhibits makes it the only remaining general-interest museum in New York City!

Plus, admission is free (although the suggested price is $8 for adults — still ver affordable) so you can explore at your leisure without worrying about the budget. Check out their website for current exhibitions and upcoming events!

82 – Williamsburg Bridge

Typically overlooked in favor of its parallel-running neighbor, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge is nonetheless a must-see when touring New York City.

Completed in 1903, this imposing landmark connecting Brooklyn to the Lower East Side of Manhattan was the world’s longest steel suspension bridge for 20 years after construction , stretching 1.38 miles (2227 meters) from end to end.

It offers absolutely stunning views of both boroughs as well as Lady Liberty and Ellis Island — and of the Brooklyn Bridge too; another reason to stroll along this one in lieu! — making it perfect for an afternoon walk or bike ride.

Bonus: Since you’re technically in two different neighborhoods when crossing the bridge, you can easily explore each one separately before or after your journey!

83 – Museum of the City of New York

Heavily underrated but full of interesting exhibits nonetheless (with over 750,000 items to boot including outfits worn at George Washington’s inaugural ball), the Museum of the City of New York is, expectedly, a must-see for anyone interested in the Big Apple’s history and culture.

Located in Manhattan’s Upper East Side straddling the edge of Central Park, this 5-story museum traces the city’s development from its humble beginnings as a tiny Dutch trading post all the way to its current status as one of the most iconic and influential metropolises in the world.

And, with rotating temporary exhibitions on topics ranging from Broadway to fashion to architecture to social movements , as well as a fifth floor dedicated to the Rockefeller rooms (recreations of several famous Robber Barons’ houses), you can easily whisk away a few hours here!

84 – Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Craving a touch of retail therapy? An hour north of the city lies the shopalohilc’s paradise that is the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets , one of New York’s largest shopping malls.

With close to 250 designer and brand-name stores to choose from — including your favorite luxury labels like Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Armani, Balenciaga, Jimmy Choo and more at prices up to 65% off retail value! — you can easily spend a full day here hunting for deals on everything from clothing and accessories to beauty products and homewares.

For those looking to max out the credit card without worrying about going to and from, there are a few pre-bookable tours that not only include transport from Mantahhatn’s Port Authority, but also a free discount coupon book!

• Woodbury Common Premium Outlets tours

85 – The Battery

A lovely place to soak in the fresh air and waterfront views on any sunny day, The Battery is a local-favorite 23-acre public park located at the southern tip of Manhattan that regularly draws attention for its spectacular scenery and perspective of the Statue of Liberty and Jersey across the Hudson.

Steeped in history, these days it’s known for its wide variety of well-manicured green spaces, picturesque promenades, art installations, the kid-friendly Playscape and ShowBox amphitheater (home to regular improv performances), and monuments and memorials honoring soldiers, explorers, and immigrants; all in all, it’s perfect for a quick visit when wandering through Lower Manhattan.

And don’t forget to snap some pictures while you’re there; the Instagram opportunities are endless!

86 – Castle Clinton National Monument

An undisputed highlight of the Battery that deserves its only special mention, Castle Clinton is a historic fort built to protect New York Habor in the War of 1812 ‚ but that’s just the start of its fascinating timeline.

Originally intended as a military outpost with 8-foot-thick walls, this National Historic Landmarks sports history as diverse as New York itself ; after its fortification, it became an opera house (1840-1855) before being converted into an immigrant landing depot (1855-1890) and an aquarium thereafter until 1941!

Today, the incredible monument continues to serve the public by housing ticketing booths for those visiting Ellis Island and Liberty Island (the Statue of Liberty), offering guided history-themed tours, and a small exhibit on the American immigration experience.

87 – Metropolitan Opera House

A world-renowned opera house located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan as part of the coveted Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Opera stands proud as one of the most prestigious performing arts institutions in the United States.

Featuring a season that runs from September to June and showcasing over 200 performances of dozens and dozens of different operas (plus ballets and concerts), this iconic theater has been around since 1883 and has seen some of the greatest names in classical music grace its stage, including Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Renée Fleming, Anna Netrebko and more.

If you love opera (or even if you’re just curious about it!), then a visit to see an event at this legendary institution is an absolute must!

Hot tip: Even if you’re not catching a show, there are plenty of opportunities to grab a magical Manhattan souvenir photo. Typically, early in the day when shows aren’t on, the lobby remains open to the public , meaning that guests can meander up the grand staircase, admire the shimmering crystal chandeliers, or step out onto the balcony that overlooks the bustling Lincoln Center Plaza.

88 – Bronx Zoo

Easily one of the best tourist attractions in New York City for local and visiting families, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in North America , home to over 4000 animals representing more than 650 species from around the world.

Welcoming animal-loving visitors since the late 1800s, this 265-acre zoo not only offers an amazing variety of animal exhibits (including a World of Reptiles and Himalayan Highlands sections), but also interactive experiences like nature treks, sea lion and penguin feedings, and the educational Zoo Shuttle, there’s truly something for everyone here!

Plus, if you’re looking to get your little ones excited about conservation (or just want them to have some wild fun!), they offer a wide range of educational programs that cater to different age groups too.

• Bronx Zoo tickets

89 – Children’s Museum Of Manhattan

Designed to inspire curiosity about this big wide world of ours, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is a magical place for NYC families — while targetted at youngsters six and under, parents and grandparents tend to love the playful hands-on exhibits too.

Featuring five floors packed with interactive elements that make learning about different cultures, art, history, and science fun , this is an attraction where kids can let off at least 2-3 hours of steam.

Located on West 83rd Street in Upper Manhattan – just a few minutes walk from Central Park – the CMOM also offers classes and workshops (like Gross Biology!) that are sure to spark plenty of intrigue.

90 – United Nations Headquarters

A symbol of unity that looks over the East River, the UN Headquarters offers in-person guided tours of its flagship building , giving visitors a chance to learn about the work of this important international organization, checking out the art and architecture along the way.

Tours run around an hour long and make a few stops inside the General Assembly and Dag Hammarskjöld libraries , and, if you’re lucky, observe the Security Council in session.

Tours aside, you can get lost in the UN Bookshop, send a postcard with a UN stamp, or browse the educational exhibits about peace, human rights, and activism (open Monday to Friday 9-5).

91 – Fraunces Tavern Museum

Once a roaring watering hole during the revolutionary war — yep, meaning that this historic landmark dates back to the late 1700s — the Fraunces Tavern Museum is where none other than George Washington gave a moving farewell speech to his officers , which has since been transformed into a lovingly restored tavern and museum that tells the story of early America.

Tucked away in the Financial District in Lower Manhattan, this small but significant museum is home to a range of exhibitions that explore the revolution, the War of 1812, and more – not to mention the world’s biggest John Ward Dunsmore paintings collection.

Housing both permanent and temporary exhibits, guided tours from history buffs come highly recommended.

92 – Soho & Little Italy

Two iconic NYC neighborhoods make up the Lower Manhattan area of Soho and Little Italy , a place that’s brimming with fine art galleries (including some very famous ones), quaint cobblestone streets, an abundance of world-class boutiques frequented by the who’s-who of NYC, and, of course, a sleuth of lip-smacking pizza joints.

While this part of town is best known for its high-end fashion stores (think Prada, Dolce & Gabbana) and historic restaurants (don’t miss Lombardi’s, Margherita NYC, and, if you’re still hungry, Il Piccolo Buffalo), it also has plenty of lowbrow entertainment to keep visitors occupied too — from indie movie houses to secret speakeasies!

• Soho & Little Italy tours

93 – New Museum

Full of over 6,000 contemporary artworks from over 800 artists , in a cutting-edge 7-story building that personifies what lies inside, the New Museum regularly flies under the tourist radar but delivers a fascinating and thought-provoking insight into the world of modern art.

Besides what’s on offer in the main rooms — largely focusing on lesser-known creators – there’s also a searchable database of over 3,700 artists, guided tours, and an audio tour if you prefer to wander at your own pace.

Hot tip: if your schedule lines up, visit from 7pm to 9pm on a Thursday for pay-what-you-wish admission! newmuseum.org

94 – Museum of Chinese in America

A nice combination of art and history, the modestly-sized Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) aims to preserve the rich Chinese traditions and history , telling the story of the Chinese people who immigrated to New York and helped build the now-thriving Chinese American community.

Located in downtown Manhattan, the museum offers guided tours of its permanent exhibition and seasonal exhibits — where you’ll find over 65,000 artifacts spanning photographs, textiles and clothing — as well as a range of family-friendly hands-on activities and workshops.

Of course, located a stone’s throw from the sleuth of Chinatown restaurants, a visit is best backed up with a plate of delicious steamed dumplings.

95 – New York Historical Society

A quintessential New York City museum on the western flank of Central Park, the New York Historical Society is all about chronicling (and celebrating) the city’s rich and varied history.

From its origins right up to the present day, no stone is left unturned in this comprehensive museum — with exhibitions spanning 400 years of history on everything from fashion and sport to politics and civil rights , with plenty of art, sculpture and miniatures on show too.

There are also regularly scheduled guided tours (the docent-led kind are highly recommended), as well as occasional events ideal for the history buff looking to take their experience to the next level.

96 – The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

Famous not only for being enormous — sitting in the top 5 of the world’s largest cathedrals as of 2022 — but also for being unfinished for over 120 years (and therefore aesthetically uneven) the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine  is an underrated architectural and religious landmark that’s well worth a visit.

Listed as a National Historic Landmark, this Episcopal cathedral is home to some stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings and sculptures, and two grand pipe organs , with an expansive interior that makes any visitor feel humbled and small.

Besides being a venue for concert musical performances, it also offers guided tours, houses art exhibitions, and welcomes literary fans to the American Poets Corner.

97 – Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center

Delivering fresh air, bold colors, and a sense of history all rolled into one, Wave Hill ’s 28-acre public garden and cultural center is the perfect place to escape from the city’s madness.

Located in New York City’s Riverdale neighborhood in the Bronx, this scenic park features beautiful gardens where you can enjoy a picnic by the picturesque Hudson Palisades (don’t forget your camera).

The grounds also encompass a heritage greenhouse complex, with an art gallery that hosts regular exhibitions in the focal point itself: the neo-Georgian stone mansion.

98 – New York Hall Of Science

A place to don the lab coat and dive into the wacky and wonderful world of science, the New York Hall Of Science is a hands-on museum that’s perfect for inquisitive minds of all ages.

Boasting over 450 exhibits (most of which can be touched and played with), made all the more enjoyable by the nation’s largest outdoor science playground, this Queens museum will take you on an interactive journey through physics, chemistry, biology, math and more — from learning about the human body to building your own robots.

Sitting over in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, it’s also conveniently located near a few other top NYC attractions (namely the Unisphere, Queens Zoo, Queens Museum of Art and Citi Field), making for a full day of sightseeing.

Save hundreds with the NYC attractions passes

Planning to hop around a handful of the concrete jungle’s finest attractions? With millions of tourists making the trip to the Big Apple year after year, local attractions have joined forces and partnered with tour companies to offer discounted passes for a number of the city’s top sights — known as New York City attractions passes .

These handy tickets — choose between the CityPass, New York Explorer Pass®, Sightseeing FLEX pass, Go City, or Freestyle Pass depending on your trip’s duration and budget — allow you to save up to 50% on some of the best tourist attractions in NYC , whether that be taking in a panoramic view from Top Of The Rock, browsing the Met, seeing Lady Liberty up close, or exploring Central Park by bike!

See also: New York City Attractions Pass Price Comparison Guide

Final thoughts

Thanks for checking out our collection of the best tourist attractions in New York City! If you have anything you’d like to add to the list, feel free to leave a comment below.

Bon voyage!

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

20 Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York

From waterfalls to wineries, there's plenty to see in the Empire State beyond the Big Apple.

Wendy O'Dea has worked as a travel journalist and content strategist for two decades. Her work has appeared in USA Today, Travel + Leisure, 10best.com, Robb Report , and many other outlets. 

New York might be best known for the city that never sleeps, but there's a whole state beyond the Big Apple to explore. Upstate New York boasts majestic mountains, an abundance of lakes, and charming small towns. There's also a plethora of festivals, history museums, eclectic art offerings, and trendy wineries to visit, not to mention iconic sites like the National Baseball Hall of Fame and, of course, the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls.

For those who haven't yet visited, or want to see more of it, here are 20 of the best places to visit in upstate New York.

Conesus Lake

Conesus Lake is the westernmost of the 11 Finger Lakes, drawing crowds every year for its "Ring of Fire" tradition on July 3, when thousands of flares are lit along its periphery as fireworks explode overhead. Nearby, the tiny hamlet of Lakeville is home to the Little Lake Brewing brewery, one of the stops along the Livingston Libation Loop, which maps out wineries, cideries, and craft microbreweries around the county. While in the region, don't miss the colorful street murals and art scattered among nine villages along the 90-mile self-guided Inspirations Trail.

Cooperstown

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is just one of the notable attractions worth visiting in this quaint village. The Fenimore Art Museum , built on land once owned by novelist James Fenimore Cooper (the town is named for the author's father, William), features an impressive collection of American works. The Glimmerglass Festival , held each summer, lures opera lovers from far and wide. Visitors to nearby Howe Caverns (about 38 miles east), can go caving or spelunking at New York state's second-most-visited natural attraction.

Letchworth State Park

Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park features an impressive gorge carved out over centuries by the Genesee River. You'll find dozens of camera-ready waterfalls where the river dramatically crashes down along shale, limestone, and sandstone cliffs that rise 550 feet at their highest point. An Autism Nature Trail , the first in the country designed for people on the autism spectrum, includes eight marked sensory stations spread across a one-mile loop.

Niagara Falls

In addition to the iconic Niagara Falls, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is worth a stop to learn more about the important role the village of Niagara Falls played in the Underground Railroad because of its accessibility and proximity to the border. The center is set in an 1863 Customs House near the old International Suspension Bridge, where heroes like Harriet Tubman led people to freedom across the border in Canada. The museum's permanent exhibit, " One More River to Cross ," received the 2019 Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History.

Located at the southwestern end of Chautauqua Lake, Jamestown is best known as the hometown of comedienne Lucille Ball. Visitors with an appreciation for the art should pop by the National Comedy Center museum. For something more intellectual, the renowned Chautauqua Institution is just under a half-hour's drive up the lake, and each summer features speakers, performers, and programs focused on the "exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life."

Ellicottville

About an hour south of Buffalo by car, this quaint village in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains exudes charm, as witnessed by the well-preserved and restored homes and buildings dating back to the 19th century. It's also where western New York sports enthusiasts and skiers go to mountain bike, hike, or slalom down the 60 slopes and trails at neighboring Holiday Valley Resort .

Seneca Falls

Situated at the north end of Cayuga Lake, this historic spot is believed to be the inspiration for the town of Bedford Falls in Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life." (There's even a museum dedicated to the film .) Most notably, though, is the important role it played in the women's rights movement — it hosted the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848. The town's Convention Days each July attract crowds, and the Women's Rights National Historical Park is worth visiting, too. You can also toast to the suffragettes while wine tasting along one of the many nearby Finger Lakes wine trails.

Skaneateles

This affluent town whose name means "long lake" in Iroquoian is another central New York destination known for its wine tasting and fall foliage. It's also a favorite among avid cyclists who come to pedal the 32-mile trail around the lake. Each year, starting Thanksgiving weekend, the town hosts its Dickens Christmas celebration with live entertainment, horse and wagon rides, and a cast of Dickensian characters.

Lake George

Few lakes around New York state are known for scuba diving, so visitors are often surprised to discover that certified divers can explore 18th-century shipwrecks at the bottom of Lake George, including the oldest intact warship in North America. Vacationers flock to this town in the Adirondack region each summer — the crowds can get thick, but there's also plenty of winter fun to be had, including snowshoeing and a family-focused carnival every February.

Saranac Lake

The Adirondack Mountains have beckoned city dwellers for centuries, including tycoons like the Guggenheims and Vanderbilts, who owned rustic yet luxurious compounds known as the Great Camps. The Point , once a Rockefeller Great Camp, still welcomes guests with all-inclusive stays that hearken back to that time, complete with black-tie dinners. The resort is near the village of Saranac Lake, nestled between the mountains and lakes and filled with inviting boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Not only is Ithaca a top-notch college town but it's also a natural wonderland with breathtaking gorges, parks, and Taughannock Falls, which is three times the height of Niagara Falls. There's an abundance of activities around the city, too, including a botanical garden, boat tours, wine trails, and a self-guided Discovery Trail that highlights local history, astronomy, and earth science. Rumor has it that it was also the birthplace of the ice cream sundae .

Watkins Glen and Montour Falls

In upstate New York, many destinations are defined by their proximity to one of the state's lakes — and so it is with Watkins Glen, on the southern end of Seneca Lake. Best known for its legendary auto-racing history, the Watkins Glen International track has played host to countless races, from the Grand Prix to NASCAR to Formula One. It's also a good jumping-off point to hit the Seneca Lake Wine Trail , which stretches along the length of the lake and is the largest wine trail in the Finger Lakes.

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is a popular vacation destination for good reason. There's something classically old-school about spending a day at the famous Saratoga Race Course or at Saratoga Spa State Park , a National Historic Landmark. The art scene is solid, too, with impressive productions at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center , the Spa Little Theater , and other venues.

Thousand Islands

The U.S.-Canadian border snakes along the St. Lawrence River, zigzagging through the spectacular Thousand Islands where the river meets Lake Ontario. The archipelago consists of about 1,800 islands, from small and craggy to large and lush. Visitors converge here each summer and fall to soak up views of picture-perfect lighthouses and dramatic mansions, including the never-inhabited Boldt Castle. On the nearby mainland, check out towns like Clayton and Cape Vincent. Or stop by Sackets Harbor, which has been designated a New York State Heritage Area.

An affluent upstate New York community, idyllic Pittsford is set on the banks of the Erie Canal. Come summer, visitors and locals hit historic downtown for its antiques stores and boutiques. Dine at Schoen Place overlooking the canal, then line up for homemade ice cream at Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery after a day of perusing the shops. Other attractions include neighboring Mendon Ponds Park and The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, about 15 minutes away by car.

Ausable Chasm

In the eastern Adirondacks, not far from Lake Champlain and the Vermont border, Ausable Chasm is a two-mile-long sandstone gorge carved out 500 million years ago. It's another ideal destination for chasing waterfalls (particularly the cascading Rainbow Falls) and exploring the Adirondacks on its many hiking and adventure trails. It's also a stone's throw from the North Star Underground Railroad Museum , which tells the stories of slaves seeking freedom at the Canadian border, located about an hour north by car.

Dia Beacon , a celebrated collection of contemporary art, brought a lot of attention — and visitors — to this city on the banks of the Hudson River. And with that attention came more appreciation for the many other galleries, shops, cafés, breweries, and antiques stores that have taken up residence on its magnetic Main Street. Trek to the top of Mount Beacon or book a boat tour to Pollepel Island (known locally as Bannerman Island), which Indigenous communities believed was haunted by hostile spirits.

About a three-hour drive from New York City, this mountain town welcomes adventurers with its multitude of endorphin-producing activities, including skiing or snowboarding peaks like Windham Mountain . There's a charming Main Street in this "gem of the Catskills," with inviting boutiques, bistros, and galleries. The Wylder Windham hotel features a pickleball court, heated pool, and wine tastings every weekend.

Don't write off Buffalo just because of its infamous winter weather. The city continues to evolve as a tourism destination, with the restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House , a historic carousel on the Buffalo Waterfront, and a big expansion of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum (previously known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery).

Sylvan Beach

Since we're highlighting towns around New York's Finger Lakes, Oneida Lake and the village of Sylvan Beach deserve a shoutout, too. It's a great option for a classic upstate summer vacation, where visitors can spend the day at the town's old-timey amusement park, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relaxing lakeside with a bottle of local vino. Another way to while away the day is on the water: Rent a cottage at the Cove at Sylvan Beach , where each one includes a private pontoon boat.

Related Articles

10 Of The Most Unique Places To Visit In New York

• Explore hidden destinations in New York for a truly unique travel experience. From Bannerman Castle's haunting ruins to the dazzling Kaatskill Kaleidoscope, there's something for every curious traveler.
• The High Line offers a one-of-a-kind urban park experience in Manhattan. Take a leisurely stroll along this historic elevated railway to enjoy art installations, garden landscapes, and unparalleled city views.
• Discover natural wonders like Eternal Flame Falls and Green Lakes State Park. Witness the mesmerizing eternal flame behind a waterfall or swim in the emerald green meromictic lakes. These off-the-beaten-path destinations are perfect for nature lovers.

New York overflows with renowned tourist attractions—from iconic skyscrapers in NYC to world-class museums—yet some of the state's most interesting gems lie off the beaten path. Beyond busy Manhattan and Niagara Falls exist unique, unexpected sites that surprise visitors with their rarity. Those looking to travel beyond the typical hotspots will discover New York's truly eclectic character when they venture to fascinating, hidden destinations.

A trip through New York reveals a wealth of unusual places to satisfy the most curious travelers. Quirky museums, haunted castles, natural wonders, and more await discovery across the diverse landscapes and neighborhoods. Visitors can explore an elevated urban garden, hunt for dazzling crystals, see an eternal gas flame among waterfalls, and spend the night inside a Victorian mansion. New York reveals its endless intrigue when you stray from crowded tourist hubs. Check out these 10 fascinating destinations beyond the traditional sites.

Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island

Located in the Hudson River, Bannerman Castle is a picturesque abandoned castle that once served as a military surplus warehouse. Built in the early 1900s, it was purchased by a wealthy merchant, Francis Bannerman, who used it to store his vast goods and munitions. A series of fires and explosions led to the castle's partial ruin, giving it an atmospheric, gothic aesthetic. Travelers can now visit this haunting island by ferry or kayak to admire the striking architecture and scenery. Although it is not among the most haunted places in New York , it is an uncommon way to experience castle ruins without leaving the US.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for pleasant weather and foliage views.
• Tour Duration: Standard tours last 45–60 minutes.
• Location: Pollepel Island, New York, 50 miles north of NYC.

Related: Catskill Mountain Spooks: 10 Historic Haunts To Know About Before You Visit

The High Line

The free-to-visit High Line is a unique urban park built on a historic elevated railway in Manhattan. This linear green space runs 1.45 miles long, offering walking paths, art installations, and garden landscapes. Once an unused eyesore, the rail tracks have been reinvented into a creative public space above the bustling city streets. Travelers can stroll through and enjoy peaceful city views that can't be experienced anywhere else in New York. It's a one-of-a-kind way to spend time in nature in the urban core.

• Location: Runs from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street in Manhattan.
• Time: It takes about 1 hour to walk the full length.
• Top Attractions: The Amphitheater, the Pershing Square Beams, and the Diller-Von Furstenberg Sundeck.

Eternal Flame Falls

Located in Chestnut Ridge Park, Eternal Flame Falls is an awe-inspiring natural wonder . A small grotto at the waterfall's base emits a natural gas leak that allows visitors to safely light with a match, creating a flickering fire behind the cascading water. This eternal flame phenomenon is rare and can only be found in a few locations worldwide. Travelers in western New York can hike to view these unique falls in an otherworldly setting. It's a great spot for nature lovers looking for something off the beaten path.

• Location: Chestnut Ridge County Park near Orchard Park, NY.
• Hike Length: 1.5 miles round trip.
• Time: About 1-hour hike.

Washington Square Park

The historic and famous Washington Square Park is one of New York's most iconic public spaces. The lively Greenwich Village park has an eclectic history as a public gathering place, from its start as a cemetery and execution site to a modern hub for artists and musicians. Travelers can find street performers, an impressive marble arch, and a large central fountain that functions as a popular cool-down spot in summer. The area frequently hosts cultural events that give visitors a taste of New York's vibrant creative scene.

• Location: Greenwich Village in Lower Manhattan.
• Top Attractions: The Washington Square Arch, the Central Fountain, and Chess Tables.
• Things to Do: People-watching, walking dogs, picnicking, and attending rallies or music events.

Related: A Journey Through History And Beauty: Exploring The 10 Most Scenic Waterfront Towns On The Hudson

Kaatskill Kaleidoscope

For a dazzling light show, head to Kaatskill Kaleidoscope in Mount Tremper. This cathedral-like building holds the world's largest kaleidoscope, spanning 60 feet tall and weighing in at 22 tons. As visitors enter and move around, their presence alters the symmetrical designs created by rotating lights that reflect across thousands of shards of glass. It's an immersive, disorienting experience that manipulates perception and color. This one-of-a-kind attraction is a must-see for visitors looking for sensory stimulation.

• Location: Mount Tremper, NY, in the Catskills region.
• Tour Duration : Tours last approximately 1 hour.
• Things to Do: Browse the gift shop, walk the meditation labyrinth outside, and enjoy the mountain views.

City Reliquary

New York has its fair share of standard museums, but those wanting something more eclectic should visit City Reliquary in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This quirky museum is home to New York memorabilia, artifacts, and oddities celebrating the city's rich cultural heritage. Travelers can find relics like vintage shop signs, Statue of Liberty souvenirs, and obscure municipal objects on display. Temporary exhibitions cover fun topics like NYC street food and subway history. It's an offbeat collection that gives visitors insight into the city's soul.

• Location: 370 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY.
• Hours: Open Thursday-Sunday, 12 pm-6 pm.
• Top Exhibits: Old subway tokens, Coney Island nostalgia, and relics from the 1964 World's Fair.

Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park in Central New York has a pair of unusual meromictic lakes that remain a vibrant emerald green throughout the summer thanks to their deep layers of minerals and plant life. These rare lakes were formed in a deep bed of lava rock and offer swimmers an unexpected tropical color not found elsewhere in the state. Hikers can also enjoy wooded trails, more waterfalls, and abundant wildlife at the park.

• Location : Just outside Syracuse, NY.
• Hiking Trails: Over 11 miles of hiking across various difficulties.
• Amenities: Lakefront beach, picnic areas, golf course, and boat rentals.

Related: These State Parks Are The Most Visited In New York State

Herkimer Diamond Mines

The Herkimer Diamond Mines allow visitors to hunt for a unique quartz crystal found nowhere else on Earth. These double-terminated quartz crystals, nicknamed Herkimer Diamonds, can only be found in exposed rock pockets in Herkimer County. Travelers can comb through rock debris left behind by 18th-century quarrying to uncover small, valuable stones. It's an authentic mining experience with the chance to take home sparkling souvenirs.

• Location: Herkimer County in Upstate NY.
• Tour Duration: Mines are open from May - October. Dig times range from 2–6 hours.
• Amenities: Equipment provided, mining guides, and sluicing available for sifting gems from debris.

Boldt Castle & Boldt Yacht House

On picturesque Heart Island in the Saint Lawrence River sits the imposing Boldt Castle. This 120-room mansion built in the early 1900s has a tragic history, as construction stopped abruptly after the death of the proprietor's wife. For over 70 years, the property remained abandoned and unfinished. After restoration efforts in the 1970s, Boldt Castle reopened for tours, allowing visitors to explore the grand architecture and grounds. The Boldt Yacht House on a neighboring island is also accessible, providing travelers a look at the lavish lifestyle of America's wealthiest citizens of the past.

• Location: Thousand Islands region of upstate New York.
• Tour Duration: Self-guided tours take 1–2 hours.
• Best Time to Visit : Summer months when the castle and gardens bloom.

Belhurst Castle

For a unique castle lodging experience, Belhurst Castle in the Finger Lakes region allows visitors to spend a night on a historic property. This 1880s mansion-turned-hotel offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and fine dining for a romantic countryside getaway. Guests can tour the ornate Victorian castle, taste local wines, and stroll the expansive lakeside grounds. It's a one-of-a-kind way to be immersed in the ambiance of a European castle without leaving New York.

• Location: Geneva, NY, on the Seneca Lake wine trail.
• Amenities: Spa, restaurants, winery, golf course, and gift shop.
• Things to Do: Wine tastings, castle tours, boating on the lake.

Upstate NY apple orchard named best in nation in USA Today's best of fall poll

A New York orchard was named the best in the nation in the  2024 USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards .

The  Readers' Choice Awards   highlight the very best in travel, food and drink and lifestyle. Every week, USA TODAY 10Best invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories.

This week's awards are themed for fall, including the nation's best orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and more, as determined by USA Today readers. Readers also selected their favorite places to visit and view foliage each fall and favored several regions in the Empire State.

Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards

This family-owned and operated orchard in Lafayette, Onondaga County, was named the best apple orchard in the nation by USA Today readers in the latest poll. The orchard also operates a distillery and tasting room, a bakery, general store and kids' area. The orchard offers pre-picked pecks for patrons who prefer not to pick their own apples.

Pumking Imperial Ale - Southern Tier Brewing Co.

This medium-light bodied imperial pumpkin ale from Southern Tier Brewing Company landed sixth on the list of best fall seasonal beers in the nation, selected by USA Today readers in the latest poll.

The ale brings tasteful hints of vanilla, allspice and cinnamon, according to the Chautauqua County based brewery. It is sold in bottled four-packs each year from August to October.

Where is the peak foliage in NY? Latest foliage report and map shows where to see the best

Best places to visit in the fall

The lone New York destination on the latest USA Today 10Best list is Saratoga County , which is home to Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa. It was listed sixth best place in the nation to visit in the fall by USA Today readers in the latest poll.

The best places to visit for fall include:

1. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

2. Mackinac Island, Michigan

3. Allegany County, Maryland

4. Lafayette, Louisiana

5. Estes Park, Colorado

6. Saratoga County, New York

7. Loudoun County, Virginia

8. Columbus, Ohio

9. Cody, Wyoming

Best destination for fall foliage

Two picturesque regions in New York were named among the best destinations in the nation for fall foliage by USA Today readers in the latest poll. Readers selected the Finger Lakes region as the eighth best and the Adirondacks as the tenth best spot for leaf peeping.

The 10 best designations for fall foliage include:

1. Upper Peninsula of Michigan

2. Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania

3. Hot Springs, Arkansas

4. Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia

5. Hocking Hills, Ohio

6. White Mountains, New Hampshire

7. Stowe, Vermont

8. Finger Lakes, New York

9. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

10. Adirondacks, New York

Morning Rundown: Diddy witness intimidation accusations, Israel enters 'new phase' of war, and how Elon Musk amplified Russian propaganda

The 10 worst states to retire in the U.S. No. 1 isn't California or New York

While the  best state to retire  in the U.S. is also one of the smallest in the country, the worst state to retire is the largest.

Alaska ranks as the worst state in the U.S. to retire for the  third year in a row , according to Bankrate’s  study of the best states to retire  in 2024.

To compile its list of the best and worst places to retire in the U.S., Bankrate ranked all 50 states across five weighted categories:

• Affordability (40%):  Analyzes factors such as local and state sales taxes, cost of living and average annual property taxes
• Overall wellbeing (25%):  Includes factors such as the number of adults over 62 per 100,000 residents and access to food and health care
• Quality and cost of health care (20%):  Looks at factors such as the cost of health care at the state level and the performance of each state’s health system
• Weather (10%):  Evaluates data on factors such as a state’s average annual temperature and average number of tornado strikes, earthquakes and hurricane landfalls
• Crime (5%):  Examines factors such as the amount of property crimes and violent crimes per 100,000 residents

Bankrate analyzed datasets from a number of sources, including the Council for Community and Economic Research, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Tax Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Here are the 10 worst states to retire, according to Bankrate.

Notably, Alaska ranks last in the weather category. Although temperatures in Alaska can range from 45 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, they can sink  as low as negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit  in the winter.

Alaska can be an expensive place to live, especially for retirees with a fixed income. On average, the cost of living in Alaska is about 30% higher than the rest of the country,   according to RentCafe . Housing costs are about 17% higher than the national average, and utilities and health-care expenses are both nearly 50% higher.

On the upside, Alaska can be a very tax-friendly location for retirees. The state doesn’t have income tax, estate taxes or inheritance taxes and doesn’t tax pension payments or retirement benefits from Social Security.

Lack of affordability appears to be a common thread among the other low-ranking states on the list, which include New York, Washington and California — all known for being relatively pricey.

However, just because a state has a higher cost of living doesn’t necessarily mean you should write it off as a potential retirement destination. You may just need to plan to set aside more money for retirement than you would if you were planning to retire somewhere less expensive.

CNBC Make It’s  retirement calculator  can help you estimate how much you’ll need to save for retirement based on factors like your current age, savings, income and when you’d like to stop working.

And while living costs can be a key determinant in deciding where you may want to retire in the future, it’s also good to keep other non-financial aspects in mind. For example, access to social and community-building activities is an important, but often overlooked, consideration for retirees, according to Bankrate.

“Having that sense of community and human connection is huge to healthy aging,” Kerry Hannon, a retirement expert and Author of “In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of Work,” says in Bankrate’s study.

“Isolation and loneliness are not something you want to move toward, so look for your community,” she says.

More from CNBC:

• Southwest to get rid of open seating, offer extra legroom in biggest shift in its history
• Boeing’s missteps have cost it billions. Here’s its plan to get back to its glory
• Delta says the Olympics will cost it $100 million as travelers skip Paris

Cheyenne DeVon is a Money reporter at CNBC Make It. She covers a variety of personal finance topics including managing credit card debt, retirement planning and personal saving. She also reports on tech innovation topics including A.I., cryptocurrency and NFTs.

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

New York Chevron

The Best Places to Go Apple Picking Near New York City

As the dog days of summer ease into a mild—if not slightly chilly—fall, autumnal joys like pumpkin spice, cider donuts, Halloween decorations, and cozy farmers’ markets, flood our moodboards and imaginations. Arguably one of the most anticipated fall activities is apple picking, as the leaves start to fall and classic crowd-pleasers like Galas and Honeycrisps fully blush into their red-yellow skins.

While orchards and farms can feel like pastoral getaways from bustling cosmopolitan hubs like New York City , the Big Apple isn’t far from some of the year’s best harvests. On the contrary, between upstate pit stops and easy day trips to Jersey boltholes, there is a veritable bounty of options to explore, and more than enough fruit to fill your wicker basket.

Whether you’re looking for a two-for-one deal where you can pick up a couple of pumpkins to carve, a family-friendly visit with hayrides and petting zoos, or an orchard that brews its own cider label, here's where to find some of the best apple picking near New York City.

Alstede Farms

Location: 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester, NJ (About one hour and 15 minutes away from NYC by car)

Once you visit Alstede, it’s easy to find yourself craving their homemade ice cream, heirloom apple breeds, and fresh-churned Amish butter, but you’re in luck—the farm has an online store that can deliver right to your door or local farmers’ market. Beyond apples, your whole grocery run practically lives here whether you’re looking for eggplant, potatoes, blueberries, or more. But if it’s the ambience of the grounds that you find yourself missing, they also host regular tours, seasonal harvest moon nights, and weddings for those who are truly in love with the venue.

Fishkill Farms

Location: 9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY (About one hour and 45 minutes away from NYC by car)

Sample a glass of this farm’s tree-to-bottle Treasury Cider to uncover the Champagne of ciders. The family-run operation hand presses their own special breeds of dessert and bittersweet apple to achieve the label’s nuanced taste, and you can expect this level of effort throughout all their endeavors—not only does the farm grow organic Crimson Crisp and Spartan apples, but they also grow most of the produce according to eco-certified and ecologically grown standards, which both have rigorous requirements for what the fruit is exposed to from seed to sale. But the fun’s not just in the fruit—dine at the Fishkill Farms Grill with all the Catskills surrounding you, or catch an evening performance of live music by a visiting band.

Masker Orchards

Location: 45 Ball Rd, Warwick, NY (About one hour and 45 minutes away from NYC by car; three hours by train)

Sprawling orchard grounds have never been more accessible than at Masker—open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week rather than being condition or seasonally dependent, the orchard is also designed for driving through, so you can take the car right up to the trees you want to pick from or picnic under. Beforehand, consult their website banner that clearly states which varieties are ready for picking, and download the map of the orchard so you’ll know ahead of time that Red Deliciouses can be found on the corner of ‘Strudel’ and ‘Pie’ lanes.

Minard's Family Farm

Location: 250 Hurds Rd, Clintondale, NY (About two hours away from NYC by car)

The name might’ve already clued you in, but this farm goes all out for the kids—there’s a busy bee train, chances to leave their mark on the Chalk Bus, a tire climbing wall, a giant bounce pillow, and that’s not even to mention the petting zoo or 2.5-acre corn maze. While there’s more than enough to keep the whole family engaged with those activities alone, the best time to visit is throughout October, when the lion’s share of the farm’s apples are ripe and the pumpkins are ready to pick too.

Battleview Orchards

Location: 91 Wemrock Rd, Freehold, NJ (About two hours away from NYC by car)

Owned and operated by the Applegate family for the past 116 years, Battleview is the oldest pick-your-own farm in New Jersey . This year, the orchard is offering 19 varieties of apples throughout the fall, and it also has year-round opportunities to pick sour cherries, strawberries, peaches, and pumpkins. And as kids explore some of the 130-acre grounds on the seasonal hayride, parents can walk the aisles of the on-site country store stocked with favorites like housemade cider and fresh-baked pies, and speciality items such as the customizable fruit baskets. Their website has Applegate family recipes for every variety of fruit the orchard cultivates.

Demarest Farms

Location: 244 Werimus Rd, Hillsdale, NJ (About one hour away from NYC by car; 90 minutes by train)

This farm puts its vast-spanning orchards to use as a canvas for some of the best light shows in the tri-state area. In the daytime throughout the summer and fall months, peaches and apples are the main attraction, but when the sun sets during the holiday seasons, new life is breathed into the orchards as they host a Halloween light show in October peppered with skeletons, jack-o-lanterns, and the rogue’s gallery of classic monsters, and the Orchard of Lights during the winter months with giant snowflakes, reindeer, and even Dr. Seuss’ Grinch.

Outhouse Orchards

Location: 139 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem, NY (About 90 minutes away from NYC by car)

These orchards aren't just some of the best apple picking near New York City, they're a celebration of all things autumnal. The best time to come is throughout September and October when Outhouse puts on its Fall Festival . Every corner of the grounds offers something to entertain, whether it's racing rubber ducks or blowing bubbles for the little ones, hayrides for the whole family, or snacking on wood-fired pizza and washing it down with the in-house hard cider for food lovers. With 12 apple varieties that ripen during the pick-your-own season, there’s enough diversity to satisfy fans of tangy Mcintoshes and honey-sweet Jonamacs alike.

Sun High Orchards

Location: 19 Canfield Ave, Randolph, NJ (About 75 minutes away from NYC by car)

These orchards are no-frills and focus on quality fruit-picking. With their low-entry fees of $4 per person on the weekends and $2 on the weekdays, free-of-charge apple bags, and pay-by-weight system, Sun High allows visitors to expense only what they experience. Sun High grows dwarf trees in their orchards with a generous picking radius, another subtle attention to detail. With some friendly farm animals, picnic tables overlooking the grounds, and a pumpkin patch that opens later in the fall, this is one of the best under-the-radar apple picking venues around.

Dr Davies Farm

Location: 306 NY-304, Congers, NY (About 90 minutes away from NYC by car)

This is your classic apple and pumpkin picking experience. Having been around since 1891, the farm, now run by the practiced hands of fourth- and fifth-generation Davies, runs like a well-oiled machine. Admission is $17 cash per person, and if you don’t know where to start with the over 5,000 trees and 27 different apple varieties on the farm, the website has a “ Meet Our Apples ” page where each is identified with a well-lit picture, name, ripening timeline, and flavor profile. If you’d like to enjoy even more fruits from the farm but not your own labor, the brewery arm, Red Barn Cidery, produces a host of its own ciders, local beers, and nonalcoholic options.

Apple Dave's Orchard & Distillery

Location: 82 Four Corners Rd., Warwick, NY (About one hour and 45 minutes away from NYC by car)

If you’ve ever wanted to live inside a Bob Ross painting, this is the orchard for you. At Apple Dave’s, visitors are backgrounded by the farm’s own lake against sweeping views of the northern Appalachian Mountains. Meandering walking trails through the trees and the on-site store filled with fresh produce and charming Halloween decor provide casual yet engaging activities for a fun day out with the family. But for the 21+ crowd, the distillery offers Apple Jacks, Shawangunk wines, and cocktails enhanced with the farm’s produce amongst the usual suspects of local beers and ciders.

Stuart's Fruit Farm

Location: 62 Granite Springs Rd, Granite Springs, NY (About 90 minutes away from NYC by car)

Beyond their orchards, Stuart’s is also home to a Christmas tree farm and bakery which churns out irresistible cider donuts and fresh-baked pies. The farm also does not charge entrance and parking fees, meaning visitors are only charged for what they pick and purchase at the store. But this is definitely one of those trips where the journey getting there is just as worth it as the destination—driving through Granite Springs, visitors get to experience Westchester at its autumnal best as the mountains pass by in a montage of gold and orange.

Orchards of Concklin

Location: 2 S Mountain Rd, Pomona, NY (About 80 minutes away from NYC by car; two hours by train)

These orchards in the quaint town of Pomona are the ideal weekend day trip out of the city . In addition to sampling some of the newest and coolest apple varieties on the market (who wouldn’t want to take a bite out of a Ludacrisp?), the bakery offers everything from timeless apple pies to peanut butter custard pies that are begging to be your next holiday dinner centerpiece. While there’s enough to occupy your Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the farm also has a strong presence at local farmers’ markets such as Bronxville, Riverdale, and White Plains.

Twin Star Orchards

Location: 155 N Ohioville Rd, New Paltz, NY (About two hours away from NYC by car)

After you spend an afternoon plucking Fujis and Galas, Honeycrisps, and Cortlandts, take the load off at Twin Star’s on-site restaurant. Wood-fired pizzas are sumptuous and savory with options such as sweet sausage and broccoli rabe and Dragon’s Breath for the daring. Inclusive items like the vegan pizza and black bean burger also feature on the menu to accomodate for dietary preferences. And for those truly looking to indulge, be sure to visit on a Saturday and Sunday for the low-and-slow barbecue and stack your plate with fall-apart ribs and brisket. This is an orchard for the epicurean.

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard

Location: 130 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem, NY (About 90 minutes away from NYC)

There’s a little something for everyone at this North Salem farm and orchard—kids can learn from the property’s educational tours, cozy creatives can sip and paint or attend a bonsai grooming workshop, families can dig in to Sunday brunch at the onsite restaurant, and green thumbs can give back by contributing to the Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA). During the fall, Harvest Moon runs festivals every weekend featuring live country music performances, tractor hayrides, photo ops with scarecrows and fresh-picked pumpkins, and a rotation of local food vendors in addition to their scenic apple orchard.

Trending Travel Destinations

Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips

The 23 Best Things to Do in New Orleans

21 Best Airbnbs in Puerto Rico , From San Juan to Rincón

11 Best Airbnbs in Oaxaca , Mexico

Where to Stay in London : Our Editors' Favorite Neighborhoods

Recommended

Concorde Hotel New York

Arlo Williamsburg

New York Travel Guide

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Twitter / X
• Readers' Choice
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Travel Guides

USA TODAY 10Best

Autumn adventures: Top spots to visit and must-see events for fall 2024

September 18, 2024 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors September 18, 2024

Grab the pumpkin spice, unpack your scarves, and get ready for fall! To make the most of this wonderful time of year, we've set out to find the best fall events and activities, from Oktoberfest to pumpkin patches and apple orchards, as well as destinations for fall and even the top seasonal beers to enjoy.

Our panels of experts made their nominations across eight autumnal categories, and readers decided who came out on top by casting votes for their favorites. Here are the winners.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

Advertisement Advertisement

Best Apple Orchard: Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards in LaFayette, New York

This family-owned orchard has been growing apples since onion farmer George Skiff and dairy farmer Andrew Beak joined forces in 1911 to plant apples on a hillside along Route 20. The rest, as they say, is history. Gala, McIntosh, Ginger Gold, and Paula Red are just a few of the varieties offered during their pick-your-own season, from late August through late October.

Full list of winners: Best Apple Orchard »

Best Corn Maze: Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant, Maine

Home to the longest continually running corn maze in the state, Treworgy Family Orchards' maze covers over 4 acres and consists of 60,000 corn plants grown to a height of 10 feet. Guests who find the center of the maze can enjoy signing their names to the Hall of Fame Board.

Full list of winners: Best Corn Maze »

Best Destination for Fall Foliage: Upper Peninsula of Michigan

With around 7 million acres of forest abutting the shores of three different Great Lakes, changing leaves are the main event each fall in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. With 10 fall color routes that cover a total of nearly 1,500 miles, there are endless opportunities for a peaceful autumn drive to soak in the scenery.

Full list of winners: Best Destination for Fall Foliage »

Best Fall Festival: West Side Nut Club Fall Festival in Evansville, Indiana

The West Side Nut Club Fall Festival attracts more than 200,000 people to Franklin Street each year, making it one of the largest street festivals in the United States. The October event includes free live entertainment, carnival rides, over 130 food booths, talent competitions, and a huge fall parade.

Full list of winners: Best Fall Festival »

Best Fall Seasonal Beer: Big Hop Harvest Ale - East End Brewing Company

East End Brewing Company is a taproom, brewery, pop-up garden, and pizza kitchen with three Pennsylvania locations. Their once-a-year Big Hop Harvest Ale is made possible by local fresh-picked "wet hops" only available in August, and its citrusy and hoppy profile along with a burning orange color is perfect for celebrating the arrival of autumn.

Full list of winners: Best Fall Seasonal Beer »

Best Oktoberfest: Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma

During October, Tulsa celebrates Bavarian culture with its annual Zeeco Oktoberfest. The event boasts a few hundred taps of German and local beer, live bands, arts and crafts, and Bavarian cuisine. Carnival rides, kids' activities, bier barrel races, and the highly anticipated Dachshund Dash promise family fun.

Full list of winners: Best Oktoberfest »

Best Place to Visit for Fall: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

When fall arrives in the Great Smoky Mountains, it's dazzling. And there are so many ways to enjoy fall in Gatlinburg, whether visitors want a quiet hike through the mountains or a bustling event like the Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain. The event offers specialty food, hay mazes, beautiful scenery, and more for nearly the entire month of October.

Full list of winners: Best Place to Visit for Fall »

Best Pumpkin Patch: Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant, Maine

When visiting Treworgy Family Orchards, you may want to hop aboard the hayride or take a horse-drawn farm tour so you can get a good look at the expansive pumpkin patch. After all, it covers 8 miles of rows! Once you find the pumpkin you want, you can visit the goats or celebrate with ice cream.

Full list of winners: Best Pumpkin Patch »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more Readers' Choice Awards.