Things to Do in New York

Choose from 201 Fun Things to Do in New York

Chelsea

Located on the West Side between 14th and 29th Streets and Broadway and the Hudson River, Chelsea is Manhattan’s art mecca. Renowned for having the highest concentration of art galleries in the city, visitors can easily spend the day browsing free-to-enter creative spaces, especially on 20th through 29th streets between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues. Some notable galleries to check out include the Barbara Gladstone Gallery featuring contemporary pieces from big names, Zach Feuer Gallery which showcases edgier works by up-and-coming artists and Interart Gallery housing paintings from European surrealists painters. Even beyond the galleries the neighborhood is creative. For example, you’ll find the High Line, an elevated urban park on an abandoned rail line with beautiful gardens and public art, Trapeze School New York where you can watch and learn the performance art of high wire acts and the Upright Citizens Brigade, which showcases improv, sketch and stand-up comedy. For artisanal food and drinks, Chelsea Brewing Company serves gourmet pub food and microbrews right on the water, Zou Zou’s Café is a French-inspired cafe showcasing pottery and live music on weekends and the Gallow Green rooftop lounge features aerial views, handcrafted cocktails and a bohemian atmosphere.

To get to Chelsea, take the N,Q,R,W to Unique Square; F,L,V to Sixth Avenue ; 1,2,3 to 14th Street; A,C,E,L to Eighth Avenue-14th Street; 1 to 18th, 23rd or 28th Street; F,V, R, W, C, E to 23rd Street ; R,W to 28th Street

USA

From $ 35

Ellis Island

New York City’s Ellis Island was America’s busiest immigrant inspection station for more than 60 years, from 1892 to 1954. As the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States, it processed more than 50 percent of the nation’s current ancestors. Today the island’s restored main building houses the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, part of the adjacent Statue of Liberty National Monument. The museum honors the US’s immigrant heritage, chronicles the island’s role in immigration history, and gives voice to the immigrants themselves.

The Basics

The Ellis Island immigration station’s original wooden building burned in 1897. Following its restoration in the 1980s, the red-brick building was redone in the French Renaissance style and reopened as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. A 45-minute self-guided audio tour leads visitors through exhibits including photos, films, archive material, and recordings. Additional audio tour options describe exhibits in more detail via in-depth interviews with historians, architects, and archaeologists. Visitors can book a private tour of Ellis Island to maximize their experience and understanding of the sight, or a combo tour of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Things to Know Before You Go

The 45-minute audio tour is available in nine languages and included in the cost of a ferry ticket.
An audio tour for kids aged 6 to 10 is also available in five languages.
Pro tip: Ellis Island can be seen up close, for free, from the deck of the Staten Island commuter ferry (though passengers can’t get off at Ellis Island).
Ellis Island and ferries to it are fully accessible.

How to Get There

Ellis Island lies off the southwest tip of Manhattan. To visit Ellis Island from New York City, catch a Statue Cruises ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. The first ferry stop is the Statue of Liberty, followed by Ellis Island. The closest subway stations to Battery Park are South Ferry (1 train), Whitehall Street (R train), or Bowling Green (4 or 5 train); the M5, M15, and M20 buses stop as South Ferry as well.

When to Get There

Weather permitting, Ellis Island is open every day of the year except December 25. Ferries run from 9:30am to 3:30pm, with later departures in the summer and around holidays. Once on the island, you can stay until the last ferry departs, which changes seasonally.

Portraits at the Museum

Ellis Island hosts a number of temporary exhibits. Past highlights include New Americans: Photographs by Jill Enfield, featuring 30 wet collodion photographic prints of contemporary immigrant portraits. There is also a small glass house of immigrant portraits made from antique windows that Ellis Island visitors can enter.

Ellis Island, 10004, USA

Open every day except Dec 25. Visiting hours are dependent on ferry schedules.

Entrance is free, although visitors must purchase ferry tickets.

From $ 18

David Geffen Hall

Formerly known as Avery Fisher Hall, David Geffen Hall is home to the famous New York Philharmonic orchestra. It received a new name in 2015 as part of a $500 million fundraising effort to go toward renovations. The American businessman, David Geffen, gave $100 million for naming rights and to help the hall continue to host its musical and cultural acts.

Since its original opening in 1962, this 2,738-seat hall has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and is often used for film premieres, graduations, and local events. It’s the New York Philharmonic, however, that most often uses the space, which having been founded in 1842 is America’s oldest major orchestra.

Insider's Tip: Children under 4 years old are not allowed to attend evening performances.

Practical Info

David Geffen Hall is located in the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts. The hall is located on the north side of the complex, and has a café that is open until the intermission of all events. Wheelchair accessible seating is available, and the best place for dropping somebody off is at Columbus Avenue and 64th Street. The center has dedicated parking lots and you should call ahead to reserve a space.

10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York, USA 10023, USA

From $ 56

Central Park Zoo

Central Park Zoo, also known as Central Park Wildlife Center, is a small but popular zoo set within Central Park, Manhattan’s largest green space. The zoo houses a varied collection of creatures, from snow leopards to sea lions, as well as the Tisch Children’s Zoo, a petting zoo with farm animals.

The Basics

While many tours of New York City’s Central Park are available, from walking and running tours to sunset, bike, and pedicab tours, most do not include entry to the zoo. You may, however, be able to glimpse the sea lions during these tours, whose enclosure can be seen from outside the zoo’s perimeter.

To enter the zoo, buy a general admission ticket at the door and explore the main zoo and the Tisch Children’s Zoo at your leisure. Alternatively, purchase a package ticket online before arrival. This ticket offers discounted entry to the main zoo, the Tisch Children’s Zoo, and one entry to the zoo’s 4D Theater, which uses air blasts, lighting, water mists, vibrations, and other sensory tricks to enhance the experience.

Things to Know Before You Go

Central Park Zoo is a must for families.
Leave scooters, bikes, rollerblades, selfie sticks, and balloons at home, as they are not allowed within the zoo.
Wi-Fi is available at the zoo.
Many of the zoo’s exhibits, including the penguin and sea lion habitats and the 4D Theater, are wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

Parking is expensive in NYC so it’s best to use public transit instead. The N, R, and Q trains all stop at Fifth Avenue–59th Street station, a few blocks from the zoo entrance on 64th Street. The No. 6 train also stops at 68th Street–Hunter College station, which is about a 10-minute walk away.

When to Get There

Spring and summer weekends are the busiest time at the zoo. Come in fall or winter to experience the zoo at its calmest. Time your visit to coincide with one of the twice-daily penguin feedings (10:30am and 2:30pm) and thrice-daily sea lion feedings (11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm) to see these animals at their most active.

Other Things to Do in Central Park

While you’re in Central Park, consider taking some time to explore the rest of the 843-acre (341-hectare) space. Pay homage to the late, great John Lennon at a memorial honoring the murdered musician, sunbathe on Sheep Meadow, and go boating on the Central Park Lake. During summer, the park hosts outdoor entertainment events, from open-air concerts to Shakespeare in the Park.

64th St and 5th Ave, New York City, New York, USA 10021, USA

Varies

From $ 15

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic site is a special place that serves as a window into former First Lady’s public and private life. The site is home to two cottages: Val-Kill Cottage and Stone Cottage. Vall-Kill is an L-shaped stucco building, reflecting the patchwork construction of its former life as a factory. Stone Cottage is a fieldstone building designed in the Dutch Colonial Revival style. On the first floor, the living room has with a ceiling open to the rafters and a massive fieldstone fireplace. There’s also a dining room, kitchen, den, bedroom, bath, and laundry. Upstairs are three more bedrooms and a bath. The “Dollhouse” is also on the grounds of the Historic Site, as Eleanor had it moved from its original location near the main house for her grandchildren to play with.

As First Lady, Eleanor was encouraged by her husband to develop this property about two miles from the “big house” at Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Hyde Park. At the large Vall-Kill Cottage she could develop her ideas, entertain whoever she wanted, stay up late reading, and spend time alone. After FDR’s death, Val-Kill became Eleanor’s permanent home and was declared a Historic Site in 1977. The only residence Eleanor personally owned, the unpretentious cottage is noted for its understated beauty and its natural setting.

Practical Info

The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is located on Route 9 in Hyde Park, NY about 90 miles north of New York City and 70 miles south of Albany. The National Park Service operates the free "Roosevelt Ride" shuttle service from Poughkeepsie Metro-North Station seven days a week, and will take you to your choice of the Roosevelt Sites and the Vanderbilt Mansion from May through October. From May to October, tours are offered throughout the day, with the last tour at 4pm. From November to April, the cottage is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

106 Valkill Park Rd., Hyde Park, New York 12538, USA

Daily: sunrise–sunset

Varies

From $ 73

Empire State Building

The world's tallest building from 1931 to 1977, the Empire State Building is topped with a stepped Art Deco pinnacle that's floodlit at night and boasts holiday and commemorative colors throughout the year. After admiring the mosaics in the Art Deco lobby, take an elevator ride to the 86th or 102nd floor and get ready to drink in astounding 360-degree views from this iconic skyscraper observatory.

The Basics

Set in Midtown Manhattan, the 102-story skyscraper is a must for any first-time visitor to New York City. While it’s easy to catch a glimpse of the tower around the city, this attraction is best enjoyed from one of its two observation decks, where the panoramic views over the Big Apple are legendary. Tickets to one or both of the observation decks can be purchased solo, although the Empire State Building is also visited on many city sightseeing tours, which often also include stops at Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. If you plan to visit on your own during peak times, it’s a good idea to buy an Express Pass to skip the line all the way to the 86th floor.

Things to Know Before You Go

Choose a general admission ticket for standard entrance or a VIP Express Pass to skip the lines.
The Empire State Building is fully ADA compliant and stroller accessible. Handicapped restrooms are located on the 86th floor.
Glass bottles, cans, and tripods are prohibited.
Lines for the elevator can get long, particularly during peak hours. Be sure to use the restrooms on the second floor before getting in line.
STATE Grill and Bar is the building’s street-level, signature restaurant. You’ll also find five other dining options, plus Starbucks.

How to Get to the Empire State Building

The entrance to the Empire State Building is located on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th streets. It’s easy to arrive on foot from many other popular Midtown attractions, or by taking the subway to Penn Station/34th Street or 34th Street/Herald Square. The building is also a stop on hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tours.

When to Get There

Since the Empire State Building is one of New York’s most popular attractions, it’s best visited in the morning just after opening or late at night (the decks are open until 2am) when the lines are shortest. Expect longer lines for tickets, security, and the elevators on weekends, holidays, and just before sunset.

Which Floor Should I Visit?

The “Dare to Dream” exhibit, chronicling the story of the building’s construction and legacy, is located on the 80th floor before the elevator to the 86th-floor observatory. The 86th-floor observatory, known as the Main Deck, is the highest open-air observatory in New York. Its wraparound deck is outfitted with high-power binoculars, making it possible to see Central Park, the Hudson River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty from above. From the indoor Top Deck on the 102nd floor, visitors enjoy even more views (like Central Park in its entirety) and the chance to ride a manually operated Otis elevator.

350 Fifth Avenue, New York City, New York 10118, USA

Daily 8am–2pm

Varies

From $ 18

Dyker Heights

This picturesque residential neighborhood is located in the heart of southwest Brooklyn between Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst and Gravesend Bay. Originally founded as a luxury housing development in the late 1800s, the first house in this iconic neighborhood was built in the late 1820s. Dyker Heights was originally touted for its public transit access to Lower Manhattan, thanks to early ferry service, as well as a ritzy country club and well-established Episcopal Church, which still holds services today.

Today, Dyker Heights is perhaps most famously known for its incredible Christmas lights displays, which usually arrive in early November and draw travelers from across the state and all five boroughs thanks to their colorful holiday cheer. According to locals, residents have been decorating their homes—personally and professionally—since the 1980s, making it a true New York City winter wonderland.

Practical Info

Dyker Heights is accessible via the R train with stops at Bay Ridge Avenue, 77th, 86th and 95th streets. Though the historic homes are beautiful any time of year, they attract the most travelers during the Christmas Season.

Brooklyn, New York 11228, USA

From $ 55

Daily News Building

Soaring 476 feet and 37 stories over Midtown, this 1930 Art Deco skyscraper was originally built for The New York Daily News, a still-popular tabloid newspaper which made its headquarters here until 1995. Architecturally significant for its trendsetting vertical stripes of windows and flat, non-ornamented top level, the building, designed by Raymond Mead and John Mead Howells (architects of the nearby Rockefeller Center) was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989.

The model for the Daily Planet building in the Superman movie franchise, the Daily News Building features the world’s largest indoor globe in its lobby, as well a collection of vintage weather instruments. An addition was built on the building’s east side in 1958, designed by Wallace Harrison and Max Abramowitz, then one of America’s premier architectural firms.

This iconic building is now home to Manhattan’s local CW affiliate, WPIX TV-Channel 11, as well as the Omnicom Group, one of the world’s largest and most influential advertising and marketing firms, and offices for a variety of initiatives affiliated with the United Nations. The New York Daily News is still in print and online, but its headquarters are now found at 4 New York Plaza on the lower East Side of Manhattan, near Battery Park.

Practical Info:

The closest subway station is 42nd Street/Grand Central, served by the 4,5,6 and 7 Trains. The adjacent bus station is served by the M1, M2, M3 and M4 Buses. The building is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.

4 New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004, USA

Open weekdays from 9am - 5pm

From $ 35

Dumbo

Located in Brooklyn, Dumbo, or “Down Under The Manhattan Bridge,” is a small, artsy neighborhood offering clear views of Manhattan, the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty, as well as creative galleries and quirky shops. For the best views from Dumbo, stroll down Front Street to snap memorable photos from different perspectives, or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. To experience the neighborhood’s creative side, take in an innovative performance at St. Ann's Warehouse or walk down Front Street and browse the many art museums and galleries like the Dumbo Arts Center, the Nelson Hancock Gallery and 5+5 Gallery. For artsy eats, ReBar is an indie movie theater with an extensive food and drink menu, while the Archway Cafe is like an eatery and gallery in one.

Practical Info

To get to Dumbo there are various options. One scenic way, as mentioned above, is to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and follow the pedestrian path to Dumbo. Another option is to take the subway. You can ride the F to York Street and the A or C to High Street. If you want to travel by boat, NY Waterway operates a ferry to and from Fulton Landing in Dumbo.

USA

From $ 6

Chelsea Piers

History, recreation and leisure come together at Chelsea Piers, a group of four historic piers on the Hudson River. Some of the most famous ocean-going liners tied up at these docks, including the Lusitania; but these days Chelsea Piers is making waves as an entertainment and sports activities precinct.

You can have a go at more than 30 different sports at Chelsea Piers. Tee off with a round of golf at the Golf Club, work out in the Sports Center health club, go ice skating at the Sky Rink, play football or basketball in the Field House, or join in a game of ten-pin bowling at 300 New York.

You’ll also find an indoor rock-climbing range, gymnastics facilities, a day spa, dance studios, and a training facility for elite athletes.

Practical Info

On Manhattan's West Side, Chelsea Piers are entered at W 23rd Street and 11th Avenue. It's a long walk from the nearest subway at 32rd Street, so you might want to take a taxi. You’ll be dropped at Pier 61 or 60 on the Chelsea Piers Access Roadway.

62 Chelsea Piers, 10011, USA

Open daily

Admission varies

From $ 48

Chrysler Building

One of New York City’s most recognizable and distinct skyscrapers, the Chrysler Building is considered a masterpiece of art deco architecture. The tallest building in the world when it debuted in 1930, it was soon surpassed by the Empire State Building. Today, however, the Chrysler Building remains the world's loftiest brick building.

The Basics

The Chrysler Building is visible from all over town, but there are a number ways to get a firsthand look at the landmark. Visit as part of an architecture- or photography-themed walking tour, or zip by on a coach or driving tour of Manhattan’s highlights.

The skyscraper can also be spotted from the air on a helicopter tour, or from the water’s edge on a boat tour. While the Chrysler Building does not have an observation deck, visitors can freely tour its lobby, where an elaborate mural by artist Edward Trumbull decorates the ceiling.

Things to Know Before You Go

While the Chrysler Building’s lobby is open to visitors, the rest of the building is off-limits to tourists.
A helicopter tour or the Empire State Building’s observation deck provides the best perspectives of the Chrysler Building.
Renowned as an icon of art deco design, the Chrysler Building is a must for architecture buffs.

How to Get There

Conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Chrysler Building is very accessible. The landmark is a short walk from Grand Central Terminal and Times Square; both transit hubs offer connections with numerous subway and bus lines, plus the Metro-North Railroad. Traveling by taxi is another simple way to explore.

When to Get There

The Chrysler Building is an iconic, year-round landmark that can be visited and enjoyed in every season. The lobby is open from 10am–6pm, Monday–Friday, excluding public holidays.

Chrysler Building’s Exterior

True to name, the Chrysler Building was the headquarters for Chrysler for several decades. If you look closely, you’ll discover hubcaps, fenders, and other automotive flourishes incorporated into its façade. Then, there are its famous, eagle-shaped gargoyles, inspired by the brand’s hood ornaments.

405 Lexington Avenue, 10174, USA

Free

From $ 19

Conservatory Garden

The Conservatory Garden, located within Central Park, is a serene escape from the fast-paced urban life of Manhattan. It takes its name from a conservatory that stood on site until 1934 but is now a collection of fountains, sculptures and pathways through landscaped lanes.

Spread across six acres, the garden is divided into three distinct areas influenced by French, Italian and English styles. It is also a designated “quiet zone” that has become known as almost a secret garden to many. The area is free of runners, bicyclists and dogs, and is a popular place for weddings. The garden has two massive seasonal floral displays: tulips in the spring and chrysanthemums in the fall. Whether you’re strolling through the hedges and flower displays or relaxing on a bench with a book, the Conservatory Garden is a colorful place of calm, natural beauty meant to be savored.

Practical Info

The Conservatory Garden is located within Central Park on the east side and runs from 104th to 106th Street. The main entrance is through the Vanderbilt Gate on Fifth Avenue between 104th and 105th streets. It is open from 8 a.m. until dusk.

5th Ave and 105th St., New York City, New York 10029, USA

Daily 8 a.m.-dusk

From $ 120

Chelsea Market

Set inside the former cookie factory where Oreos were first baked, the Chelsea Market has a long culinary heritage. Since being redeveloped in the 1990s, it has become a leading food and shopping complex, housing everything from wine bars and fishmongers to kitchen supply stores, as well as offices and television studios.

The Basics

Chelsea Market is an ideal spot for a browse and a wander, with an eclectic range of food purveyors, sit-down restaurants, and shops to explore. While exploring, admire the market’s tasteful redevelopment, which incorporated aspects of the building’s industrial heritage, such as exposed piping and metalwork, into the design.

Visitors can explore Chelsea Market on walking tours of Lower Manhattan, which typically focus on neighborhoods such as Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, Greenwich Village, the West Village, and SoHo. The market also features as a stop-off on tours of New York’s High Line, an elevated park set on a old railway track; NYC food tours; and sightseeing coach tours, which cover attractions in Uptown, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan.

Things to Know Before You Go

Chelsea Market is a must for foodies hoping to sample some of NYC’s finest food vendors.
Restrooms can be found in the market.
Most vendors in the market accept credit cards.
Chelsea Market is wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrances at both Ninth Avenue and 10th Avenue.

How to Get There

Chelsea Market is situated on Ninth Avenue, between 15th and 16th streets, in New York’s Meatpacking District. The subway stop 14th Street/8th Avenue, which is served by the A, E, and L trains, is just a 5-minute walk from the market’s Ninth Avenue entrance.

When to Get There

Arrive hungry as food is the market’s main attraction. The market is busiest during lunchtime (around 12pm–3pm), so come in early morning or evening to avoid the longest lines.

What to Eat, Drink, and Buy at Chelsea Market

Eating at Chelsea Market is a real treat, with a seemingly endless array of snack, dining, and food shopping options. Longstanding market favorites include Ninth Street Espresso, a coffee aficionado’s paradise, and the Lobster Place, a fish market known for its Maine lobster rolls and raw bar stocked with fresh-from-the-ocean delights. The Filling Station sells all-natural oils, vinegars, and salts, which customers are encouraged to take home using reusable bottles and jars.

75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

From $ 30

East Village

One of Manhattan’s most vibrant neighborhoods, the East Village has a storied history of New York’s counterculture, art and literature movements, and social and political acts including riots and protests. It was here that punk rock, experimental theater, and even Andy Warhol shows took root in New York City. As such, the area is considered a large contributor the arts and culture of the United States. Museums, libraries, festivals, and theaters can still be found in great number. It is also known for its thriving bar and budget restaurant scene.

The East Village was first developed as an artistic community in the 1950s with its affordable housing costs attracting many students, musicians, and alternative lifestyles. It is known still for its artistic attitude, nightlife, and diversity, though some would argue that the gentrification of the city is changing its culture.

Practical Info

The East Village is situated east of Broadway and the Bowery between 14th Street and Houston Street.

New York City, New York, USA, USA

From $ 20

Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle, New York City’s only traffic circle, is indeed named for Christopher Columbus. The monument was erected on the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in America. His statue rises tall on a column at the center of the busy street circle. It is the place which all official distances in New York City are measured from.

Aside from its key role in directing New York’s traffic, it stands at the base of Time Warner Center. The glass skyscraper is home to the Time Warner corporation’s headquarters and is one of the city’s best shopping centers. It also contains the Jazz at Lincoln Center and New York’s CNN offices. Central Park is only footsteps away — in fact, the circle was initially designed as a grand entrance to the famous park. Grass, plants, trees, benches, and fountains were added to the circle in 2005, giving it a more park-like appearance itself.

Practical Info

Columbus Circle is situated at the intersection of Eighth Avenue, Broadway, , Central Park West, and Central Park South (West 59th Street.) An entrance to Central Park is nearby. The closest Subway station is 59th Street - Columbus Circle.

Columbus Cir, New York City, New York, USA, USA

From $ 15

Coney Island

When sweltering summer temperatures hit the city, New Yorkers flock to this kitschy seaside resort. As well as a boardwalk and almost 3 miles (5 kilometers) of sandy beach, Coney Island is home to roller coasters and amusements, New York Aquarium, and Nathan’s Famous, a landmark hot dog joint that started out as a stand in 1916.

The Basics

Wading into the Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island is a quintessential New York experience. Visitors can book a day pass for Luna Park amusement park and try out retro rides, such as the antique B&B Carousell and the Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster that dates back to 1927, as well as playing classic arcade games like Whac-a-Mole.

Travelers can explore Coney Island on guided sightseeing and pizza-themed tours of Brooklyn, as well as on multiborough tours that hop between neighborhoods in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. Coney Island can also be seen from the water during Jet Ski tours and from the air during helicopter tours over NYC.

Things to Know Before You Go

Coney Island is a must for fans of kitsch and Americana.
Public bathrooms can be found at the beach.
The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, as is the beach. Beach mats are set up at West 33rd Street, Stillwell Avenue, and West Fifth Street.

How to Get There

Coney Island is in southwest Brooklyn. To get there, ride the D, Q, N, or F train to the last stop: Stillwell Avenue. The station is just a block away from the boardwalk.

When to Get There

When New York heats up, Coney Island draws crowds. Get there early in the day to secure a spot near the water. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty: between 10am and 6pm, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Events at Coney Island

Coney Island is the setting for many exciting events. There’s May’s Popular Brooklyn Half, a half-marathon with a finish line on the boardwalk; the glitter-fueled fun of June’s Coney Island Mermaid Parade; and Nathan’s Famous Annual Hot Dog–Eating Contest on July 4. There are also fireworks every Friday night from late June until Labor Day, and the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day, during which swimmers brave the freezing Atlantic waters.

USA

From $ 44

Clermont State Historic Site

Steeped in history and built beautifully in brick and stone, the Clement State Historic Site features the former estate of Robert Livingston Jr. which dates back to the early 18th century. Standing tall on the banks of the Hudson River, it has survived a burning by the British in the Revolutionary War and inspired a Colonial Revival in the 1920s. Today it is owned by the state and preserved in its 1930s style, with period furniture and decorative arts that reflect three centuries of history.

Visitors can browse the grand halls and view the impressive art, porcelain collection, and chandeliers that characterize the opulent interior. Tours grant insight into the seven generations who once lived here. Their stories, and the world at the time during which they lived, are certainly worth hearing. You also won’t want to miss the views from its landscaped gardens, which include a lilac walk, a walled garden, and some of the best birdwatching in the area.

Practical Info

The house is located in Germantown just outside of the town of Clermont. It’s open to visitors Wednesday-Sunday from April-October and on weekends from November-December, from 11am-3pm. The grounds and gardens are open year-round from 8:30am to sunset. Tours must be reserved in advance. Admission is $7 for adults and is free for children under 12.

One Clermont Avenue, Germantown, New York, USA

8:30am-Sunset

Adults: $7; Children: Free

From $ 73

Devil's Hole State Park

Devil’s Hole State Park is a peaceful place to relax after visiting thunderous Niagara Falls or when exploring the Niagara Gorge. The 42-acre (17-hectare) park has picnic areas, hiking trails, and fishing spots. Just north of Niagara Falls, New York, it overlooks the Devil’s Hole Rapids on the Niagara River and has views across to Canada.

The Basics

This popular state park is a scenic destination year-round. In the warmer months, visitors enjoy picnicking, hiking, and fishing. In the winter there are snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. Located on the US side of the Niagara Gorge, the park is connected to or near a number of other parks—including Whirlpool State Park and De Veaux Woods State Park—as well as other hiking trails such as the Whirlpool Rapids Trail and the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail.

Visitors often include a visit to Devil’s Hole State Park with a day of sightseeing and exploring nature in the area, as it’s a convenient distance from Niagara Falls and the towns of Lewiston and Youngstown. Some guided tours of the region stop at Devil’s Hole or the adjacent Whirlpool State Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

Devil’s Hole State Park is lovely for outdoor enthusiasts.
It’s free to enter the park.
The park periodically hosts guided hikes. Check the New York State Parks’ website for up-to-date information.
Devil’s Hole is partially accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. A stone staircase leads down to the base of the gorge and the Devil’s Hole Trail, but it’s quite steep so may not be ideal for travelers with small kids or mobility issues.

How to Get There

Devil’s Hole State Park is beside the Niagara Scenic Parkway (formerly called the Robert Moses Parkway), between the towns of Niagara Falls and Lewiston, on the US side of the Niagara River. The easiest way to get here is by private vehicle.

When to Get There

Devil’s Hole State Park is open year-round, although the restroom facilities are open only between mid-April and late October. The park is not lit at night, so it’s advisable to visit during daylight hours.

Take a Jet Boat Ride from Lewiston

For something a bit more thrilling than a walk in the park, join a jet boat tour of the Niagara River from Lewiston or Youngstown, a few miles north of Devil’s Hole State Park. Choose from wet or dry seating, and enjoy the views of the wooded cliffs along either side of the river as you zip up and down it.

Robert Moses Parkway, Niagara Falls, New York 14305, USA

From $ 66

Columbia University

Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York, and the fifth oldest in the USA. Fans of history and of architecture will be interested in the university’s historic buildings, which have been highlighted in many feature films. Most notable is Low Memorial Library, which appears in the New York City Register of Historic Places. Built in the Roman classical style, the former library now contains the university’s visitor center and its administration offices.

Just below the library is a large plaza – a popular gathering place for students. Past a promenade (called College Walk) is the south campus where Butler Library, Columbia’s main library, stands. South campus also contains the student center, student residences, classroom buildings, and the Graduate School of Journalism. North of Low Library is Pupin Hall, a national historic landmark due to the atomic research done there by Columbia's scientists. East of Low Library is St. Paul's Chapel, which also appears in New York City’s Register of Historic Places.

The university also has many modern buildings, and visitors can download an audio walking tour of the architecture to their audio devices. The tour is guided by Andrew Dolkart, an architectural historian and a professor of architectural history at Columbia. Starting at the visitors center in Low Library, the tour includes almost two dozen stops at the university’s architectural highlights.

Practical Info

Groups smaller than ten people may feel free to tour the campus on their own. Maps and other materials for self-guided tours are available online and at the university’s visitors center. Visitors with disabilities may request an accessible campus tour (three weeks advance notice is required). The visitors center is open Monday – Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The only building visitors without a Columbia ID are allowed to enter is Low Library.

16th St & Broadway, New York City, New York, USA 10027, USA

Visitor Center open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

From $ 40

Chautauqua - Allegheny

Whether it’s a voyage to Jamestown, where famous funny-woman Lucille Ball was born; a stop in Gooseneck Hill, the world’s largest waterfowl sanctuary; or a run down the slopes at Holiday Valley, the Chautauqua—Allegheny region has a laundry list of activities that make it worth a visit. The shores of Chautauqua Lake offer access to the largest inland body of water in the state of New York, where whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking prove favorite pastimes. More than 40 campgrounds are scattered across the region, and with options that range from RV parks to rustic cabins, there’s accommodations to meet the needs of any kind of traveler.

The scenic Allegheny State Park is home to some 65,000 acres of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, making it an ideal destination for visitors looking to explore the great outdoors. But perhaps one of the most unique (and popular) destinations is the famous Chautauqua Institution, a Victorian village that hosts world-class performers, inspirational speakers and incredible educators and artists every year.

Practical Info

The Chautauqua—Allegheny region includes Allegheny, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties. Its northwest winters can be unforgiving, as lake-effect snow can cause issues for both road and air travel. Visits in the spring, summer and fall, however, offer sweeping hillside foliage and scenic waterways in their prime.

Chautauqua, New York 14757, USA

From $ 16