Choose from 201 Fun Things to Do in New York
ShowingFilter 81-100 of 201 listings.
Lower East Side
What was once a destination for immigrants arriving in America and later, the hub of gritty New York City, is today one of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods. Visitors will find unique boutiques, small galleries and plenty of character in this part of New York that’s bordered by East Houston, Essex, Canal Street and the Bowery. Travelers venturing into Chinatown, NoLita, SoHo and the East Village should be sure to add a stroll through the Lower East Side to their itinerary.
Known by locals as Loisaida because of its large Spanish-speaking population, this neighborhood is home to plenty of Latin-influenced cuisine. But travelers will find plenty of diverse flavors, including the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen, made famous in When Harry Met Sally.
Travelers who want to take a look at Manhattan’s earliest inhabitants can check out the Tenement Museum, which showcases the life of the city’s earliest immigrants. Art lovers can find galleries and live music venues scattered across Ludlow and Orchard Streets. And since a number of trains, including the B, D, F, J and M—as well as local buses—make stops in the Lower East Side, travelers will find it easy to access, though, since streets here aren’t numbered, possibly more challenging to navigate.
Practical Info
Manhattan's Lower East Side is accessible using several subways, including the F, M, B, D and J trains. The M15 bus also travels along Houston street and makes traveling to and from anywhere on Manhattan's East Side a breeze.
Address: New York City, New York, USA, USA
From $ 8
Macy's Herald Square
Located at 151 West 34th Street, Macy’s Herald Square is the department brand’s flagship store. Since its opening in 1902 the flagship store in particular is advertised as the world’s largest department store, although according to the “Guinness Book of World Records” the title now belongs to Shinsegae’s store in South Korea’s Centum City, which is 5,487,595 square feet and over twice the size of Macy’s Herald Square. Even so, it is almost impossible not to find what you’re looking for in the department store, which showcases over 1 million square feet of merchandise over 10-and-a-half levels. Browse everything from cosmetics to apparel to housewares and beyond. In fact, the space is so expansive they have a Visitor Center on the 34th Street Balcony Level and restaurant located throughout. Additionally, Macy’s Herald Square can also help you become a better chef with their onsite cooking school, De Gustibus, which offers an array of classes and chef series. If you’re visiting during the winter holidays, take a stroll past their storefront windows, which are decorated every year in intricate and festive displays.
To get to Macy’s Herald Square by subway, take the D, F, N, Q, R, B, M trains directly to Herald Square. You can also take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E to the nearby Penn Station and walk down one Avenue. Macy’s Herald Square hours are generally 9am-9:30pm on weekdays, 10am-9:30pm on Saturdays and 11am-8:30pm on Sundays.
To get to Macy’s Herald Square by subway, take the D, F, N, Q, R, B, M trains directly to Herald Square. You can also take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E to the nearby Penn Station and walk down one Avenue. Macy’s Herald Square hours are generally 9am-9:30pm on weekdays, 10am-9:30pm on Saturdays and 11am-8:30pm on Sundays.
Address: USA
From $ 12
Locust Grove Estate
Built in 1850 by architect Alexander Jackson Davis, this iconic home in upstate New York was once the residence for artist Samuel F.B. Morse, and alter served as the primary home of William and Martha Young. Today, the home, the grounds and the entire estate are preserved as a museum that showcases the life of the Mid-Atlantic’s wealthy elite. In 1979, Locust Grove opened to the public and today, travelers can explore the well-preserved rooms filled with historic artifacts and family heirlooms.
Visitors can step back in time on a guided tour of the home and grounds—which is the only way to access the inside of the mansion—for a look at life nearly a hundred years ago. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary American artists are also on display at Locust Grove. And visitors will find that while there’s much to explore inside the mansion’s halls, the 180-acre grounds surrounding the home are equally worth checking out.
Practical Info
Locust Grove is located at 2683 South Road in Poughkeepsie, New York and is open from 10 to 5 pm daily. Guided tours change with the season and the cost of entry is $11 for adults and $6 for children between the ages of 6 and 18. The grounds are accessible using public transportation from New York City on the Hudson Valley Metro North Line. Locust Grove is a two-mile taxi ride from the train station.
Address: 2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie, USA
Hours: Open from 10-5pm daily
Admission: 11 for adults and $6 for children between the ages of 6 and 18
From $ 73
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The World War II-era USS Intrepid aircraft carrier retired to Manhattan’s West Side, where it was transformed into a museum. The complex hosts noteworthy craft, including NASA’s Enterprise space shuttle, the USS Growler missile submarine, and a Concorde jet. While there, check out original artifacts, film, and photographs, plus simulators that recreate the flying experience.
The Basics
Standard admission generally includes access to the carrier flight deck, gallery deck, and mess deck, as well as the Space Shuttle Pavilion (where the Enterprise space shuttle is held), and the USS Growler submarine. While the British Airways Concorde can be seen from outside, the interior can only be accessed by private tour. Visitors can pre-purchase an admission ticket that allows quick access via a dedicated advanced sales entrance, and upgrade to include the simulator rides. Multi-stop package tours often combine skip-the-line access to the museum with early access to the Empire State Building observation deck, a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, guided bus tours, or hop-on hop-off boat tours along the Hudson River.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a must-do for anyone with an interest in maritime, aviation, or military history.
- Many sightseeing passes, including New York CityPASS, New York City Explorer Pass, the New York Sightseeing Pass, and the New York Pass, grant holders free—and in some cases skip-the-line—entry to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
- Allow at least two to three hours to properly explore the complex.
- Most of the museum is wheelchair-accessible with the exception of the forecastle (the forward deck), combat information center, the interior of the Growler submarine, and the Concorde.
- In the hot summer months, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.
How to Get There
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located at Pier 86 (12th Avenue and 46th Street) in Hell’s Kitchen. Ride the A,C, or E subway line to 42nd Street and walk west toward the waterfront. Or, take the M34 (34th Street), M42 (42nd Street), or M50 (49th Street) crosstown buses to 12th Avenue and the Hudson River.
When to Get There
The museum is busiest during summer weekends and school holidays. Lines form but usually move pretty quickly. Mornings are the quietest time to visit. Book tickets in advance to save time.
Intrepid After Dark
For an even more immersive experience, opt for an overnight stay on the Intrepid. During sleepovers, visitors get to enjoy a buffet dinner, explore the exhibitions after hours, sleep on the hangar deck, and have breakfast onboard.
Address: Pier 86, 166 W 46th Street, 10036, USA
Hours: Open weekdays 10am - 5pm, weekends 10am - 6pm
Admission: Adults: $33
From $ 29
High Line
Hailed as an urban renewal triumph following its opening in 2009, New York City’s High Line—an abandoned elevated railway track converted into a park—has since spawned a series of copycats, including Chicago’s 606 and Sydney’s Goods Line. Stretching over the formerly industrial west side of Lower Manhattan, the lengthy public park serves as an escape hatch for New Yorkers who want to rise above the hubbub at street level, and is a must-see for out-of-towners for its Hudson River views, ample greenery, artisanal food stands, public art, and some of the best people-watching perches in town.
The Basics
Millions of visitors stroll across this 1.45-mile (2.33-kilometer) linear park every year. Many explore at their own leisure, while others come as part of group or private tours, which typically also visit surrounding areas such as the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and Greenwich Village. Having a tour guide in tow means visitors can find out about the evolution of the area and the development of the park. There are also free themed walking tours led by High Line docents, volunteers who offer an insider’s perspective on the park’s history, design, and landscape.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The High Line, a NYC public park, is free to enter.
- Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
- The High Line is wheelchair accessible. Elevators are at Gansevoort, 14th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th streets, and there’s ramp access at 34th Street.
How to Get There
The High Line snakes from Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th avenues. In addition to the elevator and ramp access points, there is also stepped access at 18th, 20th, 26th, 28th, and 30th streets, and at 11th Avenue. Take the subway to 14th Street and Eighth Avenue (L, A, C, and E trains), 23rd Street and Eighth Avenue (C and E), 14th Street and Seventh Avenue (1, 2, and 3), 18th Street and Seventh Avenue (1), 23rd Street and Seventh Avenue (1), Penn Station (A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3) or 34th Street–Hudson Yards (7).
When to Get There
The High Line is open from 7am to 11pm June through September; 7am to 10pm in April, May, October, and November; and 7am to 7pm December through March. Get there first thing in the morning to experience the walkway in relative peace. Summer afternoons are prime sunbathing time, while summer evenings are ideal for couples, as the dipping sun casts the city in a romantic amber glow.
What to See and Do at the High Line
The High Line is a hive of activity, particularly during the warm summer months when food vendors set up shop. The park hosts special events such as live music performances, dance parties, spoken word festivals, and stargazing sessions, as well as guest speakers, interactive kid-friendly activities, and guided meditations. Throughout the year, the lofty park also hosts open-air art exhibitions, from large-scale installations to murals and sculptures.
Address: New York City, USA
Hours: Vary depending on season
From $ 25
Hudson Valley
Overview
New York’s Hudson Valley has long inspired artists and writers with its peaceful winding river, forested hills, and sleepy towns. Set just 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Manhattan, the historic valley is a peaceful escape famous for its art, local culinary offerings, and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
The Basics
Step back in time at the medieval Castle-on-Hudson, a 19th-century luxury hotel sitting atop a scenic Tarrytown hillside, or tour New Rochelle, the city that inspired some of Norman Rockwell’s most memorable illustrations. Canoeing, kayaking, and sailing are popular outdoor activities, and easy access to the Appalachian Trail allows travelers to get their fill of nature.
Most Hudson Valley tours depart from New York City and include round-trip transportation, making for an easy day trip. The region is dotted with wineries and breweries, and culinary excursions allow you to avoid the hassle of driving, explore the countryside, and taste local wines, beers, or ciders. Bike tours are a good option for travelers who want to get some exercise and explore the countryside up-close, while helicopter and hang-gliding tours provide sweeping views over the entire region.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hudson Valley is a must-see for history buffs, foodies, and nature lovers.
- The valley’s restaurant scene is famous for its talented chefs and abundance of local ingredients. Be sure to grab a bite at a local establishment.
- Most Hudson Valley towns feature bike-friendly streets, while scenic off-road bike trails are often easily accessible.
How to Get There
Hudson Valley is located just north of Manhattan and ecompasses New Paltz, Nyack, Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, and Beacon. The Metro North train connects the Big Apple to multiple Hudson Valley cities, while guided tours typically provide round-trip transportation from Manhattan.
When to Get There
Spring and summer weather is typically pleasant in the Hudson Valley, making those seasons ideal for outdoor activities. While temperatures may be crisp in autumn, the region’s spectacular fall foliage is a draw for many travelers.
Wine, Beer, and Spirits in the Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is an East Coast hotbed for wine production, putting out award-winning cabernet francs, chardonnays, and merlots. The region is home to some of America’s oldest vineyards, which were operating before California’s Sonoma and Napa valleys rose to fame. Craft beer breweries, cider orchards, and boutique distilleries also populate the valley.
Address: Cortlandt, New York 10567, USA
From $ 99
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
One of three main airports in the New York City area (the others being Newark and JFK), LaGuardia Airport, or LGA, is frequented by a number of travelers to New York. It’s the smallest of the three airports and is mainly domestic, with hubs for Delta and American airlines. With the exception of flights to Canada, this is not an international airport. LGA has four terminals: A, B, C, and D.
The Basics
NYC traffic is constantly snarled, so avoid the hassle of navigating your own way to and from the airport by booking an airport transfer. Shared transfers by van offer pickup and drop-off at Manhattan hotels, while private transfers by sedan or SUV provide a personal and flexible experience with Brooklyn service options. It’s also possible to book a skip-the-line airport transfer to avoid having to wait at the curb for your ride. If you’re feeling VIP, take a helicopter transfer to Lower Manhattan.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Terminals A and D are home to Delta Air Lines, while terminal B houses airlines such as Southwest, United, Air Canada, JetBlue, Spirit, Alaska, and American. Terminal C includes Delta and American airlines.
- To reach the rental car facility, catch your agency’s shuttle at Terminal A.
How to Get There
LGA Airport is located in northern Queens, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Midtown Manhattan and 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Brooklyn Heights. Book an airport transfer to easily move to and from areas of New York City such as Manhattan and the Bronx. There is no subway or train connection. Ride-sharing vehicles operate at LaGuardia with special instructions, so pay attention to the directions on your app.
Address: Queens, New York 11371, USA
From $ 12
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
Experience the quiet country estate, also known as Springfield and overlooking the Hudson River, that Franklin D. Roosevelt called home. FDR’s wife Eleanor said the stately two-story Federal-style estate with gaudy green shutters had a “healing quality” for the President, and, still surrounded by 300 acres of wooded lots, it retains a peaceful atmosphere today. More modest than the Vanderbilt Estate just up the street, the home is filled with memories of the only US President to serve more than two terms and who led the US out of the Great Depression and until World War II. The site is both Roosevelt’s birthplace and final resting place—he was born in an upstairs bedroom and is buried alongside Eleanor and his favorite pet, a Scottish terrier named Fala, in the garden.
Everyone can wander the grounds via self-guided audio tours, but to glimpse the home’s wood-paneled early 19th century (mostly original) interior finery, you’ll need to buy a ticket and join a ranger-guided tour starting from the Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center. There, a looped 22-minute film shares some of the estate’s history. The tour winds past collections of paintings in the Entrance Hall to the Living Room and Library where FDR entertained notable nationals and foreign dignitaries, the Music Room, and several bedrooms. Top Cottage, a Dutch Colonial-style structure separate from the house built just for FDR as a retreat, is also open to visitors.
Also nearby and included in the price of admission, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the first US Presidential Library, can be visited by self guided tour.
Practical Info
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is located at 114 Estates Lane in Hyde Park, New York, about 90 miles north of New York City and six miles north of Poughkeepsie. The "Roosevelt Ride," a free shuttle service from Poughkeepsie Metro-North Station to several area historic sites, operates daily between May and October and requires advance reservations.
The grounds are free and open daily from sunrise to sunset. Tours of the house last about an hour and run between 9am and 5pm. Several departure times are offered daily, though times change seasonally and can sell out in the summer high season. Admission costs $18 and is valid for two days. A ranger-led tour of the surrounding grounds via FDR’s Farm Lane Tour is available for an additional $10.
Address: 4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, New York 12538, USA
Hours: The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Admission: Admission costs $18 and is valid for two days.
From $ 73
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is a cultural hub focused on music, dance and theater. Each year, the center puts on hundreds of performances throughout 26 venues. The center is composed of 12 elite performing arts organizations, some of which include The Juilliard School, The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet and the New York Philharmonic. Along with taking in a performance, visitors can opt for a guided tour of Lincoln Center to see what goes on behind the scenes and to get more in-depth knowledge on the performances and venues. Tours are available in English, as well as Spanish, Japanese, French, Italian, German, and American Sign Language upon request. Throughout the year, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts puts on various major events, some of which include Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the New York Film Festival and the Mostly Mozart Festival.
Practical Info
Located between West 62nd and 65th and Columbus and Amsterdam avenues, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts can be reached by way of subway; take the 1 train to 66th Street-Lincoln Center.
Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Hudson River
An inspiration for artists, a scenic escape for New York City dwellers, a vital artery for commerce, and a designated American Heritage River, the Hudson River plays a crucial role in many facets of New York State life. The river is a magnet for locals and visitors, attracting pleasure cruisers, campers, history buffs, and hikers alike.
The Basics
The Hudson River runs for 315 miles (507 kilometers) from its source in the Adirondack Mountains all the way to New York City before finally emptying into the Atlantic. Though easily accessible from other cities such as Albany and Kingston, most visitors encounter the Hudson during trips to New York City. You can see the river from many of west Manhattan’s top attractions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art; the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum; and the High Line, an elevated park set along a disused railway track.
Cruises on the Hudson depart from piers on Manhattan’s west side. Choose between dinner, sightseeing, or sunset city cruises, or opt for longer cruises that travel beyond the boundaries of the Big Apple to destinations in the Hudson Highlands, such as Bear Mountain. Most Hudson River cruises feature on-board commentary about the area’s history and architecture.
For a unique perspective on the winding waterway, take a helicopter ride, enjoying bird’s-eye views of the river, the Manhattan skyline, and the George Washington Bridge. Seasonal fall foliage helicopter tours showcase the rust-red and golden leaves of the Hudson Valley’s woodlands.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Hudson River is a magnet for sightseers who want to soak up views of both NYC and the peaceful Hudson Valley countryside.
- Bring an extra layer, as it can feel colder out on the river than on dry land.
- Some Hudson River cruises can accomodate wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Within New York City, you can experience the Hudson River all along the 11-mile (18-kilometer) Hudson River Greenway, a traffic-free walking and cycling path beginning at Battery Park (ride the 4 or 5 subway to Bowling Green station) in Lower Manhattan. The route runs through Hudson River Park, Riverside Park, and Fort Washington Park.
Departing from Grand Central Station, the Metro-North Hudson Line train brings passengers into the Hudson River Valley, running along the east bank of the river as far as Poughkeepsie.
When to Get There
Hudson River sightseeing tours run year-round, with open-air sightseeing decks in summer and enclosed, heated interior decks in winter. The Hudson Greenway is best enjoyed in spring, summer, or fall. Go early in the day for the quietest experience. The Hudson Valley is at its prettiest during the fall apple-picking season.
The Famous Hudson Valley Fables
It was acclaimed writer Washington Irving who helped put the Hudson River Valley on the map, with the publication of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent, which was published serially throughout 1819 and 1820. The most well-known stories in the series were “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Fans of Irving’s work can visit the author’s old home, Sunnyside, near Tarrytown.
Address: New York, USA
From $ 19
Madame Tussauds New York
New York City is home to some of the biggest celebrities and most famous faces—but a walk through Midtown doesn’t always result in getting star struck. Luckily the quirky Madame Tussauds—an iconic wax museum in the heart of Times Square—offers travelers the chance to check getting up close and personal with big names in music, movies and television off their list.
From world leaders to Hollywood stars, the halls of Madame Tussauds are filled to the brim with faces recognized across the globe. Travelers can saddle up for photo ops that will have friends back home believing that lunch with Leonardo DiCaprio really did happen on a visit to the Big Apple.
Practical Info
Madame Tussauds is located at 234 West 42nd Street in Times Square. It’s accessible using the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R and 7 trains. Hours of operation vary depending on the time of year and tickets can be purchased online at a reduced rate.
Address: 234 West 42nd Street, New York, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Madison Avenue
Fans of ‘Mad Men’ and will love exploring the iconic Madison Avenue, which is recognized across the world as the premiere address for top advertising and marketing firms. Though not a part of the first city street grid, it was later introduced as a one-way thoroughfare connecting Midtown Manhattan to Harlem.
In addition to being a hub of global business, Madison Avenue sits at the heart of New York City’s premiere retail market. Visitors looking for high-end fashion can shop designers like Roberto Cavalli, Chloe, Armani, Prada and more all in one place. But green spaces like Madison Square Park cater to visitors who want to relax under the shade of a towering tree or explore a number of museums, including the Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museum of Art are also just blocks away.
It’s easy to explore the Madison Avenue sights on a self-guided walking tour, but themed options like the ‘Mad Men’ Cocktail Tour of New York City, guided shopping tours and hop-on hop-off bus routes provide a fun-filled way to see one of the Big Apple’s most iconic streets up close.
Practical Info
Madison Avenue runs north to south in the borough of Manhattan between Madison Square Park at 23rd Street and 142nd Street. It is easily accessible using public transportation along the 4, 5 or 6 lines as well as a number of bus routes.
Address: Madison Avenue, New York City, USA
From $ 30
Long Island
While typically thought of as a weekend summer getaway for Manhattanites, Long Island has enough to offer to make it a destination in itself. Start by spending a day on the North Fork, littered with farm stands, antique shops and cellar doors offering guided wine tastings and farm- to-table bites. Summer and fall are especially great times to go, as country and harvest festivals abound every weekend.
If you enjoy the beach and water activities Long Island is full of them, with some top stretches of sand being Jones Beach, which puts on numerous events; Gilgo Beach, known for its many water sports and Cupsogue Beach, home to wild seals. Head farther east to Montauk State Park to go on a guided seal walk and learn more about these adorable creatures, or take off from this point on a whale-watching cruise. There’s also a popular scuba spot known as Wreck Alley, home to hundreds of sunken ships.
If you're into craft beer, Long Island houses over 15 breweries, many of which offer the chance to tour the facilities and learn more about the brewing process. While Brickhouse Brewery pairs craft beer with live music, Southampton Publick House is historic, having brewed beer on site since the 1800s.
For those wanting to get active in the outdoors, a number of parks and preserves offer trails and wildlife, like the Bayard Cutting Arboretum with its historic manor house and themed paths like the Holly Walk, Paradise Island Walk and River Walk. Heckscher State Park is also great for picnicking, deer spotting and bird-watching with over 280 bird species to see. From here, those with lots of energy can embark on the 31-mile (50-kilometer) flat and scenic Greenbelt Trail.
With the option to stay out east in the country or to explore the mini cities of this giant island with their walkable streets and great restaurants, bars and shops, Long Island is sure to provide a diverse array of activities.
Practical Info
From New York City, you can head to Penn Station in Manhattan or Jamaica Station in Queens to access the Long Island Railroad, which has lines running all over the island. Depending on how much of Long Island you want to explore, it's a good idea to either rent a car or book a tour, as taxis are very expensive. If exploring the wineries, it can be fun to bring a picnic basket for a meal among the vines.
Address: Long Island, New York, USA
From $ 169
Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
American comedienne Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown, New York, so it's here that the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and Center for Comedy was opened in 1996.
The museum's exhibits include a recreation of the “I Love Lucy” TV sets, including Ricky's nightclub, as well as memorabilia and artifacts from the show. There are costumes, personal photographs, and awards on display.
The facility is also a “Center for Comedy,” which hosts an annual comedy festival, a comedy film festival, and a “comedic education program” that is a partnership with a university. Classes are for adults or children ages 11-17, and range in topics from improv to stand-up.
Practical Info
The Luci Desi Museum is open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 11am-4pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, $10 for children ages 6-18, and your ticket includes the Lucy Desi Museum and the Desilu Studios TV set recreations.
Address: 2 W 3rd St, Jamestown, New York, USA
Hours: Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 11am-4pm
Admission: Adults: $15
From $ 16
Lower Manhattan
New York City is more than the bright lights of Broadway, the billboards of Times Square or the boutiques of SoHo. Travelers who want to make the most of their visit to the Big Apple should be sure to include a stop in Lower Manhattan, where plenty of culture, history and landmarks reign supreme. Whether it’s a couple of hours or an entire day, there’s something for every kind of visitor in this diverse destination.
History lovers can check out the African Burial Ground Museum or the 9/11 Memorial, while outdoor enthusiasts can revel in the sunshine of Battery Park or the cruise along the waters on the Staten Island Ferry. Bargain shoppers will love the deep discounts of iconic Century21 and the unique stores located at the South Street Seaport.
Lower Manhattan is also home to the world-famous financial district, which means a visit to Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange and its massive bull are an absolute must!
Practical Info
The easiest way to access all of Lower Manhattan is by using the newly renovated Fulton Street subway station. Travelers can access this transit hub using almost any subway line. Lower Manhattan is also accessible using the New Jersey PATH trains and those who are walking from Brooklyn will find Lower Manhattan at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Address: New York City, New York, USA, USA
From $ 14
Hudson River Park
This 550-acre parks is the second largest in New York City and home to a scenic walking, biking and running path where thousands of New Yorkers can run, ride and stroll without having to wait at crosswalks or navigate busy city streets. Epic stretches of greenway meet up with the scenic Hudson River, where travelers can picnic on uninterrupted strips of lush grass or quiet tables nestled onto well-developed piers.
In addition to places designed to rest and relax, Hudson River Park boasts plenty of recreational sites as well. The Waterside Park near 11th Avenue and 24th Street houses a massive sports activity center with a playground for kids and basketball courts for adults. Famed Chelsea Piers, with its indoor ice skating rink, soccer fields and driving range is also located off of Hudson River Park.
Practical Info
The park runs through Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Chelsea and Midtown West. It is accessible from the West Side Highway.
Address: 353 West St, New York, USA
From $ 34
Imperial Theatre
New York City is known for its arts and culture and Midtown Manhattan is recognized as the hub for theatergoers who want to catch live performances of some of Broadway’s biggest shows. With 1417 seats the Imperial Theatre has been welcoming theatergoers since 1923. Since its doors first opened, the Imperial has provided the stage for hit shows like Annie Get Your Gun, Fiddler on the Roof and the Broadway icon, Les Miserables.
Although travelers will need tickets to a show to actually check out the theater’s interior, visitors can still step inside the lobby and admire this Broadway gem from outside during a tour of Times Square.
Practical Info
The Imperial Theatre is located at 249 West 45th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues in Midtown Manhattan. It is accessible by taking the bus to Port Authority, or the ACE subway lines to Times Square. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Address: 249 W 45th St, New York City, New York, USA 10036, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am-8pm
From $ 35
Legoland Discovery Center Westchester
Families with kids between the ages of 3 and 10 will find plenty to keep the little ones busy and entertained at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Westchester. This popular theme destination is dedicated to the colorful building blocks that have been inspiring children to build and create for decades.
Families can tour the LEGOLAND Factory and learn how this beloved toy is made or settle into a cozy seat at the 4-D theater for a multi-sensory movie experience. Kids love the hands-on fun of the LEGO Racers: Build and Test site, where they can construct speedy cars and take then for a test drive. The Master Builder Academy showcases some of the most jaw-dropping examples of LEGO architecture that will surely inspire young builders to think outside the box!
Practical Info
LEGOLAND is located at 39 Fitzgerald Street in Yonkers, off of I-87 North. It’s open Sunday through Thursday from 10am until 7pm and on Friday and Saturday from 10am until 9pm Ticket prices start at $16.50 per person.
Address: 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, New York, USA 10710, USA
Hours: Open Sun-Thurs 10am-7pm and Fri-Sat 10am-9pm
Admission: $16.50
From $ 20
Hunter Mountain
Hunter Mountain is the second-highest of the Catskill Mountains, and home to an extremely popular ski resort.
The peak of Hunter Mountain is at roughly 4,040 feet, not far behind the tallest Catskill (Slide Mountain). During the summer months, activities include hiking and horseback riding, though there are only four routes to the top of the mountain that get any amount of upkeep. The most popular is Spruceton Trail, the former road that leads to the fire tower that sits at the mountain's peak.
The ski resort on Hunter Mountain opened in 1959, and although it doesn't actually include the highest point of the mountain it does have a 1,600 foot vertical drop. It's popular for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. The ski resort also has summer activities, including zipline tours, golf, fly fishing, and 4x4 adventures.
Practical Info
Hunter Mountain is roughly 56 miles from Albany and 127 miles from New York City in central New York.
Address: Hunter, New York, USA
From $ 60
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
One of three main airports in the New York City area (the others being Newark and LaGuardia), John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, is one of the most frequented transportation hubs on the east coast. It has six terminals (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8) and is the operations base for JetBlue and an international hub for Delta and American airlines.
The Basics
New York City traffic is nothing to joke about, so avoid the stress of navigating your own way to and from the airport by booking an airport transfer. Shared transfers by van offer pickup and drop-off at Manhattan hotels, while a private transfer by sedan or SUV provides a more luxurious and flexible experience with Brooklyn service options as well. It’s possible to book a skip-the-line airport transfer to avoid having to wait at the curb for your ride. For VIP transportation, there’s even a helicopter transfer from the airport to Lower Manhattan.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Terminal 1 is international with airlines such as Air France, Cayman Airways, and Korean Air, while terminal 2 is Delta domestic.
- Terminal 4 is international with Asiana, Caribbean, Emirates, Delta, Singapore, SWISS, and Virgin Atlantic airlines. Terminal 5 is home to Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and a few international airlines.
- Terminal 7 houses British Airways, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and other international airlines, while terminal 8 includes Alaska, American, and Cathay Pacific airlines.
- Travelers can take the AirTrain to the Federal Circle Station to pick up rental cars.
How to Get There
JFK Airport is is located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, 16 miles (26 kilometers) from Midtown Manhattan and 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Park Slope in Brooklyn. Book a roundtrip transfer to get between the airport and areas in New York City such as Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Alternatively, JFK’s AirTrain connects to the NYC subway. Ride-sharing vehicles also operate at the airport at specific locations.
Address: Jamaica, New York City 11430, USA
From $ 49