Choose from 201 Fun Things to Do in New York
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Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) is a history and art museum, created with the intention of ‘preserving and presenting’ the history of New York City — and its people. The museum celebrates New York, serving to educate the visiting public about the city’s distinctive character, its history of diversity, and its ever-changing nature. The building is a red-brick-and-marble neo-Georgian creation, completed in 1930 and located at the northern end of ‘Museum Mile’ on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It is a private, non-profit organization, funded by New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group. The compact museum isn’t a big place, but manages to impart plenty of New York’s storied history in a personal way that many bigger museums don’t. Exhibits include ‘From Ship to Shore,’ which depicts what it was like for immigrants to arrive in New York Harbor. The exhibit ‘New York’s Yiddish Theater,’ takes you through the theater culture that formed on Manhattan’s Lower East side in the late 19th century and leaves a legacy today. ‘Gilded New York’ features the city’s visual culture at the end of the 19th century (when the rich loved to flaunt their money!). ‘Activist New York’ shows the intricacies of social activism on many different issues throughout history.
Practical Info
The Museum of the City of New York is located at 1220-1227 Fifth Avenue, from East 103rd to 104th streets, across from Central Park in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. To get there by bus, take the M1, M2, M3, M4 or M106 to 104th Street. By subway, the museum can be reached by taking the #6 Lexington Ave. train to 103rd St., or the #2 or #3 train to Central Park North/110th St.
Address: 1220 5th Ave, New York 10029, USA
Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission: Adults, $14; Seniors and students, $10; Ages 19 and younger visit for free.
From $ 18
Maid of the Mist Steamboat
You cannot get any closer to the thundering cascades of Niagara Falls than on a Maid of the Mist boat tour. The little steamboats have been chugging away into the falls' misty sprays since 1846, making this one of the area’s oldest tourist attractions. Be prepared to get up close and personal with the highest-flow-rate waterfall in the world—and to get wet, which is all part of the unforgettable Maid of the Mist experience.
The Basics
The Maid of the Mist tour departs from a calm part of the Niagara River in New York, on the American side near the international Rainbow Bridge. After cruising past the impressive American and Bridal Veil Falls, the boat plies into the dense mist of spray inside the curve of Horseshoe Falls (sometimes known as the Canadian Falls). Be sure to avail yourself of a complimentary blue rain poncho—everyone will get wet from the winds and the spray! Note that some tours departing from Canada also visit the American side and include a Maid of the Mist tour; visitors should have appropriate documentation to enter the United States and Canada.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s best to stay on deck for the whole trip; if you go below deck, you’ll miss the action.
- Boats depart every 15 minutes, weather permitting.
- The entire trip along the river and to the falls takes about 20 minutes.
- All boats are wheelchair accessible and feature free Wi-Fi.
- The Maid of the Mist operates exclusively from Niagara Falls, New York. If you are coming from the Canadian side of the falls, be sure to have proper documentation to enter the US.
How to Get There
The Maid of the Mist boat landing is located on Prospect Street in Niagara Falls, New York. Onsite parking is available near the Visitor Center. Nearby attractions include Clifton Hill sites, Journey Behind the Falls, and Bird Kingdom. All Maid of the Mist boat tours depart from New York, though some tours from the Canadian side include transportation to the boat’s departure point.
When to Get There
The boat tours run from April to October. The summer months are the busiest, so it’s best to schedule your Maid of the Mist ride in advance, and choose an early-morning cruise if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.
Best Views from the Maid of the Mist
When you board your Maid of the Mist boat, you’ll want to get into position for the best views—so head to the starboard side (the right side when facing the front of the boat), which comes closest to the falls. Once the boat departs the dock, it slowly approaches Horseshoe Falls, then it veers left and heads back to the dock. On its return journey, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the American Falls—and a veritable shower of mist from the powerful cascade. Most travelers head for the upper deck during the boat ride, but stellar views can also be seen from either end of the lower deck.
Address: 5920 River Road, Niagara Falls L2E 6V6, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Adults: CA$19.25
From $ 25
New York Botanical Garden
Founded in 1891, the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is a 250-acre (101-hectare) green oasis amid the dense concrete of New York City. As well as a rose garden with more than 650 varieties and a 50-acre (20-hectare) forest, the garden also has an impressive Victorian-era glasshouse and a Home Gardening Center for amateur enthusiasts.
The Basics
Access to the NYBG is ticketed and visitors can book all-garden passes in advance. Once inside, explore the vast grounds, including the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the Thain Family Forest, and the Rock Garden. A good way to get your bearings—and save yourself from achy feet—is to take the tram tour. Some New York City sightseeing passes include free admission to the garden, as well as access to hop-on hop-off buses, which stop outside the entrance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- New York Botanical Garden is a must for anyone who needs a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- A visit to the garden inevitably involves some walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Most of the exhibits are outdoors; dress accordingly.
- Most areas are wheelchair accessible, as is the tram, though some sections are inaccessible because of sloping, uneven topography.
How to Get There
NYBG is situated on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx, NYC. To get here, ride the Metro–North Harlem local line from Grand Central terminal to the Botanical Garden station. The nearest subway stops are Bedford Park Boulevard (B, D, or 4 train) and Allerton Avenue (2), which are a 15-minute and a 20-minute walk away, respectively.
When to Get There
There is in no bad time to visit the NYBG. The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden is in full bloom May to October, while the Thain Family Forest is most spectacular during fall. The Holiday Train Show attracts crowds November to January, while the Orchid Show takes place in March and April. Ticket prices are reduced midweek, and admission to the grounds (excluding the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, special exhibitions, the Rock Garden, and the tram tour) is free on Wednesdays.
The Home Gardening Center
For keen gardeners, the NYBG’s Home Gardening Center is a big part of the garden’s appeal. Between March and November, the center offers a program designed to inspire and educate amateur gardeners. As well as model gardens and display areas, the center also offers tips from experts on vegetable gardening, composting, and other essential techniques.
Address: USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s most prestigious art collections and cultural hubs. Five million annual visitors stroll the Met’s 17 acres (6.9 hectares) of gallery space, gazing upon pieces representing 5,000 years of art and human history. From Egyptian tombs to American abstract expressionist paintings, the museum’s permanent collection has more than 2 million objects, so expect to stay awhile.
The Basics
Valid for three consecutive days, basic Met tickets include access exhibits at the museum’s three branches: the Met Fifth Avenue, the Met Breuer, and the Met Cloisters. Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and peruse the Met’s vast collection on your own, or see the highlights on a private tour with an expert guide. Skip-the-line tickets and VIP after-hours admission are also available for visitors who want to save time and escape the crowds. Similarly, travelers can choose an EmptyMet tour to visit before the museum opens and partner up with an art expert to enjoy an intimate view of the collection’s most famous exhibits.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fee-based audio tours are available in several languages.
- Food and drink, other than water in plastic bottles, are not allowed into the museum.
- There are eight onsite dining options, ranging from casual cafés and cafeterias to fine dining spots.
- Flash photography and video cameras are not permitted inside the museum.
- Luggage, carry-on bags, musical instruments, oversize backpacks, and other large items are not allowed in the museum and cannot be stored at the coat check.
How to Get There
Set back from Fifth Avenue on the eastern edge of Central Park in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the star attraction of Museum Mile. To get there, catch a Fifth Avenue bus or take the subway to 86th Street (4, 5, or 6 train); from the Upper West Side, take the M86 bus across the park and get off at Fifth Avenue.
When to Get There
The Met is open year-round and daily from 10am to 5:30pm, with extended hours until 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Summer visitors can enjoy incredible views of Central Park from the rooftop café and bar, open May through October. In winter, the museum can be a cozy retreat from chilly weather. Weekends are the busiest time to visit, so visit on a weekday if you want to avoid crowds. For a sophisticated evening treat, visit on Friday or Saturday night, when the Met serves cocktails and snacks with live music on the Great Hall Balcony Bar.
Met Museum Highlights
Since the Met opened to the public in 1880, its footprint has expanded to cover more than 2 million square feet (186,000 square meters). While there is something for everyone here, highlights include the collections of European paintings, classical antiquities, medieval armor, Islamic art and artifacts, and American decorative arts. Don’t miss masterpieces such as Canova’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Monet’s The Water Lily Pond, and Vincent van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses. The roof garden showcases a different temporary installation each year.
Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue, 10028, USA
Hours: Open Sun - Thurs 10am - 5:30pm, Fri & Sat 10am - 9pm
Admission: US$25 for adults
From $ 25
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City stands as a place of remembrance and a somber tribute to those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Reopened 10 years after the 2001 attacks, the eight-acre (3.2-hectare) plaza—built on the World Trade Center site—features two massive square reflecting pools whose waterfalls cascade down into the footprints of the former Twin Towers. The surrounding plaza is a peaceful and moving green space, while the museum, located beneath the plaza, lends a deeper understanding to the impact of that day. You’ll undoubtedly leave with a heavy heart.
The Basics
The outdoor 9/11 Memorial is open daily and does not require tickets or reservations, while museum entry is ticketed and can be purchased up to six months in advance. At the memorial, visitors can walk the perimeter of the pools to read the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed on 9/11 at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as those killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, etched in bronze panels around the pools’ rims. At the museum, there are three sections: before September 11, the day of, and after. Inside the quiet halls, visitors can explore expressive artworks, walk down the very staircase used by workers to escape the buildings on 9/11, hear voicemail messages left by the victims to loved ones, enter a quiet space for reflection, and watch several videos including a time-lapse film of the transformation of the WTC site. Most weekdays, the museum holds live, 30-minute talks featuring survivor stories and personal tales of remembrance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Give yourself at least two hours at the memorial and museum to explore and reflect.
- Hourlong staff-guided tours of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum can be bundled with museum admission. It’s best to arrive at least 15 minutes before your designated tour time.
- Mobile apps and a museum audio guide can enhance a self-guided experience.
- Some sections of the museum may not be appropriate for kids under the age of 10.
- There is a café on the atrium terrace level.
- The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is fully accessible.
How to Get There
As with much of New York City, the best way to get to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is public transit or a taxi, as parking is extremely limited. The site is accessible by subway (A, C, E, J, R, Z, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains), bus (M5, M20, and M22), and PATH train. Once you arrive, memorial entrances are at the intersections of Liberty and West streets, and West and Fulton streets. The main museum entrance is at Fulton and Greenwich.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 9am to 8pm Sunday through Thursday and 9am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday. Last entry is two hours prior to closing. Weekday mornings and the cold winter months tend to be the least busy times to visit. Early birds will appreciate the early-access museum tour, a behind-the-scenes experience offered several times weekly before official opening hours. If you’re on a budget, the museum opens its doors to the public for free on Tuesdays from 5 to 8pm.
Finding a Personal Connection to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is an emotional experience for most visitors, but especially so for friends and families of victims, and for survivors of that day. Those with a personal connection to someone lost in the attacks can visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum website and, on the Find a Name page, type in a name, flight number, or affiliation to learn where an individual’s name is etched around the north or south pool.
Address: One Liberty Plaza, New York City, New York, USA
Hours: Sun-Thu: 9am-8pm, last entry at 6pm. Fri & Sat: 9am-9pm, with last entry at 7pm
Admission: $24
From $ 14
Museum of Interesting Things
This traveling exhibit of old-school inventions and technological antiques is sure to inspire creativity and curiosity in the youth it seeks to engage. Perfect for the entire family, travelers will find a unique hands-on experience at the Museum of Interesting Things, where kids can get up close with artifacts from the past and travel back in time with their expert “guide” who offers up incredible detail, rich information and plenty of entertainment in the process. The Museum of Interesting Things makes history come alive through storytelling and interaction, making it the ideal stop for families who want to infuse their travel with a bit of learning. In addition to artifacts, exhibits often include 16mm film snippets and other visual highlights.
Practical Info
The Museum of Interesting Things will be at the Secret Speakeasy in New York City on November 22. Tickets are available for $10 the opening event at a SoHo loft located at 177 Prince Street.
Address: 177 Prince Street, New York, USA
Admission: $10
From $ 15
Meatpacking District
New York City’s famous Meatpacking District is a 24-hour destination known for its fashion, culture, design and food. This neighborhood, located on the west side of Manhattan, spans approximately 20 square blocks and is popular for its nightlife and even its historical side.
The market-filled industrial center was once solely home to meatpacking plants, lumber yards and scores of open-air meat markets, and after an unseemly period during the 1980s when the area was a hotbed for scandal, a new transformation began. In the late 1990s, high-end boutiques and restaurants began opening, and the completion of the High Line Park in 2009 really set the Meatpacking District apart. And in May 2015, one of New York’s most well-respected art institutes, the Whitney Museum, opens its doors in the neighborhood.
Although the Meatpacking District has changed significantly over time, its historical past is still evident today. You can wander the cobblestone streets and find facades from former meat lockers, and there are even a few meatpackers still operating in the area. On the modern end of the spectrum, the swanky Gansevoort Hotel is a Meatpacking icon with its beautifully landscaped rooftop garden and expansive loft. Late-night restaurants and clubs also dominate, and spots like Cielo, with its reputation as one of the toughest clubs to enter in New York City, keep the hype alive.
Practical Info
The Meatpacking District runs roughly from West 14th Street south to Gansevoort Street and from the Hudson River east to Hudson Street. Some suggest it extends north to West 16th Street and further east than Hudson Street.
Address: New York City, New York, USA
From $ 30
New World Stages
Set in the heart of New York’s theater district, New World Stages is a premier performing arts complex that has hosted some of the world’s most iconic shows. Its five stages extend to include a public lounge and art gallery as well as event spaces and an underground bar.
Built on the former site of Madison Square Garden and open since 2004, it is one of the city’s newer theatrical venues. It is currently home to five shows on its five stages, including the popular Avenue Q, as well as readings and concerts. Many of its play and musicals are known for their quirky and lively nature, many having historically shown on Broadway. The theaters are intimate in size, housing only 199 to 499 guests each. With quality performances and small venue size, it is considered be a central spot in the Off-Broadway theater scene.
Practical Info
New World Stages is located in New York’s theater district between between 8th and 9th Avenues, not far from Times Square. Parking is available on 49th and 50th Streets, or the complex is accessible by four different Subway lines (49th and 50th Street stations.)
Address: 340 West 50th Street, New York, NY, USA
Hours: Vary based on showtimes
Admission: With ticket for show
From $ 35
Manhattan Bridge
Connecting western Brooklyn with southeastern Manhattan, the Manhattan Bridge spans an impressive 6,855 feet across the East River. The suspension bridge allows for passage by vehicle, train, pedestrian, and bike. Construction on the historic bridge began at the turn of the century in 1901. Now it carries more than 450,00 people back and forth each day (the majority on public transport). It remains an icon of New York City, shown in numerous depictions of the city on film and television.
Its design was revolutionary at the time and served as a model for many of the long-span suspension bridges built after it. In 2009 the American Society of Civil Engineers named it a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. An arch and colonnade built to mark the bridge's entrance from Manhattan still stands as a city landmark. With its four-columned towers and long cables, it is particularly beautiful to behold as the sun is setting. A walk across it offers spectacular views of the city skyline.
Practical Info
The Manhattan Bridge runs between Flatbush Avenue Extension in Downtown Brooklyn and Canal Street in Chinatown, Manhattan. It is one of three toll-free bridges connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan. From Brooklyn you can enter at the intersection of Sands and Jay Street, and from Manhattan, at Forsyth and Canal Streets.
Address: South Street and FDR Drive, New York City, New York, USA, USA
Hours: 24/7
From $ 8
Madison Square Garden
Billed as “the world’s most famous arena,” Madison Square Garden—colloquially known as the Garden—has been a mecca of sports and entertainment for over half a century. Home to the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, the Midtown Manhattan venue also regularly hosts wrestling and other sports events, concerts with world-renowned artists, and more.
The Basics
Madison Square Garden is a popular stop on hop-on, hop-off bus tours or private driving tours of New York, while cycling and walking tours also pause outside the landmark. You can also spy it from the skies on a helicopter tour of Manhattan, or get a behind-the-scenes tour included with a New York Sightseeing or FreeStyle Pass. The legendary venue hosts games, concerts, and other performances all year long, so you can also get a ticket for a dose of competition or entertainment. Book event tickets on Ticketmaster—Madison Square Garden’s official online ticket platform—or at the box office, typically open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Madison Square Garden, especially tours of its inner workings, is ideal for sports fans.
- Tours are held daily from 9:30am to 3pm.
- Check MSG’s website for a list of banned items, including outside food and drink, video cameras, selfie sticks, and oversized bags.
- In addition to the main arena, Madison Square Garden also hosts the more intimate Hulu Theater, plus restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Collapsible strollers are welcome at events, so long as they fit under your seat.
- The venue is accessible to visitors with mobility, sight, or hearing issues.
How to Get There
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is just steps from Penn Station, which is serviced by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E subway, and New Jersey Transit or Long Island Railroad trains. You can also walk from the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W subway at 34th Street/Herald Square, which is just minutes away; if arriving from New Jersey, get off the PATH Train at 33rd Street. Madison Square Garden is also easily accessible via bus or taxi, or on foot.
When to Get There
Madison Square Garden hosts roughly 320 events per year, so there’s no bad time to visit to take in games, concerts, and other performances. The New York Knicks (basketball) and the New York Rangers (ice hockey) both typically play between October and April.
Madison Square Garden’s Most Famous Visitors
Since its opening in 1968, Madison Square Garden has hosted some of the world’s biggest artists and celebrities. All genres of musicians—including John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Billy Joel, Madonna, U2, Taylor Swift, and Andrea Bocelli—have taken to its stage. The venue has even hosted Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. And every February, the Garden hosts two Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show competitions.
Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York City 10001, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Majestic Theatre
New York City is known for its arts and culture and Midtown Manhattan is recognized as the hub for theatergoers who want to watch live performances of some of Broadway’s biggest shows. With 1645 seats the Majestic Theatre has served as the stage for some of the neighborhood’s most iconic shows including 42nd Street, as well as The Phantom of the Opera—the longest-running production in Broadway history.
Although travelers will need tickets to a show to actually check out the theater’s interior, visitors can still step inside the lobby and admire this Broadway gem from outside during a tour of Times Square.
Practical Info
The Majestic Theatre is located at 245 West 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues in Midtown Manhattan. It is accessible using the ACE subway lines to 42nd Street/Times Square. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Address: 245 W 44th St, New York City, New York, USA 10036, USA
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 12pm-6pm
From $ 35
Madison Square
Located in the Flatiron District, specifically at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway at 23rd Street, Madison Square is one of New York’s most important and historical squares. This is where you’ll find iconic buildings like the Flatiron Building, One Madison Park and Metlife Tower, as well as the main focus of the square, Madison Square Park. The park runs from Broadway to Madison Avenue and East 23rd to East 26 St Streets, and is a great place to snap photos of the surrounding architecture, admire 19th-century statues and monuments and stroll through the 6.2 acres of tranquil green landscape. Fun fact: This was the original location of Madison Square Garden and a temporary display area for the Statue of Liberty’s right arm and torch from 1876 to 1882. Along with the green space, Madison Square is renowned for being one of the city’s best shopping areas, especially in terms of home design and housewares. To get to Madison Square by subway, take the N, R to 23rd Street; 6 to 23rd or 28th Street; F, M to 23rd.
Address: Broadway and Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA
From $ 50
Manhattan Municipal Building
Manhattan has no shortage of towering buildings, but only a handful have architectural flourishes that set them apart and make their exteriors attractions in their own right. The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building, right in the heart of lower Manhattan, is a skyline mainstay half a city block wide, 40 stories tall, and topped by the sparkling copper “Civic Fame” statue by Adolph A. Weinman. The building, covered in tan limestone, was completed in the mid 1910s and was the winning building design in an architectural contest hoping to unite many city employees under a single roof. Now more than a century later, the civic building remains one of the largest government office buildings in the world.
Ripe with symbolism, its center features four pinnacle turrets surrounding a massive central spire, which represent Manhattan and the surrounding four Burroughs of New York City. At it’s very top, the Civic Fame statue depicts a barefoot woman in a flowing dress holding a crown with five points for the five boroughs in her left hand.
After arriving at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall Metro stop (the building was the first in the city to incorporate a stop at its base), visitors stream through the arcaded plaza on the building’s south end. Be sure to look up for the sculpture and relief details adorning the building’s exterior before walking through the huge triumphal arch—inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome—which once supported a steady stream of car traffic before road patterns were altered. Inside, admire the embellished elevator banks and historical photos on the lobby level or purchase books and souvenirs in the official store of the City of New York.
Practical Info
The Manhattan Municipal Building is located at 1 Centre Street and above the Brooklyn-Bridge City Hall Metro Stop servicing lines 4, 5, and 6. The building is a few blocks southwest of Manhattan’s Chinatown and under a mile northeast of the World Trade Center Memorial Park. The inside has free WiFi and workstations for visitors conducting business in the building.
Address: 1 Centre St., New York 10007, USA
From $ 35
Morris-Jumel Mansion
This iconic whitewashed house in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood was built in 1765 and is officially the oldest home in the borough. Now a museum dedicated to the city—and the nation’ —colorful past, the Morris-Jumel Mansion once served as the headquarters for the American Revolution.
In addition to exploring the galleries, which are filled with historic artifacts and photographs, travelers can enjoy the expansive gardens, which are tended by local volunteers, and even relax during warmer months with live music performances in the stunning outdoor setting.
Practical Info
The mansion is located at 65 Jumel Terrace in Roger Morris Park, near Amsterdam Avenue. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.
Address: 65 Jumel Terrace, New York City, New York, USA 10032, USA
Hours: Open Tues-Fri 10am-4pm and Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $10; Children: $8
From $ 25
Mast Brothers Chocolate
In the 1980s, the biggest chocolate bar choice was between Snickers and Mars. Today, the dynamic duo Mast Brothers has upped the ante with meticulously crafted artisanal chocolate with cocoa that’s sustainably sourced from around the globe. Innovative flavors like sea salt, smoke, olive oil and sheep milk take the timeless candy bar to the next level. It’s chocolate elevated for the adult palate.
And while these precious bars decked out in fashionable paper wrappers that reflect the Mast brothers’ own aesthetic are available in specialty stores nationwide, there’s no substitute for a stop at Mast Brothers Chocolate in Williamsburg. Travelers can tour the site, sample the rich, bold bars during a coached tasting, and learn about the drive it takes to continue to create the borough’s best bar. The shop’s sleek design is a nod to fashion house show rooms and highlights the refined style of these truly tasty bars.
Practical Info
Mast Brothers Chocolate is located near the Bedford Avenue stop of the L train in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is open from 10am until 8pm daily and free tours are available to all without appointment. Chocolate is produced at the nearby Navy Yard factory located at 46 Washington Avenue.
Address: 111 North 3rd Street, Brooklyn, New York 11249, USA
Hours: 10am to 8pm daily
From $ 55
New Amsterdam Theatre
If you love Disney and Broadway, then the New Amsterdam Theatre might be your little slice of heaven in Manhattan. The narrow Beaux-Arts building, around the corner from iconic Times Square, is home to Disney Theatrical Productions — featuring live, colorful, loud, and showy versions of Walt Disney’s silver screen classics. Though the building was one of the Theater District’s earliest venues, first opened in the early 1900s, the ornate interior detailing — wall frescoes, cupped box seats and finely detailed ceiling fixtures — are mostly new or restored since Disney took over the historic playhouse in 1995.
Choose your vantage from among the 1,702 seats, arrayed in three levels — orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony (including boxes) — all with good sight lines, but beware that some find the seats too narrow and the theater chillier than other Broadway venues. The New Amsterdam recently hosted productions of the Lion King, Marry Poppins, as well as various benefits and concerts. It is currently selling tickets for its glitzy rendition of Aladdin, featuring familiar and new music not included in the animated version.
Practical Info
The New Amsterdam Theatre is located at 214 West 42nd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues in the Theater District of Manhattan. The box office, on the lower floor of the theatre is open Monday through Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday from 10am -8pm and Sunday 10am-6:30pm. Shows run at least once a day between Tuesday and Sunday and ticket prices vary based on show time (weeknights tend to be cheaper than weekends) and seats selected. Shows run about 2 hours and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Children under four and recording devices of any kind are not permitted inside the theatre.
Address: 214 West 42nd Street, New York City, New York, USA
Hours: Varies by performance
Admission: Varies
From $ 72
Museum of Jewish Heritage
Located at 36 Battery Place in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, the Museum of Jewish Heritage is a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust. Opened in 1997, the mission of the museum is “to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the broad tapestry of Jewish life in the 20th and 21st centuries—before, during, and after the Holocaust.” In their collection, the Museum of Jewish Heritage showcases over 25,000 items that are used to tell the story of Jewish history. The permanent Core Exhibition features multiple perspectives on Jewish history, life and culture through artifacts, audio testimonials, photographs and films that are separated into three sections: “Jewish Life A Century Ago,” “The War Against the Jews” and “Jewish Renewal.” Not only is the exhibition itself impressive, but also the six-sided building it resides in, which is symbolic of the Star of David as well as the six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust. As there is much to see in the museum, it is recommended to allow an average of two hours to explore the Core Exhibition.
Other permanent exhibits include the Keeping History Center, which showcases the museum’s collection as well as awards panoramic views of the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty, the Garden of Stones, a memorial garden for those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and Reflection Passage, an architectural experience that uses outdoor nature to manipulate indoor aesthetics. There are also always rotating exhibitions, usually multiple ones at a time, giving insight into different Jewish-related themes.
Other permanent exhibits include the Keeping History Center, which showcases the museum’s collection as well as awards panoramic views of the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty, the Garden of Stones, a memorial garden for those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and Reflection Passage, an architectural experience that uses outdoor nature to manipulate indoor aesthetics. There are also always rotating exhibitions, usually multiple ones at a time, giving insight into different Jewish-related themes.
Practical Info
The Museum of Jewish Heritage is open Monday, Tuesdays and Thursday
from 10am to 5:30pm, Wednesday from 10am to 8pm and Friday from 10am to
5pm. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for students
and free for members and children 12 and under. Wednesday nights from
4pm to 8pm are free admission. To get to the museum by subway, take the
4, 5 to Bowling Green or the 1, N, R to Rector Street.
Address: 36 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280, USA
Hours: Sun-Tue, Thu 10:00am - 5:45pm. Wed 10:00am - 8:00pm, Fri 10:00am - 5:00pm (Closes at 3:00pm through Mar 8th). closed Saturdays, Major Jewish Holidays, and Thanksgiving.
Admission: $12 Adults, $7 Students, Children 12 and under Free
From $ 12
Mount Gulian Historic Site
History-loving travelers will enjoy stepping back in time during a visit to the Mount Gulian Historic Site. This well-kept 18th Century Dutch manor home located on the scenic Hudson River once served as a headquarters during the Revolutionary War and later was the birthplace of the much-storied Society of the Cincinnati. And while its ties to early American history are clear, archeologists suggest the land surrounding Mount Gulian may have been home to Native Americans as early as 6000 BC.
Visitors who opt for a tour of the grounds will find themselves deep in the trenches of American history, as expert guides will gladly share stories of army Major Generals, escaped slaves and groundbreaking revolutions. Whether travelers are interested in the stunningly preserved interiors, well-kept grounds, beautiful Hudson River views or the tales of early American life, a stop at Mount Gulian Historic Site has something for just about everyone.
Practical Info
Mount Gulian Historic Site is located on 13 acres of land at 145 Sterling Street in Beacon, New York. Guided tours are available between May and October, Wednesday through Friday and on Sunday, from 1pm-5pm. Entry is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children.
Address: 145 Sterling Street, Beacon, USA
Hours: Tours are available between May and October, Wednesday through Friday and on Sunday, from 1pm-5pm
Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children
From $ 73
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The world's premier modern art gallery, MoMA provides visitors with a master class in modernist and contemporary art. The collection numbers more than 150,000 works of art, along with a sizable film and photography collection. Familiar standouts include Monet's water lilies and works by van Gogh, Rousseau, Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Pollock, Andrew Wyeth, and Frida Kahlo.
Exhibitions are held from time to time, along with performance art and exhibits of architecture, prints, and illustrated books. The building was recently renovated to vastly expand the museum's exhibition space.
Getting There
The Museum of Modern Art is in Midtown Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues on W 53rd Street. The closest subway station is Fifth Avenue / 53rd Street.
Address: 11 W 53rd Street, 10019, USA
Hours: Wed - Mon 10:30am - 5:30pm
Admission: US$20 for adults
From $ 25
Manhattan Skyline
Perhaps the most common backdrop for opening scenes of movies for the past several decades, the Manhattan skyline is New York City's shining beacon, designed to impress and inspire. From historical fixtures like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building to One World Trade Center, the man-made masterpiece dazzles at any time of day and from any vantage point in the NYC area.
The Basics
From land, water, and air, there are plenty of ways to admire the Manhattan skyline. Take a cruise on the Hudson River, East River, or New York Harbor for views of the city skyline and other landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge, an activity that provides the chance to see the skyline at your own pace. For aerial views, head to the top of Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, or One World Observatory, or opt for a helicopter tour for a VIP-style experience in the Big Apple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The skyline is broken into two notable sections—Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan.
- The walk from One World Trade Center to the Empire State Building is about three miles (five kilometers).
- If you want to visit a skyscraper observatory such as that at the Empire State Building, consider a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the typically long wait.
- For water views without booking a cruise, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry.
When to Get There
Consider the time of day for your viewing based on what you're looking for. If you want great photos, avoid the middle of the day, when the sun is high; for a romantic atmosphere, opt for a dinner cruise or nighttime stroll. Go during the holidays for the chance to admire the skyline in the snow and see the landmark buildings decked out in seasonal decorations.
Famous Buildings in the Manhattan Skyline
The 102-story Empire State Building is possibly the most iconic piece of architecture on the planet, built in 1931 in Art Deco style. The Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center offer more Art Deco examples, while the Time Warner Center, 4 Times Square, and One World Trade Center (aka Freedom Tower) feature modern architecture.
Address: New York City, New York, USA
From $ 18