Things to Do in New York

Choose from 201 Fun Things to Do in New York

The Dakota

The iconic apartment building ‘The Dakota’ is a stunning structure that ushered in an era of luxury apartment living in Manhattan. Built in the 1800s in Gothic and Victorian styles, it is adorned with ornate balconies and a slate and copper roof. Prior to its construction, apartments were often viewed only as a low income housing option. Now a central and desirable spot in the Upper West Side, at the time it was built it was considered far from the center of the city (hence its name, thought to be as far out as North and South Dakota.) The Dakota offered amenities similar to luxury hotel properties to its residents, such as full-time staff, a gymnasium, private dining room, and meal delivery.

Many famous names have called The Dakota home. The building surrounds a beautifully maintained courtyard that was once the arrival spot for carriages. It is perhaps best known, however, as the tragic site of John Lennon’s death. He owned multiple apartments in the building, and was shot upon exiting its entryway. Many of his fans visit The Dakota before or after a visit to the nearby Strawberry Fields.

Practical Info

You can find the Dakota at the intersection of 72nd Street and Central Park West. To get there using the subway, take either the B or C train to the 72nd Street Station. It is only possible to view the exterior of the private residence.

1 West 72nd Street, New York City, New York, USA, USA

From $ 30

Tenement Museum

In an 1863 tenement building, the captivating Tenement Museum provides insights into the hardscrabble lives of newly arrived immigrant families in New York City’s Lower East Side during the 19th and 20th centuries. Guided tours demonstrate the challenges newcomers to America faced and show how migrants helped shape the area.

The Basics

The Tenement Museum can be visited only as part of a guided tour. Tours fall into three categories: tours of restored and re-created tenement buildings and businesses, neighborhood walking tours, and tours led by costumed interpreters portraying former residents. All tours begin at the visitor center, where a video provides some background information on the tenements and the people who lived in them. For a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience, opt for a private guided tour that includes a cruise around the Statue of Liberty, a trip to Ellis Island, and a walking tour of the formerly immigrant-heavy Lower East Side and East Village neighborhoods. The Tenement Museum also features on some food-focused neighborhood tours that show the big influence multiethnic inhabitants have had on local cuisine.

Things to Know Before You Go

Most guided museum tours last one to two hours.
Some tours require participants to climb several flights of stairs so are not accessible to wheelchair users.
Tours often sell out, so book in advance to ensure a spot on your preferred date and tour.

How to Get There

While the tenement building is at 97 Orchard Street, all tours begin and end at the visitor center at 103 Orchard Street. The nearest subway stops are Delancey Street (F train), Essex Street (J, M, and Z), and Grand Street (B and D), all of which are within five minutes’ walking distance of the museum.

When to Get There

The Tenement Museum is very popular and tours frequently sell out during summer, so it’s best to book in advance. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour’s start time so you can check in and store your bags. Allow more time if you want to watch the 30-minute movie at the visitor center before the tour.

How to Choose a Tenement Museum Tour

Hard Times, a building tour that encompasses tours of two apartments—one belonging to the German-Jewish Gumpertz family and the other to the Italian-Catholic Baldizzi family—provides a captivating introduction to life in the tenements, while Irish Outsiders follows the Moore family as they prepare for St. Patrick’s Day in 1869. For children 5 years old and under, Meet Victoria Confino—an interactive tour with a costumed guide—is recommended. Shop Life, a tour that focuses on immigrant businesses, is the only wheelchair-accessible tour to enter 97 Orchard Street.

103 Orchard St, New York, NY 1002, USA

Fri - Wed: 10:00am - 6:30pm, Thurs: 10am - 8:30pm; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day.

Tour prices vary.

From $ 38

St. Patrick's Cathedral

The largest neo-Gothic, Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States, St. Patrick’s Cathedral occupies an entire city block, and welcomes millions of visitors annually. First built in 1879, the New York City landmark is renowned for its soaring spires, colossal organ, and exemplary rose window, and is the seat of the Archbishop of New York.

The Basics

St. Patrick’s is a New York icon and rich in the city’s lore: F. Scott Fitzgerald wed Zelda Sayre at the cathedral, and Babe Ruth’s funeral was held here. Today, St. Patrick’s awes visitors with its white marble edifice, enormous bronze doors, and numerous altars. A recent restoration, which involved cleaning and repairing the cathedral’s interior and exterior, means St. Patrick’s looks more impressive than ever.

Thanks to its accessible location in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a popular stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours, private driving and walking tours, self-guided audio tours, bicycle tours, and more. During the festive season, the cathedral is additionally included in a number of Christmas-themed itineraries. St. Patrick’s also offers guided group tours that you can book in advance, plus open public tours held at 10am on select days.

Things to Know Before You Go

St. Patrick’s is a don’t-miss for fans of religious architecture, history buffs, and the faithful.
A self-guided audio tour of St. Patrick’s is available via smartphone app, as well as handheld devices provided by the cathedral.
The cathedral hosts Mass at different times throughout the day; during Mass, no talking or photography is permitted.
The cathedral is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Located in bustling Midtown Manhattan, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is easy to access. The 1, 2, 4, 6, D, and E subway lines all stop within a few blocks of the landmark, while Grand Central Terminal, which includes access to Metro-North trains and additional subway lines, is roughly a 10-block walk away. You can also reach St. Patrick’s on foot or by taxi or bus.

When to Get There

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is open daily from 6:30am to 8pm, with varying hours during the holidays. Visit on Sunday afternoons for the cathedral’s organ recital series, or attend period guest choir concerts; both are free and open to the public. Christmas and Easter are particularly festive times to visit St. Patrick’s, as it hosts a special schedule of Masses.

Celebrating Christmas at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is given by the Archbishop of New York, is one of New York’s most popular Christmas traditions. Tickets are available on a lottery basis; register in advance. If you are unable to attend, the cathedral also hosts a Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at 5:30pm, and Christmas Day Mass at 8am and 12pm.

460 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA

From $ 10

Shubert 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. Since 1913, the Shubert Theatre has been showcasing some of the neighborhood’s (and the world’s!) top musicals and plays, including A Chorus Line, Chicago, and Crazy for You. In addition to serving as the stage for numerous shows, the Shubert has also been home to the annual Tony Awards, which recognizes the efforts of cast and crew for Broadway Shows.

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 Shubert Theatre is located at 225 West 44th 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.

225 W 44th St, New York City, New York, USA 10036, USA

Open daily 10am-8pm

From $ 35

Staatsburgh State Historic Site

Travelers to picturesque Dutchess County will find what is easily recognized as one of the best examples of Gilded Age architecture in the area. Built in 1832, the 25-room mansion was originally the home of Morgan Lewis, a governor of New York, and later was passed down to his great-granddaughter. The home was mostly used for parties and entertaining, since the family more frequently stayed in their Paris, Rhode Island, New York of California homes.

Visitors to this iconic estate will find a massive portico outside the imposing building, complete with regal columns and an impressive façade. The interior is decorated in typical French style, with towering 18-foot ceilings in some areas. Its restored turn-of-the-century charm continues to attract travelers interested in seeing how the Mid-Atlantic’s elite once lived.

Guided tours of the home and grounds are available for those who want to learn more about the architecture, history and lifestyle of the Staatsburgh State Historic Site’s former residents.

Practical Info

The historic site is located at 75 Mills Mansion 6 Road in Staatsburg, New York. It is open to visitors Thursday through Sunday from 11am-5pm.

75 Mills Mansion 6 Road, Staatsburg, USA

Open Thursday-Sunday from 11am-5pm

From $ 73

The Cloisters

A branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Met Cloisters is a hodgepodge construction, featuring parts of several European monasteries, which were dismantled, transported, and rebuilt here in New York. The collections center on medieval art and include frescoes, tapestries, sculptures, stained glass, and religious icons.

The Basics

Visitors can prepurchase a 3-day general admission ticket to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, which grants access to all three branches: the Met Fifth Avenue, the Met Breuer, and the Met Cloisters. Tour the Cloisters independently, join a guided highlights tour (included with admission), or rent an audio guide. Some art-focused tours of Harlem and Upper Manhattan stop at the Cloisters, while select New York sightseeing and discount passes include free access to the Cloisters.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Met Cloisters is a must for art and architecture lovers.
Leave large bags and luggage at home as they can’t be stored at or brought into the museum.
Because of its listed status, wheelchair accessibility is limited at the Cloisters. Notify staff ahead of your arrival for extra assistance.

How to Get There

The Met Cloisters is situated in Fort Tryon Park in Hudson Heights, Northern Manhattan. To get there, take the subway to 190th Street (A train); the Cloisters is about a 10-minute walk north along Margaret Corbin Drive. From the Met Fifth Avenue, ride the M4 bus from Madison Avenue and 83rd Street.

When to Get There

The best time to visit is spring and summer, when warmer weather means you can fully enjoy surrounding Fort Tryon Park and the views of the Hudson River. The museum is busiest on weekends. If you want more space to explore, arrive early in the day. The galleries typically fill up as the day goes on.

The Other Branches of the Met

The Met owns one of the world’s largest art collections, with more than two million pieces to its name. Its biggest branch is the Met Fifth Avenue, which features everything from an ancient Egyptian temple to paintings by European masters. Opened in 2016, the Met Breuer, on the Upper East Side, is the museum’s newest outpost. The Breuer is devoted to modern and contemporary art and features works ranging from photography and video pieces to installations.

99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY, USA

Varies

From $ 25

Tiffany & Co.

Located all over Manhattan, Tiffany & Co. is a high-end shop selling jewelry, watches and housewares. Their flagship store and most popular location is at 727 Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, and has been open since October 21, 1940. Specifically, Tiffany & Co. is well-known for its rare and magnificent diamond collection, like their iconic Tiffany Diamond, one of the world’s largest and fanciest yellow diamonds. It was the Tiffany Diamond, mounted in a Jean Schlumberger necklace, that Audrey Hepburn wore in promotional photographs for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Visitors can see the 128-karat diamond up-close on the store’s Main Floor. And for those who want a VIP shopping example, Tiffany & Co. offers personal shopping assistance and in-store diamond consultation. You can make an appointment for these services by calling 800-518-5555.

Even if you can’t afford to purchase anything, it is still worth stopping by the shop to simply peruse the merchandise and view their carefully decorated window displays, which are especially ornate during the winter holidays. To get to Tiffany & Co. on the subway, take the N, Q, R to 59th Street-Fifth Avenue; E, M to 53rd Street-Fifth Avenue; F to 57th Street.

727 Fifth Ave, New York, NY, USA

From $ 70

The Metropolitan Opera

Affectionately known to many as “The Met,” the Metropolitan Opera of New York is a landmark institution and cultural hub of the city. Since its founding in 1883, its stage has hosted some of the finest artists and voices in the world.

Located at the Lincoln Center for the Arts in the heart of Manhattan, it is the largest classical music organization in North America. Opera season runs from September to May each year, with about 27 different operas performed during that time. The opera’s performing company consists of a large symphony-sized orchestra, a chorus, a children's choir and additional solo singers. There are nearly 4,000 seats in the main auditorium.

Outside of the world-class performances, the building itself is something to see with its dozens of chandeliers, murals by artist Marc Chagall, winding stairways and a multi-level auditorium decorated in white and gold. Tours of the backstage area are held daily alongside daily tours of the Lincoln Center, which include the auditorium and front of the house.

Practical Info

The Metropolitan Opera is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, between West 62nd and 65th streets and Columbus and Amsterdam avenues. There is a 24-hour public parking lot beneath the Lincoln Center. Daily tours start at $18.

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

Daily

Tours $18

From $ 98

South Street Seaport

Located next to the Financial District where Fulton Street meets the East River, South Street Seaport is a historic neighborhood known for its attractions, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and harbor views. In the summer, locals flock to the area to have beers and frozen margaritas on the pier as well as catch the water taxis and ferries to sites like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and Governors Island from Pier 16. Browse the many shops like Victoria’s Secret, Britches of New York, The Body Shop and Filmline Gallery. You can also get to know the area’s rich sea commerce history through the Seaport Museum, as well as ships docked at Pier 17 that act as living museums. For dinner and drinks, simply hop along the many venues on Pier 17 or head to Beekman Beer Garden, which offers a full menu, refreshing beers and close-up views of the Brooklyn Bridge.

USA

From $ 19

Strong National Museum of Play

While we might not regularly think of it as such, simply sitting down to play for a while is a science unto itself. What is it that captures the imagination or piques a particular interest, and what form of playing is educational—rather than just passing time? These are some the questions explored at the National Museum of Play—formerly the Strong National Museum of Play in the city of Rochester, New York. There are interactive and hands on exhibits on everything from video games to action figures, and the center has a way of bringing out the kid in even the most serious of adults. There’s a video arcade full of classic games and enormous exhibits on Sesame Street, and even an indoor butterfly garden that is filled with 1,000 butterflies. While the center is heavily geared towards kids, it ends up being a family outing that everyone in the party can enjoy, since it’s hard to go wrong when visiting a building full of 400,000 toys.

Practical Info

There is a small restaurant on site if you end up wanting to visit for the entire day, which ends up happening fairly frequently for families swept up in the fun. The museum is located towards the center of Rochester, only a couple blocks back from the Genessee River on the western side of town. It costs $14 per person ages 2 and up, and an additional $4 for a 20-minute experience inside of the butterfly garden.

1 Manhattan Square Drive, Rochester, New York 14607, USA

Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, and Sun 12pm-5pm

$14

From $ 16

The Ride

Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are a popular option for seeing the sights in almost every major city. But The Ride in the Big Apple offers travelers a truly unique way to check out top landmarks and famous attractions by taking bus tours to a whole new level.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass top roofs provide 360-degree views of America’s most eclectic and energetic city on a 90-minute journey through the streets. The tour ventures through 10 neighborhoods and highlights 50 key spots including Radio City Music Hall, Times Square and Bryant Park. But what makes this tour truly unique is the bus’s coliseum-style seating and interactive surprise street theater that brings the best of New York City to life.

Travelers can choose from a single experience with The Ride, or opt for one of the popular combo packages, like those that include the Circle Line Cruise, Madame Tussaud’s or the Hard Rock Café.

Practical Info

The Ride offers several tour options daily and is perfect for the whole family. Holiday rides are available that showcase the best of city lights and window displays.

New York City, New York, USA

584 8th Ave box office: daily 9am–9pm; 47th Street box office: daily 10am–4pm

Varies

From $ 35

Stone Street Historic District

The borough of Manhattan is filled with iconic buildings, famous landmarks and world-class restaurants. It’s also home to plenty of places that serve to unlock stories of the city’s colorful past. Stone Street Historic District, where one of the oldest streets in Manhattan still exists, is one such location.

The small two-block Mecca of bars and restaurants is located in the heart of the city’s Financial District. The surrounding streets are typically swarming with suits, but during summer months, café tables filled with tourists and local businessmen dot the area. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite or a drink on the way to Battery Park or after spending a morning wandering Wall Street and Lower Manhattan.

Practical Info

Stone Street Historic District includes Stone Street, South William Street and Pearl Street, as well as Coenties Alley.

New York, New York, USA, USA

From $ 35

The Hamptons

New Yorkers know that when city streets heat up in the summer, weekends are best spent by the coast. That’s why every Friday, urbanites in search of escape fill the Hampton Jitney and the Long Island Expressway to take in some sun and fun in the Hamptons.

The Basics

The Hamptons is a string of villages in Long Island’s East End, around 100 miles (161 kilometers) east of New York City. In summer, its cool bays and laid-back atmosphere provide relief to the stifling city heat. Home to quiet streets, country stores, world-class restaurants and museums, and broad sandy beaches, many well-to-do New Yorkers and celebrities have summer residences here.

Although it makes for a long day of traveling, it’s possible to visit on a day trip from NYC. Guided tours usually pick up passengers in Midtown Manhattan and generally include walking tours of a handful of the charming small coastal towns, such as Southampton and Sag Harbor. Some break up the return journey with a stop at the Tanger Outlets mall and often include discount cards.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Hamptons is a must-visit for NYC visitors looking for an outdoors escape.
Make restaurant reservations in advance, especially on summer weekends.
Some beaches are private and require passes to access.
If you’re driving, you’ll need a permit to park at many beaches.

How to Get There

The Hampton Jitney bus service makes several stops in NYC and throughout the Hamptons. If you’re driving, the Long Island Expressway or Southern State Parkway to Sunrise Highway takes you straight through the Hamptons. Or, avoid traffic and take the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station; the Montauk Branch stops at Southampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk.

When to Get There

The Hamptons are busiest during summer weekends: Beaches are crowded, accommodations book up (and prices inflated), and you’ll likely have a hard time getting a seat at the best restaurants. Try to visit on a weekday instead. In winter, the biting sea wind can be unpleasant, but spring and fall are usually mild and lack crowds, although some businesses close outside of peak season (Memorial through Labor Day).

World-Class Museums

Contemporary art lovers shouldn’t miss the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, Dan Flavin Art Institute in Bridgehampton, and the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in East Hampton. History buffs should head for the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum, and Southampton’s Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum, dedicated to Native American history.

New York, USA

From $ 169

St. Paul's Chapel

Located at 209 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, St. Paul’s Chapel is Manhattan’s oldest public building in continuous use. Moreover, it is the only surviving church from the Revolutionary Era, and holds much history from this period. Opened in 1766, it is part of the Episcopal Parish of Trinity Church and has been a place of worship and refuge for many over the years, including George Washington and Revolutionary War British Generals Cornwallis and Howe, who would go there to pray and 9/11 recovery workers who were cared for inside the chapel. If you’re interested in seeing where George Washington himself sat inside the church, there is an oil painting of the Great Seal of the United State over his pew. The interior of the church is less grand and more cozy yet elegant with glass chandeliers and an ornamental design above the alter created by a French veteran of the revolution, Pierre L’Enfant. For those who want to do more than just wander around the site, St. Paul’s is extremely active and holds regular mass, concerts and lectures.

Hours for St. Paul’s Chapel are 10am - 6pm Monday through Saturday and 7am to 6pm on Sundays. To get to the chapel by subway you can take the 4, 5, 2, 3, A, C to Broadway-Nassau Street; E to Chambers Street; 6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall.

209 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA

From $ 19

Staten Island Ferry

The distinctive orange Staten Island Ferry passing through New York Harbor has been a familiar sight to New Yorkers since 1905, when the fleet first began carrying commuters between Staten Island and Manhattan. In recent years the free ferry has gained traction with tourists, who crowd the decks to admire front-row views of New York City’s dazzling skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.

The Basics

The Staten Island Ferry is first and foremost a commuter vessel, and there is no on-board commentary. For extra insight, context, and information about the surrounding sights, join a guided tour of NYC or Lower Manhattan that includes a round-trip on the ferry. To maximize your experience, take the trip out to Staten Island during the day and return after dark to see the NYC skyline all lit up. The voyage to Staten Island takes around 25 minutes each way. Boats depart at least every 30 minutes, with more frequent departures during commuter rush hours. No ticket is required.

Things to Know Before You Go

For the best views of Lady Liberty, sit on the right side of a Staten Island–bound ferry.
Some, though not all, ferries in the fleet have large outdoor side decks, which afford the best views.
The ferry is accessible to wheelchair users.
Refreshments, including beer and hot dogs, are available on board.
All passengers must disembark at St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island.

How to Get There

The Staten Island Ferry runs between Whitehall, near Battery Park in Manhattan, and St. George on Staten Island. To get to the Whitehall Terminal, take the subway (1 train) to South Ferry. Other nearby subway stations include Bowling Green (4 and 5), Broad Street (J and Z), and Whitehall Street (1, R, and W).

When to Get There

The best time of year to ride the ferry is during summer, or on warm spring or fall days when you can comfortably soak up the view from the open-air decks. If you don’t like crowds, avoid rush hours (6–9am for boats departing from Staten Island, and 4–7pm for boats departing from Manhattan).

Exploring One of New York’s Lesser-Known Boroughs

Most visitors to NYC never venture outside Manhattan and Brooklyn, though Staten Island—New York’s least-populated borough—has several fascinating sites. Within easy reach of St. George Terminal is the Lighthouse Museum, St George’s Historical District, and the waterfront Richmond County Bank Ballpark, where the minor league Staten Island Yankees (not to be confused with the major league New York Yankees) play. Also of note is the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, home to the Noble Maritime Collection and Staten Island Children's Museum.

Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 4 South Street, New York City 10004, USA

Open 24 hours every day

Free

From $ 35

Three Sisters Island

In Niagara Falls State Park, three footbridges link Goat Island to the Three Sisters Islands. From there, you can see impressive views of the rapids of the Niagara River racing toward the falls. It’s a peaceful place to take a walk amid the highly popular park and town of Niagara Falls, New York.

The Basics

The islands are named after Celinda, Angelina, and Asenath Whitney, the daughters of General Parkhurst Whitney, an early settler in Niagara Falls. He and his daughters are believed to have been the first settlers to visit all three of these islands, before a bridge connected them. Spray from the falls makes the parkland here particularly rich with plant life.

The Three Sisters Islands are a peaceful and pretty place to walk when touring Niagara Falls State Park. Guided tours of Niagara Falls often make a detour to the islands, or allow for some free time, during which you can visit.

Things to Know Before You Go

There is no entry fee to enter Niagara Falls State Park or the Three Sisters Islands.
Bicycles can be rented in the Niagara Falls State Park and are a good way of getting to the Three Sisters Islands.
There are several parking lots beside the park. They tend to fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.

How to Get There

The Three Sisters Islands are to the southeast of Goat Island. They can only be reached by footbridge from Goat Island, which is itself on the southern edge of Niagara Falls State Park. The parking lots around the park get busy at the weekends and during holidays, so if staying in or near Buffalo, an alternative way of reaching the park is by bus no. 40.

When to Get There

The Niagara Falls area sees very heavy snowfall in winter. While the falls themselves can be visited at any time of year, access to Goat Island and the Three Sisters Islands is blocked once snow falls in the winter, usually by late November through to March.

Hike the Trails and State Parks of Niagara Gorge

The US side of Niagara Gorge is lined with several state parks, linked by hiking trails offering views of the Niagara River and the whirlpools and rapids along it. At the northern end of Niagara Falls State Park is the trailhead for the Niagara Gorge Hiking Trail. Other parks a couple of miles to the north include Whirlpool State Park and Devil’s Hole State Park.

Niagara, New York 14301, USA

From $ 107

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial

Located in Central Park, Strawberry Fields encompasses 2.5 acres dedicated to Beatles band member John Lennon. Opened in 1985, five years after Lennon was murdered outside his home at The Dakota apartments, the memorial is named after The Beatles’ hit “Strawberry Fields Forever.” The focus of the memorial is a stone mosaic with inlaid tiles spelling out the word “Imagine,” named after another famous Beatles’ song. This is where you’ll catch impromptu jam sessions by fans, especially on the anniversary dates of John Lennon’s birthday on October 9 and death on December 8. It’s also a place for vigils, such as after the September 11th attacks, as well as memorials for other beloved musicians. While the entire memorial is a place of peace, the Garden of Peace is particularly special, filled with plant life and rocks donated by 150 different countries for contemplative meditation.

To get to the memorial, visitors should enter at Central Park West at West 72nd Street. To get there using the subway, take the A,B,C,1,2,3 to 72nd Street.

USA

From $ 8

Statue of Liberty

Guarding the entrance to New York Harbor on Liberty Island, the 305-foot (93-meter) Statue of Liberty came to the United States as a gift from France to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Lady Liberty has been a symbol of democracy and hope for NYC and the US since 1886. Together with neighboring Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty National Monument is administered by the National Park Service.

The Basics
Statue of Liberty tours start with a scenic ferry ride to the island, where you can explore the grounds or head to the famed, 10-story-high observation pedestal to see the original torch and gain great views and photo ops of the New York City skyline and neighboring New Jersey. It's also possible to secure tickets to the crown for an up-close at Lady Liberty, but be prepared to climb 354 steeply winding steps to the top.

Guided tours feature live narration and historical insight while offering personal attention, and informative audio tours explore the construction and restoration of the monument. The monument is also a highlight on New York Harbor cruises, city helicopter tours, and waterfront walking tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

Choose between three levels of access: grounds only, pedestal access, or crown access. Pedestal and crown tickets should be booked well in advance.
Opt for an exclusive early-access tour to beat the crowds.
Access to the Statue of Liberty museum is included with pedestal tickets.
While the observation deck is not wheelchair accessible, the information center, gift pavilion, bookstore, and exterior grounds are.
All visitors to the monument are subject to security screening.

How to Get There
Liberty Island is southwest of the tip of Manhattan in Upper New York Bay. To visit, catch a Statue Cruises ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan; the ferry continues to Ellis Island if you'd like to also visit there. The closest subway stations for Battery Park are South Ferry and Bowling Green.

When to Get There

Summertime crowds can get intense, so the earlier you arrive at Battery Park for the first few departing ferries, the better. Booking priority-access tickets in advance is a helpful way to maximize your time. The first ferry to Liberty Island departs at 9:30am and the last departs at 3:30pm, with extended hours in summer and around holidays.

Combine Your Statue of Liberty Visit with a Stop at Ellis Island

Many visitors choose to combine a Statue of Liberty tour with a visit to nearby Ellis Island; your ferry ticket includes access to both stops, and many guided tours offer a combination experience. Visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to learn about the history of immigration in the United States.

Liberty Island, New York City, New York 10004, USA

Daily 8:30am - 6pm

US$17

From $ 18

Times Square

The neon lights and video billboards of Times Square are one of New York City’s most well-known landmarks. This triangular intersection between Broadway, 42nd Street, and Seventh Avenue is home to the Big Apple’s famous theaters and the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop—an essential Manhattan experience.

The Basics

As a major commercial intersection and one of New York City’s most popular areas, the “Crossroads of the World” features on just about every sightseeing tour of the city, along with the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Top of the Rock. Many visitors come to Times Square to enjoy a Broadway show or behind-the-scenes theater tour. Day trips to the Big Apple from Hartford or Boston often include a stop at Times Square as well.

Things to Know Before You Go

Times Square is a must-see for first-time New York City visitors.
Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk; Times Square is best explored on foot.
If you take photos with costumed street performers, be prepared to tip.
Be sure to book theater tickets well ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
The area's many hotels and department stores are your best bets for finding restrooms in Times Square.

How to Get There

Situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan in the Broadway Theater District, Times Square is a triangular area formed by the intersection of 42nd Street, Seventh Avenue, and Broadway. It’s surrounded by several subway stations, including 49th Street and Times Square/42nd Street Stations.

When to Get There

The always-busy Times Square offers some of the city’s best people watching—there isn’t really a bad time to visit. At night, though, the lights and billboards look their brightest.

Attractions in Times Square

In addition to its role as the hub of the theater world, Times Square is home to numerous other attractions—many perfect for families—including Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, M&M’s World, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, and Hershey’s Times Square. Some of New York City’s most famous restaurants can be found along Restaurant Row: West 46th Street between 8th and 9th avenues.

Junction 42nd Street, Seventh Avenue and Broadway, New York City 10036, USA

Free

From $ 15

Time Warner Center

Columbus Circle is a hub of transportation and entertainment. Easy access to Central Park, biking tours and shaded walkways makes it an idea destination for travelers in search of some urban outdoor wonder. But those who prefer to stay inside will find exactly what they’re after at the nearby Time Warner Center.

In addition to more than 50 high-end retail shops, Time Warner Center is home to a Whole Foods (perfect for picking up those Central Park picnic supplies), Michelin star restaurants and even the chic Mandarin Orient Hotel (and spa). For travelers who want to spend the day shopping—or just cool off after a day in the city sunshine—the Time Warner Center is the ideal stop.

Practical Info

The Time Warner Center is located at 10 Columbus Circle and is accessible by taking the 1, A or C train to Columbus Circle. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 9pm and on Sunday from 11am to 7pm.

10 Columbus Circle, New York City, New York 10019, USA

Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm

From $ 39