Choose from 201 Fun Things to Do in New York
ShowingFilter 161-180 of 201 listings.
Trinity Church
An Episcopal Church located in Lower Manhattan at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway, Trinity Church is one of the oldest churches in the United States. In 1696, a small group of Anglicans were granted approval from Governor Benjamin Fletcher to purchase land for a new church. The next year, Trinity Church received a charter from King William III of England. Today, the Trinity Church you see is the third building in the same location, built in 1846 in a Neo-Gothic style. Until 1890 when the New York World Building was completed, its 281-foot spire and cross was the highest point in the city. Along with the building’s impressive architecture -- including intricate stained-glass windows, sandstone facade, Gothic spires, dramatic pointed arches and heavy bronze doors depicting bible scenes -- Trinity is known for its vibrant music program and dedication to outreach. Visitors can attend service at 11:15am on Sunday, take in a live music choir concert, stroll through the lush green courtyard admiring trees as well as the Soldier’s Monument or tour the inside of the church. There is also a cemetery with many famous graves like Alexander Hamilton, Richarch Churcher and Charlotte Temple.
Address: 74 Trinity Pl, New York, NY 10006, USA
Hours: Trinity church is open 7am - 6pm Weekdays, 8am - 4pm Saturdays and 7am - 4pm Sundays.
From $ 19
West Point
Less than an hour north of New York City, West Point is home to the United States Military Academy, the West Point Museum and the West Point Golf Course. A trip to this historic defense hub provides ample opportunity to learn about the military history of America on a cadet-guided tour of the academy grounds. Travelers can learn about student life at the West Point Museum near the town’s Visitor Center, where regular film showings, a small museum and an expansive gift shop make for the perfect stop. The museum is also home to the oldest and largest collection of military memorabilia in the Western Hemisphere.
Practical Info
West Point is located in Orange County, 40 miles north of New York City on the western side of the Hudson River.
Address: West Point, New York, USA
From $ 275
Trump Tower
At 58 stories and 664 feet high, Trump Tower stands tall in the New York City skyline. Both residential and commercial in use, the skyscraper is best known for its six story atrium and illuminated waterfall in the lavish lobby. The use of pink and white marble, skylight, and mirrors adds to the opulence. Its distinctive design is visible from many parts of the city, and the interior offers beautiful views of the city and Central Park.
Though the top of the tower is accessible only to residents and office staff, the five levels of shops, galleries, and restaurants are open to the public. It is both the residence of Donald Trump and the headquarter offices of the Trump organization.
Circumventing building codes, Donald Trump developed the building plans to stretch beyond the normal height allowed for its amount of space. When it was constructed it was the tallest all-glass building in New York. It is the 57th tallest building in Manhattan.
Practical Info
Trump Tower is located on Fifth Avenue near 56th Street in midtown Manhattan. It is next door to the world famous Tiffany and Company jewelry store. The lobby is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm. Hours for the various shops and restaurants inside vary.
Address: 725 Fifth Avenue, New York City, New York, USA, USA
Hours: Open daily 8am-10pm
From $ 35
United Nations Headquarters
One of New York City's most iconic buildings, the United Nations headquarters occupies several blocks of Midtown Manhattan near the East River. The complex is comprised of a number buildings, including the domed General Assembly Hall, the Visitor Centre, and the Secretariat Building, a high-rise completed in the early 1950s.
The Basics
The official headquarters of the United Nations since 1952, the complex is surrounded by sculpture-studded gardens and the international flags of all of the UN’s member states. Although the UN is situated in New York City, its land and buildings (designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer) are under the sole administration of the United Nations—not the city or the US government.
The best way to get a feel for the UN—the organization’s mission and physical campus—is to take one of the 45-minute guided tours that run on weekdays (9:30am to 4:45pm). Highlights include the General Assembly Hall, the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All visitors entering the UN buildings must pass a security check. All visitors age 18 or over must have a valid ID issued by a UN Member State or Observer State.
- For security reasons, children under 5 are not permitted on tours of the UN. All ages can explore the Visitor Centre.
- The Visitors Café at the Visitor Centre serves a variety of international meals, snacks, and drinks.
- Foreign-language tours (including French, Korean, and Spanish) are usually available daily.
How to Get There
The United Nations Headquarters is on First Avenue between 42nd and 48th streets on the East River. The visitors entrance is on First Avenue at 46th Street. The closest subway stop is at Grand Central; walk along E. 42nd Street to First Avenue.
When to Get There
The UN Headquarters is open for tours on weekdays (9:30am to 4:45pm). Visitors who have booked at tour should arrive at least 60 minutes prior to their scheduled tour. Although no guided tours are offered on the weekends, visitors can explore the UN Visitors Centre on weekends from March to December.
The UN for Kids
Kids ages 5 through 12 can tour the UN Headquarters, where a variety of educational programs, including UN4U and the UN Kids Corridor, offer colorful maps, games, and quizzes.
Address: 760 United Nations Plaza, 10017, USA
Hours: Open weekdays 9am - 4:45pm. Closed most holidays.
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Washington Square Park
Named after the first president of the United States, Washington Square Park has become an iconic landmark in New York City, hosting both community gatherings and international travelers. Situated in funky Greenwich Village, the park began as marshland. Tales have circulated regarding the park’s use as an old ‘potter’s field,’ or common grave site, which attracts many spook-seekers today. The grand fountain and marble arch, both honoring the park’s namesake, draw in visitors seeking a connection to America’s history, or simply a spot to people-watch.
Since 1827, the land has served as a public park, accommodating its’ eclectic community by serving as a playground, avant-garde artist hub, dog park, chess championship ground and much more. Take a tour of the 9.75-acre park, or simply sunbathe on the greenery and soak up the NYC atmosphere.
Practical Info
Washington Square park is located in Greenwich Village, Manhattan in New York. The park is at Fifth Avenue, bordered by Waverly Place, University Place, West 4th Street, and MacDougal Street.
Address: Fifth Avenue, bordered by Waverly Place, University Place, West 4th Street, MacDougal Street, New York City, NY, USA, USA
From $ 20
Winter Garden
The Winter Garden Atrium is a 10-story, glass-vaulted pavilion filled with various plants, trees, flowers, and shops. The atrium is located in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, in the Brookfield Place office complex. The building was severely damaged during the attacks of September 11, 2001, and was the first major structure to be completely restored in 2002. The building opens to the World Financial Center Plaza, and has large glass windows looking out to the Hudson River and New Jersey, where plenty of luxury yachts provide a visual backdrop.
Step inside the atrium for a respite from the busy city streets and enjoy a cup of coffee as you wander through the building’s many offerings, including luxury retailers, pubs, and restaurants. The atrium is close to several attractions, including One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial, the Hudson River Park, and the Irish Hunger Memorial. In warm weather, the restaurants in Brookfield Place open their doors for dining al fresco, and concerts and symphonies are held here – making it a great place to enjoy a drink and a meal while watching the sunset.
Practical Info
The Winter Garden Atrium is located in Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, bordered by West Street, the Hudson River, Vesey, and Liberty Streets. It is accessible by train, ferry, and subway; there is standard and valet parking available. Hours listed below are for the shops; restaurant hours vary per restaurant. The Winter Garden and public space is open daily, from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Address: 200 Vesey Street, New York City, New York, USA 10281, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 12pm-6pm
From $ 20
Upper East Side
If there’s one area of Manhattan that is classic, traditional New York, it’s the Upper East Side. Home to upscale shops and some of the city’s best museums, the neighborhood exudes elegance. With streets lined with luxurious brownstones, the affluent residential area is home to the highest real estate price per square foot in the United States. Iconic street names like Madison Avenue, Park Avenue, and Fifth Avenue are all located here.
The Upper East Side has long been the center of high fashion, old wealth, and socialites. The stretch of mansions lining Fifth Avenue tell the story of the Upper East Side’s deep-rooted history as such. While you’re there, be sure to check out Museum Mile, on Fifth Avenue between East 82nd and East 105th Streets. There you’ll find the world-class Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Guggenheim Museum, among others.
Practical Info
The Upper East Side is bordered from 59th Street to 96th Street and from Fifth Avenue to the East River. Get there by taking the 4, 5, and 6 Subway lines to 86th Street. Much of the area is beside Central Park.
Address: Upper East Side, New York City, New York, USA, USA
From $ 35
Whitney Museum of Art
The Whitney (as it’s locally known) was established in 1931 by sculptor and arts patron Getrude Vanderbilt Whitney when the Metropolitan Museum of Art rejected her personal collection of 600 avant-garde works of art. The museum houses over 19,000 unique, modern and sometimes controversial works from the 20th and 21st centuries, many by still-living artists.
Especially renowned for its Whitney Biennial exhibition, which highlights the work of young and emerging artists, the museum is devoted to connecting under-the-radar artists with New York’s wealthiest and most influential art collectors. Held every two years in the spring, the Biennial often features huge sculpture displays that are mounted in nearby Central Park.
At present, architect Renzo Piano has created a new home for the Whitney, on Gansevoort Street in the Lower West Side’s Meatpacking District. This new version of the museum, which has just recently opened, also marks the entrance to the High Line, a mile-long elevated greenway that repurposes an old stretch of the New York Central Railroad.
Especially renowned for its Whitney Biennial exhibition, which highlights the work of young and emerging artists, the museum is devoted to connecting under-the-radar artists with New York’s wealthiest and most influential art collectors. Held every two years in the spring, the Biennial often features huge sculpture displays that are mounted in nearby Central Park.
At present, architect Renzo Piano has created a new home for the Whitney, on Gansevoort Street in the Lower West Side’s Meatpacking District. This new version of the museum, which has just recently opened, also marks the entrance to the High Line, a mile-long elevated greenway that repurposes an old stretch of the New York Central Railroad.
Practical Info:
Free docent-led tours of current exhibitions are offered daily,
generally starting between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. On the museum’s
lower level, a modern farm-to-table café, Untitled, is open the same
hours as the museum; those coming here just to dine need not pay museum
admission.
Address: 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014, USA
Hours: Open 10:30a-6pm Mon, Weds, & Sun. Open 10:30a-10pm Thurs-Sat. Closed Tues.
Admission: Adults $22, Seniors/Students $18, Members Free, Under 18 Free
From $ 25
Upper West Side
Located between Central Park and the Hudson River and West 59th Street and West 110th Street, the Upper West Side is known for being one of Manhattan’s more upscale residential neighborhoods, with beautiful brownstones and a generally safe atmosphere. For those looking to experience some of New York’s best cultural sites, the Upper West Side has plenty. For example, Lincoln Center is an important cultural institution in the neighborhood, as the center puts on an array of topnotch music, dance and theater performances. In fact, it is home to some of the world’s most elite performing arts groups like The Juilliard School, The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet and the New York Philharmonic.
There is also the American Museum of Natural History, American Folk Art Museum, The Cloisters Museum and Gardens, The Children’s Museum, Museum of Arts & Design, Nicholas Roerich Museum and New York’s oldest museum founded in 1804, the New-York Historical Society. Outdoor beauty also abounds in the Upper West Side between two parks, the iconic Central Park as well as the tranquil Riverside Park which runs along the Hudson River from 58th to 156th streets.
To get to the Upper West Side by subway, you can take the 1 to 66th Street-Lincoln Center; 1, 2, 3, B, C to 72nd Street or 96th Street; 1 to 79th Street; B, C to 81st Street; 1, B, C to 86th Street; 1, B, C to 103rd Street or 110th Street.
There is also the American Museum of Natural History, American Folk Art Museum, The Cloisters Museum and Gardens, The Children’s Museum, Museum of Arts & Design, Nicholas Roerich Museum and New York’s oldest museum founded in 1804, the New-York Historical Society. Outdoor beauty also abounds in the Upper West Side between two parks, the iconic Central Park as well as the tranquil Riverside Park which runs along the Hudson River from 58th to 156th streets.
To get to the Upper West Side by subway, you can take the 1 to 66th Street-Lincoln Center; 1, 2, 3, B, C to 72nd Street or 96th Street; 1 to 79th Street; B, C to 81st Street; 1, B, C to 86th Street; 1, B, C to 103rd Street or 110th Street.
Address: USA
From $ 39
Williamsburg Bridge
With Brooklyn growing in popularity by the day, and Williamsburg at the helm of its cultural vibrancy, the Williamsburg Bridge connects the trendy area to Manhattan. Dating back to 1896, when it was realized that the Brooklyn Bridge alone would not serve the traffic needed between Brooklyn and Manhattan, construction on this second bridge began. At the time of its completion, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world.
The large bridge allows for transit from Williamsburg over to the lower east side of New York City, granting views of the city skyline. It carries both automobile and rail traffic, though is often best enjoyed on foot to take in the urban scenery. The designated National Engineering Historic Landmark is a symbol of industrial strength and well-executed design. Walking across the bridge allows for many excellent viewpoints and photo opportunities of both cities, as well as the East River and the neighboring Brooklyn Bridge.
Practical Info
The Williamsburg Bridge can be entered from Manhattan at Delancy and Clinton Streets, or from Brooklyn on Bedford Avenue between South 5th and South 6th Streets. There are separate sides for pedestrians and bikers as directed by signs. The bridge also carries the J, M, and Z Subway lines and carries up to eight lanes of road traffic. It is free for all to cross.
Address: Williamsburg Bridge, Brooklyn, New York, USA, USA
From $ 19
Wild Center at Tupper Lake
Explore 81 acres (33 hectares) of New York open space at Tupper Lake's Wild Center, an indoor/outdoor science center running by Adirondack Park. Between five indoor exhibits and miles of open trails, you'll learn everything you need to know about the area's natural surroundings. Head to Big Wolf Great Hall inside the center for one of its daily wildlife shows, where you'll see live animals like ravens, porcupines, owls, and snakes. Outside, you can weave through the treetops and visit a four-story tree-house along the elevated Wild Walk walking path for incredible views of the forest.
For a more immersive experience, sign up for a free, guided hike through the trails or ride a canoe down the Raquette River for an extra fee. You can also man the trails on your own. Hike the Living River Trail to pass a running waterfall and the park's resident otters, and don't forget about the complimentary snowshoes if it's icy out there.
Practical Info
The Wild Center is located at Tupper Lake in upstate New York. It is near the center of Adirondack Park and is best reached by car. It is open daily from the end of May to mid-October, and only Friday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, thereafter. If off-season, it’s best to check the website for openings. Admission costs $20 for adults and $13 for children, and tickets are good for two days.
Address: T45 Museum Dr, Tupper Lake, New York, USA
Hours: Daily 10am–5pm (May–Oct); Fri & Sat: 10am–5pm (Nov–Apr)
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Verrazano Narrows Bridge
This iconic double-decker suspension bridge that connects Staten Island to Brooklyn spans some 4,260 feet and was once the longest bridge of its kind on earth. Perhaps best known as the starting point for the famed New York City Marathon, it offers stunning views of incredible city skylines and easy passage between two of the Big Apple’s boroughs.
Opened in 1964, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge was the last public works project in the city that was overseen by the famous Robert Moses. Roughly 12,000 people helped to construct this incredible thruway and since every cruise ship bound for ports in New York or New Jersey has to pass beneath this bridge, its height and specifications are taken into consideration when ships are designed.
Practical Info
The bridge’s toll is $11.08 for drivers using E-ZPass and $16 for all other vehicles. The fare is only collected on cars entering State Island.
Address: Staten Island, New York 10305, USA
Hours: 24 hours
Admission: $16
From $ 101
West Village
The West Village, one of New York City’s most celebrated neighborhoods, is home to many of the city’s top restaurants and shops. A large part of its draw are the tree-lined, cobblestone streets in all their urban charm. The area’s Bohemian past, 19th century townhouses, and small boutiques are still alive and well. It has a quaintness that sets it apart from the rest of Manhattan — yet it is still a hotspot of activity.
The West Village has been a center of many social and cultural movements, including Beat literature and gay rights. Though it is mostly residential (real estate is highly sought after,) it’s home to iconic spots such as Magnolia Bakery and the White Horse Tavern. You can also take a walk along the Hudson River Park, also found in this neighborhood. It’s one of the best (and most scenic) places in Manhattan to simply stroll and absorb the energy of the city.
Practical Info
The West Village is the western area of Greenwich Village in Lower Manhattan. To get there, take the 1 train to Christopher Street, or the A, C, E, B, D or F Subway lines to West 4th Street.
Address: Houston St. to 14th St. and Sixth Ave. to Hudson River, New York City, New York, USA, USA
From $ 35
TriBeCa
Located in lower Manhattan, TriBeCa, or “Triangle Below Canal,” is known for its cobblestone streets, low crime rate, trendy restaurants and high-quality boutiques. Enjoy sashimi tacos, lobster ceviche and tuna tataki at Nobu, an upscale Japanese restaurant, or for something more budget-friendly, Tamarind Tribeca, which offers delicious chicken tikka masala, punjabi mutton and lobster masala. If you’re sightseeing, visit the Hudson River Park, featuring 550 acres of green along the Hudson River, or the Skyscaper Museum, which offers a look into the history of New York City skyscrapers and introduces visitors to important industry people. If you’re visiting in the spring, check out the Tribeca Film Festival to see inspiring independent and family-friendly films.
Address: USA
From $ 59
Top of the Rock
One of New York City’s most famous buildings, 30 Rockefeller Plaza boasts panoramic views from its sky-high observation deck, Top of the Rock. Visitors can access three levels for both indoor and outdoor glass-walled platforms offering unobstructed, 360-degree vistas of the sprawling metropolis. The skyscraper, which houses NBC headquarters, was formerly known as the GE Building and is now the Comcast Building.
The Basics
On the way up are a handful of exhibits, including the Swarovski-created Radiance Wall and Joie Chandelier, a short historical video shown in the theater, and the mezzanine, home to artifacts and photos documenting Rockefeller history. The observation deck offers a popular spot to view New York City from above, especially due to the large viewing area and because you can see a clear look at the Empire State Building and Central Park. For the best experience, book your timed Top of the Rock ticket in advance with your chosen date and time slot. Visitors can also opt for VIP access to skip the elevator lines or a Sun and Stars ticket to visit twice in 24 hours and catch the views both in daylight and after dark. To uncover more of the history and architecture of this famous landmark, book a Rockefeller Center Tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors pass through a security checkpoint before entering. Food and beverages are not allowed.
- Bring your camera to snap photos of the city from the Rock observation deck.
- Kids under 6 enter free, and collapsible strollers are allowed.
- Top of the Rock is fully accessible.
- There is no time limit for visits to the Top of the Rock. Most travelers allott about 45 minutes for the experience.
- While Top of the Rock does not feature a restaurant or bar, dining can be found in Rockefeller Center, plus the 65th-floor Bar SixtyFive.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the building.
How to Get There
Set at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, the 1933 art deco Rockefeller Center houses the Top of the Rock. The main entrance is on 50th Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues. The closest subway is at 47-50th Street/Rockefeller Station.
When to Get There
Reserve your ticket in advance for a timed entry between 8am and 11:15pm (the site closes at midnight daily). Try to plan your visit for a day with clear skies for the best views. The site is busiest around sunset and after dark as travelers catch a look at the city illuminated; early morning visits are less crowded. Top of the Rock is open 365 days a year.
Best NYC Spots for City Views
Top of the Rock offers one of the best views of New York City. Other attractions with notable views include the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line, and the One World Observatory. With the city’s sea of skyscrapers, many New York restaurants and bars feature rooftops and outdoor decks that attract both locals and visitors.
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 10112, USA
Hours: Open daily 8am - 12am
Admission: Adults: US$34
From $ 6
Wall Street
Synonymous with US financial markets, capitalism, and the history of early New York, Wall Street runs for eight blocks, from Broadway to South streets, through Lower Manhattan. It may be the financial heart of the city and bustling with traders most days of the week, but the area also offers plenty of historic interest to visitors.
The Basics
Wall Street features many examples of grand architecture, including the New York Stock Exchange and the 18th-century Federal Hall, commemorating the site where the first US Congress convened and Washington was sworn in as president. More contemporary works include Santiago Calatrava’s World Trade Center Oculus and One World Trade Center, the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.
With New York’s Financial District also inextricably connected to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, many walking tours of the area include visits to the National September 11 Memorial. Tours (private and group) typically also take visitors to such landmarks as the Charging Bull sculpture and New York Stock Exchange and some also include access to the One World Observatory. Fans of the hit musical Hamilton can also take a specialized walking tour to places associated with the Founding Father.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wall Street is a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.
- The 9/11 Memorial is free to visit, but there is an entrance fee to the museum.
- Remember to behave in a way befitting the somber nature of the 9/11 Memorial.
- The New York Stock Exchange is no longer open to visitors, but the Federal Reserve offers free tours.
How to Get There
Wall Street, Rector Street, Fulton Street, and Broad Street subway stations are all clustered around Wall Street, making the area easily accessible from anywhere on New York’s subway system.
When to Get There
On weekends, when banks are closed and streets are near empty, it can feel like you have the whole place to yourself, allowing you the space to take in the architecture. Note, however, that Wall Street restaurants primarily serving the people who work there are usually also closed on weekends. If you want to see Wall Street in action, visit on a weekday morning.
One World Observatory
Located on the 100th to 102nd floors of the 1,776-foot -high (541 meter) One World Trade Center, the One World Observatory offers the most expansive views in the city, as well as informational, interactive exhibits. Booking priority admission gives you access to the VIP line and the VIP elevator, which takes you straight to the top without waiting in line.
Address: Wall Street, 10005, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Wilderstein Historic Site
When Thomas Holy Suckley purchased a stunning plot of land along the riverfront back in 1852, he had a vision for building a residency that paid homage to the natural beauty the Hudson River Valley was known for. The building’s exterior originally took on the look of an Italian Villa, while the home’s interiors were designed by the now-famous Joseph Burr Tiffany.
Visitors to this iconic home just in the heart of the Hudson Valley will be able to journey through time as they walk through the picturesque hallways of this well-preserved destination. The interiors showcase some of the best of early American design and the grounds offer up one of the most breathtaking romantic landscapes in the Valley.
In addition to exploring the Wilderstein’s beautiful interiors, travelers can also check out the network of trails, walkways and carriage routes that wind through some 40-acres of land. Although tours of the home are available between May and October only, the grounds are open year-round from 9am-4pm and are free of charge to walk.
Practical Info
The Wilderstein is located at 330 Morton Road in Rhinebeck, New York. It is accessible via Amtrak from New York City by taking the train from Penn Station to Rhinecliff-Kingston Station. The historic site is about 1.5 miles from the train station. Tour season is May through October, Thursday through Sunday. Entrance is $11 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
Address: 330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck, USA
Hours: Tour season is May through October, Thursday through Sunday
Admission: $11 for adults and $10 for students and seniors
From $ 73
Whirlpool State Park
Whirlpool State Park proves that the Niagara region’s natural beauty doesn’t end with Niagara Falls. With hiking trails, picnic tables, Niagara River views, and an impressive whirlpool, this park is a great place to spend a few hours. Thanks to the highly oxygenated water, there’s good salmon and trout fishing here, too.
The Basics
Situated on the grassy, wooded area beside Niagara Gorge, the whirlpool is a natural formation downstream from Niagara Falls. It was created by the enormous volume of water passing through. A public learning center encourages visitors to find out more about the park and its natural features.
Visitors on day tours to the US side of Niagara Falls often make a quick stop at Whirlpool State Park. Scenic helicopter tours are also available, from which you can see the park and the whirlpool from above. Visit independently if you want to spend a bit more time in the park. Pack a picnic and hit the trails, or just relax.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While the park is open year-round, the restrooms are only operational between mid-April and late October.
- The park’s natural history room is open daily from May to September, and only during weekends the rest of the year.
- The park is to the south of the 42-acre (17-hectare) Devil’s Hole State Park, which also overlooks the Niagara Gorge. It’s worth combining a trip to the two parks for a leisurely day out in nature.
How to Get There
Aside from organized bus tours, the Discover Niagara Shuttle is a convenient way to visit Whirlpool State Park, on the US side of the Niagara Gorge, near Lewiston. Park your car and explore the Niagara region on this hop-on hop-off shuttle, which connects 15 sites along a 14-mile (22.5-kilometer) route.
When to Get There
The park is at its best during summer and fall, when the weather is fine and the greenery and foliage are at their most colorful. Fishing is best during fall and winter, but winters here are cold and snowy, so dress appropriately. The park is open from dawn till dusk throughout the year.
African-American History at Lewiston
Lewiston, near Whirlpool State Park, is a small town with an interesting history. The Freedom Crossing Monument honors Lewiston’s place on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes across the US that runaway slaves used to escape to Canada in the 19th century. As Lewiston is within sight of Canada, many slaves passed through here on their way to freedom.
Address: Robert Moses State Parkway, Niagara Falls, New York 14303, USA
From $ 66
Williamsburg
Well-known as the hipster-hub of Brooklyn, Williamsburg is full of creative types and indie venues. It’s safest and most vibrant areas lie near the L train stops, with the main street of the neighborhood being Bedford Avenue and having shops, bars, restaurants, galleries, performance spaces and museums extending out from there. It’s the type of neighborhood where you’ll forever be stumbling across unusual, eclectic and ironically hip spaces. For example, The Brooklyn Flea Market sells vintage clothes, antiques and a variety of artwork, while Buffalo Exchange allows you to buy and trade your clothing for trendy outfits and vintage duds. If you like music and performance, the Knitting Factory puts on concerts and comedy shows and offers old-school video games, cheap beer and quirky art. Artsy folk enjoy one of Williamsburg’s newest additions, Nitehawk Cinema, which shows independent films and serves fluffy homemade popcorn. If you want to gallery hop, you’ll find free creative spaces littered all over the neighborhood, especially on Grand Avenue. And for something completely quirky, visit the City Reliquary which showcases unusual New York City artifacts like horse bones, rotting birthday cakes, antique subway maps and L train paint chips.
Practical Info
The most scenic way to get to Williamsburg is to stroll over the Williamsburg Bridge, which connects the neighborhood to Manhattan’s Lower East Side. If you’d rather take the subway, you can take the G to Flushing Avenue, Broadway or Metropolitan-Lorimer; J,M,Z to Marcy Avenue; J,M to Hewes Street, Lorimer Street or Flushing Avenue; L to Lorimer Street, Graham Avenue, Grand Street, Montrose Avenue or Morgan Avenue.
Address: USA
From $ 24
Wollman Rink
Open from November through March, the Wollman Rink (formerly Trump Rink) is an outdoor ice-skating rink in Central Park. Accessible from the south entrance of West 59th Street and 6th Avenue, the rink offers open skating as well as lessons. For New Yorkers and visitors, skating on the rink is a tradition that symbolizes the magic and romance of the winter holidays. In fact the scenic rink, with its park and Manhattan skyline backdrop, has been featured in various movies, including “Serendipity” and “Love Story.”
During the summer months, the rink turns into the Victorian Gardens.
During the summer months, the rink turns into the Victorian Gardens.
Practical Info
The rink is open Monday & Tuesday from 10am to 2:30pm, Wednesday & Thursday from 10am to 10pm, Friday & Saturday from 10am to 11pm, Sunday 10am to 9pm and Thanksgiving 10am to 7pm. Prices are $11 Monday through Thursday and $17 Friday through Sunday for adults, $6 every day for children 11 and under, and $5 Monday through Thursday and $9 Friday through Sunday for seniors. Spectator fee is $5. Skate rentals are $7 and locker rentals are $5 plus a $6 refundable deposit.
Address: USA
Hours: Mon and Tue 10:00am - 2:30pm; Wed and Thu 10:00am - 10:00pm; Fri and Sat 10:00am - 11:00pm; Sun 10:00am - 9:00pm
Admission: Mon-Thu $11, $6 Chl; Fri-Sun $17, $6 Chl
From $ 25