new york beautiful places to visit

The 9 Most Beautiful Places in New York State

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New York has been known as the Empire State for quite some time—signifying our great wealth of resources and good looks. The state is filled with sparkling lakes , impressive peaks, incredible vistas and sandy beaches , right in our very own backyard. From the iconic Montauk, known as “the end of the world” to storied Lake Placid and Canandaigua Lake, these local spots, though often tiny, are living up to that moniker in a big way. Here are nine of the most beautiful, scenic spots you can check out in New York, many just a few hours away from Manhattan .

The Most Charming Small Towns in New Jersey

Hidden Gem of the Finger Lakes

1. canandaigua lake.

• Why We Love It: charming lake town, beautiful wildlife area, great food
• What to Do: Naples Walking Tour ; Canandaigua Wine Trail ; Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion  
• Where to Stay: The Lake House on Canandaigua (from $270/night); Sutherland House Victorian Bed and Breakfast (from $206/night); Lapham House (from $144/night, sleeps 2)

Just because Canandaigua is one of the lesser-known Finger Lakes and a bit further from NYC doesn’t make it any less special. In fact, in our humble opinion, this sparkling lake is the best in the region, and in the warm summer months, there is simply nothing better than renting a pontoon boat and getting out on the calm waters with your closest crew.

Upscale homes line Canandaigua’s shores. It’s also anchored by the adorable town of Canandaigua, which sits on the northern end. Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion are big on beauty here, and a definite draw for travelers. The town is also notable for some quality grub spots, including the authentic Mexican fare Rio Tomatlan , and the not-to-be-missed steak dinners from Nolan’s . Naples, a smaller but equally charming town is located several miles south from the southern end of the lake, and offers visitors amazing hiking opportunities and vista views for days. It’s also home to a stunning wildlife area, Cumming Nature Center .

For Birding Enthusiasts

2. tivoli bays.

• Why We Love It: two hours from NYC, stunning wetlands filled with wildlife, one of state’s most important bird conservations
• What to Do: Saugerties Lighthouse ; Tivoli Artists Gallery ; Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
• Where to Stay: Mirbeau Inn & Spa (from $430/night); The Wiltwyck (from $143/night); Tivoli Apartment (from $201/night, sleeps 4)

An easy, welcomed escape for city folks roughly two hours drive from Times Square, this state park and the quiet town of Tivoli are both situated along an enchanting stretch of the Hudson River. The bays are created by two large river coves that back up to wooded clay bluffs, and the stunning wetlands here make it a unique place to spot plant life and animals—in fact, it’s even deemed one of New York’s most important bird conservation areas.

For Stunning Sunrises

• Why We Love It: lots of local farms and wineries, quality beaches, majestic sunrises
• What to Do: Shelter Island Private Bike Tour ; Oyster Ponds Historical Society ;  Mattituck Guided Farm and Wine Country Bike Tour  
• Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Islip Arpt East (from $139/night); Hampton Inn Brookhaven (from $149/night); Beachfront Cottage (from $1,436/night, sleeps 6)

Located on the North Fork of Long Island, which is filled with farmer’s markets and pleasing wineries, Orient is home to beautiful beaches, parks and historic homes . The sunrises and sunsets from Orient are what make it truly special in our humble opinion, with our favorite spots to take in these magical colors at Orient Beach State Park and Orient Point. At the latter, you can also peep at a historic lighthouse off the shore which is surrounded by large rocks.

Easiest to Get to from NYC

4. fire island.

• Why We Love It: access via the Long Island Rail Road, closed to cars, rolling sand dunes
• What to Do: Patchogue Distillery Tour ; The Sunken Forest ; Fire Island Lighthouse  
• Where to Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Holtsville (from $169/night); Mod 8 Cabin (from $156/night, sleeps 2); Fire Island Tree House (from $1,120/night, sleeps 6)

This small barrier island is situated on the southern shore of Long Island, with most points accessible in under 2.5 hours. Well connected by transportation including LIRR trains and ferries that easily whisk travelers here across the Great South Bay, it’s a magnificent escape that shouldn’t be slept on. In fact, for the most part, you can only arrive here by ferry as only one small part of the island allows cars. Being closed to vehicular traffic is part of the charm though, producing a quietness and stillness that keeps New Yorkers coming back season-after-season.

The natural beauty of the beaches, dunes, and some pretty spectacular real estate help, too. The welcoming and inclusive feeling of Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove have made these towns a longtime respite for the queer community, but there are plenty of towns—each with a distinct look, feel and vibe—that will excite every kind of traveler.

The Adirondacks Getaway

5. lake george.

• Why We Love It: plenty of watersport activities, surrounded by quaint villages, explore nearby caves
• What to Do: West Pawlet Pasture Walk ; Leaf’s Air Tours ; Shelving Rock Falls
• Where to Stay: The Inn of Lake George (from $235); Mohican Motel (from $155/night); Earthen Home (from $199/night, sleeps 2)

Yes, you probably saw that the RHONJ gang recently vacationed to this dreamy spot in the Adirondacks, and for good reason. Aside from being a gorgeous lake surrounded by quaint communities—each with boutique shopping, fabulous dining experiences, quiet parks and beaches for picnicking and swimming, marinas, and plenty of hiking options—Lake George is a popular destination for its many on-lake watersports offerings. The nearby Sacandaga River is also a destination in its own right for fishing and whitewater rafting (!), and visitors to the region are also a quick drive from the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves where trails and caves can keep explorers entertained all day.

In the Heart of NYC

6. new york harbor.

• Why We Love It: right in bustling NYC, the Edge gives unparalleled views, explore the city
• What to Do: Private NYC Helicopter Tour ; Staten Island Ferry ; Edge
• Where to Stay: The Standard High Line (from $429/night); The Maritime Hotel (from $329/night); Greenwich Village Apartment (from $377/night, sleeps 4)

Yes, you can find beauty in even the most urban of settings. As New York rebounds from a pandemic-stricken year, there’s no better reminder of the Big Apple’s prowess and the beauty of the New York harbor and bay than seeing it for yourself at edge . Located at Hudson Yards some 100 stories in the sky, the outdoor observation deck with 7,500 square feet of viewing space and a pretty trippy glass floor is the Western Hemisphere’s highest. It spoils visitors with insane views over Manhattan, New York Bay and the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson River and parts of New Jersey. After a tough year, it will quickly re-spark that New York magic Frank Sinatra so smoothly sings about...

The End of the World

• Why We Love It: relaxed and casual, great surf culture, iconic lighthouse and beach
• What to Do: Oyster Shucking ; Private Sailing Experienc e; Montauk Point Lighthouse
• Where to Stay: Montauk Blue Hotel (from $199/night); Marram (from $465/night); Montauk Cottage (from $201/night, sleeps 2)

For a true escape from NYC, head to what’s been coined as the “the end” or even the “end of the world”—at least on Instagram . Montauk garnered this title from its location at the tip of the Long Island peninsula and its reputation for feeling worlds away from NYC. For one, it’s definitely more relaxed and casual than its Hampton’s neighbors, and has an eclectic vibe with a strong surfing culture. The area’s beaches and parks do not disappoint, either. Make sure to carve out some time to get a great photo in front of the Montauk Point Lighthouse and bring your favorite beach blanket to spread out on Ditch Plains, one of the area’s most iconic beaches.

For the Most Luxurious Lodges

8. lake placid.

• Why We Love It: quaint Main Street, easy access to Adirondack mountains, great winter sports activities
• What to Do: Forest Bathing ; John Brown Farm State Historic Site ; Mount Van Hoevenberg
• Where to Stay: Grand Adirondack Hotel (from $159/night); Lake Placid Inn (from $189/night); Lakeside Hideaway (from $133/night, sleeps 3)

The spirit and soul of Lake Placid are actually centered around not one, but two lakes—the larger Lake Placid and a smaller lake that the village bearing its name surrounds, called Mirror Lake. The picture-perfect Lake Placid is steeped in splendor and history, playing home to the Adirondack Great Camps; today, it’s where some *pretty* luxurious resorts live, including  Lake Placid Lodge  and  Whiteface Lodge .

The town’s vibrant Main Street is juxtaposed by a laid-back vibe and filled to the brim with charm. Travelers generally make it their home base to explore the Adirondack Mountains, which cover over six million acres and boasts the largest trail system in the nation, which make it ripe for biking, fishing, hiking or just relaxing with an amazing view. Lake Placid is also celebrated for its winter sports including snowshoeing, ice skating, skiing, ice fishing, and more.

The True Upstate Getaway

9. alexandria bay.

• Why We Love It: scenic river cruises, iconic castle, myriad outdoor activities
• What to Do: Boldt Castle Tour ; Thousand Islands Cruise ; Thousand Islands Winery
• Where to Stay: Riveredge Resort Hotel (from $159/night); Abay Getaway (from $145/night, sleeps 2); Thousand Islands Cottage (from $250/night, sleeps 5)

Trek all the way upstate to the Saint Lawrence River and you’ll find yourself in the charming village of Alexandria Bay. The town is home to two iconic castles, which you can tour. That includes Boldt Castle’s indoor swimming grotto, Roman-inspired Entry Arch and Alster Tower’s bowling alley. The 28-room Singer Castle features a two-story ice house, endless secret passageways and a dungeon. Want to get outside? Take a cruise on the bay, go fishing, play mini golf or spend the afternoon at Thousand Islands Winery, a local entertainment hub that regularly hosts festivals. Be sure to indulge in some of the local sweets, too—fudge at Lil River Fudge Co and a generous serving of ice cream at The Whole Scoop .

The Most Charming Small Towns in New York

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21 Most Beautiful Places in New York City That Are a Must-Visit

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 17/02/2024

New York is a bustling city with more things to discover than you may think are possible. The sprawling parks and hidden cafes are just a few of the things that make this city an unforgettable destination.

New York is a diverse city with culture, history, and beauty to boot. But where are the most beautiful places in New York City? Let me take you on a journey from the majestic Statue of Liberty to the quiet space of Elevated Acre.

You’ll quickly forget time exists as you wander through the streets and discover some of the best historical places in New York . Whether you live in the Big Apple or are planning the ultimate holiday, here are some of the most beautiful places in New York City.

• 21 Most Beautiful Places in New York City

Table of Contents

1. Statue of Liberty

2. central park, 3. old city hall subway station, 4. the high line, 5. madison square park, 6. brooklyn bridge park, 7. prospect park, 8. times square, 10. wall street, 11. saint patrick’s cathedral, 12. bryant park, 13. socrates sculpture park, 14.the elevated acre, 15.bannerman castle, 16. new york public library, 17. empire state building, 18. broadway and the theatre district, 19. top of the rock observation deck, 20. silver lake, 21. fort tryon park and the met cloisters, final thoughts on the most beautiful places in new york city.

Once you’re all set, I’ll dive straight into the most beautiful place in New York City that you simply have to visit.

Image by The Digital Artist on Pixabay

I’m fairly certain you know about the Statue of Liberty, so it’s a no-brainer that it would feature on this list. Given to the U.S. as a gift from France at the end of the American Civil War, this magnificent sculpture dominates the New York landscape.

It rests on Liberty Island, which itself is a breathtaking part of the city. The glorious park of oak trees helps the Statue of Liberty pop. If you want to get up close to this iconic monument, you’ll need to join a 15-minute ferry ride to Liberty Island.

The Statue of Liberty consists of copper, which has rusted to the turquoise colour it is today. This sculpture represents freedom within the U.S., and when a mesmerizing sunset lights it up, it’s not hard to see why.

Top Tip: You can also join a four-hour Statue of Liberty tour with a local guide.

Image by Leonhard Niederwimmer on Pixabay

For a walk within a landscaping masterpiece, look no further than Central Park. This bustling oasis of nature is four km long and 0.8 km wide, and you can easily go from one side to another in just over an hour.

You can consider Central Park as the city’s lungs, where everyone goes to relax and breathe in fresh air. Here are some unique aspects of the park that make it one of the best in the world.

• Belvedere Castle
• Bethesda Fountain and Terrace
• Conservatory Garden
• The Mall and Literary Walk
• Harlem Meer

Each section of the park offers something extraordinary, and you’ll have plenty of fantastic photo opportunities. I highly recommend joining a Central Park walking tour to see all these beautiful sights.

Image by Charlotte May on Pexels

Few people associate beauty with a subway station, but the Old City Hall has the prettiest one you’ll ever see. Picture stained glass windows and arches that emit a golden hue from the sun.

Since its closure in the early 20th century, this space has become more bespoke with age. It isn’t easy to see, as it is closed for most of the year, but you can catch a glimpse of it if you take the 6 Train from downtown to uptown.

As it sits below the magnificent Old City Hall Municipal Building, it’s hard to get to. Occasionally the MTA Transit Museum hosts walking tours through the station. I suggest checking for tours before your trip to New York City.

Image by Elizabeth Villalta on Unsplash 

The High Line in the Chelsea District is one of the trendiest parts of the city. The park and communal area are built on an old elevated rail line and provide a truly unique perspective of West Side Manhattan.

You can explore 15 diverse gardens in the High Line, each showing off a distinct part of the city and nature. Some top gardens you should visit include the Hudson River Overlook, the Wildflower Field, and the Radial Planting garden.

With regular occurrences of public art and live performances across the 2.3 km rail line, you’ll never fall short of breathtaking things to see. There is a wide variety of places to eat, like Shake Shack, so you can enjoy every moment at the High Line.

Top Tip: There is a free guided tour of the High Line on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:30 and Tuesdays from 17:00 to 18:30.

Image by Meghan Crown on Unsplash

Hidden away in the heart of New York City is a pristine two-acre square park with a lot of history. Its name comes from the fourth president of the United States – James Madison – one of the founding fathers of America.

Despite its small size, the park lies at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. There are also some fantastic things to see here, from the Roscoe Conkling Statue to the Reflecting Pool. The lush trees and towering buildings make the Reflecting Pool great for a photo shoot.

What makes this such a beautiful space? Well, for starters, it’s one of the places to visit if you want an authentic New York experience. A stunning array of statues, like the Chester Alan Arthur Monument , also make this one of the most picturesque parts of the city.

Image by Sven Becker on Unsplash

Another iconic part of this vibrant city is Brooklyn Bridge , and the best place for sweeping views of this landmark is Brooklyn Bridge Park. Across 85 acres of waterfront, you can enjoy rolling vistas, spacious promenades, and diverse garden features.

The park sits on the east side of the East River and is accessible from the entire Brooklyn Borough region. You can explore six different piers, each offering a unique perspective of the Brooklyn Bridge. One of the top places to visit in the park is Dumbo Point, at the edge of Pier 2.

Top Tip : If you want to see all that this breathtaking park offers, consider joining a Waterfront biking tour .

Image by Tyler Goodell on Unsplash

This list is not short of breathtaking outdoor spaces, but one of the most expansive you can visit is Prospect Park. There is an abundance of beauty to appreciate across the 215 acres.

This lush region of forest and lake calls the Brooklyn Borough home and is particularly pretty during fall. You can admire the colourful display of red and orange leaves dancing in the wind throughout the park.

The Prospect Park Zoo offers a breathtaking adventure past indigenous and exotic animals. Another one of the top sights in the park is Meadowport Arch, which offers the perfect photo opportunity.

Top Tip : There is a wide variety of things to see here. I recommend joining a Prospect Park walking tour to see all the best bits.

Image by Andreas Kruck on Unsplash

Times Square’s beauty is unique compared to the city’s plethora of parks. With a dazzling light display from billboards, buildings, and cars, this commercial intersection is the city’s hub.

It’s the junction between Broadway, 42nd Street, and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan . This is one of the city’s brightest and most brilliant spaces, so it’s no wonder tourists love visiting.

During the day, you can experience the fast-paced New York lifestyle. At night you can admire the rich display of dancing lights that make this such a photogenic part of the city.

Top Tip : Times Square is also known as the city’s entertainment hub, so be sure to explore Broadway, which is nearby and any live street performances.

Image by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels

Architecture is a big part of New York’s make-up, and SoHo is one of the best areas to admire the city’s buildings. SoHo is in Lower Manhattan, and its buildings are unique, to say the least.

For starters, over 200 cast-iron buildings make up this trendy neighbourhood. It has a lovely combination of Renaissance, Italianate, and Federal architecture that shows off old grandeur.

Inside these buildings, you’ll find upmarket restaurants, shops, and bars that make this such a trendy area. Although the architecture takes centre stage, the cobblestone sidewalks and vibey nightlife mean you’ll have plenty of breathtaking photo opportunities.

Top Tip : Visit the JIMMY rooftop bar around sunset for some of the best views of the New York skyline.

Image by Aditya Vyas on Unsplash

At first glance, this financial district in Lower Manhattan isn’t your typical idea of a pretty neighbourhood. But the more time you spend here, the more its charms kick in.

Neoclassical architecture creates a powerful environment with its large columns and arches. Aside from the architecture, the charging bull sculpture is one of the top sights you can visit along the cobblestone streets of Wall Street.

But possibly the best part of Wall Street is Battery Park – the southernmost point of Manhattan. It provides unforgettable views of Liberty Island, and you can see an old sandstone war fort at Castle Clinton.

Top Tip : You can learn all about its history and see the breathtaking attractions on a Wall Street walking tour .

Image by Dana Andreea Gheorghe on Unsplash

Pay a visit to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for a journey into the beauty of Catholic architecture. You’ll find the cathedral in the Midtown Manhattan region, and it’s quite easily the prettiest cathedral in New York.

For starters, the building’s facade is magical. It’s the largest Catholic Gothic cathedral in North America, and the intricate design is gorgeous. You can access Saint Patrick’s Cathedral from Madison Avenue. Keep in mind that the church is still in use to this day, so religious ceremonies still occur.

During a self-guided audio tour , you’ll see large columns, ordained relief sculptures, and beautiful wooden seats. The high ceilings and stained glass windows create an awe-inspiring feeling when walking through the building.

Top Tip : If you’re a big architecture fan, read my post on the most famous cathedrals in New York City .

Image by Krisztina Papp on Unsplash

I don’t think you’ll find a more dramatic setting for a park in New York than Bryant Park. This 9.6-acre space in Midtown Manhattan is glorious. Picture the high-rising New York skyline overhead with trees lining a large open lawn.

It hasn’t always been a serene space in the city’s heart, with drugs and crime dominating the park in the 1970s. Now, the park is a beautiful open space for all to enjoy, thanks to the renovations done between 1988 and 1992.

It’s easy to see why this space with a dark past is considered a public miracle. Aside from admiring the jaw-dropping scenery in and around this small park, you can also join the free public tours every Wednesday.

Image by Socrates Sculpture Park on Facebook

The outdoor spaces keep coming, and the Socrates Sculpture Park is one of the most distinct. As the name suggests, you can walk amongst large-scale sculptures and take in the views of Lighthouse Park in the centre of the East River.

In 1986, under the leadership of artist Mark di Suvero, this space had a drastic transformation from a landfill to a beautiful sculpture park. You can access the park along Vernon Boulevard in the Queens District, and admission is always free.

New sculptures fill the park annually, so you’ll have a new experience each time you visit. That, coupled with the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, make this one of the most beautiful places in New York City.

Image by Edmond Malin on Facebook

Over the years, the Elevated Acre has become a lesser-known gem in comparison to the famous High Line. This is an elevated one-acre garden above the streets of Lower Manhattan near Wall Street.

With a lawn, beer garden, and amphitheatre, the Elevated Acre is an oasis within the urban jungle that is Manhattan. You spend hours strolling through the winding path of Brazilian Hardwood forests and taking in the views of Brooklyn.

Grab a bite to eat from one of the lovely food trucks nearby, like Souvlaki GR Food Truck, and head to this rooftop garden for a relaxing afternoon. As it’s not as popular as the High Line, you can relax in this quiet, secluded park space.

Image by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Believe it or not, this buzzing urban city contains some remnants of medieval times. Enjoy a short one-hour and 30-minute drive along the Palisades Interstate Parkway to the Hudson’s Highlands State Park.

Once here, you’ll witness captivating views of the Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island. Built in 1901, this mesmerising castle dominates a portion of the Hudson River landscape. Simply put, it’s an ode to ancient Scottish castles and the ancestry of the Bannerman family.

Today, you can join walking tours, cruises, and kayaking tours of this iconic castle or simply admire it from Hudson’s Highland State Park.

Image by Patrick Robert Doyle on Unsplash

You may wonder how a library makes it onto this list, but trust me when I say it’s breathtaking. The New York Public Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is one of the prettiest places in this city.

Not only can you enjoy some much-needed silence, but the architecture here is also extraordinary. You’ll find this building on W 40th and W 42nd Street next to Bryant Park.

The large open spaces have massive arched windows that allow light to flood into the rooms. The ceilings all have beautiful paintings, and the Rose Main Reading Room is particularly magnificent.

Top Tip : You can join a guided tour of the building from Mondays to Saturdays at either 11:00 or 14:00.

Image by Kit Suman on Unsplash 

Nothing defines the New York skyline more than the Empire State Building. You can find this 102-storey building between 4th and 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, and put simply, it’s mesmerising.

The Empire State Building was the first 100-storey building ever built back in 1931, and its impressive size is still easy to see. The art-deco building is mainly the home of many businesses like LinkedIn.

There are observatories and exhibition spaces on the 82nd and 102nd floors. With an Empire State Building ticket , you can visit the 102nd floor and admire the breathtaking views of New York City from above.

Top Tip: Learn more about the famous landmarks in the U.S . and why the Empire State Building is one of them.

Image by Denis Nevozhai on Unsplash

Broadway is a lovely part of the city, teeming with drama – quite literally – and an authentic city vibe. The neighbourhood falls between Central Park to the north and Hell’s Kitchen to the west.

Most Broadway theatres are between 41st and 51st Street and 8th and 6th Avenues. The only exception is the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Centre. In this area, you’ll see the iconic Broadway lights that shine at night.

It is very close and similar to Times Square, but this part of town offers the grandeur of original musicals. You can see everything here, from The Lion King to The Phantom of The Opera .

Image by Tom Ridson on Unsplash

For unforgettable views of New York City, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at the Rockefeller Centre is a must-visit. You can find the Rockefeller Centre on the corner of W 50th Street and 5th Avenue.

From the 70th floor of the building, you’ll have unparalleled 360-degree views of the entire city. Admire Central Park to the north, Brooklyn to the east, the Empire State Building to the south, and The Heights to the west.

A Top of the Rock Observation Deck ticket provides flexible dates so that you can plan your visit and have the best weather possible.

Top Tip : Before heading up to the top, go to The Channel Gardens and enjoy the beautiful landscape area.

Image by Marta Wave on Pexels

Stepping away from Manhattan and into Staten Island, you’ll find the gorgeous Silver Lake Park. You can enjoy the simple pleasures of the outdoors in this 209-acre park.

One of the park’s top attractions is the Monarch Butterfly migration which takes place in September. There’s a high chance you’ll see these majestic creatures resting on the butterfly bushes. 

Aside from this, Silver Lake is another breathtaking part of the park that you have to admire in person.

Image by Artem XCX on Unsplash

You can find Fort Tryon Park in the Fort George neighbourhood of Upper Manhattan. The park is blessed with lovely views of the Hudson River and some of the prettiest gardens in the city.

One of the top gardens I highly recommend you walk through is the Heather Garden, with a beautiful array of colourful flowers. But the park’s main feature is the Met Cloisters, a large museum dedicated to depicting Medieval art.

The Met Cloisters derive from iconic medieval buildings like the Bonnefont-en-Comminges. Besides walking through the cloisters, you can admire them from afar, with the park’s lush greenery making them pop beautifully.

When I first went to New York City, I wasn’t expecting such a wide variety of beautiful spaces. But if there is one thing I learnt about this city, it will always surprise you in one way or another.

I hope you can take some inspiration from the list of the most beautiful places in New York City for your next trip to this iconic part of the world. But if you want more, read my other post about New Yorks off the beaten path attractions for an unforgettable city experience.

While you’re in New York State you might also enjoy reading about:

Sunflower Fields in Long Island

Best beaches in Montauk Long Island

How to see Niagara Falls from the US side

Beautiful Waterfalls in Rochester

Best Parks in Rochester

Places to go Kayaking near Rochester New York

Best Views of NYC

N ew York’s Covered Bridges

I covered all of the costs involved in the writing of this post on the most beautiful places in new york city. However, this post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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The 41 Absolute Best New York Attractions In 2024

What to do in new york we've got you covered.

With famous New York landmarks like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center or the Brooklyn Bridge around every corner, it can be hard picking the attractions that you want to see on your trip to NYC.

Below you will find a list of our favorite attractions that we think you have to see in New York City. In addition to that, I’ve included really beautiful and unique places that you should definitely visit! Further down, you will find the 👉 best New York attractions on a map .

TOP Attractions in New York

New York has so much to offer! If you don’t have much time, you should visit these eight TOP attractions in New York:

• Summit One Vanderbilt
• Edge Hudson Yards

Central Park

Brooklyn bridge, times square.

• Statue of Liberty
• The 9/11 Memorial
• High Line Park

You can easily do these in two days. My list of the best sights in New York below in the article is ideal for a visit of 5 days to a week.

Buy New York sightseeing tickets online

New York City is just as busy as it was before the pandemic – in fact, it feels a little busier now that many are taking their postponed New York trips. Many of New York’s attractions require you to book time slots in order to visit them. Therefore, you should buy your ticket online in advance! These are the most visited attractions in NYC:

My budget tip: many attractions are included in the New York sightseeing passes – so you can save a lot of money on tickets. Which New York Pass is the best for you, I show you in my New York Pass comparison .

New York Attractions Map

Our tips for visiting the top New York attractions on a budget!

If you are on a family holiday, or visiting the city with a group of friends and need to book 4 tickets for each attraction, or are alone but just have a tight budget set for your trip, we have something really special for you. NYC sells discount attraction passes which allow you to visit all of the must-see NYC attractions for less while giving you the flexibility of deciding what you want to see once you get there!

Offering discounts of up to 70% on many sights, tours, and attractions  New York City sightseeing passes  are the ultimate way to save money. Find out which one will save you the most based on the attractions you want to see here:

Try Our Savings Calculator

These are my favorite NYC attractions

While the mention of NYC undoubtedly brings to mind many of its famous buildings and attractions, it can be very difficult picking which ones you want to visit during your trip. Our list below of the best attractions in New York is in no particular order and is based on our experiences with each attraction as well as what we think makes for a good trip to the Big Apple!

The Edge Observation Deck

The Hudson Yards observation deck called Edge is New York’s newest and highest open observation deck. It opened in March 2020 and we were there – the view from up here is just sensational, and through the glass floor you can see over 100 floors straight down!

Are you looking for the ultimate thrill? Then check out the Edge City Climb !

Empire State Building

The first of our must-see New York attractions is the world-renowned Empire State Building . The view from the observation platform of the Empire State Building will take your breath away and is a sight that you won’t soon forget. An absolute must-see during a visit to New York! We have compiled everything you need to know about the Empire State Building, including our tips & tricks, important info regarding ticket options, and whether going to the 102nd floor is really worth it.

OUR TIP: EITHER GO REALLY EARLY OR VERY LATE AT NIGHT!

That’s when queues are not as long. Even better –   Tickets with Fast Lane access are available here  – or get one of the New York discounts passes that includes tickets to the Empire State Building !

An official city landmark and the second of our must-see New York attractions: the Brooklyn Bridge. Be sure to walk across the bridge to enjoy the fabulous views onto the city skyline, especially in the early evening hours! The view from Brooklyn across the East River is also spectacular and is definitely a must-see. New tours are available that take you across the bridge into Brooklyn and these are quite popular.  You can find the most popular tours on this page .

Our tip: Make a day out of it! We recommend you check out the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park and spend the afternoon walking around DUMBO if you time it right you can head back across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset when the views are especially beautiful. If you get hungry, don’t pass on pizza at Juliana’s, the line may be long but this is definitely some of the best pizza you can get in NYC!

Top of the Rock

The next activity on our list of must-see New York attractions is the observation platform on the top of the Rockefeller Center. The Top of the Rock observation deck will give you fantastic outdoor views of New York and is one of our favorite places to view the city from above.

The best thing about this observation deck is that you have a great view of downtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building as well as Central Park in the other direction. This attraction ranks high among our top 10 things to do as this is where most iconic pictures of the Empire State Building are shot from. If you’re in town during the holiday, make sure to check out Rockefeller Plaza and the famous Christmas tree in NYC.

OUR TIP: GO IN THE LATE AFTERNOON!

The Top of the Rock observation platform is also less crowded than the Empire State Building making the view much more enjoyable.  Tickets for the observation platform are available here – or get one of the New York discount passes that include a ticket to the Top of the Rock!

9/11 Memorial and Museum

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located at the 9/11 National Memorial and is probably one of the most emotional museums in New York. It is mostly located underground and displays debris from the former Twin Towers in addition to many of the personal belongings of those buried. Among them are fire trucks deformed by heat, a part of the antenna of the North Tower, a scorched elevator motor, the saving stone staircase (Survivor’s Staircase) as well as remains of sidewalks, street signs, bicycles and baby carriages that were in front of the World Trade Center.

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One World Observatory

One of the newest activities in this list of top 10 New York attractions is the observation platform on top of the One World Trade Center.  The OWTC is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and is close to where the Twin Towers once stood.

OUR TIP: GO FIRST THING IN THE MORNING OR IN THE EVENING!

With a height of 1,776 feet (541 meters), the One World Observatory gives you amazing views of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is also one of the best New York attractions that we highly recommend visiting. You can order tickets online here !

There are few parks as unique as the High Line. The elevated freight rail line was repurposed as a public green space that opened in 2009 and now offers amazing views of the city, as well as a place to relax and unwind. Its plant life is based directly off what was growing there while it was abandoned, giving this park a unique and interesting atmosphere! The High Line stretches from The Meatpacking District all the way to Hudson Yards-34th Street.

There is no doubt that you cannot miss this must-see New York attraction. Times Square always has something going on and is packed with people at all times of the day. Being in the middle of the buzz and watch the thousands of people and cars go by is definitely an experience.

The best of Times Square has to offer, however, is at night. That’s when the LED screens light up the whole square as if it were broad daylight! There is also a pedestrian zone where you can sit down and relax or several rooftop bars right around the corner that offer sensational views!

Staten Island Ferry

Manhattan’s Wall Street is home to the New York Stock Exchange and the headquarters of numerous banks. It is definitely one of the most popular 10 things to fo in NYC on this list, as it has been featured in countless movies and tv shows. One icon of Wall Street is the Charging Bull statue, which is located near the Stock Exchange.

It is at its current location in the plaza at Bowling Green in an act of “guerrilla art”. Guided tours through the Financial District as well as the Wall Street Insider Tour are hugely popular.

Central Park spans from Midtown Manhattan all the way up to Harlem. There are about 340 hectares of land and is a popular meeting place for New Yorkers. With about 35 million visitors per year, the man-made park is an attraction not only for tourists. New Yorkers love Central Park and its tranquility. Many events are held here such as the NYC Marathon. There are also tons of green spaces, walking lanes, and bike lanes. Central Park is home to Sheep’s Meadow, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Zoo, and many other things as well.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is located right in central Manhattan and is a quiet oasis between 40th and 42nd Street. Bryant Park is right in the cetner of Midtown Manhattan between 40th and 42nd Street, yet it still lends you the peace and quiet you need to get away for a few moments from the bustling city. Withg many small cafés dotted throughout the park this is the perfect place to unwind or relax when the weather is nice.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

You will find the beginning of Brooklyn Bridge Park just below Brooklyn Bridge. With amazing views of the skyline across the water and some great places to sit and enjoy the view, this park is a must-visit! For those of you who like running, this is an amazing place to do so, especially with the amazing Manhattan skyline view. There are also tons of green spaces, basketball, volleyball courts, and soccer fields.

The Vessel Hudson Yards

The Vessel is an attraction in the Hudson Yards – and it’s free! Designed by British Thomas Heatherwick (designer of the “Rolling Bridge and UK Pavilion at Expo 2010), “The Vessel” offers around 2,500 steps to climb up and down. The symmetrical steel structure, connected by 154 interwoven stair segments, attracts tourists from all over the world to climb the vertical distance of about one mile!

Note: The Vessel is unfortunately still closed at the moment. You can only enter at the bottom, the stairs are still closed and it is not known if and when they will be open to the public again.

One Vanderbilt The Summit

The New York City skyline is one of the most famous and recognizable skylines in the world. It’s a city filled with skyscrapers and tall buildings. In most recent years, it has been expanding which made way for new observation decks. The newest observation deck is located at the top of the One Vanderbilt Building and is called The Summit. This deck is the second-highest outdoor deck in NYC which follows the Edge and has been open since October 2021.

Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building is one of the most popular, beautiful and iconic buildings in NYC. The triangle shaped building likens the shape of a iron, hence the name. As one of the most photogenic spots in NYC this is definitely worth the visit for every tourist.

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is one of the most famous buildings in NYC. Having featured in countless films and photographs, this is one of the best public libraries in the United Sates. The New York Public Library is not only a place for students, professors, and bookworms but also a must visit for toruists of the Big Apple.

Grand Central Terminal

You can’t visit New York City and not have a peek of the stunning Grand Central Station . The Grand Central Station is the largest train station in the world and is the busiest building in New York City in terms of visitors.

Did you know: the painting on the ceiling (image of the sky) was painted in its mirror image. The painter accidentally held the image upside down! The official reason, of course, is that this effect was by design. The painter claimed that the image reflects God’s view of the sky from the celestial sphere, i.e., from above, and not from below. It’s a must-see and absolutely worth going.

Roosevelt Island Tramway

This is one of my favorite things to do in New York City and should be on your list if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours. Most NYC visitors don’t know that we actually have a tramway leaving from Manhattan, the Roosevelt Island Tramway . The final destination is Roosevelt Island , which is a small island between Manhattan and Queens. While riding the tramway is already an attraction on its own, Roosevelt Island is worth exploring as well.

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the more popular museums in NYC. If the name sounds recognizable it’s because the museum was the center of attention in the movie, Night at the Museum featuring Ben Stiller. Regardless of it’s Hollywood fame, the Natural History Museum is a huge institution that features numerous exhibits. This is a great place for families with kids so they can learn about the world’s geography, plants, different animal species and many other things.

The American Museum of Natural History is located in the Upper West Side in Manhattan and is the largest natural history museum in the world.

Domino Park

This beautiful park opened up in Williamsburg in 2018. It’s called Domino park because the former Domino Sugar factory was located at that very spot. Now, it’s filled with greenery, food vendors and a playground for kids. It is located directly on the East River and you have a great view of the city from here. The park invites you to play volleyball or have a picnic.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

The Museum of Modern Art houses a variety of contemporary artworks ranging from architecture and design to photography, paintings, and sculptures. Designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, the Museum of Modern Art reopened after renovations. Coinciding with MoMA’s seventy-fifth anniversary, the museum opened its redesigned space for exhibitions, education, and scholarly research. It is a must-do if you’re into art. Especially after their reopening, it is really worth it going.

MoMA has a reputation for displaying the world’s finest collection of modern and contemporary art. The MoMA reopening will bring new galleries and spaces for performances and events to the visitors. Visitors can expect a bigger, more diverse MoMA after the reopening. Masterpieces have been cleaned and touched up; galleries are completely reorganized. Read more about what has changed at the MoMA in New York City  here.

Guggenheim Museum

First off, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is an architectural masterpiece. Second, but most importantly, it is the permanent home of a large collection of art named after its founder. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright the bizarrely shaped building is one of the most famous in NYC. Not only is the outside spectacular, but it is constantly expanding its permanent collection. Also, many special exhibitions are showcased here throughout the years. It is definitely worth a visit!

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (Ferry & Stop)

The fact that the Statue of Liberty is missing from the top 10 list is not an accident. It is always too busy and crowded and you can take much better pictures of the Statue from further away. Instead, we recommend you take a boat tour around Manhattan that makes a brief loop around the Statue of Liberty giving you a good photo opportunity, or take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry!

Just recently, there is a new museum, the Statue of Liberty Museum , that opened on Liberty Island. It tells you everything about the history of the Statue of Liberty. First-timers often visit the Statue of Liberty. Be aware though that it will take away at least 4-6 hours of your day if you want to see everything from the Statue of Liberty to the Immigration Museum.

A beautiful places to visit in NYC: Grand Banks

Water, a great view of Manhattan and a great atmosphere – the location is simply the best. You are sitting on a historic ship called F/V Sherman Zwicker on the Hudson River and can enjoy New York from the water when the weather is fine. The place also serves great drinks and seafood.

Governors Island

When the weather is beautiful in New York City and you want to escape for a moment from the noise, the hustle and bustle, then a trip to Governors Island is something to consider. The Governors Island Ferry will take you across the East River for $4.

Since 2021 Governors Island is open all year round!

Jane's Carousel

In the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge Park there is a beautiful carousel for young and old all year round. From there you can also enjoy the great view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.

Pier 54 - Little Island

Not far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, Little Island is one of the newest attractions in New York and is something very special: a park on 132 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts in the Hudson River!

So beautiful: Gallow Green Rooftop

Gallow Green is a unique rooftop bar located above McKittrick Hotel. What makes it so special is its quaint and green atmosphere. The whole bar is overgrown with foliage and certainly does its name justice: It looks like a garden! Not to be forgotten are the delicious drinks that are served there. It’s even listed in our Rooftop Bar Guide as one of the 43 Best Rooftop Bars in New York .

This is one of the NYC attractions that you definitely shouldn’t miss! All you need is a subway ticket to take the cable car across the East River at heights of over 200ft. The views from the cable car are amazing and equally as impressive from Roosevelt Island!

One of the most instagrammed places in NYC: DUMBO

Don’t forget to capture the most famous photo on Washington Street in Dumbo: With the Manhattan Bridge and the tiny Empire State Building in the background, the street is popular with all tourists to take the perfect photo. Manhattan Bridge is the second famous bridge in Dumbo. If you like, you can also cross it on foot and enjoy the great view of the skyline as well as the Brooklyn Bridge from there.

Wall Street

Manhattan’s Wall Street is home to the New York Stock Exchange and the headquarters of numerous banks. It is definitely one of the most popular things to do in NYC on this list, as it has been featured in countless movies and tv shows. One icon of Wall Street is the Charging Bull statue, which is located near the Stock Exchange.

It is at its current location in the plaza at Bowling Green in an act of “guerrilla art”. Guided tours through the Financial District as well as the Wall Street Insider Tour  are hugely popular.

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park, centrally located in the Village, extends over almost 4 hectares. Close to New York University with its distinctive Washington Square Arch, a triumphal arch inaugurated in 1895, the park is a popular place to be when the weather is fine. Through the Arch you have a wonderful view along 5th Avenue to the top of the Empire State Building. 

If you are lucky, you can even enjoy a free jazz concert from the many jazz artists of the Village. Here, friends and family meet to relax, play chess, or just in general have a good time.

A park with a waterfall at Rockefeller Center: The Paley Park

The entrance to the park, which is only 390 square metres in size, is at 53rd Street – and what immediately catches the eye: the 6-metre high waterfall. During the day in summer the waterfall’s spray mist is wonderfully cooling. And: it “swallows” all surrounding sounds and the park is such a spot with a really fascinating atmosphere! Midtown’s Paley Park is one of those secret places in New York that almost nobody knows about. A normal tourist doesn’t even consider the existence of such a park, but a New Yorker doesn’t either. The fact is that it is an oasis that radiates an aura of peace in the middle of the New York hustle and bustle.

Enjoy the sunset at Brooklyn Crab (Redhook)

Brooklyn Crab is a real insider spot, which you can reach within 20 minutes from Manhattan on the IKEA Ferry. The seafood is sensational, you can sit indoors or outdoors and if you stay long enough you can enjoy the sunset over the Statue of Liberty.

Radio City Music Hall: So beautiful a night!

The Radio City Music Hall is a very famous theater building in the middle of New York. It is part of the Rockefeller Center and is located in close proximity to the Top of The Rock and the Museum of Modern Art. When you see the Radio City Music Hall from the outside, it will seem like a journey 80 years into the past. In many movies you can see the old neon sign and therefore it is really famous.

Don't miss the Honorable William Wall on your next New York visit

The Honorable William Wall, affectionately called “Willy Wall”, is the floating clubhouse of the Manhattan Yacht Club. The clubhouse is anchored in New York Harbor north of Ellis Island from May to October. What is so special about it? It’s definitely an insider’s spot, which not only gives you a great view of Ellis Island and of course the Statue of Liberty – you can also enjoy the sunset from here.

My favorite New York neighborhoods

Each neighborhood of New York has its own unique character and is worth exploring. However, if I had to limit myself to the most important neighborhoods that best showcase the city’s diversity, it’s these:

Soho New York

Now known for their many excellent restaurants, shops and tourism, Manhattan’s SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods offer the most varied stories of New York City. Take a 2-hour tour with a local guide and discover hidden gems and 19th century buildings.

DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights

Home to many wealthy families and business people is the beautiful area in Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo. In this neighborhood you’ll find tree-lined streets, historic brownstone houses, breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan and super stylish lofts in abandoned industrial areas at the foot of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. This mixture gives this area of Brooklyn its special charm.

East Village

Originally a part of the Lower East Side, the East Village in New York developed in the 1960s into an exciting identity of its own due to its multicultural influences and thus became its own quarter in the so-called “Village” of New York City.

Meatpacking District

Go on a fun adventure in New York’s only park above street level- the Highline. Experience the Chelsea neighborhood from a whole new vantage point and find out more about the history of the famous Meatpacking District including how it developed into one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the world.

In 2010, Eataly was opened in New York by master chef Mario Batali. The pizza is very remeniscent of pizza and the wine selection is huge. You will also find a large selection of ecellent pasta, salads, and sandwiches. In terms of price, it has to be said in advance that a pizza starts at $15 and can cost $25. Nevertheless, this Italian food market is for me one of the most beautiful and best in the city!

Astoria Park

One of the most beautiful spots in Astoria, Queens is Astoria Park. This popular park on the East River is a popular retreat for New Yorkers, especially in the summer. On hot summer days, they jump into New York’s oldest public pool to cool off. This is a rare sight, by the way, because you hardly find any outdoor pools in New York. Astoria Park just recently went under renovation as well and has revamped its track and field. 

Not only do you have a beautiful view of Manhattan, but you’re also right under the RFK Bridge and have a direct view of Hells Gate Bridge.

Williamsburg

Brooklyn is famous for its bold and bright street art, but it’s not easy to know where to find these creative works. With this walking tour of the Bushwick neighborhood, take in the diversity and culture of the neighborhood’s urban street artists. Check out massive murals and intricate designs as you take to the streets to learn how Brooklyn’s best can turn anything with a surface into a stunning work of public art.

The best attractions of New York on a map

A map with all attractions of New York City with a View can be found here – just click on “FULL MAP” if you want to see more. You can click on each attraction on the map to find out everything you need to know!

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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22 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City

Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 18, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

One of the greatest cities in the world , New York is always a whirlwind of activity, with famous sights at every turn and never enough time to see them all.

Some people come here to enjoy the Broadway shows; others come specifically to shop; and many come simply to see the tourist attractions: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, historic neighborhoods, and world-famous museums . As someone who visits regularly, I like to come with friends, try new restaurants, and discover new experiences.

Many of the best places to visit in New York are within walking distance of each other, or just a short ride away, making this city a delight for sightseeing. If you have plenty of time and enjoy the water, touring New York City using the NYC Ferry System offers a unique way to see the sights.

Any time of year and any time of day or night there are an endless array of things to see and do in New York.

See also: Where to Stay in New York City

1. Statue of Liberty

2. central park, 3. rockefeller center & top of the rock observation deck, 4. metropolitan museum of art, 5. broadway and the theater district, 6. empire state building, 7. 9/11 memorial and museum, 8. american museum of natural history, 9. high line, 10. times square, 11. brooklyn bridge, 12. fifth avenue, 13. grand central terminal, 14. lincoln center, 15. one world observatory, 16. the frick collection (frick madison), 17. new york public library, 18. wall street, 19. radio city music hall, 20. st. patrick's cathedral, 21. carnegie hall, 22. bryant park, where to stay in new york city for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to new york, map of tourist attractions in new york city, best time to visit new york, ny.

America's most iconic sight, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of every first-time visitor's list of things to do in New York. It was France's gift to America. Built in 1886, it remains a world symbol of freedom and is one of the top attractions in America .

It is one of the world's largest statues, standing just under 152 feet tall from the base to the torch, and weighing approximately 450,000 pounds. You can see the statue from land, with particularly good views from Battery Park , on the southern tip of Manhattan.

To truly appreciate the Statue of Liberty, the best thing to do is to take a short boat trip to Liberty Island and see it up close. Take a pleasant stroll around the base, and if you have reservations, enter the pedestal or the crown. The crown is open for tours, but book well in advance if you want to enjoy this special experience.

On a tour of the Statue of Liberty, you have the option to stop at Ellis Island and explore the Immigration Museum . This fantastic museum is located in the historic immigration station complex, where thousands of immigrants were processed before entering the United States.

Displays focus on the process, the experiences, and the stories of the people who came through here on their journey to the United States. You can even search the on-site computer database to see a record of immigrants who came through here.

Tickets to go inside the statue sell out. Pre-purchasing tickets is a must during the high season and a good idea at any time of year. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour takes you to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This tour allows reserved access to board the ferry and includes access to the Museum at Ellis Island.

Author's Tip: Buying tickets near the ferry can be tricky, with hawkers swarming you as you exit the subway claiming to be "official representatives" and trying to sell you more expensive tickets before you can find the ticket booth. Be sure to buy in advance at the link above or ignore the hawkers until you reach the booth in Castle Clinton in Battery Park.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in New York State

An oasis of green amongst New York's concrete canyons, Central Park is a sanctuary of peace and quiet for visitors and locals alike.

A walk, pedal, or carriage ride through the crisscrossing pathways of Central Park is a must-do on anyone's New York City itinerary. In winter, you can even lace up your skates and glide across Wollman Rink . This huge park in the city center, a half-mile wide and 2.5 miles long, is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful and livable city.

Besides being a great place to experience a little nature, Central Park has many attractions within its borders, and most of them are free, making it one of the few cheap things to do in NYC. Some of the most popular places to visit include the Belvedere Castle , Strawberry Fields , the Central Park Zoo , and the Lake . If you are exploring the park on your own, start by picking up a map at one of the visitor centers and plot your route.

Central Park also offers activities throughout the year, from 5km runs and yoga classes to penguin feeding at the Central Park Zoo. Have a look at the park's events schedule for details on what's happening during your visit.

If you're visiting during the summer months, you may want to catch a performance of Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. This is a relaxing way to spend an evening in New York City and performances are free.

Read More: Best Parks in New York City

When it comes to New York attractions, Rockefeller Center is on almost all tourists' itineraries. This vast entertainment and shopping complex in the middle of Manhattan is home to NBC-TV and other media, but the centerpiece is the 70-story 30 Rockefeller Plaza , an Art Deco skyscraper that offers awesome views over Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck .

The "deck," as it's known, includes three floors, located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. Indoor and outdoor viewing spaces offer spectacular views by day or night. You can buy a Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket in advance. These tickets come with a flexible voucher redemption policy, so you can change the date if your plans change or the weather doesn't cooperate.

Skating on the outdoor skating rink at the base of the tower is one of the most popular things to do in winter in New York City and a fun activity for families and couples. The rink is typically open from October to April. If you aren't a strong skater, don't worry, the rink is tiny, and for many people, this is their first time on skates, so the skill level is pretty low.

After Thanksgiving, a huge Christmas tree is erected in front of the skating rink, lighting up the complex for the holiday season. Many people visit New York in December just to see this site.

Another point of interest in this area is the famous bronze sculpture of Atlas in front of the International Building. It's a popular subject for photographers.

Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York

Read More: Best Places to Go for Christmas

The Metropolitan Museum of Art , or the Met, as it is commonly known, was founded in 1870, and is one of the most famous museums in the United States. The permanent collection of The Met contains more than two million works of art, spanning a period of 5,000 years.

Although the museum has three sites, the centerpiece is The Met Fifth Avenue . Highlights of this collection include American decorative arts, arms and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, photographs, and much more.

Always-changing exhibitions bring some of the world's most famous works to the public.

The Met Cloisters , located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan, is another extremely popular New York museum. This branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, housed in an outstanding structure, built around medieval cloisters, chapels, and halls, focuses on the medieval art and architecture of Europe.

Address: 1000 5th Avenue, New York, New York

Read More: Top-Rated Museums in New York City

Attending a Broadway show is one of the top things to do in New York City. Considered the pinnacle of American theater, this is the place to see the latest shows and the long-running classics.

Broadway usually refers simply to Broadway theater, which encompasses a large number of theater venues in the Theater District and along the street of Broadway. For the most popular shows , tickets should be purchased well in advance from the website.

Shubert Alley is a famous pedestrian-only alley in the Theater District and home to two well-known playhouses: the Shubert on 221 West 44th Street and the Booth at 22 West 45th Street. Historically, aspiring actors would frequent Shubert Alley looking for opportunities to perform in a play sponsored by theater baron, Sam S. Shubert.

A Chorus Line played at The Shubert for a record 6,137 shows. The musical Oklahoma debuted in 1941 at the St. James playhouse just down the street. Other legendary places include Sardi's restaurant, where many famous actors met, and the Music Box Theater, where Irving Berlin staged The Music Box Revue in 1921.

The Empire State Building is one of New York's most famous landmark buildings and key tourist attractions. The 381-meter-tall, 102-story building was the tallest in the world until the 1 World Trade Center tower rose higher, 41 years later. Topped with a mooring mast for airships, the Empire State Building immediately became a landmark and a symbol for NYC when it opened in 1931.

There are actually two observatories atop the Empire State Building , both offering astounding views. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles, looking into the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

The 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet) is the city's highest open-air observation deck, and what most people are expecting to find when they go up the Empire State Building. If it feels familiar, it's because this area has been featured in countless movies and TV shows.

Reached by high-speed, automatic elevators, it has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the building. The views are incredible. The Top Deck on the 102nd Floor stands 1,250 feet above the bustling streets below. While you are 16 stories higher, the viewing area here is enclosed.

The line to go up the Empire State Building is almost always long; moves slowly; and during peak times, it can be ridiculous, making the whole experience more frustrating than it needs to be. Be aware you can easily burn up half your touring day just at this one attraction.

It's well worth buying the Empire State Building Ticket – Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Ticket that lets you bypass the lines .

The World Trade Center's twin 110-story towers once dominated the Manhattan skyline but were destroyed by suicide-piloted jetliners on September 11, 2001, with a tragic loss of life. Where the two towers of the World Trade Center once stood, now stand two square reflecting pools, each one acre in size.

Known as the National September 11 Memorial , this area is a moving tribute to the almost 3,000 people killed as a result of attacks on September 11, 2001, and also the six people killed in the earlier World Trade Center bombing in February 1993.

Surrounded by trees and grass, the pools are recessed, with water cascading over the sides and flowing into a seemingly bottomless square. These are the largest manmade waterfalls in North America . Around the pools are bronze panels with the names of all those who were killed in the attacks.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located in an architecturally stunning, curving glass building, between the two pools. It features displays that include artifacts, photos, and videos, presenting the story of 9/11, as well as the aftermath and impacts.

The building is constructed around the remnants of the World Trade Center and incorporates the old structures within the extraordinary new museum building. The memorial and the museum are located on the south side of One World Trade Centre, on Greenwich Street.

Also worth seeing in this area, on the opposite side of Greenwich Street, is the eye-catching Westfield World Trade Center , which contains Oculus Plaza . You can't miss this building with its white fins and spaceship-like appearance. This is a public building with shops and high-end stores, but it's worth popping in for a quick look at the architecture.

Tickets to the 9/11 Museum must be purchased online or at the window in advance. This is one of New York's most popular things to do, so booking ahead is essential to avoid disappointment. If you are traveling as a family, be sure to book the discounted family rate for up to five.

When purchasing your tickets, you will have the ability to select a time to visit, and you must make your time slot. On Mondays, museum entry is free from 3:30 to 5pm, but tickets still need to be booked in advance, starting at 7am, and are limited to four per person.

Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, New York

One of New York City's best museums for a family outing, the American Museum of Natural History has always been an important institution, but now it's even more exciting.

One of the newest additions to the New York City attraction scene is the recent opening of the Richard Gilder Center for Science , in May of 2023. This impressive renovation and expansion is quickly becoming one of the city's top things to see, with a design reminiscent of the imaginative style of Antonio Gaudi.

The stunning four-story wing features flowing concrete in intriguing formations. Once inside, you can explore the brand-new insectarium, butterfly conservatory, research library, and a wealth of educational opportunities. It's an exciting addition to the city's cultural landscape that is sure to inspire visitors of all ages.

The museum's permanent exhibit halls showcase all that's interesting about the natural environment of our planet, from science and the environment to animals and fossils. It also hosts special exhibits that run for a set block of time.

Some of the current exhibits that are well worth seeing include one on sharks, featuring models of these amazing creatures that you can actually touch. Another fascinating display is the rare 22-carat Okavango Blue Diamond.

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, New York

An exciting, and recently expanded, attraction in New York City, the High Line is a former rail line that has been transformed into an urban walking trail above the city streets.

This unique linear public park has been planted with a variety of plants and trees, many of which are native species. In spring many of these come into bloom. The park is lined with glass railings in most areas, giving it a natural feel, while still offering outstanding views of the city.

This oasis on Manhattan's West Side runs from Gansevoort Street at the south end (just south of West 13th Street) to West 34th Street at the north end, running parallel to 10th Ave most of the way. You can access it at various points along the route, some of which offer stair access only, and others with elevator access.

Although the High Line is only about two to three stories above street level, the views of the city's architecture and the lookouts over the streets offer a whole new perspective. Along the route are art installations and benches , and near the south end is a sitting area with bleacher-style seating and a glass wall looking out onto the city . The trail is heavily used, and on weekends it can be extremely busy, but without the surrounding traffic, it's still a peaceful retreat.

One of the highlights of the High Line is the Hudson Yards overlook, called The Vessel, near 34th Street. This is a stunning multilevel structure.

You'll find other interesting places to visit just off the High Line. The south section runs through the Meatpacking District , with plenty of trendy restaurants and fine dining. The southernmost access point is adjacent to the Whitney Museum of American Art, which is also worth a visit.

If you hop off the High Line at the 16th Street access (elevator access), it's just a short stroll to the popular Chelsea Market , located in a former Nabisco factory, where you'll find restaurants and unique shops.

In the spring of 2023, a new extension called the High Line — Moynihan Connector opened to much fanfare. This extension adds new access points, public spaces, and transit connections via the Moynihan train station. The new additions consist of two new 600-foot-long bridges, one made of steel and one made of wood.

Tours of the High Line are offered year-round and trace the history of the attraction from its industrial beginnings through to the structure it is today. Tours are free and are 90 minutes long in the spring, summer, and fall, and 45 minutes long in the winter.

Although a late-night stroll on the High Line on a hot summer's night or after a concert or Broadway show may sound enticing, the High Line closes at 10pm.

Location: Manhattan West Side

Lined with huge, brilliantly lit billboards and screens, Times Square is the place to go in New York in the evening, but still exciting at any time of day. This is the location of New York's New Year's Eve Celebrations and the famous "ball drop" at midnight, when the square and surrounding streets are filled with people.

Times Square is busy and perpetually crowded but has its own unique appeal. Bleachers set up at one end are a great place to take a break and appreciate the scene.

Formerly Longacre Square, Times Square was named in 1904 after the New York Times tower. The newspaper first posted current headlines along its moving sign, the first of its kind in the world, in 1928.

If you've had your fill of sitting on the bleachers and are looking for something fun to do either as a group or a couple, stroll over to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum . The eerily life-like wax figurines feature NYC icons like Jimmy Fallon and the set of The Tonight Show , Broadway cast members, and shows where you actually get to dress up and participate. The building's glass dome protrudes over Times Square for awesome views.

Address: Broadway and 7th Avenue, New York, New York

The Brooklyn Bridge, with its Gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables, is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and has inspired generations of poets, songwriters, and painters. This historic bridge, spanning the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn, was completed in 1883 and was the world's first steel suspension bridge .

You can see it from many of the ferries, or the east side of Manhattan, but the best way to experience this icon is to take an hour and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. A wood plank walkway, only open to pedestrians and cyclists , runs above the lanes of traffic. If you are not up for walking the whole distance, at least go as far as the first pillar, where there is a viewing platform, and you can see one of the granite towers up close.

From the bridge are beautiful views over Manhattan, the East River, and beyond to the Statue of Liberty. Biking over the bridge is another option, but pedestrian traffic is often very heavy, and cycling can be slow and challenging on busy days. Be aware that the access to the bridge begins well back from the water's edge.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Brooklyn

One of the most famous shopping streets in America, Fifth Avenue is New York's premier shopping area , where many top designers have their flagship stores. Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, the famous Apple Store Fifth Avenue, and of course, Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as many others, line this posh avenue.

Even non-shoppers can enjoy a walk along Fifth Avenue. The best area runs from approximately the south end of Central Park to the New York Public Library, or more specifically, between 60th Street and 40th Street.

Grand Central Terminal , often called Grand Central Station, is a fantastic Beaux Arts building, and it's definitely worth popping in to take a look at this famous landmark. The building first opened in 1913 as a terminal for the subway and train stations.

Outside, the 42nd Street colonnaded faces and the statuary on top are some of the key highlights. Inside, you can't miss the Grand Staircase , where you can stop to gaze out over the concourse. The beautifully restored ceiling here shows a celestial scene.

One of the most iconic sights within Grand Central Terminal is the Main Concourse Information Booth Clock. This four-sided clock has been the site of countless meet-ups (and even a marriage proposal or two) and has been featured in many famous movies including The Godfather , Men in Black , and Midnight Run .

You'll also find an extensive selection of retail shops and restaurants inside the terminal.

Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, New York

If you plan on taking in one of the performing arts such as ballet, symphony, or opera, it's likely that your plans will involve an evening or afternoon at the Lincoln Center . Musicians, dancers, and performers of all kinds dream of gracing one of the 30 indoor and outdoor stages spread throughout the center.

Throughout the summer from mid-June through to mid-August Lincoln Center is one of New York's cheapest cultural hotspots with hundreds of free events during their Summer for the City series . All kinds of entertainment for all ages are on offer.

The Lincoln Center is home to the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the Juilliard School of Music, the Lincoln Center Theater, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and it's almost a certainty that some sort of event will be taking place during your time in town.

In addition to live performances, Film at Lincoln Center showcases innovative movies on a daily basis.

Location: 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York

At the top of the newly constructed One World Trade Center building , One World Observatory is the highest observation deck in the city offering outstanding views from floors 100, 101, and 102, 1,776 feet above the ground. The elevator to the top is part of the attraction. As you ascend, the surrounding panels show New York as it transformed over the years, from a rural landscape to the metropolis you see today.

This glass building, which can be seen from all over the city, is a unique structure on the Manhattan skyline, with angles that give it a very distinct appearance. If you stand near the base and look straight up, the tower appears pyramidal.

If you want to go up and see the view, you can buy an NYC One World Observatory Skip-the-Line Ticket to save you some time, but note, you will still need to clear security.

Address: One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, New York, New York

For ambience, the Frick Collection tops the list when it comes to New York City museums. Housed in an early 1900s mansion, the building and the original collection were donated by Henry Clay Frick, who had the mansion built to display his art collection.

However, the original mansion is currently closed for a massive renovation and will be for several more years. A decision was made to move elements of the Frick Collection to the former site of the Whitney Museum. The temporary home is known as Frick Madison .

A visit is still worthwhile — the most notable artwork, which includes a mix of paintings, porcelain, and furniture, are on display, as are works by Monet, Rembrandt, Bellini, El Greco , and many other famous artists.

Temporary Address: 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street

The New York Public Library's main branch was designed by architects, Carrere & Hastings, in the Beaux Arts style. The library, with its impressive rooms, is a prominent city attraction that has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years.

Although colloquially known as the main branch, the proper name is actually the Stephen A. Schwarzman building . It opened in 1911 to immediate acclaim. An enormous library, the Main Reading Room alone stretches two city blocks, and the Periodicals Room holds 10,000 current magazines. The collection at this location is vast, to say the least.

Location: Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, New York

Stretching for eight city blocks from Broadway to South Street is the world-famous Wall Street. This street and the surrounding area are home to some of the most important exchanges in the world, including the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ, and the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Also located nearby are the impressive Trinity Church and Federal Hall . Look for the bronze statue of Charging Bull at Bowling Green, on Broadway. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Financial District and a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

Lying in the shadow of Rockefeller Center is Radio City Music Hall , a famous entertainment venue and a designated city landmark. This 1932 Art Deco theater offers musical extravaganzas and films and is the home of the dance company, The Rockettes .

The building was built and financed by the Rockefellers during the 1930s and contained the largest indoor theater in the world at the time. Today, the venue frequently hosts major events, including the Grammy Awards and Tony Awards. Its prominent marquee is hard to miss as it curves around the building and stretches down the block.

Address: 1260 6th Avenue, New York, New York

St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of New York's finest examples of Gothic Revival, with its massive bronze doors, white marble façade, 330-foot spires, the Great Organ, rose window, bronze baldachin, 2,400 seating capacity, and the statue of Pieta at the side of the Lady Chapel. With millions of visitors annually, the cathedral is a major destination for believers and tourists alike.

The building was erected in 1879 and has been carefully restored and maintained throughout its existence, including a $200-million renovation that was completed in 2016.

Location: 5th Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets, New York, New York

Carnegie Hall opened in 1891 as New York's first great concert hall. Musicians from Tchaikovsky, who conducted on opening night, to Leonard Bernstein and The Beatles have filled the hall. It is said to have some of the best acoustics in the world.

While the best way to enjoy the hall is to take in a performance, one of the best ways to learn about it is on a guided tour . The tour offers a comprehensive look at the hall, insight into the construction, and discusses some of the artists who have taken to the stage. Tours end at the Rose Museum.

Address: 881 7th Ave, New York, New York

On a summer's day, it's hard to beat a leisurely afternoon at Bryant Park . The grounds feature monuments and gardens, and "Le Carrousel," a popular carousel. A games area makes available chess boards, checkers, and backgammon boards for a small fee.

Bryant Park was a seedy area known for crime and a hangout for undesirables until 1989, when the city reclaimed it and turned it into a beautiful urban oasis. Locals have embraced this park, and today, it's a pleasure to walk through. If you don't want to play a game, it is still interesting to watch others playing.

When the snow flies and the temperature drops, an outdoor skating rink emerges at Bryant Park. This small rink is free to use, unlike the one at Central Park. Bring your own skates or rent a pair at the concession stand. Don't know how to skate? No problem. Skating aids, similar to walkers that elderly people use, are available to rent. If you can, try to visit on Tuesdays or Thursdays. At 12:40pm, artistic skating performances by the Ice Theater of New York take place.

The park is located adjacent to the New York Public Library.

Location: Between W 40th Street and W 42nd Street, at 6th Ave, New York, New York

The best way to truly experience New York is to stay in Manhattan, rather than trying to commute from the suburbs, which can be time-consuming and a little tiring. The hotels mentioned below are all centrally located in Manhattan and close to many of the major attractions.

Luxury Hotels:

• Known for impeccable service The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is a New York landmark. The hotel has recently been renovated and upgraded, and now the 253 rooms have all the latest modern features the discerning traveler requires and demands.
• The Mandarin Oriental is an outstanding luxury property with a great location near the south end of Central Park.
• Farther south, near Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, and Grand Central Terminal, the posh 60-story Langham Place, Fifth Avenue is another reliable five-star hotel.
• One of the hot new arrivals on New York's hotel scene is the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan . This four-star property offers affordable luxury and is located within walking distance to the High Line, Penn Station, and Times Square.
• In a similar price range, near Times Square, is the boutique Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection .

Mid-Range Hotels:

• With a prime location, within walking distance of Times Square, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center, The Pearl Hotel is at the higher end of the mid-range. It offers quality rooms, great service, and very reasonable rates.
• Another noteworthy mid-range hotel in a good location includes the Kasa, The Duffy Times Square . This small hotel has a B&B-style feel with only 22 rooms and as the name indicates, is close to Times Square.
• The Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street is located in a great position near the Empire State Building.

Budget Hotels:

• Hotel rates vary considerably depending on the season, but it's usually possible to find a few quality budget hotels offering reasonable rates. Some popular, modestly-priced hotel options include the Econo Lodge Times Square , just north of Times Square.
• Near Seaton Hotel is the more modern and affordable Pod 39 Hotel , with funky, compact rooms featuring en-suite bathrooms, and sociable common areas.

With so much to see and do in New York, purchasing a couple of tours can really help cover all the main attractions and make sightseeing easy and enjoyable. Walking everywhere can be tiring, and figuring out the subway isn't for everyone. There are many tours to choose from, but the following offer a good mix of attractions and experiences, and they are all guaranteed lowest prices.

Explore the City :

• For getting your bearings, seeing the sights, and learning a little history, there is no beating the traditional open-top sightseeing bus. Take a Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Tour to cover all the top sights and save yourself a whole lot of walking, so you will still have some energy to take in dinner or a show in the evening.
• If you are spending several days in the city and plan on sightseeing each day, you can save yourself money and hassle by picking up a New York CityPASS , which covers five major attractions and will allow you to bypass the lines. The pass is good for nine days.

See the Sights from the Water :

• Take a Manhattan Island Cruise to see the city skyline and city landmarks from the water, along with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These are 2.5-hour cruises that run in the morning and afternoon and include a live guided narration.

Get an Aerial Perspective :

• Indulge yourself with a Manhattan Helicopter Tour and fly over one of the most amazing cities in the world. These 15-minute shared-occupancy flights take you past the landmark buildings in downtown, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. This tour will give you a whole new appreciation for the density of the buildings and the size of Central Park.

No matter the season, New York City shines, and there is truly no wrong time to visit this bustling metropolis. The best time to go to New York City depends on what you want your vacation to be. If your idea of New York stems from movies like When Harry Met Sally and You've Got Mail , with idyllic strolls through Central Park as colorful leaves gently fall on your shoulders, autumn is an ideal time.

If seeing the Rockettes after a day of skating under the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and admiring holiday window displays is what you've always dreamed of, winter is a magical time to be in the Big Apple.

But if you are looking for a quieter and more budget-friendly getaway, with perfect weather, spring is your best bet. Locals, happy to be shedding their winter armor, have a spring in their step as they make their way to outdoor dining spots and markets on sidewalks carpeted with spring blossoms.

Summer is hot and humid, but if the balmy months are the only time you can travel with your family, you can still enjoy New York City's many attractions.

High season in New York is from June to August and November to December during the holidays, when you can expect to pay high prices for accommodations and flights. March to May and September to early November are considered shoulder seasons, and you will experience pleasant weather and relatively low prices. Low season is during January and February when it's chilly, but you will get cheap deals.

An ideal New York City vacation involves mild weather and fewer travelers, and the times that have both are spring and fall. Visit the city anytime between April to early June, or around September to early November, when the kids are in school and people aren't swarming major attractions.

Flights and hotels are also less expensive than the summer months and during the holidays in December. Take advantage of the nice weather to walk the streets, have a picnic in a park, and catch sports games.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

The Boroughs of New York City: If you have time to tour areas outside of Manhattan, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Take a trip on the Staten Island Ferry and discover the sights of Staten Island . Hop on the subway and explore the attractions of Queens . Walk or bike over the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the numerous attractions in Brooklyn . Lastly, home to the Yankee Stadium and the largest zoo in the United States, it's worth taking some time to visit the Bronx

Where to Go near New York City: If you want a quick break from New York, have a look at our top day trips from New York City or our best weekend getaways . In summer, you might even want to consider heading out to explore the best beaches on Long Island .

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The 37 Best Things to Do in New York City

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg and Alex Erdekian

One of the most mysterious things about New York City is that the closer you look—even at something as minor as a street corner—the more you see. And the longer you look, the faster it changes before your eyes. People can live here for 100 years and never run out of places to go or people to meet, so deciding the best things to do in New York is daunting; which is why we're narrowing your options. Whether you're a local itching to get out of your neighborhood or an out-of-towner who doesn't know The Met from the Mets, these new and classic activities alike will dazzle you. From wandering Central Park to slurping soup dumplings in Chinatown , these are a few of our very favorite things to do in New York City, from Midtown to Brooklyn.

Read our complete New York City travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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To get that Nora Ephron New York experience, you have no choice but to take a stroll through Central Park while in the city. As you step off the crowded sidewalks of 59th Street into a mass of green, you’ll hardly realize what lies before you: 693 acres of man-made gardens, meadows, forests, and  hillsides. If you ambled down every one of Central Park’s pathways, you would walk 58 miles. Along the way, you pass sculptures, bridges, and arches, plus 21 playgrounds, a winter ice-skating rink, even a zoo . But you’d hardly notice the four major crosstown thoroughfares, which cleverly disappear into foliage-covered tunnels. Map your park route to stop at classic Central Park landmarks, like the Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and the Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial.

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 Chinatown is one of the neighborhoods that makes lower Manhattan vibrant and unforgettable. After surfacing from the steps of the Canal Street subway station onto the sidewalk, meandering past thick crowds, neon light shops, and vendors peddling fake designer bags, you’ll find yourself in the narrow streets of Chinatown, where there are bright heaps of produce, succulent ducks hanging in windows, and restaurants old and new. Touching Tribeca, SoHo, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side, Chinatown has a rich history and began being populated by Chinese immigrants as early as the 1850s. You can visit in whichever way makes sense for you. Whether you spend an hour devouring a box of roast pork or duck from street-style Wah Fung No. 1 before you have to proceed elsewhere, or you spend half a day shopping for produce, dining out, and paying a visit to the Museum of Chinese in America , everyone will gain something from a visit to Chinatown.

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The Whitney got a major upgrade when it relocated from the Upper East Side to its vastly-expanded Meatpacking headquarters in 2015. It houses 50,000 square feet of indoor galleries with works by Jean Michel Basquiat, Richard Avedon, and Alexander Calder, four outdoor exhibition spaces and terraces, and a ground-floor restaurant and top-floor bar, both by Danny Meyer, one of the town’s best-known restaurateurs. The floors are connected by two artist-designed elevators (albeit slow-moving, crowded ones). If mobility isn’t an issue, take the stairs instead, which offer uninterrupted views of the Hudson river. The upper floors and sculpture terraces are also connected by a series of exterior staircases, with great views of the downtown skyline, and a rare opportunity to experience art en plein aire.

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A spring or summer day spent cheering at an NYC ballpark is a classic activity for a reason. Located in the Bronx, Yankee Stadium is the home field of New York’s 27-time World Champions. It’s a half-hour subway ride from Penn Station and approximately a 20-minute subway ride from Grand Central Terminal, making it easily accessible from Manhattan. It replaced the 1923 original in 2009 and cost $1.5 billion to build, making it one of the world’s most expensive stadiums. It seats 50,287 fans. New York Yankees games, obviously, are the main event here, but you can also attend concerts, college football, and soccer matches.

Jessica Puckett

Hannah Towey

Karthika Gupta

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The Morgan is like a multi-hyphenate millennial—only instead of actress/model/influencer/whatever, it’s museum/library/landmark/historic site/music venue. Inside the multimillionaire’s personal library, expanded into a must-see museum and cultural space, you'll find rare artifacts, paintings, and books, some dating back to 4000 B.C. that are worth more than your house. In particular the museum is home to one of 23 copies of the original Declaration of Independence; Mozart's handwritten score of the Haffner Symphony; the collected works of African American poet Phillis Wheatley; the only extant manuscript of Milton's  Paradise Lost ; and Charles Dickens’s manuscript of  A Christmas Carol . Swoon.

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The Cathedral of St. John the Divine on 112th and Amsterdam in Upper Manhattan’s Morningside Heights is the largest cathedral in the world and the sixth-largest church by area. Hundreds of thousands of visitors walk through these doors annually for a reason. The cathedral itself—and its remarkable Gothic architecture, story-telling stained glass windows, and 17th century tapestries—is already worth visiting. But there is artwork that is especially meaningful to New York City here as well, including Keith Haring's white gold and bronze altarpiece and a 9/11 memorial sculpture by Meredith Bergmann, which holds debris of the towers in it.  The cathedral holds daily and Sunday worship services, which welcome all. There is no charge to pray, meditate, or contemplate in the cathedral. Visitors who show for sightseeing purposes can enter for $5 admission. Special tours are offered depending on the day of the week. 

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There’s no shortage of jaw-dropping views found throughout the city, but the team behind Summit One Vanderbilt has assembled a bunch of big names to bring together a full experience where you could easily spend a few hours. It starts with the elevator, a light- and sound-filled ride that whooshes visitors up to the 91st floor. There, you’re greeted by a massive, mirrored room that looks out over New York City. Additionally, there are rotating art installations from Kenzo Digital, as well as two special features: Levitation, a glass skybox that lets you feel as if you’re floating one-thousand feet above Madison Avenue; and Ascent, a separate glass elevator that brings you up even higher to gaze over downtown Manhattan. Inside, a Snøhetta-designed Nordic-inspired space serves food and drinks from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events, including pastrami-stuffed pretzels and ricotta toast; there’s also a wrap-around outdoor terrace that feels like the city's most exciting rooftop bar.

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The sister institution to MoMA   is no ordinary art museum. Located in a striking Renaissance Revival former public school building in Long Island City, Queens, MoMA PS1’s setting is just as interesting as its collection. All manner of cutting-edge contemporary art is shown here, with a collection over 200,000 pieces strong, from the likes of James Turrell and Ai Weiwei. The people-watching can be just as good as the art, as creative types from around the city come here to find inspiration.

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At Bemelmans, Ludwig Bemelman's illustrations—you might remember them from the Madeline books—adorn the walls. In one panel, a bunny smokes a cigar in Central Park ; in another, a man hands a boy a clutch of balloons. This is a bar where gawking is permissible. The cocktails here very much depend on who’s making them: an Old Fashioned might be a bit watery, a whiskey sour too tart. But often a dirty gin Martini is just perfectly executed. Everything is expensive—it’s clear why you’re here—so take the edge off that sensation by digging into the free, hearty snacks that float your way.

For locals and first-time visitors alike, seeing a Broadway show is a special experience, and one that is exclusive to New York City. Times Square is ordinarily a drag, but when you’re moseying into Midtown Manhattan for a show the bright billboards and lights don’t flash in your face—they dazzle in your eyes. A Broadway show's costumes, sets, songs, and stories are the stuff of dreams. In November, anticipated Spamalot— (parodying Monty Python and the Holy Grail) —and Harmony —a performance telling the true story of the Comedian Harmonists—take the stage.

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The New York Botanical Garden has carefully manicured flower gardens, lush fields, winding hikes, and impeccable greenhouses. There are spaces that feel deeply intimate, as if you're truly separated from the world, and there are vast expanses where it's hard to believe you're still in the Bronx . In winter, the greenhouses host an annual train show recreating all of New York City in miniature; the warmer months bring every floral delight imaginable, from cherry trees to peonies. Plan to spend at least half a day here and pack a picnic.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

It’s one thing to be in the midst of Manhattan, on the ground; it’s quite another to look upon it from across the river. In Brooklyn Heights, a couple subway stops away from lower Manhattan, the city’s image looms large before you. Arguably the best view of the skyline in the city, the Brooklyn Heights promenade hovers above the Brooklyn-Queen Expressway. Underlying the peaceful, tree-lined walkway, traffic rumbles below. The promenade stretches from Remsen Street at the south end to Middagh Street at the north. Around the corner, pedestrians can discretely cross a basketball court to access a suspended footbridge that zigzags down to the piers of Brooklyn Bridge Park. While in the picturesque neighborhood, make stops at the New York Transit Museum, the Sardinian trattoria River Deli, and the old-time dive bar Montero.

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Grand Central Terminal is more than just one of the busiest train stations in the world—it's a window into old New York and into a time when train travel was the ultimate luxury for the wealthy and a necessity for the working man. If you aren't commuting in or out of the city, avoid coming during rush hour, and take your time admiring the landmark architecture and checking out the top-notch dining and shopping.

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Every American should visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at least once. As you enter the museum, you descend from the street to bedrock level—the foundation of the former Twin Towers—and are placed in a meditative mindset, forced to recall where you were on that fateful day. The museum itself is a masterful balance: It's grand in scale, contemplative in its construction, and personal in its execution. It pays homage to the enormity of the loss, both physical and spiritual. 

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When the Brooklyn Bridge was constructed in 1883—extending 1,595 feet across the East River, connecting lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights—it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Now, it’s a historic staple of the New York City skyline, transporting commuter car traffic underneath and touristic foot traffic above . Standing before arches and rectangles with city skyscrapers rising in the distance, will at once inspire a sense of grandiosity and slightness.

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Located on four acres in northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, the Met Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is America’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the art and architecture of the Middle Ages. The building overlooks the Hudson River and actually incorporates five medieval-inspired cloisters into a modern museum structure, creating a historic, contextualized backdrop in which to view the art.

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Located in Midtown Manhattan, the MoMA is larger than it appears as you approach it from the street below. One of the world’s most influential museums—displaying the works of important artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, and Diane Arbus—it has 630,000 square feet of space and attracts more than a million visitors a year. While making a beeline for the fifth-floor Collection Galleries to take in The Starry Night and Monet’s Water Lilies is understandable, don’t miss the exhibitions, which tell new stories and can only be experienced in a limited time frame. Allocate time to spend pouring over the remarkable books and objects in the famous gift shop, too—an NYC must-visit in its own right.

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Countless careers have been made and stars have passed through this world famous, legendary Harlem theater—Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, Lauryn Hill, and D’Angelo to name a few. The venue—which began as a white-only burlesque destination until 1934, when under new ownership it began welcoming and becoming central to the Black community—has been active for 88 years, with swing, blues, jazz, R&B, and comedy acts taking the stage. Today, visitors can attend events like Amateur Night at the Apollo, one of the city’s most long-standing, fame-making live shows. Capacity is 1,500, with three levels of seating, and contrary to the way it appears on 'Showtime at the Apollo,' is intimate without much legroom.

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Prospect Park is in many ways the Central Park of Brooklyn; in fact, it was designed shortly after by the same team of architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, and has many of the same features: sprawling meadows, walking trails, and picturesque bodies of water. In feeling though, it’s more rambling and less manicured than its touristed Manhattan counterpart. Prospect Park Woodlands is Brooklyn’s last remaining forest, with 250 acres of trees, turtles, chipmunks, 200 species of birds, and other fauna and flora. There's also basketball and tennis courts, a carousel, playgrounds, zoo, and a 3.35-mile loop for runners and bikers (they’re fast —watch out!). While there, make a trip to adjacent Brooklyn Botanic Garden , particularly lovely during cherry blossom season.

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Sip iced coffee in McCarren Park, catch an indie show at Baby's All Right, walk two blocks over to some of the city's most-coveted Italian at Lilia (with a month-in-advance res, of course.) This is the busiest thoroughfare in hip Williamsburg: Bedford Avenue—and the L train that feeds it—might as well be North Brooklyn’s own personal people-watching catwalk. Pedestrians with voluminous pants, dogs with miniature rain boots, and high-speed scooters will swish past you. As you make your way south from the subway station, likely en route from the East Village, you’ll pass local businesses that characterize the area, like Catbird (ethereal, vintage-inspired jewelry), Spoonbill & Sugartown Books (poetry, special design and cookbooks, cards), and Awoke Vintage (best-known for their genuine denim often from the ‘90s.)

Coney Island Arrow

Coney Island has a reputation as a circus-worthy tourist trap, which is exactly what it is. But you may be surprised by the old-timey charms of this beachfront American town. You’ll definitely be impressed by the food and drinks—Totonno's Pizza, Gargiulo's and Coney Island Brewery in particular. Locals and tourists hang out on the beach, eat ice cream cones on the promenade, and stand in line for the famed Cyclone roller coaster. The beach and boardwalk along with spots like Nathan’s are open year-round. The amusement park itself is seasonal. Events like the annual Mermaid Parade (crowded as they may be) are worth watching for the audacity and theatrics you can’t find anywhere else in the world but Coney Island.

Lincoln Center Arrow

World-renowned performing arts center Lincoln Center is always worth visiting when the opportunity arises, and in October 2022, David Geffen Hall, home to the New York Philharmonic, reopened after a major renovation that improved the venue’s acoustics and spiffed it up with a modern look. The sprawling Upper West Side complex is also home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and Juilliard. All kinds of music, dance, theater, and films show here; Some highlights from the upcoming calendar include the New York Film Festival, the operas like The Life and Times of Malcom X and La Boheme , and ballets like The Nutcracker . Whether you’re on a special date or reconnecting with old friend when you’re in town, seeing a live performance at Lincoln Center will always make for an elegant and memorable night out.

Washington Square Park Arrow

If people-watching is your sport, Washington Square Park is your place. Entertainment is a given in this intimate, not-quite 10-acre space, filled with career chess players, musicians, performers, students, sunbathers, strollers, and general throngs of Greenwich Villagers, desperate for a bit of fresh air. Take your time as you go through: Pause beneath Washington Arch, honoring our country’s first president (for whom the Park is named), and observe the laurel wreaths and intricate motifs that extend from the base to the keystones, atop which twin eagles perch like constant watchmen. Washington Square Park is the beating heart of this vibrant New York neighborhood.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Arrow

For nearly a century and a half, the Met has remained the cultural epicenter of New York City, thanks to forward-thinking exhibits and an extensive permanent collection. With its Gothic-Revival-style building, iconic tiered steps, and Central Park location, the building is a sight to be seen. But step inside its Great Hall—as a ceaseless parade of museumgoers move to-and-fro—and you’ll feel the overwhelming sense of possibility and discovery that lays beyond. If you've got limited time or compatriots with limited attention spans, start with the Temple of Dendur, a 2,000-year-old soaring Egyptian temple (the only complete one in the Western Hemisphere)

Blue Note Jazz Club Arrow

Blue Note has been one of the best jazz clubs in New York, and the world, since the 1980s. It offers music every night at 8 p.m. and 10:30, and on Friday and Saturday nights has a late night series at 12:30 a.m., which showcases emerging talent. If you're looking to get a taste of jazz in NYC, you can do no better. Over the years, legendary musicians including Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Charles have performed on the Blue Note Stage, as well as contemporary jazz acts such as Wynton Marsalis, Keith Jarrett, and Chris Botti. Tables are intimate, close-set, and all-ages (with the bar being 21-plus).

Union Square Greenmarket Arrow

Union Square is a place of the people, not unlike the agoras of ancient Athens—and no offering of Union Square showcases this quality quite like the bustling Greenmarket. From upstate New York, the Berkshires , New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, vendors sell artisan bread, honey, fresh-cut flowers, heritage meats, pastries, seasonal fruits and vegetables both common and uncommon, and much more. Don't miss the free events, like book signings and more: Cooking demos take place at the Market Information tent daily, beer and spirits pop-ups show seasonally, and the education station offers tours and tastings.

Rockefeller Center Arrow

Rockefeller Center sits in the heart of midtown Manhattan, both in terms of its physical location and its prominent place in the city's folklore and culture. Whether you want to check out a performance on the plaza outside the TODAY show, visit the Christmas tree, or practice your best moves on the ice skating rink, you're in for an iconic, family-friendly experience. If you buy a ticket to Top of the Rock, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the city below. No matter where you are, you're bound to be constantly pointing and shouting “hey, look at that!”

Comedy Cellar Arrow

None of the promoters on MacDougal Street shouting “stand-up comedy tonight!” are trying to get you into the Comedy Cellar, where the show is already sold out. Blockbuster stars like Jerry Seinfeld and Eddie Murphy made their names at the Cellar; if you're lucky, one may show up the night you're there. Seating is intimate and close together, and there is a two-item minimum on food or drinks. It's 21-plus and vaccine-mandatory; be prepared to surrender your phone at the door, too. There's no bad seat in the house, but sit in the front at your own risk of getting (playfully) heckled by the host or a comic.

American Museum of Natural History Arrow

Truly one of the world's great natural history museums, the American Museum of Natural History spans four city blocks just across from Central Park . All aspects of the natural world are represented here, from a vast collection of taxidermy mammals, to depictions of the life of Native American tribes, to an entire hall dedicated to marine life—including a life-size model of a blue whale. The crown jewel is the dinosaur floor, with an imposing Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton that dominates the room. The newest attraction comes in the form of the long-awaited Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation , which opened in May of 2023 and, among many other things, boasts a comprehensive insectarium and vivarium. Breathtaking architecture from New York-based Jeanne Gang doesn't hurt, either.

The Strand Book Store Arrow

With its towering stacks, filled with more than 2.5 million titles, this 94-year-old bookstore is less neighborhood haunt and more globally recognized institution. You could call the Strand's employees tour guides, considering their deft ability to find the exact title you're looking for and recommend a book you may not have otherwise plucked from the shelves. The store will make you question why you don’t read more; and chances are you won’t leave empty-handed.

Bronx Zoo Arrow

With more than 700 different animal species spread across 265 acres of parkland thoughtfully designed to mimic natural habitats, the Bronx Zoo is a great place to escape from Manhattan for the day, especially if you're traveling with kids. Don't miss the giraffe building, the Congo gorilla forest, the house of reptiles, the flamingos in the sea bird aviary, and the sea lions, who always make for an exciting show. If you want to blow the minds of a bunch of kids, you can do no better.

Governors Island Arrow

Located in New York Harbor, only 800 yards from Manhattan and 400 yards from Brooklyn, walking onto quirky, car-free, brick-covered, 173-acre Governors Island feels like being transported to an alternate universe from the city—but in reality it's a quick, affordable ferry ride away. One-way fare is $4 and boats are serviced from Lower Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building every day, as well as from Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook on the weekends. In the past couple of years, Governors Island has become an even more popular city destination, and has welcomed a slew of new luxury businesses. One is special in particular: Collective, the only place you can stay overnight on the island. Collective is a glamping experience, offering plush beds inside the tents, morning yoga, sunset cocktails, and iconic skyline views—Lady Liberty included, herself. Which is all to say, you’re by no means roughing it here. On the menu at their restaurant, you’ll find grilled seafood, gorgeous spreads of pastries, and more. Another luxury experience new to the island is QC NY Spa, with top-grade saunas and a skyline view-filled pool.

McCarren Park Arrow

Fashion and dogs; dogs and fashion. At McCarren Park, these wonders abound. Located smack between Williamsburg and Greenpoint and bound by Nassau Avenue, Bayard Street, Lorimer Street, and North 12th Street, McCarren is one of North Brooklyn’s best gathering places and community hubs. Activities on offer include softball, volleyball, soccer, handball, and more, but you’ll also see Brooklynites running on the track, rollerblading around the park’s perimeter, and hoisting each other up in acroyoga poses on the grass. Shopping and dining opportunities fringe the park and make for a bustling atmosphere—including the Greenmarket on Saturdays, a thrift market bursting with vintage clothes on the weekends, Awoke Vintage, Forma Pasta, Bernie’s, Frankels, and more.

Elsewhere Arrow

Located in Brooklyn on a hip stretch of Bushwick’s Jefferson Avenue, Elsewhere—a vast, three-story nightclub and live music venue with multiple dance floors, stages, and a rooftop—has become one of the city’s best nightlife destinations. Spinning disco balls and kaleidoscopic lights set the scene. A somewhat recent staple in the city’s nightlife scene, Elsewhere is a converted warehouse that opened in 2017. Blocks away from similar venues like Avant Gardener and House of Yes, Elsewhere stands out for its inclusivity, its intimate vibe in spite of its size, and for lifting up smaller, up-and-coming acts.

Rockaway Beach Arrow

One of the best public beaches you can visit in New York City proper, Rockaway is a sandy, sprawling stretch of surf located in Queens on the Atlantic Ocean, complete with a 5.5-mile boardwalk of delicious concessions. A summery way to get there in style? Take the ferry from Wall Street or Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and let the wind blow through your hair as you take in the city views, sailing under the Verrazano Bridge and past Coney Island on the way. From just about everywhere else in the city, you can also get there via the A train. Each stretch has a different crowd and personality: Beach 90-106 is the busiest section, with the most food and drink options; Beaches 67-69 as well as 90-92 are the surfing zones; between Beach 153 and Beach 169 you’ll find Jacob Riis Park, which is popular with young people and is a summer gathering place for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

Metrograph Arrow

Located on Ludlow Street in the Lower East Side, Metrograph is an independent movie house and a New York City cinema destination. When you walk in, you’ll notice that the decor is trendy, artsy, and has almost nothing in common with an AMC. You might overhear film buffs opining on French directors you never heard of, but hey, it’s all part of the charm. It shows a curated roster of films that includes exclusive archival screenings, special premiers, and Q&As with notable filmmakers; a few of the films playing on the current lineup in November include The Wall , a 1990 documentary about the Berlin Wall with vérité-style footage; Bill Cunningham New York on 35mm film, introduced by director Richard Press and producer Philip Gefter; and the classic Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf , starring Elizabeth Taylor. Seats are assigned and booked online—to purchase in person, tickets go on sale a half hour before showtime. Seats are red-velvet-cushioned, and pretty comfortable.

Bonus: The legitimate restaurant on site called the Metrograph Commissary serving brunch and dinner, where movie-goers can extend their outing with a meal or a round of drinks. You won’t find your typical movie theater slushies here—espresso martinis, steak tartare, and duck with rosemary are on the menu.

Chelsea's Art Galleries Arrow

If you’ve done the Met and the MoMA a million times but have yet to explore the city’s art gallery scene, get thee to Chelsea. The West Side neighborhood is one of the city’s best-known for art and is home to some of the world’s most respected contemporary art galleries, like David Zwirner —representing legends like Yayoi Kusama, Alice Neel, and William Eggleston—and Gagosian —Damien Hirst, Richard Avedon, Takashi Murakami, and Anna Weyant, whose star is rising. These spaces feel exclusive and glamorous, and you feel special upon walking inside and experiencing their treasures. (And unless you’re an heiress, you’re only window shopping.) The Chelsea gallery scene exemplifies one of New York City’s greatest strengths: walkability. We’d recommend mapping out the spots you want to hit and making half a day out of it—West 24th Street between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues is a prime route.

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New York City   Travel Guide

34 Best Things to Do in NYC

There are countless reasons to be mesmerized by New York, from its skyscrapers and monuments to its vibrant art, food, fashion and nightlife. Across the city, fresh perspectives are yours to be found; go for a stroll in Central Park or along the High

• All Things To Do
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• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Central Park Central Park free

This part-park, part-museum, part-concert hall swallows central Manhattan, and many of the city's most notable attractions are situated next to it or within its limits ( the Guggenheim , the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History , to name a few). But travelers insist that you shouldn't just pass through Central Park on your way to another place. This 843-acre green space is a favorite of New Yorkers and tourists; you can come here to exercise, dine, go to the zoo and more.

Almost everyone has a positive impression of the park, but no one has quite the same experience or recommends that you do quite the same thing. There's an almost impossible amount of sights to see here (hidden treasures, indeed), including more than 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, monuments or sculptures, and 30 bridges. Here's a shortlist:

National September 11 Memorial & Museum National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum serves as the primary tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as the six lost in the 1993 bombing. The memorial's twin reflecting pools and human-made waterfalls rest as eerie footprints where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood. The 1-acre pools are enclosed in bronze panels on which the names of every victim are inscribed. The museum spans across 110,000 square feet and relays the narrative of the attacks through a series of multimedia displays, real-time recordings, authentic artifacts and an interactive table.

Recent visitors cited the overall atmosphere of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum as sobering and moving. Many travelers say they were impressed with the site as a whole, noting its respectful and informational displays. Reviewers say you won't want to rush your time here, with some recommending that you budget three to four hours to see all of the exhibits.

Empire State Building Empire State Building

U.S. News Insider Tip: Watch out for "sunset peak" pricing, which adds an extra $10 per ticket for two hours around sunset each evening. But on a clear day, it just might be worth it. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

New York City Tourist 101 dictates that you must swing by this landmark structure in midtown Manhattan. And despite the hefty admission fees, the crowds and the long lines, recent visitors insist that you won't be sorry. In fact, taking a trip to the top of the Empire State Building is either the perfect way to begin or end your Big Apple excursion – on a clear day you'll be able to the see the city's major highlights some 1,250 feet beneath you. 

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Metropolitan Museum of Art Metropolitan Museum of Art

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come for the art, stay for the rooftop cocktails. A seasonal rooftop garden bar offers views over Central Park, which is especially coveted at sunset. The roof garden stays open into the evening on Friday and Saturday. – Jessica Colley Clarke

No museum in the United States is as celebrated as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spilling over with masterpieces from all over the world, including notable collections from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity, "the Met" is an art experience unlike any other, and like much in New York, it's impossible to see all the museum has to offer in one day (or even two days, for that matter). 

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of many travelers’ must-see lists. A feat of 19th-century technical engineering and a beacon for immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, the statue can be admired from several different vantage points around Manhattan, including Battery Park and the High Line . But to truly appreciate its size and significance, you’ll want to visit the statue and Ellis Island while on your NYC vacation.

The only way to access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is by using the official National Park Service ferry operator, Statue City Cruises. If you’re departing from the New York side, you’ll hop on a ferry at Battery Park in lower Manhattan. If you’re departing from the New Jersey side, you’ll depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The ferry ride takes approximately 15 minutes.

Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge free

One of many signature landmarks of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge is also one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Its six lanes (and one pedestrian and bicycle walkway) span the East River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. Walking across the bridge remains a tourist pastime.

Some visitors decide to skip the bridge in favor of other attractions, but if you're short on money, this truly is one of the best ways to experience the city and to get a unique view of either borough at no cost. Several reviewers warn that since there is no shade along the bridge, it can get quite hot in the summertime (though there are vendors selling bottles of water). Many also warned that it can get quite crowded, and advised visiting in the morning before 9 a.m. if you don't want to maneuver around crowds.

The High Line The High Line free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds. If you walk from north to south, add on a visit to The Standard Biergarten or the vibrant Chelsea Market for great people-watching, food and drink. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Set on an abandoned rail track on Manhattan's West Side, this sprawling, nearly 1½-mile-long landscaped park stretches over three of the city's most lively neighborhoods: the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen. Standing 30 feet above street level, the High Line offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan's cityscape. But the vista isn't the only reason visitors and Manhattanites flock to this manicured green space. Here, you'll find continually changing public art installations, a handful of food vendors and a sprawling picnic and sunbathing area (known as the 23rd Street Lawn).

NYC Food Tours NYC Food Tours

Known for everything from cheap eats to authentic international fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, New York City is a culinary hot spot and undoubtedly one of the best foodie cities in America . However, chances are you won't have time to experience everything the city has to offer in just one trip. One way to get a taste of New York's excellent cuisine across a variety of neighborhoods is to take a food tour.

Whether you want to explore a particular borough or neighborhood, or even a specific cuisine or dish, you'll find a tour to appease your taste buds. Relying on traveler reviews and expert analysis, U.S. News rounded up the best food tours in New York City . Though tours vary in length and price, they all receive rave reviews from past travelers, who applauded the variety of food and the expert knowledge of the guides.

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Washington Square Park Washington Square Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Finding an empty bench in Washington Square Park after visiting one of the neighborhood's independent bookstores – from The Strand to Three Lives & Company to Left Bank Books – is a true lower Manhattan pleasure. – Jessica Colley Clarke

The central gathering place of Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park, an almost 10-acre green space known for its downtown buzz. Here, kids splash in the fountain, musicians perform to a crowd, artists sell sketches or photographs, and chess enthusiasts gather to challenge each other to a game. What was historically a cemetery and later a bohemian hot spot is now a neighborhood institution that draws locals and visitors alike with its kids' playground, sizable dog run and ample shady space for picnics. An arch dedicated to George Washington is the dominant architectural feature of the park. 

Broadway Broadway

U.S. News Insider Tip: Start your day with a stop at the TKTS booth in Times Square or at the Lincoln Center location to snag discounted same-day tickets for an array of Broadway and off-Broadway shows. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

Some out-of-towners spend their entire New York trip at one show or another on the Broadway circuit. And if you like plays and musicals, this is where you should be: "The Great White Way" represents the heart and soul of American theater. Considering that nearby Times Square is a dizzying maze of sights and sounds with no real starting point, some visitors suggest you can see all you need to of that neighborhood just by trundling back and forth between shows. 

One World Observatory One World Observatory

Formerly known as Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in lower Manhattan. This observatory sits atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the highest point in the city. You'll find it adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial . At more than 125,000 square feet, the three-level observatory is located on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors of this office skyscraper. Travelers enjoy the panoramic, 360-degree views, up to 45 miles in every direction on clear days. 

Visitors reach the observatory by direct express elevators known as SkyPods. The trip upward includes a visual presentation showing how New York has changed over the decades, from open land to smaller buildings to skyscrapers. The trip takes less than a minute. Expect a multimedia presentation at the top before stunning views are revealed. A restaurant and bar on the 101st floor are open to guests who have purchased tickets to the observatory. 

Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal free

At this beautiful train station, you can eat some lunch or shop till you drop, but recent travelers most enjoyed just taking in the scenery. Before you enter, be sure to snap a few shots of the exterior's ornate beaux-arts neoclassical architecture. Inside the celebrated main concourse, you're treated to glimmering marble floors, gold and nickel-plated chandeliers and a sky-themed ceiling. Other must-sees include the Information Booth clock, the Whispering Gallery and Grand Central Market, a European-style food market that sells produce, gourmet ingredients and treats. Food options range from the upscale (Cipriani Dolci and The Campbell Bar) to the legendary (the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant) to the fast and easy (Shake Shack). As mentioned, there are also plenty of shopping options, though most travelers suggest you leave most of Grand Central's pricey merchandise in the store. If you want a train-themed souvenir, visit The New York Transit Museum Store in the shuttle passage.

Travelers call the train station "iconic" and say it's a beautiful space to walk through or to grab a meal and people-watch.

Bryant Park Bryant Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This Midtown park draws crowds for two seasonal events: summer movie nights under the stars and a holiday market complete with ice skating. For summer picnics or winter shopping sprees, Bryant Park delivers year-round. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Sprawling across nearly 10 acres, Bryant Park sits just south of Times Square – though it feels a world away. Though its lush green space has existed for more than 150 years, Bryant Park was a revitalization project of the 1990s that made it a sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. This is the preferred place for midtown Manhattan professionals to eat lunch, for fashionistas to strut during fashion week and for performers to showcase their talents during annual events like Broadway in Bryant Park and Piano in Bryant Park. If you're interested in learning more about the park's history, consider joining one of its free tours. Tours, which last 45 minutes, are free and offered every other Wednesday, year-round. 

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Staten Island Ferry Staten Island Ferry free

Perhaps the most famous ferry service in the United States, the Staten Island Ferry runs daily between the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan and St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. The city has been operating the ferry service since 1905 and transports some 70,000 passengers across New York Harbor every day. It’s one of the last remaining vestiges of an entire ferry system that served New York City residents before the construction of any bridges.  

But the Staten Island Ferry is more than a transportation service; it’s an attraction, drawing tens of thousands of out-of-town visitors a year for a free ride across the harbor (that’s right, no charge; the service is provided by the City of New York). The 5-mile ride lasts about 25 minutes. Passengers must disembark and then reboard to make the return trip to Manhattan. Travelers remark about the views of the Statue of Liberty , Ellis Island, Manhattan skyscrapers and the bridges of lower Manhattan. 

Museum of Modern Art Museum of Modern Art

You don't have to be an art lover to appreciate the Museum of Modern Art; this airy midtown gallery also doubles as a shrine of pop culture and 20th century history. Some of the most significant contemporary pieces hang on its walls, including Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans," Van Gogh's "Starry Night," Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory," Monet's "Water Lilies," and the list goes on and on. In October 2019, the museum reopened after completing an expansion project that added more than 40,000 square feet of gallery space, as well as a performance studio that features live programming.

Recent travelers were impressed by the extensive art collection and loved being able to see the museum's famous paintings. The $30 entry fee for adults ($17 for students; $22 for seniors; free for kids 16 and younger) can be hard to stomach for some, but reviewers insist you won't regret the money spent. A few travelers express disappointment with the crowds (which are most common on rainy days), but suggest getting some fresh air at the museum's Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.

New York Public Library New York Public Library free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you love all things book-related, consider visiting The Morgan Library & Museum nearby, which features J.P. Morgan's stunning 1906 library. The museum offers free admisson (and live jazz music) on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

This main branch, officially called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, attracts plenty of book lovers, history junkies and architecture aficionados. Most people swing by the Bryant Park landmark to say hello to Patience and Fortitude (the famous marble lions guarding the entrance) and to admire the lovely beaux-arts design.

American Museum of Natural History American Museum of Natural History

Visitors love the American Museum of Natural History off Central Park West. Whether you're exploring the interactive exhibits on the land, the sea or outer space; user reviews take on a common theme. This museum is incredible. Even the cafeteria and gift shop are worth your notice.

There are more than 34 million artifacts inside, spread across four city blocks, 26 buildings and through 45 exhibition halls, so don't plan on seeing everything in one day. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a particular favorite, but you should also plan on visiting the dinosaurs, the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe and the Butterfly Conservatory (accessible November through May), which houses nearly 500 butterflies. Local experts say the institution is one of the city's can't-miss museums , especially for families.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Wander along Brooklyn's Washington Avenue, and you can't avoid stumbling upon this verdant 52-acre park. A main highlight here is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, punctuated by wooden bridges and Japanese maples. And if you arrive at the end of April, you can't miss the Cherry Esplanade ( Sakura Matsuri ) when rosy cherry blossoms burst into bloom. Another standout: the Shakespeare Garden, which contains more than 80 plants described in the playwright's works.

Thanks to the garden's extensive collection, which includes 13 gardens and five conservatories, there's plenty of scenery to soak up here. Plus, you can take advantage of year-round exhibits and events, such as children's gardening workshops and Lightscape, the annual wintertime lights display. After you've taken respite in Brooklyn's cherished green space, recent visitors suggest moseying over to two staples located down the street: Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum.

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Brooklyn Bridge Park Brooklyn Bridge Park free

Located on the Brooklyn side of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre oasis at the foot of the famous bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. The park stretches 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s waterfront, connecting Columbia Heights and Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, an eclectic neighborhood of boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants. Travelers rave about the views of the lower Manhattan skyline, the New York Harbor and the bridge.

Among the city’s newest parks, Brooklyn Bridge Park was once an industrial district and home to a transportation terminal that served as an entry point for immigrants. Today, the park features rolling hills, promenades, playgrounds, basketball courts, sports fields, a roller skating rink, gardens, and more among six piers and the riverfront. What’s more, the park is home to more than 12,000 species of plants and wildlife. It also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, such as sunset yoga and stargazing.

The Guggenheim The Guggenheim

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or simply, "The Guggenheim," is one of the most well-known art museums in the country, and it's just as renowned for its cutting-edge design as it is for its pieces. The coiled building (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) stands out on Fifth Avenue at 89th Street. Inside, the halls are chock full of works from the likes of Picasso, Cézanne, Degas, Manet and Van Gogh, among others.

Visitors loved the building's design and architecture, but offered more mixed reviews for the art on display. Some raved about the permanent collection and the special exhibitions, while others felt the cost of entrance tickets was overpriced for the amount of art displayed. Reviewers recommended the Museum of Modern Art over the Guggenheim if you're short on time. 

Off-Broadway Shows Off-Broadway Shows

Off-Broadway may not have the glitter of the Great White Way , but these smaller theaters and their productions are often innovative and are no less engaging. Unlike Broadway, these theaters are not centered around Times Square , but scattered all over Manhattan and generally seat fewer people (between 100 to 499 audience members). Smaller venues provide a more intimate experience for plays, musicals and revues. Many of New York’s most famous productions found their start off-Broadway, such as “Hair,” “Rent” and “In the Heights.”

Tickets also are more affordable, generally between $20 and $75 per person. Look for innovative productions at places like the Public Theater, Cherry Lane Theatre or Playwrights Horizons. The Signature Theatre showcases revivals and new plays.

Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck

This iconic plaza has it all – beautiful sculptures, an enormous skating rink, a fishbowl view of NBC Studios, plus a plethora of stores and restaurants. Though undoubtedly there will be intense crowds, this is an experience that's worth having at least once. During the wintertime holidays, the plaza sparkles with an illuminated Christmas tree and skaters gliding across the ice rink. But don't fret if your New York adventure doesn't take place during the cold months. There's plenty to do year-round. If you plan ahead, you can spend a morning watching a taping of the "Today" show, an afternoon admiring the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and an evening catching a performance at Radio City Music Hall .

Travelers say the Top of the Rock offers some of the best views of Manhattan and say the experience is worth every penny. Visitors recommend booking the Rock Pass ticket that includes a tour of the building and observation deck access.

Little Island Little Island free

New Yorkers have long needed to get creative to maximize space on the island of Manhattan, where space is limited. But with the opening of Little Island in 2021, that creativity stretched beyond the island's borders and into the water. Little Island is an artificial island located on the west side of Manhattan in the Hudson River. This public park, which is free to visit, offers a new space for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in nature, art, free events like concerts and one of the most memorable locations in New York City to catch the sunset.

Most recent visitors praised Little Island for its peaceful atmosphere, splash of greenery and views of the Hudson River and beyond. Some recent visitors recommend planning a visit on a weekday rather than a weekend, when this attraction can be crowded with people picnicking, especially during the golden sunset hours. Regardless of what time of day visitors stop by, almost everyone is left with a positive impression of the park and note its sculptures, family-friendly vibe, impressive variety of plants and free concerts.

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St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral free

This sprawling cathedral sits amid the hustle and distinctively secular bustle of Rockefeller Center . But that doesn't take away from its otherworldly vibe. Whether you're religious or just making an architectural pilgrimage, you can't help but be impressed by St. Patrick's. Opened in 1879, the neo-Gothic cathedral spans the length of an entire city block and features 330-foot spires. Its interior is just as impressive thanks to its numerous altars, stained-glass windows, organs and imposing 9,000-pound bronze doors. The church welcomes more than 5 million visitors annually.  

Travelers love the historical church's beauty and stained-glass windows, but say you don't have to carve out too much time to see it. Previous vacationers also suggest visiting at Christmastime to really see the church in all its glory. 

Little Italy Little Italy free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Taste the best of Little Italy at C. Di Palo Wine Bar. With connections to the fine foods store serving this neighborhood for more than a century, this wine bar serves Italian cheeses, meats and wines in a comfortable, modern environment. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Once a thriving enclave of Italian immigrants, Little Italy is now a popular tourist destination (though remnants of the past remain). Restaurants serving classic Italian dishes on red-and-white checkered tablecloths can still be found in the neighborhood. Among the neighborhood staples is Lombardi’s, a restaurant that has been tossing pizzas since 1905 and claims to be the first pizzeria in the United States. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, another famous Little Italy eatery best known for its cannolis and espresso, has been around since 1892. 

Times Square Times Square free

Some say that Times Square is like a five-block metaphor for New York City itself – it's exciting, colorful and always jumping. Others describe this area of midtown Manhattan as artless, overpriced and congested. Perhaps this commercial stretch from West 42nd to West 47th streets is a little of both, and though locals would advise you to avoid it, you should at least catch a glimpse of its neon lights. Most travelers recommend visiting the area after dark to see the marquee displays. Many add checking out Times Square before or after a Broadway show is the perfect time to fit it into your schedule. However, if you're not a fan of crowds, reviewers suggest you avoid this area altogether.

Times Square's biggest tourist draw is the annual New Year's Eve ball drop. Revelers crowd the area to see New York's famous Waterford crystal ball descend 77 feet from a pole on the One Times Square building. If you're feeling brave, take a trip to New York and Times Square at this time of year and watch the ball drop for free! Just plan on coming in the early morning and staying all day, and note that the area is super crowded, even by New York standards.

Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue free

It's fitting that St. Patrick's Cathedral would be on the same street as stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. That's because for many people, shopping is a religious experience, and here between 34th and 59th streets you'll find the holy grail. 

Even if you're not planning to put your credit card to work at high-end stores, travelers say a stroll along Fifth Avenue is a must. It's one of the top places to shop in the city, according to local experts. Plus, during the winter holidays, the street is decked out in festive decor.

Bronx Zoo Bronx Zoo

According to travelers, these 265 acres sheltering more than 10,000 animals should be near the top of every young family's itinerary in New York. And if you're an older visitor, the Bronx Zoo could be a great way to escape the nonstop activity in Manhattan. This zoo's claim to fame is that it's one of the largest metropolitan animal parks in the country. It's also one of the best zoos in the U.S . Originally opened at 1899, the zoo also houses several famous landmarks, including the Rainey Memorial Gates, the Rockefeller Fountain and the historic Zoo Center, which was constructed to look like a palace.

Among the zoo's popular exhibits is JungleWorld, which aims to recreate the jungles of Asia with animals like white-cheeked gibbons, gharials, tapirs, fruit bats and more. There's also the Wild Asia Monorail, a seasonal outdoor monorail that allows visitors to observe animals like rhinos, tigers and red pandas roaming freely in the outdoor habitat. Other star attractions include the Congo Gorilla Forest, the seasonal butterfly garden, Tiger Mountain and the Children's Zoo. Along with the animals, there are also several rides and experiences, such as a carousel and sea lion feedings.

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Apollo Theater Apollo Theater

U.S. News Insider Tip: Go to BLVD Bistro on 116th St. before or after your visit to the Apollo. They serve breakfast all day and literally have the best grits and pancakes I have ever had in my life. It is also Black-owned! – Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global

One of the most famous music halls in the United States, "the Apollo" started as a burlesque theater in 1914. By the 1930s, it transformed into a concert hall that helped launch the career of several black musicians. A then-unknown Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson (with the Jackson 5) and Stevie Wonder all performed on the Apollo stage during an Amateur Night competition. If you're in Harlem on a Wednesday you can still go to Amateur Night, an experience some previous travelers highly recommend.

Metropolitan Opera House Metropolitan Opera House

Stroll through the courtyard of the Metropolitan Opera House even if you're not going inside for a performance. Every element of this opulent building – from the limestone architecture, to the lobby's glittering chandelier, to the acoustics in the concert hall – is gorgeous. Travelers call this opera house a feast for the eyes and ears. Tickets are notoriously expensive (as much as several hundred dollars for the best seats), but the sticker shock evaporates quickly if you're into performing arts. You can try to score a same-day ticket at a discounted rate, plus there are discounts for senior citizens.

The Metropolitan Opera House features spring performances by the American Ballet Theatre and fall and winter performances by the Met Opera Company. Showtimes and ticket prices vary by performance and seating, so check the Met Opera's website for additional details. You'll find the opera house at Lincoln Center Plaza on Manhattan's Upper West Side – take the 1 train to 66th Street.

Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall

It's where Ella Fitzgerald pined for the man she loved, the Rolling Stones couldn't get no satisfaction and Lady Gaga had a "Bad Romance." Among performers, there's no New York concert venue that's quite like Radio City Music Hall. Not only is it the largest indoor theater in the world, its marquee spans a full city block. Opened in 1932, the theater is a New York City Landmark. Today, the theater welcomes musical performers like Ben Platt and Lil Nas X, as well as comedians like Chris Rock.

If you're in town any dates between November and January, consider attending the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which stars the Rockettes. According to recent visitors who attended a show, there's not a bad seat in the house. If you're not able to attend a performance, consider signing up for the hourlong Radio City Stage Door Tour. The guided tour includes stops at areas of the historic venue not typically seen by the public, such as Radio City’s secret apartment, The Roxy Suite. You'll also an enjoy an in-depth history lesson about the stage and its iconic art deco design. The tour concludes with a meet-and-greet with a Radio City Rockette. Tours are offered daily starting at 9:30 a.m.; tickets cost $42 per adult and $38 per kid 12 and younger.  

The Battery The Battery free

Also known as The Battery, this 25-ace park sits at the very southern tip of Manhattan Island, and offers a green respite from the steel and concrete of lower Manhattan. The park, named after artillery batteries that protected the settlement in the 17th century, is popular with visitors because of its views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty . 

The park is home to perennial gardens, bike paths, grand lawns, an urban farm and a unique carousel, known as the SeaGlass Carousel. On the carousel, riders sit within iridescent fish and glide through a 360-degree aquatic adventure. The carousel’s bioluminescent design honors the waterfront site as well as another landmark, the Castle Clinton, one of the country’s earliest aquariums. 

Coney Island Coney Island

Known as the "the People's Playground," this famous amusement area in Brooklyn has witnessed an illustrious past. In the early 1900s, Coney Island enticed New Yorkers to visit with its bathing pavilions, seaside resorts and amusement park. The Great Depression took its toll on the fun-loving spot, causing many attractions to close. But after years of economic instability, Coney Island has reclaimed its place on the Brooklyn map, with a fresh roster of eateries and entertainment (including a July Fourth hot dog-eating contest and an annual Mermaid Parade ) found along the boardwalk. Coney Island now features several separate amusement parks, as well as a museum, which hosts a variety of exhibits and shows.

According to recent visitors, Coney Island is a worthwhile trip in the summer if you have the time and are traveling with young kids who would enjoy the rides. If you're not up for indulging your inner thrill-seeker, you can also walk along the beach, which spans nearly 3 miles and features several sports courts, as well as playgrounds. A walk along the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk is just as memorable, according to recent visitors.

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Chrysler Building Chrysler Building free

Technically, the Chrysler Building is an office building open Monday through Friday, but you don't need to go inside to appreciate its aesthetic appeal. Recent visitors praised the building's unique architectural style (though a few wished you could still go inside to admire its intricate lobby and elevators).

Built in 1930, the Chrysler had a short-lived run as the tallest building in the city, before it was usurped of its title by the Empire State Building . Nevertheless, this 1,046-foot-high skyscraper remains a favorite among New Yorkers for its classic art deco style. And unlike the Empire State, at this site you won't need an expensive entry ticket, a strong stomach to stand soaring heights or patience for long lines to see what all the fuss is about. You can behold the building's menacing gargoyles and triangular openings from many spots in Manhattan. Though the lobby is currently closed to visitors, there have been talks of building an observation deck, though none is available at this time.

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The best scenic drives in New York

You don't need a flight to see what beauty surrounds NYC—just hop in your car for the best scenic drives in New York.

New York City is surrounded by beautiful country lanes and scenic highways worth discovering. If you have a car or can rent one, these scenic drives in New York will induce you to roll down your window and drive at a Sunday-driver pace. From Long Island to Upstate , New York's lakes, oceans, mountains and rivers are yours to behold. You just have to know where to look. That's where we come in. We've rounded up 10 of the best scenic drives around NYC to help plan your weekend getaway  or day trip.

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Best scenic drives in New York

Seven Lakes Drive through Harriman State Park

Seven Lakes Drive is an 18-mile parkway in the Hudson Valley that mostly lies within Bear Mountain and Harriman state parks. As the name suggests, the drive passes by seven lakes: Lake Sebago and Lake Kanawauke in the towns of Haverstraw and Tuxedo; Lake Skannatati and Lake Askoti in Tuxedo; Lake Tiorati in Tuxedo and Woodbury; Silver Mine Lake in Woodbury; and Queensboro Lake in Highlands. The parkway winds around these lakes giving beautiful glimpses of the landscape, wildlife and more as you drive north toward Bear Mountain.

1.2 hours from NYC Start: Sloatsburg, off State Route 17 End: Seven Lakes Drive at US 6 between Doodletown and Fort Clinton

Long Island's South Fork, 27 East

If you're looking for the rustic beauty of farmland but also want views of the ocean and quaint shops that line villages, you can have it all if you head to Long Island's South Fork along NY-27 East. Once you get off Sunrise Highway, you'll find yourself in the Hamptons. Even if you can't afford to stay over, a day-trip is well-worth the drive. Montauk Highway (27 East) extends to the east all the way to the Montauk Lighthouse with the option to hop off at any point and explore various villages and hamlets (Southampton, Water Mill, Bridgehampton, Wainscott, East Hampton, and Sag Harbor) and their backroads that wind through farmland and pass massive estates. 

Under 2 hrs from NYC Start: Montauk Highway in Southampton End: Montauk Highway in Montauk

Long Island's North Fork Trail Scenic Byway

If you want to skip the Hamptons polish for the easygoing rustic charm of North Fork, take the North Fork Trail from Southold to Orient Point via Route 25. The 36-miles of roads wind through charming hamlets, dozens of wineries, expansive farms and wetlands with chances to stop and get a view of the ocean. In both the summer and fall, you can stop on the side of the road to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables farmed right on the island.

2 hrs from NYC Start : Route 25 in Southold End : Route 25 in Orient Point

City Island

It's not well known that the city has a New England-y fishing village in its limits, but head to City Island in the Bronx to see it yourself. Get off I-95 at exit 8B onto City Island Road and you'll be there in just a few minutes. The island is only 1.5-miles long and whether you drive or walk, there's a quaint town to discover with beautiful views of Long Island Sound.

35 mins from midtown Start : City Island Road at I-95 in the Bronx End : City Island Road at Belden Point

Route 9 to Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow, yes, the one from that creepy tale of the Headless Horseman, actually offers a beautiful view as you drive into it. Take Route 9 to see forest, wildflowers, rustic churches and quaint storefronts. Just off the route, you can find the Rockefeller Estate, Kykuit , as well as the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery , where famous people are buried including Washington Irving, who wrote "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Don't leave without crossing today's version of the  headless horseman bridge .

1 hr from NYC Start: Saw Mill River Road in Tarrytown End: Bedford Road at North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow

Palisades Parkway to Bear Mountain

No matter what season it is, a drive on the Palisades Parkway offers incredible views of the Hudson River Valley. The drive stretches 42 miles from the George Washington Bridge to Bear Mountain Bridge and shows off the Palisades cliffs and the river below. Pack a picnic lunch and drive to a few points along the way, including Roosevelt Lookout and the Englewood Picnic Area. 

Right outside Manhattan, views can be found up to 1 hr away Start: George Washington Bridge End: Bear Mountain Bridge

Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway

This 88-mile stretch passes by farmland, 30,000 acres of nature preserves and historic Dutch settlements flanked by the beautiful Catskills mountains. It begins about 90 miles north of NYC and winds around the Rondout and Wallkill valleys. The views alone should sustain your cravings for nature for awhile.

About 2 hrs from NYC Start:  New York State Thruway (I-87) north's exit 17 End: The route forms a circle around the gunks, so there's no real end!

Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway

Follow this 52-mile stretch that  takes you through Slide Mountain Wilderness, Indian Head Wilderness, Big Indian Wilderness, Shandaken Wild Forest, and Hunter-west Kill Wilderness. Look out your windows to see climbing mountains, shining water, rolling farmland and quaint villages.  For an especially breathtaking route, take Route 214 to 23A to 32 and then to 20 for inspiring cascading waterfalls, streams, idyllic countryside and leafy forest.

2 hr 20 min outside of NYC

Start: NY-28 in Phoenicia End: NY-28 in Andes

Kittatinny Ridge

This route takes you alongside the Delaware River and around the  Kittatinny Ridge, which is part of the Appalachian Trail.  Myscenicdrives.com takes motorists to the Kittatinny Point Visitors Center then through Worthington State Fortest, followed by Turtle Beach and Millbrook. You'll also be able to stop in High Point State Park and end in Newton. 

2 hrs from NYC

Start: Point Jervis, NY End: Point Jervis, NY

Upper Delaware Scenic Byway

The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (NYS Route 97) includes access to the Tusten Mountain Trail, the French Woods State Forest Preserve, the Elks Brox Memorial Park, the Crystal Lake State Reservation and the Bouchoux Trail and more with the ability to stop in small towns along the way. The 70-mile route runs along the New York bank of the Upper Delaware River, which offers glimpses of cliffs and wildlife, and is nestled between the Catskills and the Poconos, so you know it's got the views.

2 hrs from NYC Start: NY-97 in Port Jervis, NY End: The Village of Hancock in Pensylvania

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14 Most Beautiful Places To See In New York City

• New York City offers a vibrant and diverse experience with its famous streets, iconic buildings, and beautiful parks and gardens.
• The High Line is a must-visit urban oasis with lush greenery, gardens, and stunning views of the cityscape and Hudson River.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Washington Square Park, and Central Park are some of the most beautiful and culturally significant places to see in New York City.

New York City is one of the most vibrant destinations on the East Coast. Whether walking down its famous streets, visiting its iconic buildings, or discovering the beauty of New York City's parks and gardens - the city will have anything but a dull moment. New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and people from all over the world visit to immerse themselves in all that it has to offer.

With some of the most delicious world cuisine ( including some authentic Italian restaurants ), museums, a raging art and music scene, shopping, entertainment, and more - New York is the epitome of city life. Experiencing the city's hustle and bustle will be a lifetime trip. This city is home to some of the most beautiful and historical places in the United States. Choosing which sites to add to one's bucket list may be challenging with all the options. Here are ten of the most beautiful places to see in New York City.

UPDATE: 2023/09/28 22:43 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

More Beautiful Places To Visit In New York

New York is one of the world's biggest cities, and there are countless beautiful places that locals and tourists should visit. Therefore, this list has been expanded to include places such as the High Line, the Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, the Washington Square Park, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Have fun!

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The High Line

The High Line in New York City is an urban oasis suspended above the bustling streets of Manhattan, and its tranquil ambiance and architectural ingenuity make it a must-visit destination, providing both locals and tourists a respite in the heart of the metropolis.

This elevated linear park, repurposed from a historic railway track, offers a serene escape amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

Lush greenery, vibrant gardens, and public art installations adorn the path, creating a harmonious blend of nature and urbanity. The High Line provides stunning views of the cityscape and Hudson River, offering a unique perspective of New York.

• Address : New York, NY 10011, United States
• Open hours: From 9 am to 10 pm

DUMBO, Brooklyn

DUMBO, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a famous neighborhood in Brooklyn. Nestled along the East River, it boasts a distinctive blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, thanks to its cobblestone streets, converted warehouses, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline characterize this waterfront enclave.

DUMBO is a hub for art, culture, and innovation, hosting numerous galleries, boutiques, and tech startups. Visitors can revel in the enchanting scenery of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront, and savor culinary delights at trendy eateries. DUMBO encapsulates Brooklyn's dynamic spirit, making it a compelling destination to explore.

It's possible to reach DUMBO by crossing the Brooklyn Bridge walking or by bike

Washington Square Park

Locals and tourists looking for an urban oasis amidst America's most populous city can find it at Washington Square Park. The place is a cultural crossroads, offering a serene respite, captivating ambiance, and a front-row seat to the lively spirit of Greenwich Village.

Located in Manhattan, the Washington Square Park features the iconic Washington Arch, a historic landmark. Trees, gardens, and a central fountain surround visitors. The park's bohemian atmosphere, abuzz with musicians, artists, and locals, lends it a dynamic character. The stunning arch frames views of the surrounding cityscape, adding to its allure.

• Address : Washington Square, New York, NY 10012, United States

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is often referred to as "The Met" (Yes, the same place that hosts the famous Met Gala). The museum is an architectural and cultural masterpiece in New York City thanks to its grand Beaux-Arts façade.

Beyond its architecture, the Met features a worldwide collection representing 5,000 years of history. Visitors admire over two million works, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The museum's diverse exhibits, including European paintings, Egyptian antiquities, and Asian art, offer a global journey through artistic expression.

• Address : 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
• Admission fees: $30 for adults, $22 for seniors, $17 for students
• Open hours: From Sunday to Thursday - 10 am to 5 pm; Friday and Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm

Central Park

Central Park is one of New York's most iconic attractions. People from all over the world visit to admire its beauty, and the best part - is that Central Park is free, and there are many ways to spend time there . This park is famous for its landscape design and is one of the city's most beautiful places. The park offers many things to do and see, where visitors can spend hours discovering different areas with some of the most picturesque views.

• The Central Park has 843 acres

Old City Hall Subway Station

With some of the most beautiful places in New York - Old City Hall Subway Station is a must-see when visiting the city. Initially opening in 1904, this hidden subway station has a mesmerizing architectural build and is a beautiful way to see New York's historical public transportation system. It is located at the end of the six-train line, and tours are available for guests who want to visit the old subway station.

• Admission fees: Between $35 and $50

Related: New York City's Springtime Waterways: Exploring The City's Rivers & Harbors On Boat Tours

Statue Of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a historical attraction in the city - a neoclassical structure that offers some of the most beautiful views in the city. People worldwide visit to witness the statue and all its beauty. With some of the prettiest parts of New York one can explore , a trip to the Statue of Liberty will show visitors the rich history of New York City. This is one of the best locations to take amazing pictures!

• Ferry fees: $12 (Children), $24.50 (Adult), $18 (Senior)
• Pedestal access: $12.30 (Children), $24.80 (Adult), $18.30 (Senior)

Prospect Park

New York City has some of the most beautiful parks, not just Central Park. Prospect Park is in Brooklyn, New York, and is home to a breathtaking green space in the city. From excellent trails, a botanical garden, waterfalls, and a zoo - Prospect Park is a must-visit when discovering beautiful areas in New York City. Whether walking in the park or having a picnic with family and friends, it's a lovely way to spend some time in the city's gorgeous outdoors.

• Famous events: Evening Under the Sphere, FallFur Picnic, Harvest Moon Circle

Brooklyn Bridge

Take a trip to Brooklyn Bridge to see one of the most iconic bridges in New York. Visiting New York's beautiful and historic attractions is one of the best parts of traveling in the city. Brooklyn Bridge’s stunning architectural build shows the city's vast history. It's a beautiful way to walk along the bridge, with many opportunities to take pictures and view the city's skyline.

It's possible to cross the Brooklyn Bridge using the pedestrian walkway.

Edge Observation Deck

Edge Observation Deck is an attraction in New York City that offers some of the most mesmerizing views of the city. It is 100 stories high and is a beautiful way to immerse in the city's beauty. It is one of the best ways to see the city's beauty from a high point. A trip to the Edge will be the experience of a lifetime with its glass floors, breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, and a bar for enjoyment.

• Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States

Related: Flavors Of New York State: Discovering 10 Must-Try Cuisines In New York City

New York is home to some of the most iconic neighborhoods. SoHo is a neighborhood worth visiting for those who want to experience New York's beautiful streets and breathtaking buildings. From art galleries, shops, street vendors, restaurants, a nightlife scene, and so much more - there is much to see and discover in this beautiful neighborhood in New York City.

• Things to do: Museum of Ice Cream, The Museum of Modern Art, Housing Works Bookstore

Madison Square Park

Home to some of the most beautiful parks - Madison Square Park is high on the list of New York's mesmerizing outdoor spaces. It is a fantastic place to visit to walk and enjoy New York in the spring. For nature lovers, the park offers various greenery to escape the busy city life. Whether taking a small snack or enjoying time with family or friends, it will be a beautiful and relaxing experience in the city.

• Address : 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States

Times Square

Times Square is one of the most popular destinations in New York City. People worldwide travel to see its iconic lights, billboards, buildings, and so much more. It is a must-visit when touring the city to see the town's beauty and all it is known for. Offering many shops and restaurants, the area has much to do and see, with many opportunities for pictures. Times Square is one of New York's most busy and thrilling areas and is worth experiencing for those traveling to the city!

The most common and convenient way to reach Times Square is by subway. Multiple subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, and S lines, serve the Times Square-42nd Street station.

Related: 10 Top-Rated Museums In New York City That Should Be On Your List

New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Visit the New York City Public Library to get views of its stunning architecture and immerse in the city's history. This extensive library is a charming destination to discover New York's diverse beauty and experience all the city's spaces. With a fantastic collection of books and areas to discover inside and outside the library, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New York City.

• Address: 476 Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street

16 Unimaginably Beautiful Places In New York That You Must See Before You Die

Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: [email protected]

More by this Author

We all know New York is quite the scenic place, but there are certain landscapes that are so full of out-of-this-world beauty that they’ve become a defining part of our state. From bodies of water to rock formations and other outdoor activities, here is a list (in no particular order) of some of the most gorgeous places in our state that you need to cross off of your bucket list.

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10 Best Places to Visit in New York State

New York is a large and diverse state, but many visitors only visit the Big Apple. While New York City is undoubtedly exciting, there is far more than the state has to offer. Gorgeous lakes, charming college towns upstate and even world-famous waterfalls beckon outside of NYC’s five boroughs. Check out the best places to visit in New York state.

10. Buffalo

In Upstate New York, the hub of culture and education is undoubtedly Buffalo . You might know of Buffalo’s sports teams, snowy winters and association with chicken wings, but there is a lot more to this Niagara Frontier city. Buffalo is steeped in history, and a great place to start is at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society Museum.

Dig a little deeper by exploring the Nash House House, a home associated with early civil rights movements and even the founding of the NAACP. Then, take a walking architectural tour of the Allentown Historic District or head to the Buffalo Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the entire country.

9. Lake Placid

In Essex County, in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, is the village of Lake Placid . Despite its small population, Lake Placid is well known thanks to serving as the host of the 1980 Winter Olympics. More specifically, Lake Placid was the site of the now famous Miracle on Ice, the hockey game held between the USA and the USSR.

Sports are still a major draw to Lake Placid, and your visit could include mountain biking in the summer, hiking some of the 46 peaks of the Adirondacks, or Nordic skiing in the winter. Whatever the season, check out the Adirondack Equine Center for horseback or sleigh rides.

The college town of Ithaca is located in New York’s Finger Lakes Region, where it sits at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake. Ithaca is best known for two things: Its higher education campuses and its surrounding landscape of gorges and waterfalls.

If you are lucky enough to visit Ithaca, you’ll definitely want to make time to tour Ithaca College and Cornell University. On Cornell’s campus, spot the iconic clock tower and tour the collection at the Johnson Art Museum. Then, head downtown to Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian mall lined with restaurants and local shops. Spot some of the gorges and waterfalls in the area with a hike like the stone staircase that leads to Cascadilla Creek Gorge.

7. Catskills

Just an hour’s drive north of New York City are the Catskills Mountains. This destination is an incredible juxtaposition to city life, which is why the region is so popular among city dwellers in search of nature. In the Catskills, you’ll find the Catskill Forest Preserve. This preserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, hiking trails and winter sports opportunities.

If you’re searching for culture, check out the Hudson River School Art Trail, where stops include famous landmarks and landscapes painted by local artists. Woodstock might be the most famous town in the Catskills, cue to the iconic music festival of the same name.

6. Watkins Glen State Park

Also in the Finger Lakes Region, located at the southern end of Seneca Lake, is Watkins Glen State Park. If you want to get outdoors and experience some phenomenal views, then this is the perfect destination. A narrow gorge cuts through the park, creating amazing vistas from the trails on the rim.

In one two mile stretch, you’ll pass 19 different waterfalls! In the summer, there are outdoor swimming opportunities, and tour fishing is also a popular pastime. Backcountry camping is available, but many visitors prefer to relax at a local inn after a day of hiking and sightseeing outdoors.

5. Hudson River Valley

As the name suggests, the Hudson River Valley extends along the Hudson River all the way from Troy and Albany in the north down to Westchester, just north of New York City. Much of this area is agricultural, boasting rural views and a bucolic landscape. Lots of farms mean that the Hudson River Valley can be a foodie’s dream destination.

Organic farms, local wineries and artisan cheesemakers abound, and farmer’s markets are a staple throughout the region. Lots of NYC chefs are opting to head to the Hudson River Valley to open farm-to-table eateries, so you won’t have to go far to find a great restaurant in stunning rural surroundings.

4. Fire Island

Just off the coast of Long Island is a thin, long barrier island called Fire Island. Much of the island is made up of the Fire Island National Seashore, a former whaling base that is now a popular seaside getaway destination.

A combination of the beaches and the outdoor recreation makes this an amazing place to visit in New York State, but keep in mind that much of Fire Island is seasonal, and attractions often close down in the winter. On Fire Island, you’ll definitely want to see the Fire Island Lighthouse, and you can also stroll along the boardwalk through the incredible Sunken Forest.

3. Thousand Islands

Close to the Canadian border is Thousand Islands, a scenic spot created where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario. This collection of islands is known as a place where the rich and famous vacation, but it is an accessible spot for all types of travelers.

You can see how the one percent live with a tour of Boldt Castle, a stunning castle located in Alexandria Bay. Make time for a boat tour that winds along the river and allows you to see some of the amazing mansions overlooking the water, many of which are only visible to the public by boat.

2. Niagara Falls

Known as the Honeymoon Capital of the World, Niagara Falls is absolutely a romantic destination. However, travelers of all types will want to check out this magnificent natural attraction. Niagara Falls is located on the border with Canada. In fact, views of the falls can be enjoyed on either side of the international line.

While views from Canada are considered the most impressive, American visitors will be able to get closest to the roaring waters, and there is an option to take a boat ride at the base of the falls. If time permits, head to the Cave of the Winds, where an elevator ride takes you down to the base of the Bridal Veils Falls and puts you close to the action!

1. New York City

Known as the Big Apple, New York City is arguably one of the most important cities on the planet. Diverse and always buzzing, there is an unlimited number of attractions to explore in the city. Most of the biggest landmarks are found in Manhattan.

If you’re on a whirlwind tour, then the highlights might include a visit to the Museum of Modern Art, a trip to the top of the Rockefeller Center, a view of the Empire State Building and the New York Public Library. Throbbing with flashing neon lights and glittering billboards, Times Square is the city’s dazzling entertainment district where tourists can catch a Broadway performance and shop for souvenirs.

Map of Places to Visit in New York State

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23 Best Things to Do in New York State

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Reader interactions.

July 29, 2019 at 4:17 am

I really like to share your all these most amazing photos which views very fabulous and cool. I also enjoyed myself while I was visiting this kind of places.

October 23, 2018 at 5:48 pm

Ummmmm, no mention of West Point? Take the tour and you will be amazed if you appreciate American history.

July 8, 2018 at 10:00 am

Honestly, my first time in New York changed my opinion on the state. Being from the south I was always under the impression that NYC WAS new york. But venturing outside the confines of the city brought my understanding to a whole new level. The outdoor beauty of fire island and the watkins state park were really some of the highlights of my experience. I am already planning another trip to upstate and will bring my kids along this time. Don’t get me wrong I love the city life but seeing all new york had to offer made it a really eye-opening experience. Thanks for sharing the article, this is a on-point guide for any newbie like me!

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25 Best Things to Do in Manhattan, New York

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 25 Best Things to Do in Manhattan, New York

There are all kinds of things to do in Manhattan since this is one of the most popular boroughs in NYC . From the Broadway theaters and luxury shops of Fifth Avenue to the iconic landmarks and beautiful urban parks, Manhattan offers something for everyone in every season.

As you’ll see in this guide, there are lots of fun places in Manhattan , so I’m sure your to-do list will fill up with museums, observation decks, and other attractions in no time. For this reason, I recommend investing in an NYC attraction pass , which will help you save money on the top activities and sights. For first-timers, we recommend the New York Pass since it includes over 100 NYC attractions. It also includes the Big Bus Tour , one of the best hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC , which goes to many of the places that I’ll recommend in this article.

So, if you’re ready to plan your ultimate adventure in Manhattan , keep reading to see the 25 best things to do in Manhattan!

1. Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock), one of the coolest places in Manhattan

If heights aren’t a concern, then you must visit the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, one of the most famous buildings in NYC . This Manhattan landmark offers beautiful panoramic views of NYC , and the vista is especially pretty at sunset.

Of course, any time of day or night is a great time to visit this observatory even if you have only 2 days to spend in NYC . The speedy Sky Shuttle elevators will take you up 850 feet to the viewing platform, which takes up the 67 th and 69 th floors. You can also step onto the 70 th floor’s outdoor deck if you’re feeling adventurous. From all the way up here, you can see other NYC hotspots like Central Park, Times Square, and the Empire State Building, so bring your camera!

Moreover, the Top of the Rock is one of the best observation decks in NYC , so I can’t recommend it enough. If you want to go, you can use your New York Pass or get a ticket online .

While you’re at Rockefeller Plaza, it’s worth checking out the other attractions here, like Radio City Music Hall . This is one of the coolest places in Manhattan , especially if you’re a fan of show biz. You can even take a tour like this one , which brings you behind the Stage Door of this iconic venue.

2. Times Square, a lively place in Manhattan you must see

The flashy lights, the wacky street performers, the vibrant bars and restaurants… Times Square is unlike any other tourist attraction in Manhattan . Here, you can find everything from entertainment and people-watching to kid-friendly attractions and high-end shops.

Times Square never has a dull moment, and while you can visit 24/7, you’ll get the full experience at night, when the area is glowing with billboards and neon ads. Once you go, you’ll see why it’s one of the best things to do in NYC at night .

If you’re visiting with kids, check out M&Ms World or Madame Tussauds. You could also check out the TKTS Pavilion at the Red Stairs to snag Broadway tickets at a steep discount. The Broadway Theater District is part of Times Square, so there are plenty of show venues, like the PlayStation Theater.

Whether you’re just strolling through this area, or you stay in one of the best hotels in Times Square to check out the attractions, there is nothing quite like Times Square, and everyone should visit at least once!

3. Central Park, another free place to go in Manhattan, NYC

Central Park is an urban green space where many Manhattan activities take place, so be sure to check it out. Spanning over 840 acres, it has everything from public art and playgrounds to wooded areas, lakes, and historic landmarks, so it’s one of New York’s best city parks .

Depending on your interests, you may enjoy the sculptures and statues here, such as the Bethesda Fountain and Cleopatra’s Needle. There are also several impressive buildings in the park, like Belvedere Castle , a decorative Gothic-style castle with an observation deck.

If you prefer to immerse yourself in nature, you’ll find all kinds of lush areas where you can escape the city noise. Among the wooded forests, lakes, and gardens, the Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow are two of the most popular green spaces in the park.

Again, Central Park is huge, so if you want to get around more quickly, consider renting a bike (rentals are included in the New York Pass ), or taking a bike tour .

4. Visit the Empire State Building, something fun to do in Manhattan

If you’re looking for another observation deck in NYC, the Empire State Building is an excellent choice. Formerly the world’s tallest skyscraper, this iconic landmark is still impressive, at 102 stories high.

Moreover, the Empire State Building has observatories on the 80 th , 86 th , and 102 nd floors, so you can get a variety of viewpoints. There are also indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, which is nice if you’re afraid of heights or the weather isn’t great. From the observation decks, you’ll have 360° views of NYC, including famous attractions like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Hudson River.

I recommend visiting right before sunset when the Empire State Building feels like the most magical place in Manhattan . You’ll see the sun lowering behind the skyline, bathing everything in pinks and purples. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best things to do in New York City , especially with your loved ones.

If you want to go up to the observatories, I suggest buying your ticket in advance or getting the New York Pass .

5. Wall Street, an interesting place in Manhattan to visit

Located in Lower Manhattan , Wall Street is NYC’s financial district and one of the top places of interest in Manhattan . Among the historical buildings here are the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Federal Hall, and New York’s first City Hall. The vibe here is definitely all-business, and some of the most significant banks have headquarters here, such as Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Lehman Brothers.

Wall Street takes up eight city blocks between Broadway and South Street, so the best way to see all the highlights is on this walking tour . It includes a guide who will take you to landmarks like Trinity Church and Bowling Green, the oldest public park in the city. You’ll also see the famous Charging Bull sculpture and the Fearless Girl statue.

6. Grand Central Terminal, one of the most popular places in Manhattan, NY

You probably passed through Grand Central Terminal if you arrived in NYC by public transportation. This huge train station connects the city’s subway and rail systems and serves over 20 million people annually. While a terminal may not sound exciting, it offers a few free things to do in Manhattan , so it’s worth checking out.

First, Grand Central Station is over 100 years old, so it contains some historical treasures, like the Main Concourse Clock, its chandeliers, and other Beaux-Arts-style elements. If you look closely, you’ll notice the artwork throughout the station, like the celestial-painted ceiling in the Main Concourse. There is also a Cornelius Vanderbilt statue, cast-iron eagles on the terminal’s façade, and temporary art installations throughout the year.

Besides the art and transportation services, the terminal has a variety of shops and restaurants, including Grand Central Market. Also, the station is next to the Chrysler Building , another Manhattan landmark , so you might want to walk by it before or after visiting Grand Central.

The Chrysler Building is a famous Art Deco-style skyscraper, and looking up at the 1,046-ft building from ground level is quite impressive. The interior is full of corporate offices, but you can go into the lobby to see more Art Deco architecture.

7. See New York from above at One World Trade Center Observatory

The observatory at One World Trade Center is one of the best places to visit in Manhattan and one of the most important sites in the city. It’s worth visiting the entire World Trade Center complex, which includes the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the observation deck at One WTC.

The observatory is between the 100 th and 102 nd floors of One WTC, which currently stands as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The skyscraper is 1,776 feet tall, while the observation deck is 1,268 feet tall.

As you can imagine, the sweeping views from up here are breathtaking and stretch for miles. You’ll get a panorama of the city, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty . Along with the views, you can check out other attractions in the observatory, like the theater or the Sky Portal , a glass platform with a camera feed of the city streets below.

Visiting the observation deck is a popular thing to do in Manhattan, so be sure to get your ticket or New York Pass in advance. If you also plan on visiting the 9/11 Museum, which I’ll mention next, you can get this combo ticket .

8. 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a reflective place to visit in Manhattan

The 9/11 Museum honors the memory of those killed in the 2001 World Trade Center attacks and the 1993 bombing. While it’s a heart-wrenching event to remember, it’s an important part of U.S. history, and the museum does a wonderful job of commemorating the victims, so it’s a must-see in Manhattan .

Inside, the museum features over 58,000 photos, audio recordings, videos, and other artifacts, including a surviving staircase from one of the Twin Towers. At the exact site where the Twin Towers once stood, there are now two beautiful reflecting pools. The 9/11 Memorial also includes bronze plaques inscribed with the 2,983 victims’ names, and the “Survivor Tree,” a pear tree that survived the World Trade Center’s collapse.

There was clearly a lot of thought that went into the 9/11 Museum, which is why it’s one of the top museums in NYC . Admission is included in the New York Pass , or you can get a museum ticket or combo ticket to the museum and observatory.

9. MoMA and other popular museums in Manhattan

Speaking of the best Manhattan museums , you can’t miss the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This fun museum has three floors of architecture, paintings, drawings, photographs, and other exhibits.

Some of the collection’s highlights include Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon , Van Gogh’s Starry Night , and Monet’s Water Lilies . If you like architecture, be sure to check out the Mies van der Rohe archives and works by Frank Lloyd Wright and Isamu Noguchi. MoMA even has a small video game collection, so it’s a fun place to visit in NYC with kids , too. You can get a skip-the-line ticket here .

Besides MoMA, there are other great museums in Manhattan, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art , the Guggenheim , and the Whitney Museum of American Art . If you’re not an art lover, the American Museum of Natural History is an incredible institution featuring biological and geological specimens.

Most of these museums are included in the New York Pass , and we have a guide to NYC’s free museums that’s also worth checking out.

10. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a tranquil place in Manhattan you should see

Among all the impressive architecture in Manhattan, St. Patrick’s Cathedral has some of the best design elements and iconography. It’s also the largest Neo-Gothic Catholic church in New York and the entire United States, so it’s a must-see in Manhattan .

Even if you aren’t a religious person, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a beautiful place to visit, both for its spiritual significance and its artistic splendor. Built in 1878, the cathedral stands nearly 330 feet tall, with a bell tower containing 19 church bells. Two large bronze doors measuring 16.5 feet tall and weighing 9,200 pounds depict Saint Patrick, Saint Joseph, archangels Michael and Gabriel, and other religious figures.

Inside, the nave has 32 marble columns and 12 dedicated altars, while the sanctuary can accommodate 3,000 parishioners. Lovely stained-glass windows adorn the inner sanctuary, and a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture sits nearby. The cathedral also has two huge pipe organs that still function, and a crypt containing the remains of several members of the Archdiocese of New York.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is an NYC designated landmark in Manhattan , and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the most famous churches in the country and a sight you can’t pass up.

11. Fifth Avenue, the best place in Manhattan to go shopping

Speaking of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, it’s on Fifth Avenue , one of the most famous streets in New York that runs through Manhattan from Washington Square Park to West 143 rd Street. This avenue is famous for its luxury shops and retailers, but it also goes past several tourist attractions in Manhattan , so it’s a good place to check out.

The name that’s most synonymous with Fifth Avenue is probably Saks Fifth Avenue , a high-end department store with a long history in NYC. The first Saks store opened in New York City in 1902 and featured seven floors of retail space. The store is still there today in Herald Square, along with five other Saks shops, including Saks Fifth Avenue.

Other luxury and name-brand retailers on Fifth Avenue include Armani, Bergdorf Goodman, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Valentino.

As I said, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is also on this street, specifically at Fifth Avenue and East 51 st Street. If you’re in this area, you won’t be far from other popular sites in Manhattan like the Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and MoMA. So, whether you want to shop or sightsee, this main thoroughfare is a hotspot you can’t miss.

12. The High Line, a beautiful place in Manhattan you can’t miss

Walking along the High Line is one of the top things to do in Manhattan with friends, family, or even by yourself. These renovated train tracks have been transformed into an elevated park and walkway that stretches 1.5 miles from Manhattan’s Meatpacking District to Chelsea.

I recommend taking your time to stroll the High Line and admire its green spaces, gardens, and public art. Besides being a beautiful addition to the city, the High Line goes past several attractions like the Whitney Museum and Chelsea Market, which I’ll talk about later.

It also winds past The Vessel , an awesome observation deck in NYC that’s unlike any other. The Vessel’s beehive shape is quite dizzying, but it’s a lot of fun to ascend the multi-level viewing platforms and experience the different lookout points. You can learn more about The Vessel and the High Line on this guided tour , which is also included in the New York Pass .

That said, the High Line is a completely free thing to do in NYC , so if you’re not sure where to go in Manhattan , explore this attraction and see where it leads you!

13. Manhattan helicopter tour, the best thing to do in Manhattan as a couple

Without a doubt, the coolest thing to do in Manhattan is to take a helicopter tour . There are all kinds of helicopter tours over NYC , so I’m sure you can find a suitable option for your budget and timeline.

For example, this basic Manhattan Island helicopter tour lasts for 20-30 minutes and takes you over the most iconic places in the city, like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty.

If you want to capture amazing photographs, I recommend this doors-off helicopter tour , which is the one we took during our trip. We got awesome aerial views of Liberty and Ellis Islands, New York Harbor, Battery Park, and other landmarks.

Finally, this private heli-tour is a romantic thing to do in Manhattan at night , especially with your significant other. The two of you can soar over the city at sunset or after dark, taking in the glittery lights and skyline. It’s a sensational experience you’ll never forget!

14. Go to Broadway, one of the top things to do in Manhattan

Another great couples’ activity in Manhattan that can cap off your night is a Broadway show . There are dozens of venues in the Broadway Theater District, so I’m sure there’s a show for anyone.

We’ve seen Aladdin , The Lion King , The Phantom of the Opera , Wicked , and Chicago , and everything was wonderful, from the set design and the costumes to the acting. If you want to browse tickets to other shows, you can check this website .

Another option is visiting the TKTS Pavilion at the Red Stairs in Times Square, which sells tickets at a steep discount. While you can’t always choose which show you’ll see, all the musicals and plays, from the mainstays to the limited-time showings, are spectacular.

Experiencing a Broadway show for yourself is something you must do in Manhattan at least once. That said, if you’re a theater fanatic, you’ll love this walking tour of Broadway , which is led by a professional New York City actor.

15. Bryant Park, a lovely outdoor place in Manhattan, New York

No matter the time of year, a visit to Bryant Park is a great thing to do in Manhattan . You can find this popular park along Fifth Avenue, between 40 th and 42 nd Streets.

Bryant Park is modeled in the French style, with lots of sculptures, statues, and memorials. The sprawling lawns and walking paths make it the perfect place to go in Manhattan if you want to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. If you’re visiting with kids, be sure to check out Le Carrousel Magique , a charming merry-go-round that plays French music. Also, if you’re in New York during Christmas , you can experience the park’s Winter Village, which features holiday activities and an ice skating rink.

Of course, it’s always a good time to go to the park, and while you’re there, you should also visit the New York Public Library . Located in the eastern part of Bryant Park, this Neo-Classical building is the NY Public Library’s main branch and the third-largest library in the world. Among its 20 rooms are a children’s library, a computer lab, and a study with a marble fireplace. You can’t take out any books without a library card, but it’s still worth going inside and exploring this literary paradise.

16. Go to The Battery, a fun thing to do in Manhattan

At the southern end of Manhattan, you’ll find The Battery , also known as Battery Park. This 25-acre public park offers relaxing pockets of nature, exciting attractions, and kid-friendly activities, so visiting it is a great thing to do in Manhattan with family .

The Battery faces New York Harbor, so it boasts lovely waterfront gardens and views. Among the perennial plants and flowers, there is also an urban farm, a woodland area, and contemplative green spaces tucked away in the trees.

If you want to just pass through the park, you can use the bike path or take a stroll along Monument Walk, which features nearly two dozen memorials. That said, I suggest spending some time here, taking in the sights and the fun attractions. For example, Castle Clinton , a 19 th -century fort, served as the first immigration station in the U.S. between 1855 and 1890. It predates Ellis Island, so it’s a cool historic landmark in Manhattan that’s worth seeing.

During the summer, cool off at Bosque Fountain , which has water jets that spray 15 feet into the air. Then, lounge or have a picnic on the two-acre lawn at The Oval . For the kids, there are several playgrounds and the SeaGlass Carousel. Battery Park also has a ferry terminal, so you can take a ride to Staten Island or do a Statue of Liberty tour like this one .

17. Visit Chinatown, Little Italy, & SoHo, something to do in Manhattan with friends

Of all the places to visit in Manhattan , you can’t miss Chinatown . Home to the highest concentration of Chinese people in the Western Hemisphere, Lower Manhattan’s Chinatown is one of the best and most famous Chinatowns in the country. It’s also the perfect way to experience the Chinese diaspora in one place, thanks to the grocery stores, markets, produce stalls, restaurants, and noodle houses lining the streets. The best dim sum in the city can be found here, as well as all kinds of unique shops and vendors.

Bordering Chinatown to the east, you’ll find Little Italy , another Manhattan neighborhood worth visiting . Besides hosting cultural events and religious festivals, Little Italy serves the best authentic Italian cuisine, so arrive hungry.

In fact, one of the best ways to experience these neighborhoods is through an NYC food tour , although this walking history tour is also very good. Along with Chinatown and Little Italy, you’ll also explore SoHo and Tribeca, two of the best neighborhoods in NYC .

SoHo is an artsy area known for its galleries, artists’ lofts, trendy boutiques, and vintage shops. It’s part of the larger Tribeca neighborhood, which borders Chinatown to the west. Home to the Tribeca Film Festival, this area is recognized for its industrial buildings, many of which have been converted into private residences. The Hudson River Park and a secondary branch of the New York Public Library are also in Tribeca.

18. Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and ride The BEAST

I already mentioned some of the most popular museums in Manhattan, but another one that I want to recommend is the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum . The museum is inside the USS Intrepid , an aircraft carrier and National Historic Landmark. Today, the watercraft is berthed on the Hudson River at Pier 86, but it was first launched in 1943. Throughout its career, the Intrepid survived numerous War World II kamikaze attacks and took part in the Vietnam War.

Visitors to the museum can explore the Intrepid ’s hangar and flight decks, as well as the Space Shuttle Pavilion and other museum galleries with additional aircraft. Among the 28 restored models, there is a Concorde SST, a Lockheed A-12, submarines from the Cold War, and spy planes. Admission is included in the New York Pass , or you can get a ticket here .

While you’re at Pier 86, consider taking a ride on The BEAST speedboat . This jet-powered thrill ride is one of the coolest boat rides in NYC , so if you want to make a splash with the kids, it’s a great thing to do in Manhattan with family . The BEAST boasts 1400 BHP-horsepower and a maximum speed of 45 mph, so you’ll feel the need for speed as you cruise down the Hudson River, past the Statue of Liberty, and back to the pier. The ride is about 30 minutes of twists and turns, so it’s the perfect daytime activity.

19. Join a Gospel service in Harlem, a unique thing to do in Manhattan

Without a doubt, Harlem is one of the coolest places in Manhattan , as it’s a neighborhood rich in culture, art, and history. While it originally began as a Dutch settlement, the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 30s brought Black culture to the forefront, leaving behind a legacy of African American music, literature, and fashion.

Among the landmarks here are the historic Apollo Theater , the Jazz Museum , and the Museo del Barrio , one of the best museums in NYC . The northern end of Central Park trails into Harlem, and the Bronx borders the neighborhood’s eastern edge.

That said, Harlem is unique in its own right and most certainly worth exploring. As you walk the city streets, you may notice many churches, and this is because there is a strong religious influence in Harlem. The neighborhood has over 400 churches, and some are even designated historic landmarks. It’s not uncommon to hear soulful gospel music emanating from these religious buildings, and if you want to experience the power and emotion of the gospel choirs, consider taking a Sunday morning gospel tour. I recommend spending one full day in Harlem if you’re planning a 10-day itinerary to NYC . But if you don’t have enough time, a quick morning visit should be enough.

20. Browse Chelsea Market, one of the coolest attractions in Manhattan

Chelsea Market is a mainstay in the city and a fun place in Manhattan to visit day or night. The former Nabisco factory takes up a full city block and sells everything from food and specialty items to arts, crafts, and clothing.

Perusing the vendor stalls at Chelsea Market is a great Manhattan activity for friends and the perfect thing to do on a rainy day. Don’t forget to check out Pearl River Mart, a popular Asian American retailer.

Chelsea Market is also home to office spaces for Google, YouTube, and other tech giants, and one of the most recent additions is ARTECHOUSE . This immersive exhibit is part virtual reality, part art gallery that combines cutting-edge technology and digital art. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, so book your ticket in advance.

Speaking of art, one of the best things to do in Chelsea, Manhattan is to browse the various galleries and art stores. The High Line also runs right past the market, so this walking tour is the best way to ensure you don’t miss anything.

21. Stroll through Greenwich Village, a must-see in Manhattan, New York

Greenwich Village is one of the coolest neighborhoods where you’ll find some of the best things to do in Manhattan . It rose to prominence in the 1960s as the Bohemian capital of the world and, today, Greenwich Village is an artsy district full of colorful shops, trendy stores, and jazz theaters.

If you go here, you’ll be able to walk past some historic landmarks like the Stonewall Inn , a gay bar and the location of the Stonewall riots of 1969. There is also the Hotel Albert , which housed writers and artists like Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, Salvador Dalí, and Jackson Pollock. You’ll also see lots of places to watch a cabaret performance or jazz concert, so consider taking in a show.

Along with its emphasis on alternative lifestyles and LGBTQ+ rights, Greenwich Village has several parks and playgrounds, with Washington Square Park being the most well-known. Also, this neighborhood is home to the largest Halloween parade in the U.S., so be sure to check it out if you’re visiting during this time.

Finally, Greenwich Village is a hotspot for foodies, with a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and bakeries. Consider indulging in an NYC food tour like this one , which visits several eateries and shops that you’ll only find in this neighborhood.

22. See the views from The Edge at Hudson Yards

The EDGE is an incredible observation deck overlooking NYC’s Hudson Yards that boasts some of the most impressive architecture in the city. It opened in 2020 and has quickly become one of the best things to see in Manhattan  since it’s one of the best places to take photos in NYC .

What makes this sky deck different is its glass floor that protrudes from the 100 th story, creating a feeling of floating in mid-air. Not only that, but one edge of the observation deck narrows into a small, triangular area big enough for one person. If you stand here, you’ll be 80 feet from the edge of the building and 1,100 feet above the ground.

There are other activities at The EDGE, like the City Climb, in which you scale the building from 1,200 feet up. However, you don’t have to do that to enjoy some amazing sightseeing in Manhattan , not to mention a drink or two!

If you want to experience The EDGE for yourself, you can get a ticket here or use your New York Pass .

23. See a game at Madison Square Garden, something fun to do in Manhattan

If sports are your thing, then visiting Madison Square Garden is a must-do in Manhattan . This famous indoor arena has an over 19,000-person capacity and hosts all kinds of sporting events, such as boxing and wrestling. You can also see a New York Knicks basketball game (here you have a guide with all the information to get NBA tickets in NYC ) or watch the New York Rangers hockey team battle it out on the ice.

Besides sports, this multi-purpose stadium is a popular venue for ice shows, concerts, and other special events. Some of the most famous names in the world have performed here, including Elton John, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga. Moreover, along with the main arena, Madison Square Garden has the smaller Hulu Theater for more intimate concerts and events.

The arena is also close to other tourist attractions in Manhattan , like the Empire State Building, so it’s the perfect landmark to add to your list. If you want the full experience, we did the Madison Square Garden tour and we liked it. You can book this tour here (it’s also included in the New York Pass ), to go behind the scenes and see the arena’s Defining Moments and Retrospective exhibits, and witness the view from the VIP box seats.

24. One Vanderbilt, another thing to do in Manhattan as a couple

If you’re visiting the city with your sweetheart and you’re looking for couples’ things to do in Manhattan , I recommend going to One Vanderbilt . This observation deck is unlike any other and sits atop the 4 th -tallest skyscraper in NYC. Here, you’ll be 1,210 feet above the city, granting you incredible views of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs.

Another great thing about this observation deck is that there are different areas to visit. For example, the Levitation section features two all-glass balconies that protrude from the side of the building, so you feel like you’re floating above the ground. If you go to the Infinity Room, you can grab a drink and enjoy a digital art installation showcasing the views from One Vanderbilt.

If you do plan to go to this amazing NYC rooftop , I recommend going just before sunset, especially if you’ll be with your partner. Here, you can watch an amazing sunset over the Manhattan skyline, so you won’t regret it. Just be sure to book a ticket in advance, so you can secure your spot.

25. Go to Little Island, a fun thing to do in Manhattan with kids

Finally, if you’re looking for things to do in Manhattan with family , I recommend going to Little Island . Located at Pier 55, it’s a charming artificial island that provides a nice break from the concrete jungle of New York City.

More specifically, Little Island is an urban green space jettied on the Hudson River. It’s only 2.4 acres, so while it’s small, it’s a nice little oasis and a great place to visit in Manhattan for free . Plus, if you’re with kids, you’ll find activities and attractions to keep them occupied here. There are performances spaces, food stalls, and an arts and crafts area scattered among the gardens.

Even if you just want to visit Little Island and walk among the landscaped grasses, trees, and plants, it’s one of the best free things to do in Manhattan . The walking paths slope upwards and downwards, and there are several lookout points and plazas where you can take a seat and enjoy the views.

Where to stay in Manhattan

If you’re looking for a place in Manhattan to stay for the night, we have a couple of recommendations for you:

• The Bowery Hotel – This hotel full of contemporary, European-inspired decor, is one of the best hotels in   Lower Manhattan .
• Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square West – We stayed here several times and liked that it was close to Times Square, but still very comfortable and safe. Plus, the views from the rooms are very nice.
• Pod 51 – This accommodation is one of the best cheap hotels in NYC and within walking distance of several Manhattan landmarks like the Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

These are some of our favorite lodging options, but if you want more hotels, you can read our guide on where to stay in New York City .

Map of Manhattan

I hope this guide helps you get excited and inspired for your next trip to NYC! Here is a downloadable map of all the places in Manhattan I mentioned. Keep it handy so you can quickly locate all the spots you want to hit!

As always, if you have any questions or you’d like to share your favorite things to do in Manhattan , don’t hesitate to leave me a comment. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Have a safe trip!

Ascen Aynat

2 replies on “ 25 Best Things to Do in Manhattan, New York ”

can i get a map of manhatten?

Hi Jeane, You can download the Google map at the end of this article!

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The Most Beautiful Places To Visit In New York City (NYC)

From sprawling lush green parks to architectural marvels, these are some of the most beautiful places to visit in new york city..

By: Chaitali Patel Published: Mar 05, 2024 01:00 PM HKT

Immortalised in innumerable films and TV shows, New York City (NYC) is the city of dreams, pulsating with boundless energy that’s hard to define but undoubtedly palpable when you are there. It can be rough around the edges, gritty, and overwhelming, but amidst its hustle and bustle, there are beautiful places in New York City that will delight and surprise you.

NYC is diverse, creative and alive and is as big as it gets with more options for entertainment, family fun, dining, drinking and things to do than anywhere else on earth. Making a choice might be harder than you think, so here’s our selection to get you started.

Stock up on water, put on your best walking shoes, and bring your A-game to the city that entirely warrants it. There’s simply no place like New York!

Best time to visit scenic and beautiful places in New York City

NYC is a good idea any time of the year, but expect something different depending on the season. The city sparkles from November through December with Christmas lights and decor galore. Springtime brings sunny days, trees bursting to life and a general spring in everyone’s step after the long, cold winter. Summers can be hot, but a roster of exciting events is great compensation. Fall is glorious with the leaves changing colour and a nip in the air. With the holiday season just around the corner, crowds begin to swell, but it’s also the most magical time of the year!

Most beautiful and scenic tourist places in New York City

Central park.

Central Park’s charm lies in its incongruity – it’s a sprawling green space bang in the heart of NYC, hemmed in by towering buildings on all sides. Spread over 843 acres, the park is home to gardens, lakes, meadows, playgrounds, a zoo and an ice-skating rink in winter. The scene of countless proposals, break-ups, and other endearing celluloid moments, Central Park stuns with its openness and lush foliage. Walk down its elm-lined walkways and cover some of its highlights: the Bethesda Fountain, Belvedere Castle , the Victorian-era Bow Bridge, Conservatory Garden and Strawberry Fields – a 2.5-acre piece of land dedicated to the late Beatle musician, John Lennon.

Visit some of NYC’s best museums located around the park’s perimeter. The American Museum of Natural History, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Art and Design are some of the many easily accessible from the park.

Timings: 6 am to 1 am on all days

Location: Between Upper West Side-Upper East Side neighbourhoods, Manhattan

How to reach: 20-minute walk from Grand Central Station and a 30-minute walk from Penn Station.

Best places to stay: The Plaza Hotel (luxury); Arthouse Hotel (boutique); The Blakely (budget)

Book your stay at The Plaza via Booking.com

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The Cloisters, Washington Heights

Often described as a castle, the Cloisters — a collection of buildings built around four cloisters, is a museum that houses a magnificent collection of art from the Middle Ages. Carefully rebuilt using material from different French cloisters and surrounded by medieval gardens, stepping inside is like both going back in time and travelling across the world.

Come spring and summer, the gardens brimming with flowers make for a lovely break between viewing more than 5000 pieces of European art that are part of the permanent collection. Soaking in the beauty of the buildings and their magical setting is as important as viewing the precious exhibits inside and so factor time for a wander. Inside the not-to-be-missed highlights are the intricately woven and mystical Unicorn Tapestries, stained glass from the chapel at Ebreichsdorf, Austria , and an ivory cross from the 12th century.

Timings: Thursday-Tuesday 10 am to 4:30 pm; closed on Wednesday

Location: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040

How to reach: Take the uptown A train to 190th Street Station. Exit to Fort Washington Avenue, take the M4 bus and ride north one stop to the Met Cloisters.

Best place to stay: Homewood Suites By Hilton

Book your stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton New York via Booking.com

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Grand Central Terminal

Trust NYC to throw up surprises, and it does with a railway station so magnificent that it’s one of the most visited places in the city. The Beaux Arts Grand Central Terminal draws not just people passing through but visitors who come to gawk at its striking baroque interiors. Its expansive vaulted ceiling is a thing of beauty covered with 12 gold leaf constellations and 2500 LED illuminated stars.

Meeting under the opal glass clock positioned above the information booth is as popular as clicking a photo in Times Square. A 90-minute guided walk lets you delve into the terminal’s long history and discover its many architectural marvels. With numerous shopping and dining options inside, you can spend several hours here.

Timings: 5:15 am to 2:00 am

Location: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA

How to reach: Accessible by many trains and buses. A shuttle from Times Square can also bring you to the station.

Best place to stay: Library Hotel

Book your stay at Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection via Booking.com

Book your stay at Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection via Agoda.com

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Prospect park.

The creators of Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, created Prospect Park hoping to better their first creation, and they did. One of the most beautiful places in New York City, Prospect Park is an oasis of green spanning 600 acres in Brooklyn with plenty of historic memorials, splendid architectural elements, and sculptures within its leafy confines.

The grand Beaux Arts Boathouse on Lullwater Lake, built in a Venetian style, transports you to an era when people would saunter around the grounds adorned in gowns and hats. Nearby Concert Grove was host to several open-air concerts in the late 19th century and features bronze busts of famous music composers, including a larger-than-life statue of Abraham Lincoln – the first statue built of the former president in the country.

Timings: 5 am to 1 am

Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA

How to reach: There are many subway stations within walking distance of the park, such as Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park, Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum, 15th Street-Prospect Park, Parkside Avenue and Hamilton Parkway.

Best place to stay: Ace Hotel Brooklyn

Book your stay at Ace Hotel Brooklyn via Booking.com

The High Line

Ever wondered what a modern green pocket would look like? Make your way to The High Line – an elevated public space created over an abandoned rail line. Running through a neighbourhood that was instrumental in its creation, people flock to The High Line to enjoy moments of precious calm in carefully created gardens featuring plants inspired by those that grew wild after the line was put out of service. It’s a popular spot to grab a bite, meet up with friends, or view art. An open-air art gallery , it features creations that touch upon a broad spectrum of subjects ranging from Biblical passages to climate injustice. Look out for Nina Chanel Abney’s NYC LOVE mural, which is an ode to the city, capturing the feelings associated with arriving here for the first time. Glorious 360-degree views of the Hudson River and NYC’s skyline are a bonus.

At one end, explore Hudson Yards, one of NYC’s newest neighborhoods, with a swanky shopping mall, the Vessel – a futuristic spiral staircase, and The Shed: a space where art across disciplines is celebrated. For a one-of-a-kind experience of the city, head to The Edge, a sky deck that offers splendid views and equal amounts of thrill as you walk along a glass floor jutting out 100 floors high.

And that’s not all! A short walk from The High Line is the ever-bustling Chelsea Market, an indoor eating and shopping destination unlike any other. Mirroring a lively market where patrons can eat through the world from Japanese-inspired Mexican dishes to Indian street food and also stock up on supplies.

Timings: 7 am to 8 pm

Location: West Side of Manhattan, New York

How to reach: Take the A/C trains to 14th Street, 23rd Street and 33rd Street-Penn Station

Best places to stay: The Hotel Chelsea

Book your stay at The Hotel Chelsea via Booking.com

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Everything about The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as The Met, is grand and spectacular. A visit just to take in the grandeur of the building is entirely warranted, as is sitting on its steps watching the world go by. Inside, art enthusiasts can look forward to diving into an expansive collection spanning 5,000 years from across the globe. The Egyptian section stuns with a collection of nearly 26,000 objects. Look out for the Temple of Dendur, gifted by Egypt to the United States as a token of appreciation for the help provided during the construction of the High Aswan Dam.

Other highlights include Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain sculptures; artworks and sculptures of European masters; and the arms and armour section. A free guided tour is the best way to get an overview of one of the most beautiful places in New York City and its different sections.

Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday-Sunday 10 am to 9 pm; Wednesday closed

Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA

How to reach: Take the 4, 5 or 6 trains to 86th Street and walk west to Fifth Avenue

Best places to stay: The Mark Hotel

Book your stay at The Mark via Booking.com

Book your stay at The Mark via Agoda.com

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)

With fabulous dining options, rocking nightlife, quirky art galleries, and a flea market in a fantastic location – with the striking Manhattan Bridge peeping out from between brick buildings – DUMBO is one of Brooklyn’s most loved neighbourhoods. In this once-industrial corner, cobbled streets run past warehouses repurposed into creative spaces. At every turn and corner, find something unexpected and fun! Don’t miss taking a leisurely ride on the sparkling Jane’s Carousel with 48 carved horses and two chariots. Brooklyn Bridge Park offers glorious views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the famous Manhattan skyline beyond. While there are plenty of choices to eat and drink, eternal favourites include Grimaldi’s, Juliana’s Pizza, and Jacques Torres Chocolate, known for its giant-sized chocolate chip cookie.

DUMBO is also home to NYC’s Time Out Market, a carefully selected mishmash of the city’s best eating and drinking places all under one roof with an electric atmosphere all through the day.

Location: Between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges

How to reach: Walk across Brooklyn Bridge; take the East River Ferry (seasonal) from Wall Street/Pier 11

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Brooklyn botanic garden.

One of the most beautiful places in New York City and another beloved green space, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens will take your breath away with its lush grounds filled with flowering shrubs and trees or captivating fall colours depending on the season. Created on a philosophy to foster an appreciation for nature and built on a sense of caring for the environment, the grounds are important as well as pleasurable.

A highlight is the cherry blossoms that envelop the park in a riot of blooms come spring. Meander down its many trails and stop where your heart desires. Being in nature and remaining in awe of it are what the garden is all about.

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm; Monday closed

Location: Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA

How to reach: Take the B/Q/S lines to Prospect Park Station

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Statue of Liberty

There’s perhaps no other sight as enduring as the greenish Statue of Liberty framed by NYC’s iconic skyscrapers, one of the most beautiful places in New York City. A gift from France to mark the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution, it was shipped in parts and put together on the island.

For the thousands of migrants who arrived in New York, a sighting of the 93-metre statue served as a beacon of hope and freedom. Today, visitors throng the 14.7-acre island to get a closer look. For those keen to delve deeper, climb 354 steep steps that take you right up to the crown.

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm on all days

Location: New York, NY 10004, United States

How to reach: Statue City Cruises take visitors to Liberty Island starting from The Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan, and Liberty State Park from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Best place to stay: Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Centre

Book your stay at Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center via Booking.com

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Greenwich Village

Big on Bohemian vibe, Greenwich Village bristles with creativity. Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan called this neighbourhood home, and several other creative geniuses created some of their best work here, including the unstoppable Taylor Swift.

Today, come for a laugh at one of the many fabulous comedy clubs, indulge in some of the best food the city has to offer, shop in quaint boutiques, listen to a performance in Washington Square Park, or simply stroll past a collection of brownstone buildings standing alongside post-war apartment blocks.

Location: Manhattan

How to reach: Several trains will take you to 14th Street or West 4th Street stops

Best place to stay: Washington Square Hotel

Book your stay at Washington Square Hotel via Booking.com

Book your stay at Washington Square Hotel via Agoda.com

(Feature image credit: Linda Harms/Shutterstock) 

Related:  25 Most Beautiful Places In Texas, According To A Born And Raised Texan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Which NYC neighbourhoods offer the best views of the city skyline? Brooklyn and The High Line offer some of the best views of NYC’s skyline.

– What are some of the picturesque spots in Central Park? Bethesda Fountain, Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge, and Conservatory Garden are some of the most picturesque spots in Central Park.

– Where can I enjoy beautiful waterfront views in New York City? Brooklyn Bridge Park, Domino Park, Brooklyn Bridge, and Staten Island Ferry have some of the most stunning waterfront views in NYC.

– Are there any hidden gems with beautiful architecture? The Cloisters and Jefferson Market Library are places with beautiful architecture.

– What are some photogenic New York City streets for Instagram-worthy shots? The intersection of Washington Street and Water Street, DUMBO; Flatiron Building at the intersection of Broadway and 5th Avenue, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and Washington Square Arch are some of the best Instagram-worthy streets for your feed.

– Where can I experience the beauty of art and architecture in NYC? The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and MoMA are some of the best options to enjoy beautiful art and architecture in New York City.

– Which parks offer a peaceful escape from the New York City noise? Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Prospect Park, and Domino Park offer a peaceful escape from the city noise.

– What are some of the scenic places to explore in lower Manhattan? The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, The Battery, and Brooklyn Bridge are some of the scenic places to pay a visit to in lower Manhattan.

– Where can I find beautiful places and panoramic views of New York City? Summit One Vanderbilt, One World Observatory, Empire State Building, Edge Observation Deck, and Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Centre offer the chance to experience panoramic views of New York City.

• New York City
• Travel Guide

Chaitali Patel

Chaitali Patel is happiest under a tree. She's passionate about all things travel and the environment. When not planning her own trips she's more than happy to go through other's itineraries offering ideas and suggestions. To reduce the amount of coffee she was drinking she took to tea and is now addicted to that. When she's not reading she's probably .. Read More indulging in her guilty pleasure — looking at beautiful homes on Pinterest. She has worked with several media companies in the past including BBC World and National Geographic Traveller India. Read Less

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20 Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York

There's plenty to see in New York beyond the Big Apple.

Wendy O'Dea has worked as a travel journalist and content strategist for two decades. Her work has appeared in USA Today, Travel + Leisure, 10best.com, Robb Report , and many other outlets. 

Occasionally, when I tell people I'm from New York, their reaction is something along the lines of, "But you don't sound like you're from New York." I wonder, have they forgotten there's a whole state beyond the Big Apple?

But upstate New York, with its majestic mountains, abundance of lakes, and charming small towns, is anything but forgettable as anyone who has been to the region knows. For those who haven't yet visited, or want to see more of it, here are 20 of the best places to visit in upstate New York.

Conesus Lake

Conesus Lake is the westernmost Finger Lake, drawing crowds every year for its July 3rd Ring of Fire, when 10,000 flares are lit along its periphery as fireworks explode overhead. Nearby, the tiny hamlet of Lakeville is home to the Little Lake Brewing brewery, one of the stops along the new Livingston Libation Loop that maps out wineries, cideries, and craft microbreweries around the county. While there, don't miss the recently installed street murals and art along the 90-mile self-guided Inspirations Trail.

Cooperstown

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is just one of the notable attractions worth visiting in this quaint New York village. The Fenimore Art Museum , built on land once owned by novelist James Fenimore Cooper, features an impressive collection of American art, and the Glimmerglass Festival , held each summer, lures opera lovers from far and wide. Visitors to nearby Howe Caverns (about 38 miles east), can go caving or spelunking at New York state's second-most visited natural attraction.

Letchworth State Park

Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park features an impressive gorge carved out over centuries by the Genesee River. You'll find dozens of camera-ready waterfalls where the river dramatically crashes down along shale, limestone, and sandstone cliffs that rise 550 feet at their highest point. A recently built Autism Nature Trail , the first in the country designed for people on the autism spectrum, includes eight marked sensory stations spread across a one-mile loop.

Niagara Falls

In addition to the iconic Niagara Falls, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is worth a stop to learn more about the history of the Underground Railroad, which often culminated at the Canadian border. Learn about Harriet Tubman and local heroes like John Morrison. The museum's permanent exhibit, " One More River to Cross ," received the 2019 Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History.

Located at the southwestern end of Chautauqua Lake, Jamestown is best known as the hometown of comedienne Lucille Ball. Visitors with an appreciation of comedy should pop by the National Comedy Center — the first museum dedicated to the art of comedy. For something more intellectual, the renowned Chautauqua Institution is a short drive up the lake, and each summer features speakers, performers, and programs focused on the "exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life."

Ellicottville

About an hour south of Buffalo, in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, this quaint village exudes charm as witnessed by the well-preserved and restored homes and buildings dating back to the 19th century. It's also where western New York sports enthusiasts and skiers go to mountain bike, hike, or slalom down the 60 slopes and trails at neighboring Holiday Valley Resort .

Seneca Falls

Situated at the north end of Cayuga Lake, this historic spot is believed to be the inspiration for the town of Bedford Falls in Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life." Most notably, though, is the important role it played in the women's rights movement, having hosted the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848. The town's Convention Days (each July) attract crowds, and the Women's Rights National Historical Park is worth visiting, too. You can also toast to the suffragettes while wine tasting along one of the many nearby Finger Lakes wine trails.

Skaneateles

This affluent town whose name means "long lake" in native Iroquois is another central New York destination known for its wine tasting and fall foliage. It's also a favorite among avid cyclists who come to pedal the 32-mile trail around the lake. Each year, starting Thanksgiving weekend, the town hosts its annual Dickens Christmas celebration with live entertainment, horse and wagon rides, and a cast of Dickensian characters.

Lake George

Few lakes around New York state are known for scuba diving, so visitors are often surprised to discover that certified divers can explore 18th-century shipwrecks at the bottom of Lake George, including the oldest intact warship in North America. Vacationers flock to this town in the Adirondack region each summer, and the crowds can get thick, but there's also plenty of winter fun to be had, including snowshoeing and a family-focused carnival every February.

Saranac Lake

The Adirondack Mountains have beckoned city dwellers for centuries, including tycoons like the Guggenheims and Vanderbilts, who owned rustic yet luxurious compounds known as the Great Camps. The Point , once a Rockefeller Great Camp, still welcomes guests with all-inclusive stays that harken back to that time, complete with black-tie dinners. The resort is near the village of Saranac Lake, nestled between the mountains and lakes and filled with inviting boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Not only is Ithaca a top-notch college town, but it's also a natural wonderland with breathtaking gorges, parks, and waterfalls, like Taughannock Falls, with a height three times that of Niagara Falls. There's an abundance of activities around the city, too, including a botanical garden, boat tours, wine trails, and a self-guided Discovery Trail that highlights local history, astronomy, and earth science. Rumor has it that it was also the birthplace of the ice cream sundae .

Watkins Glen and Montour Falls

In upstate New York, many destinations are defined by their proximity to one of the state's lakes — and so it is, with Watkins Glen, found on the southern end of Seneca Lake. Best known for its legendary auto-racing history, the Watkins Glen International racetrack has played host to countless races, from the Grand Prix to Nascar to Formula One. It's also a good jumping-off point to hit the Seneca Lake Wine Trail , which stretches along the length of the lake and is the largest wine trail in the Finger Lakes.

Saratoga Springs

Just because Saratoga Springs is already known as a popular vacation destination doesn't mean you shouldn't go. There's something classically old-school about spending a day at the races at the famous Saratoga Race Course or at Saratoga Spa State Park , which is a National Historic Landmark. The art scene is solid, too, with impressive productions at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center , the Spa Little Theatre , and other venues.

Thousand Islands

The U.S.-Canadian border snakes through the St. Lawrence River, zigzagging through the spectacular Thousand Islands archipelago where the river meets Lake Ontario. The archipelago consists of about 1,800 islands, from small and craggy to large and lush. Visitors converge here each summer and fall to soak up views of picture-perfect lighthouses and dramatic castles, including the never-inhabited Boldt Castle. On the nearby mainland, towns include Clayton, Cape Vincent, and Sackets Harbor, the latter of which has been designated a New York State Heritage Area.

An affluent upstate New York community, Pittsford is a charmer set on the banks of the Erie Canal. This year, the town — and many others along the path of this historic waterway that connects the Atlantic with the Great Lakes — celebrates its bicentennial with special programming. That includes a twilight boat tour on the Sam Patch, a replica 1800s packet boat. Come summer, visitors and locals dine at Schoen Place overlooking the canal, then line up for homemade ice cream at Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery . Other attractions include neighboring Mendon Ponds Park and The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester.

Ausable Chasm

In the eastern Adirondacks, not far from Lake Champlain and the Vermont border, Ausable Chasm is a two-mile-long sandstone gorge carved out 500 million years ago. It's another ideal destination for chasing waterfalls (particularly the cascading Rainbow Falls) and exploring the Adirondacks on its many hiking and adventure trails. It's also a stone's throw from the North Star Underground Railroad Museum , which tells the stories of slaves seeking freedom at the Canadian border, located about an hour north by car.

Dia Beacon , a celebrated collection of contemporary art, brought a lot of attention — and visitors — to this city on the banks of the Hudson River. And with that attention came more appreciation for the many other galleries, shops, cafés, breweries, and antique stores that have taken up residence on its magnetic Main Street. Trek to the top of Mount Beacon or book a boat tour to Pollepel Island (known locally as Bannerman Island), which Native Americans believed was inhabited by haunted, hostile spirits.

About a three-hour drive from New York City, this mountain town welcomes adventurers with its multitude of endorphin-producing activities, including the fastest and longest zip-line canopy tour in North America. There's a charming Main Street in this "gem of the Catskills," with inviting boutiques, bistros, and galleries. In August 2022, the Wylder Windham hotel reopened with a pickleball court, heated pool, and wine tastings every weekend.

Don't write off Buffalo just because of its infamous winter weather. The city continues to evolve as a tourism destination, with the recent restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House , a restored historic carousel on the Buffalo Waterfront, and a big expansion of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum (previously known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery).

Sylvan Beach

Since we're highlighting towns around New York's Finger Lakes, Oneida Lake and the village of Sylvan Beach deserve a shout-out, too. It's a great option for a classic upstate summer vacation, where visitors can spend the day at the town's old-timey amusement park, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relaxing lakeside with a bottle of local vino. Another way to while away the day is on the water: Rent a cottage at the new Cove at Sylvan Beach, where each rental includes a private pontoon boat.

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The Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Upstate New York

Art & Design Editor

When you think New York , you probably think of the industrial hubbub of Manhattan . However, there is much more to the Empire State than towering skyscrapers and rumbling subways. Why not escape the urban in some pristine countryside, or stay in a horror-inspiring village? You’ve not gotten the most out of your NY stay until you’ve given these beautiful towns in New York a fair shake.

Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Skaneateles

Located alongside Skaneateles Lake in Onondaga County, this village exudes natural beauty all year round. From charming inns and B&Bs to a historic downtown district with unique restaurants, Skaneateles is a perpetually popular among tourists, offering something for everyone and a piece of New York history.

With a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, Cold Spring in Putnam County is a popular weekend getaway for New York City residents. The village center is quaint, featuring restored 19th-century buildings and independent shops. It’s the perfect place for getting in touch with nature: a quiet stroll, biking, boating and kayaking are all at your fingertips. However, there’s also space for shopping, restaurants, and charming bed and breakfasts.

Lake Placid

Located in the Adirondack Mountains, the village of Lake Placid was listed in US News & World Report as one of the 6 Forgotten Vacation Spots in North America. Surrounded by natural beauty, Lake Placid is consistently popular among snow skiers, hikers and bikers. The village was founded in the 19th century, and today maintains plenty of original small-town charm.

The city of Ithaca is widely known for stunning natural beauty and thriving local culture. Dine at one-of-a-kind restaurants , wander in and out of galleries, attend live-music events, and explore nearby gorges and the shores of Cayuga Lake. Home to a population of university students, Ithaca possesses a diverse community full of history and culture.

Sleepy Hollow

Less than an hour from Manhattan, this legendary village was made immortal by Washington Irving’s 1820 horror classic. Appropriately olden are the Philipsburg Manor, the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow, and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Famed historical figures such as Andrew Carnegie, Brooke Astor and Elizabeth Arden are buried there.

The beautiful town of New Paltz in Ulster County lies approximately 88mi (142km) from New York City and 70mi (113km) south of Albany. Largely characterized by the local student population, New Paltz is home to boutique shops and restaurants. The town offers countless outdoor activities, alongside several cultural and historical points of interest, including the Historic Huguenot Street and the Elting Memorial Library.

Located only 31mi (50km) north of New York City, Tarrytown sits on the eastern shore of the Hudson River . Steeped in local history, with original Dutch settlements dating back to the 17th century, Tarrytown is an ideal destination for New Yorkers looking to escape the city for a day. The city guide of Tarry town include points of interest such as Lyndhurst Mansion, Jay Gould’s Gothic Revival estate; Sunnyside, the home of Washington Irving; and Castle Hotel & Spa, a 19th-century Norman-style castle on the Hudson River.

Saratoga Springs

An ideal place to live within New York State, Saratoga Springs is a picturesque city north of Albany. The area was settled by English colonists in the 17th century and played an important role in the Revolutionary War. Today, Saratoga Springs is best known for horse racing. However, it also prospers culturally from the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, as well as the summer residencies of the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

A cultural center point, Woodstock is best known for sharing a name with the legendary 1969 music festival – despite it actually taking place 60mi (97km) away in Bethel. It remains a historical and cultural haven, though. The town was a leading site of the Hudson River School in the 19th century, followed by the Arts and Crafts Movement in the early 1900s. The founding of the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony further defined the cultural influence of Woodstock.

Watkins Glen

Popular thanks to a close proximity to the bucolic Watkins Glen State Park, the village of Watkins Glen lies at the intersection between Seneca Lake and the Chemung River. It’s known for ties to auto racing throughout the 20th century and continues to attract tourists each year with summer festivals. When it’s not festival season, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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18 unmissable places to visit in upstate new york.

When you think of New York, your mind instantly goes to Manhattan with its incredible skyscrapers, Empire State Building, and sprawling Central Park, but this iconic city isn’t the only place to explore in New York. We’ve fallen in love with New York State and if you plan a trip there, you’ll quickly see why. 

Upstate New York is full of beautiful natural landscapes, excellent food and wine scene, and seemingly endless recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

If you’re planning on visiting Upstate New York yourself, you’ll be hard-pressed to visit every single notable location unless you’re able to stay for weeks. That’s why we’ve made a list of our top 18 places to visit in upstate New York, so you can start imagining your trip and building the best itinerary. 

Planning your trip to Upstate New York?

Where to stay in upstate new york:.

• Margaritaville Resort Times Square ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor .
• Moxy NYC Times Square ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor .

Best Tours and Experiences in Upstate New York:

• Niagara Falls in One Day from New York City – See and experience Niagra Falls in one day with enough time to explore the Niagara Falls State Park.
• New York NYC Private Limo Tour – Take in Manhattan in a luxurious Stretch Limo, SUV, Or Luxury Van.

» Spending time in New York City? Check out our essential city guide and see the top 25 touristy things to do , where to stay in the city, a perfect 4-day itinerary , plus fun activities in Central Park .

Table of Contents

18 Places To Visit In Upstate New York

1. cooperstown.

Downtown Cooperstown is an area of Upstate New York to explore in as much depth as you can during your trip. 

While you’re there, you should make a point to visit the Farmer’s Museum , where you can learn about some of Upstate New York’s rural traditions.

In a similar vein, there’s also the Fenimore Art Museum , which is the perfect place to appreciate American artwork, including Native American and Folk art collections. 

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is a must-visit attraction for baseball fans, while Glimmerglass State Park’s Otsego Lake is the perfect hiking, picnic, or nature-watching location.

2. Woodstock

Woodstock has been associated with hippie culture for decades due to the town’s history, and it’s still one of the best towns in Upstate New York to visit if you want to enjoy live music, art, and nature all in one place. 

Artists will want to make a beeline for the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild to take classes, see exhibits, and watch performances by other local artists. Tour the Bearsville Center on this walking music and history tour.

The best natural landscapes to see in Woodstock include Kaaterskill Falls and Overlook Mountain, where you can end a bracing trek by visiting the museum at the top as well as the ruins on the way up.

3. Chittenango Falls State Park

Chittenango Falls State Park is home to one of New York’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls . It’s also one of Upstate New York’s best hiking locations, so if outdoor activities and gorgeous scenery are your ideas of a good time, be sure to check it out!

The waterfall itself is a massive 167 feet tall, and you can hike to the top of the waterfall to see the view from above or watch the water flow from the nearby footbridge.

Alternatively, there are plenty of other trails which are shorter but which you can link together to create your perfect hike.

4. Kingston

You can’t visit Upstate New York without stopping at Kingston! If you didn’t know, Kingston was the original capital of New York and was a key location during the American Revolution. 

One Kingston venue we can’t recommend enough is Rough Draft Bar and Books which is the best place in Uptown Kingston to enjoy delicious beer and browse books while sampling some incredible baked goods. 

If you find yourself in the waterfront area of Kingston, you should try to visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum or take a sightseeing cruise down that same river.

When you get hungry, get a bite to eat at Village Coffee and Goods , which serves excellent breakfast sandwiches and healthy bowls for lunch.

Hudson is another unmissable part of Upstate New York. It’s known for its incredible restaurants, art scene, and historical appeal. 

If you’re interested in seeing some art exhibitions while you’re in Hudson, we recommend the Carrie Haddad Gallery for contemporary art or the Basilica Hudson , where you can enjoy various types of artwork and performances, including music and film.

Around sunset, one of the most iconic Hudson experiences is a boat tour of the Hudson Lighthouse.

WM Farmer and Sons are one of Hudson’s best-loved restaurants, and if you love steak and seafood, you should definitely grab dinner there.

Lovers of fine wine will also want to check out Hudson Wine Merchants , where you can reserve a spot on a wine tasting session.

6. Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake may not be talked about as often as some of the other tourist hotspots on our list, but no matter what time of year you choose to visit Upstate New York, you won’t regret stopping at this haven of natural beauty. 

If you’re going to be in New York during the winter, we recommend staying at the Lake Clear Lodge for the ultimate winter wonderland experience, complete with sleigh rides.

This lodge is also beautiful during the summer, especially during the evenings as the sun sets over the lake. 

There are plenty of outdoor activities to take part in at Saranac Lake, from snowmobiling in the winter to hiking during the warmer months.

The 1892 Bar and Grille is the perfect place to refuel once you’ve worked up an appetite.

7. Niagara Falls

If you find yourself near the Niagara River in New York, you should take the time to appreciate the beauty of Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls State Park is open year-round and provides incredible experiences, from a boat tour of the waterfalls to dining at the Top of the Falls Restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food with a view of this iconic natural landmark. This tour will take you on both the American and Canadian sides of the border with all the must-see attractions.

There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area of Niagara Falls if you feel like walking, or if you’d like to learn more about the history of the area and the waterfalls themselves, there’s the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University .

8. Alexandria Bay

In the Thousand Islands area of Upstate New York, you’ll find Alexandria Bay. This is a maritime village with a lot of history to learn about as well as stunning views. 

One of the main tourist attractions in Alexandria Bay is Boldt Castle , which was built in the early 1900s and drew visitors every year with its beautiful architecture and tragic backstory. You can visit the castle by boat.

You should also book a boat tour specifically of the St. Lawrence River to find out more about the history (and mystery) behind some of the famous homes and shipwrecks in the area.

9. Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen is the perfect Upstate New York vacation destination for those who love to stay active on vacation while enjoying some amazing food and drink.

For gorgeous views and lengthy hikes, the Watkins Glen State Park is a beautiful historic preservation site where you can get in touch with nature and local history. 

The nearby Seneca Lake is ideal for kayaking, and animal lovers can spend many happy hours at the Watkins Glen Farm Sanctuary .

Ithaca is one of the most colorful, vibrant towns in New York, known for its progressive attitudes and opportunities for adventure. 

Wine lovers will be obsessed with the Cayuga Wine Trail , where you can tour different wineries in the area and sample some of the best local wines.

Handwork is Ithaca’s artisan cooperative, so if you want to support the town’s thriving art culture, check it out.

This Orleans County village has a lot of history behind it, so if you’re looking for somewhere to learn things you didn’t know and step back into times gone by, Albion is the place for you. 

There are many museums to explore in Albion, from the Cobblestone Museum to the Medina Railroad Museum .

Village House Restaurant is one of the top-rated dining establishments in the area, and the Salmaca Estate Winery is one of Albion’s best vineyards.

12. Storm King Art Center

If you’re going to be visiting Hudson Valley during your time in Upstate New York, it makes sense to stop and see the Storm King Art Center .

The Storm King Art Center spans 500 acres and has been attracting locals and tourists alike since 1960 with its outdoor art exhibitions and museums. You can spend hours here admiring one-of-a-kind works of art. 

There’s even an outdoor cafe at the center, so you’ll be able to stop and enjoy sandwiches and snacks (plus wine and beer) on your art appreciation adventure!

13. Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park is something of a hidden gem in Upstate New York, located next to the Erie Canal Towpath. If you love hiking, this will be a must for your itinerary, but that’s not all Green Lakes State Park has to offer!

Once you’ve finished exploring some of the trails, you can enjoy a relaxing game of golf at the local golf course or unwind at the beach within the park itself. 

You can check off both your accommodation and dining needs at The Craftsman Inn , which includes breakfast with your room and serves dinner at the restaurant.

14. Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is another place you should try to stop at if you’re in the Hudson Valley area. You might associate it with horse races, but rest assured that it’s still worth a visit if that’s not your thing. 

For example, there’s the Saratoga Winery , the stunning Saratoga Spa State Park , and the Yaddo Gardens . 

When you’re in the mood for food, Boca Bistro is beloved by tourists and locals alike.

15. Lake Placid

The Adirondacks region is the best place to go in Upstate New York if you want to enjoy scenic views, crisp mountain air, and exhilarating adventures. Specifically, we recommend visiting Lake Placid. 

Whiteface Mountain is accessible from here and it’s one of New York’s best skiing spots. The ADK Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit for animal lovers and Downstairs Boat Rental provides opportunities to try various watersports on the lake for affordable prices.

16. Sleepy Hollow

You may have heard of Sleepy Hollow in the context of ghost stories thanks to Washington Irving, but visiting Sleepy Hollow is actually a very pleasant experience!

Of course, for those who are interested in Sleepy Hollow’s legendary side, there’s plenty to do, from the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to the Headless Horseman Bridge. You can even visit the home of Washington Irving himself.

However, there’s also the less-spooky historical Philipsburg Manor , the local farmer’s market which sells fresh produce, and Rockefeller State Park Preserve for nature lovers.

17. New Paltz

New Paltz is an Ulster County town with tons of nature-based attractions for visitors. 

During your time in New Paltz, you should take a walking tour of Historic Huguenot Street to learn more about the town’s (and America’s) history. 

Wallkill Valley Rail T rail is one of the best spots for a walk in nature, while the Robibero Family Vineyards is perfect for an afternoon of wine tasting and learning about wine production.  

DM Weil Gallery is another attraction we recommend if you’re interested in contemporary art.

Beacon is easily accessible from many areas of New York, including New York City , and there’s so much to do in this part of the Hudson Highlands. 

Hudson Highlands State Park has some of the most picturesque views and best hiking trails in New York, in our opinion. 

If you don’t feel like hiking, you can get in touch with your artistic side at Hudson Beach Glass or Dia: Museum .

If you have time for a meal in Beacon, we highly recommend reserving a table at The Roundhouse , which was built during the 1800s and has a fascinating history and a modern menu based on American cuisine. You can also book a room here if you want to stay overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i see in upstate new york.

The top things to see in upstate New York, in my opinion, are Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes (Ithaca, Seneca Falls, or Skaneateles), Adirondack Park, covering over 3 million acres, the Hudson Valley, and Cooperstown, a must-see for any baseball fans. Visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Where should I stay in Upstate NY?

Upstate New York offers a wide range of vacation options, from scenic mountain retreats to charming small towns and bustling cities. Some popular destinations in Upstate New York include Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, Ithaca, Hudson, and Niagara Falls. Ultimately, the best place to stay in Upstate New York depends on your personal preferences and interests.

How to get to Upstate New York?

There are several ways to get to Upstate New York;

• By Air. By far the easiest way to get to Upstate New York thanks to the many surrounding airports that serve domestic and international flights.
• By Train. Amtrack is the train service connecting many of the cities within Upstate new york.
• By Car. Take advantage of the major highways and explore Upstate New York at your own pace with a road trip.
• By Bus. Greyhound is one of the many bus service companies that operate in Upstate New york city taking you in and out of the cities and connecting to neighboring states.

Final Thoughts

Based on the variety of things to do and places to see in Upstate New York, we recommend staying here for as long as you can experience as much as possible. 

Whether you’re planning a nature excursion across this part of the state, a deep dive into New York’s art culture, or a tour of the area’s best wineries, Upstate New York will not disappoint you! 

Which Upstate New York location will you visit first?

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

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• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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52 Places to Love in 2021

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We asked readers to tell us about the spots that have delighted, inspired and comforted them in a dark year. Here, 52 of the more than 2,000 suggestions we received, to remind us that the world still awaits.

South wales, wales.

Over the last 20 years I’ve traveled to South Wales about seven or eight times with my wife, and later our children, to visit family in a town near Swansea called Mumbles. (The name is a corruption of the French word for “breasts.”) It sits at the edge of the Gower Peninsula — a beautiful wild place that offers expansive beaches, medieval castles, hilltop trails, horses that graze near Stone Age ruins and picture-book villages with friendly pubs serving Sunday roasts and local ales in dark-wood booths.

Punctuated by weddings, births, graduations, anniversaries and deaths, our trips represented different stages in our lives. But each trip also seemed less like a visit to relatives in the old country than an escape to a secret, beautiful place that only we knew.

About the author

Owen Martikan is a lawyer who lives in San Anselmo, Calif., with his wife, Catherine, and their two teenage children.

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan is only five miles wide and 12 miles long, but runners showed me parts of the island I never would have found myself. We saw a beautiful B-29 engine from a plane crash in the mountains. Also a staircase cut into a cliff, from the last Japanese command post .

Runners took me boating, diving, hiking, camping, spelunking and golfing. Swimming in a lagoon that dropped toward the Mariana Trench, we marked how far we’d swum with the top halves of three submerged Sherman tanks — a door open, guns sticking out. I was never the hare, but I’m coming back to set a trail.

Meghan West of Denver, a geophysicist working with the Army Corps of Engineers, traveled to Saipan looking for unexploded ordnance from World War II.

Kaliya Dhrow, India

I pinned it down to several villages. Riding along a dirt road, we passed a hill split by nature. On both sides you have water, craggy peaks. This one huge mountain has six peaks, which I named Mahabharata, after the ancient poem in which five brothers share one wife. It was around noon, the sun was beating down and we had been riding for two hours when the road ended. We parked our bikes.

From the rim of a crater, I looked inside this marvelous, endless landscape of red: streaks of crimson, saffron — orange, also. I started climbing down, through the different shades of the setting sun, and I came to a waterfall with fish flying upstream.

Varun Suchday, of Bhuj, India, rode a motorcycle to tour the remote landscape near the village of Bhadli with his father and uncles in 2020.

Photo credits

Two bottom photographs taken by Kaushik Gor.

Isfahan, Iran

There’s a difference between the people and the government. I wish Americans could see the vibrant curiosity of the people who live here. I used to visit Isfahan every year. I spent long mornings lifting weights in the women-only gyms, and afternoons with my grandfather, watching him lovingly watering the plants in his garden and shooing away stray cats. But divisive politics, and now Covid-19, have made it harder. My grandfather died two years ago. I wasn’t there. I feel my Farsi growing rusty on my tongue.

Neeknaz Abari was raised in Washington, D.C., and works at a consulting firm in Dallas.

The Llanos, Colombia

Tropical rhythms are replaced by the twangy harp of joropo, and the smell of the sea gives way to that of tallgrass, cattle and smoky barbecue.

As Colombia has attracted more international visitors in recent years, the Llanos have remained relatively untraversed. The Llanos host an alluring combination of pristine biodiversity and traditional ranching culture seemingly lost in time. Anacondas, howler monkeys, capybaras and crocodiles live alongside ranchers, farmers and thousands of cattle. The grasslands once featured some of the wildest battles of the Independence era , and have witnessed the 20th-century horrors of guerrilla violence and drug trafficking. Today, though, like the rest of Colombia, the Llanos are emerging, if unsteadily, as a place of tranquillity.

Samuel Dulik, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, is a management consultant in Bogotá.

Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Inhabited since Paleolithic times, Siwa is where the past, present and future seem to exist at once. There you’ll find a mountain filled with Ptolemaic tombs and the Temple of the Oracle , both thousands of years old.

When I say it haunts my dreams, I mean it. I frequently find myself in my dreams walking through date orchards at night past the lakes, into the desert, nearly feeling the cool sand in my tired feet as I wonder at the stars. I always awake with a sense of calm and clarity.

Catherine Litten of Hyattsville, Md., works as a director of scholarships for an education nonprofit.

• Montana’s ‘Golden Triangle’

The plowed land closest to our farm held an old buffalo wallow, and there used to be tepee rings in the front pasture. This part of Montana, Lewis and Clark country, is flat and implacable with swells, coulees and hills. Ancient volcanic ranges — the Bears Paw Mountains, the Highwoods, the Little Rockies — sprawl in the middle of enormous wheat fields and acres of rangeland. Every morning when I was a kid, I saw the land first and the world second. It’s astonishingly severe and beautiful.

Light lasts a very long time there, in the summer evenings. There is sort of a constant background of big winds. And so we had a shelter belt, which was rows of trees that are around one corner of the main farm stand. And I would go down there as a kid and make my little world out of the clods of earth that were, and are, part of my soul.

You’re small in that part of the country.

Doreen Stevens is retired from nonprofit work and lives with her husband in Arlington, Mass.

The Camino de Santiago, Spain

Our first walk was in 2007 after two of his brothers died. I was not expecting to enjoy it; the idea was that we were offering up our sufferings for our ancestors. Instead, I found myself appreciating both the forced meditation and the fellow travelers we met on the way. We’ve gone back multiple times and brought different members of our family with us. I’ve rethought jobs, relationships and life direction over hundreds of kilometers. When you walk into a town, you really smell, hear and see the gradual changes from rural to urban and back again. My father died recently. My grandfather and I are hoping to go back to the Camino next year, and walk the last 100 kilometers on the French route on his behalf. For my grandfather, completing the Camino would release my father’s soul from purgatory. For me, it would be a chance to reflect, in gratitude, with and for the family I have left.

Sam Michaux is from Minnesota and moved to Los Angeles to write novels.

Malpaís, Costa Rica

It was so beautiful. At night, everything closed, and it was really dark. I remember being on the beach, looking up, and really seeing the stars. I saw a satellite for the first time. I felt small and big at the same time, like I was connected to everything. When you travel, you’re able to become a different version of yourself. In Malpaís, we slept on hammocks on the beach for a dollar. I felt so free. I’m from New Jersey, where there were always lights and people around. This time in Costa Rica felt like an introduction to me stepping into myself and finding my independence.

Kara Hoholik is the chief executive of Social for Good Co., a content marketing agency. She lives on a farm in Western Michigan.

Dakar, Senegal

I landed in Dakar to the bluest sky I’ve seen, hundreds of sprawling baobab trees, sandy dust and angelic light.

Dakar is a city whose stability has centered me during my shakiest times. It is a place where tradition runs through every corner: the Wolof language, the sharing of meals — especially thieboudienne, or red rice with fish.

I turned 25 in Dakar, a city with such a clear sense of self, ideals and history, a city that refuses to be like anywhere else, a city that taught me the importance of being my own person, a city that made me question what I want to bring to the world, and what I stand for. I felt empowered by Dakar. It stood up for me. I’ve never felt unsafe there — and, as a Black woman anywhere, that’s an amazing thing.

Faridah Folawiyo is an art historian and independent curator from Lagos, Nigeria. She spent two months in Dakar for an artist residency in 2018.

London’s St. James the Less Church, England

It’s been so important to find those things that feel warm and cozy; to have a place to go in our minds that’s inviting, even if our reality is not. St. James the Less is in that space in my mind, along with endless cups of tea, candles and good books.

Sarah Best is a small-business owner and a poet. She lives in Madison, Wis., with her husband.

Photograph of the church taken by Rii Schroer/eyevine/Redux.

The Marrakesh Medina, Morocco

Inside the medina, there’s always this background noise — drumming and dancing and the sound of thousands of people passing through. There were, I think, seven mosques within sight of my terrace, and five times a day the call to prayer would start from each of them a few seconds apart, like a battle of the voices. I learned about the cold of the desert — my house was open, so when it would go down to 40 degrees, I’d basically be camping in my bedroom with sleeping bags. I have a ticket to Morocco in February — I’m not sure I’ll be able to use it yet, but I’m holding onto that ticket with all of my heart.

Jennifer Borch lives in Jericho, Vt., where she is the education program coordinator at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

Nanda Devi Mountain, India

In front of us is a wide panorama of 23,000-foot peaks, with Nanda Devi dominating the landscape. It was a doomed romance. A few months after we were married, Shoma was diagnosed with cancer. We’d have three years together. I had this fear after my wife passed away: Will I remember Shoma going forward? How she spoke, how she felt, what she said, how she looked? The next time I saw the mountain, I was alone. The first memory that came to my head was of that earlier evening: a golden glow on her face. She looked at peace.

Prayash Giria and his wife, Shoma, visited Nanda Devi, India’s second-tallest mountain, in 2016. Mr. Giria, of New Delhi, returned in 2019.

Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

We climbed a glacier using crampons, spikes attached to shoes for traction, and hiked through six miles of volcanic ash. On the last day, we climbed over this bridge by a huge waterfall. The mountains were covered in moss and there was a perfect, bluebird sky. I felt privileged that I got to see something so special and beautiful. I’m a plus-sized Chinese woman, and I’ve been told I can’t do things like this. But guess what: I did it, and I did it really well! I’ve climbed an ice wall. I’ve done double-digit river crossings with my pack over my head. This trail taught me how strong and powerful I can be.

Stacey Mei Yan Fong is a part-time baker in Brooklyn.

Photographs by Meredith Passaro, a friend of the contributor.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

It’s a place untouched for centuries. Your schedule is dictated by sunset and sunrise. In the vastness, you feel close to the center of the universe.

I came back to Wadi Rum as an adult after many hiking trips there as a schoolchild. I had been living in New York and had grown used to so much noise. I realized I had been to these sands so many times before, but had never appreciated their majesty. It needs to be the right moment — both in the sunset, and in your life. But if you arrive on time, Wadi Rum will change you forever.

Hashem Sabbagh, a lawyer turned filmmaker, was born and raised in Amman, Jordan.

My mom is from Aruba, and two of my aunts are still there. One aunt bought my grandparents’ house, so we drink wine on the same back porch where I used to play.

I did 23andMe, the DNA test, and my roots run really deep there. My great-grandmother is descended from the Arawak tribe. Now, so much of the island is built for tourists, but there’s even more to explore on the other side.

Elise Thompson is a marketing manager who has lived in New York City for 16 years.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

My boyfriend came to Taiwan with me, and we weren’t really sure how to navigate queerness in Asia. My only frame of reference was mainland China, which is not exactly welcoming. This was before gay marriage was legalized in Taiwan — but I think that, generally, Taiwanese culture is super accommodating and welcoming. Now, we’ll come across something, usually food, that makes us miss Kaohsiung almost daily.

Andrew Liu was born in China and raised in the Hudson Valley. He works in immigration law and is currently based in Berlin.

The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

During that trip, we were driving on the NC500 and came upon this vista of snow-capped mountains perfectly reflected in the loch. There are those moments when you’re traveling — I call them 100-percent moments — and this was one of them. As soon as we’re able to safely travel again, the Highlands will be one of the first places I’ll go. I’ll catch the Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness, visit Cairngorms National Park and stay at The Fife Arms . I’ll go to the Isle of Jura ’s whisky distilleries, and go on long, blustery walks in the rain. This has been a distressing time, but I hope that we can all learn to really love and appreciate where we’re from.

Morgan Charles lives in Somerset, England, and works in the corporate security department of United Airlines.

• Lake Michigan

During my first fall break, my husband and I drove out to see it. The wild dunes, roaring waves and endless horizon stunned me. The next summer, I swam lap after lap in it. Visits to Lake Michigan have gradually taken on increasing seasonal regularity: marveling at ice waves in winter, enjoying April wildflowers, swimming late into autumn. We spent the summer quarantining with family in the Poconos in Pennsylvania so we could have help caring for our son, Jem. Our first week back, I took him up to the lake. He was around three months old at the time. I walked down to the water with him in my arms. I wanted him to experience this thing that has been so profound in my own life.

Jillian Snyder is a humanities and English lecturer in Valparaiso, Ind.

Niansogoni, Burkina Faso

I had heard rumors of an abandoned cliff village, like Mesa Verde in the United States, not far from my host community. When a friend came to visit, we set off on a three-day bike tour to visit and view the Niansogoni Cliffs and the Sindou Peaks. While Niansogoni was only around 20 miles away, the road was rough, and, in the middle of the hot season, we arrived dusty and dehydrated. After a change of clothes and a surprisingly cold Brakina beer, our guide led us on a hike up the cliffs. We viewed this abandoned troglodyte village of the Wara people, who in the 14th century fled into the hills to escape the neighboring Senufo tribes. Up top, in the quiet among the baobab trees, at the ends of the earth.

Teresa Gotlin-Sheehan is a high school social studies teacher in Denver. She joined the Peace Corps and lived in Burkina Faso from 2012 to 2014.

Asunción, Paraguay

Stepping off the plane in Asunción, the Paraguayan capital, is like opening an oven: The heat fogs up your glasses and the air smells of diesel smoke and grilled meats.

The colorful buses racing through the city, where I lived for two years, inevitably have to slow down for the mango and lapacho trees in the roads — the custom is to pave around them, rather than cut them down.

Paraguay is sometimes seen as a transitional place between the rain forests of Brazil and the Bolivian salt flats. Backpackers tend to skip it for its flashier neighbors. But for me, travel is not about taking pictures of famous things: It’s about the people. And Paraguay is the sort of place where multiple people will offer — if not beg — to drop you off or pick you up from the airport. That embrace can be felt even among visitors.

Abigail Williamson is an English language teacher on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.

South London Parks, England

Early on in the first lockdown, my boyfriend and I went to Battersea Park , which is also where we went on one of our first dates (and where we had one of our first fights). The sun was shining, the flowers were blooming and it almost felt like it was going to be OK. When restrictions started easing, the first thing we did was call some friends and meet in Myatt’s Field Park . We sat six feet apart, and it felt momentous.

Sage Erskine has lived in London for five years and is originally from Maine. She is a project manager at a creative agency.

Beirut, Lebanon

When I was six months old, my father, who was born in the village of Sahel Alma, took me to his homeland to be baptized. A generation later, I returned with my own six-month-old daughter in my arms. In the same little church in the coastal town of Jounieh , she received the same sacrament; I wrote her name in the same baptismal book. In the Lebanon I know, my aunts prepare mezze plates that stretch the length of the dining room table while we snack on green almonds. The air is scented with orange blossoms and gardenias from my Teta’s garden. The sun dips into the Mediterranean, and I am offered the ultimate luxury: the embrace of family.

Carolinne Griffin, a writer and editor, lives in Vermont with her husband, two children and dogs.

Photographs by Dylan Griffin, the contributor's husband.

Siberia, Russia

Our trip unfolded in spontaneous vignettes: A group of off-duty soldiers beckoned us into their compartment, sharing horseradish-infused vodka and communicating via mime and Google Translate. Assigned to the bunk next to me for an overnight leg, a chattering 6-year-old excitedly taught me the Russian words for colors. On the banks of the Kama River , we stumbled upon an outdoor disco party, and at a synagogue in Novosibirsk , a rabbi shared a conversation in bits of broken Hebrew. Siberia is not cold and barren. I found warmth, shared meals and endless points of connection.

Betsy Feuerstein, a lawyer in Washington, D.C., has lived on four continents.

Andros, Greece

I went back in 1996, and Yanni had cancer. And while I remember 1992 like it was yesterday — what I wore, where we went — I can’t really remember that second trip. Yanni was in and out of the hospital, getting chemo. He died a year later.

In 2017, I went back with my children and was relieved to see it mostly unchanged, though there were things I hadn’t noticed before, like a modern art museum and a cinema showing vintage films. It’s this warm, welcoming place, and the air smells like flowers. Now, my kids can’t wait to go back.

Maria Dal Pan is a writer and a founder of Erwin Park Communications. She lives in Montclair, N.J.

Growing up in a Bessarabian Jewish family, I had heard of the Old Country. What we discussed was never anything good. I never heard one thing about the sheer magnificence of the landscape or the bounties it serves up.

Driving just outside the city of Piatra Neamt , a wrought-iron fence with a Magen David (Star of David) caught my eye. I jammed on the brakes. We walked uphill to a cemetery — no sign. The caretaker, 80 if he was a day, showed us around. Maybe 10, 15 people in town are still Jewish. It was heartwarming to see someone caring for the place. I knew I was going to ask my wife to marry me. Driving from Bukovina — known for its beech trees and painted monasteries — to Maramures, we followed a zigzag mountain path: a place of transition. We reached a lookout. I said, “This is the place.”

Ivan Stoler lives in New York with his wife and works at a manufacturing company. (His family is from Moldova, which once belonged to Greater Romania.)

East Haddam, Conn.

I never liked being from a small town. Even when I was a kid, I wanted to get away as quickly as I could. As soon as I got a driver’s license, I was zooming to other places.

Although I’ve known East Haddam all my life, I finally fell in love with it last summer, when I visited with my boyfriend. We jumped into the waterfall at Devil’s Hopyard State Park ; I found myself marveling at the quaint farm stands and picturesque New England churches. It may be small, but it’s home.

Caley Millen-Pigliucci is a graduate student in journalism in New York.

Yarra Ranges National Park, Australia

There are few places that I love as deeply as the Yarra Ranges, particularly the old-growth mountain ash. It’s popular in the summer, but it comes into its own in the winter, when it’s covered in snow.

The first time I went, I couldn’t believe a place like this existed so close to where I live. I’ve gone back almost every winter since.

Eden Alley-Porter is a mariner, archaeologist and adventurer who lives in Melbourne.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

But it was during my two long hikes the next day that I fell in love. The afternoon sun warm, the air clean. I heard only my feet walking through sand, along with an occasional bird, horsefly, or scurrying chipmunk. This year has been wildly lonely and isolating. But at the canyon’s base , the path aggressively inclines, and I stopped. My brain got quiet. For the first time in months, my thoughts weren’t racing. Hiking, I realized, turned forced isolation into chosen solitude. Bryce is the perfect place to be with yourself.

Nora Lewis, an assistant public defender, left Miami where she was quarantined alone for a trip through Utah.

Huanchaco, Peru

Huanchaco was a place that was never on the map for me as I made my way traveling down South America.

I decided to stay for two weeks, three weeks, then that became four months.

As you walk down the main road, you have miles of beach on one side and a small, yet still bustling town on the other. You always hear people: vendors selling jewelry, or people selling different types of food. There’s a meaty, smoky smell in the air. I still smell the picarones (fried doughnuts) and papas rellenas (fried stuffed potatoes). And every single day has an amazing sunset.

Locals and tourists alike have a look at the waves to decide if a sunset surf is in the cards. (It’s good surf every day.) They believe Huanchaco was where surfing was born.

They have these reed canoes they use for fishing called “caballitos de totora.” It’s a symbol of Huanchaco. They say it was the original surfboard.

Will Lopez Flores is an educational-technology professional and photographer in San Francisco.

Jimmy’s Beach, New South Wales, Australia

There is a section of Jimmy’s Beach north of Barnes Rocks where the bay loops gently around to a point where the river and sand flow into Port Stephens.

This is my favorite place for walking my dog: We stop to examine the sea grass and shells (some like long fingernails), while a flock of small terns delight me with their fluttering nose-dives into the water. When I started visiting, submerged trees, now gone, stuck up from the sand — a strange sculpture forest that grew from the evolving landscape of the beach. I also found middens , the piles of shells from ancient Aboriginal feasts. This summer, walking with Diesel, I saw a dingo trotting behind us. With a frisson of anxiety, we hastened our pace until he padded into the bush, and we plunged into the icy water.

Suzie Shaw is a retired high school teacher in Sydney, Australia, where she spent a pandemic lockdown last year.

The University of Cambridge, England

It was very grand and Gothic, but beyond that, I was struck by the sheer, ritualized extravagance that goes into the substance of life in Cambridge; we had formals every Friday with a three-course dinner and wine pairings, and wine tastings tucked behind massive clocks reminiscent of “The Invention of Hugo Cabret .” I was also lucky to find a community of close friends from around the world. Both made my year at the university’s Trinity College feel like an almost surreal, pristine experience. I’ve found that during times of stress or grief, Cambridge will come to mind as a kind of counterpoint. I feel transported back to that safe, cocooned existence. I have a profound sense of gratitude for my year there; what a privileged time to have had.

Peggy Xu is from Johns Creek, Ga., and is studying law.

Lahore, Pakistan

Pakistan has a bad reputation, and is often overlooked by travelers who come to South Asia. But Lahoris are some of the kindest, most hospitable people. They love to take care of you and feed you. Lahore’s hot summers can feel oppressive, but in winter, in the cool dusk, lights twinkle in the fog. Androon Lahore , the city’s historic core, is studded with monuments from the Mughal era. I love to watch the Punjab locals feasting on terraces of restaurants overlooking the grand Badshahi Mosque — they are just regular people living their regular lives, and they are so alive in the present, while always connected to their past.

Haneen Iqbal is a 29-year-old freelance writer in Toronto, Canada.

Svalbard, Norway

The Arctic Circle is a world above our world: wrinkles of rock and ice, rare wildlife and vast white swaths stretching out forever into an ice-dotted sea.

When I went to Svalbard , I felt as if I’d been told an intimate secret by the Earth in a language that only I and the others on the ship could understand: hearing the loud crack of a glacier calving, ice dust flying, ice chunks splashing into the ocean, ripples getting larger and larger, turning into waves breaking along the shores of the fjord. When we were there, it became a part of us and we became a part of it. And as it shrinks , that part of me also shrinks.

Krysten Koehn, an art teacher who lives in Hamburg, Germany, spent an artist residency in Svalbard in 2014.

Alberta, Canada

When we first landed in the city of Calgary as a family of six, we weren’t used to the cold, dry climate. Growing up in Iraq, I had only seen snow on TV. But after moving to Canada, I learned what it looked and felt like; I watched the landscape change with the seasons. I could hardly believe that these beautiful mountains and lakes existed in my backyard. I didn’t have any formal schooling back home, but my parents always instilled in me and my siblings the value of education. Alberta is where I earned my bachelor’s degree, which ultimately allowed me to pursue a master’s degree. Alberta is where I learned how hard my parents worked to provide for us, and where I learned how free I could be as a woman.

Marokh Yousifshahi is a policy analyst in Calgary, Canada.

Santa Rosa, Calif.

One of my favorite places in Santa Rosa is Trione-Annadel State Park , which , along with other parts of the region, has suffered from wildfires in the last couple of years. People in this agricultural community see the seasons of destruction and renewal up close. They see how the fires hurt the economy and the land. I think of myself as a resilient person; I’ve gone through failures, traumas and upheaval. And I think that’s the ethos for Santa Rosa, too: resilience.

Ria D’Aversa lives in Santa Rosa, Calif., and is the co-founder of a small natural wine company.

Artwork is the pulse of Haiti: Caribbean Craft ’s extraordinary papier-mâché, Pascale Théard ’s beaded veve work, the beat of RAM’ s Haitian drums, the adored songs of BélO , the PAPJAZZ festival every January. I go to Hôtel Montana Haiti from time to time for a drink at the end of the day. It has a beautiful sprawling terrace that overlooks Port-au-Prince . There’s something about the view: the palm trees as the light goes down, the airport’s small landing strip, and, behind that, the mountains.

The mountains are Haiti for me. When the sun starts to set, a slight breeze picks up and the leaves of the palm trees blow, and I just exhale. Everything goes quiet there. I close my eyes — a moment to be grateful: I’m here.

Nadia Todres, a New York photographer, runs Center for the Arts, a nonprofit organization in Port-au-Prince that brings art and education to adolescent girls.

Ladakh, India

There’s intimacy at the top of the world. That at-homeness is peculiar for a nonbinary American to feel, but something about me is recognizable to people here. Once, we sat on the cold floor in a shaft of sunlight inside the Mangyu temple complex and felt the continuity of practice held every day for 1,000 years.

Ladakh is my understanding of what heaven would be — grounded in this earth. Every year, I visit Tso Moriri Lake , climbing to 15,000 feet in the dark morning to watch the sunrise. I hear army trucks beginning to move and old prayer flags flapping.

Before Ladakh, I thought being a traveler meant going to new places every year. This region has taught me what can deepen and mature when you return and return, and let a place remake you.

Jody Greene is a Zen Buddhist and literature professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Hokkaido, Japan

Japan is awash with these geothermal bath houses that many people use in their daily routine. They act as part bath and part social club, where the elderly crowds gather to gossip about local life. Our wooden guesthouse was built into a rocky outcrop, underneath a looming volcano in Hokkaido ’s Daisetsuzan National Park. The lodge was cozy: a warm wooden smell, handmade carvings, rugs everywhere, low tables, skiing paraphernalia, books and handmade furniture. In Japan you go in completely naked . (Brits feel horrendously awkward at the thought.) We weren’t ready to get naked in front of each other’s wives — here it’s mixed-sex — we messaged the group to warn of our onsen visit. I will forever think of sliding into the bubbling hot water with cold cans of Sapporo beer, engulfed in steam.

Michael Sheridan, an engineering consultant from London, traveled with university friends to Hokkaido in October 2019.

The Hudson River’s Tappan Zee, New York

As a kid, the bridge over the Hudson River was always a point of travel. It is a connection point in New York. On a Sunday night in September, I found myself sitting at Pierson Park in Tarrytown, watching the sunset over the Tappan Zee. I thought, “This is a nice moment in time when I get to be here and be peaceful and not worry about what’s next.” I was able to look at things with a new adult eye. The bridge, now called the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, is brand-new. It’s not the same bridge that was crumbling and falling over from when I was growing up.

I was preparing to move to California after finishing Zoom graduate school, and I became overwhelmed with a feeling that no matter where my life takes me, this three-mile river crossing will always bear a sense of home.

Alexis Sabol, a nurse, was born and raised in White Plains, N.Y.

• Northern Arkansas

The Buffalo River is less than two hours from Bentonville, and I can’t believe I didn’t know about it until recently. I’m sad that I missed out on the opportunity to share it with my father, who died two years ago. He loved the outdoors, and I feel like I’m in the right place — and at the right time — when I’m there. It’s a place that has allowed me to strengthen my connection to him.

Shaye Anderson is the director of content strategy at a creative agency. She lives in Bentonville, Ark.

Tagaytay, Philippines

We started in the morning, taking a bamboo boat across a tumultuous lake. Our guide, who lived on the island, was hiking in flip-flops. When we reached the top, I felt like I was on Mars — there was this beautiful red rock, and, suddenly, a crater with a lake in it. You could smell the sulfur. I remember feeling so thankful. Taal erupted in January 2020. My memories of this place are peaceful and full of color. Afterward, everything was covered in gray ash, including my family’s home. I want people to know what it looks like underneath the ash. Someday, I’d love to do that hike again.

Selena Ponio is a legal analyst who lives in New York City.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

One afternoon, I boarded a 12-seater plane and sailed over three snow-capped mountain ranges. When our group descended toward the tiny airport, we couldn’t see the landing strip — all we saw was the water. As we cruised around the fjord on the boat, the crew lined up a rack of water glasses and drove under an enormous waterfall. The glasses filled; the water tasted cold and refreshing. Milford Sound is so far from civilization — from cities, from the built environment — that nothing about it is polluted. It was so soothing to be on the water and watch the world go by.

Laura Lynn Walsh is a retired teacher who lives in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Top photograph by Kathryn Eidson, the contributor's sister.

Córdoba, Spain

I was born in Córdoba but was eating hummus in Jerusalem, another city where Jews, Muslims and Christians are bound together, when I finally understood its uniqueness. Tasting a chickpea purée, I recognized the techniques of salmorejo, the garlicky Cordoban purée of tomato and bread.

Travelers to Spain often forget to pause here. Tourists go to Barcelona, or Seville to see flamenco. People don’t know the history of Córdoba. For me, the city is a dream come true.

Fernando Moreno Reyes is a marketing manager who lives in Madrid.

Photographs by Irene Sanchez, a friend of the contributor.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Traversing the tundra, you feel like you’re going to fall into quicksand. And the palette of the landscape in summer — all blues and greens mixed with wildflowers — is also blinding, because it’s the same colors that you see everywhere. Each summer around the solstice , when there is 24 hours of daylight, my family spends time in Anaktuvuk Pass , the Native Alaskan village located entirely in the park. We look forward to the slow pace of life. My son will play with the kids there. It’s really important for me that my son understands what it means to grow up in an Indigenous culture. I want him to understand this place where we are just visitors.

Bree Kessler is a public-space researcher, designer and activist who lives in Alaska with her husband, a law enforcement park ranger, and 4-year-old son.

Con Dao, Vietnam

My father never went back to Vietnam. He died in 2006, and now, when I travel there, I bring his journalist card with me to return his spirit, in some way. Having a refugee background means I have an urgent need to love this place because Dad could not.

I spent three days on Con Dao. I visited a cemetery, where relatives of people who died or suffered in the prison can bring offerings. There’s a marine conservatory, where baby turtles are being raised. On the last day, I was on the beach. As I swam out in the warm, turquoise water, I burst into tears. It’s important that we have these places where we can remember the people we’ve lost. Someday, I’d like to take my children there so they can learn more about their grandfather.

Thang Dac Luong is a lawyer and a writer in Sydney.

• Northern Kyrgyzstan

Within a few hours in the mountains, the weather turned bad and it started sleeting. I’m 48 years old, and it was the first time in my life I’d seen something like snow. We would drive three, four hours and not come across another person. We spent four nights in a yurt camp, and the hospitality was mind-boggling. And this was just the northern part of the country! I’d like to go back to explore the rest of it, hopefully soon.

Yogesh Mokashi is the founder of The Egg Factory, a chain of restaurants in Bangalore, India.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

It was a whirlwind: a 14-hour layover in Paris, three days in Cape Town . We did not have a chance to plan anything, and everything we did was right at the moment, adding to the adventure. We took the last cable car to the top of Table Mountain at sunset — the whole mountain glowing with soft light. White Arum lilies were everywhere. It felt like the perfect way to introduce ourselves to South Africa . Enveloped in clouds, we could see just a hint of the city, its lights twinkling in the distance. I love the mountain for how it made me feel: the rush of emotion, the gratitude to share that experience with my siblings. A picture of them looking over the horizon brings me back to how much joy I felt.

Daniela Radpay, a high school Spanish teacher and university lecturer from Austin, Texas, traveled to Cape Town with two of her siblings.

Turku, Finland

Nature is so accessible here; there are these tall trees everywhere. It seems like the earth and the sky can almost touch. The river is really my thing. When I’m biking, I’ll go out of my way to ride on the river path. I moved back to Turku this August to be with my now-husband. We haven’t really been going out into the city because of the pandemic, and I almost feel like I’m not really back because I haven’t seen the river yet.

Avanti Chajed is from Illinois and lives in Turku. She is a doctoral student doing work on immigrant family experiences.

The Rawah Wilderness, Colorado

We marveled together along the creek bed and absorbed the lushness of early summer. And it was all hidden, off the main trail. If we hadn’t stopped, we wouldn’t have noticed it. Unfortunately, the largest forest fire in Colorado’s recorded history, Cameron Peak Fire , which was finally contained in early December, has consumed the Rawah Wilderness . Downed trees from beetle kill fueled the fire, and the smoke clouds exist as harbingers for the West’s desolate future.

The area is still closed and no one’s been up there besides the forest service. But I think we’ll be able to return. The Rawah Wilderness captures the fragility of nature. It’s taught me to say goodbye to the Colorado of my childhood and prepare for an uncertain future.

Michala Whitmore, an amateur historian living in Boulder, Colo., loves to hike.

The Methow Valley, Washington

I closed on my home a few months later, thinking I was a trailblazer with a remote job who was leaving the city behind. That was September 2019. Now I’ve come to know the Methow Valley in all four seasons, and she’s become my refuge in the pandemic. Others have followed, and now this secret spot is something of a Zoom Town. But there is space for all of us: It’s conducive to social distancing here.

The Valley is three towns woven together: Mazama, Winthrop and Twisp, where I head in summer to buy 25 pounds of Roma tomatoes and Dapple Dandy pluots. In fall I hike to the Goat Peak lookout and admire the golden larches.

Methow Valley is small — it’s not like Sun Valley or Park City. But I know it intimately now, and the rhythm of her landscape is a salve. It’s a precious place.

Rose Thompson, 32, lives in Mazama, Wash., with her partner and two dogs.

I was only a few years old in 1965 when my father’s partners at his Brooklyn gas station decided to sell. His next job would change my life.

I took my first around-the-world flight alone at 18. All of a sudden this new world just opened up to me. Am I inquisitive by nature or by temperament? Or was it the traveling that really completed that mix? Where everyone else is sitting in a plane, watching a movie, I’m at my window, looking at geologic glacial features that are just so unbelievably beautiful to me. I remember flying over the States and it was just a beautiful day. There was a light layer of snow over a lot of the country as I flew. And I just remember looking down at these open spaces, in these little towns, just thinking to myself about how we’re such little ants on this planet. There are many times when I have even spoken to the person sitting in back of me, saying, “Oh, look at that!”

Carrie Dovzak is a retired geologist living in Berkeley, Calif. She dreams of traveling post-Covid.

• South Wales
• Kaliya Dhrow
• The Camino de Santiago
• London’s St. James the Less Church
• The Marrakesh Medina
• Nanda Devi Mountain
• Laugavegur Trail
• The Scottish Highlands
• South London Parks
• East Haddam
• Yarra Ranges National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Jimmy’s Beach
• The University of Cambridge
• The Hudson River’s Tappan Zee
• Milford Sound
• Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
• Table Mountain, Cape Town
• The Rawah Wilderness
• The Methow Valley

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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• 9 Most Charming River Towns in The Adirondack Mountains to Visit in 2024

The Adirondack Mountains of Northeastern New York are a sight to behold and are home to over 100 magnificent peaks. The stunning peaks are complimented by the region's vast network of forests and waterbodies, creating a landscape that attracts over seven to 12.4 million visitors yearly! Besides its massive collection of lakes, the area has over 1,200 miles of rivers. Within the Adirondacks and its flowing rivers, several charming river towns are worth a visit in 2024, from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid is part of Essex County in New York with the Ausable River passing through this cozy town. Lake Placid's reputation as an Olympic Town was cemented after it hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games , bringing light to Lake Placid's athletic legacy.

Recreation is abundant at Lake Placid, especially around the Ausable River. The water body is perfect for fly fishing for local fish like rainbow or brook trout. Visitors can enjoy captivating views at Ausable Chasm, nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondack". The Ausable Chasm is one of the country's oldest attractions, yet continues to lure tourists in with its natural formations, including the Rainbow Falls, Elephant's Head, Hyde's Cave, and more. The attraction is also ideal for hiking, rafting, climbing, and rappelling. Visitors can also enjoy a brisk, yet picturesque walk at High Falls Gorge, featuring four waterfalls and a wheelchair-accessible path. This attraction is but a short drive from Lake Placid and is right next to Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort.

Arguably, Jay is one of the underrated towns in the Adirondack Mountains . The Ausable River flows through Jay and adds to the town's charming backdrop.

This town in the Adirondacks is famous for its covered bridge, which is the last of its kind in the area. Spanning the east branch of the Ausable River since 1957, the Jay Covered Bridge is listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places. Tourists can find this historic bridge within the Douglas Memorial Park, a family-friendly attraction with picnic areas, swimming areas, walking paths, and beaches. Visitors can take a breath of fresh air and embark on a hike to Jay Mountain of the Jay Mountain Wilderness Area, which offers one dedicated and designated trail. Otherwise, a visit to Jay is well spent picnicking at Jay Village Green adjacent to the Amos and Julia Ward Theatre. This popular community area has a bandstand, a water fountain, and a picnic area.

Visitors can find Keene along the East Branch of the Ausable River in New York's Essex County. The town of Keene is nicknamed "Home of the High Peaks" and is a hiker's haven. This town in the Adirondacks is home to Mt. Marcy, the highest point in the Adirondacks and the state! Keene also includes 15 of the 46 High Peaks.

Besides its hiking trails, Keene has plenty of local gems worth a visit. Stop at Noon Mark Diner, known for its sumptuous pies. Past and present patrons raved about the diner's pies featured in magazines like Bon Appétit and Gourmet . The diner offers a range of sweet and savory pies, using a homemade crust crafted with an old family recipe. Conveniently, the Noon Mark Diner also serves as the Adirondacks Trailways Bus Terminal!

Glens Falls

Glens Falls hides in the southeastern corner of Warren County and is surrounded by the Hudson River . This Adirondacks town got its name from Glens Falls, a large waterfall in the Hudson River at the southern edge of town.

Though Glens Falls remains outside the boundary of the Adirondack Park, the town is known as "The Gateway to the Adirondacks".

Plenty of gems await travelers visiting Glens Falls. First, the town hosts a collection of art galleries downtown, including the Hyde Collection Art Museum. This gem of a museum features works from legendary artists like Reubens, Rembrandt, Picasso, and Homer! Winter visitors can set their sights on West Mountain, located at the base of the Adirondack Mountains. This landmark is an attraction ideal for skiers and snowboarders with its 32 trails, a tubing park, and a lodge. Glens Falls is also home to the viewing platform at Cooper's Cave, which is part of the New York state's historic Independence Trail. This landmark was made famous by James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans .

The Old Forge is the "Adirondack Base Camp" and is perfect for exploring the Adirondack Park and the region. Not only is the community situated along Moose River, but it is also known for recording the lowest winter temperatures in the state!

Travelers who crave the outdoors will find plenty of recreation at Old Forge, especially around McCauley Mountain, the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. With a vertical drop of 633 feet, McCauley Mountain features 21 slopes and a trail spanning a mile long. Skiing is also great here, with an annual snowfall of about 281 inches. Old Forge is also ideal for snowmobiling with its hundreds of groomed trails!

Visitors with a knack for history can also discover local gems at the Goodsell Museum. This attraction has exhibits about the Adirondacks, along with a research library, displays of maps, vintage photos, postcards, and memorabilia depicting early life in the region. The museum boasts continuously changing exhibits.

The festive spirit is hardly dull at Old Forge, especially during the winter. During the colder months, visitors can be a part of the festivities during events like Snodeo Weekend, Snofest, and the winter-filled spirits of the Old Forge Winter Carnival!

Saranac Lake

The Saranac River runs through the heart of Saranac Lake , a community named after the nearby Upper, Middle, and Lower Saranac Lakes. The community covers parts of three towns—Harrietstown, St. Armand, and North Elba—as well as the Franklin and Essex Counties. Saranac Lake encompasses a complex landscape of mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests, alongside a melange of creative and historic attractions.

The 81-mile-long Saranac River is perfect for paddling for half or full-day excursions. Alternatively, during the winter months, skiers can enjoy themselves at the Mount Pisgah Recreation Center. The attraction is also great for snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Embark on a self-guided tour of downtown and discover the Walk of Fame, which features notable figures connected to Saranac Lake, from Broadway star Faye Dunaway to Albert Einstein!

Lake Luzerne

At Warren County's Lake Luzerne, the Hudson River "squeezes" into a narrow gorge, creating tumbling waters that produce the cascades of the Rockwell Falls. Here, the waters from the river and the Great Sacandaga Reservoir meet to concoct rushing white waters. Lake Luzerne is no stranger to tourists, welcoming visitors like President Grant, who came here for rest and recreation after the Civil War.

Travelers can view the flowing waters of Rockwell Falls which is located upstream where the Hudson and Sacandaga Rivers meet in Lake Luzerne. During periods of low water, visitors can see that the falls are shaped like a horseshoe! Visitors can also enjoy the waters of Lake Luzerne and partake in activities like river paddling, tubing, floating, rafting, and canoeing. The lake also has two public beaches—Luzerne Heights Public Beach and Wayside Beach—with shorelines. In the warmer months, the historic Painted Pony Championship Rodeo is a must-see! The oldest continuously run rodeo has been around since 1953 and operates on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in the summer.

Long Lake was named after Long Lake, a lake that is part of the Raquette River system and flows 14 miles in the center of the Adirondack Park. Long Lake is a destination perfect to visit for all four seasons! Boasting as one of the oldest communities within Adirondack Park, this town is a family-friendly destination.

Explore and stay at the historic Adirondack Hotel, built in the 1850s and currently stands as the last remaining hotel in Adirondack Park. This historic hotel boasts 20 renovated guestrooms, two dining rooms, a gift shop, a taproom, and a sitting room. Across the hotel lies the town beach, where visitors can feel the sand on their toes or take a dip in Long Lake. The beach encompasses stunning views of the Seward Mountain Range and is near boat rentals and restaurants. In the summer, the beach is also a popular venue for family-friendly events.

Visitors ought to check out the Mt Sabattis Recreation Area during their stay, which was named after the Long Lake guide, Mitchell Sabattis. This attraction is a community gathering place and includes a range of amenities like picnic areas, sledding hills, pickleball, basketball, tennis courts, and a local farmer's market!

Tupper Lake

The community of Tupper Lake is a part of New York's Franklin County, with the Raquette River flowing past its south side. Along with Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, Tupper Lake is part of the three villages that make up the Tri-Lakes Region.

This Adirondacks town is one of the best places to see the stars , boasting clear skies due to a lack of light pollution. Star chasers can flock to the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory to engage in activities from special lectures to stargazing sessions (if weather permits).

Tupper Lake also boasts its famed attraction, The Wild Center. This hands-on and interactive tourist attraction was recognized by outlets like Adirondack Life and USA Today , boasting a massive, 54,000 square foot of indoor space. Peruse tons of interactive exhibits, embark on guided canoe trips, or stroll through marked trails. The Wild Center is especially famous for its Wild Walk, which transports visitors to a trail of bridges towards the treetops in the Adirondack forest. Discover a four-story twig tree house, swinging bridges, a spider's web where visitors can hang out, and an oversized bald eagle's nest!

Visitors keen on getting their hikes on should try the Tupper Lake Hiking Triad, which is ideal for novice hikers. This hiking challenge calls for hiking three family-friendly mountains, rewarding challengers with outstanding views of the lakes and mountains at the summits of Mount Arab, Coney Mountain, and Goodman Mountain. Complete the challenge over a weekend!

The Adirondack Mountains dazzle several million visitors every year with its landscape of mountain peaks, forests, and water bodies, including its rivers. By the banks of these flowing rivers exist several river towns with plenty of charm, waiting for curious visitors to explore their history and local sights.

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