New York, New York - Do & See

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New York, New York

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Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2024-05-03

You’ve seen them a million times in the movies, but there’s nothing like taking in these quintessential New York City landmarks in person. First stop, a tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, capped with a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry for stellar views of both.

Immerse yourself in the bustle and bright lights of Times Square followed by the incomparable spectacle of a Broadway show – both experiences that you can’t find anywhere else but in NYC.

Explore the Rockefeller Center, and take a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. Experience the Grand Central Terminal, a unique architectural gem and the city’s major transportation hub.

As panoramic scenes go, NYC can’t be beaten. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for views of New York Harbor or scale 30 Rockefeller Plaza’s Art Deco skyscraper to Top of The Rock, an observatory offering 360-degree views of the city.

Central Park

Central Park

This iconic 843-acre park was planned to give New Yorkers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city, and the designers did such a good job that when relaxing on one of the huge lawns, or picnicking by a lake, or strolling along its miles of biking and walking paths, it's often hard to believe you're right in the middle of Manhattan. The park also contains world-class museums and hosts countless activities and concerts, especially in the summer months.

New York in 1 Day

New York in 1 Day

Make the most of your time in New York City and see the Big Apple's top spots on this New York in One Day Sightseeing Tour. Travel by both the Staten Island Ferry and bus as you swing by the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and more. Then hop aboard a luxury boat for a sightseeing cruise past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, complete with sweeping views of NYC's skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Empire State Building

Empire State Building

It is a wonder to behold this instantly recognizable building from street level, leaning your head so far back it hurts and feeling utterly insignificant in the shadow of the gargantuan skyscraper; the truly marvelous views are enjoyed from the observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors.

Times Square

Times Square

New Yorkers tend to religiously avoid Times Square, and proudly proclaim how much they hate it, but standing among the flashing signs, the larger-than-life billboards and the throngs of bustling tourists is an inimitable experience. Indeed, most people there are visitors to the city snapping pictures of all the excitement, but that's part of the fun of trying to take in the hectic and overwhelming intersection.

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center

The summer months see crowds enjoying outdoor events as well as eating and shopping options, but this huge Art Deco complex really comes alive in winter, when the iconic ice-skating rink and enormous Christmas tree take center stage. Visitors also come to see, and sometimes take part in, the filming of any number of NBC television programs. A highlight here is the (somewhat expensive) trip to the Top of the Rock, from where the views of the city and Central Park are unmatched.

Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island

Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island

Immigrants arriving in the United States in the late 19th century via Ellis Island were treated to this immense statue, a representation of freedom and American ideals, as their first glimpse of the country. Though no longer shining in its original copper hue, visitors flock here for a closer look at one of New York's most enduring symbols.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Visitors usually spend one full day at the Met, and that's a shame, because to truly appreciate everything this gigantic museum offers would take at least a week. The museum’s permanent collection of some 2 million works includes masterpieces from history's greatest artists, as well as countless wonders from ancient civilizations, the Egyptian Temple of Dendur being, perhaps, the most notable example.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Featuring one of the world's most comprehensive collections of modern art, including masterpieces by the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, Pollock, and many, many more, the MoMA is one of the most visited places in New York. Housed in this beautiful and modern building, floor after floor of painting, photography, design, sculpture, and more, it captivates visitors for hours on end.

World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial

World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial

After years of debate, controversy and delay, the site of the former World Trade Center buildings has finally been converted into a beautiful memorial site and museum. The new One World Trade Center has also been erected, and at a significant 1,776 feet tall (1776 being the year American independence) is now the tallest building in the Western hemisphere.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

The floating museum housed inside a nearly 300-meter-long USS Intrepid aircraft is a remarkable monument all in itself, but the exhibits contained inside are no less exhilarating. See the authentic space shuttle Enterprise, the legendary spy jet A-12 Blackbird, as well as the world's fastest commercial airplane. Right next to the Intrepid is the USS Growler strategic missile submarine - the only one of its kind open to public, with interactive games and simulators on board.

Broadway Shows

Broadway Shows

The selection of world-class musicals and performances available in New York's most famous theater strip is unparalleled in the world. If you’re willing to stand in line for up to an hour, you can get theater and musical tickets for 25-50% off the box office price for shows the same day. Just visit the TKTS office on Times Square.

Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo

With over 650 different species, this 250-acre zoo, the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, gives visitors the chance to admire and experience a huge variety of wildlife. Popular exhibits and sections include the Wild Asia Monorail safari, Congo Gorilla Forest, and of course, everything to do with big cats.

9/11 Tribute Center

9/11 Tribute Center

The 9/11 Tribute Center tells the devastating story of the tragic events that occurred in New York on September 11, 2001. Many of the volunteer guides who work at the Center were directly involved in the events - some lost family members, while others helped deal with the mortifying aftermath of the attacks. Hearing their first-hand narratives is an emotionally overwhelming experience that is made possible by the project of the September 11th Families Association.

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park

Students from nearby New York University ensure that Washington Square Park is always alive with activity; this Greenwich Village park is also a favorite spot for street performers, chess players and musicians, making the people-watching here some of the city's most entertaining.

Whitney Museum of American Art

Whitney Museum of American Art

Known informally as the "Whitney", this outstanding institution is devoted to the art of the United States. A full range of twentieth-century and contemporary American art is presented here, and with 21,000 works by 3,000 artists (such as Andy Warhol), you can easily spend a few hours inside. Paintings, sculptures, drawings, videos, photography and new media are all here to be enjoyed.

The Shed

The Shed

The Shed's objective is to help emerging artists by commissioning work belonging to many different disciplines. It is located at the Bloomberg Building and comes equipped with a movable outer shell that grants access to a public outdoor space, the Plaza, when it is retracted; a theater hosting movie screenings and opera performances and two column-free galleries for exhibitions.

Governors Island

Governors Island

A 172 acre island near the city, Governors Island is constantly evolving. In 2016, the Hills became accessible (an elevated area from which the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor can be seen). Other attractions include New York's longest slide and a permanent installation by artist Rachel Whiteread. If you want to take a tour of the island, you can do so at the Soissons Landing Welcome Center, Wednsesday through Sunday.

The High Line

The High Line

This elevated park, built on a railway trestle that had been abandoned for 30 years, is a sliver of green that looks out onto the stark landscape of Manhattan’s west side. The renovation mimics the way nature had begun to overtake the park before it was saved from demolition by two friends who lived in the neighborhood. Food vendors and small cafes have settled along the park, making the area one of the city's most pleasant for a stroll and a snack.

Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden

The Garden is the city’s premiere sports and entertainment complex, home to the New York Rangers, Knicks and Liberty teams, as well as the stage for massively popular musicians and artists when they come to New York. The more intimate WaMu Theater also hosts concerts, shows and stand-up comedians. For a behind-the-scenes view, take the Madison Square Garden All Access Tour.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park

This small but ideally located (in the heart of Midtown, between Grand Central Station and Times Square) green space is a favorite among locals for its pleasant, laid-back atmosphere and for the countless activities hosted there year-round. Concerts, film festivals and theater performances are all on the menu. The beautiful New York Public Library, located right in the park, is also worth a visit.

Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall

This world-famous concert venue is a New York City landmark and must-see music attraction. Carnegie Hall presents classical, jazz, folk, world and popular music with breakthrough and veteran performers. Since its opening in 1891, this concert hall has become the emblem of musical achievement around the world and has showcased the world’s finest artists—from Tchaikovsky to Mahler, Horowitz and Callas to Bernstein, and even Judy Garland and the Beatles.

Prospect Park

Prospect Park

The landscape architects in charge of this enormous green oasis in the heart of Brooklyn declared that they were prouder of Prospect Park than any of their other works, including Manhattan's Central Park. It is the center of life in Brooklyn, and on any day of the week you can see local residents jogging, picnicking, or flying kites, and on Saturdays the green market draws huge crowds.

Guggenheim Museum

Guggenheim Museum

As famous for its building as for the works of art held within, the Guggenheim Museum boasts mesmerizing collections of Kandinsky, Chagall, Picasso, Renoir, Manet, and Van Gogh. The central spiral leads up towards the imposing glass dome past exhibits that can be viewed from different angles and distances on your way up, making the art-viewing experience here quite unique.

Staten Island Ferry

Staten Island Ferry

For some of the best views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, visitors needn't spend a penny. The free ferry ride from Manhattan to Staten Island takes about 25 minutes, and tens of thousands of people take it every day. Most visitors who are just interested in the views simply get off on Staten Island and get right back on to head back to the city.

Museum of Jewish Heritage

Museum of Jewish Heritage

This museum and memorial to the 6 million Jews who died in the Holocaust was constructed in the shape of the Star of David, and its three floors hold exhibits on early 20th century Jewish life, Nazism and anti-Semitism, and post-war Jewish life, respectively. The grounds also contain a theater, memorial garden, library, and cafe. It is a solemn visit, but an important one.

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