Things to do in New York

Rising regally above the city, the Empire State Building is the ultimate symbol of New York glitz and glamour.

A welcome sight for generations of immigrants as they arrived in New York Harbor, Lady Liberty stands as a beacon of hope and freedom to all who lay eyes on her.

Brash, bold and flashy – there is something truly captivating about the bright lights and hypnotic hubbub of Times Square.

Visit this green oasis in central Manhattan to chill out and escape from the stresses and strains of urban life.

With sweeping marble staircases, world-renowned artworks and chandeliers gracing its elegant colonnades, Grand Central Terminal is more than just a train station.

At the scene of New York’s greatest modern tragedy, the 9/11 Memorial celebrates the strength and resilience of the American spirit.

Nothing epitomises the American dream like the Rockefeller Center, a gleaming complex that effortlessly mixes business and pleasure.

Once a meeting place for passionate activists and advocates of civil rights, Union Square’s markets now draw people in for a very different purpose.

Relive 60 years of immigration history as you explore the exhibits of this poignant museum. Find out if your ancestors passed through as they entered the U.S.

With many acres of rolling hills, wooded alcoves and lush gardens, this park is a great place in Brooklyn for a lazy afternoon or an outing with the family.

Few other places in the world get as much credit for creating and nurturing American music genres as does this famous theater.

Join the millions of people who have seen a show at this beautiful and historic venue, which is a marvel of modernist architecture and design.

Explore the fascinating relics and works of art in “the little chapel that stood,” the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan.

Besides its many attractions, Jersey City’s sprawling waterfront park offers beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline.

See natural wonders from mammoth dinosaurs to delicate butterflies to outer space in this vast museum in the heart of Manhattan.

With the iconic Flatiron Building presiding over you, enjoy a peaceful retreat in Midtown at one of Manhattan’s most iconic parks.

This creative exploration of the potential for urban renewal is a pleasant place to go for a walk next to one of the trendiest neighborhoods in New York.

In some ways it is similar to your neighborhood market, except this indoor food hall has a verve for the gourmet that rivals anywhere else in Manhattan.

Glimpse an ultra-luxurious world in the two towers of the splendid Time Warner Center, home to some of New York City’s finest hotels, stores, bars and restaurants.

Take a romantic evening stroll to the center of this bridge for excellent views of the lights of Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Meet the iconic library lions, explore the Rose Room and marvel at millions of books at New York City’s flagship library.

A standout building in an impressive area, this church is filled with art and relics and is the final resting place of many prominent Americans.

At this somber memorial, pay a personal tribute to the firefighters who perished saving others during 9/11 and other disasters. 

Visit the dazzling theater district of one of the world’s most exciting cities. Enjoy the shopping, dining and street entertainment as well.

Artifacts, images and stories re-create the quiet heroism of the long recovery period after the terrorist attack on New York City’s World Trade Center.

Stop for a picnic lunch at a shaded table, create some art, ride the carousel or play chess, ping-pong or boules at this amazing multi-use park in midtown Manhattan.

Learn the real stories of American immigrants from the 1860s and onward as you tour recreated apartments in a historic Manhattan tenement building.

Recognizable from numerous movies, and an essential piece of the New York skyline, this bridge is much more than a mere point of crossing.

Go on a luxury shopping trip and enjoy gourmet dining in a beautiful mall that has stunning views of Jersey City over the Hudson River.

Venture into one of the world’s most iconic buildings, which harks back to a time of industrial growth and art deco flair.

Whether you’re performing here, watching your favorite sports team or entertainer or touring the venue, you’re in for an exciting event.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation platform of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, near to where the Twin Towers once stood.

Make sure you don’t miss this highlight of the Lower East Side’s thriving contemporary art scene, which has an interior as remarkable as its iconic exterior.

Admire the range of Gothic and Romanesque styles in the artistic displays that decorate the walls of this reconstructed convent.

Imagine yourself living in this grand New York City mansion surrounded by fine furniture and amazing artwork from renowned masters.

In a city with many pretty parks, this is one of the most beautiful. You may recognize its iconic arch and fountain from a movie or postcard.

A favorite of locals and tourists alike, this walkway is one of the best in New York City and a romantic place to go with a date.

Explore this intriguing departure from typical New York City architecture, a popular Victorian building in Central Park with a grand turret and superb views.

Book a place in the audience for a live taping of a television show at this famous theater and studio, where many well-loved U.S. shows have been filmed. 

Experience the changing seasons in this leafy inner-city sanctuary, where specialty gardens and heritage pavilions showcase plants from around the world.

Be amazed by the beauty of handicrafts at New York City’s premier space dedicated to art created in glass, clay, cloth, metal and wood.

Stroll through peaceful Central Park and relax and reflect next to this very large neoclassical sculpture designed by a pioneering artist.

Browse more than 21,000 paintings, sculptures, photos and other modern artistic works in this innovative complex that celebrates living artists.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most famous television studios in New York City, where some of the nation’s best-loved shows are filmed.

Enjoy the New York panorama from the site of an iconic photo depicting workers taking a lunch break on a construction beam high in the sky.

Immerse yourself in the visual delights of modern art, including some of the most famous pieces in the world, at New York City’s beloved museum.

Imagine all the people this Beatles singer touched, as you inspect the mosaic and flowers that pay tribute to his life.

Watch gorillas bathing and sea lions feeding at this extensive animal park, which brings the great wild to central New York. 

When you cross from mainland America to Manhattan, you’ll quickly see why this bridge has been a favorite of Hollywood and architects for decades.

Marvel at the neo-Gothic twin spires of one of the largest Catholic churches in the United States and light a candle beside the acclaimed religious artworks.

Admire the remarkable architecture, beautiful music and spiritual ambiance of this historic landmark just north of Central Park.

Whether you’re performing here or more likely watching a performance, enjoy the rich surroundings of one of the world’s most renowned music performance halls.

See the Egyptian antiquities, a rotating selection of international art and a mammoth collection of American artworks in this impressive museum.

Discover this lovely little park as you take a walking tour of lower Manhattan. Stop at its visitor center to pick up information for the rest of your trip.

Feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of New York City as you stroll along the Hudson River in the Upper West Side’s famous waterfront park.

See some of the world’s greatest performing arts events in one of the most culturally rich cities on the planet in this large architecturally impressive complex.

A riverfront gathering place for the world’s most powerful political leaders, this building is also home to a surprisingly diverse array of tourist attractions.

Take a nostalgic journey on this beautifully restored antique carousel enclosed within a sleek glass pavilion overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge.

Feel inspired, challenged and moved at one of the United States’ oldest and largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions, where experimental art flourishes.

Delve into the rich cultural offerings of the Lower East Side by spending some time at this renowned contemporary art gallery, housed in an award-winning building.

A skyscraper that holds the headquarters of one of the world’s most famous newspapers and is also an important piece of New York City’s architectural history.

Admire the architectural beauty, innovation and environmental sustainability of one of New York City’s best-known modern skyscrapers, which rises 46 floors high.

Some of the world’s most exciting bands perform at this trendy but intimate venue that has great acoustics and frequently hosts big-name artists.

Attend some of the world’s most famous stage shows, such as the internationally renowned phenomenon Hamilton, at this historic theater in the heart of Broadway.

See a big-name show in the opulent auditorium of this well-known theater, which is beautifully designed and full of history. 

Pose for an iconic New York photo at one of the city’s most talked-about landmarks, a striking retail space and work of art that was 12 years in the making.