Marvel At Giant Works Of Art At The Storm King Art Center
Art enthusiasts will love exploring all of the large-scale art installations at the Storm King Art Center. One of the coolest things to do in New York, this outdoor museum is set on 500 acres of land in New Windsor, overlooking the Hudson Valley below. Plus, its just 70 minutes north of Manhattan, so its a great pick if youre looking to take a day trip from NYC.
The grounds are divided into four sections: North Woods, Museum Hill, Meadows, and South Fields. Youre sure to be wowed by the massive installations, including Mother Peace by Mark di Suvero, The Arch by Alexander Calder, and Three-Fold Manifestation II by Aycock. To truly appreciate these unique works, its well worth taking the official audio guided tour.
Storm King is open from early April through early December. If you want to visit the museum and take in views of the fall foliage, visit between mid-October and early November. Spring is also a lovely time to visit for colorful landscapes full of wildflowers.
Drop By Times Square After Your Show Lets Out
After your show lets out, youll be just a quick walk away from Times Squareand now that the sun has set, it will be at its best!
New Yorkers love to complain about Times Square, but as a visitor, I still say its worth seeing oncetheres just something about standing outside surrounded by that much color that is impressive and interesting, and seeing it at night gives the whole thing another layer.
Be sure to watch your pockets here, thoughIm sure it comes as no surprise that Times Square is notorious for pickpockets.
Take The Train To And From The Airport
Whether you fly into JFK or La Guardia, you will be pretty far from the city when you land. Instead of hailing a taxi or Uber, which will cost you at least $40 $50 , take the shuttle to the metro. It is super easy to do and will save you a lot of money.
Heres how to do it:
For us, it was easiest to buy the 7-day metro pass , which allowed us to use the bus and metro unlimited times for our entire time in NYC. You can purchase the pass from the Metro Card vending machines which have very simple instructions to follow.
Once you have your card, simply use Google Maps and direct yourself to your hotel via public transportation.
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Find A Cheap Flight To Nyc
Getting there doesnt have to be expensive. In fact, there are often times great flight deals to NYC because it is a major hub. Be sure to include both JFK and La Guardia, or even Newark, in your search.
Try seaching with Google Flights to come up with the best deal that suits your needs.
Here is an entire article dedicated to finding cheap flights around the world!
No9 Cool Thing To Do In New York Have Scones And Cotton Candy
The renovated Palm Court, a New York institution at New Yorks most emblematic hotel, The Plaza, is the best place for a decadent tea and a dose of opulence.
Have a cocktail, a premium luxury Grand Cuve tea and their fabulous scones, lemon curd and pastries with their afternoon tea set. If you are craving sweets, there is a menu that comes with cotton candy.
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No2 Cool Thing To Do In New York Watch A Piano Performance At A Park
On Saturday mornings, have a stroll around Washington Square Park for music performances and piano playing, live. Bring a book and a coffee and enjoy the beautiful show.
The piano man as he is amicably known, has been playing on Washington Square for 12 years, he even has his own Wikipedia page and a .
Every morning, Colin Hugins brings his piano all the way from his apartment to the square to play. He drags it across the streets of New York City on wheels and then places it there. He often plays 12h a day.
I thought this was a one off during my trips but it is actually a regular thing, he plays almost every day. How about watching a free piano performance at a park for a fun thing to do in New York City? I told you that New York does this best than any other city.
Know How To Get Around In New York
You could jump into a classic yellow taxi which is a well-trusted mode of transport! Being the most populated city in the world, NYC is also accessible by alternative taxis such as Uber and Lyft.
The public bus is also a good option, especially if youre trying to get between the five boroughs. If youre a first-time visitor, its a good idea to get a map of the bus routes!
One of the most well-known modes of transport is the New York Subway, which operates 24 hours a day. Check out one of the maps in the station to avoid any mishaps !
You can also try out one of the water taxis where you can travel via the citys waterways. You can also cycle around the city streets and rental passes can be bought from the Citi Bike app or from one of the kiosks.
You can also make use of the super-touristy Hop-On-Hop-Off bus, which is perfect for the New York places to visit and getting your bearings in a new city. Finally, pop on your walking shoes and head out into the concrete jungle just like a true New Yorker.
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Classic Things To Do In New York City
Take in the views from the Empire State Building
Theres nothing like enjoying great panoramic views of New York City and the Empire State Building is perfect for that. Completed in 1931, this was the tallest building in the world at the time it was built.
Go right before the sun sets, for an even better experience, but beware there may be lines for the tickets, as well as for the elevator to the observatory.
The Empire State Building is open daily from 12:00 to 9:00 pm. Tickets start at $42 USD and must be bought ahead of time. You can get your tickethere or, for a late night visit, here.
Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Albeit located in New Jersey state, the Statue of Liberty a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the symbol of the city. The typical starting point to visit it is Battery Park, from where ferries leaves. As the ferry gets closer, the views of the Statue and of Manhattan are impressive.
Once there, you can get to the Pedestal to visit the museum and learn about the its history. Tours usually continue to Ellis Island before heading back to Manhattan.
Tours of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island last around 4 hours. They must be booked in advance. You can consider this Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island early access tour or this private tour. The first ferry departs at 8:30 am.
For the best tours of the Statue of Liberty, click here.
Take the Staten Island ferry
Wander around the Meatpacking District
Walk the High Line
Visit the Vessel
Shopping!
View The Stunning New York Skyline
Now there is the brand new “The Edge” at Hudson Yards.
Each has its own vantage point, as well as different prices of admission, varying wait times, and opening/closing hours.
Read our post which breaks down the pros and cons of each to help you choose which view is right for you.
You can still get incredible views of the city for free.
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No6 Cool Thing To Do In New York Party At A Museum
The Rubin Museum of Art is a hidden gem in New York City and the largest collection of Tibetan Art in the world. Come here for a guided tour or a self-guided one.
Better yet. On Friday night, there is live music and free entry after 6pm, is there a better way to enjoy Friday night in the Big Apple? I told you, there are lots of cool things to do in New York City and partying at a museum is definitely one of them.
Art pieces from China, Nepal, Pakistan, India and Bhutan find a home under this Museum, but the focus is on Tibetan culture.
Volunteer guides can be found around ready to provide details on the beautiful works on display. They are passionate and knowledgeable and are there simply to share their knowledge so it is very nice to be able to chat to them.
Here is my complete guide to Tibet if this exhibition ignites your interest. More information about the Rubin Museum here.
Visit Ripleys Believe It Or Not
Ripleys Believe It or Not NYC is home to a rare collection of some of the most unbelievable artifacts and thrilling exhibits from around the world. It is an interactive exhibition of over 500 bizarre exhibits with interactive experiences, divided in over 20 themed gallery.
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Explore The Lower East Side
After gorging at brunch, take a stroll across to the lower East Side of Manhattan. For me, its one of the areas that makes New York, New York!
Honestly, its pretty easy to visit the Lower East Side when seeing New York in a day as its pretty close to all the main hustle of the city attractions itself.
Also, if the weather takes a turn, pop into the Tenement Museum thats actually really interesting and a great little place to see in New York in a day.
Make sure to head inside some of New Yorks famous flea market and vintage stalls that dot this area of the city. Youll find everything from antiques, food stalls and all sorts of stores that sell everything you can ever imagine.
Oh, and pop over to Katzs Delicatessant if youre looking for a totally authentic and much-loved New York experience. Though be warned, youll leave stuffed!
Afterwards, pop into Beauty & Essex for some tasty cocktails.
Recover A Priceless Painting In 60 Minutes Or Less
Challenge your friends to solve an art heist in this escape room! Located in Manhattan, The Escape Game will immerse you and your friends in a one of a kind adventure. Can you escape in time?
Solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategies to complete the objectives at hand. Get out of the room on time and earn your freedom. You have 60 minutes max, so be quick!
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Admire Street Art In Bushwick
New York City is a mecca for graffiti and street art, making it a very attractive playground for artists from around the world. Bushwick is a working-class district on the north side of Brooklyn where you admire amazing street art. Check how Barry McGee made this mural on Brooklyn. Watch Barry McGees Brooklyn Mural from Jason Schmidt on Vimeo. Discover NYCs street art scene with a walking tour starting from 20$.
New York City Itinerary: Day 4
Brooklyn
Walking distance: 4 miles
Brooklyn is becoming one of New York Citys hot spots to visit. With historic neighborhoods, a fabulous food scene, and some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline, this is a great place to add to your New York City itinerary.
Since Brooklyn is so large, its impossible to visit all of it in just one day. With just one day you can visit the neighborhood of Williamsburg and the areas along the East River. Think of today as a mini food tour combined with some of the best views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Dumbo
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge
The day starts in Williamsburg, a wonderful neighborhood with boutique shops, a variety of restaurants, and the Brooklyn Brewery. Then, take a ferry on the East River to Dumbo and the Brooklyn Bridge. From here, enjoy one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline, dine on the best pizza in the city, and end with a walk over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
Get the full details in our article: One Perfect Day in Brooklyn
PRO TRAVEL TIP: This Brooklyn day trip works best on a Saturday or Sunday. Both Brooklyn Bowl and the Brooklyn Brewery open midday on the weekend, versus 6 pm during the weekdays. Plus, midtown Manhattan and the popular touristy sites in New York can be very crowded on the weekends, so Brooklyn makes a nice escape from the crowds.
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Where To Stay In New York City For Sightseeing
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:
- 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.
- A little removed from the main attractions but still within walking distance of Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, and subway stops, Seton Hotel is a quaint boutique hotel.
- Near Seaton Hotel is the more modern and affordable Pod 39 Hotel, with funky, compact rooms featuring en-suite bathrooms, and sociable common areas.
Attend A Sporting Event
NYC is home to multiple major sports teams. In fact, the Big Apple is home to 2 teams for each sport.
From April till October, you can enjoy the Yankees and the Mets .
From August through December , the New York Giants and the Jets play just across the Hudson River in New Jersey.
The Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks lace up their shoes from October through April .
NYC has 3 area hockey teams, the Rangers, the Devils, and the Islanders take the ice during the same time as the basketball teams.
NYC is also home to the NYC Marathon, the U.S. Open Tennis Championship and many other smaller events.
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Free Things To Do In New York City
Aside from walking the Brooking Bridge, strolling through Central Park or visiting the 9/11 Memorial, there are so many more things to do for free or almost free in NYC!
From world-class museums to boat rides offering stunning skyline views, you could keep yourself occupied for several days without busting your budget.
For hundreds of other free things to do, check out our post on free things to do in NYC and our post on free museums and attractions.
Podcast Episode: Listen to tour guides Lori and Katherine discuss free things to do in NYC on an episode of our NYC Travel Tips podcast.
This podcast offers bite-sized audio clips with tips on how to plan your trip to NYC. You can get our podcasts on Apple, , or wherever you get your podcasts.
A Sultry New Underground Lounge Is Opening This Month In Chelsea
An exclusive first look at the subterranean new nightlife destination on Seventh Ave.
Looking for some new spots in the city to explore as the five boroughs continue to reopen? Heres an underground spot youll want to add to your list.
Coby Club is a new, subterranean lounge opening on Seventh Ave thats inspired by 1960s San Francisco nightlife. The lush space pays homage to San Francisco Chinatown nightlife in the 1960s and one woman in particular who was at the heart of it: Miss Coby Yee, the glamorous dancer and owner of the iconic club Forbidden City.
The space certainly does have a sense of mystique to it with black velvet banquettes and red, silk-shaded lighting. In one especially timely touch, the walls are adorned with gold embossed phoenix-like dragons, meantin partto represent the citys nightlife dramatically rising from the ashes this year with a new sense of strength and optimism. Who doesnt love a little metaphorical wall art?
When the space opens on April 22, you can swing by for craft cocktails and small plates. Live musical performances and other forms of live entertainment are planned for the near future once current restrictions relax. The owner behind the new lounge, Bob Pontarelli, has launched other well-known past restaurant and nightlife ventures, including Crowbar, Barracuda, Leshkos, Elmo and Industry Bar.
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- Editor, Time Out New York
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More Activities For Your 4 Days In New York City
If you have more than 4 days in New York City , this section is for you.
Visit the Empire State Building This iconic building is so cool from any vantage point. Make sure to see it on your trip. Some people suggest going in but I personally havent and dont feel like Im missing out.
Note about museums: Its easy to get overwhelmed by the cornucopia of museums in the Big Apple. With only 4 days in the New York City, I suggest picking the two you want to see the most and sticking with them. Never underestimate how time-consuming museums can be. A cultural experience should not be rushed.
The Museum of Modern Art .
Admission is $25 per person/free Friday nights from 4pm-8pm. MOMA is considered one of the largest and most influential museums of modern art in the world.
Its a great way to spend a relaxing day indoors, especially on a rainy day. We ran into Jeremy Irons here .
New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum displays historical artifacts of the New York City Subway, bus and commuter rail system. Admission is $10 per person and the museum is open every day of the week. The vintage cars in here are so dang cool. Seems like something kids would enjoy too!
The Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park
This iconic building is often considered one of the most beloved in New York City. One fun thing to do in this area is to visit the original Shake Shack location just steps away. Grab a burger and enjoy it in Madison Square Park.
See the Statue of Liberty