Fifth Avenue And St Patricks Cathedral Two More Extraordinary Places To Go In Nyc
Besides all of the wonderful things to see in NYC, youll also find lots of luxury shops, especially along Fifth Avenue. This is perhaps the most famous avenue in the city, and while its known for its glamorous clientele, its also close to several NewYork City attractions.
Extending from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to 143rd Street in Harlem, Fifth Avenue is full of boutiques, shops, historic homes, and high-end apartments. Enjoy window-shopping and browsing stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Versace, and walk past the mansions on Millionaires Row, between 59th and 96th Streets.
12. Fifth Avenue and St. Patricks Cathedral, two more extraordinary places to go in NYC
As I said, Fifth Avenue trails past several landmarks, including Central Park, Trump Tower, the Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the Flatiron Building, which Ill mention later in this guide. Fifth Avenue also goes past St. Patricks Cathedral, the largest Neo-Gothic Catholic church in the U.S. Even if youre not religious, this cathedral is a must-see in NYC.
See Alexander Hamiltons Harlem Estate
Step back in time at Hamilton Grange, a national memorial featuring the preserved historic home of Alexander Hamilton. It was completed in 1802, and Hamilton lived there for two years before he was fatally wounded in a duel with his rival, Vice President Aaron Burr. While it is free to tour the room where it happens, we suggest getting there early because they limit the number of people who are allowed to walk on the upstairs period-furnished floor at one time.
Go To The National September 11 Memorial & Museum
TripSavvy / Winifred Lao
Many visitors to NYC feel compelled to not only pay their respects to the site of Ground Zero but also to see how the World Trade Center area has gone on to reinvent itself since that fateful day in 2001. The outdoor National September 11 Memorial, which opened in 2011, fills in the imprints of the original Twin Towers with two reflecting waterfall-fed pools, traced by memorial walls that depict the names of 9/11 victims . In 2014, the adjacent National September 11 Memorial Museum opened its doors, serving to present the story, impact, and significance of September 11 through historical artifacts, multimedia displays, archives, and oral histories. The museum unfolds at the foundation, or bedrock, of the former World Trade Center site and centers on two core exhibitions. The “In Memoriam” exhibit pays tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the attacks, while a historical exhibition examines the events surrounding the three American sites struck during 9/11, including contributing factors to the tragic incident, as well as its aftermath and worldwide impact.
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Before You Travel To The United States
With specific exceptions, noncitizens who have been in certain countries during the past 14 days may not enter the United States, either as immigrants or nonimmigrants. For more information, visit Travelers Prohibited from Entry to the United States.
For information about COVID-19 requirements for land travel, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Fact Sheet: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S. at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals.external icon
Take A New York Helicopter Tour The Most Romantic Thing To Do In Nyc
Its one thing to know the best spots in NYC, but what about seeing them from a birds-eye view? A helicopter ride is one of the best NYC tours to take and something that will make your visit unforgettable.
There are several flight options available, although this basic tour is a good option if its your first time and you want an overview of the city. It goes past Central Park, New York Harbor, and other famous landmarks.
8. Take a New York helicopter tour, the most romantic thing to do in NYC
However, my favorite one of all the tours I have taken is this doors-off helicopter tour which is ideal for photographers.
If youre looking for something special to do for an anniversary or date, this private helicopter tour is perfect for couples.
We have a guide with the top helicopter tours in NYC that I recommend you check out before booking your tour.
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Visit The Museum Of The Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is a media museum located in Astoria, Queens in a former building of the historic Astoria Studios. It houses a comprehensive collection dedicated to educating the public about the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, and digital media.
If this list is not enough, there are other hundreds of activities to do in NYC!
Enjoy the best of NYC!
If you are interested in visiting unusual places outside the city, check out our list of 29 best day trips from New York City.
Dont hesitate to leave a comment below if you have other unusual things to do in NYC. Share the fun!
See The New Whitney Museum Of American Art
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Set in one of the most exciting new buildings in Manhattan in decades, the Whitney’s Renzo Piano-designed building opened in 2015 to many accolades. The museum’s collect spans six floors and 50,000 square feet of indoor gallery space, all dedicated to American artists across centuries. In addition to the expansive galleries, outdoor space showcases more art as well as offering views of the Hudson River, lower Manhattan, and the surrounding Meatpacking District.
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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.
Seek Some Peace At New York Public Library
It can be overwhelming to visit a city that never sleeps. If you are looking for a quiet place to escape from the dins and hustle, head to the New York Public Library. The best part is that it is free and opens until 7:45 PM.
Once there, dont forget to check out the beautiful Rose Main Reading Room, which is the highlight of this Beaux-Arts library. Plus, you will walk away with tons of .
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Observation Decks: Empire State Top Of The Rock One World Observatory Edge
New York City has an amazing urban skyline, and weve got the observation decks to go with it. The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and the One World Observatory are three of the best. No matter which one you choose, youll be guaranteed an amazing view and an unforgettable experience.
However, doing all three isnt worth the time and money for most people, so I suggest choosing one and take lots of photos. Each has its own benefits. Here are some highlights at a glance, but Ive linked each one to an in-depth blog post about that attraction so you can read more and decide which one works for you.
Watch A Famous Broadway Show
Broadway is the bright beating heart of NYCs performing arts scene. Watching a Broadway show is an experience like no other, fun guaranteed. There is no better place in the world to watch worldwide famous musicals, such as Aladdin, The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Jersey Boys, and many more!
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Go On A Nyc Architecture Tour
The architecture in New York is truly something to write home about, with everything from designer skyscrapers to historic landmarks waiting to be discovered.
Your camera will be working hard as you visit sights like Grand Central Station, Times Square, and the Chrysler Building. Watch as the light enhances your perspective and listen as the guide shares insider secrets about this beguiling city.
See The Skyline From The Water
New York City is surrounded by not one but two rivers, making it a wonderful place to take a cruise and enjoy the skyline. Whether it is a sightseeing cruise or a dinner cruise, youll get your moneys worth. The Dont miss a single must-do when in New York City. and give you a totally different perspective compared to observation decks, which is why we consider a cruise one of the must-do things in New York City. If you are not sure which cruise to pick, I would recommend either doing the Landmarks by Circle Line or Harbor Lights Tour.
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Take A Free Walking Tour
There is so much history to discover in the city, and a walking tour is one of the best ways to see it up close and personal. SANDEMANs NEW Europe offers free 2.5-hour tours of downtown Manhattan, covering some of the most historic sites in the city, including the Charging Bull, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial. While the tours are technically free, they do encourage tips for the guides.
Have Fun At One Of The Gay Bars
New York is one of the most diverse cities in the world, where you would run into two guys walking hand in hand on the street and girls having a romantic dinner in the restaurant along 9th Ave, Hells Kitchen.
Yes, here in New York, love between all genders, races, and ages is equal and worth being celebrated. In addition to the colorful Gay Pride Parade that runs through the city each year in June, New York is also home to many vibrant gay bars that worth your visit for a hot night.
Most of the popular gay bars are located in Hells Kitchen, Williamsburg, and West Village. I have been to a few in the last three years, and some of my favorites are Therapy and Industry in Hells Kitchen, Nowhere, and The Cock in West Village.
Greenwich Villages Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of gay liberation. Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
There are also many popular gay bars in Flatiron, East Village, and Chelsea. Here is a list of the best ones if you are interested.
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Pay Your Respects At The 9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial is made up of two reflecting pools, each marking the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood, honoring the lives lost during the terrorist attacks on the site in 1993 and 2001. The names of every person who died in those attacks are inscribed onto the edge of the memorial pools. The memorial is always free to visit, and the National September 11 Memorial Museum is free on Tuesdays after 5 p.m. .
See World Class Art At The Museum Of Modern Art
New York City is home to some of the best new museum exhibitions in the world. If art is your thing, then you shouldnt leave here without visiting The Museum of Modern Art, also called MoMA.
The MoMA building is a six-floor complex, with each floor separated into galleries and hallways. It features an overview of modern and contemporary art, including works of architecture and design, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and many more. There are wide entrances that allow the rooms to flow into each other.
If this your first time to MoMA, starting from the top floor and working your way down is probably the best option. The 4th and 5th floors contain some of the museums most famous works, such as The Starry Night, by Vincent Van Gogh. Next to the museum is The Modern, a two-star Michelin restaurant, highly recommended!
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MoMA Hours of Operation: Saturday to Thursday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM.
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MoMA Ticket Prices: Adults: $25, Seniors : $18, Students : $14, Children & Members: Free.
The exhibits at The Museum of Modern Art.
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A Tall Ship In Brooklyn
The Statsraad Lehmkuhl is Norways oldest and largest square-rigged tall ship. Over the next few weeks, it’s paying a visit to Brooklyn at Brooklyn Bridge Park. There is an Open Ship day on December 27th, free to the public. Learn how this century-old vessel was converted to a state-of-the-art mobile research laboratory with plans to circumnavigate the globe.
Madison Square Garden Tour
When you take a tour of Radio City Music Hall, they offer a discount to tour Madison Square Gardens with your ticket. If you have the New York Pass its included. Chances are, you wont be able to catch a game or see a rockin performance at Madison Square Gardens, but we think tours are the next best thing!
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Visit The New York Public Library & Bryant Park A Fun Thing To Do In Nyc With Kids
If youre looking for things to do in NYC with kids, two popular places you can check out are the New York Public Library and Bryant Park.
The New York Public Library is one of the top libraries in the U.S. and its free to visit. It has 92 locations throughout the city, with the main branch in Bryant Park, Manhattan. This Neo-Classical building is the third-largest library in the world, with four floors, 20 rooms, and nearly 53 million items. The ground floor is dedicated to childrens books, while the first floor contains the reference section and computer lab. The second floor has a study room with a marble fireplace, and the third floor is where youll find the McGraw Rotunda.
13. Visit the New York Public Library & Bryant Park, a fun thing to do in NYC with kids
Right outside the library is Bryant Park, a French-style park and garden with all kinds of funactivities in NYC. It includes a large fountain, several sculptures, a carousel, food stalls, and ping-pong, making it one of the best parks in NYC. During Christmastime in NYC, it transforms into a Winter Village, where you can go ice skating and enjoy the holiday lights.
Getting Around New York City
The best way to get around New York is by using the Subway.
The New York Pass includes the Hop on Hop off Bus, but we find this a waste of time.
Getting on the subway is fast and efficient and its very reasonable. Just get yourself a metro pass card at the machines and fill it up with some cash. Its easy to refill, so you can start out with the $9 that comes preloaded. And then you are free to go around for $2.50 per ride.
One of our favorite things to do in New York is to jump on the subway and get off at a stop we have never been to. Metro rides allow one free transfer within a 2 hour period, so you can pop into Grand Central on your way to anywhere and get back on without wasting a ride!
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Things To Do By Neighborhood And Month
One way to organize your trip to New York is by neighborhood. NYC is very much a patchwork of many neighborhoods with defined boundaries.
You can explore on your own and we’ve created over 40 self-guided tours, many of which also provide tips on things to do, restaurants and places to stay, as well as several GPS audio tours.
Of course, you can join us for one of our many pay-what-you-wish walking tours for deeper insight into the neighborhoods shared by one of our knowledgeable and personable guides.
Below is a list of 13 top areas. You can also use our interactive neighborhood map, which will help you visualize where each area is in relation to the others.
- Columbus Day Parade
Wander At Times Square
Times Square, with its bright lights, Broadway marquis, crowds of people, honking horns, yellow taxis, and street performers, will give you a hustle introduction to the city that never sleeps. On your first visit to New York City, it makes sense to start at this iconic crossroads.
As one of the easiest places in Manhattan to get to thanks to the well-connected subways, you can take the A, C, E trains to 42nd St./Port Authority, the 7 train to 42nd St./Times Square, the N, R, W trains to 42nd St/Times Square, or the 1, 2, 3 trains to 42nd St./Times Square.
You can also grab a yellow cab to take you to Times Square, but you will definitely pay much more for the fare than for the subway ride.
The best way to take photographs at Times Square is to focus on the peron and blur the background to erase the clutter caused by the crowds.
You can explore Times Square on your own or take a guided tour, such as Historic Times Square tour with Big Onion, The Ride NYC, the self-guided New York audio tour, and the free walking tour by Hotel Edison and Triumph Hotels.
If you arent a fan of tours, there are plenty of other fun things at Times Square you can do. Here are my favorites.
There are also group events or temporary artwork installations at Times Square, such as Lunch Atop a Skyscraper, Wake and Unmoored, yoga classes, snow globes featuring classic Broadway shows, and the worlds biggest bottle of soap.
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