Must See Places In New York

Old Erie Canal Heritage Park

Opened in 2016, Old Erie Canal Heritage Park was created to give visitors a chance to see what life was like on the Erie Canal between the late 1800s and the early 1900s. It’s easy to feel connected to history while you’re here; as soon you enter the park, you’ll find yourself walking along the path of the original Erie Canal Lock 52 and seeing your surroundings from the same vantage point as the canal boats of days gone by. The other primary highlight of the park is the Erie House Tavern, which dates back to 1895 and has been fully restored.

1575 Rooker Dr, Port Byron, NY 13140, Phone: 315-730-4495

You are reading “25 Best Things to Do in Upstate New York” Back to Top or More weekend getaways, what to do near me, must see attractions, stuff to do near me

Hone Your Secret Agent Skills At Spyscape

Channel your inner supersleuth and dive into the mysterious world of spies at this interactive museum. 007 fans love the James Bond exhibition which includes one of the original cars.

Uncover the truth about codebreaking and discover real-life gadgets used out in the field. You will be tasked with several Skyscape challenges, so get ready to crack clues and tackle laser rooms.

• Spyscape tickets

The Lower East Side Tenement Museum

Are you a descendant of immigrants?; If you are, you will love The Tenement Museum. This museum is located in an actual tenement on the Lower East Side of New York City, ground zero for immigrant concentration for centuries.

The museum celebrates the immigrant experience through a series of ever-changing exhibits that take you into the tenement itself. The various immigrant experiences are recreated in different apartments and tell the story of the families that lived there.

One exhibit I recently enjoyed was Under One Roof, the story of three families: the Jewish Epsteins, the Puerto Rican Velez family and the Wongs from China, who lived in that tenement from the 1940s to the 1980s. Each apartment is recreated to match the furnishings and the period. The guided tour explains the immigrants lives through photos, letters and, in many cases, the recordings of the people that lived there. The tour is enlightening and interesting.

There are many other tours covering all aspects of immigrants lives.; The museum also offers neighborhood walking tours. Its a great way to experience the Lower East Side and learn about the immigrant experience first hand.

Recommended Reading: How To Delete New York Times Account

Visit The Beautiful Holiday Markets

Holiday Markets are pretty popular in New York City and should be on top of your list of things to do in New York City during Christmas time. To me,;there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than grabbing a hot cup of cocoa and strolling through some of the best Christmas markets in New York.

You will love the booths with local crafts, savory treats, and hot specialty drinks. The Christmas Markets in the city is the most authentic environment to have a wonderful time and wrap up your gift shopping.;Heres where to find the best Christmas markets in NYC;and this is the most popular New York City Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour.

Take In Times Square At Night

As the location where the New Years Eve ball drops each year, Times Square is one of the most iconic places in all of New York . Visit it no matter what time of day, but I think the best time is at night.

You won’t know the difference between night and day when you walk around Times Square after dark. When Jono and I emerged from the New Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd Street after Aladdin, he was surprised to find it was still “light” out. I chuckled to myself as reality dawned on him. All of the neon signs, glowing billboards and traffic lights made it look like daytime even though it was nearly 11pm!

You’ll find tons of people bustling around this area and there are always characters to spot. For example, we found this guy working out with resistance bands as if he, too, was not aware it was 11 o’clock at night!

Recommended Reading: How I Met My Wife New Yorker

Have Fun In Central Park

No visit to New York is complete without popping over to Central Park, the iconic green hub sitting pretty in the middle of Manhattan. The grounds are a great place for a picnic or horse-drawn carriage ride, and the wild inhabitants of Central Park Zoo are a favorite with families.

Feeling energetic? Then jump in the saddle for a guided bike tour around the park and nearby sights.

Times Square And Broadway

Chances are youve seen Times Square on television. Its a busy and bright place to go. Youll see the iconic stacked billboard ads and yellow taxi cabs. This is also the space you want to head to if youre going to fit a Broadway show into your trip. Buy your a ticket to a world-class performance and enjoy a night in the lively atmosphere.

New York City really is a top travel destination. So if youre visiting, youre bound to have a great time. Use this information as a guide to ensure you make it to all these must-visit places in New York City!

Recommended Reading: Who Owns Resorts World Casino New York

Seneca Iroquois National Museum

Founded to preserve and share the culture and the history of the Seneca and other Iroquois Nations, the Seneca Iroquois National Museum has an excellent selection of permanent and temporary exhibits. Highlights of the permanent exhibits include a partially reconstructed longhouse and an exhibit on the Great Law, while temporary displays cover various other aspects of traditional life. In addition to the exhibits, the museum also features a gift shop that sells handmade items like baskets, jewelry, feather ornaments, and traditional corn husk dolls. Group tours are available by advance reservation, and the museum is open every day of the week except for Sundays.

82 W Hetzel St, Salamanca, NY 14779, Phone: 716-945-1760

You are reading “25 Best Things to Do in Upstate New York” Back to Top or Getting married, lunch near me, romantic things to do, places around me

Weekend trips, what is a great day trip destination, couples getaway, romantic hotels, unique places to stay, East, North, West, South, cheap getaways, staycation, must visit islands, botanical gardens, hamburgers, bbq, snowboarding, skiing, trailer parks near me, hot springs, quick trip: Lakes in New York, Astoria, Vestal, Big Island hotels, Best places to visit in Croatia, Luxury vacation ideas

Go To Church On Christmas Day

If you like to go to church on Christmas Day and enjoy a Christmas service you can also do so in New York City. There are several churches I can recommend going on Christmas Day. 3 of the best churches in New York City for a remarkable Christmas service are the Grace Church on Broadway, the St Mary the Virgin Church Main Office & Rectory in Midtown and St. Patricks Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. Its high on my list of great things to do in NYC on Christmas Day, not only because its a tradition for me to go to church on Christmas Day, but also because the Christmas services are absolutely beautiful!

Also Check: How To Get Adderall In New York

Ellis Island National Museum Of Immigration

The point of arrival for 12 million immigrants to the United States between 1892 and 1954, Ellis Island is a short boat trip via Statue Cruises at Battery Park.

To give you an idea of the importance of this site, the descendants of these immigrants account for nearly half of the entire population of the United States.

Dating to 1900, the main building of the immigration station complex houses the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

Just outside, the Wall of Honour lists some of the people to have been processed here.

Within the Renaissance Revival building theres a wealth of information panels, artefacts, photographs, videos, oral histories and interactive stations.

The audio tour has more than 120 hours worth of content, going into detail on what it was like to pass through Ellis Island, how America was populated in the 19th and 20th centuries, and immigration in the present day.

Just like Broadway is synonymous with musical theatre, Fifth Avenue means luxury and prestige.

New Yorks most refined artery is the eastern boundary to Central Park and cuts past a staggering amount of things on this list, be it the Empire State Building or the Frick Collection.

There are specific stretches that demand a visit, like the park-side blocks between 59th and 96th Street.

From 82nd to 105th Streets is Museum Mile, loaded with nine prestigious museums almost side by side, including The Met and the Guggenheim.

Baseball Hall Of Fame And Museum

Baseball is an integral part of American history and culture, and the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history of the sport. The Hall of Fame was first established in 1939, and it now pays homage to more than 300 of the world’s greatest baseball players. The hall’s iconic red-brick building houses three floors of interactive exhibits, and a tour of all three floors is included in the price of admission. The museum is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

25 Main St, Cooperstown, NY 13326, Phone: 888-425-5633

Fun day trip ideas close to me, things to do this weekend, small towns, best weekend getaways: South Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Day trips

Read Also: Where To Stay In New York

Eat Your Way Through Chelsea Market

Situated in the Meatpacking District, not far from the Hudson River, Chelsea Market is a food-lovers dream.

Housed in a complex thats one city block long by one block wide, Chelsea Market is one of the best and most talked about indoor food halls in the world. In fact, it attracts nearly 6 million visitors each year, making it one of the most trafficked destinations in New York City. And while its crowded , we really enjoyed our visit, unlike Times Square.;

With 35 vendors selling everything from artisan coffee to street tacos to hand-crafted ramen bowls, the hard part is choosing what youre going to eat.

Insider Tip: Our recommendation is to wander around and look at other peoples food before committing. Also, if youre traveling with a partner who likes the same type of food as you, go to a few different places and split so you can try as much as possible!

There are a ton of different vendors and stalls to choose from, and its likely youll be able to satisfy just about any craving.

But if youre looking for recommendations, here are some noteworthy stops:

• Street Tacos at Los Tacos No. 1: authentic tacos that are every bit as delicious as the ones we ate in Mexico! You can order traditional Mexican beverages, like Horchata and Jamaica juice, and load up on fresh salsas and toppings.

Insider Tip: Save your sweet tooth for ice cream at Ample Hills Creamery, which is just a few blocks away. Then walk off all the food on the High Line.

Go See Santa Claus At Macys

Theres nothing you cant do in New York City. During the holidays, you should set up a date with Santa Claus at Macys and share your wish list. Santaland at Macys is a whole experience with a meet & greet with Santa in the end. Both kids and adults come to Santaland to talk to the big guy. Its a special thing to do in New York on Christmas Eve.

Every year, Macys Santaland is the main highlight of Macys Christmas celebrations. The history of Santaland goes back to 1861 when the store advertised that Santa Claus would come to stock their counters with the finest and most special Christmas gifts. Fast forward to today, close to 200,000 Santa fans are visiting Santaland at Macys every season. If youd like to be one of them make your reservation online beforehand.

Read Also: When Do Mosquitoes Come Out In New York

Admire The Spectacular View On Manhattan Over The Hudson

The observation deck of the One World Observatory offers dramatic city views that turn magical at sundown. The visit to this observation deck offers a unique 360-degree view of the city. One World Observatory is also the tallest of the three most famous observation decks, which includes the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building.

If you plan to visit multiple attractions in the city, compare New York City passes to find the most convenient solution.

The One World Observatory offers the most impressive technological features for its visitors, with a mix of virtual reality, video guides, and theater shows. Thanks to its location in Lower Manhattan near the 9/11 Memorial, the One World Observatory also offers fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the harbor.

Because the One World Observatory is the newest, crowds can get a bit larger at this location, but the timed tickets ensure that you will probably never experience an unreasonable crowd size

• One World Observatory Tickets

Visit Times Square At Night

TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins;

As one of the most iconic places in the world, Times Square, where the New Years Eve ball drops, is worth a visit any time of day, but especially at night. You’ll be struck by the neon signs, glowing billboards, and gridlock traffic 24 hours a day. You won’t see much of a difference at 11 a.m. versus 11 p.m.! While there are plenty of stores for shopping and restaurants, merely walking around the few block radius will be interesting enough: There are always charactersin costume and otherwiseto spot!

You May Like: Must Go Places In New York

Wander Around Greenwich Village

With streets shaded by trees and dotted with small cafes, popular bars and eclectic shops, this was one of our favorite neighborhoods to explore in New York City. Here are some great places to get food, famous bars and fun sights:;

• Washington Square Park in Greenwich: Whether you want to challenge a stranger to a game of chess, gaze up at the Washington Square Arch, or just people watch, Washington Square Park always has something going on.

• Insomnia Cookies: Insanely good cookies that will keep you up all night thinking about them.

• Cafe Wha?: What Cafe? Ahh, Cafe Wha? Famous for being the hangout spot for Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix.

• Friends Apartment:Ill be there for you on the corner of Bedford Street and Grove Street.

• Artichoke Pizza: One of the best pizzas youll have in NYC. It will come hot, huge and only $6.

• Indian Kati Roll: Right on MacDougal Street, this budget-friendly Indian wrap shop gets pretty popular during the late night hours.

• Mamouns Falafel: Another late night specialty, these delicious falafels are tasty and ridiculously cheap for NYC.

• Bars that wont break the bank: Head to Bleecker Street between Thompson St and LaGuardia Place. Places like the Peculier Pub, Wicked Willys, and the Underdog are all good choices.

Funny Story: We saw Whoopi Goldberg in Greenwich Village! Maybe youll spot a famous person too!

Cost: FREE

Shakespeare In The Park

If youre visiting New York City in the summertime, catching a performance of Shakespeare in the Park is a great way to spend an evening.;This is a much-loved NYC tradition that has been taking place each summer since 1962.

Seeing a show is one of the best free things you can do in New York City.;But just because tickets dont cost anything doesnt mean it is poor quality. In fact, stars like Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Philip Seymour Hoffman,; and Denzel Washington were part of past casts.

The performances happen nightly at the Delacorte Theater, located in Central Park. And they run from the end of May to the middle of August.;

Cost: FREE

Recommended Reading: How Much Is A Plane Ticket To New York City

Watch The Commuter Rush At Grand Central Station

TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins

The world’s largest railway station serves nearly a million commuter daily. And while it’s utilitarian in purpose, it’s also among the city’s most beautiful public spaces. The 12-story main concourse is modeled after a Roman public bath, albeit with shimmering chandeliers and a map of constellations painted on the ceiling. Befitting of such a grand station, Grand Central is home to many shops and dining options, too.

See The Statue Of Liberty & Visit Ellis Island

;TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins;

You’ll undoubtedly be sharing the experience with throngs of other tourists, but navigating the lines and crowds is well worth it for the chance to gaze upon the modern-day colossus that is the Statue of Liberty. A symbol of American democracyand a one-time beacon of hope and promise for immigrants arriving at U.S. shores by boat via New York Harboris indeed, still today, an inspiring sight to behold. Dating to 1886 , the monumental 151-foot-high sculpture sits atop a pedestal out on Liberty Island, which guests reach via Statue Cruises ferry service from Battery Park in Downtown Manhattan. Just be sure to plan ahead, since access to the statue’s pedestal or interior can be arranged with reservations only.

While the statue may garner most of the glory, don’t overlook a visit to nearby attraction Ellis Island. Now a national museum of immigration, the complex once served as federal immigration station and processing center for new arrivals to the U.S. between 1892 and 1954. Expect an altogether insightful presentation, via artifacts, photographs, and multimedia exhibits, of the immigrant experience in America. Best of all, entry’s included with your ferry fare, so plan ahead to make a day of it.

You May Like: How Do I Apply For Disability In New York State