tourist spots york

The 11 best things to do in York on your next visit

Jan 1, 2022 • 7 min read

A narrow laneway of 'The Shambles', which is a centre piece of historic York © Chris Lawrence Travel/Shutterstock

With its Roman and Viking history, and hurly-burly medieval core, York is one of England’s must-see cities. Don’t be fooled, though, this isn’t a place stuck in the past. Its walkable center is filled with indie restaurants , quirky shops and inventive drinking dens – a testament to York’s vibrant present-day pulse.  

Arrive at the handsome station (it’s around two hours from London) and dive into our suggestions of the best things to do in York; you’ll soon be swept off your feet by the city’s picture-postcard sights as well as its fun, maverick side. 

Let York Minster draw your gaze towards the heavens

One of York’s great treats is how often, when turning a cobblestone corner or squeezing down an age-old alley, you bump into its soaring cathedral, York Minster . Renowned as one of the world’s medieval Gothic masterpieces, it’s worth getting up close to the interior craftsmanship. Here you’ll find 700-year-old vaulted ceilings and nose-picking gargoyles illuminated by the building’s 128 stained-glass windows.

A trip to the interactive museum in the undercroft reveals details of York’s 2000-year-old history and its tower reaches dizzying heights above the city's rooftops. You can climb to the top for some stunning views of York but be warned – the ancient stairwells are claustrophic and those with a fear of heights should probably stick to admiring the stained-glass windows from the inside.

Step back in time in the Shambles

One of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, many of the Shambles’ wonky timber-framed houses date back to the 15th century. Despite its much-photographed charm, this street once housed the city’s butchers and slaughterhouses. The overhanging buildings, which in places almost kiss above the narrow cobbled lane, were designed to shelter shelves of meat from the sun. Nowadays, it’s worth visiting to briefly become part of the hubbub and browse the eccentric collection of independent shops. Slip down an alleyway for lunch in Shambles Market .

Hunt for ghosts

With a centuries-old history littered with turmoil and treachery, it’s little wonder York has a penchant for ghost stories. Even skeptics will be hard-pressed not to enjoy one of the city’s highly rated ghost walks. Led by knowledgeable performers, The Bloody Tour of York , Shadows of York , and The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour all promise plenty of macabre fun. Like your phantoms a little more tangible? As an antidote to mass-produced knickknacks, York Ghost Merchants sell diminutive handcrafted spooks from its theatrical shop on the Shambles.    

Spot trains at the National Railway Museum

Until the 1960s, the vast exhibition halls of the free-to-enter National Railway Museum were part of York’s busy railway works. Now they tell the story of extraordinary engineering feats and house gleaming locomotives and plush royal carriages. Young rail enthusiasts will delight in discovering you can climb aboard many of the exhibits, including a Japanese bullet train. For a small charge, take a ride on the world’s fastest steam locomotive. You can explore more of North Yorkshire and beyond by train if the idea of gazing upon beautiful countryside from the comfort of a reclining seat is right up your track.

Head down the pub for a quick drink (or two) 

Famed for its diverse drinking dens, it would seem rude not to pop into one of York’s many pubs. Some of the city’s oak-paneled taverns have been serving up booze since Tudor times, although if you want to time warp back to the 12th century, take a pew at the House of the Trembling Madness on Stonegate. For a more contemporary feel, and a selection of 40 taps, there’s Brew York’s mural-festooned beer hall. Fancy a pint with a view? At the Lamb and Lion Inn , you can spy the Minster from the beer garden; the King’s Arms overlooks the meandering River Ouse. 

Walk the city walls

Perfect for history buffs, couples and snoopers alike, a stroll along York’s City Walls allows you to peer down onto timeworn snickleways (alleyways) and courtyard gardens from atop the longest medieval ramparts in England. Free to walk, and containing four grand ‘bars’ or gates to the city, these 13th-century fortifications are, in fact, the new kids on the block; the Roman walls lie underneath, protruding briefly in York’s tranquil Museum Gardens . 

It takes a couple of hours to wander the 3.4-kilometer loop, peeping through arrowslits and digesting information boards. You can even pause for a flat white at the cafe within the cannon-scarred Walmgate Bar. Alternatively, ramble a shorter section; the portion between Bootham and Monk bars has superb Minster views. 

York Art Gallery offers Old Masters, modern wonders and ceramics

York Art Gallery offers a welcome respite from the city clamor. The main exhibitions are free to admire; in The Burton Gallery, artworks by Italian Old Masters rub shoulders with 20th-century abstract paintings. Look out for L.S Lowry’s depiction of York’s handsome Clifford’s Tower surrounded by his distinctive matchstick mob. The real draw, though, is the gallery’s Centre for Ceramic Art . Here, prehistoric pots through to glazed delftware are curated to form a 17-meter-long ceramic rainbow. 

Learn more about Vikings and Victorians at York’s museums

Championing immersive experiences long before that was a thing, York’s museums excel at transporting you into the past. At the JORVIK Viking Centre , you’re treated to a smells-and-all ride through the cultural melting pot that was 10th-century York. The animatronic dioramas are based on evidence unearthed while excavating the Viking settlement below the building. 

At the York Castle Museum , visitors are likewise encouraged to see artifacts in context: cue a stroll down a dimly lit Victorian Street and hear what life was like for captured highwayman Dick Turpin in the cell that held him (the building was once York’s notorious prison). 

For a more refined slice of history, the Fairfax House is a rarified gem. Padding through this restored Georgian townhouse gives a glimpse into the lives of 18th-century gentlefolk, as well as a few lessons in interior design. Touring the Treasurer’s House , on the other hand, feels like falling down a rabbit hole into a curious oversized doll’s house, filled with furnishings through the ages.

Enjoy afternoon tea

York has no shortage of places to dine on dainty sandwiches and cream-laden scones, washed down with a fragrant brew. At The Grand , tiers of nibbles are served in 5-star surroundings, whereas afternoon tea at Forest at Galtres Lodge involves a tea pairing menu and miniature Yorkshire puddings. It’s even possible to enjoy a sophisticated cuppa aboard a restored train carriage at the National Railway Museum. 

Most locals, though, would cry sacrilege if Bettys wasn’t on your list of locations to sate a mid-afternoon peckishness. Be prepared to queue, but wolfing down one of their fat rascal fruit scones amid scurrying, white-aproned staff is something of a York rite of passage. 

Get a taste for York’s chocolate past

While other northern cities were busy with textiles and steel, York’s Victorian industrialists were building confectionary empires; Kit-Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange were both created in the city’s sweet-smelling factories. 

While not inexpensive, York’s Chocolate Story does a good job at immersing visitors in this history: the interactive tour includes plenty of toothsome treats. At York Cocoa House there are workshops and tasting tours. This independent factory aims to carry the baton for York’s chocolate heritage, with a modern-day focus on eco-conscious and fair-trade practices. 

Sample street food at Spark:York

It’s hard not to fall for Spark:York’s inclusive community feel. This split-level market, created from brightly daubed shipping containers, brings together local indie restaurants and bars on a once disused civic space. Groups can mix and match their orders, choosing from hand-stretched pizzas, incredible fried chicken, and plant-based tacos and burgers. Kids will love the ice-cream cookie sandwiches served by Melk ; their parents may opt for a craft beer. 

You might also like:  Yorkshire's best castles, cathedrals and stately homes Gin, rum and vodka: Yorkshire’s best distillery experiences Say cheese! How the Yorkshire Dales are reviving cheesemaking traditions  

This article was first published October 2021 and updated January 2022

Explore related stories

Mar 22, 2024 • 9 min read

Experience the best of England with these top things to do, from city museums to seaside escapes.

Mar 2, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 16, 2023 • 6 min read

Jul 5, 2023 • 5 min read

Jul 15, 2022 • 11 min read

Jul 1, 2022 • 5 min read

Feb 3, 2022 • 6 min read

Sep 15, 2021 • 8 min read

Feb 19, 2020 • 2 min read

Jun 7, 2019 • 5 min read

Select language

What are you looking for.

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Why we love York

Small and mighty – York is the medieval walled city that really packs a punch. Its backdrop of medieval lanes, Snickelways, and even a shopping street that dates back to the Domesday Book, means this compact city is packed with stuff to see.  Check out the impressive 2,000-year-old Gothic halls of its cathedral which could fit in the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the ridiculously pretty 13th century timbered streets of The Shambles. Take a punt on the horses at its world-famous race course, check out its masses of museums and sample a food scene that spans from Michelin stars to shipping containers. Wash it down with the world’s first carbon-negative gin, or escape to nearby sites as awesome as the city itself.

cooperkingdistillery

Carbon-negative gin tour

Explore the world’s first carbon-negative gin distillery and take a tasting tour at York’s Cooper King .

natalieandtheloves

Bring out the train driver in you

See the world’s fastest steam locomotive, the Mallard. Discover how high-speed rail travel began and experience the tough life of a working station at York Railway Museum .   

Scare yourself silly at York Dungeon

Discover a grizzly 2000 Years of York’s darkest history as you see, hear and smell the cities murky past. Come face-to-face with Vikings and their Saxon enemies in an adult theatrical tours.

Things to do in York

Choosing an option from the dropdown will automatically update the map listing results to filter by your selection.

Jorvik Viking Centre

Journey through Viking past and discover what life was like in 10th century York at Jorvik Viking Centre.

photohodgeuk

York Minster

Marvel at one of Britain’s most majestic cathedrals, York Minster, a medieval masterpiece.

VisitBritain/Felipe Pires

The Shambles

Walk around York’s famous Shambles, the medieval shopping street that looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter.

National Railway Museum York

From steam locomotives to the dawn of diesel, interactive family-fun and more, discover how the railways shaped modern Britain.

York City Walls

Follow a trail along York’s famous Roman City Walls – the longest town walls in England and take in views of this historic city.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Roots, York

Tuck into a tasting menu from a twenty-acre farm.

York's Chocolate Story

See expert chocolatiers at work, and have a go at creating your own cocoa masterpieces too!

York Castle Museum

Covering 400 years of history, this living museum offers craft workshops, theatre shows and more.

VisitBritain

Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

This fantastic social initiative has transformed countless lives, and is a great way to get to know York.

The York Dungeon

With ten live-action shows, professional storytellers and atmospheric sets, this is like travelling through time!

Yorkshire Photo Walks

Sharpen your photography skills while exploring York’s history, nature and neighbourhoods on these expert-led workshops.

northyorkmoors

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York

Love designer fashions at discount prices? Browse Levi’s, Coach, Paul Smith, Ted Baker and more.

McArthur Glen York Designer Outlet

Antiques Centre York

This incredible emporium features more than 120 antiques dealers and traders – all under one roof.

Featured things to do

Up to the heights

Discover the newly reopened Clifford’s Tower after its £5 million facelift to transform this 800-year-old landmark and drink in the 360-degree views of the city.

Whether you take a river boat cruise and enjoy afternoon tea or hop onboard a Red Boat and become the skipper of your own boat, the River Ouse is a pretty relaxing way to take in the city.

invisiblacitiestours

Take a walking tour

Walking tours run by homeless people who literally know the streets inside out, means you can give something back. All money raised from Invisible York Tours helps support the homeless.

Discover the history of chocolate

Learn how three clever families of Rowntree’s, Terry’s and Cravens made York a chocolate capital, create a bar of your own at York’s Chocolate Story.

Places to stay in York

City centre.

This is the best part of town and the centre of York’s beauty, but you’ll have to compete with other visitors for a spot in this small and popular city.

Perfect for reaching the nearby attractions - and the best museums, landmarks and activities long with a good choice of pubs and places to eat are all here.

This is great for those on a budget, it’s largely residential area, and relatively quiet. You can easily walk to the centre from here - and more likely to experience the locals going about their everyday lives.

Explore nearby

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

Yorkshire Dales

Proof that perfection can’t be rushed, the Yorkshire Dales was millions of years in-the-making.

VisitBritain/MattCant

North York Moors

Rugged yet beautiful, wild yet welcoming – the North York Moors National Park is full of surprises.

Getting to York

Located in the heart of North Yorkshire, York’s nearest airport is Leeds-Bradford. Located 30 miles from the city centre, the airport operates flights to and from 70 destinations worldwide.

Getting around York

York is easily accessible from around Britain. Hop on a direct train from London, Manchester or Edinburgh, and be there in just two hours. It’s absolutely best explored on foot, or bike, but the city does have excellent public transport connections. Check out iTravelYork’s handy guide gives you all the information you need on travel within the city

It takes just 20 minutes to get from the outskirts to the city centre by bike, making cycling one of the easiest and most fun ways to access places to visit in York. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the choice in bike tours. 

York’s winding cobbled streets are best explored by foot. In fact, it takes just 20 minutes to walk from one side of the city to the other – a small city with an eyeful of sites. There’s also lots tours and guided walks .

First Bus run regular services throughout York and offer a range of money-saving tickets in addition to accepting contactless payments on all routes, for fast and convenient travel.

Outside of York

Looking to visit attractions outside of York? Coastliner operates regular services to nearby destinations including bustling Leeds and the quirky coastal town of Whitby.

Want to know more?

Check out Visit York for top insider tips and travel inspiration.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to do
• Restaurants
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 20 best things to do in York

Need sightseeing inspiration? Here’s our pick of the best things to do in York right now, from ghost tours to world-class museums

It may be a bit of a travel cliché, but in York, old and new exist in rare harmony. A cultural hub since Roman times, this city maintains a lasting historical charm, with many of our ancient ancestors’ constructions still standing strong.

But if you’re after some more modern sights, there’s plenty here for the inquisitive visitor to get lost in, from sumptuous  restaurants  to buzzing bars and contemporary art galleries (and everything in between). Ready to get out there and explore? Here’s our pick of the best things to do in York right now.

RECOMMENDED: 🍝 The best restaurants in York 🍸 The best bars in York 🍺 The best pubs in York 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in York

Rory Buccheri is  a writer based in York. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .  This guide includes affiliate links. These have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

An email you’ll actually love

York things to do

1.  Stroll down the Shambles

What is it?  Quite possibly York’s most famous street and a firm favourite with Harry Potter fans.

Why go?  Take a stroll down this winding road and you’ll be overcome by its quaintness. But wait: The Shambles has a darker past lurking behind its pretty façade. In fact, its very name is the Old English word for slaughterhouse. And those cute hooks on the front of the shops? Originally used for hanging meat. Yum. More fun facts? The wonky-looking timber-framed buildings, many of which date back to the fourteenth century, were built like that so the overhang would protect the ‘wattle and daub’ walls and help keep the meat from going rancid in the sunshine. Scone, anyone?

Don’t miss:  Grab a pint at   Ye Old Shambles Tavern   or visit   TikTok’s famous   Ghost Merchants   to find your unique fortune-bringing ghost figurine .

2.  Walk along the York city walls

What is it?   Roman fortifications that once protected the city.

Why go?   The Romans did a lot for us. They built roads, thermal baths and left York with the longest walls barrier in the country. Walking the full length of York’s city walls will take a couple of hours, especially if you stop to read the many plaques on the way.

Don’t miss:   You can enlist the help of a guide to save a bit of brainwork. Tailored tours ensure you only get the juicy tidbits, while private excursions cut out any possibility of stragglers.

3.  Cruise down the Ouse

What is it? The Ouse is York’s main river , which cuts a path through the city before winding up at the Humber Estuary. 

Why go?   The Ouse is a picturesque delight with riverside walking routes that are perfect for post-lunch strolls. Follow the river and you’ll catch some of York’s best sights, from the Millennium Bridge to Clifford’s Tower. You can also take regular boat tours or cruises down the river.

Don’t miss:   Take the early evening cruise and you’ll be treated to sunset views that’ll give you pause for thought (and photos). The boat comes with a fully stocked bar should you fancy an evening tipple and there’s lively onboard commentary. 

4.  Take in the views at York Museum Gardens

What is it?  Free botanic gardens in the city centre with splendid medieval ruins.

Why go?  To enjoy a stroll surrounded by beautiful views in a green space bang-on in the city centre. Visiting the Museum is a plus, but coming to the Museum Gardens is a must. The Gardens are populated by wildlife and adorned with plants and flowers on every path. Inside you can see the medieval ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, a dramatic and picture-worthy site against a spectacular backdrop, as well as various other cool buildings. Entry to the Gardens is free, and once you’re in you won’t want to leave. 

Don’t miss : There are historic gems all around, so look out for the Observatory (now a cosy café) and the Hospitium, used for housing guests back in the 12 th century.

5.  Climb up Clifford’s Tower

What is it? The ruined Norman keep forming part of York Castle.

Why go? Like lots of this city’s history, this tower’s name has rather gruesome roots: Roger de Clifford was hanged for treason on this site back in 1322. Today the tower offers some pretty spectacular views. At the hill’s summit, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled panoramas over York Minster and the city centre, and, on a clear day, you can see as far as the North York Moors National Park.

6.  Explore York Minster

What is it?  A stunning cathedral dating back to the seventh century.

Why go?  Pretty much everywhere you go in York, you can catch a glimpse of the splendid Minster soaring over the city. But make sure you go to see it close up. Step inside the cool interiors and admire medieval stained-glass windows, carved stone and sparkling artefacts.  Make sure to visit the Chapter House: this mesmerising octagonal room dating from the 13 th century has spectacular vaulting and intact carved quirky gargoyles, but it’s all the way to the back of the Minster (so it's an actual hidden gem).

Don’t miss:  Strap on some sensible shoes and climb all 275 steps to enjoy the view from the highest point in York. If you’re lucky you might just spot a peregrine falcon nesting peacefully next to a gargoyle.

7.  Time-travel through the streets of York Castle Museum

What is it?  An immersive display reproducing 400 years of York’s past.

Why go?  To live as a time traveller for a day, walking from York’s smoky Victorian streets to its kitchens and music-filled rooms in the 1960s. It doesn’t get more immersive than walking in the dim light of Kirkgate, York’s re-built Victorian street, hearing horse-carriage bells and smelling peculiar odours as you step into the real-life shops recreated from historic records: hat-makers, fudge-makers, tailors, chemists and more. York Castle Museum 's newly refurbished rooms have something for everyone’s taste, with plenty of interactive displays to bring history to life. To make it even cooler, you have actors playing real-life characters to help on your timey-wimey journey .

8.  Delve into York’s Scandi past at the Jorvik Viking Centre

What is it? A trip back in time to the days of York under Danish rule.

Why go? This is a chance to delve into York’s Scandi past – and no, we’re not talking hygge here. In 866 (yes, York really is that ancient) the city was invaded by the Danes; this attraction gives a snapshot of what Viking life would have been like. With its moving carriages, life-size dioramas and ancient artefacts, it’s a real trip back in time. Be warned: they even replicate the smells of the ninth century. We can confirm they’re pretty bad.

Don’t miss: Look out for an actual fossilised Viking poo on display. 

9.  Head down to the York Cold War Bunker

What is it? A relic of York history from the days of the Iron Curtain and the fear of the ever-ticking Doomsday Clock. 

Why go? If you’re tired of learning about Romans and Vikings, then lose yourself in another chapter of history. The semi-subterranean York Cold War Bunker was built in case of a Soviet nuclear attack and, with its blast-proof doors, perspex maps and decontamination areas is described by English Heritage as ‘the most modern and spine-chilling’ of their properties. Tours are led by friendly guides who know their stuff and begin every hour on the hour.   If visiting in autumn and winter, be sure to check their website for up-to-date openings.

10.  Enjoy award-winning afternoon tea at The Grand

What is it?  A luxurious afternoon tea in the city’s only 5-star hotel.

Why go?  To enjoy a proper treat in one of the most majestic venues in the city without breaking the bank. The Grand 's signature afternoon tea features 20 different types of teas from around the world, with savoury and sweet options stacked elegantly and made in-house by some of the best pastry chefs in the country. Don’t take our word for it: they were awarded Conde Nast’s best afternoon tea in the UK in 2023! During a warm summer day you can enjoy your scones, tea, and tipple on the terrace with lovely views of the city walls .

11.  Learn about York’s chocolate history

What is it? A guided tour through 3,000 years of chocolate history and, of course, York’s crucial role in it.

Why go? To get up to speed on some of the most beloved (and delicious) York-made sweeties. Expect to dive deep into the history of Terry’s, Rowntree’s and more. Oh, and obvs don’t forget to get your fair share of samples from the shop.

12.  Get spooked on a ghost tour

What is it?  York’s full of ghoulish stories, and a ghost tour’s the best way to find out about them.

Why go?  To set your heart racing and learn more about why York is so spooktacular . Wander along narrow passageways and dark streets to investigate bloodcurdling tales of scandal and death, or jump aboard the  Ghost Bus , on which the creepy conductor will fill you in on the city’s grimmest tales. There’s a wide variety of ghost tours running daily here, so if you’re after some scares, York’s the place for you.

13.  Soak up some tranquility at Breezy Knees Garden

Please note the gardens are open May-September only.

What is it? Spectacular (and award-winning) gardens on the edge of the city.

Why go? For the 20 acres of gardens packed with more than 7,000 varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees.

Don’t miss:  The adjoining specialist nursery, which stocks many rare plants you can buy and take home.

14.  Get cultured at the Barbican

What is it? The largest music and arts venue in York. 

Why go? To see everything from big-name bands to live comedy, as well as a variety of goings-on that span sports, children’s entertainment and community events. It’s a key venue and cultural hub in the city with a rich history of hosting amazing artists. The programme is always stacked, hosting more than 200 events a year and pulling in 130,000 visitors.

15.  Trainspot at The National Railway Museum

What is it? The perfect excuse to get in touch with your inner trainspotter.

Why go? Anyone with a passion for period dramas, history or design will revel in a trip to the National Railway Museum – the biggest railway museum in the UK, no less. Here you’ll find more than a million pieces of memorabilia, including actual trains, mock-up stations and perfectly (and stylishly) restored carriages.

Don’t miss: You can also take a ride on the miniature railway outside.

16.  Go on a brewery tour

What is it? A beer-filled tour of local brewery Brew York.

Why go? To sample a sumptuous range of local beers fresh from the place they’re actually brewed. 

Don’t miss: If you love the brew so much you want to take some home with you, then no problem: sign up for Brew York’s monthly subscription box.

17.  Stop for hot chocolate at Cocoa Joe’s

What is it? A choccy haven  in the heart of town

Why go? Fancy a hot choc? York’s famous history with chocolate keeps inspiring the city’s modern foodies and baristas. Inside this cosy café specialised in all things chocolate, you can indulge in hot or cold chocolate drinks sustainably sourced from all over the world, and enriched by dozens of flavours you can customise. Raspberry? Ginger? Marshmallows? Yes please. And it’s definitely a bonus that you can try as many chocolate samples as you wish, as the expert chocolatiers tell you all about their journey to the chocolate capital of the UK. 

18.  Nerd out at the Yorkshire Air Museum

Why go? You don’t have to be an aviation aficionado to fall in love with the  Yorkshire Air Museum . The museum boasts one of the largest collections   UK-wide, and each aircraft tells a different story – from early aviation gliders to real planes used during WW2 and the Cold War.

Don’t miss: the Handley Page Hangar and the Women’s Memorial, celebrating untold histories of the British heroines of WW2.

19.  Have a day out at York Racecourse

What is it? Award-winning modern racecourse and gig venue with grandstands and characterful listed buildings.

Why go?  For any of the 17 joyous race days between May and October. Not a racing fan? No problem – the racecourse also puts on concerts, fashion events and even a vintage clothes festival. There’s a decent car boot sale here on Saturday mornings, too.

Don’t miss:  The Yorkshire Ebor Festival and its smartly-dressed vibe is the season highlight.

20.  Enjoy a comedy show at the Grand Opera House

What is it? A Grade II-listed theatre that was lovingly restored in the ’80s.

Why go? As well as all its historic sights, York also boasts some pretty cool live entertainment venues. Following its ’80s revamp, which saw the theatre’s layout returned to its original period style, the Grand Opera House now puts on an excellent programme of live music, comedy and musicals. 

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

York Travel Guide (including essential travel tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

Our York Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most beautiful of England’s cities. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to York!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO YORK

Located in the county of Yorkshire York is a popular city for visitors from around the globe. With a historical legacy from the Romans and Vikings and medieval streets of cobblestones, this walled city is the perfect place for a weekend visit or to break the journey by train from London to Edinburgh .

If you are visiting York you will find everything you need to plan your trip in this guide plus information about the county of Yorkshire.

What you will find in this complete York Travel Guide

Map of York

Things to do in York (and Yorkshire)

Discover the best things to see and do in York with my guide to the city, itinerary suggestions plus guide to the best day trips from York.

THINGS TO DO IN YORK

YORKSHIRE TRAVEL GUIDE

BEST DAY TRIPS & TOURS FROM YORK

Places to visit in York include

York Minster

The Shambles

National Railway Museum

JORVIK Viking Centre

Clifford’s Tower

York City Walls

York Castle Museum

York’s Chocolate Story

Bettys Tea Rooms

Listen to our Podcast about visiting York

Accommodation in york.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN YORK

Find more accommodation options in my Accommodation Guide for England.

How to get to York from London

York is easily accessible from London. If you are based in the capital there are a number of options to get to the city.

Option 1 – By car

York is located 200 miles to the north of London.

Plan at least 4 hours to drive between the 2 cities (this will vary depending on traffic but it can be a busy route). Other English cities you will pass along the way are Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds.

Directions can be found here.

If you are planning a short day trip to York I recommend parking in one of the Park & Ride car parks and taking the free bus into the city.

Option 2: By train

York is easy to reach by train from any major city in the UK.

York train station is a 10 minute walk from the centre of the city.

The trip takes an average of 3 hours from London and 2 hours from Edinburgh

It is possible to take a direct train from London to York. Click here for train times and tickets.

Option 3: By bus

It is possible to take a bus from Victoria Coach Station to York. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.

This is the cheapest way to travel to York from London though so if you are on a budget this may be your best option. Click here for coach times and prices from National Express.

Read more – Complete transportation guide to the UK

Experiences, tickets and tours in York

With so many things to do and places to visit in York I recommend planning your itinerary and purchasing tours, tickets and experiences as soon as you can to avoid disappointment especially during the busy summer months.

A York city pass is a great option and includes entrance to 25 popular York attractions including the JORVIK Viking Centre, York Minster, York Castle Museum, York’s Chocolate Story. Click for more information about the York City Pass.

• River Ouse City Cruise – Spend a relaxing hour on the River Ouse and see the sights of York from a different perspective.
• York’s Chocolate Story: Guided Tour – Explore York’s chocolate history and learn about the origins of chocolate and about York’s founding confectionery families.
• York Minster and City Walking Tour – This 2-hour walking tour provides you with fantastic insights into the most historic and world-famous sites in York. Start with the Romans then explore the ‘Snickelways’ of York and complete your tour at the magical York Minster.

> Click here for more tickets and tours in York

Best Yorkshire day trips from York

York is the perfect base to explore the surrounding Yorkshire countryside, seaside towns along England’s eastern coast, areas of natural beauty and places of historical significance.

The Yorkshire Dales, the coastal town of Whitby, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Saltaire, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden are all easy day trips from York.

If you are considering hiring a car and taking a day trip from York these are my top 5 destinations to consider:

• Castle Howard
• Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Read more: 10 best places to visit in Yorkshire

If you prefer to join an organised day trip from York these are just some of the destinations you can explore. *

(*Find more suggestions in my article which focuses on ALL the best day trips and tours from York)

• The Yorkshire Dales day tour from York
• The Bronte’s Parsonage Tour
• Steam train, Whitby and North Yorkshire Moors

Where to eat in York

There are many wonderful teahouses, cafes, gastropubs and restaurants in York.

Betty’s Tea Rooms

No visit to York is complete without a visit to Bettys Tea Rooms. Open since 1936 the beautiful interiors are inspired by the Queen Mary liner.

Visit for afternoon tea and sample the delights of Bettys for yourself.

Where – 6-8 St. Helen’s Square York YO1 8QP

Shambles Market

Enjoy York’s growing street food scene at the Shambles Market. There are plenty of options to suit all tastes including Indian, Thai, Mexican.

Don’t miss the burritos from Smokehouse which are priced from just £6.50.

Where – The Shambles Market, 5 Silver St, York YO1 8RY

Tips for visiting York & Yorkshire

• If you want to see the highlights of York consider joining this best of York guided walking tour or take the hop-on hop-off bus around the city.
• If York is just one of the places you wish to visit in Yorkshire don’t underestimate the size of the county! It is England’s largest county and is roughly half the size of Belgium. It can be divided into 4 smaller areas – North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.
• There are are some large cities in Yorkshire such as York, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford and Ripon but also lots of charming towns and villages too.
• The Yorkshire Dales National Park covers thousands of square miles (in fact most of the county) and includes moors, valleys, hills, waterfalls and villages within its boundaries.
• There are numerous hiking trails in the park including the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Yorkshire Three Peaks and Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. If you are planning a hike ensure you prepare thoroughly.
• There are two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire which are the Howardian Hills and Nidderdale.
• Our guide to 19 of the best day trips in Yorkshire has lots of great ideas too.

Tips for driving in Yorkshire

• If you are planning to hire a car and drive in Yorkshire it is important to pick the right rental car. In rural areas the roads may be single lane with no central line so don’t choose a large SUV or saloon car if there are only 2 of you.
• If you wish to stop to admire the views ensure it is safe to do so.
• In winter the weather conditions can change rapidly and snow can often make the roads impassable. There may also be no mobile signal in more isolated spots so ensure you share your travel plans before setting out.
• If you prefer to avoid driving there are a number of tours which you can join to enjoy the sights of the Yorkshire Dales.
• While there are 15 public car parks available around the city of York I recommend accessing one of the 6 Park & Ride services which allow you to park for free in a secure car park and complete your journey into the city by bus. You can find out more about this scheme here .

Books to read about York

More uk travel guides.

• 10 Places to visit in Yorkshire
• Things to do in Whitby
• Peak District Travel Guide
• Chester Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• Durham Travel Guide

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

Grey Globetrotters

Is York Worth Visiting? 21 Best Things to Do & Reasons to Visit

Grey Globetrotters contains affiliate links and is an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy  for more information.

Are you wondering, “is York worth visiting in 2023”? This guide will help you decide if you’re considering a trip to York in the UK. We’ll cover some of the city’s top attractions and things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.

I’ve lived in Yorkshire for almost a decade and visit York frequently, so I have the inside track on what’s worth seeing and doing in this incredible medieval city.

By the end of this post, you should have a good idea of whether or not York is right for your next vacation.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Is York Worth Visiting In 2023?

In a nutshell, YES! York is a superb city to visit!!

With many historical attractions, Harry Potter connections, and iconic British landmarks, York is a great place to visit .

This is especially true if you’re a history buff or love exploring cities rather than venturing out in the rugged outdoors, though the wild and beautiful North York Moors are not far from the city centre for a memorable day trip.

As the capital city of the North Yorkshire region, York is a charming city in the heart of North Yorkshire, often overlooked by travellers on their way to bigger and more famous destinations around England.

Save $$$ With The York Pass

Save money on entry to top York attractions, including York Minster, York City Cruises, JORVIK Viking Centre, York Dungeon, and more with the York City Pass !

Visitors to this historic city are rewarded with unique experiences that simply can’t be found anywhere else. From exploring the winding medieval alleyways of the Shambles to sampling Fat Rascals at Bettys Tea Rooms, York has something for everyone.

So, if you’re still pondering “is York worth visiting”, we can confidently say it’s fabulous!

21 Best Things to Do and See in York in 2023

This historic British city – the land of Vikings and Romans, Kings, chocolate and stunning architecture – has so much to offer. Here are some of York’s top tourist attractions and things we recommend you do while visiting York:

1. Visit York Minster

This stunning 12th-century cathedral dominates York’s skyline and is a must-see when visiting the city.

With its intricate stonework and stunning stained glass windows, it’s no wonder this place – the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe – attracts over 2 million visitors every year.

Pro Tip: A tower tour is a great way to enjoy the best views over the centre of York. You’ll need to get there early and book your tour when you arrive , as this is one of the most popular things to do in York, and places fill up fast!

2. Go on a ghost walk

York has a reputation as one of the UK’s most haunted cities, so why not embrace it? Take a ghost tour to around some of the spookiest locations in town – just don’t forget your garlic.

3. Take a Scenic River Cruise

A leisurely cruise down the River Ouse in central York is the ideal way to see some of the city’s main attractions from a different perspective. Pick from a scenic daytime cruise or a romantic and atmospheric evening cruise .

4. Explore Clifford’s Tower

The only remaining part of William the Conqueror’s magnificent York Castle, Clifford’s Tower has played many roles throughout history.

Since Roger de Clifford built it, this tower has been a royal mint, prison, and even an air raid shelter during World War II – but today, it stands tall as one of York’s most iconic landmarks.

5. York Castle Museum

Centuries before Buckingham Palace became the official residence for British monarchs, King John lived in the secure keep at York Castle. While the castle is long ruined, you can learn about a thousand years of York’s turbulent history at York Castle Museum.

6. Jorvik Viking Centre

Step back in time at Jorvik to the 9th century when England fell to the Vikings, and York became a vital settlement – becoming the second largest British city of the time.

7. The York Chocolate Story

Learn about York’s role in bringing chocolate to the world in this interactive and engaging museum. You can also make your own chocolate treats at the end of your tour before browsing the gift shop for delicious handmade chocolates to take home!

8. Head down to the York Cold War Bunker

Uncover Britain’s Cold War’s secret and chilling history at the most modern English Heritage property. Walk through the blast-proof doors to investigate the more unusual side of York’s heritage.

In active use from the 1960s to the 1990s, the bunker was a nerve centre to monitor any fallout from a nuclear attack. 

9. Discover the city’s gruesome past at York Dungeon

Walk through 2,000 years of York’s history and meet famous characters from York’s dark past, including Vikings and Guy Fawkes! The York Castle dungeon will make you laugh and scream!

10. Take a stroll on top of the medieval city walls

It’s not every day that you can walk on ancient fortifications with Roman origins. York City Walls are approximately 2 miles long and offer breathtaking city views. It’s an excellent opportunity to work off your afternoon tea and one of the most popular free things to do in York!

11. Visit the Shambles

The Shambles is one of the most famous streets in England, and for good reason too! With its narrow cobbled streets and overhanging timber-framed buildings dating back as far as the 14th century.

12. Take afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms

For something quintessentially British, look no further than Betty’s Tea Rooms .

This charming cafe has served traditional afternoon tea since 1919 and offers everything from scones with clotted cream to dainty finger sandwiches – all served on fine china and crisp white linen tablecloths.

13. Go trainspotting in style at the National Railway Museum

A short walk from York train station will take you to this cavernous Yorkshire museum, which has over 100 examples of rolling stock, including a carriage made for Queen Victoria . The main attraction is the famous Flying Scotsman train .

With free entry , visiting the National Railway Museum is one of the first things many families like to do on a day trip to York – perfect if it’s raining!

14. Have a pint at one of the many historic pubs in York

Ye Olde Starre Inn pub claims to be the oldest licensed premises in York (dating back to 1644), so it’d be rude not to stop by for a drink. The interior is cosy and full of character – just what you’d expect from such an ancient establishment.

Other characterful pubs in York include the wonderfully eccentric House of the Trembling Madness , the Evil Eye , and the historical Guy Fawkes Inn near York Minster, where the pub food is excellent.

15. Find all the cats on the York Cat Trail

Cat lovers will find York worth a visit, as cats have been symbols of luck for centuries in the city. You’ll soon see that many properties sport feline decorations.

The popularity of cats in York dates to the days of timber houses, when vermin carried diseases, including plague, and could destroy entire buildings by knawing at the wood. Cats were kept to ward off evil spirits and keep rats at bay!

You can download the lucky cat trail map here .

16. Check out the York Roman Baths

Pop into the Roman Bath Museum in York to discover the Roman roots of this old city . You will see the Tepidarium (warm room), Caldarium (hot steam room), and Frigidarium (cold plunge room) used by occupying Roman forces two thousand years ago!

Pro Tip : It’s easy to spot this small museum on your first day in York, as it’s located beneath the Roman Bath Pub!

17. Have a flutter at York Race Course

Going to the races in York has been popular since the time of Roman Emperor Severus, however, the city did not fully support horse racing until 1530!

Today, York is one of the premier racecourses in Yorkshire, rated top in The Times newspaper survey of all Britain’s racecourses. So, if you fancy getting dressed up, sipping a glass of bubbly and watching some of the best horseracing in the country, check the racing fixtures here .

Pro Tip: For the best deal on entry tickets to 20 of York’s top tourist attractions, we recommend you buy a York City Pass . You’ll save a ton of time and money compared to buying separate admission tickets!

There we have it, folks; seventeen fantastic things to do whilst exploring beautiful York – one of the top attractions in North Yorkshire!

Where is York?

York is located in Northern England, in the large, rural county of North Yorkshire. The city is around 2 1/2 hours from London by train and 3 hours from Edinburgh by train.

What is York famous for?

York is best known for its magnificent 12th century Minster – the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. It’s also regarded as the most haunted city in Europe.

Chocolate was the most significant industry in York until recently, with almost every family in the city connected to the world-famous chocolate brands.

York is also known for the huge number of pubs in the city, many of which are quirky and historical, including the Guy Fawkes Inn, where Guy Fawkes was born in the shadow of York Minster, and the Golden Fleece, which is reputed to be the most haunted pub in York 💀

🥃 Best Pub Tour in York

Visit the most fascinating pubs in York, with a knowledgeable local guide on this Guided Historic Pub Tour .

Foodies will love a trip to the medieval Shambles, where foods from around the globe await hungry visitors. If you’re wondering, “what food is York famous for?” the answer is the Yorkshire pudding !

If time allows, putting on your finery for a day out at the York races or taking a day trip to the North Yorkshire Coast is a must.

A few more reasons why York is worth visiting include the historic (and reputedly haunted) Treasurer’s House and the Merchant Adventurers Hall – the oldest guildhall in Great Britain.

York is a bustling, active city that will not disappoint visitors.

Best Time To Visit York United Kingdom

The best times to visit York are Easter, during the summer when the weather is warm and pleasant, Halloween, and Christmastime.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy Cherry Blossom in the city – look out for the beautiful trees below the City Wall by the train station and those near York Minster.

Summer is ideal for romantic picnics in St. Mary’s Abbey’s ruins, riverside strolls, and river cruises. Hiring one of York’s little red boats for a potter along the river is fun.

York is certainly worth visiting for Halloween , with plenty of ghost tours to pick from. The leaves will be changing colour, and the nights drawing in, and while the real chill of winter won’t have arrived yet, you’ll want to dress warmly.

Christmas in York is spectacular, with award-winning festive markets, pretty lights and an unbeatable ambience. If you want to experience the magic of a carol service at York Minster (and you really should), you’ll need to book early, as these events sell out fast. Consider staying a few extra days to really soak it all in.

No matter when you visit, York is a fabulous city that’s always bustling with activities.

How Many Days In York Is Enough?

You could easily spend a week in York and still find things to do. However, 3-4 days are enough to see the city’s main sights if you’re short on time.

If you only have one day to spare, a single day in York is doable. We recommend buying a one-day York City Pass and focusing on the city centre to see the most highly-rated attractions.

The most popular things to do during one day in York include:

• Walking along the City Walls from the train station to Bootham Bar
• Exploring York Minster (don’t forget to book the tower tour when you arrive)
• Visiting Jorvik or the York Chocolate Story
• Finding somewhere to eat (Guy Fawkes pub or Gert’s Fish & Chips in the Shambles are great options)
• Wandering through the Shambles
• Climbing Clifford’s Tower for superb city views
• Taking an evening river cruise for incredible views of the city at sunset, or going on a spooky ghost walk

Where To Stay In York

York has great accommodation options within the city and nearby. For a hotel close to the city’s main tourist attractions, you’ll want to stay in the centre of York to make the most of the best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife options.

Our favourite hotel in York is the Grand Hotel . This luxury 5 star hotel offers a peaceful oasis of calm and refinement after a day of city exploration. The Grand Hotel is a very short walk from York train station, with fabulous views of the city walls.

➡️ Top Luxury York Hotel: Grand Hotel ➡️ Top Mid-Budget York Hotel: The Dean Court ( 200m from York Minster )

How To Get Around York

Getting around York on foot or by bicycle is easy, and the city’s bus system is efficient. You should avoid driving into the city centre, as the streets are congested, and parking is expensive .

If you stay in the city centre, most places are within walking distance; however, if you want the freedom to explore more of North Yorkshire, renting a car or looking at guided tours are good options.

FAQs – Is York Worth Visiting

This collection of questions people often ask should help you plan your trip if you’re still asking yourself the question “is York worth visiting?”:

What is the York Pass?

The York Pass includes admission to York Minster, City Cruises York, JORVIK Viking Centre, The York Dungeon, Van Gogh Immersive Experience, York City Sightseeing, and much more! Each York Pass also comes with a free 24 Hour hop-on hop-off bus tour plus a choice of three pasta or pizza dishes at ASK Italian Restaurant, York.

Is the York Pass worth it?

Yes, the cost of a York Pass is less than the cost of individual admission charges to the city’s main tourist attractions.

How far is York from London?

York is around 220 miles from London. Driving from London to York takes around 4 hours (depending on traffic conditions), whereas the London to York train journey takes from 2 to 3 hours.

How many days do you need in York?

While you can see some of the most popular tourist attractions in one day, York is worth visiting for 3 to 4 days to see more of the city.

Is York a good city break?

Yes, York is one of the best city breaks in the UK, thanks to the wide variety of things for visitors to do, and the high quality of accommodation and restaurants in the city.

Is there a lot to do in York?

York is packed with things to do and see. Whether you love history and culture, independent shops, romantic breaks, city cruises or great pubs and restaurants for evenings out, York has plenty to offer!

Is York a walkable city?

The historic city centre is best explored on foot. It’s compact and very walkable.

Is a day in York enough?

Is York worth visiting for one day? Absolutely! If you only have one day to spare, you can get a good introduction to York in one day, and see a number of the main attractions, as they are all located close together.

Is York a cheap city?

In general, York is far less expensive than many other UK cities, such as London and Edinburgh; however, one person’s idea of cheap can be another’s idea of expensive!

Is York a beautiful city?

York is stunning and worth visiting for the Instagram-worthy sights at every turn. Don’t forget to charge your phone/camera fully to take plenty of photos!

Can you get around York without a car?

Absolutely! In fact, you should try to avoid driving into the city and use public transport instead, as York is a small city, and it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike. If you visit York for the first time, a guided walking tour will help you get your bearings around the narrow streets and historical landmarks.

Is York a friendly city?

Absolutely, Yorkshire folk are very welcoming and friendly.

Is York a safe city?

York is one of the safest cities to visit in the UK and a brilliant tourist destination.

Is York cheaper than London?

In a word, yes! The cost of living in “the north” is considerably lower than it is in London, and this means you’ll pay less for hotels, restaurants and more in York.

Was Harry Potter filmed in York?

York station was a film location for Harry Potter; however, the Shambles was NOT the film location for Diagon Alley (although it REALLY should have been!). There are plenty of fabulous Harry Potter themed stores in York to keep any Potterheads happy though, including the Shop That Must Not Be Named.

Is Diagon Alley based on the Shambles in York?

While JK Rowling confirmed on Twitter that Diagon Alley was not based on any location in the UK, we think that the Shambles is exactly what she had in mind, with it’s quirky winding streets, ancient buildings and incredible atmosphere.

What cities are near York?

The nearest cities to York are Leeds , Bradford, Sheffield , Manchester and Edinburgh.

Is York a safe night out?

York is a popular and safe city for a night out. As many of the city’s streets are cobbled, you’ll probably not want to wear high heeled shoes though!

Is York Minster worth visiting?

Absolutely yes! It’s one of the most beautiful and most ancient cathedrals in the world and one of the York must see places.

Look out for the incredible Rose Window and the beautiful “Heart of Yorkshire” window when you visit.

How many people visit York a year?

According to Make it York , over 8 million people visit York each year, contributing almost £800 million to the local economy. York loves visitors!

Conclusion: Is York Worth Visiting?

If you’re looking for a charming and historic city with plenty of unique attractions and much history, York is worth visiting. It’s one of the UK’s best cities for a long weekend break.

This beautiful city has something for everyone, from the ancient York walls and stunning Minster to quirky shops and lively pubs. And let’s not forget the delicious food !

Just make sure you bring your walking shoes (or rent a bike) to explore all York offers.

Love It? Pin Is York Worth Visiting For Later

Related Posts

19 Fun & Unusual Things To Do In York, UK (From A Local)

How To Have The Best London to York Day Trip: Tips From a Local

York’s Calendar: A Local’s Guide to the Best Time To Visit York 🗓️🔍

Whispering Walls: Discover the 7 Best Ghost Walks in York 👻

Mistletoe Magic: 16 Best Things to Do in York at Christmas 🎁

4 Fun Things To Do On Tour Of The Yorkshire Heart Vineyard

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

22 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City

Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 18, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

One of the greatest cities in the world , New York is always a whirlwind of activity, with famous sights at every turn and never enough time to see them all.

Some people come here to enjoy the Broadway shows; others come specifically to shop; and many come simply to see the tourist attractions: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, historic neighborhoods, and world-famous museums . As someone who visits regularly, I like to come with friends, try new restaurants, and discover new experiences.

Many of the best places to visit in New York are within walking distance of each other, or just a short ride away, making this city a delight for sightseeing. If you have plenty of time and enjoy the water, touring New York City using the NYC Ferry System offers a unique way to see the sights.

Any time of year and any time of day or night there are an endless array of things to see and do in New York.

See also: Where to Stay in New York City

1. Statue of Liberty

2. central park, 3. rockefeller center & top of the rock observation deck, 4. metropolitan museum of art, 5. broadway and the theater district, 6. empire state building, 7. 9/11 memorial and museum, 8. american museum of natural history, 9. high line, 10. times square, 11. brooklyn bridge, 12. fifth avenue, 13. grand central terminal, 14. lincoln center, 15. one world observatory, 16. the frick collection (frick madison), 17. new york public library, 18. wall street, 19. radio city music hall, 20. st. patrick's cathedral, 21. carnegie hall, 22. bryant park, where to stay in new york city for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to new york, map of tourist attractions in new york city, best time to visit new york, ny.

America's most iconic sight, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of every first-time visitor's list of things to do in New York. It was France's gift to America. Built in 1886, it remains a world symbol of freedom and is one of the top attractions in America .

It is one of the world's largest statues, standing just under 152 feet tall from the base to the torch, and weighing approximately 450,000 pounds. You can see the statue from land, with particularly good views from Battery Park , on the southern tip of Manhattan.

To truly appreciate the Statue of Liberty, the best thing to do is to take a short boat trip to Liberty Island and see it up close. Take a pleasant stroll around the base, and if you have reservations, enter the pedestal or the crown. The crown is open for tours, but book well in advance if you want to enjoy this special experience.

On a tour of the Statue of Liberty, you have the option to stop at Ellis Island and explore the Immigration Museum . This fantastic museum is located in the historic immigration station complex, where thousands of immigrants were processed before entering the United States.

Displays focus on the process, the experiences, and the stories of the people who came through here on their journey to the United States. You can even search the on-site computer database to see a record of immigrants who came through here.

Tickets to go inside the statue sell out. Pre-purchasing tickets is a must during the high season and a good idea at any time of year. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour takes you to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This tour allows reserved access to board the ferry and includes access to the Museum at Ellis Island.

Author's Tip: Buying tickets near the ferry can be tricky, with hawkers swarming you as you exit the subway claiming to be "official representatives" and trying to sell you more expensive tickets before you can find the ticket booth. Be sure to buy in advance at the link above or ignore the hawkers until you reach the booth in Castle Clinton in Battery Park.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in New York State

An oasis of green amongst New York's concrete canyons, Central Park is a sanctuary of peace and quiet for visitors and locals alike.

A walk, pedal, or carriage ride through the crisscrossing pathways of Central Park is a must-do on anyone's New York City itinerary. In winter, you can even lace up your skates and glide across Wollman Rink . This huge park in the city center, a half-mile wide and 2.5 miles long, is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful and livable city.

Besides being a great place to experience a little nature, Central Park has many attractions within its borders, and most of them are free, making it one of the few cheap things to do in NYC. Some of the most popular places to visit include the Belvedere Castle , Strawberry Fields , the Central Park Zoo , and the Lake . If you are exploring the park on your own, start by picking up a map at one of the visitor centers and plot your route.

Central Park also offers activities throughout the year, from 5km runs and yoga classes to penguin feeding at the Central Park Zoo. Have a look at the park's events schedule for details on what's happening during your visit.

If you're visiting during the summer months, you may want to catch a performance of Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. This is a relaxing way to spend an evening in New York City and performances are free.

Read More: Best Parks in New York City

When it comes to New York attractions, Rockefeller Center is on almost all tourists' itineraries. This vast entertainment and shopping complex in the middle of Manhattan is home to NBC-TV and other media, but the centerpiece is the 70-story 30 Rockefeller Plaza , an Art Deco skyscraper that offers awesome views over Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck .

The "deck," as it's known, includes three floors, located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. Indoor and outdoor viewing spaces offer spectacular views by day or night. You can buy a Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket in advance. These tickets come with a flexible voucher redemption policy, so you can change the date if your plans change or the weather doesn't cooperate.

Skating on the outdoor skating rink at the base of the tower is one of the most popular things to do in winter in New York City and a fun activity for families and couples. The rink is typically open from October to April. If you aren't a strong skater, don't worry, the rink is tiny, and for many people, this is their first time on skates, so the skill level is pretty low.

After Thanksgiving, a huge Christmas tree is erected in front of the skating rink, lighting up the complex for the holiday season. Many people visit New York in December just to see this site.

Another point of interest in this area is the famous bronze sculpture of Atlas in front of the International Building. It's a popular subject for photographers.

Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York

Read More: Best Places to Go for Christmas

The Metropolitan Museum of Art , or the Met, as it is commonly known, was founded in 1870, and is one of the most famous museums in the United States. The permanent collection of The Met contains more than two million works of art, spanning a period of 5,000 years.

Although the museum has three sites, the centerpiece is The Met Fifth Avenue . Highlights of this collection include American decorative arts, arms and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, photographs, and much more.

Always-changing exhibitions bring some of the world's most famous works to the public.

The Met Cloisters , located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan, is another extremely popular New York museum. This branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, housed in an outstanding structure, built around medieval cloisters, chapels, and halls, focuses on the medieval art and architecture of Europe.

Address: 1000 5th Avenue, New York, New York

Read More: Top-Rated Museums in New York City

Attending a Broadway show is one of the top things to do in New York City. Considered the pinnacle of American theater, this is the place to see the latest shows and the long-running classics.

Broadway usually refers simply to Broadway theater, which encompasses a large number of theater venues in the Theater District and along the street of Broadway. For the most popular shows , tickets should be purchased well in advance from the website.

Shubert Alley is a famous pedestrian-only alley in the Theater District and home to two well-known playhouses: the Shubert on 221 West 44th Street and the Booth at 22 West 45th Street. Historically, aspiring actors would frequent Shubert Alley looking for opportunities to perform in a play sponsored by theater baron, Sam S. Shubert.

A Chorus Line played at The Shubert for a record 6,137 shows. The musical Oklahoma debuted in 1941 at the St. James playhouse just down the street. Other legendary places include Sardi's restaurant, where many famous actors met, and the Music Box Theater, where Irving Berlin staged The Music Box Revue in 1921.

The Empire State Building is one of New York's most famous landmark buildings and key tourist attractions. The 381-meter-tall, 102-story building was the tallest in the world until the 1 World Trade Center tower rose higher, 41 years later. Topped with a mooring mast for airships, the Empire State Building immediately became a landmark and a symbol for NYC when it opened in 1931.

There are actually two observatories atop the Empire State Building , both offering astounding views. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles, looking into the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

The 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet) is the city's highest open-air observation deck, and what most people are expecting to find when they go up the Empire State Building. If it feels familiar, it's because this area has been featured in countless movies and TV shows.

Reached by high-speed, automatic elevators, it has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the building. The views are incredible. The Top Deck on the 102nd Floor stands 1,250 feet above the bustling streets below. While you are 16 stories higher, the viewing area here is enclosed.

The line to go up the Empire State Building is almost always long; moves slowly; and during peak times, it can be ridiculous, making the whole experience more frustrating than it needs to be. Be aware you can easily burn up half your touring day just at this one attraction.

It's well worth buying the Empire State Building Ticket – Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Ticket that lets you bypass the lines .

The World Trade Center's twin 110-story towers once dominated the Manhattan skyline but were destroyed by suicide-piloted jetliners on September 11, 2001, with a tragic loss of life. Where the two towers of the World Trade Center once stood, now stand two square reflecting pools, each one acre in size.

Known as the National September 11 Memorial , this area is a moving tribute to the almost 3,000 people killed as a result of attacks on September 11, 2001, and also the six people killed in the earlier World Trade Center bombing in February 1993.

Surrounded by trees and grass, the pools are recessed, with water cascading over the sides and flowing into a seemingly bottomless square. These are the largest manmade waterfalls in North America . Around the pools are bronze panels with the names of all those who were killed in the attacks.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located in an architecturally stunning, curving glass building, between the two pools. It features displays that include artifacts, photos, and videos, presenting the story of 9/11, as well as the aftermath and impacts.

The building is constructed around the remnants of the World Trade Center and incorporates the old structures within the extraordinary new museum building. The memorial and the museum are located on the south side of One World Trade Centre, on Greenwich Street.

Also worth seeing in this area, on the opposite side of Greenwich Street, is the eye-catching Westfield World Trade Center , which contains Oculus Plaza . You can't miss this building with its white fins and spaceship-like appearance. This is a public building with shops and high-end stores, but it's worth popping in for a quick look at the architecture.

Tickets to the 9/11 Museum must be purchased online or at the window in advance. This is one of New York's most popular things to do, so booking ahead is essential to avoid disappointment. If you are traveling as a family, be sure to book the discounted family rate for up to five.

When purchasing your tickets, you will have the ability to select a time to visit, and you must make your time slot. On Mondays, museum entry is free from 3:30 to 5pm, but tickets still need to be booked in advance, starting at 7am, and are limited to four per person.

Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, New York

One of New York City's best museums for a family outing, the American Museum of Natural History has always been an important institution, but now it's even more exciting.

One of the newest additions to the New York City attraction scene is the recent opening of the Richard Gilder Center for Science , in May of 2023. This impressive renovation and expansion is quickly becoming one of the city's top things to see, with a design reminiscent of the imaginative style of Antonio Gaudi.

The stunning four-story wing features flowing concrete in intriguing formations. Once inside, you can explore the brand-new insectarium, butterfly conservatory, research library, and a wealth of educational opportunities. It's an exciting addition to the city's cultural landscape that is sure to inspire visitors of all ages.

The museum's permanent exhibit halls showcase all that's interesting about the natural environment of our planet, from science and the environment to animals and fossils. It also hosts special exhibits that run for a set block of time.

Some of the current exhibits that are well worth seeing include one on sharks, featuring models of these amazing creatures that you can actually touch. Another fascinating display is the rare 22-carat Okavango Blue Diamond.

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, New York

An exciting, and recently expanded, attraction in New York City, the High Line is a former rail line that has been transformed into an urban walking trail above the city streets.

This unique linear public park has been planted with a variety of plants and trees, many of which are native species. In spring many of these come into bloom. The park is lined with glass railings in most areas, giving it a natural feel, while still offering outstanding views of the city.

This oasis on Manhattan's West Side runs from Gansevoort Street at the south end (just south of West 13th Street) to West 34th Street at the north end, running parallel to 10th Ave most of the way. You can access it at various points along the route, some of which offer stair access only, and others with elevator access.

Although the High Line is only about two to three stories above street level, the views of the city's architecture and the lookouts over the streets offer a whole new perspective. Along the route are art installations and benches , and near the south end is a sitting area with bleacher-style seating and a glass wall looking out onto the city . The trail is heavily used, and on weekends it can be extremely busy, but without the surrounding traffic, it's still a peaceful retreat.

One of the highlights of the High Line is the Hudson Yards overlook, called The Vessel, near 34th Street. This is a stunning multilevel structure.

You'll find other interesting places to visit just off the High Line. The south section runs through the Meatpacking District , with plenty of trendy restaurants and fine dining. The southernmost access point is adjacent to the Whitney Museum of American Art, which is also worth a visit.

If you hop off the High Line at the 16th Street access (elevator access), it's just a short stroll to the popular Chelsea Market , located in a former Nabisco factory, where you'll find restaurants and unique shops.

In the spring of 2023, a new extension called the High Line — Moynihan Connector opened to much fanfare. This extension adds new access points, public spaces, and transit connections via the Moynihan train station. The new additions consist of two new 600-foot-long bridges, one made of steel and one made of wood.

Tours of the High Line are offered year-round and trace the history of the attraction from its industrial beginnings through to the structure it is today. Tours are free and are 90 minutes long in the spring, summer, and fall, and 45 minutes long in the winter.

Although a late-night stroll on the High Line on a hot summer's night or after a concert or Broadway show may sound enticing, the High Line closes at 10pm.

Location: Manhattan West Side

Lined with huge, brilliantly lit billboards and screens, Times Square is the place to go in New York in the evening, but still exciting at any time of day. This is the location of New York's New Year's Eve Celebrations and the famous "ball drop" at midnight, when the square and surrounding streets are filled with people.

Times Square is busy and perpetually crowded but has its own unique appeal. Bleachers set up at one end are a great place to take a break and appreciate the scene.

Formerly Longacre Square, Times Square was named in 1904 after the New York Times tower. The newspaper first posted current headlines along its moving sign, the first of its kind in the world, in 1928.

If you've had your fill of sitting on the bleachers and are looking for something fun to do either as a group or a couple, stroll over to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum . The eerily life-like wax figurines feature NYC icons like Jimmy Fallon and the set of The Tonight Show , Broadway cast members, and shows where you actually get to dress up and participate. The building's glass dome protrudes over Times Square for awesome views.

Address: Broadway and 7th Avenue, New York, New York

The Brooklyn Bridge, with its Gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables, is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and has inspired generations of poets, songwriters, and painters. This historic bridge, spanning the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn, was completed in 1883 and was the world's first steel suspension bridge .

You can see it from many of the ferries, or the east side of Manhattan, but the best way to experience this icon is to take an hour and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. A wood plank walkway, only open to pedestrians and cyclists , runs above the lanes of traffic. If you are not up for walking the whole distance, at least go as far as the first pillar, where there is a viewing platform, and you can see one of the granite towers up close.

From the bridge are beautiful views over Manhattan, the East River, and beyond to the Statue of Liberty. Biking over the bridge is another option, but pedestrian traffic is often very heavy, and cycling can be slow and challenging on busy days. Be aware that the access to the bridge begins well back from the water's edge.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Brooklyn

One of the most famous shopping streets in America, Fifth Avenue is New York's premier shopping area , where many top designers have their flagship stores. Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, the famous Apple Store Fifth Avenue, and of course, Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as many others, line this posh avenue.

Even non-shoppers can enjoy a walk along Fifth Avenue. The best area runs from approximately the south end of Central Park to the New York Public Library, or more specifically, between 60th Street and 40th Street.

Grand Central Terminal , often called Grand Central Station, is a fantastic Beaux Arts building, and it's definitely worth popping in to take a look at this famous landmark. The building first opened in 1913 as a terminal for the subway and train stations.

Outside, the 42nd Street colonnaded faces and the statuary on top are some of the key highlights. Inside, you can't miss the Grand Staircase , where you can stop to gaze out over the concourse. The beautifully restored ceiling here shows a celestial scene.

One of the most iconic sights within Grand Central Terminal is the Main Concourse Information Booth Clock. This four-sided clock has been the site of countless meet-ups (and even a marriage proposal or two) and has been featured in many famous movies including The Godfather , Men in Black , and Midnight Run .

You'll also find an extensive selection of retail shops and restaurants inside the terminal.

Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, New York

If you plan on taking in one of the performing arts such as ballet, symphony, or opera, it's likely that your plans will involve an evening or afternoon at the Lincoln Center . Musicians, dancers, and performers of all kinds dream of gracing one of the 30 indoor and outdoor stages spread throughout the center.

Throughout the summer from mid-June through to mid-August Lincoln Center is one of New York's cheapest cultural hotspots with hundreds of free events during their Summer for the City series . All kinds of entertainment for all ages are on offer.

The Lincoln Center is home to the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the Juilliard School of Music, the Lincoln Center Theater, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and it's almost a certainty that some sort of event will be taking place during your time in town.

In addition to live performances, Film at Lincoln Center showcases innovative movies on a daily basis.

Location: 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York

At the top of the newly constructed One World Trade Center building , One World Observatory is the highest observation deck in the city offering outstanding views from floors 100, 101, and 102, 1,776 feet above the ground. The elevator to the top is part of the attraction. As you ascend, the surrounding panels show New York as it transformed over the years, from a rural landscape to the metropolis you see today.

This glass building, which can be seen from all over the city, is a unique structure on the Manhattan skyline, with angles that give it a very distinct appearance. If you stand near the base and look straight up, the tower appears pyramidal.

If you want to go up and see the view, you can buy an NYC One World Observatory Skip-the-Line Ticket to save you some time, but note, you will still need to clear security.

Address: One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, New York, New York

For ambience, the Frick Collection tops the list when it comes to New York City museums. Housed in an early 1900s mansion, the building and the original collection were donated by Henry Clay Frick, who had the mansion built to display his art collection.

However, the original mansion is currently closed for a massive renovation and will be for several more years. A decision was made to move elements of the Frick Collection to the former site of the Whitney Museum. The temporary home is known as Frick Madison .

A visit is still worthwhile — the most notable artwork, which includes a mix of paintings, porcelain, and furniture, are on display, as are works by Monet, Rembrandt, Bellini, El Greco , and many other famous artists.

Temporary Address: 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street

The New York Public Library's main branch was designed by architects, Carrere & Hastings, in the Beaux Arts style. The library, with its impressive rooms, is a prominent city attraction that has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years.

Although colloquially known as the main branch, the proper name is actually the Stephen A. Schwarzman building . It opened in 1911 to immediate acclaim. An enormous library, the Main Reading Room alone stretches two city blocks, and the Periodicals Room holds 10,000 current magazines. The collection at this location is vast, to say the least.

Location: Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, New York

Stretching for eight city blocks from Broadway to South Street is the world-famous Wall Street. This street and the surrounding area are home to some of the most important exchanges in the world, including the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ, and the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Also located nearby are the impressive Trinity Church and Federal Hall . Look for the bronze statue of Charging Bull at Bowling Green, on Broadway. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Financial District and a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

Lying in the shadow of Rockefeller Center is Radio City Music Hall , a famous entertainment venue and a designated city landmark. This 1932 Art Deco theater offers musical extravaganzas and films and is the home of the dance company, The Rockettes .

The building was built and financed by the Rockefellers during the 1930s and contained the largest indoor theater in the world at the time. Today, the venue frequently hosts major events, including the Grammy Awards and Tony Awards. Its prominent marquee is hard to miss as it curves around the building and stretches down the block.

Address: 1260 6th Avenue, New York, New York

St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of New York's finest examples of Gothic Revival, with its massive bronze doors, white marble façade, 330-foot spires, the Great Organ, rose window, bronze baldachin, 2,400 seating capacity, and the statue of Pieta at the side of the Lady Chapel. With millions of visitors annually, the cathedral is a major destination for believers and tourists alike.

The building was erected in 1879 and has been carefully restored and maintained throughout its existence, including a $200-million renovation that was completed in 2016.

Location: 5th Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets, New York, New York

Carnegie Hall opened in 1891 as New York's first great concert hall. Musicians from Tchaikovsky, who conducted on opening night, to Leonard Bernstein and The Beatles have filled the hall. It is said to have some of the best acoustics in the world.

While the best way to enjoy the hall is to take in a performance, one of the best ways to learn about it is on a guided tour . The tour offers a comprehensive look at the hall, insight into the construction, and discusses some of the artists who have taken to the stage. Tours end at the Rose Museum.

Address: 881 7th Ave, New York, New York

On a summer's day, it's hard to beat a leisurely afternoon at Bryant Park . The grounds feature monuments and gardens, and "Le Carrousel," a popular carousel. A games area makes available chess boards, checkers, and backgammon boards for a small fee.

Bryant Park was a seedy area known for crime and a hangout for undesirables until 1989, when the city reclaimed it and turned it into a beautiful urban oasis. Locals have embraced this park, and today, it's a pleasure to walk through. If you don't want to play a game, it is still interesting to watch others playing.

When the snow flies and the temperature drops, an outdoor skating rink emerges at Bryant Park. This small rink is free to use, unlike the one at Central Park. Bring your own skates or rent a pair at the concession stand. Don't know how to skate? No problem. Skating aids, similar to walkers that elderly people use, are available to rent. If you can, try to visit on Tuesdays or Thursdays. At 12:40pm, artistic skating performances by the Ice Theater of New York take place.

The park is located adjacent to the New York Public Library.

Location: Between W 40th Street and W 42nd Street, at 6th Ave, New York, New York

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:

• Known for impeccable service The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is a New York landmark. The hotel has recently been renovated and upgraded, and now the 253 rooms have all the latest modern features the discerning traveler requires and demands.
• The Mandarin Oriental is an outstanding luxury property with a great location near the south end of Central Park.
• Farther south, near Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, and Grand Central Terminal, the posh 60-story Langham Place, Fifth Avenue is another reliable five-star hotel.
• One of the hot new arrivals on New York's hotel scene is the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan . This four-star property offers affordable luxury and is located within walking distance to the High Line, Penn Station, and Times Square.
• In a similar price range, near Times Square, is the boutique Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection .

Mid-Range Hotels:

• With a prime location, within walking distance of Times Square, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center, The Pearl Hotel is at the higher end of the mid-range. It offers quality rooms, great service, and very reasonable rates.
• Another noteworthy mid-range hotel in a good location includes the Kasa, The Duffy Times Square . This small hotel has a B&B-style feel with only 22 rooms and as the name indicates, is close to Times Square.
• The Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street 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.
• Near Seaton Hotel is the more modern and affordable Pod 39 Hotel , with funky, compact rooms featuring en-suite bathrooms, and sociable common areas.

With so much to see and do in New York, purchasing a couple of tours can really help cover all the main attractions and make sightseeing easy and enjoyable. Walking everywhere can be tiring, and figuring out the subway isn't for everyone. There are many tours to choose from, but the following offer a good mix of attractions and experiences, and they are all guaranteed lowest prices.

Explore the City :

• For getting your bearings, seeing the sights, and learning a little history, there is no beating the traditional open-top sightseeing bus. Take a Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Tour to cover all the top sights and save yourself a whole lot of walking, so you will still have some energy to take in dinner or a show in the evening.
• If you are spending several days in the city and plan on sightseeing each day, you can save yourself money and hassle by picking up a New York CityPASS , which covers five major attractions and will allow you to bypass the lines. The pass is good for nine days.

See the Sights from the Water :

• Take a Manhattan Island Cruise to see the city skyline and city landmarks from the water, along with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These are 2.5-hour cruises that run in the morning and afternoon and include a live guided narration.

Get an Aerial Perspective :

• Indulge yourself with a Manhattan Helicopter Tour and fly over one of the most amazing cities in the world. These 15-minute shared-occupancy flights take you past the landmark buildings in downtown, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. This tour will give you a whole new appreciation for the density of the buildings and the size of Central Park.

No matter the season, New York City shines, and there is truly no wrong time to visit this bustling metropolis. The best time to go to New York City depends on what you want your vacation to be. If your idea of New York stems from movies like When Harry Met Sally and You've Got Mail , with idyllic strolls through Central Park as colorful leaves gently fall on your shoulders, autumn is an ideal time.

If seeing the Rockettes after a day of skating under the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and admiring holiday window displays is what you've always dreamed of, winter is a magical time to be in the Big Apple.

But if you are looking for a quieter and more budget-friendly getaway, with perfect weather, spring is your best bet. Locals, happy to be shedding their winter armor, have a spring in their step as they make their way to outdoor dining spots and markets on sidewalks carpeted with spring blossoms.

Summer is hot and humid, but if the balmy months are the only time you can travel with your family, you can still enjoy New York City's many attractions.

High season in New York is from June to August and November to December during the holidays, when you can expect to pay high prices for accommodations and flights. March to May and September to early November are considered shoulder seasons, and you will experience pleasant weather and relatively low prices. Low season is during January and February when it's chilly, but you will get cheap deals.

An ideal New York City vacation involves mild weather and fewer travelers, and the times that have both are spring and fall. Visit the city anytime between April to early June, or around September to early November, when the kids are in school and people aren't swarming major attractions.

Flights and hotels are also less expensive than the summer months and during the holidays in December. Take advantage of the nice weather to walk the streets, have a picnic in a park, and catch sports games.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

The Boroughs of New York City: If you have time to tour areas outside of Manhattan, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Take a trip on the Staten Island Ferry and discover the sights of Staten Island . Hop on the subway and explore the attractions of Queens . Walk or bike over the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the numerous attractions in Brooklyn . Lastly, home to the Yankee Stadium and the largest zoo in the United States, it's worth taking some time to visit the Bronx

Where to Go near New York City: If you want a quick break from New York, have a look at our top day trips from New York City or our best weekend getaways . In summer, you might even want to consider heading out to explore the best beaches on Long Island .

More on New York

New York City   Travel Guide

34 Best Things to Do in NYC

There are countless reasons to be mesmerized by New York, from its skyscrapers and monuments to its vibrant art, food, fashion and nightlife. Across the city, fresh perspectives are yours to be found; go for a stroll in Central Park or along the High

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Central Park Central Park free

This part-park, part-museum, part-concert hall swallows central Manhattan, and many of the city's most notable attractions are situated next to it or within its limits ( the Guggenheim , the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History , to name a few). But travelers insist that you shouldn't just pass through Central Park on your way to another place. This 843-acre green space is a favorite of New Yorkers and tourists; you can come here to exercise, dine, go to the zoo and more.

Almost everyone has a positive impression of the park, but no one has quite the same experience or recommends that you do quite the same thing. There's an almost impossible amount of sights to see here (hidden treasures, indeed), including more than 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, monuments or sculptures, and 30 bridges. Here's a shortlist:

National September 11 Memorial & Museum National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum serves as the primary tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as the six lost in the 1993 bombing. The memorial's twin reflecting pools and human-made waterfalls rest as eerie footprints where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood. The 1-acre pools are enclosed in bronze panels on which the names of every victim are inscribed. The museum spans across 110,000 square feet and relays the narrative of the attacks through a series of multimedia displays, real-time recordings, authentic artifacts and an interactive table.

Recent visitors cited the overall atmosphere of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum as sobering and moving. Many travelers say they were impressed with the site as a whole, noting its respectful and informational displays. Reviewers say you won't want to rush your time here, with some recommending that you budget three to four hours to see all of the exhibits.

Empire State Building Empire State Building

U.S. News Insider Tip: Watch out for "sunset peak" pricing, which adds an extra $10 per ticket for two hours around sunset each evening. But on a clear day, it just might be worth it. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

New York City Tourist 101 dictates that you must swing by this landmark structure in midtown Manhattan. And despite the hefty admission fees, the crowds and the long lines, recent visitors insist that you won't be sorry. In fact, taking a trip to the top of the Empire State Building is either the perfect way to begin or end your Big Apple excursion – on a clear day you'll be able to the see the city's major highlights some 1,250 feet beneath you. 

Popular Tours

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

(9056 reviews)

from $ 99.00

Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

(1537 reviews)

from $ 38.56

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

(2919 reviews)

from $ 45.73

Metropolitan Museum of Art Metropolitan Museum of Art

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come for the art, stay for the rooftop cocktails. A seasonal rooftop garden bar offers views over Central Park, which is especially coveted at sunset. The roof garden stays open into the evening on Friday and Saturday. – Jessica Colley Clarke

No museum in the United States is as celebrated as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spilling over with masterpieces from all over the world, including notable collections from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity, "the Met" is an art experience unlike any other, and like much in New York, it's impossible to see all the museum has to offer in one day (or even two days, for that matter). 

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of many travelers’ must-see lists. A feat of 19th-century technical engineering and a beacon for immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, the statue can be admired from several different vantage points around Manhattan, including Battery Park and the High Line . But to truly appreciate its size and significance, you’ll want to visit the statue and Ellis Island while on your NYC vacation.

The only way to access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is by using the official National Park Service ferry operator, Statue City Cruises. If you’re departing from the New York side, you’ll hop on a ferry at Battery Park in lower Manhattan. If you’re departing from the New Jersey side, you’ll depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The ferry ride takes approximately 15 minutes.

Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge free

One of many signature landmarks of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge is also one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Its six lanes (and one pedestrian and bicycle walkway) span the East River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. Walking across the bridge remains a tourist pastime.

Some visitors decide to skip the bridge in favor of other attractions, but if you're short on money, this truly is one of the best ways to experience the city and to get a unique view of either borough at no cost. Several reviewers warn that since there is no shade along the bridge, it can get quite hot in the summertime (though there are vendors selling bottles of water). Many also warned that it can get quite crowded, and advised visiting in the morning before 9 a.m. if you don't want to maneuver around crowds.

The High Line The High Line free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds. If you walk from north to south, add on a visit to The Standard Biergarten or the vibrant Chelsea Market for great people-watching, food and drink. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Set on an abandoned rail track on Manhattan's West Side, this sprawling, nearly 1½-mile-long landscaped park stretches over three of the city's most lively neighborhoods: the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen. Standing 30 feet above street level, the High Line offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan's cityscape. But the vista isn't the only reason visitors and Manhattanites flock to this manicured green space. Here, you'll find continually changing public art installations, a handful of food vendors and a sprawling picnic and sunbathing area (known as the 23rd Street Lawn).

NYC Food Tours NYC Food Tours

Known for everything from cheap eats to authentic international fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, New York City is a culinary hot spot and undoubtedly one of the best foodie cities in America . However, chances are you won't have time to experience everything the city has to offer in just one trip. One way to get a taste of New York's excellent cuisine across a variety of neighborhoods is to take a food tour.

Whether you want to explore a particular borough or neighborhood, or even a specific cuisine or dish, you'll find a tour to appease your taste buds. Relying on traveler reviews and expert analysis, U.S. News rounded up the best food tours in New York City . Though tours vary in length and price, they all receive rave reviews from past travelers, who applauded the variety of food and the expert knowledge of the guides.

Empire State Building Ticket

(4873 reviews)

from $ 47.91

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options

(8654 reviews)

from $ 44.00

New York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience

(408 reviews)

from $ 274.00

Washington Square Park Washington Square Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Finding an empty bench in Washington Square Park after visiting one of the neighborhood's independent bookstores – from The Strand to Three Lives & Company to Left Bank Books – is a true lower Manhattan pleasure. – Jessica Colley Clarke

The central gathering place of Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park, an almost 10-acre green space known for its downtown buzz. Here, kids splash in the fountain, musicians perform to a crowd, artists sell sketches or photographs, and chess enthusiasts gather to challenge each other to a game. What was historically a cemetery and later a bohemian hot spot is now a neighborhood institution that draws locals and visitors alike with its kids' playground, sizable dog run and ample shady space for picnics. An arch dedicated to George Washington is the dominant architectural feature of the park. 

Broadway Broadway

U.S. News Insider Tip: Start your day with a stop at the TKTS booth in Times Square or at the Lincoln Center location to snag discounted same-day tickets for an array of Broadway and off-Broadway shows. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

Some out-of-towners spend their entire New York trip at one show or another on the Broadway circuit. And if you like plays and musicals, this is where you should be: "The Great White Way" represents the heart and soul of American theater. Considering that nearby Times Square is a dizzying maze of sights and sounds with no real starting point, some visitors suggest you can see all you need to of that neighborhood just by trundling back and forth between shows. 

One World Observatory One World Observatory

Formerly known as Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in lower Manhattan. This observatory sits atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the highest point in the city. You'll find it adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial . At more than 125,000 square feet, the three-level observatory is located on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors of this office skyscraper. Travelers enjoy the panoramic, 360-degree views, up to 45 miles in every direction on clear days. 

Visitors reach the observatory by direct express elevators known as SkyPods. The trip upward includes a visual presentation showing how New York has changed over the decades, from open land to smaller buildings to skyscrapers. The trip takes less than a minute. Expect a multimedia presentation at the top before stunning views are revealed. A restaurant and bar on the 101st floor are open to guests who have purchased tickets to the observatory. 

Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal free

At this beautiful train station, you can eat some lunch or shop till you drop, but recent travelers most enjoyed just taking in the scenery. Before you enter, be sure to snap a few shots of the exterior's ornate beaux-arts neoclassical architecture. Inside the celebrated main concourse, you're treated to glimmering marble floors, gold and nickel-plated chandeliers and a sky-themed ceiling. Other must-sees include the Information Booth clock, the Whispering Gallery and Grand Central Market, a European-style food market that sells produce, gourmet ingredients and treats. Food options range from the upscale (Cipriani Dolci and The Campbell Bar) to the legendary (the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant) to the fast and easy (Shake Shack). As mentioned, there are also plenty of shopping options, though most travelers suggest you leave most of Grand Central's pricey merchandise in the store. If you want a train-themed souvenir, visit The New York Transit Museum Store in the shuttle passage.

Travelers call the train station "iconic" and say it's a beautiful space to walk through or to grab a meal and people-watch.

Bryant Park Bryant Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This Midtown park draws crowds for two seasonal events: summer movie nights under the stars and a holiday market complete with ice skating. For summer picnics or winter shopping sprees, Bryant Park delivers year-round. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Sprawling across nearly 10 acres, Bryant Park sits just south of Times Square – though it feels a world away. Though its lush green space has existed for more than 150 years, Bryant Park was a revitalization project of the 1990s that made it a sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. This is the preferred place for midtown Manhattan professionals to eat lunch, for fashionistas to strut during fashion week and for performers to showcase their talents during annual events like Broadway in Bryant Park and Piano in Bryant Park. If you're interested in learning more about the park's history, consider joining one of its free tours. Tours, which last 45 minutes, are free and offered every other Wednesday, year-round. 

New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing

(810 reviews)

from $ 289.00

The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York

(1645 reviews)

from $ 249.00

New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

(1102 reviews)

from $ 239.00

Staten Island Ferry Staten Island Ferry free

Perhaps the most famous ferry service in the United States, the Staten Island Ferry runs daily between the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan and St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. The city has been operating the ferry service since 1905 and transports some 70,000 passengers across New York Harbor every day. It’s one of the last remaining vestiges of an entire ferry system that served New York City residents before the construction of any bridges.  

But the Staten Island Ferry is more than a transportation service; it’s an attraction, drawing tens of thousands of out-of-town visitors a year for a free ride across the harbor (that’s right, no charge; the service is provided by the City of New York). The 5-mile ride lasts about 25 minutes. Passengers must disembark and then reboard to make the return trip to Manhattan. Travelers remark about the views of the Statue of Liberty , Ellis Island, Manhattan skyscrapers and the bridges of lower Manhattan. 

Museum of Modern Art Museum of Modern Art

You don't have to be an art lover to appreciate the Museum of Modern Art; this airy midtown gallery also doubles as a shrine of pop culture and 20th century history. Some of the most significant contemporary pieces hang on its walls, including Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans," Van Gogh's "Starry Night," Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory," Monet's "Water Lilies," and the list goes on and on. In October 2019, the museum reopened after completing an expansion project that added more than 40,000 square feet of gallery space, as well as a performance studio that features live programming.

Recent travelers were impressed by the extensive art collection and loved being able to see the museum's famous paintings. The $30 entry fee for adults ($17 for students; $22 for seniors; free for kids 16 and younger) can be hard to stomach for some, but reviewers insist you won't regret the money spent. A few travelers express disappointment with the crowds (which are most common on rainy days), but suggest getting some fresh air at the museum's Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.

New York Public Library New York Public Library free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you love all things book-related, consider visiting The Morgan Library & Museum nearby, which features J.P. Morgan's stunning 1906 library. The museum offers free admisson (and live jazz music) on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

This main branch, officially called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, attracts plenty of book lovers, history junkies and architecture aficionados. Most people swing by the Bryant Park landmark to say hello to Patience and Fortitude (the famous marble lions guarding the entrance) and to admire the lovely beaux-arts design.

American Museum of Natural History American Museum of Natural History

Visitors love the American Museum of Natural History off Central Park West. Whether you're exploring the interactive exhibits on the land, the sea or outer space; user reviews take on a common theme. This museum is incredible. Even the cafeteria and gift shop are worth your notice.

There are more than 34 million artifacts inside, spread across four city blocks, 26 buildings and through 45 exhibition halls, so don't plan on seeing everything in one day. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a particular favorite, but you should also plan on visiting the dinosaurs, the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe and the Butterfly Conservatory (accessible November through May), which houses nearly 500 butterflies. Local experts say the institution is one of the city's can't-miss museums , especially for families.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Wander along Brooklyn's Washington Avenue, and you can't avoid stumbling upon this verdant 52-acre park. A main highlight here is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, punctuated by wooden bridges and Japanese maples. And if you arrive at the end of April, you can't miss the Cherry Esplanade ( Sakura Matsuri ) when rosy cherry blossoms burst into bloom. Another standout: the Shakespeare Garden, which contains more than 80 plants described in the playwright's works.

Thanks to the garden's extensive collection, which includes 13 gardens and five conservatories, there's plenty of scenery to soak up here. Plus, you can take advantage of year-round exhibits and events, such as children's gardening workshops and Lightscape, the annual wintertime lights display. After you've taken respite in Brooklyn's cherished green space, recent visitors suggest moseying over to two staples located down the street: Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum.

9 / 11 Memorial Museum Admission Ticket

(4911 reviews)

from $ 33.00

New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

(1634 reviews)

from $ 29.00

The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City

(413 reviews)

from $ 279.00

Brooklyn Bridge Park Brooklyn Bridge Park free

Located on the Brooklyn side of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre oasis at the foot of the famous bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. The park stretches 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s waterfront, connecting Columbia Heights and Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, an eclectic neighborhood of boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants. Travelers rave about the views of the lower Manhattan skyline, the New York Harbor and the bridge.

Among the city’s newest parks, Brooklyn Bridge Park was once an industrial district and home to a transportation terminal that served as an entry point for immigrants. Today, the park features rolling hills, promenades, playgrounds, basketball courts, sports fields, a roller skating rink, gardens, and more among six piers and the riverfront. What’s more, the park is home to more than 12,000 species of plants and wildlife. It also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, such as sunset yoga and stargazing.

The Guggenheim The Guggenheim

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or simply, "The Guggenheim," is one of the most well-known art museums in the country, and it's just as renowned for its cutting-edge design as it is for its pieces. The coiled building (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) stands out on Fifth Avenue at 89th Street. Inside, the halls are chock full of works from the likes of Picasso, Cézanne, Degas, Manet and Van Gogh, among others.

Visitors loved the building's design and architecture, but offered more mixed reviews for the art on display. Some raved about the permanent collection and the special exhibitions, while others felt the cost of entrance tickets was overpriced for the amount of art displayed. Reviewers recommended the Museum of Modern Art over the Guggenheim if you're short on time. 

Off-Broadway Shows Off-Broadway Shows

Off-Broadway may not have the glitter of the Great White Way , but these smaller theaters and their productions are often innovative and are no less engaging. Unlike Broadway, these theaters are not centered around Times Square , but scattered all over Manhattan and generally seat fewer people (between 100 to 499 audience members). Smaller venues provide a more intimate experience for plays, musicals and revues. Many of New York’s most famous productions found their start off-Broadway, such as “Hair,” “Rent” and “In the Heights.”

Tickets also are more affordable, generally between $20 and $75 per person. Look for innovative productions at places like the Public Theater, Cherry Lane Theatre or Playwrights Horizons. The Signature Theatre showcases revivals and new plays.

Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck

This iconic plaza has it all – beautiful sculptures, an enormous skating rink, a fishbowl view of NBC Studios, plus a plethora of stores and restaurants. Though undoubtedly there will be intense crowds, this is an experience that's worth having at least once. During the wintertime holidays, the plaza sparkles with an illuminated Christmas tree and skaters gliding across the ice rink. But don't fret if your New York adventure doesn't take place during the cold months. There's plenty to do year-round. If you plan ahead, you can spend a morning watching a taping of the "Today" show, an afternoon admiring the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and an evening catching a performance at Radio City Music Hall .

Travelers say the Top of the Rock offers some of the best views of Manhattan and say the experience is worth every penny. Visitors recommend booking the Rock Pass ticket that includes a tour of the building and observation deck access.

Little Island Little Island free

New Yorkers have long needed to get creative to maximize space on the island of Manhattan, where space is limited. But with the opening of Little Island in 2021, that creativity stretched beyond the island's borders and into the water. Little Island is an artificial island located on the west side of Manhattan in the Hudson River. This public park, which is free to visit, offers a new space for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in nature, art, free events like concerts and one of the most memorable locations in New York City to catch the sunset.

Most recent visitors praised Little Island for its peaceful atmosphere, splash of greenery and views of the Hudson River and beyond. Some recent visitors recommend planning a visit on a weekday rather than a weekend, when this attraction can be crowded with people picnicking, especially during the golden sunset hours. Regardless of what time of day visitors stop by, almost everyone is left with a positive impression of the park and note its sculptures, family-friendly vibe, impressive variety of plants and free concerts.

Niagara Falls in One Day from New York City

(646 reviews)

from $ 227.70

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

(1046 reviews)

from $ 54.99

New York's Iconic, Top of the Rock Observation Deck

(3315 reviews)

from $ 43.55

St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral free

This sprawling cathedral sits amid the hustle and distinctively secular bustle of Rockefeller Center . But that doesn't take away from its otherworldly vibe. Whether you're religious or just making an architectural pilgrimage, you can't help but be impressed by St. Patrick's. Opened in 1879, the neo-Gothic cathedral spans the length of an entire city block and features 330-foot spires. Its interior is just as impressive thanks to its numerous altars, stained-glass windows, organs and imposing 9,000-pound bronze doors. The church welcomes more than 5 million visitors annually.  

Travelers love the historical church's beauty and stained-glass windows, but say you don't have to carve out too much time to see it. Previous vacationers also suggest visiting at Christmastime to really see the church in all its glory. 

Little Italy Little Italy free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Taste the best of Little Italy at C. Di Palo Wine Bar. With connections to the fine foods store serving this neighborhood for more than a century, this wine bar serves Italian cheeses, meats and wines in a comfortable, modern environment. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Once a thriving enclave of Italian immigrants, Little Italy is now a popular tourist destination (though remnants of the past remain). Restaurants serving classic Italian dishes on red-and-white checkered tablecloths can still be found in the neighborhood. Among the neighborhood staples is Lombardi’s, a restaurant that has been tossing pizzas since 1905 and claims to be the first pizzeria in the United States. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, another famous Little Italy eatery best known for its cannolis and espresso, has been around since 1892. 

Times Square Times Square free

Some say that Times Square is like a five-block metaphor for New York City itself – it's exciting, colorful and always jumping. Others describe this area of midtown Manhattan as artless, overpriced and congested. Perhaps this commercial stretch from West 42nd to West 47th streets is a little of both, and though locals would advise you to avoid it, you should at least catch a glimpse of its neon lights. Most travelers recommend visiting the area after dark to see the marquee displays. Many add checking out Times Square before or after a Broadway show is the perfect time to fit it into your schedule. However, if you're not a fan of crowds, reviewers suggest you avoid this area altogether.

Times Square's biggest tourist draw is the annual New Year's Eve ball drop. Revelers crowd the area to see New York's famous Waterford crystal ball descend 77 feet from a pole on the One Times Square building. If you're feeling brave, take a trip to New York and Times Square at this time of year and watch the ball drop for free! Just plan on coming in the early morning and staying all day, and note that the area is super crowded, even by New York standards.

Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue free

It's fitting that St. Patrick's Cathedral would be on the same street as stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. That's because for many people, shopping is a religious experience, and here between 34th and 59th streets you'll find the holy grail. 

Even if you're not planning to put your credit card to work at high-end stores, travelers say a stroll along Fifth Avenue is a must. It's one of the top places to shop in the city, according to local experts. Plus, during the winter holidays, the street is decked out in festive decor.

Bronx Zoo Bronx Zoo

According to travelers, these 265 acres sheltering more than 10,000 animals should be near the top of every young family's itinerary in New York. And if you're an older visitor, the Bronx Zoo could be a great way to escape the nonstop activity in Manhattan. This zoo's claim to fame is that it's one of the largest metropolitan animal parks in the country. It's also one of the best zoos in the U.S . Originally opened at 1899, the zoo also houses several famous landmarks, including the Rainey Memorial Gates, the Rockefeller Fountain and the historic Zoo Center, which was constructed to look like a palace.

Among the zoo's popular exhibits is JungleWorld, which aims to recreate the jungles of Asia with animals like white-cheeked gibbons, gharials, tapirs, fruit bats and more. There's also the Wild Asia Monorail, a seasonal outdoor monorail that allows visitors to observe animals like rhinos, tigers and red pandas roaming freely in the outdoor habitat. Other star attractions include the Congo Gorilla Forest, the seasonal butterfly garden, Tiger Mountain and the Children's Zoo. Along with the animals, there are also several rides and experiences, such as a carousel and sea lion feedings.

All-Access 9 / 11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory

(2829 reviews)

from $ 109.00

Washington DC Day Trip from New York City

(1931 reviews)

from $ 179.00

Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour

(3947 reviews)

from $ 54.00

Apollo Theater Apollo Theater

U.S. News Insider Tip: Go to BLVD Bistro on 116th St. before or after your visit to the Apollo. They serve breakfast all day and literally have the best grits and pancakes I have ever had in my life. It is also Black-owned! – Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global

One of the most famous music halls in the United States, "the Apollo" started as a burlesque theater in 1914. By the 1930s, it transformed into a concert hall that helped launch the career of several black musicians. A then-unknown Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson (with the Jackson 5) and Stevie Wonder all performed on the Apollo stage during an Amateur Night competition. If you're in Harlem on a Wednesday you can still go to Amateur Night, an experience some previous travelers highly recommend.

Metropolitan Opera House Metropolitan Opera House

Stroll through the courtyard of the Metropolitan Opera House even if you're not going inside for a performance. Every element of this opulent building – from the limestone architecture, to the lobby's glittering chandelier, to the acoustics in the concert hall – is gorgeous. Travelers call this opera house a feast for the eyes and ears. Tickets are notoriously expensive (as much as several hundred dollars for the best seats), but the sticker shock evaporates quickly if you're into performing arts. You can try to score a same-day ticket at a discounted rate, plus there are discounts for senior citizens.

The Metropolitan Opera House features spring performances by the American Ballet Theatre and fall and winter performances by the Met Opera Company. Showtimes and ticket prices vary by performance and seating, so check the Met Opera's website for additional details. You'll find the opera house at Lincoln Center Plaza on Manhattan's Upper West Side – take the 1 train to 66th Street.

Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall

It's where Ella Fitzgerald pined for the man she loved, the Rolling Stones couldn't get no satisfaction and Lady Gaga had a "Bad Romance." Among performers, there's no New York concert venue that's quite like Radio City Music Hall. Not only is it the largest indoor theater in the world, its marquee spans a full city block. Opened in 1932, the theater is a New York City Landmark. Today, the theater welcomes musical performers like Ben Platt and Lil Nas X, as well as comedians like Chris Rock.

If you're in town any dates between November and January, consider attending the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which stars the Rockettes. According to recent visitors who attended a show, there's not a bad seat in the house. If you're not able to attend a performance, consider signing up for the hourlong Radio City Stage Door Tour. The guided tour includes stops at areas of the historic venue not typically seen by the public, such as Radio City’s secret apartment, The Roxy Suite. You'll also an enjoy an in-depth history lesson about the stage and its iconic art deco design. The tour concludes with a meet-and-greet with a Radio City Rockette. Tours are offered daily starting at 9:30 a.m.; tickets cost $42 per adult and $38 per kid 12 and younger.  

The Battery The Battery free

Also known as The Battery, this 25-ace park sits at the very southern tip of Manhattan Island, and offers a green respite from the steel and concrete of lower Manhattan. The park, named after artillery batteries that protected the settlement in the 17th century, is popular with visitors because of its views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty . 

The park is home to perennial gardens, bike paths, grand lawns, an urban farm and a unique carousel, known as the SeaGlass Carousel. On the carousel, riders sit within iridescent fish and glide through a 360-degree aquatic adventure. The carousel’s bioluminescent design honors the waterfront site as well as another landmark, the Castle Clinton, one of the country’s earliest aquariums. 

Coney Island Coney Island

Known as the "the People's Playground," this famous amusement area in Brooklyn has witnessed an illustrious past. In the early 1900s, Coney Island enticed New Yorkers to visit with its bathing pavilions, seaside resorts and amusement park. The Great Depression took its toll on the fun-loving spot, causing many attractions to close. But after years of economic instability, Coney Island has reclaimed its place on the Brooklyn map, with a fresh roster of eateries and entertainment (including a July Fourth hot dog-eating contest and an annual Mermaid Parade ) found along the boardwalk. Coney Island now features several separate amusement parks, as well as a museum, which hosts a variety of exhibits and shows.

According to recent visitors, Coney Island is a worthwhile trip in the summer if you have the time and are traveling with young kids who would enjoy the rides. If you're not up for indulging your inner thrill-seeker, you can also walk along the beach, which spans nearly 3 miles and features several sports courts, as well as playgrounds. A walk along the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk is just as memorable, according to recent visitors.

New York CityPASS®

(2002 reviews)

from $ 146.00

NYC One World Observatory Ticket Optional Upgrade Skip-the-Line

(2301 reviews)

NYC Food Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy

(367 reviews)

from $ 79.00

Chrysler Building Chrysler Building free

Technically, the Chrysler Building is an office building open Monday through Friday, but you don't need to go inside to appreciate its aesthetic appeal. Recent visitors praised the building's unique architectural style (though a few wished you could still go inside to admire its intricate lobby and elevators).

Built in 1930, the Chrysler had a short-lived run as the tallest building in the city, before it was usurped of its title by the Empire State Building . Nevertheless, this 1,046-foot-high skyscraper remains a favorite among New Yorkers for its classic art deco style. And unlike the Empire State, at this site you won't need an expensive entry ticket, a strong stomach to stand soaring heights or patience for long lines to see what all the fuss is about. You can behold the building's menacing gargoyles and triangular openings from many spots in Manhattan. Though the lobby is currently closed to visitors, there have been talks of building an observation deck, though none is available at this time.

Explore More of New York City

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

Love Exploring

11 Famous Tourist Attractions That No Longer Exist

Posted: March 22, 2024 | Last updated: March 22, 2024

Where not to go this year

While an array of new tourist attractions have popped up in recent years, like Japan's Ghibli Park and Dubai's Museum of the Future, we have also said goodbye to a number of legendary institutions and failed landmarks. Take a look at the sights around the world you'll need to remove from your travel list, from London's measly Marble Arch Mound to New York City's 9/11 Tribute Museum.

Marble Arch Mound, London, England, UK

The Marble Arch Mound was a good idea in theory: a green haven in central London for people to explore following the COVID-19 lockdowns. But the turf-covered sculpture went way over its $4.4m budget,  costing a reported $8 million  at the time, and ultimately appeared more bleak than verdant. Needless to say, it failed to attract the visitor numbers anticipated. 

There was originally an entrance fee, but that was scrapped after visitors complained about dying plants and weedy trees. After six measly months, the failed tourist attraction closed in January 2022, but parts will be dismantled to be reused as part of a nearby estate transformation instead. 

The Underground Museum, Los Angeles, California, USA

The Underground Museum was founded in 2012 by the late painter Noah Davis and his wife, sculptor Karon Davis. The free museum occupied four small storefronts and served as an art gallery, bookshop, organizing space and community center. It successfully brought world-class art to the lesser-known Arlington Heights neighborhood, with a focus on works by artists of color.

Spectacles Museum, Tokyo, Japan

But after 50 years, the hard-to-miss store closed for good in March 2022. It's not clear why it closed down, but in its final throes, it offered a half-price discount on all items.

Hyperion, Redwood National Park, California, USA

So, if you were planning on seeing the world’s tallest living tree in person, think again. In July 2022, the National Parks Service (NPS) announced hefty fines and jail time for anyone found in the tree’s vicinity, pleading visitors to head for the park’s 200-odd miles of approved trails instead.

Dublin Writers Museum, Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is perfect for book lovers, home to sights such as the beautiful Trinity College Library and host to literary festivals throughout the year – the Irish capital has even been home to four Nobel prize winners (William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett, George Bernard Shaw and Seamus Heaney). So it was sad news when, in March 2020, the Dublin Writers Museum closed its doors at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Then, in August 2022, the museum's permanent closure was announced. A spokesperson from the Irish tourism board stated it "no longer meets the expectation of the contemporary museum visitor in terms of accessibility, presentation and interpretation." To fill the gap, pay a visit to the Museum of Literature Ireland instead, which pays tribute to important Irish writers, displays semi-rare works by the likes of James Joyce and dazzles with the gorgeous Dedalus Library.

Giant Sky Wheel, Tokyo, Japan

Following the closure of Palette Town's Mega Web Toyota City Showcase, Zepp Tokyo, VenusFort shopping centre and teamLab Borderless in 2021 and 2022, the Giant Sky Wheel took its final spin in August 2022. The entire site is currently under redevelopment, with plans to build an office tower, hotel and, hopefully, a brand new Ferris wheel.

The 9/11 Tribute Museum, New York City, New York, USA

Detailing the harrowing events of September 11, 2001, the 9/11 Tribute Museum welcomed over five million visitors during its 16-year run. The Greenwich Street-based museum displayed video and photographic footage, fire rescue uniforms and other artifacts from the tragedy, along with exhibits about the area's reconstruction and the World Trade Centre bombing in 1993 too.

In August 2022, it closed its doors for the final time, having been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and low visitor numbers. While its physical location is no more, you can  book an audio tour  of the 9/11 Memorial through their website. You can listen to survivors, rescue and recovery workers and civilian volunteers as they share their experiences during and after the attacks.

Train Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tourists would flock to the street to take photos of trains trundling through, but authorities have now shut the boulevard due to overcrowding and safety concerns. In September 2022, businesses on the street were ordered to close and barricades were put in place to prevent tourists from accessing it.

Cliffhanger roller coaster, Isle of Wight, England, UK

Sadly, in October 2022, the iconic ride closed down, with Blackgang Chine's Director Dominic Ray stating that it was more costly to maintain than more modern coasters. But all hope isn’t lost: a new, state-of-the-art ride, Extinction, has opened at the park this year, featuring a 360-degree pendulum swing that takes riders 59 feet up in the air. 

Museum of London, London, England, UK

The Museum of London is one of the Big Smoke's much-loved free tourist attractions, looking back to prehistory and boasting displays on everything from grime music to the infamous Whitechapel fatberg. After a 45-year run, in December 2022, the Barbican institution closed its doors, marking its final day with a 24-hour musical event.

However, it’s not gone forever. In 2026 it will reopen as The London Museum in West Smithfield, just a 10-minute walk away, and form part of London’s Culture Mile. Similarly, the popular Billingsgate and Smithfields markets will relocate to a purpose-built site in Dagenham Dock, east London, between 2027-2028.

The Haiku Stairs, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

While the Honolulu City Council voted to permanently remove the staircase, it seems like it won’t go without a fight. A community organization, Friends of Haiku Stairs, is campaigning for a section to be reopened and made accessible to visitors. Work to remove the stairs was supposed to begin in 2022, although it’s now looking more like the end of 2023.

Check out the new museums opening in 2022 and beyond

More for You

New York moves to seize Trump’s estate and golf course

Sherrod Brown says his opponent is 'trying to buy this Senate seat'

Candace Owens departs Ben Shapiro’s website after antisemitic commentary

The Cleaning Tip That Will Prevent Brown Recluse Spiders From Invading Your Home

Wendy’s new Frosty flavor evokes childhood nostalgia, kicks off spring

The Changing Narratives of the Shohei Ohtani Gambling Story

Prosecutors in 3 Wisconsin counties decline to pursue charges against Trump committee, lawmaker

Sinead O’Connor’s daughter performs moving cover of ‘Nothing Compares to U’ at New York tribute concert

What people with cancer don't want you to say – and what to say instead

Billionaire Disney activist hits out at all-black and all-female casts

Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson blames Trump supporters for Homeless policy being rejected

Tim Burton Resurrects The Ghost With The Most In The Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Trailer

Trump judge sparks outcry with bizarre requests in classified documents case

Taco Bell Has $1 Fan-Favorite Menu Items Like Mexican Pizza for the Next Month

Why do I wake up at 3 a.m. every night?

Ukraine says it will hit Russia's precious oil refineries even if the US tells it not to

Princess of Wales announces she is being treated for cancer in emotional video message

Tesla driver sparks debate with photo of car blocking EV chargers: 'How does this work?'

House member slams 'farcical effort' of impeachment inquiry

Kevin O'Leary warns NY Trump fraud case is 'concerning financial markets' around the world

Auction set for Kushner’s Times Square retail

Long saga of investment in 229 West 43rd Street to end

The first signs of trouble for Kushner Companies’ investment in 229 West 43rd Street popped up in 2018, three years after the firm bought the six-floor retail portion for $296 million.

A deal with celebrity chef Todd English and Outstanding Hospitality Management to open a food hall fell through. Then two tourist attractions at the Times Square property began showing evidence of distress.

The operator of National Geographic Experience got into a rent dispute with Kushner that August, and Bloomberg reported that at least six contractors had sued the owners of another retail tenant, Gulliver’s Gate, for failing to pay.

The two tenants accounted for nearly half of the rent roll.

National Geographic brushed off its issue as a “garden-variety landlord-tenant dispute.” But a year later, lease defaults at the property necessitated a workout of Kushner’s $285 million CMBS loan on the property.

Covid arrived the year after that, and in March 2022 the Federal Reserve began its historic hiking of interest rates, rendering refinancing struggling properties all but impossible.

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

By signing up, you agree to TheRealDeal Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Kushner was never able to right its Times Square ship. Now, on May 29, the company’s unfortunate investment in 229 West 43rd is due to end with an auction of the retail site, Crain’s reported , citing a notice by bond-rating firm KBRA.

If there’s a silver lining, it’s that the firm didn’t buy the offices above, which served as the New York Times’ headquarters for decades until the newspaper moved to Eighth Avenue. 

The office space is Columbia Property Trust’s problem — one it did not likely solve by signing declining media company BuzzFeed to a 110,000-square-foot lease in 2022. (BuzzFeed stock is now down to 39 cents a share.)

But that is little consolation to the lenders and investors who own the retail site’s debt, which in 2016 totaled $370 million.

Charles Kushner, the company’s patriarch, declined to comment.

Companies and People

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

A local’s travel guide to New York City: what to eat, see and do in three days

Top destinations in New York include a ferry ride, shopping for watches in Chinatown and a Brighton Beach bender

I first came to New York City by accident, after a miscommunication with my father led me to believe my (long-deceased) mother had been desperate to visit the city before she died.

Years later I found out that my mum had actually wanted to go to Paris. But I still had a great time in New York, and ended up moving here a couple of years later.

On that first trip I did all the main tourist things which, owing to the miscommunication, I had thought my mother had wanted to do: I went up big buildings, looked at big buildings, drank in bars beneath big buildings.

It was great and everything, but there’s much, much more to do here – especially if you like eating, riding about by subway and ferry, and bargaining for knockoff luxury goods.

Day 1: Boating and brownstones

A lot of people have heard of the Staten Island ferry , and for good reason. It’s free to travel on the big orange boats between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The route goes right past the Statue of Liberty, and offers amazing views of lower Manhattan.

As a boat lover, I’d also recommend taking the NYC ferry . It has a flat fare of $4 and operates up and down the East River, passing under bridges and allowing riders to snoop at waterside buildings.

If you’re starting in Manhattan (which you probably are), take the southbound ferry from East 34th Street to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo, which stands for “down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass”. It’s here where everyone with an Instagram account gets their shots of both the Manhattan Bridge and the (older, better-known) Brooklyn Bridge. Plenty of people will visit this area then turn their back on Brooklyn, but I’d recommend sticking around New York City’s most populous and, depending whom you speak to, trendiest borough.

Pop by Jane’s Carousel , an exquisitely restored 1922 ride which is plonked between the bridges, and then walk south through Brooklyn Bridge Park. You’ll go past several piers – once working docks now transformed into leafy picnic and sport areas. There are magnificent views across to Manhattan. It’s a nice spot to propose to a partner, as my little brother did last year. If you don’t want to do that, but do like to play soccer or basketball or roller-skate, you’re in luck.

After you hit Pier 6, where there’s a pleasant, if expensive, rooftop pizza restaurant called Fornino , walk up Atlantic Avenue for some shopping and coffee at Goose Barnacle , an independent clothing store with a hidden bar in the back. The owner, Dave Alperin, a fourth-generation Brooklynite, is very friendly and knowledgable about the area and can give you tips about everything from where to buy the best sandwich ( Lillo Cucina Italiana – try the Mamma Roma) to the location of a semi-secret basement speakeasy ( Le Boudoir ) nearby.

From there I’d take a bus or cab to Fort Greene, a very pretty neighborhood whose townhouses are the sort of Brooklyn thing you see in the movies, and grab dinner at Olea . If you make it before 6.30pm, there’s a great happy hour.

Day 2: Rude T-shirts and not-quite Rolexes

Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood has all the posh shops, so if you have money, or like looking through windows at expensive clothes and bags, walk east along Prince Street from West Broadway. There are nice buildings to look at around here too – the newly constructed towers that abound in the city are largely absent in this neighborhood. Stop in at Fanelli Cafe , a neighborhood stalwart that has been around since 1847, for a coffee or some food, then head south along Broadway to Chinatown.

There are lots of great dim sum places, including Golden Unicorn , whose large fancy dining hall is located on the second floor of a marble-esque building. From there I’d take a walk along Canal Street, dipping into sidestreets for cheap souvenirs – snow globes, little statues and that sort of thing – and bizarre T-shirts (many of which are very rude).

Chinatown also does a roaring trade in imitation watches and handbags. So if, like me, you will not and cannot spend $30,000 on a watch but have about $100 to spare, you can get (to my eye) a fairly good imitation. The food markets along Canal Street also sell real nice timepieces – they even work – if you fancy sticking it to big watch. You’ll find plenty of “designer” bags too.

Hopefully you’re hungry again, because Great N Y Noodletown is, per its name, great – especially the roast pig on rice.

From there I’d head farther south and stop in at Whiskey Tavern , the friendliest bar I’ve ever been to in my life (and I’ve been to a lot of bars). They print out personalized welcome signs that they will stick to your table or behind the bar, which sounds a bit naff – but isn’t. The real reason to come is to chat to locals and regulars. It’s also one of the closest bars to city hall, which means there’s a regular stream of “Just Married” couples doing shots of whiskey and eating chicken wings.

If you’ve still got energy, and like singing or shouting, go to Up Stairs , a karaoke bar tucked behind a nondescript doorway on Canal Street. Drinks are cheap, and it gets packed with revelers.

Day 3: Seaside shenanigans

If, like me, you’re a fan of once-glamorous seaside attractions that are now in a state of faded glory, then take the F train to Coney Island. People seem to overlook the fact that the city is surrounded by water, and while Coney Island isn’t the nicest beach for bathing (for that, try Fort Tilden or Jacob Riis Park), there’s loads to do.

Kick things off by watching a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The Cyclones are a feeder team to the New York Mets. They play at Maimonides Park, tickets are usually dirt cheap and easy to get, and you’ll be able to enjoy a nice view of the Atlantic Ocean. If you want a snazzy memento, buy a beer in a foot-long plastic baseball bat. Sometimes they let the crowd “run the bases” after the game, which is a lot of fun, especially if you’ve had more than one of the baseball bat beers.

After the exhilaration of taking in second-tier baseball, walk east towards the Cyclone , one of the oldest and, as far as I can tell, rickety-est rollercoasters in the US. The wooden ride – described as “pretty extreme” by Coaster Critic – will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2027, and it sounds and looks its age. Buyer beware.

Once you’ve stumbled off the ride, go for a settling drink at Ruby’s , the oldest bar on the boardwalk. You can take in the black-and-white shots of Coney Island in its 1930s glory, and if you’re feeling brave, buy a cardboard box full of clams.

Every Friday night from late June to September there is a fireworks show on the beach, which draws a large crowd. You could take it in while eating borscht and sipping coffee or vodka at Tatiana’s , a Russian restaurant-cum-nightclub a 10-minute walk along the boardwalk from the Cyclone.

Side note: you don’t need to wait until summer to visit. I went a day after it had snowed, and it was brilliant.

Question time

How many days do you need to visit new york city.

Three would be fine. If you want to take in all the Instagram favorite destinations, then maybe four.

What’s the most-visited attraction? Is it worth it?

Times Square. And not really. But it’s near enough to other attractions that if you’re heading to a Broadway show then you might as well walk through it.

When is the best time to visit?

The peak of summer can be boiling hot, and winter can be freezing cold. May through early July and September through October are usually a safe bet.

How expensive is it?

New York City is expensive. If you’re staying in Manhattan you’d be (very) lucky to get a hotel room for about $200 a night – but bear in mind that there will usually be hefty taxes on top of that. A bog standard coffee will cost you about $5, a pint anywhere from $6 to $10. The subway fare recently went up: it’s $2.90 a ride now.

Adam Gabbatt is a writer for the Guardian and is originally from the north of England. He has lived in New York City for 13 years and now says “trash” instead of “rubbish” and “sidewalk” instead of “pavement” and his family hates him for it

• Hometown tour

Most viewed

NYS spots to watch the total solar eclipse

A crowd reacts to the view of a partial solar eclipse as it peaks at over 70% percent coverage in August 2017 in New York City.  Credit: AP/Michael Noble Jr.

April 8 will offer many New Yorkers their one-and-only chance to experience a total solar eclipse in person, a celestial rarity worth traveling to see.

The phenomenon is when the moon passes between the sun and earth, either fully or partially blocking the sun's light. While it's true that 88% of the sun will be in shadow on Long Island (89% in New York City), if it’s complete darkness in the daytime that you seek, you’ll have to make your way to Western New York . Towns big and small, along with parks, campgrounds, wineries, restaurants — you name it — are hoping to entice visitors for the day or perhaps even an eclipse weekend.

The I LOVE NY Path of Totality Poster for the total solar eclipse that will take place on April 8 and will be visible across a swath of New York State. Credit: I LOVE NY

“This one will be a little more special,” said Victoria Burch, marketing coordinator for the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, speaking of her previous partial eclipse experience a few years back when she lived in Virginia. This time, not only will New York’s westernmost county be plunged into total darkness for more than three minutes, they will also be among the first in the state to witness the spectacle, something they can do in many ways. “There are tons of events going on all weekend,” Burch said.

The moon transits the sun during the 2017 total solar eclipse as seen from Weiser, Idaho; Using a welder's mask as protection, a man views a total eclipse in Piedra del Aguila, Argentina, in December 2020; Members of the British Astronomers Association prepare their telescopes at their campsite near Truro, England, in August 1999, preparing for a total solar eclipse the next day. Credit: Kyle Green; Natacha Pisarenko; AP/Dave Caulkin

THE ADIRONDACKS

Distance from Long Island: About 6 hours

Walk scenic trails by river in Ausable Chasm in the Adirondack Mountains. Credit: Universal Images Group via Getty Images/MyLoupe

Many wishing to experience the total eclipse in a gorgeous natural setting will no doubt be drawn to the Adirondack Mountains, which will present challenges during early spring, a time when changing weather conditions can make things dangerous for inexperienced hikers. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism ( ROOST ) and other organizations suggest visitors avoid the backcountry and instead patronize the area’s many other events.

The Olympic Center (3:21 p.m.):   The Glow for the Gold event gives eclipse attendees the chance to see the spectacle for free from the speed skating oval at the Olympic Center (glasses provided, subject to capacity; 2634 Main St., Lake Placid, 518-523-1655, lakeplacidolympiccenter.com )

Whiteface Club and Resort (3:25 p.m.): The resort is holding a watch party that includes a buffet, drink specials, live music and complimentary glasses in a spectacular setting ($100, reservations required).

Ausable Chasm (3:27 p.m.):   The scenic canyon offers a package that includes parking, glasses and access to five miles of hiking trails and a “solar flats” viewing area ($19.95; 2144 US-9, Ausable Chasm, 518- 834-7454, ausablechasm.com )

Wilmington’s Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort (3:26 p.m.): The resort will offer $40 lift tickets that day (skiing pre- and post-eclipse only), a price that includes a program including live music, complimentary safety glasses and spectacular eclipse viewing from the mountain top’s Cloudspin Bar & Grill. Visitors can ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola and watch the eclipse from Little Whiteface Deck ($50, tickets on sale March 20; 125-person limit; 373 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid, 518-523-2551, whitefaceclubresort.com ).

Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory (3:33 p.m.): The area’s only public astronomy organization will host free weekend-long events including family activities, music, food, art projects and more (178 Big Wolf Rd., Tupper Lake, (518) 359-3538, adirondackskycenter.org ).

More info : visitadirondacks.com

The expected path of the total solar eclipse, April 8. Credit: AP

Distance from Long Island: About 7 hours

Visitors to areas northeast of Chautauqua will see some of the longest periods of total darkness in the state.

Kelkenberg Farm in Clarence Center (3:44 p.m.): A family-friendly option is watching the eclipse with fellow mammals. The center is planning hay rides, barnyard activities and more ($15 per person; 9270 Wolcott Rd., Clarence Center, 716-741-4862, kelkenbergfarm.com ).

Hofbräuhaus Buffalo : The Buffalo Philharmonic starts the weekend off April 5-6 with a program featuring selections from Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” ($12-$108). There will also be a silent disco pre-eclipse party ($10-$20) at the German microbrewery April 5 (190 Scott St., 716-939-2337, hofbrauhausbuffalo.com ).

USS Little Rock in Buffalo Naval Park : Children 6-18 (with a parent) can spend the night before the eclipse onboard the cruiser sleeping in restored berths, eating in the mess hall and the like ($175 a person, 1 Naval Park Cove, 716-847-1773, buffalonavalpark.org )

More info : visitbuffaloniagara.com

NIAGARA FALLS

Aerial view of Horseshoe Fall of the Niagara Falls is seen on a hot and sunny day. Credit: LightRocket via Getty Images/SOPA Images

Distance from Long Island : About 7 hours

Niagara Falls State Park (3:32 p.m.): The park will be a prime viewing spot for the eclipse, the town itself is hosting a post-eclipse fireworks show downtown the same night. (332 Prospect St.,716-278-1794, niagarafallsstatepark.com )

More info:  visitbuffaloniagara.com

Distance from Long Island : About 6 hours

Rochester’s Roc the Eclipse 2024 : The weekend-long event grants access to Rochester’s Museum and Science Center, planetarium, special guest speakers, lectures, exhibitions and a post-eclipse concert ($50; 657 East Ave., 585-271-4320, ​​​​​​ rmsc.org ).

Genesee Country Village & Museum (3:35 p.m.):  The museum invites families to imagine what the eclipse experience might have been like in a 19th-century town. Tickets — starting at $55 a person or $225 for a carload, with premium packages available — grant access to the 600-acre grounds as well as open-air viewing on South Field (1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford, 585-538-6822, gcv.org )

More info : visitrochester.com

Take a trip to the State University of New York at Oswego for free lectures and planetarium shows. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto/pumppump

Full eclipse viewing time : 3:26 p.m.

Calling itself an “Eclipse Getaway,” the town has a list of hotels and campgrounds still available and info on the best places for eclipse-watching ( oswegony.org ).

SUNY Oswego : The school will feature free lectures and planetarium shows (7060 State Route 104, 315-312-2500, oswego.edu ).

Best Western Oswego Plus : Oswego Eclipse Extravaganza packages starting at $539 a night includes overnight accommodations and viewing glasses, as well as admission to a block party and post-eclipse concert (26 East 1st St., 315-342-4040, bestwestern.com ).

More info : visitoswegocounty.com

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

The entrance to the Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua. Credit: Getty Images/Althom

Long Point State Park (3:14 p.m.): Head to the 360-acre park, which is on a peninsula on the east side of Lake Chautauqua for a free and quiet viewing experience (4459, Route 430, Bemus Point, 716-386-2722, parks.ny.gov ).

Midway State Park (3:22 p.m.): A somewhat livelier time might be had at one of the country’s oldest amusement parks, which is normally closed in May but is opening for the occasion. Rides and attractions will not be available but admission is free and the first 500 visitors will receive a pair of eclipse viewing glasses (4859 Rte. 430, Bemus Point, 716-386-3165, parks.ny.gov ).

Lake Erie Wine Country : The Lights Out! grants weekend-long access to up to 21 local wineries all over the area — many of them offering music, merch and food — along with a pair of NASA-approved eclipse viewing glasses ($50 at a participating winery; lakeeriewinecountry.org ).

More info : tourchautauqua.com

Distance from Long Island : About 5 hours 

While the city will experience one of the shortest periods of totality, it also requires the shortest amount of travel time for Long Islanders.

NBT Bank Stadium : Home of the Syracuse Mets, the stadium will host Total Eclipse of the Park, offering free eclipse glasses to the first 10,000 fans who can also watch a post-eclipse ballgame against the Worcester Red Sox (tickets $21-$45). (One Tex Simone Dr., 315-474-7833,  onondagacountyparks.com )

More info :  visitsyracuse.com

TRANSPORTATION

Traffic on interstates and other major highways is expected to be heavy, so plan accordingly. Or take Amtrak’s Adirondack train from New York’s Penn Station to a town in the path of totality. Tickets for a seven-plus-hour train to Plattsburgh that leaves April 7 and returns April 9 are currently going for $181 round-trip. Nonstop flights for the same dates from area airports to Buffalo and Rochester are available but pricey ($700-plus) range, or about $263 to Syracuse.

Visitors view an eclipse of the sun from the top deck of New York's Empire State Building on Aug. 31, 1932; A crowd watches a partial solar eclipse in August 2017 in New York City; A young shepherd carries a goat as he watches a partial solar eclipse in the village of Bqosta in Lebanon in March 2006. Credit: AP; AP/Michael Noble Jr.; AP/Mohammed Zaatari

Newsday writer and restaurant critic Scott Vogel aims for a refreshing, gimlet-eyed take on the Long Island food scene, often while drinking a refreshing gimlet. 

Most Popular

You can watch the solar eclipse from One World Observatory in NYC: How to get tickets

A total solar eclipse will pass through parts of the United States on Monday, April 8, meaning the shadow of the moon will plunge a narrow strip of land into darkness in the middle of the day.

Some tourist destinations, such as Niagara Falls , are going big for the eclipse. The state park is offering "free and open-to-the-public programming" leading up to April 8, the park said in a news release.

Another tourist destination offering a unique place to watch the eclipse is One World Observatory . Located on top of One World Trade Center in New York City, the observatory is offering the public a chance to witness the eclipse from the "highest observation deck in all the Western Hemisphere," according to a news release.

Tickets are $94 for adults, $92 for seniors and $88 for children ages 6 to 12. Children five years old and younger can enter for free. Tickets are on sale now on One World Observatory's website .

A ticket gets you entry to the observatory, one pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses, a voucher for one complimentary beverage of your choice, a commemorative One World Observatory pint glass, a commemorative souvenir photo and 10% off at the retail shop, according to the news release.

What is the path of totality for the total solar eclipse?

Before entering the U.S., the eclipse's path of totality will travel over a portion of northern Mexico. It will pass into Texas around 1:30 p.m. local time. It will then cover portions of the Midwest and East Coast and touch southeast Canada before it moves out to sea, according to  NASA .

Several major cities will be in its  direct line of darkness , including Dallas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Indianapolis; Cleveland; Buffalo, New York; and Burlington Vermont. This animated map shows the path and local time the total eclipse will pass across the nation.

How do I watch the 2024 solar eclipse?

There's a few ways of watching the eclipse:

• Get the full experience in person : If you're in a narrow band of U.S. land that spans from Texas to Maine, you will see the moon block the sun and its shadow cast a night-like darkness over Earth for a few minutes. You'll be able to look up without eye protection and see the outline of the moon.
• Watch from outside the path of totality : Much of the U.S. will get a partial view of the eclipse that isn't nearly as impressive as being in the path of totality. Earth won't be plunged into darkness and you'll have to wear protective eyewear to see the moon partially block the sun.
• Watch a livestream : Check back on April 8 for a video feed from the path of totality. It's not the same as being there in person, but hey,  at least you won't have to sit in traffic .

What time is the solar eclipse on April 8?

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.

You can search by zip code  to find the exact time for your location.

Where is the best place to watch the eclipse?

Texas is considered the best state for eclipse viewing . There's a good chance the skies will be clear and it's location along the southern path of the eclipse means totality will last a little longer.

What is a solar eclipse?

Any celestial object like a moon or a planet that passes between two other bodies can create  an eclipse  by obscuring the view of objects like the sun.

A total eclipse occurs when the moon appears as the same size as the sun and blocks the entire disk, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. The resulting "totality," when observers can see the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere, known as the corona, confuses animals – nocturnal creatures stir and bird and insects fall silent.

Contributing: Joel Shannon, Doyle Rice, Eric Lagatta, Kayla Jimenez, Cybele Mayes-Osterman & Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X  @GabeHauari  or email him at [email protected].

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Belgium or Brooklyn? 5 Bold New Places to Eat in Brussels.

Exciting young chefs wielding a palette of spices from places like Korea, Latin America and Morocco are turning the capital of Europe into a culinary upstart.

By Alexander Lobrano

Brussels, long the realm of stuffy French restaurants packed with gray-flannel-suited diplomats, has suddenly gone bold and bright. Thanks to a crop of young chefs with iconoclastic ideas about flavor and sustainability, the city, in thrall to the rich sauces of Gaul for nearly two centuries, has emerged as one of the most exciting, and affordable, places to dine out in Europe right now.

These exciting talents are transforming the city’s old-fashioned bistros and cafes with spices from places like Korea, Latin America and Morocco, and “putting a vivid modern spin on homey local comfort food dishes,” explained Michel Verlinden, a Brussels food writer and restaurant critic for Le Vif , a major Belgian weekly. At the same time, they’re making the most of local produce like cabbage , carrots, endives and, bien sûr, brussels sprouts.

Brussels may be the capital of Europe, but it feels more like Brooklyn or Marseille gastronomically. Casual, creative and multicultural, it’s a city that’s equally at home with bulgogi and duck breast — even together in the same dish.

Here are five Brussels restaurants worth a visit.

Many of the most interesting new restaurants in Brussels aren’t found in Îlot Sacré , the high-rent heart of the city, but in outlying neighborhoods like St.-Gilles , an evolving but still more affordable area favored by young creatives.

This explains why the chef Sang Hoon Degeimbre chose this area for Anju , a new local favorite that explores his roots. Mr. Degeimbre was born in South Korea but adopted by a Belgian family as a baby. “Anju” is a Korean word that means food to be eaten while drinking alcohol. In addition to rice wine and Soju, Anju also offers a “sour Korean” beer brewed for the restaurant by the Brussels brasserie Illegaal , along with a great list of natural wines.

In the minimalist, taupe-colored dining room with K-pop illustrations on the walls, this means hearty comfort food. If starters like pajeon — pancakes filled with chopped vegetables and kimchi — or stir-fried octopus tentacles are impressively Korean, the technical prowess of Mr. Degeimbre’s team adds an element of Belgian haute cuisine to main courses like samgyetang (chicken in hot ginseng broth with rice and jujube) and duck breast bulgogi.

Desserts nod at Brussels, too: Bingsu , a milk-based shaved ice, is topped with speculoos cookies from Maison Dandoy , a bakery that dates to 1832, or hazelnut praline from the acclaimed Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini .

73 Rue de la Source, St.-Gilles; starters from 13 euros, or about $14; entrees from €17.

Aster is a good example of how Brussels has cast off the cosseting bourgeois décor that used to characterize its best restaurants. When you arrive at this former pizza parlor, you walk right into the kitchen, where a balletic hive of cooks directed by the chef Túbo Logier is buzzing around several grills. Most guests are sitting at a high-top refectory table beneath dangling lightbulbs, eating and drinking from handmade ceramics instead of porcelain.

The largely plant-based and seafood tasting menu is served in a sequence of small plates, which change regularly. A recent dinner opened with a thrilling quintet of miniature hors d’oeuvres, including finely diced North Sea squid in fermented tomato water, a mille-feuille of smoked eel and pickled celeriac, trout with horseradish and fig, a nest of fried julienned leeks with a quail’s egg, and tiny mussels with winter truffles. A surprisingly bright first course of red and yellow beets with cod eggs and beeswax preceded a poached oyster with cabbage and jus de petit lait — or whey — which offered a simple but brilliant confluence of lactic flavors.

Another standout was langoustines prepared three ways: roasted with an umami-bomb condiment made from fermented vegetable scraps; in a milky bouillon with slivers of clementine and sliced button mushrooms; and chawanmushi (Japanese steamed egg custard) garnished with meat and juices from the shellfish’s carapace.

Mr. Logier’s creativity didn’t relent as the meal concluded with two fascinating desserts: hazelnut ice cream with shaved Belgian blue cheese and apples braised in seaweed, and a sign-off mignardise of smoked white chocolate with sea bass eggs.

202 Rue Antoine Dansaert, Brussels; tasting menu, €80.

You might not expect such a disarmingly friendly welcome amid the Brutalist chic of Brussels’s arty Dansaert district , but that and the menu of contemporary Belgian comfort food at Kline might give you the feeling you’re in a countryside auberge.

Kline describes itself as “locally rooted and globally inspired,” which translates to dishes like brussels sprouts guacamole and braised pork belly with crispy-chile sauce and kimchi. The pork is traditionally raised and nourished with feed made of potatoes and corn, supplemented with olive oil and fresh hay, on a sustainable farm.

Starters like crunchy, round, deep-fried ham croquettes filled with béchamel and chopped Ardennes ham and red beet chutney, with pumpkinseed crackers, are made for sharing. Entrees are arranged under two headings: “Cold and Fresh” and “Hot and Heavy.” The selection changes often but may feature succulent dishes like North Sea scallops with a carrot emulsion and Belgian saffron, and roasted mushrooms with salsa verde and white mole. Desserts recently included a baked Belle de Boskoop apple with Belgian buffalo-milk mozzarella and miso, a provocative composition that lived up to the “Sweet and Sour” heading on the menu.

162 Rue de Flandre, Brussels; starters from €9.70; entrees from €9.80.

The son of Vietnamese immigrants, Linh Nam grew up in Liège and worked for Google in New York for seven years before returning to Belgium and opening Nyyó , a minimalist restaurant with cocoa-colored walls and rattan suspension lights. The menu reflects the triptych of culinary influences in Mr. Nam’s life — Belgium, Vietnam and the United States.

The Belgians love steak tartare — they call it filet américain — which probably explains the popularity of the beef tai chanh served here, with the difference that this variation on the dish is seasoned with a citrus vinaigrette, Vietnamese coriander, crushed peanuts and a quail’s egg yolk. The bahn mi burger riffs on the sandwich with a slice of chicken liver pâté and a beef patty in a toasted sesame brioche bun with aioli, homemade pickles, cilantro and a side of coleslaw, and in Linh’s Tacos, rice-flour shells have a filling of oyster mushrooms seasoned with aioli, coriander and scallion oil.

Finish up with a Liège Ca Phe Cafe, an espresso shot with condensed milk, vanilla ice cream, Cognac and cinnamon whipped cream — a sweet hybrid of Belgium and Vietnam.

38 Rue du Bailli, Ixelles; small plates from €10 to €19.

With its diversity of building styles, Brussels sometimes has the endearing vibe of an architectural thrift shop.

So, too, does Klok , the French chef Florent Ladeyn ’s airy restaurant with an open kitchen and big picture windows. Mr. Ladeyn is such an ardent locavore that he’s banned coffee (chicory is served instead), olive oil, lemons, chocolate, vanilla and almost any other ingredient that isn’t produced in Belgium or the north of France.

The menu at this casual spot changes often but may include starters like sweet-potato churros with crispy-chile oil, sea-snail croquettes, and brussels sprouts with fried onions and mimolette cheese. As is true of many new restaurants in Brussels, vegetarians are well cared for, with options including a delicious main course of grilled turnips and celeriac with beets, black garlic and a Flemish mole made with chicory. Mr. Ladeyn’s regionalism comes across in other main dishes, too, including quail à la Brabançonne — braised with endives in sour-cherry-flavored Kriek beer — and roasted French Mont des Cats cheese with fermented honey.

Though many dishes look like the hearty medieval food depicted on peasant tables in Bruegel paintings, their quiet worldliness is a perfect expression of how Brussels likes to eat today.

10 Place Rouppe, Brussels; lunch: starters from €5.50, entrees from €14; dinner: prix fixe only, €60.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Explore further

Beyond york, things to do near york.

Once you’ve experienced the magic of York, experience the warmth of Yorkshire hospitality; meander into charming villages and historic market towns and venture beyond the city to discover the natural beauty of national parks, countryside and coast.

This diverse region is home to enchanting places including the North York Moors, the lively market town of Helmsley, Hull the UK City of Culture 2017 and Scarborough and Whitby, traditional seaside towns.  Visit Malton , proud to be known as Yorkshire’s Food Capital, a town of makers and markets, set in the most beautiful Yorkshire countryside and passionate about artisan producers, independent shops and full of great places to taste delicious food and drink.

Pop into the Visit York Information Centre to choose from a range of great value day trips from the city and pick up your tickets.

North York Moors National Park

Using York as your base get out and explore the natural beauty of the North York Moors National Park. Escape the city crowds and discover centuries of history and breath-taking landscapes right on the doorstep of York.

Perfectly placed between the historic city of York and Yorkshire’s spectacular Heritage Coast, Ryedale enjoys some of the most spectacular and diverse scenery in England, perfect for all outdoor activities.

You may also like

Bramble cottage, the blue bell, good friday, york minster, updates from visit york sign up for news on events, festivals and special offers.

By checking this box you are agreeing to receive marketing material from Visit York. For further information please see our Privacy Policy .