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New York City Culture & history

Our most recommended New York City Culture & history

NYC: MoMA Before Hours Tour with Art Expert

1. NYC: MoMA Before Hours Tour with Art Expert

Experience the serenity of an exclusive before-opening-hours tour of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. Join your professional art historian guide on a relaxing stroll through the galleries. Connect on a deeper level with the works on display before it opens to the general public. Meet in the early morning at MoMA and benefit from 1 hour of exclusive access to the galleries via a private entrance. With your guide and a smaller group, take in the peace and tranquility to appreciate some of the works on display, including those that draw larger crowds of visitors. With a more intimate experience designed for art lovers, gain a deeper appreciation for some of the pieces on display. Learn some fascinating facts and anecdotes about the artists and their techniques. Afterward, explore the 6 floors of art galleries at your leisure. Discover an extensive range of modern and contemporary art, ranging from European painting and sculpture of the 1880s to contemporary film, design, and performance art. Admire famous works like Monet's Water Lilies, Van Gogh's The Starry Night, Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Matisse's Dance (I), and Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans. See contemporary pieces by Elizabeth Murray, Cindy Sherman, Ai Weiwei, and many others. As part of this experience, you will also receive additional admission to MoMA PS1, the contemporary art center in Long Island City, Queens. Discover the exhibitions that champion contemporary art scene's latest innovative and experimental works.

NYC: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Timed-Entry Ticket

2. NYC: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Timed-Entry Ticket

Benefit from contactless entry to the National September 11 Memorial Museum with your pre-purchased timed-entry ticket. Enjoy complimentary access to the 9/11 Memorial, the Survival Tree, and the Memorial Glades The 9/11 Museum The museum displays over 10,000 monumental artifacts linked to the events of 9/11 and is made up of three permanent exhibition sections: • The Historical Exhibition has three parts: the Day of 9/11, Before 9/11 and After 9/11. It tells the story of what happened on 9/11, including the events at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the story of Flight 93.  • The Memorial Exhibition "In Memoriam", commemorates the lives of those who perished on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993 and provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the men, women and children who died. • The Foundation Hall is a room of massive scale, which houses both the last column and the slurry wall.  The 9/11 Memorial (Free Entry) The “National September 11 Memorial” is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993.  The memorial’s twin reflecting pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. The pools sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood. The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed into bronze panels edging the memorial pools.

New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket

3. New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket

Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities at the American Museum of Natural History, in New York City. Located just across from Central Park, the museum is home to over 32 million specimens. Benefit from all-day entry and use the option to upgrade your general entry ticket to include special exhibitions. Explore all permanent exhibitions as well as the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Wander around 45 Museum Halls to learn about dinosaurs and diamonds, and everything in-between. Look out for the iconic Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton and Easter Island head that inspired characters in the film "Night at the Museum." Connect to the museum's WiFi and download the free Explorer App to your smartphone. The app offers turn-by-turn navigation, behind-the-scenes stories about exhibits, quizzes, and more. See the exhibition highlights at your own pace with the museum's self-guided tours of popular collections. Special Exhibitions Sharks: Older than dinosaurs — and more threatened than threatening — sharks are spectacular, surprising, and often misunderstood. Dive into the world of this amazingly diverse group of animals in the new exhibition, Sharks. Worlds Beyond Earth: Worlds Beyond Earth tells the story of the surprisingly dynamic nature of the worlds that share our solar system and the unique conditions that make life on Earth possible. Captioning devices are available. Giant-Screen Film Serengeti: Immerse yourself in one of nature's most spectacular events, the annual migration in the Serengeti, on a massive 40-foot-high and 60-foot-high film screen.

NYC: Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket

4. NYC: Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket

Walk through the pink doors of the Museum of Ice Cream and enter a world of pure imagination. Satisfy your inner child and your actual kids with exhibitions featuring various installations designed to engage and delight children of all ages. Time your visit the museum on a weekday for a more peaceful experience. Once inside, explore imaginative, multi-sensory exhibitions that bring to life your most delightful dreams. Savor the sweetest treats on a magical floating table, slide down an epic three-story slide, take a celestial ride on a pink Museum of Ice Cream subway, and follow the buzzing sound to a giant "Queen Bee" hive. Taste the museum's signature flavors and ice cream treats along the way, before taking a dive into the world's largest sprinkle pool. Take all the Instagram-worthy pictures that your heart desires. When you finish your experience, be sure to explore the museum's whimsical shop. The Museum of Ice Cream is not a traditional museum — every installation is interactive, meaning touching isn't only allowed, it's encouraged. Alternatively, grab your partner, friend, or family member for an exclusive Night at the Museum experience at The Museum of Ice Cream. Start off the night with a signature cocktail and ignite your senses through a theatrical experience. After hours, enjoy a full tour of the museum's 13 magical installations, along with special activities and treats designed to celebrate love in all its forms. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a pink super-cone.

New York City: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry

5. New York City: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry

Hop on board the ferry and enjoy a self-guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from New Jersey. Visit Liberty Island, explore the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and learn fascinating facts as you go. Begin your experience by departing from Liberty State Park, located in Jersey City, NJ, and easily accessible by car. Once you arrive at the meeting point, bypass the ticket line with your pre-purchased ticket. Board the ferry and see the impressive views of Lady Liberty and the NYC skyline. Take note of the ferry's return times to plan your day. Your ticket gives you access to explore two attractions: Ellis Island and Liberty Island (with the Statue of Liberty). On arrival to Ellis Island, pick up your multilingual audio guide at the Immigration Museum. Then, explore what was America’s busiest immigration station for over 62 years. Walk in the footsteps of millions of people from all around the globe who passed through here looking for a new beginning and a new life for their families in America. With access to the American Family Immigration History Center's records, you can search all ship manifests that came through Ellis Island. Use this unique experience to research your family history. Once you're ready to discover Liberty Island, drop off your audio guide and return to the ferry. Upon arrival on Liberty Island, pick up your multilingual audio guide to start exploring the history of the Statue of Liberty. Children also have the opportunity to enjoy a special narration of this self-guided tour. When you are finished, return to the ferry and make your way back to your original departure point.

NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Timed-Entry Ticket

6. NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Timed-Entry Ticket

Pre-book your timed admission and skip the ticket lines to New York City's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), one of the world's most celebrated art museums. The Museum of Modern Art is a place that fuels creativity, challenges minds, and inspires. With extraordinary exhibitions and the world's finest collection of modern and contemporary art, MoMA is dedicated to the conversation between the past and the present, the established and the experimental. MoMA offers a panoramic overview of modern and contemporary art, from the innovative European painting and sculpture of the 1880s to today's film, design, and performance art. Six floors of art galleries in midtown Manhattan include highlights such as Monet's Water Lilies, Van Gogh's The Starry Night, Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Matisse's Dance (I), and Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans, as well as contemporary work by Elizabeth Murray, Cindy Sherman, Ai Weiwei, and many others. Enjoy exploring the traveling exhibits. From February 20 to July 2, visit the Project of Independence. This exhibition explores the ways modern architecture in the region gave shape and expression to idealist societal visions and emancipatory politics of the post-independence period. From March 13 to August 13, enjoy the Frédéric Bruly Bouabré exhibit, the first in-depth study in the US of this Ivorian artist who used drawing as a critical tool to invent a writing system. Henri Matisse: The Red Studio is available from May 1 to September 10 and focuses on the genesis and history of Matisse. From July 16 to January 2, 2023, visit Barara Kruger: Thing of You. I mean Me. I Mean You, a large-scale site-specific commission that will envelop the Donald and Catherine Marron Family Atrium. From October 30 to March 4, 2023, enjoy the Meret Oppenheim: My Exhibition, the first transatlantic exhibition to survey this visionary Swiss artist's career. To help you enjoy the collection better, use the free MoMA app or mobile site to listen to free audio guides available for download to your mobile device. Free WiFi is available throughout the museum. The MoMA Stores offer a wide selection of books, design objects, jewelry, furniture, clothing, and more.

NYC: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Entry Ticket

7. NYC: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Entry Ticket

Visitors to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum can experience a legendary aircraft carrier, the first space shuttle, the world’s fastest jets, and a Cold War-era submarine. Discover a museum that employs history and technology to inspire and advance innovation by developing the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is dedicated to the exhibition and interpretation of history, science, and service from its home on board the aircraft carrier Intrepid, a National Historic Landmark. The former aircraft carrier USS Intrepid was launched in 1943 and fought in World War II, surviving five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike. The ship later served in the Cold War and the Vietnam War. It was decommissioned in 1974, and today is berthed on the Hudson River. You get the chance to visit 4 decks of this great ship: • Hangar Deck: A great place to start your visit and our main indoor exhibit space, the hangar deck takes you through both the hardware and humanity of Intrepid • Flight Deck: Get an up-close look at more than two dozen authentically restored aircraft, look inside the Restoration Tent, and take a walk through history on Intrepid's island and bridges. - Gallery Deck: Located between the flight deck and hangar deck, the gallery deck features the combat information center (CIC), squadron ready room, and marine berthing • Third Deck: Learn about shipboard life in Intrepid's restored galley, enlisted mess, and crew berthing The Space Shuttle Pavilion showcases Enterprise, the prototype NASA orbiter that paved the way for the space shuttle program. Dynamic exhibit zones feature original artifacts, photographs, audio, and films that immerse visitors in the science and history of Enterprise and the space shuttle era.

NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island First Tour of the Day

8. NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island First Tour of the Day

Discover the famous Statue of Liberty on a guided tour and ferry ride. Enjoy early access to Liberty Island, see clear views of the iconic New York skyline, and explore Ellis Island. Begin your day at The Battery (formerly known as Battery Park), the historical gateway to Lady Liberty. Board the earliest ferry of the day (if you choose the earliest tour time) to avoid the crowds of tourists and sail away from Manhattan to greet the Statue of Liberty. Disembark at Liberty Island and join your guide on a walking tour of the island to learn the origins of the iconic Statue of Liberty. As you walk, take in views of the famed New York skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. Wander through the Statue of Liberty Museum and see Lady Liberty’s original torch. Next, board the short ferry to Ellis Island. Hear a brief introduction about the Island's historical significance and get recommendations on what to do on the island from your guide. Then, explore this special place at your own pace. Wander the site, enjoy the official audio guide, search the passenger records for family names, or pause for a quick bite to eat at the popular cafeteria. Either return to Manhattan with your guide on the ferry or stay to explore the island as long as you wish.

NYC: Madame Tussauds Entry Tickets

9. NYC: Madame Tussauds Entry Tickets

Become a star at Madame Tussauds with over 85,000 square feet of interactive entertainment in the heart of Times Square. From Marilyn to Selena Quintanilla, to Gaga, there is a star for every generation. Pose with fun figures of internationally-known musicians, A-list stars, sports legends, world leaders, and more. Explore 5 floors of celebrity fun as you slay center stage, mix and mingle with the stars, and marvel at the real-like figurines. Make those celebrity selfies sparkle next to Audrey Hepburn, Lady Gaga, Brad Pitt, and the Kardashians. Seize those impossible New York moments and make them yours while you enjoy this all-access pass to glitz, glamour, and glee. Get in an empire state of mind whilst playing piano with Alicia Keys, stroll the runway with Alessandra Ambrosio during NY Fashion Week, and grab your guest seat on the Tonight Show and chat with Jimmy Fallon.

NYC: Guggenheim Museum Entry Ticket

10. NYC: Guggenheim Museum Entry Ticket

Book your entry ticket to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpiece housing world-renowned collections of modern and contemporary art. Enjoy skip-the-ticket-line entry, full access to all exhibitions, and a downloadable audio guide included with your ticket. The building was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of two in New York — the other being the Statue of Liberty. Founded on a collection of early modern masterpieces, the Guggenheim Museum today is an ever-evolving institution devoted to the art of the 20th century and beyond.  Once you arrive at the Museum, skip the admissions line and head straight for the information desk to check in. Your ticket gives you unlimited time to discover all that the museum has to offer. Connect to the Museum's Wi-Fi and download the digital guide with audio guides and texts for each exhibition, as well as information about the permanent collection and the Frank Lloyd Wright building. The audio guide is available in 11 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, and Arabic. Exhibitions on view: • Vasily Kandinsky: Around the Circle - through September 5, 2022• Gillian Wearing: Wearing Masks - through June 13, 2022• Thannhauser Collection - Ongoing

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What people are saying about New York City

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 11,134 reviews

We had an amazing tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island. Our tour guide Sara was outstanding. She was extremely attentive throughout the tour. She explained the history of both islands alongside some interesting facts about New York City. She answered any and all questions with a smile. Sara also took the time to take amazing photos of us at each stop. It was certainly beneficial to have a local guide to give us context about what we were seeing. Highly recommend both the tour and Sara as a guide!

This was a great tour! It was mostly outside of the trade center area. Our tour guide Tony was very knowledgeable and friendly. I felt like there really wasn’t a lot of time for pictures but maybe if we had stopped to take pictures he would have waited for us. Took about 75 mins but that might be because there weren’t a ton of questions. I strongly recommend it!

No waiting in line! Once past security it’s easy to navigate the museum. An absolutely beautiful and moving tribute to our fallen. Museum was clean and staff was friendly.

As a MASSIVE friends fan, I was more than impressed with this! Would do it all over again in a second

Harold was our guide. Great trip, je tools is a lot of tips about History. I recommend this