Our most recommended things to do in New York City

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: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

2. NYC: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

Visit SUMMIT, situated at the top of the iconic modern landmark One Vanderbilt. Discover a place which changes our relationship with cities, environment, and ourselves through immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Head off the main concourse of Grand Central Terminal, to learn the story behind its creation. Learn all about an attraction designed with the intention of transcending everyday existence, and engage with space in a fascinating new way. Begin with a sensory stimulating elevator ride to the 91st floor. Be transported into SUMMIT AIR, a new way to see and interact with space designed by Kenzo Digital. Layered with two floors of floor to ceiling mirrors, AIR offers a new perspective as the Manhattan skyline reflects all around you. Next, test your limits at SUMMIT LEVITATION and enjoy the rush of stepping out over the city on two glass ledges suspended 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue. Watch your image float in the clouds across a multi-media screen and get in touch with your playful side in the silver balloon AFFINITY room. Once you reach the 93rd floor, take in the sights and sounds of NYC from another vantage point on the outdoor observation deck. For a more intimate, adult-friendly evening experience, choose to visit SUMMIT during Air at Night. Guests can enjoy access to all areas of the attraction, an LED light show with accompanying vivacious music, and cocktails for purchase at the 93rd floor bar.

NYC: Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

3. NYC: Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

Get entry tickets to Edge, a marvel of architecture, engineering, and technology, suspended in mid-air over 1100 feet above the ground. Get the feeling of floating in the sky and take in the entire Manhattan skyline from Edge's unique vantage point on the western side of Midtown Manhattan. Begin your journey on Level 4 of The Shops at Hudson Yards, where you will enter into an immersive multimedia experience explaining the design, construction, and sustainability of Hudson Yards. Then, head up over 1100 feet to the Observation Deck, and then 80 feet out into the air on the Outdoor Sky Deck. Here, frameless glass panel walls are boldly angled outwards to allow you to feel the thrill of leaning out over the edge with the busy city below. Next, stand on the glass floor and look over 100 stories straight down to the city streets below your feet. At Edge's furthest point, The Eastern Point, there's space for one person to stand alone, surrounded by glass, air, and sky—you will never have had a picture quite like it. The upper level also features the Skyline Steps, where you can look out over the top of the glass panels and past the edge of the deck. Have a seat and hang out in the sky with your friends and family, or head indoors and sip champagne or a signature cocktail at the Champagne Bar. When you leave be sure to visit Hudson Yards' centerpiece, Vessel, or enjoy a bite to eat or a shopping experience at The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards.

NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket

4. NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket

Pre-book your 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, 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. Current Exhibitions: The Encounter: Barbara Chase-Riboud/Alberto Giacommeti through October 9 New Photography 2023 through September 16 ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN September 10th through January 13, 2024 Life Cycle: The MAterials of Contemporary Design through July 7th, 2024 Upcoming Exhibitions: Emerging Ecologies: Architecture and the Ride of Environmentalism - Sept 17th - Jan 20th, 2024 Picasso in Fontainebleau - October 8 through February 17, 2024. New Ground: Jacob Samuel and Contemporary Etching - October 29 to March 23, 2024 Alexandre Estrela: Flat Bells - November 4 through January 7, 2024 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: Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket

5. NYC: Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket

Take in a 360-degree panorama of New York from 850 feet (260 m) in the air at the Top of the Rock. Explore 9,500 square feet of unobstructed outdoor viewing space, the most of any New York observatory. Take in the daytime scenery, see the sunset, or admire the city sparkle by night from new heights.  Upon arriving at 30 Rockefeller Center, take time to admire the stunning, shimmering Swarovski chandelier on your way to the mezzanine level. Here is an exhibit where you can see historic artifacts and a short film about Rockefeller Center’s construction during the Great Depression. Head up to the Top in less than 1 minute with a ride up 850 feet (260 m) on the Sky Shuttle. Explore 2 floors with expansive indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Finally top off your visit with breathtaking views of Central Park, Empire State Building, downtown Manhattan, One World Trade Center, and multiple bridges from the completely open-air deck on the 70th-floor.

NYC: Empire State Building Tickets & Skip-the-Line

6. NYC: Empire State Building Tickets & Skip-the-Line

Choose between a General Admission ticket to the 86th-floor outdoor observation deck or a Combination Ticket with access to the newly renovated 102nd floor, showcasing floor-to-ceiling windows. Upgrade your experience with an Express Ticket to skip the long lines. The New Empire State Building Experience not only gives you access to the legendary New York City landmark, allowing you to soar 1,054 foot (320 meters) high and enjoy magnificent 360-degree open-air views of New York City and beyond. You'll also see Grand Staircase with a two-story architectural model of the building and newly renovated interactive galleries that take you on an incredible journey from the building’s construction to its current place in pop culture. Explore the site in the 1920s, Construction, Opening Day, Modern Marvel, Otis Elevators, World’s Most Famous Building, King Kong, and Celebrity exhibits. The 80th Floor also features a range of exciting art exhibits. Be sure to see the building's iconic Art Deco Fifth Avenue lobby. The Empire State Building's 86th Floor Observation Deck is the highest 360-degree open-air observatory in New York, outfitted with heaters to keep the cold at bay. The Empire State Building is more than a spectacular view - it is the most Instagrammed landmark in the USA. Your entrance also includes a downloadable multimedia experience, available in 9 languages. This app also includes videos, image galleries, quizzes, and maps showing nearby points of interest. Be sure to see the building's iconic Art Deco Fifth Avenue lobby as you exit this remarkable building.

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

7. 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

8. 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. The new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation is an incredible addition to the museum, featuring state-of-the-art exhibits and immersive experiences that are perfect for all ages. You can explore the mysteries of the universe in the planetarium, journey through time in the Hall of Biodiversity, and come face-to-face with some of the world's largest and most incredible creatures in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. As you wander through the museum, you'll be transported to different worlds and eras, from the depths of the ocean to the vast expanse of space. You can learn about the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece, marvel at the stunning gems and minerals in the Morgan Memorial Hall of Gems, and discover the fascinating world of insects in the Butterfly Conservatory. 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. Closing September 4th, 2023 Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium: Delight in the year-round immersive exhibit and mingle with up to 1,000 free-flying butterflies—and maybe even experience one landing on you! Giant-Screen Film Blue Whales: Return of the Giants, narrated by actor Andy Serkis, takes viewers on a journey into the world of blue whales, a species rebounding from the brink of extinction on a massive 40-foot-high and 60-foot-high film screen.

New York One World Observatory: Skip-the-Line Ticket Options

9. New York One World Observatory: Skip-the-Line Ticket Options

Skip the ticket line and Ascend via SkyPod to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere in less than 47 seconds. SkyPod provides a thrilling virtual time-lapse visual experience showing how New York City has changed from the 1500s to today. At the observatory, elevate your senses as you take in the iconic sights, surrounding waters, and panoramas of the Manhattan skyline and beyond from this unique Downtown location. Enjoy unbeatable aerial views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, New York Harbor & the 9/11 Memorial. Engage with Skyline Concierges at City Pulse and learn incredible stories of New York. Step onto the Sky Portal and see real-time life on the streets below you. Surround yourself with the rhythms of the city in the See Forever Theater. Dine or drink at the café, bar, or restaurant. Upgrade to Combination or All-Inclusive Tickets and enjoy skip-the-line access to the elevators. Access expedited security via the priority security line. The Digital Skyline Guide, an interactive, virtual reality iPad guide to New York City, is also included. All-Inclusive Tickets also have the added benefit of a flexible arrival time on your scheduled day to visit, along with a $15 credit to Drink or Shop. For the VIP experience, take the Mastercard VIP Guided Tour option which includes an expert guide for an informative and engaging experience. On this 60-90 minute tour of all 3 observatory levels (floors 100-102) your guide will point out famous landmarks while sharing the city's rich history.

New York: CityPASS® with Tickets to 5 Top Attractions

10. New York: CityPASS® with Tickets to 5 Top Attractions

Receive tickets to 5 must-see attractions in New York City and save 40% on admission with the New York CityPASS® . Experience world-class art, fascinating science, important history, incredible views—from the sky and the sea, and more with your New York CityPASS® tickets. Save 40% on prepaid admission to 5 must-see attractions: • Empire State Building – General admission entry to the 86th floor observatory and admission to the 2nd floor museum, plus bonus same-night general admission • American Museum of Natural History – Admission to permanent museum halls, including over 40 galleries, plus a choice of one ticketed exhibition, giant-screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show. based on availability Plus your choice of admission to 3 of the following attractions: • Top of the Rock® Observation Deck – General Admission • Ferry Access to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island - Reserve ticket for one Statue City Cruises ferry ride to and from Liberty Island and Ellis Island, audio guides, and admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included • 9/11 Memorial and Museum – General Admission • Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises – One regularly scheduled Landmarks Cruise, Liberty Midtown Cruise, or Liberty Super Express Cruise. Check circleline.com for current schedules • Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum – General admission, including the Space Shuttle Pavilion, the submarine Growler, and the film Story of Intrepid • Guggenheim Museum - General admission to the Guggenheim’s collection and special exhibits, plus a free digital guide, accessed via your personal mobile device

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Frequently asked questions about New York City

What are the best day trips and excursions from New York City?

The best day trips and excursions from New York City are:

Washington, DC

Insider tips: Planning a trip to New York City

Looking to take a bite out of the Big Apple? We've enlisted the help of New York City expert, Steffen, from Loving New York to help you make the most of your next trip. Read our tips below for your next visit to New York City.

What should I do on my first trip to New York City?

If it's your first time in New York, you should definitely visit one of the big observation platforms! You have several to choose from, but I recommend the Edge observation deck at the Hudson Yards and the One World Observatory. Also, take a boat tour to see New York from the water.

What are some hidden gems to see in New York City?

I'll tell you two of my favorite spots in New York: the Grand Banks at Pier 25 on the Hudson River and Domino Park in Williamsburg. Both places grant you sensational views of the city.

How much time should I spend in New York City?

To explore New York – and not feel stressed out – you want to stay at least 5 to 7 days. That way, you can visit the most important spots and still have time to let the city work its magic on you – but without the time pressure

What food is New York City known for?

I'm a total foodie – so New York is obviously paradise to me! Start with the typical Cream Cheese Bagels (for example at Russ & Daughters in the Lower East Side), try the Pastrami Sandwiches (at Katz' Delicatessen or the Pastrami Queen), and eat a typical New York Pizza Slice. And if you have a sweet tooth: Juniors has the best cheesecake in the city, hands down!

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit New York City?

First-time visitors should always book their hotel in Manhattan – this way the distances are short and you can easily reach all the sights on foot. I like Soho, Tribeca, Lower Manhattan, and Murray Hill in particular.

What is the best way to get around New York City?

In New York, the best way to get around is on foot – or you can jump on a 'Citi Bike', which is super cheap to rent. We also like to use the NYC Ferries, which can shuttle you between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens on the East River for the price of a one-way subway ride.

What are the best months to visit New York City?

It's worth visiting New York at any time of the year. But if I had to settle on individual months, I recommend May/June and September/October.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

There are so many different gastro spots in Williamsburg, the East Village, and West Village.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

New York and shopping simply go hand in hand, Great areas are SoHo, 5th Avenue, and the lower part of Broadway. Be sure to avoid the Times Square area for shopping at all costs – most stores are overpriced and true tourist traps!

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in New York City?

Exploring New York with the family is huge fun - I myself have been to our favorite city with my kids numerous times. Among my personal highlights is a trip to the Statue of Liberty, the visit to the One World Observatory, and Central Park with its lakes and playgrounds. Also really exciting is the Museum of Natural History, which will be familiar to many from the movie "Night at the Museum".

What is the best thing to do in New York City for solo travelers?

Make sure to take a sailing tour on the Hudson River. Many tours, one with on-board wine tasting, for example, start at Pier 62. This is a really relaxed way to travel and a fun way to meet new people.

What is the best thing to do in New York City for couples?

New York can also be quite romantic. A visit to the Empire State Building in the evening from 10 pm (from Thursday to Saturday) is a real highlight, not just for couples. During this time, a saxophonist plays on the observation deck. Also very enjoyable are the dinner cruises and a flight in a helicopter over New York.

What are the best annual events in New York City?

Among the most important events in New York are St. Patrick's Day in March, Gay Pride in June, of course, the 4th of July, and also the Macy's Parade – which is an absolute must-see.

Other Sightseeing Options in New York City

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What people are saying about New York City

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 92,767 reviews

My experience at the before hours program at MoMa this past Sunday (3/5/23) was a very special time spent at the museum. The fact that there were not many other visitors in the museum at the same time was a huge benefit that afforded participants to view and appreciate the artwork and stories told by the guide. I will say that our particular guide, while highly knowledgeable, was wearing a mask and was too soft spoken to really hear. Perhaps a microphone would be a useful addition for the audience. Also, while he was highly knowledgeable, he was not very engaging/enthusiastic with the group. Overall a five star experience and a great asset for visitors to MoMa. Thank you!

excellent guide told wonderful stories to frame our understanding of the monuments we would see. this kept us awake and engaged on the journey there, we all slept soundly on the return journey. I walked 10 miles in the day, good gentle walking in short bursts. the delaware food stop is nothing to get excited about and a 2.30pm lunch is not ideal, maybe the company could look into updating these things? I'll definitely use this service for more trips, thankyou!

Es una maravilla de palacio y unos jardines muy bien cuidado.

Amazing experience! Our guide, Audrey (sorry if I misspelled your name) was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, witty, a great storyteller and I think was having fun herself doing the tour :) I love tours which give you insight beyond what your eyes can see and this one definitely fulfils that! Would even do it again :) Greetings, Jakub

Niko arrived on time and made us very welcome. He was super friendly and very knowledgable - he shared lots of facts about the park and New York as well as his own experiences. Jack was a great horse and full of character. Highly recommend. Was a lovely experience for my birthday.

although windy and chill, we managed to hit almost all important dpots of the park