101 Places to Visit in New York City

101 Places to Visit in New York City

New York City (NYC) is home to millions of people – and millions of things to do and see. It’s know as “The City That Never Sleeps” – and that very well may be true. There seems to be always something going on in The Big Apple and that’s part of the appeal that keeps drawing people back here year after year.

Depending on the time of year you go, you are in for some special treats. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, NYC is transformed into one big pageant/party/parade with a number of world famous events going on. Spring and summer months are when people get out and enjoy the mild weather that isn’t found any other time of year with a variety of venues for the public.

We’ve comprised a list of 101 places to visit while in NYC – whatever the season. They are in no particular order and most of them can be enjoyed year round by everyone.

1. Times Square

Times Square is many things, but aptly referred to as “The Crossroads of The World.” It’s a major intersection with very, very heavy pedestrian traffic in the heart of NYC’s theater and commercial districts. It’s also one of the world’s centers of the entertainment industry.

Times Square attracts nearly 40 million tourists every year, making it the world’s most visited tourist attraction. Time Square never closes and is never dark, barring blackouts and other freak events.

It’s also never empty, making it a fantastic place to just sit and people watch.

2. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a giant looming lady figure holding a torch that has been welcoming immigrants and visitors to NYC’s harbors since 1886.

She stands on Liberty Island and is only accessible by ferry. Ferries to Liberty Island depart from various points in the city daily from 8:30am-3:30pm.

Admission is free to the statue, but ferry passes aren’t. They cost $17 for adults, $14 for seniors, $9 for kids 4-12 and kids under 4 are free. Reservations are required.

3. Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) – 5th Avenue and 82nd Street

The Metropolitan Museum of Art attracts five million visitors per year and is the largest art museum in the country. The Met’s in-house collection boasts nearly two million pieces of art.

To house such an expansive collection, The Met has to be big – and it is – measuring a quarter mile in length and taking up some 2 million square feet of space.

The Met is open Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday 9:30am-5:30pm and Friday-Saturday 9:30am-9:00pm. Admission is $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for students and children 12 and under are free.

4. Dialog in the Dark – 11 Fulton Street

Dialog in the Dark is a sensory experience that takes visitors through a variety of NYC environments with local noises, sounds and atmospheres, but they do so in complete darkness.

It’s a way for sighted people to ‘see’ things on the ability level visually challenged people. Dialog in the Dark is open Thursday – Sunday 10am-7pm and Friday-Saturday 10am-9pm.

Admission is $36 for adults and $29 for kids.

5. New York Skyride – Empire State Building, 2nd Floor, 350 Fifth Avenue

The New York Skyride is a cool attraction to visit. It’s a motion-simulated movie theater with special effects that take you on a virtual tour of all the NYC attractions in a very up close and personal 3D kind of way.

You get sky views and street views as well – a super way of seeing the city without leaving the comfort of a theater.

Skyride is open daily from 8am-10pm. Admission is $41 for adults and $22 for kids.

6. Top of the Rock – 30 Rockefeller Plaza

Rockefeller Plaza is a tourist attraction in itself, but the best experience you can get from it is at the top. At the ground level, you’ll get see an exhibit detailing the history of NYC and then a stunning glass elevator takes you to the 70th floor of the building to the observation deck.

It’s an open air structure that provides unobstructed views of the city in all directions and is truly a must see at night. Top of the Rock is open daily from 8am-Midnight.

Admission is $25 for adults and $16 for kids.

7. 9/11 Memorial – Site of The Twin Towers

The 9/11 Memorial pays tribute to the people who were killed in the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 and those who died in the World Trade Center bombing in 1993.

The names of all who perished are engraved in bronze around the memorial, which has reflecting pools, benches and other accents.

It’s open all the time and there is no admission fee to see it.

8. American Museum of Natural History – Central Park West at West 79th Stree

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. It is divided into halls, with each one covering a different science subject – like mammals, space, ocean life and anthropology.

In addition to its permanent exhibits and 32 million specimens and artifacts, the American Museum of Natural History frequently has traveling exhibits on display, too.

The Museum is open daily from 10am-5:45pm. Admission is $19 for adults and $10.50 for kids.

9. Brooklyn Botanic Garden – 900 Washington Avenue

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to visit, no matter what the time of year. There is always something in bloom. The Japanese Hill and Pond Garden is quite popular among tourists and it’s just one of many themed gardens on the premises

The Cranford Rose Garden and Children’s Discovery Garden are popular with families. There’s also  a cafe and gift shop on-site as well.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $8 for adults and children are free.

10. Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. It opened in 1883 and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn via the East River. The Brooklyn Bridge was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. It has also become one of the icons for which the NYC landscape is known.

While it used to be open to trains and streetcars, it’s open for auto traffic with bicycle riders and pedestrians today, with bike and walking lanes separate from the auto traffic lanes.

There are no toll fees for crossing the bridge and it’s quite lovely after dark.

11. Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is a major road that travels through Manhattan. It is lined with some of the most expensive real estate in the country as well as some of the most expensive shops and boutiques.

Fifth Avenue is a very prestigious address that many NYC natives – and people everywhere – have grown to covet. It’s definitely the cream of the crop, as far as the wealthy population in NYC.

You can peruse Fifth Avenue at your leisure, either by car, walking or public transit.

12. Chinatown – Manhattan

Manhattan’s Chinatown is almost like stepping into China itself. It has a very authentic atmosphere, bustling with activity. This is the largest collective group of Chinese people in the Western hemisphere – with a population numbering nearly 100,000.

It’s also one of the oldest Chinatown settlements outside of Asia proper. Manhattan’s Chinatown isn’t the only one in NYC – it’s just the largest of three.

The other two are located in Queens and Brooklyn.

13. Federal Hall – 26 Wall

If you’re a history buff or fan of politics, a trip to Federal Hall is a must. It’s the place where the very first US president, George Washington, was sworn into office.

Federal Hall is also the former home of Congress and the Supreme Court as well as the US Sub-Treasury.

There are no admission fees for touring Federal Hall and you can do so Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm.

14. Yankee Stadium – One East 161st

The Yankee Stadium that’s there today isn’t the original that was built in 1923. The new one is just across the street from the old one and opened for business in 2009. It came with a price tag of $1.5 billion dollars, making it the most expensive baseball stadium ever built.

It’s still home to the New York Yankees and somewhat follows the design of the old stadium in its construction. You can tour the stadium or attend a game there. For tours, admission prices are $20 for adults, $15 for kids and seniors, and 4 and under are free.

Tours are offered Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm. These are basic tour prices. Tours with more inclusions, like lunch, cost more and vary in price.

15. Madison Square Garden – Pennsylvania Plaza,

Madison Square Garden opened in 1968 as a multi-purpose event venue in Manhattan. It came with a price tag of just over $1 billion and was one of the most expensive venues ever built.

Some of the events at Madison Square Garden include basketball and ice hockey, concerts and circuses, but is more popular for music events, being the third-busiest music arena in the world in terms of ticket sales.

You can’t really tour it, but you can look around a bit or attend a show – which you definitely should do to get the full experience of it.

16. Broadway

Broadway is a group of 40 professional theaters lining the theater district in Manhattan. It is home to some of the most beloved theatrical performances – like Phantom of The Opera, Cats, Chicago and more.

Most performances happen at 7pm during weeknights, but 2pm matinee’ shows are becoming popular. No trip to NYC is complete without visiting the Broadway district and seeing at least one show.

Admission prices can  be quite high and tickets can  be quite scarce, depending on the popularity of the show. Plan well in advance to attend.

17. Coney Island

Coney Island is a 4 mile long barrier island off Manhattan that began as a weekend getaway destination for city dwellers in the mid-1800s. The island was developed over the years to include a famous boardwalk, midway and amusement park.

Now they also have an aquarium, museum and roller rink. The fair-like atmosphere draws millions of people to Coney Island each year – even though its also a residential district now.

The beach is another popular attraction on Coney Island. There’s no admission to Coney Island itself, but the prices for the attractions vary as do their hours of operation.

18. Grand Central Station – 89 East 42nd Street at Park Avenue

Grand Central Station is a massive train station in the heart of NYC that covers some 48 acres. It has 44 platforms in all, making it the largest train station in the world, based on that number – and attracts nearly 22 million visitors each year.

There are 68 shops and restaurants within the Station, including a number of fine dining venues. The terminal is open every day from 5:30am-2am (yes, it only closes 3.5 hours each day), but the shops and venues operate on a different schedule  mostly from 10am-7pm.

You can tour it whenever you’d like – free of charge.

19. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – West Side Highway and 46th Street,

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is dedicated to military and maritime history.

It houses a number of ships at Pier 86 that visitors can tour to learn about their roles in various conflicts and wars.

As of this writing, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum was temporarily closed, due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy, but is scheduled to reopen shortly with updated hours and admission prices.

20. FAO Schwarz – 767 Fifth Avenue

You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy FAO Schwarz – the oldest toy store in the country. It’s a massive wonderland of every kind of toy you could imagine – and some that you can’t.

It’s a magical place where real life toy soldiers stand guard and offer assistance to shoppers. You can request a tour led by one of those real life toy soldiers for a hefty fee that they will only disclose over the phone. You can have breakfast with them as well.

Or you could just do what most people do and wander around in awe and amazement for a few hours inside – free of charge. The store is open daily from 10am-7pm.

21. Brooklyn Brewery – 79 N 11th St

The Brooklyn Brewery has been brewing flavorful craft beer for mass consumption since 1988. Their beer is sold in 25 states and 20 countries around the world.

You can tour the Brewery Monday-Thursday at 5pm. Tours are by reservation only and they cost $8. You must be of legal drinking age to take the tour.

Weekends at the Brewery are family affairs, with beer tastings, food events, vendors and small scale parties. Children are welcome and the tours are free.

22. Chelsea Art Galleries – Between 10th and 11th Avenues

The Chelsea Art Galleries span a number of streets between 10th and 11th Avenues.

The galleries offer a wide range of art pieces created from virtually every type of medium. Most galleries are open between 10am-5pm and they are all free to visit.

This is a great location to pick up a one of a kind souvenir of your trip.

23. Federal Reserve Bank of New York – 33 Liberty St at Nassau St

Ten tons of gold is hidden  here, some 80ft below ground so you know this has to be a stop on your tour of the city. There’s a museum there where you will learn all about the Federal Reserve and see exhibits of counterfeit money and extensive collections of coins.

And yes – you’ll also get to see inside the elusive golden vault. Tours are free, but you must schedule them at least one month in advance.

They’re available Monday-Friday from 11am-3pm. Be prepared to show lots of ID and pass through lots of security checks.

24. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Museum – Seventh Avenue at 27 Street

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Museum is a cool place to learn about the history of fashion and how fashion trends have evolved.

The Museum has a collection of more than 50,000 garments and accessories dating from the 18th century to now and they rotate them to showcase various periods in history.

Tours are free and are available Tuesday-Friday from noon-8pm and on Saturdays from 10am-5pm.

25. Ulysses S Grant National Memorial –  Riverside Park in Manhattan

Grant’s Tomb is the final resting place of Ulysses S Grant and his wife, Julia. Grant was a general in the Civil War and was also the 18th president.

An odd fact about the tomb is that it wasn’t even finished until 12 years after he died. It’s open for tours Thursday-Monday from 10am-5pm.

Admission is free and there is also an information center on site that gives lectures about Grant during the same hours.

26. Green-Wood Cemetery – 500 25th St

Green-Wood Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 600,000 people. The landscape is a series of beautiful rolling, green hills, winding roads and weathered trails.

Don’t miss Battle Hill, the site where the Continental Army battled British troops during the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn. Once you see the Gothic entryway, be on the lookout for green parakeets, which escaped an airport crate some 30 years ago and have called the Cemetery home ever since.

You can tour the Cemetery free of charge on your own from 8am-5pm daily. Get a free map at the entrance building. Or you can go on a guided trolly tour of the Cemetery on Wednesdays and two Sundays a month at 1pm for $15 per person.

27.Hispanic Society of America Museum & Library – Broadway at 155th St

The Hispanic Society of America Museum & Library was opened in 1908 to pay homage to Spanish artists and their contributions to the art world. It houses the largest collection of Spanish art outside of Spain.

You’ll find works by El Greco, Goya and Diego Velázquez – among others. You’ll find works from Early Spain, The Golden Age – all the way through Modern Art.

The Hispanic Society of America Museum & Library is open Monday-Friday from 10am-4:30pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm. Admission is free.

28. New York Public Library – Fifth Ave at 42nd St

The New York Public Library is a sight to behold. The entrance is guarded by two massive marble lions names Patience and Fortitude.

The third floor reading room is an awesome space, with room for 500 people to sit and while away an afternoon. There are exhibits throughout the library – like a copy of the Declaration of Independence and nearly a half million maps.

You can tour the library on your own from Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm or take a free guided tour at 11am or 2pm.

29. The Concourse – Rockefeller Center 30 Rockefeller Plaza

The Concourse at Rockefeller Center is an underground labyrinth of shops, restaurants and pedestrian passages. The network of tunnels and hallways were built in the 1940s to connect the buildings above in such a way to ease traffic congestion and protect commuters from the elements.

The Concourse has gone a big renovation in recent years and is now one of the premiere shopping districts in the city – except it’s underground, away from all the hustle and bustle of the city streets.

The Concourse is open daily from 7am until Midnight. The hours of the shops and eateries may vary.

30. Ice Skating Rink – 30 Rockefeller Center

Nothing says NYC like ice skating in the famous Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink. It’s beautifully decorated for the holidays and features one of the largest Christmas trees  in the world.

It’s also the backdrop for many holiday programs and TV specials. The rink is open daily from November 9 – January 7. The hours are 7am-Midnight. Admission is $25 per adult and $15 per child – plus an additional $10 skate rental.

Admission includes one 90 minute session. There are other admission prices for special access like skating lessons, etc. and those go up in price according to what is offered.

31. NBC Studio Tours – 30 Rockefeller Plaza

NBC has been giving studio tours since 1933 and gives you backstage access to some of the most popular programs on the channel. The tour includes a chance to produce your own  newscast and weather forecast, too – using official studio equipment.

Studio tours are offered every 15 minutes on the following schedule:  Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, Friday – Saturday: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm and Sunday: 9:15 am – 4:30 pm.

Admission is $24 for adults and $21 for kids. The tours last about an hour and reservations are advised.

32. Radio City Music Hall – 1260 6th Ave. at 50th Street

Radio City Music Hall is to the film industry in NYC as what Hollywood is to Los Angeles. It’s a beautiful old theater that opened in the 1930s and has hosted the premier of several notable films – like King Kong, Breakfast At Tiffany’s, White Christmas and Mame.

It’s the largest indoor theater in the world and has some very impressive architectural features that cannot be duplicated on the same level of grandeur. Radio City hosts a variety of performances during the year, including musical events. Radio City is home to the world famous Rockettes – a chorus line of showgirl dancers. You can catch a show at Radio City or you can just go for a tour.

Tours are offered daily between 11am-3pm. Tickets are $24 for adults and $19 for kids. Reservations are recommended.

33. Brooklyn Flea – 176 Lafayette Avenue

The Brooklyn Flea is an outdoor flea market that includes an eclectic mix of vendors offering everything from vintage items and antiques to trendy hand-crafted items and food.

The Flea is open on weekends and happens in two locations at different times of the year. From spring through Thanksgiving the Flea is open 11am-6pm on Saturdays in Fort Greene and on Sundays in Williamsburg.

From Thanksgiving through March,  the Flea operates indoors during the same hours at the Skylight One Hanson building.

34. Brooklyn Bowl – 61 Wythe Avenue

Brooklyn Bowl is a neat venue that’s half bowling alley and half concert venue. It has been hailed by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the coolest places on Earth. The bowling alley part has 16 lanes and was the first certified L.E.E.D alley in the world.

Brooklyn Bowl is open Monday-Friday from 6pm until early morning hours. During that time it’s a 21+ venue only. On weekends the Bowl is a family venue from noon until 6pm and children are allowed. After 6pm, it’s 21+ again on weekends, too.

Bowling rates are $25 per lane per 1/2 hour.

35. High Line – Manhattan, West Side

The High Line is a re-purposed green space and park that used to be an old freight line. It sits 30 feet above street level and is a surprising oasis within the inner city.

The High Line welcomes 4 million visitors each year and has 4 passenger elevators for easy access. There are restaurants at the various other entrances and a number of street art installations as well.

The park has a list of rules, like no picking flowers or littering so be sure you read and follow them when you go.

36. East River Ferry

The East River Ferry is a great way to see the city from the Harbor. While riding as a pedestrian, you can get off at spots like Long Island City and Governor’s Island to sight-see.

For $12 you can ride the ferry and get off and on at all the stops along the route all day long. Ferries depart every five minutes for various locations from 6:30am-7pm.

37. Chrysler Building – 405 Lexington Avenue

The Chrysler Building was the tallest building in the world until the Sears Tower was built in 1974.

The Chrysler Company incorporated some of its trademarks into the building’s design – like the gargoyles that resemble Chrysler hood ornaments and the spire at the top of the building that’s shaped like a Chrysler car grille.

The interior of the building is open during normal business hours, as it is home to many different offices and companies. The spire and building itself is beautifully lighted at night so it’s nice to see then, too.

38. Macy’s – 34th and Herald Square

Macy’s is a high end retailer that has chain stores in just about every mall around the country.

The NYC store however, has been the world’s largest department store since it opened in the 1920s. Macy’s is 10 stories tall, has more than one million items for sale and is known for its elaborate holiday window displays and giant statues that guard the entrance.

Macy’s is open daily from 9am-10pm, although during the holiday season, their hours may extend slightly on either end.

39. South Street Seaport – Fulton Street

Visiting South Street Seaport is like stepping back in time to a New England fishing village. In fact, it used to be one in 1821. The area was also a ferry landing for the Brooklyn Ferry around the same time.

The South Street Seaport went though a major renovation in the 1980s, restoring it to its former glory. Today, visitors can visit one of the many piers in the area, admire the period architecture and visit the historic vessels along the Street of Ships.

South Street Seaport is open all the time, but the hours of the businesses in the area do vary.

40. Little Italy – Next To Chinatown

Little Italy is the area of Manhattan where a large portion of Italian immigrants settled in the city. During the late 19th century, more than 40,000 Italians called Little Italy home.

There’s lots of neat architecture pieces to see in Little Italy – from the impressive glass storefronts to the old tenement houses. There are three dozen authentic Italian eateries in Little Italy along with a number of bakeries and shops.

It’s best to visit Little Italy in the day time. That’s when most of the businesses are open and you can see all the sights.

41. Waldorf-Astoria – Park Avenue

The Waldorf-Astoria opened in 1931, taking up an entire city block. At the time it was the largest and tallest hotel in the world.

The Waldorf-Astoria features a main building, which has two floors and then a tower on either side with 47 stories each. The Waldorf-Astoria was meant to be a symbol of opulence and plenty – coming in with a price tag of $42 million and boasting 2,200 luxurious rooms.

You can visit the Waldorf-Astoria during the day time any day for free or you can opt to spend hundreds on booking a room there to get the full experience.

42. Castle Clinton – Battery Park

A number of fortresses were built to protect New York harbor during the War of 1812 and others. Castle Clinton is the last one of those remaining. It was heavily armed with a number of guns and cannons within its walls.

Later it served as a processing center for immigrants to the city from 1850-1890, before the center at Ellis Island was built. More than 8 million immigrants passed through its walls on  their way to a better life.

Today Castle Clinton is a ticket booth for one of the harbor cruise lines in the area. Park rangers give guided tours of the building on a first come, first served basis during normal business hours.

43. Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights is an interesting and beautiful place just outside Manhattan and said to be the first suburb in the country. The area was fist settled by the Dutch in 1645 and George Washington had his headquarters here during the Revolutionary War.

There are a number of amazing old homes in the area and the original Plymouth Church of The Pilgrims that’s been in service since 1847. The Church was also a major stop along the Underground Railroad.

It’s a neighborhood like any other so you can visit any time. Just be aware of private property and be respectful of residents.

44. 5Pointz Aerosol Art Center – Long Island

Inner cities usually discourages graffiti artists, but 5Pointz on Long Island not  only encourages it, but showcases local and international graffiti artists as they use  a 200,000 square foot warehouse as their canvas.

It’s not just artists that visit 5Pointz, though. Musicians, deejays, photographers and loads of tourists flock to the site daily.

In the future, the owner plans to extend the complex to five stories and a full city block in length. It’s a truly must-see for any NYC visitor.

45. Ninja New York – 52 Hudson

Ninjas? In New York? Yes, please! This fantastic restaurant will send you through a maze that’s been created in the middle of an ancient ninja village.

You’ll have to maneuver your way around obstacles to get to the dining area, which creates the perfect setting to the authentic Japanese meal.

The food ($30-$50 per person) is delivered by ninja waiters and there is a gift shop on site. Reservations are recommended and night time is the best time to go.

46. OBSCURA Antiques – 207 Avenue A

OBSCURA Antiques isn’t your normal antique store. You won’t find lots of furniture and hoity toity collectibles here. What you will find are a number of unique pieces that border on the macabre.

Like monkey and beaver skulls that date back to who knows when.

OBSCURA is a great place to get one of a kind mementos of your NYC trip. They are open daily from Noon-7pm.

47. Apollo Theater – 253 W 125th St

The Apollo Theater is a significant icon in African American history. In the 1930s, the predominantly African American neighborhood of Harlem saw a large influx of people and out of the need for entertainment, the Apollo Theater was born. It has 1,506 seats and was the only theater in the city that would hire African American performers for a very long time.

The Apollo’s Amateur Night was where many Black entertainers began their careers – like a 17 year old Ella Fitzgerald in 1934. Other Black entertainers that got their start at The Apollo are James Brown,  Billie Holiday, The Jackson 5 and Gladys Knight & the Pips. There’s a Hall of Fame on site as well as a gift shop.

The Apollo offers daily tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. The tours last an hour and admission prices are $16 per person.

48. Carnegie Hall – 57th Street & 7th Avenue

Carnegie Hall opened in 1891 and has since become known as one of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, with about 250 performances scheduled there each year.

It’s actually a variety of venues and halls in one – including a 5 level auditorium that seats 2,800 people. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962. Tours of the building are offered daily from 11am-6pm, if the performance schedule allows.

Admission to the tours is $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors and $4 for children. Reservations are recommended.

49. Christie’s – 20 Rockefeller Plaza

Christie’s is a London-based auction house that has been in business since the 1700s.

The NYC branch of it is housed in Rockefeller Center and is world-renowned for its pricey offerings of fine art and collectibles. Some of Christie’s auctioned items have sold for millions of dollars, while most are priced for a few thousand.

Before each lot is brought up for auction, the public is invited to view it – daily from 10am-5pm. It’s free to do so and quite a memorable experience.

50. American Folk Art Museum – 45 West 53rd Street

The American Folk Art Museum was created to preserve traditional folk art and showcase the work of self-taught artists.

It opened in 1963 and is home to an extensive collection of American folk art – from quilts and clothing to embroidered samplers and dolls to pieces carved from wood and shaped from metal. The home collection spans several centuries and the museum welcomes a number of traveling exhibits during the year as well.

The Museum is open every day except Monday from 11am until 6pm. Admission is free and there is a gift shop on site.

51. The “Alamo” @ Astor Place – Lafayette & 8th Streets

If you’re thinking The Alamo is in Texas, not NYC – you’d be right. But there is ‘another’ Alamo that lots of people don’t know about that is, in fact, in NYC.

This Alamo is actually a giant piece of abstract art in the shape of a cube. The Alamo sits on one of its corners, looking precarious – as if it will fall over any minute.

It measures 15ft squared and will spin on that corner – provided you can push it hard enough.

52. Cathedral of St. John the Divine – 1047 Amsterdam Avenue

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is, arguably, one of the most beautiful cathedrals you will ever visit. Began in 1892 and measuring some 121,000 square feet – the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the largest cathedral in the world – even though it is unfinished.

The eight columns weigh 150lbs each, measure 50ft in height and took more than a year to install. The nave cost $10 million itself to complete. The church didn’t even fully open until 1942. The bronze doors measuring 18ft by 12ft comprised of 48 raised artistic panels are a must see. Tours of the cathedral are offered daily from 11am-noon and 1pm-2pm – except Sundays.

Admission is $6 per adult and $5 for children/students/seniors. More in-depth tours that cost more are available at different times in the year.

53. Bodies…The Exhibition – South Street Seaport (Pier 17)

Have you ever wondered what the human body looks like on the inside? Or what makes it able to do all the things that it does? Have you ever wished you could see more than x-rays show? Now you can – at Bodies…The Exhibition.

There are over 200 real human bodies on display at The Exhibition – each one of them in various stages of dissection. The dissections show you how each component of each system works – from the digestive tract to the respiratory system.

The Exhibition is open daily from 10am-7pm. Admission is $27 for adults and $21 for children.

54. The New-York Historical Society Museum – 170 Central Park West

The New-York Historical Society Museum is the lesser known rival of the famous NY Metropolitan Museum of Art. The New-York Historical Society Museum is actually 70 years older than that rival – making it the oldest museum in the city.

It has a massive collection of more than 1.5 million  pieces of art outlining life in early New York as well as America. There’s also a children’s museum on site and a research library that has more than 300 million books and other paper items of historical significance.

You can tour the museum Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-6pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for students, $5 for those aged 5-13 and free for 4 and under.

55. St. Mark’s Place – East Village

St. Mark’s Place is a street and also a neighborhood. It’s exactly what comes to mind when you think of old NYC. The streets in the area are lined with colorful storefronts selling everything from clothing to food. Sidewalk cafes are abundant, too – adding lots of charm.

The buildings are the significant feature in the area. Each one of them are numbered and most date back to the mid-1800s.

Here you will find the site of the country’s first cooking school, the first Hebrew-Christian Church in America and the original St. Mark’s Hospital. It’s a wonderful walking tour that allows you to experience NYC the way it used to be.

 

56. The City Reliquary‎ – 370 Metropolitan Avenue

Priceless works of art and famous sculptures are great, but they don’t tell a lot about NYC the way the items in The city Reliquary do.

You won’t find any masterpieces here – just odd and quirky items related directly to NYC’s past. The items have been carefully selected and handpicked my collectors around the city who bring them here to show and sometimes, even come to tell the stories  behind the items.

The Reliquary is open Thursday-Sunday from 11am-6pm. There is no admission fee, but donations are appreciated.

57. Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market – West 39th Street between 9th & 10th Avenues

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market has gained in popularity in recent years, after having been named one of the Top Ten Shopping Streets in the World by National Geographic – so you know it’s gotta be good.

Vendors from every walk of life converge on West 39th Street each weekend to peddle their trash and treasures than range from furniture and home decor to vintage jewelery and clothing and just about anything in between – before or after.

The Market is open 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Get there early for the best selection.

57. The Juilliard School – 155 West 65th Street

The Juilliard School was founded in 1905 as a music institute that went on to add a dance program in 1951 and a drama program in 1968.

The Juilliard School is a prestigious institution that only accepts the best of the best. It has an admittance rate of just 7%, meaning only 7 of every 100 people who apply to The School will be accepted.

Juilliard puts on a number of performances each month free of charge and attending one of them is a must. Attending a performance is the only way you will see The School, as tours are reserved for prospective students only.

58. Lower East Side Tenement Museum – 103 Orchard Street

For an avid history buff, just visiting the old tenement neighborhoods of NYC may not be enough. If not, you can totally immerse yourself in the experience with a trip to the Tenement Museum.

The Museum has carefully restored a number of apartments to their 1800s original conditions. With the help of costumed volunteers, the Museum recreates the lives of the immigrants who lived, worked, played and struggled in these  neighborhoods. There are different tours available, depending on your interest – and some of them are only given once a week.

Generally speaking, admission prices are $22 for adults and $17 for seniors and children. Be advised these tours are not handicapped accessible and that climbing stairs is required. Open daily from 9am-5pm.

59. New York City Fire Museum – 278 Spring Street

The New York City Fire Museum is a treasure trove of information and educational offerings that depicts the life and times of firefighters in one of the busiest cities in the world.

You’ll learn how fires were fought before there were electric pumps, how horses used to pull the fire engines and lots more fun facts that you may have never known. You’ll also get to visit a poignant memorial to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives trying to rescue victims of the 9/11 attacks on the city. There’s also a really neat interactive exhibit for kids.

The New York City Fire Museum is open every day from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for kids, seniors and students.

60. New York City Police Museum – 100 Old Slip

Just like the Fire Museum, the New York City Police Museum details the life and history of policeman in the city and the procedures they used to keep law and order. You’ll tour an old jail cell, see a variety of cars and vans used by officers over the years as well as a wide range of uniforms and artifacts dating back to the founding of the NYPD.

Two of the most memorial exhibits in the museum are the 9/11 memorial for the officers lost in the attacks as well as the Hall of Heroes – which has the name and badge of every officer killed in the line of duty since 1861.

The New York City Police Museum is open Monday to Saturday – 10am – 5pm and on Sundays – 12 – 5 pm. Cost: $8 – adults and $5 – seniors, students and children.

61. Sony Wonder Technology Lab

550 Madison Avenue

The Sony Corporation has come up with some amazing things over the years, but the Wonder Technology Lab might be one of the best.

It’s a four story, 14,000 square foot wonderland of technology where visitors can interact with robots and a variety of multimedia presentation in a totally hands-on environment. They get a computer generated pass card that uses an advance biometric system to record your face and voice, which gives you access to the entire network – one fascinating exhibit at a time. In all, you’ll visit 150 years of communications history – each one with their own story to tell that lets you be a computer-generated part of it.

The Lab is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30am-5:30pm, but closed on major holidays. Admission is free, but reservations are highly recommended.

62. New York Aquarium

West 8th Street @ Surf Avenue

 

The New York Aquarium is a great way to connect with nature – something that’s usually forgotten within the hustle and bustle of city life. The New York Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals covering over 300 species.

There are 14 acres of marine life to explore here – including daily trained sea lion and walrus shows. The Explore The Shore and Sharks exhibits are quite popular with visitors so be sure to look for those when you go.

The New York Aquarium is open daily from 10am-5pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $11 for kids aged 3-12.

 

63. The Puppetworks, Inc. – 338 Sixth Avenue

 

Puppetworks was created from the love one man had for marionettes – Mr. Nicolas Coppola. His love affair with puppets began in 3rd grade and resulted in several touring companies and the founding of present-day Puppetworks.

 

Kids of all ages can come to Puppetworks to see shows using traditional marionettes as well as learn about their history and how they are created.

Shows happen on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Admission is $9 for adults and $8 for kids. Reservations are required.

 

64. Queens County Farm Museum – 73-50 Little Neck Parkway

Inside the inner city, green land is at a premium – not to mention farmland. Queens County Farm Museum is the only working historical farm on the largest remaining parcel of natural and original farmland in the city.

Its 47 acres have been continuously farmed since 1697 and are home to a vineyard, herb garden and vegetable fields.

Today at the Farm Museum, you can tour the farmhouse and the surrounding grounds daily from 10am-5pm. Admission is free.

65. New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) – 11 Wall Street

You can’t tour the building anymore, but you can see it from the outside and no trip to NYC is complete unless you do.

The NYSE is where brokers and investors have been trading stocks in the heart of NYC since 1792 and it is one of the most widely known financial districts in the world.

It’s very, very busy during the week so expect crowds if you choose to go during business hours Monday-Friday.

66. Strand Book Store – 828 Broadway

Since it opened in 1927, Strand Book Store has been the go to place for New Yorkers and tourists alike, when it comes to books. They started out small – with just a little store front.

Today, Strand Book Store occupies 55,000 square feet of space and has an inventory of more than 2.5 million books – including rare, hard to find and out of print titles. It’s still owned today by the same family that started it nearly 100 years ago and holds its own among chain book stores.

The Strand Book Store is open from 9am-10pm daily.

67. Bell Laboratories Building – 463 West Street

 

Today, it’s just apartments, a theater and a church, but beginning in 1898, this 13 building complex of buildings would see some of the most important and significant events in the country’s industrial history.

As the home of Bell Telephone from 1898 to 1966, a number of experiments were conducted here that resulted in the invention of things we use even today – like automatic telephone panel switches, television – both in color and black/white, video phones and more. The Bell Lab buildings were also the location of the first broadcast baseball game.

The complex ceased operations in the late 60s – not even a museum remains. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1975.

68. Cooper–Hewitt National Design Museum – 2 East 91st Street

You can kill two tour birds with one stone by visiting the Cooper–Hewitt National Design Museum. The museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute and its exhibits showcase over 200 years in architectural design aesthetics and creativity.

The building the museum is housed in is significant as well because its the former residence of Andrew Carnegie – the NYC philanthropist of Carnegie Hall fame.

It was the first house in the country to have an Otis elevator or central heating. Tour times and dates will vary because of ongoing renovations.

 

69. The Dakota – 1 West 72nd Street

The Dakota may just look like any other apartment building in NYC for those who do not know its history. However, it was the site of one of the most notable deaths in history.

John Lennon lived at The Dakota from 1973 until 1980 when he was assassinated by Mark David Chapman just outside the building. His widow, Yoko Ono – still has the apartment in the building where they lived and can be seen there from time to time.

The Dakota also made an appearance in the cult movie classic Rosemary’s Baby.

70. Cooper Union – Cooper Square

The Cooper Union Building was build in 1859 as a tuition-free school of architecture, engineering and design and maintains those founding premises today. You can walk in the footsteps of the presidents at Cooper Union inside the walls of their Great Hall. The Great Hall is the location where Abraham Lincoln addressed Stephen A. Douglas with an opposing speech regarding slavery in 1860.

Since then, a number of presidents have given memorable speeches in the Great Hall – including Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Taft, Roosevelt and Bill Clinton.

The main building is open during the academic year from 8am-Midnight and during the summer/winter breaks from 8am-5pm. There is no admission fees or guided tours. You’re free to tour the building yourself.

71. Governors Island

Governors Island is just off the tip of Manhattan and has been an integral part of homeland security for NYC and the country since 1796.

It began as an Army command headquarters and was until 1966 when it became the largest US Coast Guard complex in the country. There are still relics and ruins from its former heyday and tour guides will tell you all about the history of the area.

Throughout the year, various companies stage re-enactments of battles and the city puts on other historic themed events as well. The Island is only open during the spring/summer months. Reservations are required, but there are no admission fees.

72. Henry Street Settlement – 263-267 Henry St

The Henry Street Settlement is a tenement style building founded by a nurse in 1892 as a way to deliver health care and other services to impoverished immigrants in the area. It later expanded to include a gym, drama theater and other recreational services.

No one would have thought that this unassuming tenement row would go on to provide some of the nation’s most important advancements in the medical field – like the first public school nurse in 1902, one of the country’s first mental health clinics in 1946 and the city’s first shelter for homeless women in 2007.

Today, the Henry Street Settlement still offers social service programs to the area’s needy as well as programs for youth and seniors.

73. Holland Tunnel

The Holland Tunnel is a man-made tunnel for vehicular traffic from Manhattan to New Jersey. The cool thing about the Holland Tunnel is that it runs under the Hudson River.

That’s right – when you go through the tunnel, you’re actually driving through the river! How cool is that?

It’s only 1.5 miles long and there’s a $12 toll for each eastbound car – but it’s definitely an interesting alternative to the typical ferry ride.

74. Lincoln Tunnel

The Lincoln Tunnel is just like the Holland Tunnel – 1.5 miles long and runs beneath the Hudson River.

There’s also a $12 toll fee for eastbound cars on this one, too. The Lincoln Tunnel connects Manhattan with Weehawken, New Jersey.

These are the only two tunnels like these in the city and are a must see for every tourist.

75. Union Square – Manhattan

Union Square is a sprawling town square where many marches and protests  have started and ended over the years – dating back to 1861 with the rally after the fall of Fort Sumter during the Civil War, which drew a quarter million people.

On May Day in 1913, thousands of striking workers converged on Union Square and after the 9/11 attacks, it was a site where mourners would gather.

Union Square is a public place, full of people all the time so you can visit whenever you’d like. There are no admission fees, but it may be closed during inclement weather.

76. Union Square Greenmarket

On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Union Square is the site of one of the city’s largest outdoor farmer’s markets. It’s open from 8am-6pm and showcases homegrown goods from farmers within a 100mi radius of the city.

Depending on the time of year, the offerings will vary – but during the peak growing seasons, you can expect to find 1,000 varieties of produce. Get there early for the best selection. Saturdays will be the busiest day.

The later in the day, the cheaper the prices tend to get so keep that in mind when you go. There are no admission fees, but the Greenmarket may not happen during inclement weather.

77. New York Bontanical Garden – 2900 Southern Boulevard

There’s so much to see at the New York Botanical Garden that one visit might not be enough. In all, there are 50 different gardens, a waterfall, wetlands and a 50 acre forest that is original to the city and that has never been forested for logs. Do not miss the 1980 wrought iron and glass greenhouse or the massive rose garden.

The center is dedicated to horticulture in education and has its own research facilities on site. They offer a number of educational lectures and exhibits throughout the year. The garden is open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm with the visitors center and cafe having different hours.

Admission to the grounds only with no access to the special collections is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, $2 for kids 2-12. It’s free for everyone on Wednesday.

78. Orchard Beach – Pelham Bay

A beach? In the middle of NYC? Well, not exactly, but it’s close enough.

Orchard Beach is a man-made beach that measures a mile in length and features a beautiful promenade, a shopping area and food court, playgrounds, picnic facilities and more than 20 courts for various types of ball sports.

It’s a wonderful escape from the city on the western end of the Long Island Sound.

79. Pelham Bay Park – NE Bronx

Pelham Bay Park is more like a nature reserve than a park, comprised of more than 2,700 acres. More than  half of it is salt marsh land that offers a great way to see some of the area’s native wildlife.

There are historical monuments, plaques and other information about what used to be in the Pelham Bay Area and the early settlers in the area. Pelham Bay Park is a free public area.

Expect it to be open during daylight hours, but closed during inclement weather.

80. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge – Jamaica Bay, Bronx

A visit to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge may totally make you forget that you are anywhere near NYC. It’s a popular area with birdwatchers and is also the breeding grounds and nesting areas for diamondback turtles and horseshoe crabs.

In all, there are more than 9,000 acres in Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and is the only one of its kind in New York’s Parks System.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a free and public park and you can expect it to be open daily, unless there are inclement weather advisories.

81. Battery Weed – Ford Wadsworth

Battery Weed was once part of a much larger complex meant to protect New York Harbor in the event of an enemy attack. It’s build partially underground and has three levels in a half circle shape.

It was built in 1850 and a lighthouse was added in 1903. The lighthouse went dark in 1965, but was restored to use solar power in 2005.

You need a park ranger guide to see the inside of Battery Weed, but the outside portions are visible and accessible year round during the daylight hours. There are no admission fees.

82. Tom’s Restaurant – Broadway at 112th Street

If you’ve ever watched an episode of Seinfeld,  you’ve seen Tom’s Restaurant. It’s a real place, open to the public -except in the TV show, it was called Monk’s Diner.

It was also the backdrop for Suzanne Vega’s popular song Tom’s Diner. It’s a friendly place that has lots of comfort foods and ice cream on the menu as well as a gift shop for taking home a souvenir.

Tom’s is open Sunday-Wednesday from 6am-1:30am and 24hours from Thursday-Saturday.

83. Sparks Steakhouse – 210 E 46th Street

Sparks Steakhouse is a great place to get a great steak in NYC, but it’s also the location of one of the most notorious mobster murders in the city’s history.

Godfather Paul Castellano was shot to death in front of Sparks Steakhouse in December of 1985.

84. Park Central Hotel – 870 Seventh Avenue

To find the attraction  here, first locate Starbucks.

This Starbucks location used to be a corner barbershop back in the 1950s.

In October of 1957, Mafia boss Albert Anastasia was killed in a hail of gunfire as he sat in the barber’s chair awaiting a haircut and shave.

85. Umberto’s Clam House -129 Mulberry Street

Umberto’s Clam House is one of Little Italy’s best kept secrets. Opened in 1970 as a family run restaurant (it still is today), Umberto’s Clam House offers some of the finest seafood anywhere in the city.

It was featured in many episodes of the hit TV series The Sopranos and was also the site of a notorious mob hit. In 1972, Joseph Gallo, a racketeer in the Colombo family, was gunned down on his 43rd birthday. He was shot five times, but still managed to stumble out onto the street before collapsing and dying.

Umberto’s Clam House is open every day from 11am-4am.

86. Mulberry Street Bar – 176 Mulberry St.

Those who are interested in the history of the mafia – and also those who are fans of the TV series The Sopranos – are going to instantly recognize Mulberry Street Bar – even from the outside.

The back room of the bar has a room that is done in black and white tile that was featured many times on The Sopranos show.

Mulberry Street Bar was also a gangster hotspot in the mafia heyday.
87. Berlin Wall – 520 Madison Avenue

Well, not the whole Berlin Wall – just some of it. Tucked away in a quiet corner of a small part are five pieces of world history.

They are portions of the infamous Berlin Wall that separated East and West Germany. Each piece is 12 feet high and 20 feet long.

The front sides have been painted with a mural while the back sides have been left in their original concrete state.

88. Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church Slave Galleries – 290 Henry Street

No one would think that racial segregation was ever an issue in a city as diverse as NYC, but the secret rooms within Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church are a poignant reminder of the city’s pre-diversity era.

You climb up a narrow staircase to reach to hidden rooms just behind the balcony. These rooms were where African Americans could hear the services without being seen.

In an ironic twist, today – Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church has the largest African American congregation of any church on the Lower East Side.

89. Stone Street – Financial District

Imagine a cobblestone street totally closed off to vehicular traffic that’s nestled between centuries-old building on either side. Imagine that cobblestone street lined with sidewalk cafes and umbrella-topped tables.

Imagine that street is right in the heart of NYC’s Financial District. It really is and you can easily find it right next to the Goldman Sachs building.

It’s a perfect place to grab some lunch or an afternoon cup of tea.

90. Williamsburg – Brooklyn

Williamsburg is one of those great little neighborhoods where modern meets vintage – again and again. It’s where you’ll find modern day hippies alongside hipster wannabes.

The neighborhood is an eclectic mix of lofts, art galleries, indie and vintage shops, quaint cafes and lots of music.

You can visit any time, although the shops and business work on their own schedules.

91. Hudson River Park

Hudson River Park runs through just about every neighborhood in Manhattan – including

Battery Park City, Tribeca, Greenwich Village and Hell’s Kitchen

You can choose your pleasure at Hudson River Park. There are bike and pedestrian trials, tennis courts, batting cages, soccer fields, playgrounds, piers and just about any other amenity you can imagine.

Hudson River Park is free and open  year round. The best time to go is during daylight hours.

92. Essex Street Market – 120 Essex Street

The Essex Street Market is kind of like a gourmet farmers market. More than 20 vendors come to offer gourmet-class foods at a reasonable price.

There are butchers, fishmongers, cheese crafters and professional bakers – not to mention merchants that deal in delicacies like exotic fruits and produce.

Essex Street Market is open from 8am-6pm Monday-Saturday.

93. Roosevelt Island Tramway

The Roosevelt Island Tramway is a cool cable car ride that joins Manhattan with Roosevelt Island. Before 2006, it was the only one of its kind in the country.

Each of the cars can carry 110 passengers and moves at 18mph. It climbs to 250ft above the East River and there is a departure every 15 minutes from 6am-2:30am.

Fares are $2.25 per person and the trip lasts about 12 minutes one way.

94. Roosevelt Island

Once you get off the Tram, explore the secrets of Roosevelt Island and why it was once referred to as Welfare Island.

Find out why Charles Dickens and Nellie Bly went there and what Mae West did to get sentenced to ten days in a workhouse on the Island in 1927.

After you explore these mysteries and more – take time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Island and to stroll along its sprawling waterfront promenade.

95. Brighton Beach – Brooklyn

The beachfront is an unlikely place to find Little Russia, but that’s exactly where it’s located in NYC – in Brighton Beach in Brooklyn.

You’ll step back in time to a place where the store signs are still in the old language and hardly anyone speaks English.

Immerse yourself in the Russian culture at one of the many waterfront cafes, bookstores and other shopping venues. It’s the perfect destination for a sunset excursion.

96. Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village was a mecca for the bohemian culture that began in the 1950s. Large numbers of writers, poets, artists, and students moved to Greenwich Village in an attempt to flee conformity and other ‘hassles’ of life.

Greenwich Village would become the birthplace of folk music of the 1960s. In fact, some of the most famous names in folk and other genres of music got their start in The Village – including Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Simon & Garfunkel and Carly Simon.

Today it’s a laid back neighborhood with the same artsy feel that drew millions of people to it over the years. You can spend days browsing all the nooks and crannies of this historical folk artist haven.

97. Nathans Famous – Various locations around the city

Nathans Famous Hot Dogs got their start in 1916 by a Polish immigrant selling the hot dogs out of a push cart on Coney Island.

Over the years, Nathans customers all agreed they were the best hot dogs in the world. Locals, tourists and celebrities flock to Nathans even today for one of their famous dogs.

You can’t leave NYC without trying one.

98. Bloomingdales – 1000 3rd Avenue

Even if you can’t afford the offerings at Bloomingdale’s, you must visit anyway because it’s a NYC landmark institution.

It’s a sprawling store with several floors of shopping bliss, which includes five restaurants and a bakery. Does your local department store have all that? Probably not.

Bloomingdale’s is open daily from 10am-8:30pm.

99. Bargemusic – Ferry Landing at the Brooklyn Bridge

If you like chamber music, you’re going to love this one of a kind venue.

It’s a floating venue on a barge with a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline and East River. Bargemusic puts on a number of shows each year and usually happen at 2pm or 8pm.

Admission is $35 for adults, $25 for seniors and $15 for students. Reservations are required.

100. Broadway City – 241 W. 42nd Street

Broadway City is an amazing 3 story arcade that’s themed like the NYC from the 1920s. You enter through a giant Wurlitzer Jukebox and are instantly transported back in time.

Each area of the arcade is designed after a neighborhood in the city and features a wide range of arcade-style games, simulator games and classic pinball.

They are open Sunday-Thursday from 10am-Midnight and from 10am-2am on Friday-Saturday. There’s even a restaurant and full service bar on site.

101. Subway – Various parts of the city

You cannot call your visit to NYC complete without taking a ride on the famous Subway. The New York City Subway is one of the world’s oldest public transit systems.

It covers over 800 miles and has  468 stations – which also makes it the most extensive public transit system in the world. Fares are $2.50 per ride (from on to off) and up to three children 44 inches tall or shorter can ride free with each paying adult.

It doesn’t matter where you go – just go!

These 101 attractions in New York City cover every thing from the most popular to the most obscure. It wasn’t meant to be an all-inclusive list, but just an aide to help you plan your trip.

Be sure to keep plenty of small bills handy as well as change if you are planning to use public transit while in New York City. Most cabs, buses and trains will not make change for you so be prepared to pay the exact amount.