Experience The Best of New York

This website offers official tickets for attractions in this city. Please note, however, that it is not the official website for any of these venues.

Attractions

Filter and sort

Sort by

2 of 2 experiences

The War of the Worlds, illustration by Henrique Alvim Corrêa, 1906 (public domain)

Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience

From £37.00

3.8 (12)

Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night (public domain)

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

From £19.90

Our New York Venues

American Museum of Natural History

Museum of the City of New York

Planning Your Visit to New York’s Top Attractions

Visitors at the Statue of Liberty, New York

New York packs world-class museums, observation decks, zoos and landmarks into five boroughs, and most of them run on timed entry. Book ahead, group nearby venues into one day (Midtown for the Empire State Building, MoMA and St. Patrick’s; Lower Manhattan for the 9/11 Memorial, St. Paul’s Chapel and the Statue of Liberty ferry), and give each major museum at least three hours. Our venue pages list opening hours, directions and practical tips for every attraction.

Browse all New York attractions

Streets around Madison Square Garden, New York

Getting Around New York and Practical Travel Tips

The subway is the fastest way between attractions: tap a contactless card or phone at the turnstile, and fares cap automatically after 12 rides in a week. Midtown venues are walkable from each other; for Coney Island, the Bronx or Long Island allow an hour each way.

Directions to the Empire State Building

Seasonal Visiting Tips: New York Throughout the Year

Spring and autumn bring mild weather and the New York Botanical Garden’s peak blooms. Summer means long lines at observation decks, so book the first slot of the day. In winter, indoor venues like MoMA, The Met and the Museum of Broadway are the safest bets, and the zoos are quiet.

Best times to visit NYBG

Day Trips and Excursions Beyond Manhattan

The Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden sit side by side and fill a day together. The New York Aquarium pairs with the Coney Island boardwalk, and the Nassau County Museum of Art is a relaxed Long Island escape reachable by train from Penn Station.

Getting to Nassau County Museum of Art

Good to Know Before Visiting New York

Timed Entry Is the Norm

Most museums and observation decks sell timed tickets. Arrive within your window; late arrivals may be asked to wait for the next available slot.

Tap to Ride the Subway

Contactless cards and phones work at every turnstile. Fares cap after 12 paid rides in a Monday-to-Sunday week, so there is no need to buy a pass.

Check Closing Days

Several museums close one weekday: The Met on Wednesdays, MoMA only on major holidays, and smaller venues often on Mondays or Tuesdays. Check each venue’s opening-hours page.

Tipping Is Expected

Budget 18 to 20 percent at restaurants and a dollar or two per drink at bars. Tipping is not needed at museums or attractions.

Security Screening Takes Time

The Statue of Liberty ferry, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the Empire State Building all run airport-style screening. Allow 20 to 30 minutes, more in summer.

Free Admission Days

Some venues offer pay-what-you-wish or free hours for New York residents, and the Bronx Zoo has free general admission on Wednesdays with advance reservation.

Bags and Lockers

Large bags are refused at many attractions and coat checks are limited. Travel light, especially for Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden tours.

Walk Between Midtown Sights

The Empire State Building, MoMA, Radio City Music Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are all within a 20-minute walk of each other.

FAQs about Visiting New York

What is the best time of year to visit New York for sightseeing?

Late April to June and September to early November offer mild weather and manageable crowds. December is festive but busy; January and February are the quietest months for indoor attractions.

How far in advance should I book attraction tickets?

For observation decks, the Statue of Liberty ferry and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, book one to two weeks ahead in high season. Museums can usually be booked a day or two before your visit.

How do I travel between major attractions in New York?

The subway covers almost every venue on this site. Tap a contactless card or phone at the turnstile. Midtown attractions are walkable, while the Bronx, Coney Island and Long Island venues take 45 to 70 minutes by public transport.

Are New York attractions accessible for visitors with limited mobility?

Yes. All the venues listed here offer wheelchair access, and most provide free wheelchair loans and accessible restrooms. The Statue of Liberty crown climb is the main exception.

What are typical museum opening hours in New York?

Most museums open between 10:00 and 10:30 and close at 17:00 or 17:30, with one late evening per week. Zoos and gardens follow seasonal hours, so check the venue’s opening-hours page before you go.

Are New York museums open on Mondays?

Many are. The Met, the American Museum of Natural History and MoMA open on Mondays; The Met closes on Wednesdays instead. Smaller museums may close on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Is English the only language available at attractions?

English is standard, but the larger museums offer audio guides and printed maps in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and other languages.

How long does a visit to The Met take?

Plan at least three hours for the main Fifth Avenue building. Combining it with The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park makes a full day.

How do I get from the airports to Manhattan?

From JFK take the AirTrain to Jamaica and the E or LIRR into Midtown (about 60 minutes). From LaGuardia, the free Q70 bus connects to the subway. From Newark, NJ Transit trains reach Penn Station in about 30 minutes.

Are New York attractions suitable for children and families?

Very much so. The Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium, American Museum of Natural History and Color Factory are all designed with families in mind, and children under a certain age enter free at most venues.