New York City

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

The 1.3-mile walk across the 1883 Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York's great free experiences, offering spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the DUMBO neighborhood below. Walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn, then explore DUMBO's cobblestone streets and grab a slice at Grimaldi's under the bridge.

Explore Central Park

Frederick Law Olmsted's 843-acre masterpiece offers something for every visitor: the Bethesda Fountain, the Reservoir running path, the Ramble's woodland trails, free summer Shakespeare in the Park performances, rowboats on the Lake, Strawberry Fields memorial, and the famous zoo. Rent a bike or simply get delightfully lost.

Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The twin reflecting pools built in the footprints of the original Twin Towers are a profoundly moving memorial to the 2,977 people killed in the September 11 attacks. The underground museum ($33 entry) tells the story of the day with extraordinary multimedia exhibits and recovered artifacts. One World Trade Center observation deck offers 360-degree views from 1,776 feet.

See the Met and Museum Mile

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's greatest — 2 million objects across 5,000 years of human civilization, including Impressionist masterpieces, Egyptian temples, and Greek sculpture. Museum Mile along Fifth Avenue also includes the Guggenheim (Frank Lloyd Wright's spiral masterpiece), the Jewish Museum, and Cooper Hewitt. Suggested admission at the Met is $30.

Catch a Broadway Show

New York's theater scene is unlike anywhere else. The TKTS booth in Times Square sells same-day tickets at 20-50% discount. The Booth, Shubert, and Lyceum theaters on West 44th-45th Streets are among the most storied venues. Off-Broadway productions offer excellent shows at lower prices. Book major shows like Hamilton or The Lion King months in advance.

Ride the Staten Island Ferry

The completely free Staten Island Ferry offers unbeatable views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline from the water. Departing from the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan, the 25-minute ride is one of the best free activities in New York. Ride it at sunset for golden hour views.

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Midtown Manhattan

The beating commercial heart of New York, Midtown is where Times Square blazes at all hours, Broadway theaters line 45th Street, and the Empire State Building pierces the sky. The area includes Grand Central Terminal, the Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue shopping, and the Museum of Modern Art. While touristy, Midtown's energy and density of landmarks is unparalleled.

Lower Manhattan

The oldest part of New York, where Dutch settlers first established New Amsterdam in 1626. Today it's home to Wall Street and the Financial District, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Staten Island Ferry terminal for free views of the Statue of Liberty, and the South Street Seaport. The area transforms from a weekday business hub to a quiet weekend neighborhood.

Brooklyn

New York's most populous borough has evolved into one of the city's most exciting destinations, particularly the neighborhoods of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) with its cobblestone streets and Manhattan skyline views, Williamsburg with its live music and food scene, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park in the heart of the borough.

Upper West Side & Harlem

The Upper West Side runs along Central Park's western edge, home to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the American Museum of Natural History, and elegant brownstone-lined streets. Heading north into Harlem, visitors find one of America's great historic neighborhoods with an extraordinary music heritage, the Apollo Theater, and a rapidly growing food scene.