New York City

About New York City

New York City rewards repeat visits. First-timers cover Midtown, the Met and a Broadway show; returning travelers head to Brooklyn, the Bronx Botanical Garden and the outer-borough food scene. The subway runs all night and the city is intensely walkable.

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis IslandLiberty Island, New York HarborThe ferry from Battery Park includes both islands. Crown access requires booking months ahead; pedestal access is easier and still excellent.
• Empire State Building Observatory350 Fifth Avenue, Midtown86th-floor open-air deck with the classic Manhattan panorama. The 102nd floor adds height but the 86th has the better experience.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art1000 Fifth AvenueTwo million works across 5,000 years. Pick three departments rather than attempting the whole building.
• Central ParkManhattan, between 59th and 110th St843 acres of meadows, lakes and landmarks in the middle of Manhattan — free to enter and best explored by bike or guided walk.
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum180 Greenwich St, Lower ManhattanReflecting pools on the original tower footprints and a museum documenting the events and recovery.

Suggested itinerary

1. Day 1

   Midtown and Central Park

   Top of the Rock at sunset, then walk the park south loop.

2. Day 2

   Museums

   The Met in the morning, Guggenheim in the afternoon.

3. Day 3

   Downtown

   9/11 Memorial, Financial District, then the High Line into Chelsea Market.

4. Day 4

   Brooklyn

   Walk the bridge, DUMBO, Williamsburg for dinner.

Good with family

• American Museum of Natural History
• Central Park Zoo
• Staten Island Ferry (free Statue of Liberty views)

Travel tips

• Buy a 7-day unlimited MetroCard or use contactless tap
• Book Broadway via TKTS for same-day discounts
• Museum Mile is free-ish — many museums are pay-what-you-wish for NY residents only