Best things to do in New York City

Tarrytown

Known as the setting of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown and its surrounds are filled with history. It's the birthplace of the author, home to the impressive Rockefeller residence and sits across the river from Hyde Park, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt was born. The late President's home has a library containing hundreds of photos and artefacts, as well as his car and a letter from Einstein that led to the development of the atomic bomb. Two miles (3km) outside Hyde Park is the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, a spectacular Beaux Arts mansion.

The High Line

The High Line is a verdant elevated strip hovering between the skyscrapers of Manhattan's West Side. Built on what was once a freight rail line, this unique public park brings a welcome splash of greenery into the district. Drawing millions of visitors annually, it has led to a real estate boom in the areas it passes through, with apartments overlooking the pretty strip rocketing in value. The High Line features viewpoints, recreation areas and public spaces for exhibitions and productions. The 14th Street Passage and Chelsea Market Passage are semi-enclosed sections frequently used for public programs and art exhibitions. Picnic spots on the 23rd Street Lawn are ideal for peace and quiet while kids love features such as the Pershing Square Beams, where the original framework of steel beams is exposed to create a garden playground.

Website www.thehighline.org

The Statue of Liberty

The universal symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty was the first thing seen by 12 million immigrants passing through Ellis Island Immigration Center. Sculpted by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and modelled on his mother, the French donated the statue to the US in 1875, and it was unveiled stateside in 1886. The reason was to commemorate the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution. The ferry calls at both Liberty and Ellis Islands, and tourists can visit the Ellis Island Museum documenting the experiences of the immigrants. On Liberty Island, advance bookings allow visitors to access the crown of the famous statue, but these tickets must be booked some six months in advance for peak summer season.

Website www.nps.gov/stli

World Trade Center - Ground Zero

The six hectare (16 acre) worksite that emerged from the rubble of the twin towers now symbolises the infamous events on September 11 2001, when almost 3,000 people lost their lives. Millions now come to pay tribute and witness the devastation at viewing sites. In January 2004, a design named Reflecting Absence by Michael Arad and Peter Walker was unveiled for the World Trade Center Memorial. The memorial features a landscaped civic plaza with two massive voids aligned with the footprints where the twin towers once stood. The memorial and museum are now open to the public, providing an accurate and moving account of what the community endured during the attacks. Tourists should be mindful that this is a sombre memorial frequented by mourning family members, so loud chatter and smiling selfies are inappropriate.

Website www.national911memorial.org

Radio City Music Hall

Located in Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall is one of the most famous theatres in the world. The home of the famous Rockettes chorus line, the interior of the theatre was declared a New York landmark in 1978. While not in regular use anymore, the Hall's beautiful cinema still hosts premieres, shows and selected feature films. The most popular event is the annual Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, attracting more than a million people and running since 1933. It's best to check the official website listings to see which potential productions and acts are on while tours run daily and usually receive rave reviews.

Website www.radiocity.com

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building in New York is an iconic landmark in the sprawling Manhattan cityscape. Completed in 1931, it stretches 102 storeys into the sky and was considered the tallest building between 1931 and 1970. Today, it's only the 28th-tallest building in the world yet still retains much of its dramatic grandeur and presence. One of the most beloved activities is embarking on the journey to the top floor's observation deck, providing views across the entire city. It's best to visit between 8am and 11am, avoiding the scores of daily visitors. Free multimedia tours are downloaded with every admission.

Website www.esbnyc.com

Central Park

The founders of New York set aside 340 hectares (840 acres) of central Manhattan as a public space, with Central Park officially opening in 1876 to provide an essential green lung within the concrete jungle of New York. It contains themed gardens, tennis courts, lakes and even a small zoo, infused with daily joggers, skaters, buskers and tourists. But there are areas beyond the range of baseballs and frisbees where tranquillity can be found, with music concerts and Shakespearian plays frequent occurrences. During winter, two ice-skating rinks open up in Central Park, with the Wollman Rink in particular considered one of the most picturesque in the world.

Website www.centralparknyc.org

Museum of Modern Art

Founded in 1929, the Museum of Modern Art owns the most important collection of modern art in the United States. Referred to as MoMA, artists with work on display include greats such as Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Max Beckman, Ansel Adams and Kiki Smith. What started as a gift of eight prints and a drawing developed into a vast and varied collection of some 150,000 paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, and other media. MoMA's Library and Archives boast an impressive collection of books, historical documents and photographs. Priding itself as an educational institution, the Museum of Modern Art offers various activities and programmes for the general public. In addition, special segments broaden the community knowledge of and approach towards the exciting and puzzling world of modern art.

Website www.moma.org

The Guggenheim Museum

Designed by renowned US architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim was built in 1959 and is an icon of Modernist architecture specifically created to showcase the modern art within. It features a highly celebrated collection of late 19th and 20th-century artworks, as well as touring exhibitions. Beneath a glass dome, a quarter mile ramp spirals down the inside of the building, past a collection including pieces by Pissarro, Kandinsky, Klee, Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, Cézanne, Mapplethorpe and Gober.

Website www.guggenheim.org

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum, affectionately known as the Met, possesses one of the greatest and largest art collections in the world. Banners above the Met's Fifth Avenue entrance herald the current attractions at this cherished New York institution. There are always temporary exhibitions from around the world alongside the impressive permanent collection. Highlights are numerous, with American collectors having the foresight and cash to buy up a large number of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces from Europe at the end of the 19th century. The art collection at the Met now contains more than two million works of art from across the planet, from ancient worlds through to modern times. Some notable works are present from such greats as Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, and Cezanne, rivalling any art collection on earth.

Website www.metmuseum.org

American Museum of Natural History

Challenged only by its counterpart in London, the American Museum of Natural History is the largest and most important museum of its kind in the world. Forty five exhibition halls hold more than 30 million artefacts, quite enough to keep anyone busy on a rainy afternoon. The most popular exhibit is a 50ft (15m) tall skeleton of a barosaurus in the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda, and there are three more spectacular dinosaur halls on the fourth floor. Other halls include the Hall of Biodiversity, the Hall of Ocean Life, and the Hall of Human Biology and Evolution. The fabulous Hayden Planetarium is a 90ft (27m) wide aluminium sphere that seems to float inside a massive glass cube, which in turn is home to the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Those tired of walking can check out the Museum of Television and Radio.

Website www.amnh.org

Long Island

Long Island extends 100 miles (161km) east of New York City into the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular weekend destination for New Yorkers and tourists. The glorious white-sand beaches along the south shore are ideal for those seeking refuge from the sweltering city in the summer.

Jones Beach is a 6 mile (10km) stretch of coastline, where thousands of people converge to soak up the sun. Fire Island is the east coast's leading gay resort and is accessible via a short ferry ride. Cliffs crown the area's stately homes and luxurious mansions line the exclusive beaches of the north shore.

The Hamptons is a community in the far east of New York, its miles of pristine beaches attracting the rich and famous from all over the United States. The heart of its scene is East Hampton, which as some excellent shops, restaurants, and a lively nightlife.

In Long Island's North Fork, around the town of Cutchogue, are the winelands of New York. Of the 13 vineyards, the best known is Pindar, which has tours and tastings every day. Nearby, the pretty, 17th-century town of Orient offers white clapboard houses and unspoilt beaches.

There are hundreds of museums, attractions, and sporting facilities scattered around Long Island to suit all tastes. Buses depart for Long Island regularly each day, although the quickest way to get there is via the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station. If driving, visitors should head east on the Long Island Expressway from Manhattan.

Hudson Valley and the Catskills

Just north of New York City, the Hudson Valley is surprisingly rural and littered with charming towns, picturesque farms, and old mansions. Many New Yorkers head this way at the weekend, attracted by the slower pace of life and scenic drives.

Albany, the region's capital, was founded by Dutch fur trappers in the 17th century and made its money by controlling trade along the Erie Canal. There isn't a great deal to do or see in Albany when it comes to traditional cultural sightseeing, but sights include the New York State Museum and the Albany Institute of History and Art.

The beautiful Catskills Mountains, northwest of New York City, has long been a popular holiday spot and the choice of many a wealthy New Yorker for their summer home. The region is dotted with picturesque towns, reservoirs, forests, parks, historic buildings, and plenty of resorts.

Nicknamed the Borscht Belt, from the 1940s to the 1960s, the Catskills was highly popular with Jewish New Yorkers in particular, and some of the finest Jewish comedians sprang from the area, including Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, and Joan Rivers.

The region is also famous for hosting one of the world's best-known entertainment events, the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Over 500,000 free spirits gathered on Max Yasgur's dairy farm in Bethel to see some of the finest musicians of the era.

Today, the site is open to the public, as is a museum that houses archives and interesting information from the event. The Catskills also offer plenty of exciting outdoor activities, including hunting, fly-fishing, skiing, canoeing, hiking, camping, and even golf.

Broadway

Going to the theatre is one of the most popular tourist events in New York and the shows on Broadway are world famous, boasting some of the best productions in the world that range from blockbuster musicals to intense and intimate dramas. There are ongoing shows that have been running for years, such as The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, and A Chorus Line. Newer, edgier shows play off-Broadway, and may provide just as much entertainment at slightly lower prices. There's something to entertain people of all ages.

Website www.broadway.com

Times Square

Though it's ultimately just an intersection at the corner of Broadway and 42nd Street, Times Square has achieved iconic status. In a single frame, it successfully represents the hive of activity that is New York City. Flashing advertisements produce a mesmerising and memorable sight, and account for why Times Square is used in countless films, TV series and books. Thousands gather annually for New Year's Eve in the square to see the famous ball drop. Since 2009, Times Square has been closed to traffic and visitors can now enjoy strolling and sitting at their leisure, instead of worrying about the city's notorious taxis and bustling vehicles.

Website www.timessquare.com

Rockefeller Centre

This 22 acre (8ha) land houses a plethora of iconic New York City attractions. Radio City Music Hall ranks highly among visitors, having hosted multiple awards shows such as the Grammys, Emmys and MTV Music Awards and also being a concert venue frequented by today's top performers. The Rockefeller Plaza is the site of the eerie Lunchtime atop a Skyscraper photograph, as well as being the home of Saturday Night Live and popular TV series 30 Rock. The Rockefeller Center also claims to have the best views of the city, a hotly contested competition for sure. At the building's base is the Rink at Rockefeller Center, with the golden statue of Prometheus at its head. Beneath is the concourse, an underground pedestrian mall boasting designer brands and food outlets.

Website www.rockefellercenter.com

Brooklyn Bridge

The sheer scope of New York City is hard for visitors to understand until they've traversed the Brooklyn Bridge. Completed in 1883, it crosses 5,989 feet (1,825 m) of the East River and connects two of New York's biggest metropoles, Manhattan and Brooklyn. The construction was an impressive feat of engineering ingenuity and, upon completion, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Today, it's a treasured landmark of the city, colourfully illuminated at night to highlight the architectural towers and hangings. There's a pedestrian walkway from which visitors can savour vistas of both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Photographers looking for quintessential New York cityscapes should be sure to walk the bridge.

St Patrick's Cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture popular in 13th-century Europe. One of the city's most gorgeous buildings, its spires soar 330 feet (100m) into the air while its entrance is both grand and ornate. Built between 1850 and 1878, it's now the seat of the archbishop of New York and the largest catholic cathedral in the United States. To most New Yorkers and harried tourists, St Patrick's is most valued for its peace and tranquillity. It's still an active place of worship but tourists are welcome they should show respect, especially during church services. Guided tours are available.

Website www.saintpatrickscathedral.org

Grand Central Station

One of New York's most famous and best loved landmarks, Grand Central was opened in 1913 opposite Rockefeller Center. It's one of the world's largest train stations, with 44 platforms, but its true distinction is its magnificent architecture. Its striking ambiance is anchored by enormous windows and the refurbished ceiling covered by a detailed astronomical fresco. The terminal houses a number of good restaurants, budget-friendly eateries and speciality shops. The magnificent Vanderbilt Hall regularly houses public events, while there's also a one-hour guided tour; visitors should book several weeks ahead in peak season to avoid disappointment. Interestingly, Grand Central sees about double the amount of visitors every day as it does commuters.

Website www.grandcentralterminal.com

Central Park Zoo

Home to some exotic and beautiful animals, the Central Park Zoo is a must for all children and animal lovers visiting the city. Residents at the zoo include the elusive red pandas, polar pears, snow leopards, and snow monkeys to name a few. The Tisch Children's Zoo is a great place for the young, with children able to pet the goats, sheep, alpacas, potbellied pigs, and other barnyard animals on display. Booking online may result in discounts and also allows visitors to skip the long summer queues.

Website www.centralparkzoo.com

Wollman Rink

The Wollman Rink, located in Central Park and made famous by many movies, is a fantastic place to take the kids for the day during the winter months in New York City. The setting of this ice rink is beautiful, surrounded by trees with the New York City skyline above them. Children can even attend skating school while adults can host a party or event, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience. The rink isn't just for children but also a popular spot for dates in New York City due to the romantic associations and stunning setting.

Website www.wollmanskatingrink.com

Staten Island Ferry

The ferry from Battery Park to Staten Island and back is a great way to see the Lower Manhattan skyline and Hudson River life. It's a must-see New York attraction that doesn't cost a thing. It also skirts the Statue of Liberty, affording decent views of this iconic structure. Most tourists stay onboard for the return leg, but it's worth hopping off and exploring a bit of Staten Island. Staten Island is a borough of New York City and a fun neighbourhood to explore, but the ferry journey, mainly used by commuters, is actually the main attraction. The ferry leaves roughly every 30 minutes or every hour and takes 25 minutes each way. Schedules are available on the official website.

Website www.siferry.com

Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village began life as an industrial park but has been transformed by a vibrants arts community. Affectionately known as the Village, it's now home to New York University, the famous Washington Square Park and also the setting for the iconic sitcom Friends. Despite gentrification, the district has retained a bit of its artistic flair. There are a number of great off-Broadway theatres, as well as historic jazz and rock venues such as Bitter End, Village Vanguard, Small's, and the Blue Note. Additionally, there's an eclectic mix of international restaurants and cafes.

Wall Street

Home to the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street has attained legendary status as the financial heart of the USA. The narrow street runs from Broadway to the East River and is home to landmarks such as Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated as the first president. Twenty-three Wall Street still has shrapnel holes in its limestone facade from the 1920 Wall Street Bombing. Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Wall Street is the Wall Street Bull, a 7,100 pound (3,200kg) bronze sculpture by Arturo Di Modica. The sculpture is a popular photo opportunity in New York, symbolising financial optimism and prosperity. The installation of Fearless Girl, a small statue of a girl facing the beast, adds another layer of artistic intrigue. The statue was done by Kristen Visbal.

Coney Island

Coney Island has been a tourist attraction in New York City since the 1830s, when New Yorkers would flock to the beaches. Its movie theatres, amusement parks, museums, circus, aquarium and restaurants still attract crowds each summer. Claiming to be the birthplace of the hotdog, a visit to Coney Island isn't complete without sampling the yummy street food along the boardwalk. While filling their stomachs, visitors can gaze upon the fireworks that light up the sky each Friday around 9.30pm. The activities and amusements at Coney Island are in full swing from May to September, but many attractions close outside these months.

Website www.coneyisland.com

Ellis Island

From 1892 to 1924, more than 20 million immigrants moved through the crowded halls of Ellis Island. Today, it draws millions of people each year as one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers multimedia exhibits and audio tours, a chance to experience the island as a new arrival might have back in the day. One of the more popular exhibits is the American Family Immigration Center, where visitors can access passenger records to find relatives, while there are also special children's tours. Reached by ferry, the journey also stops at the iconic Statue of Liberty.

Website www.ellisisland.org

Things to do in New York City