New York City attractions

One of NYC’s architectural icons, the 37-story Daily News Building served as headquarters for the New York Daily News until 1995 and doubled as the Daily Planet in the 1978 Superman movie. Its most famous feature is its giant vintage globe—widely thought to be the world’s largest—which rotates beneath a black glass dome in the lobby. A standout on the Manhattan skyline, the building is considered one of the city’s finest examples of art deco architecture.

Prospect Park—Brooklyn’s most-visited green space—is a vast expanse of grassy meadows and natural woodland set around a freshwater lake. Whether you want to enjoy outdoor activities, take your dog to the dog beach, or have a family day out, there’s plenty to see and do in Prospect Park. It’s also home to the Prospect Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum.

The Gershwin Theatre has pride of place in the heart of New York City’s Theater District, and seeing a show at the storied venue means experiencing a staple of the Broadway scene. The art nouveau theater has a rich history of staging celebrated musical theater performances—from Sweeney Todd to present-day smash-hit Wicked—and has even hosted Broadway’s famous Tony Awards.

Running west to east across Midtown Manhattan, 42nd Street is New York City’s singing, dancing entertainment hub. Part of Times Square and Broadway Theater District, the famous street draws visitors with its shows, shops, bright lights, and architectural landmarks. It’s divided into two sections: East 42nd, with its stately office and residential blocks, and West 42nd, where gigantic digital billboards, flashing theater marquees, and honking yellow cabs rule the day and night.

One of Brooklyn’s most notable industrial landmarks, the Domino Sugar factory, has been transformed and repurposed into scenic parklands at Domino Park. Looming relics of the old refinery frame the grassy lawns and recreational areas, which line the banks of the East River and provide panoramic views of the Williamsburg Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, and Manhattan’s glittering skyscraper skyline.

Framing the northern corner of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, the oval-shaped Grand Army Plaza looks like something out of Paris. Originally known as Prospect Park Plaza, the square boasts a 19th-century military arch, the art deco Bailey Fountain, tree-dotted lawns, classical-style gazebos, and the popular Saturday Greenmarket. The plaza serves as the park’s main entrance, and it’s a piece of American history every NYC visitor should see.

The Shubert Theatre stands in the heart of New York City’s Theater District, near Times Square. A landmark for theatergoers and sightseers, thanks to its Venetian Renaissance–style facade and elegant interior, the approximately 1,500-seat playhouse has hosted multiple hit musicals and plays, and is a fixture on many stroll-by walking tours of Broadway. Book a ticket to a hit show or simply admire the exterior.

The Barrymore Theatre is a classic Broadway venue, built in 1928 and named for acclaimed actress Ethel Barrymore. Nestled in Midtown Manhattan’s Theater District, the Barrymore Theatre draws theatergoers with its intimate 1,058-seat auditorium and elegant early 20th-century design. With a mix of plays and musicals—ranging from revival hits to contemporary premieres—it offers visitors a timeless and accessible Broadway experience.

One of Broadway’s most intimate venues, the Booth Theatre has been showcasing top-tier performances since 1913. With 783 seats and elegant Italian Renaissance architecture, it offers a more personal experience than many of its larger neighbors. Travelers looking for serious drama and standout acting often come here for limited-run productions and critically acclaimed plays in the heart of the Theater District.

Fashion-conscious New Yorkers have been flocking to Bloomingdale’s since the 1870s, when the brand first made a name for itself selling European goods on the Lower East Side. In 1886, Bloomingdale’s moved uptown and has sold high-end fashions to figures such as the late Jacqueline Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II. Its art deco-style flagship store is a must-see for architecture buffs and avid shoppers.

One of New York City's most famous streets, Madison Avenue is home to designer shops and fine dining restaurants, and remains a coveted address for the world's top advertising agencies. But you can enjoy more than just shopping during your visit—swing by Madison Square Park, get sky-high views from the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, admire St. Patrick's Cathedral, or walk one block east to Fifth Avenue, home to the city's Museum Mile.

Built by playwright George H. Broadhurst and Broadway legends the Shubert brothers, the Broadhurst Theatre has welcomed many celebrities to the stage over its more than a century-long reign. Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, Hugh Jackman, Jude Law, and Daniel Radcliffe are just a few of the movie stars who have performed at the Broadhurst. Long-running shows include Les Misérables,Grease,Mamma Mia!, and Kiss of the Spider Woman.

In Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, the Met Cloisters showcases art and artifacts from medieval Europe, including the world-renowned 15th-century Unicorn Tapestries. A branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cloisters is built from parts of several historical European monasteries that were dismantled and transported to New York—making you feel like you’re traveling back in time. The museum also boasts a large educational garden with hands-on experiences to learn about medieval uses for flowers and herbs.

One of the most renowned concert halls in the United States, New York City’s Metropolitan Opera (fondly known as “the Met”) is a spectacular venue that hosts dozens of productions each year, ranging from acclaimed operas to performances by the American Ballet Theater. Whether you see a show or take a tour of the building, music lovers mustn’t miss it.

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Theater District, the Ambassador Theatre is an in-demand Broadway venue known for its hexagonal auditorium and hits such as the long-running Chicago. Dating back to 1921, this historic theater is a favorite among architecture and design fans who visit to admire its interior plasterwork. Theater enthusiasts typically purchase tickets to shows at the Ambassador in advance to secure seats, and both matinee and evening performances are usually offered.

Named after the 17th-century Brooklyn–to–Manhattan ferry, Empire Fulton Ferry is one of the most scenic spots in the waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park. At the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, the park offers picnic areas, riverside walkways, and the historic Jane’s Carousel. Overlooking the East River and framing Lower Manhattan’s iconic skyline, it also boasts one of the top viewpoints in New York City.

The Jewish Museum is a highlight of New York City’s ever-popular Museum Mile (which is also home to attractions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Guggenheim Museum). Offering contemporary art, panel discussions, and more, the Jewish Museum appeals to arts lovers of all backgrounds. You can explore temporary exhibitions—from monograph shows to group exhibits—as well as a permanent collection dedicated to Judaism and Jewish culture.

See the rising stars of New York’s comedy scene and enjoy an evening of laughter at the Broadway Comedy Club. Located in the heart of Times Square, this intimate venue has hosted some of the biggest names in comedy, who still perform here on occasion. The club hosts daily performances featuring headliners and up-and-coming stand-up comics, and even offers comedy nights in Spanish and family-friendly shows.

An opulent building steps from Times Square, the Palace Theatre has a well-earned reputation as one of Broadway’s top venues. The theater has staged numerous Tony Award–winning shows and lauded musicals since it first opened in 1913—from Beauty and the Beast to Aida—and continues to wow audiences today. In addition to its cultural importance to Broadway actors and audiences, it’s also a designated NYC Interior Landmark.

Named in honor of an illustrious American playwright, Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre has been entertaining guests since 1925. Take a Broadway Theater District walking tour to glimpse the exterior or book a show to see inside one of the most desired midsized theaters in New York. It has hosted many top musicals over the years, but has been showing The Book of Mormon exclusively since 2011.

Designed to be one of the most opulent theaters of its time, the Al Hirschfield Theatre has staged large ensemble plays and music theater productions since opening in 1924. This Broadway theater is named for a famous illustrator and caricaturist, and design enthusiasts come here to see the colorfully painted dome and stained glass windows. To see the interiors and for a full theater experience, book tickets to a performance.

Even if you’ve never been ice skating in New York City, you might recognize Wollman Rink. The outdoor skating rink has not only entertained New Yorkers and their families since the 1950s, but it’s featured in movies from Love Story to Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. With a backdrop of soaring Manhattan skyscrapers, it’s a winning spot to put your skating skills to the test.

The Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre has hosted hundreds of shows since it opened in 1910, including notable productions such as A Doll’s House and Equus. As one of the smaller venues on Broadway, the theater offers a more intimate experience than some of its big-name neighbors. Both the building’s neoclassical facade and auditorium interior are New York City landmarks.

The Music Box Theatre has put on musicals, comedies, and plays for over a century, ever since it opened in 1921 to host The Music Box Revue by renowned composer Irving Berlin. Since then, it’s hosted legendary actors and performances, including Marlon Brando in his Broadway debut and the Tony Award-winning plays Jerusalem and One Man, Two Guvnors. The theater’s dainty, neo-Georgian architecture style is befitting of its name and sets it apart from other Broadway venues.

Built back in 1903, the Hudson Theatre is one of New York City’s longest-running Broadway theaters. Many stars graced its stage in its early years, including William Holden, Ethel Barrymore, and silent film star Douglas Fairbanks. Today, the theater is best known for its runs of award-winning plays and musicals, while the historic building (still featuring an opulent lobby with period lighting from Tiffany) is a registered New York City landmark.

Located in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan, the Neil Simon Theatre is one of New York City’s most iconic Broadway theaters. It first opened to the public in 1927, making its debut with Fred and Adele Astaire in Funny Face. It has continued to focus on musicals, adding the Tony Award-winning Hairspray and the revival of The Music Man to its stage. Today, it is home to the hit musical MJ the Musical.

A ride on this aerial tram connecting Roosevelt Island to Manhattan's Upper East Side will leave you wondering why it's not more well-known. Once the first commuter aerial tram in North America, it rises 250 feet (75 meters) above the East River—offering unusual views of New York City.

New York City’s Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) showcases objects and artifacts that demonstrate human innovation in historical and contemporary design. In addition to its impressive architecture and location just steps from Central Park, the museum is known for facilitating interaction between visitors and resident artists through its open studios program.

The Center for Brooklyn History—formerly known as the Brooklyn Historical Society, and now managed by the Brooklyn Public Library—is housed in a stately, Queen Anne-style building in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. The research center brims with art, archival documents, and exhibitions on the borough’s history; don’t miss the ornate Othmer Library and the gift shop filled with local products.

Founded in 1988, Brooklyn Brewery if a staple of Brooklyn's craft beer scene. Located on Brooklyn's bustling Northside, the brewery houses a production facility, tasting room, and store with beer-related merchandise. Tours run daily, and the tasting room is open on weekends; it's a perfect spot to hang out and drink up.