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.
One of the most crowd-pleasing exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, the Hayden Planetarium is an immersive theater experience that takes you on a journey through the cosmos, time, and space. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious novice, you’re sure to find the planetarium’s impressive visuals fascinating and enlightening.
A South Brooklyn gem, Carroll Gardens’ brownstone-lined blocks are ideal for an afternoon stroll. Small cafés, antique shops, and boutiques abound on Smith and Court streets, while you can visit tree-lined Carroll Park and the Carroll Gardens Historic District for a taste of old New York architecture. Thanks to its Italian community, the area is also known for its abundance of Italian bakeries and restaurants.
In the heart of New York City’s Theater District, the New Amsterdam is Broadway’s oldest operating theater. It combines a tall Beaux-Arts facade with an intimate art nouveau 1,702-seat auditorium decorated with floral, grapevine, and peacock reliefs. Nicknamed “The House Beautiful,” this ornate venue features all-singing, all-dancing Disney® productions such as Aladdin and The Lion King.
Discover some of New York City’s best Italian food in the Bronx’s Little Italy, located in the Belmont region of the North Bronx along Arthur Avenue. Come for the locally owned bakeries, butchers, and fishmongers—many of which have been family-run for generations—alongside markets offering old-world favorites. Then, stay for an outstanding Italian meal at one of the neighborhood restaurants where service comes with a personal touch.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts—also known as the Bronx Museum—showcases contemporary artworks by culturally diverse artists who reflect the multicultural communities that characterise the Bronx. Housed in a striking building with an accordion-style aluminium facade, the museum is well worth the trip to New York City’s northernmost borough.
To combine a theater experience with the buzzing atmosphere of lower Manhattan, check out the Orpheum Theatre. This East Village theater, first opened in 1904, is a must-visit for theater buffs and New York history enthusiasts. The Orpheum has hosted many notable productions in its history, from Anything Goes to Little Shop of Horrors to three decades of Stomp. With just 347 seats, it’s advisable to book well in advance to guarantee admission.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a tranquil 52-acre (21-hectare) green space in the middle of a busy borough. Located adjacent to Prospect Park, the garden boasts an impressive selection of plants, flowers, and trees. It also hosts a range of themed gardens, including the Children’s Garden (which addresses sustainability) and the Fragrance Garden (which encourages everyone to stop and smell the flowers).
A dedicated exhibition space, MoMA PS1 celebrates new and innovative art with a variety of experimental and contemporary exhibitions. Go to see genre-defying work in PS1’s historic building—a former New York City public school—or attend one of its regular events, including panel discussions and dance performances. The museum supports emerging artists through a range of programs, with a focus on underrepresented and international voices in contemporary art.
If you’re a fan of Broadway, you probably know of the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (formerly Henry Miller’s Theatre). Numerous classics have premiered at this site, including Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, and La La Lucille, George Gershwin’s first full Broadway score. Though now a modern stage post-renovation, visiting the Sondheim is still a must on any tour of the Theater District.
A favorite spot among locals living on the Upper West Side, Riverside Park offers a quieter alternative to Central Park. Joggers, cyclists, and families come to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and pretty riverfront views along a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) stretch of the Hudson River. The park is home to a handful of historical monuments, including the impressive Fireman’s Memorial and baroque-style Hamilton Fountain.
This multifaceted indoor attraction offers a captivating way to experience NYC’s famous sights, all while learning about the city’s history and culture. Comprising an immersive film (narrated by actor Jeff Goldblum), seven themed gallery areas, and a 4D “flight” experience, RiseNY provides a perfect introduction for first-time visitors to the Big Apple.
Even though it’s one of the youngest theaters on Broadway, the Marquis Theatre in New York still delivers wow factor. The 1,611-seat venue on the third floor of the Marriott Marquis Hotel is one of the city’s larger theaters and was designed to provide maximum comfort and intimacy. Book a ticket to enjoy the venue’s high ceilings, state-of-the-art acoustics, and wide aisles.
The Imperial Theatre is known for hosting some of the biggest productions on Broadway. In its early years, productions included shows by songwriters George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Rodgers and Hart. More recently, audiences have flocked to see Oliver!,Cabaret,Fiddler on the Roof, and Les Misérables on its stage. Its large seating capacity and famous past performances make it one of NYC’s most legendary venues.
The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre is among the most storied and beautiful venues in a city brimming with them. The Spanish-style terracotta facade, the 2-level auditorium, and the interiors are so distinctive that they’re considered New York City landmarks. But the main attractions here are the Broadway musicals and plays that have graced this Midtown Manhattan stage since 1927.
Built in 1926 and originally named the Mansfield Theatre, then the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, the Lena Horne Theatre was again renamed in 2022 for the prominent singer-actress and civil rights activist. This Broadway landmark has hosted a long list of distinguished dramas, musicals, and comedies, with stars such as Glenn Close, Richard Dreyfuss, James Earl Jones, and Gene Hackman gracing its historic stage.
Located in New York’s Theater District on Broadway and 50th Street, the Winter Garden Theatre has hosted plays, musicals, and concerts since 1911, when the former American Horse Exchange was converted. Visit this historical venue to see Broadway’s most popular hits; past productions have included West Side Story, Cats, and School of Rock.
The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre has a distinguished history in New York City’s theater scene. Opening in 1910, it was originally named the Globe Theatre, after Shakespeare’s theater in England (it even had a retractable roof). Following a stint as a Midtown movie house, it reopened under its new name in 1958 and has since hosted such productions as Hello, Dolly! and Titanic.
A Brooklyn cultural beacon—and one of New York City’s top museums—the Brooklyn Museum boasts a permanent collection of more than 1.5 million pieces and hosts several rotating exhibits yearly. The museum has a little of everything, from one of the largest Egyptian art holdings in the country to a robust American decorative arts collection and landmark feminist artworks, including Judy Chicago’s The Dinner Party.
A celebration of New York City's most diverse borough, the Queens Museum is situated in a historic building in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which has hosted the World's Fair three times. Known for its diverse collection of art and objects that spans eras, styles, and genres, the museum displays everything from Tiffany glass lamps to the famous Panorama of New York City installation (a scale model of the entire city).
For most of the year, MetLife Stadium is home to two football teams—the New York Giants and New York Jets of the National Football League. Ironically, the stadium sits not in New York but in New Jersey, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of Manhattan. During football season, expect weekend games; the rest of the year, the stadium hosts concerts, soccer matches, and other major events.
A whimsical in-store experience and wide selection of high-quality toys from around the world draw NYC locals and visitors alike to FAO Schwarz. Its massive floor piano has been immortalized on the silver screen in movies such as Big and remains a popular attraction. You can also design a custom makeup kit, jewelry, or handbag, or head up to the second floor to create a personalized teddy bear or plush rabbit.
With an outdoor oculus, weathered panels resembling Brooklyn brownstones, and a “sound-muffling” green roof, Barcalys is an architectural statement and multipurpose arena. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, Barclays is ideal for getting out of Manhattan to catch a game, match, or an A-list concert. It’s home to the National Basketball Association’s Brooklyn Nets and the Women’s National Basketball Association’s New York Liberty.
A weekend-only indoor market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Artists & Fleas offers everything from artisanal crafts to vintage clothing. As with its sister location in Manhattan (Chelsea), this flagship marketplace is a hot spot for curio-seekers, crafters, creatives, and souvenir hunters. Known for its upbeat atmosphere, this market attracts plenty of serious vintage hunters, but is equally great for grabbing a coffee, people-watching, and gift shopping.
Technically located in Queens, Rockaway Beach is an oceanfront stretch home to golden beaches, a plethora of food vendors, and an array of beginner-friendly surf spots; in fact, it’s the city’s only legal surfing beach. In summer, come here to soak up the sun, go splashing in the waves, and surfer-watch along the gorgeous, 5.5-mile (8.8-kilometer) boardwalk lining the coast.
At the New York Transit Museum, you get a firsthand look at the city’s history with a collection of vintage subway cars, trams, and buses. You’ll find digital and hard-copy archival photos and signs, plus rotating exhibits that illustrate how public transportation has shaped NYC. The museum is popular with families for its hands-on experiences: Sit behind the wheel of a city bus, hop through classic subway turnstiles, or board an old train.
The Strand Book Store (or just The Strand) in Greenwich Village is more than just a bookstore. Yes, it has three floors of wall-to-wall volumes with a large selection of new, used, and rare titles (that’s 18 miles of books), but it’s also a bustling literary hub and a reminder of New York City’s past. Shop for gifts and New York-themed souvenirs, including magnets, mugs, and more.
Open since 1921, the Nederlander Theatre has been known by many names over its more than a century-long history, including the Billy Rose Theatre, the National Theatre, and the Trafalgar. Today, it’s owned by the Nederlander Family and has made a name for itself hosting some of Broadway’s most popular musicals, including Pretty Woman: The Musical,Guys and Dolls, and the long-running Rent.
Built back in 1913, the Longacre Theatre has been staging plays and musical productions for well over a century. It was built by the owner of the Boston Red Sox, H. H. Frazee, and named after Longacre Square—which became Times Square. Many A-listers have graced its stage over the decades, everyone from Robert Redford and Kathleen Turner to Liev Schreiber.
Walking along Museum Mile on New York’s Upper East Side, it’s hard to miss the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest. The limestone-clad building rising up on Fifth Avenue at the entrance to Central Park is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic and art deco architecture. The church is much more than a landmark—it’s an active place of worship that welcomes both Upper East Siders and visitors to its services and choral concerts.
