New York City: Things To Do

Brooklyn Bridge Crossing the late 19th-century, Gothic-inspired bridge affords phenomenal views of Manhattan. It’s best enjoyed if you start your walk on the Brooklyn side (just hop the subway one stop over the river). Brooklyn/Lower Manhattan
family | architecture | outdoors | view

Dairy Visitor Center This 843-acre urban oasis – "the lungs of New York City" – is full of treasures like the Central Park Zoo, lakeside Bethesda Fountain, and Loeb Boat House, where rowboats and bicycles are available for rent. Upper West Side; mid-park at 65th St.; 212-794-6564; www.centralparknyc.org
family | outdoors | zoo

Empire State Building Take in Manhattan from the heights of the 102-floor Empire State Building – its observatory is open for spectacular views day and night. Midtown; 350 Fifth Ave., btwn 33rd & 34th Sts.; 212-736-3100; www.esbnyc.com
family | architecture | view

Museum of Modern Art One of America’s most visited museums, MoMa’s 150,000-work collection includes films, paintings, prints, and architectural models. Friday afternoons are free. Midtown; 11 West 53 St.; 212-708-9400; www.moma.org
culture | museum | art

New Museum of Contemporary Art New York's iconic New Museum of Contemporary Art reopened on newly gentrified Bowery in a brand-new building by Japanese firm Sanaa. The museum's mission to showcase the newest art, with work by artists like John Bock, Sarah Lucas and Tomma Abts. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Lower East Side; 235 Bowery; 212-219-1222; www.newmuseum.org
culture | museum | art | contemporary

Rockefeller Center This Art Deco masterpiece is home to Radio City Music Hall, NBC studios, and the Top of the Rock observation deck – great for panoramic city views. Come winter, the ice rink and Christmas tree in the flag-lined plaza take center stage. Midtown; 5th Avenue, btwn. 47th and 50th Sts.; 212-332-6868; www.rockefellercenter.com
family | culture | outdoors | view

See Manhattan by Helicopter Get a rare bird’s eye view of The Empire State Building during an exclusive four-person "Romance over Manhattan" helicopter tour. The 20-minute flight circles around New York’s most famous sites, including Central Park, the United Nations building, and the Statue of Liberty. Just be sure to show up 30 minutes early, and wear a smile for the complimentary photograph. Midtown West; Liberty Helicopter Sightseeing Tours, West 30th St. and 12th Ave.; 212-967-6464; www.libertyhelicopters.com
romantic | tour | smart splurge | helicopter tour

St. Patrick’s Cathedral This is the largest Gothic-style Catholic cathedral in the United States. The inside is decorated with soaring stained glass windows and wood and marble sculptures. Midtown; 5th Avenue and 51st St.; 212-753-2261; www.saintpatrickscathedral.org
family | architecture | culture | history

Statue of Liberty Catch the ferry from Battery Park – the fare includes a stop at the iconic statue, as well as at Ellis Island, where between 1892 and 1954, 12 million immigrants passed through New York Harbor. Lower Manhattan, New York Harbor, Ellis Island; 212-363-3200; www.nps.gov/stli
family | culture | history

The Cloisters A satellite of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cloisters holds a permanent collection of art and architecture from medieval Europe. Made from elements of five French cloisters from monastic sites in southern France and on four acres overlooking the Hudson River, it’s a perfect spot to take in art and then enjoy a picnic. Northern tip of Manhattan; 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park; 212-923-3700; www.metmuseum.org
culture | museum | art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Called “The Met,” this star New York museum’s two-million+ collection spans from 75,000 B.C. through the 20th century. It also regularly hosts special exhibitions. Upper East Side; 1000 Fifth Ave. at E. 82nd St.; 212-535-7710; www.metmuseum.org
family | architecture | culture | history | art

Times Square This over-the-top sensory experience clusters chain shops, restaurants, and tawdry attractions under sparkling neon lights – steer clear of the tourist traps and just spend some time ogling the spectacle. Midtown; 42nd St. and Broadway; www.timessquare.com
family | performing arts | outdoors

West Chelsea Gallery District West Chelsea is to the contemporary art world what Broadway is to the theater world. Currently, there are more than 200 galleries in the area, including heavy hitters like Gagosian, Matthew Marks Gallery, and Andrea Rosen Gallery. We recommend taking one of the Chelsea Art Galleries tours. Chelsea; west of Tenth Ave., from 17th St. to 29th St.; www.chelseaartgalleries.com
culture | gallery | art