From the Statue of Liberty to the American Museum of Natural History, New York City has something for everyone. The City That Never Sleeps has more culture, attractions, restaurants, and spots of interest than you can possibly fit in one trip. With so many choices, planning a New York City vacation can be overwhelming.
There's so much to see and do, and the expenses can add up quickly. To help you narrow down your options, we've curated a guide to the can't-miss destinations you'll want to keep in mind as you plan a New York vacation.
What Matters When You Plan a Vacation to New York?
One of the first decisions you should make when planning your trip is what time of year you want to visit. Any season can be the perfect time to visit NYC, but the weather may affect which attractions you want to see and which you want to take a pass on. Another important consideration is how long you'll stay. Whether your trip is two days or two weeks, you can fit in your top priorities, but the length of your stay will affect the pace of your vacation.
Vacation Packages
You may be able to save money by purchasing a vacation package. Some packages include hotels and flights, but you should check the going rates before you book. It may be cheaper to book your own flight and hotel room separately. You can decide where to stay and then look for vacation packages that include your preferred accommodations.
Another alternative is to look into vacation packages and design your vacation around what's offered. You may be able to get the best prices that way, but you won't have as much control over your vacation.
You can bundle your flight and hotel through a third party to help save on your trip. With your destination in mind, you can then book a package deal for admission to your must-see attractions. You can save up to by bundling five attractions or up to when you bundle three of NYC’s most popular destinations. Consider ordering a printable guide or vacation planner from several different companies and making comparisons to find the best deal.
NYC Attractions and Experiences
It wouldn't be a trip to NYC without visiting the city's most popular New York vacation spots. This isn't an all-inclusive list by any means, but if you want to have the full NYC experience, don't skip any of these:
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building was completed in 1931 and was the city's first building over 100 stories. The 102-story structure is one of the city's iconic buildings and changed NYC's skyline forever. Now the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building has two observation decks where you can take in beautiful views of New York and a panoramic view that includes six states.
Find out more about the building's history by stopping at the exhibitions located on the 2nd and 80th floors. You'll also have the chance to go behind the scenes to find out how insiders who work in the building experience it and how designers are making it a model for sustainability.
Ellis Island
Ellis Island was the entry point for over 12 million immigrants searching for a better life in America beginning January 1, 1892. Ellis Island was officially closed in November of 1954, but the building remains as a tribute to the rich history of immigration in the US. Ellis Island is accessible only by ferry, so you'll need to plan your trip in advance.
Ellis Island has been restored to serve as a museum. You'll be able to experience it as immigrants did in its heyday. Exhibits at the museum take you through America's immigration history starting in the 1500s and continuing through to today.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty can also be accessed by the same ferry that takes you to Ellis Island. Located in Liberty Park, this magnificent statue serves as a symbol of hope and the American spirit. Currently, the statue's interior isn't open for visitors, but you can visit the crown and pedestal with advanced tickets. You can also visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and Liberty Island grounds to learn more about the most memorable gift the US has ever received.
American Museum of Natural History
From towering dinosaurs to dazzling diamonds, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the most remarkable scientific and cultural institutions in the world. No matter how old or young your travel companions are, everyone will be fascinated by something in the museum. The Hayden Planetarium brings the night sky to life, and the kids will be in awe of the life-sized Blue Whale and Titanosaur models. The museum's diversity is part of why many visitors to NYC claim it as one of their favorite buildings.
Iconic Places
When you’re planning your itinerary, make sure you include the most iconic New York City destinations. You won’t want to miss stopping by Central Park and Times Square, for example.
Central Park
Central Park was created in 1858 to give city residents a place to enjoy nature. Its 843 acres include woodlands, lawns, streams, and lakes. You can wander through the trails to enjoy the wildlife or experience the zoo, formal gardens, sports fields, and skating rinks, as well as concert and theater venues.
Times Square
As one of the busiest places in NYC, Times Square underwent a major transformation starting in 2012 to reflect the spirit of the city and to make it more pedestrian-friendly. You can find almost everything you need in Times Square while you enjoy the bright lights of the city.
It's home to major and minor attractions, including stunning hotels, stores selling everything from T-shirts to antique musical instruments, and restaurants selling every type of cuisine you can imagine. Spend an afternoon walking from block to block to discover the magic of Times Square. The city buildings are stunning. You can finish your visit by seeing one of Broadway's legendary plays.
Plan Your Ultimate Visit to NYC Today
If you're ready to start planning your complete visit to NYC, CityPASS® tickets can help you save money on top attractions. CityPASS® tickets not only save you up to on the ticket price of many major destinations in NYC, but it also simplifies your planning and makes it easier to keep track of your reservations. Choose between three or six attractions and manage all of your reservations in one place. You won't need to worry about missing out on your preferred times or double-booking yourself.
The vibrant and beautiful streets of New York will give you memories that will last a lifetime. Make the most out of your stay by planning your New York vacation, but leave some room for spontaneity and surprises.
New York City Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in New York City, we recommend finding lodging near New York City's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
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