New York Museums
♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA
Museum enthusiasts can spend many days among the many impressive museums in New York. The museums detailed below are the largest and most famous in the city and, most importantly, the most suitable for the whole family. Most are concentrated in the heart of Manhattan, in the central tourist area. In each of them, you can spend long hours.
Entrance to museums, observation towers, and additional attractions costs quite a bit of money, so it is recommended to buy a combined discount ticket for several attractions.
Discounted Entry Tickets for Museums and Attractions in New York:
New York City Pass - New York City Pass is a combined entry ticket to six popular tourist sites in the city, including the Empire State Building, a cruise around Manhattan or to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and four museums. It is worthwhile for those planning to visit at least four of these attractions. You can use the ticket for 9 days from the day you visited the first attraction. There is also an option to purchase a ticket for only 3 attractions.
The ticket can be purchased directly from this site:
CityPASS
- New York - 6 (or 3) great attractions in one ticket.
Booking tickets for museums in New York from GetYourGuide.com:
Museums in New York
September 11 Museum The 911 Museum
The museum is located at "Ground Zero" in the new World Trade Center, which also includes six new towers. Entry to the museum is for a fee, and due to its popularity, it is highly recommended to book places in advance. The area of the museum is larger than 10,000 square meters and contains multimedia displays, collections, souvenirs, and objects belonging to the victims, telling the stories of every man, woman, and child killed in the most horrific terror attack in history. The museum is located underground, in the spot where remnants of the Twin Towers still exist and can be seen during the visit. In the largest hall in the museum stands a tall metal column completely covered in graffiti, notes, and cards. This column, which was part of the South Tower, was the last metal column removed from "Ground Zero." Workers at the site and relatives of the victims wrote their names, memories, and words of commemoration for their loved ones on it. You can take a one-hour guided tour of the museum, with explanations and stories about the various exhibits.
American Museum of Natural History American Museum of Natural History
One of the most famous museums in the world, considered the most popular museum in New York. The museum has four floors and spans four city blocks, featuring 45 permanent exhibitions (13 of which were opened in the last ten years). The museum has impressive displays on the development of the Earth, its people, its animals, plants, and minerals. The permanent displays in the museum include: dinosaurs (don't miss it!), people of Asia, Africa, Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean, Indians in America, mammals of Asia and Africa, an insect display (extremely impressive!), snakes and birds, minerals, precious stones, and meteorites. The museum features an IMAX cinema, a planetarium, and a special room for children's activities including games and interesting activations (suitable especially for ages 5-12). Another recommended wing to visit is the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which houses an impressive planetarium called Hayden Planetarium. In the planetarium is a theater with 430 seats where effect-rich films on space subjects are screened. There are also advanced simulators, a dynamic model of the Earth, a 3D model of the Milky Way, a 3D map of the galaxy, and more. If you intend to visit only one museum in the city, it is highly recommended to choose this museum, which will not leave any child indifferent. It is worth joining a free one-hour tour that passes among the most attractive exhibits. The museum also displays invested and unique temporary exhibitions that require an additional fee for entry.
Address: Central Park West at West 79 St.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum Ellis Island
On Ellis Island, also known by its nickname "The Island of Tears," the first immigrants who arrived on the shores of the USA between 1892 and 1954 were gathered. More than 24 million immigrants arrived at the island, and only 16 million of them were eventually granted entry into their new homeland. Today, remnants of the buildings where the immigrants were housed and tested stand on the island. On-site is an immigration museum that presents the immigration process to the USA and teaches how a diverse collection of different cultures merged together to create the human mosaic of New York. Very impressive and interesting! The island is located near the Statue of Liberty and can be reached by ferry from Battery Park or from Liberty State Park (NJ). The ferry sails every 30-45 minutes between 9:30-15:30. During summer hours, it runs later. Entry to the museum is free, but the ferry ride costs money. It is worth departing on one of the first ferries to avoid the crowd of visitors. Immediately upon arrival, stop at the museum's information center and collect tickets for a 30-minute film called: "Island of Hope, Island of Tears." It is recommended to combine a visit to Ellis Island with a visit to the Statue of Liberty.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The largest and best-known museum in the city. More than two million people visit it a year. The museum has 18 wings, including: displays of world-famous paintings, costumes, musical instruments, statues, mosaic works, ceramics, and much more from many diverse regions including: Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and of course the USA. It contains one of the largest and most important art collections in the world (more than two million works!). Among the exhibitions especially loved by children and youth: the Egyptian mummy display and the ancient weapons display. The museum has an impressive sculpture garden called Roof Garden, which is an attraction for all ages. Do not even try to see the entire museum in one day. Focus on the displays that interest you. For older children and teenagers, it is recommended to pick up a "Scavenger Hunt" map at the entrance to the museum, which adds challenge and adventure to the visit. Various events designed for families take place at the museum; it is worth checking what events are expected at the time of your visit. It is recommended not to visit on Sundays as it is especially crowded then. The museum is closed on Mondays. Address: Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street.
Museum of Modern Art MoMA
The museum underwent a comprehensive renovation about a decade ago at a cost of 650 million dollars for its 75th year of operation, during which its area was doubled. It reopened to the public in 2005. The museum has one of the world's largest collections of modern art, with works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and other famous artists. The collection includes over 150,000 paintings, statues, photographs, designs, and architectural models, plus films and digital media. Entry is free for children under 16. Discount for seniors over 65 and for students. On Friday afternoons, entry is free for everyone. Address: 11 West 53rd St.
New York has other famous art museums: Guggenheim Museum, with its impressive and unique spiral structure; Whitney Museum of American Art; The Cloisters, in Northern Manhattan (Fort Tryon Park), , Frick Collection, and many other interesting ones, but it's likely that one or two art museums will definitely suffice for most family members, and devout art lovers will surely seek more information on their own.
Interpid Sea- Air- Space Museum
The heart of this museum is the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, which was one of the most famous warships in the American fleet and served it faithfully for 31 years. This ship was one of 23 "Essex" class aircraft carriers, which were considered the most effective war tools in the USA. The "Intrepid" served in World War II in the Pacific Ocean and suffered seven bombings, five kamikaze attacks, and a torpedo hit. Despite this, it was repaired and renovated every time and returned to service. Because of this wonderful survival ability, the enemies of the USA called it the "Ghost Ship." It was partner to sinking two large Japanese warships, many small ships, and downing more than 600 enemy planes. The "Intrepid" also served as a NASA recovery vessel and participated in the Vietnam War. Its last role was tracking Soviet submarines during the Cold War with the Soviet Union. The Intrepid retired in 1974 and, starting in 1982, began its "second career" as a sea, air, and space museum. Since then, it has anchored permanently in the Hudson River, at Pier 86 located at the western end of 46th Street (at 12th Avenue). On the ship's deck and around it is a diverse display of planes, spacecraft, missiles, and a submarine. Additionally, the space shuttle Enterprise is at the site. In 2007, the museum underwent a major renovation, and today it features many interactive displays. The museum is open daily between 10:00-17:00. On holidays and on Saturdays and Sundays, it is open until 18:00. Entry is for a fee. Discount for seniors over 62, for children and youth up to age 17. Free for children up to age 3.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Those who haven't visited the famous wax museum in London are invited to visit the New York branch located on 42nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues (in Times Square). In the five-story museum are over two hundred wax figures of the most famous people in the world, with emphasis on American celebrities, from Charlie Chaplin to Oprah Winfrey. On-site are interactive displays including "The Chamber," a twilight zone for the brave only. The museum is open daily between 10:00-20:00. On Fridays and Saturdays, it is open until 22:00. Entry is for a fee. Discount for children up to age 12. Free for children up to age 3.
Children's Museums Children Museums
In New York, there are two recommended children's museums, the newer one in Manhattan and the second in Brooklyn, which is the first children's museum in the world. The museums are built on the principle of "Touch and Experience" (Hands-On) and are particularly suitable for families with young children (up to age 10).
Children's Museum of Manhattan Children's Museum of Manhattan was renovated a few years ago at a cost of 6.5 million dollars. Among the attractions in it: a real TV studio where children can become "TV stars," an invention center, and a giant human body inside which you can crawl. A separate area is dedicated to children under age 4. It is located in the Tisch building, 212 W. 83rd St. between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. The museum is open daily between 10:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays. On Saturdays, it is open until 19:00. Entry is for a fee. Discount for seniors. Entry is free on the first Friday of every month, between 17:00-20:00.
Brooklyn Children's Museum Brooklyn Children’s Museum
This is the first children's museum in the world, first opened in 1899. From then until today, it has naturally undergone many changes, innovations, and adaptations, and it is still a wonderful place for active entertainment with children, even in the 21st century. Currently, 39 million dollars are being invested in doubling the size of the museum and additional improvements. The museum encourages children to learn through experience and adventure. In the wing called "Together in the City," children will experience various events and experiences that characterize New York's diverse population, from watching a baseball game to Chinese New Year celebrations and Bar Mitzvah parties. Another area loved by children is "Animal Outpost," where children can observe many animals and their lifestyle up close. For children under age five, there is an area dedicated to them called "Totally Tots." Open in summer and spring every day except Mondays; in other seasons, it is closed. Address: 145 Brooklyn Ave.
Children's Museum of the Arts
In South Manhattan (in the Soho area) is the Children's Museum of the Arts, where children are invited to create art with their own hands and watch the works of children from all over the world. There is also a nice playroom on-site. A separate activity area is dedicated to children under age five. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Address: 182 Lafayette St.
New York City Fire Museum New York City Fire Museum
A museum that children love to visit, displaying an impressive selection of fire engines and firefighting equipment from the past to the present day. Additionally, there is an impressive display of protective gear. The museum is housed in a renovated 1904 fire station and features many volunteer firefighters who will be happy to show you its secrets. The museum is open daily (except on American holidays) between 10:00-17:00. Entry is for a fee. Discount for seniors, students, and children up to age 12. Free for children up to age two.
Address: 278 Spring St.
New York Hall of Science New York Hall of Science
Four floors of interactive displays on various scientific subjects that allow children to experience, touch, and create. The primary emphasis in the museum is on how science affects daily life. Adjacent to the museum is a science playground especially loved by children. In June 2009, "Rocket Mini-Golf" opened in the museum's courtyard, a unique mini-golf where, in order to succeed, one needs to use several basic physical laws. A winning combination of play and amusement through thought and exploration. In the summer months, the museum is open daily. On Monday-Friday, the museum is open between 09:30-17:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from 10:00-18:00. Entry is for a fee. Discount for students and children up to age 17. The museum is located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Address: 47-01 111St. (between 47th and 48th Avenues) in Queens.
New York Transit Museum New York Transit Museum
In the museum, one can take a journey back in time and examine public transportation in New York starting from 1900 and see its development over the last hundred years. Especially suitable for fans of trains and vintage vehicles. Located in a Brooklyn subway station built in 1936. Closed on Mondays and American holidays. Address: Boerum Pl. (Schermerhorn St.), Brooklyn.
American Museum of the Moving Image American Museum of the Moving Image
The museum is dedicated to the art, technology, and history of films. Most of the displays include the personal experience of visitors invited to try their hand at making films, editing them, electronically trying on costumes from famous films, and a wealth of "behind the scenes" attractions. Highly recommended, especially for teenagers addicted to TV and cinema. On-site is also a theater hall where many films (some animated) are screened, television shows are held, and film creators and stars are hosted. Every weekend, shows are held on a different subject. The museum is open daily between 10:30-17:00 and until 20:00 on Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is open between 11:30-19:00. Entry is for a fee. Discount for students, for seniors over age 65, and children up to age 12. Free for children up to age 3. Address: 35th St. at 36th Ave, Astoria, Queens. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
Queens Museum of Art QMA
The highlight of the museum and the primary reason why it is recommended to visit it (even if you are not interested in art at all) is an exhibition called "The Panorama of the City of New York," which is considered the largest architectural model in the world (with 800,000 buildings!) providing a spectacular bird's-eye view of the entire metropolitan area. This is a model of the city of New York, miniaturized, with all its sites, its bridges, and the famous buildings in it. Here you can see how this giant metropolis looks, in its various neighborhoods and districts. Visitors circle the model in 360 degrees on an elevated platform. Every few minutes the light dims and you can witness the miniaturized city in the hours of darkness. The panorama was built for the Great World's Fair held at the site in 1964 and was at the time the most popular attraction at the fair. From then until today, the model has been renovated and updated several times. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, free one-hour guided tours are held at the exhibition. Entry to the museum is for a fee (donation). Discount for seniors, students, and children. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and on all American holidays.
Recommended Hotels in New York:In central Manhattan: San Carlos Hotel New York A 4-star hotel with family suites, a kitchenette, a dining area, and spacious rooms. Includes a continental breakfast (there is a kosher option). In the hotel's vicinity are additional kosher restaurants. Free internet. A 3-star hotel, rooms for 2-6 guests, including breakfast and free internet. Refrigerator, work desk. Located a 5-minute walk from the Empire State Building. Hotel Belleclaire A 4-star hotel, rooms and suites for 2-6 guests, located 3 blocks from Central Park. Free internet. The New Yorker Hotel A 4-star hotel, rooms and suites for 2-6 guests, located a 2-minute walk from Madison Square Garden. Free internet. Renwick Hotel A 4-star hotel belonging to the Curio collection by Hilton, rooms for 2-4 guests, located a 3-minute walk from Grand Central Station. In every room: refrigerator, microwave, coffee kettle, writing desk, safe, and free internet. TRYP by Wyndham Times Square South A 3-star hotel, rooms for families up to 8 people, located a 5-minute walk from Penn Station.
In South Manhattan near Wall Street and Ground Zero: A 4-star hotel, suitable for 2-5 guests, includes a full breakfast buffet in the price, suites have a kitchen, adjacent to Ground Zero, gym, free internet. Hotel search on Booking in the Manhattan area map:Booking.com
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Parks and Zoos
Despite New York's density and its many buildings, it has many "green lungs": expansive parks, zoos, botanical gardens, and playgrounds. 17% of its area is dedicated to parks and playgrounds. Details about them in the article: Parks and Zoos in New York:
♦ Central Park Central Park
♦ Battery Park Battery Park
♦ Hudson River Park Hudson River Park
♦ High Line Park High Line Park
♦ New York Botanical Garden New York Botanical Garden
♦ Brooklyn Botanic Gardens Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
♦ Brooklyn Botanic Gardens are adjacent to Prospect Park
♦ Flushing Meadows- Corona Park Flushing Meadows- Corona Park
♦ New York Aquarium New York Aquarium
♦ Bronx Zoo Bronx Zoo
Major Attractions in New York
Details on the following viewpoints and attractions are provided in the article: New York Destinations, Viewpoints, and Attractions for the Traveler
Recommended Viewpoints Over the City
♦ Empire State Building
♦ "Top of the Rock" TOP OF THE ROCK
♦ Statue of Liberty
♦ Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge
♦ Roosevelt Island Tramway Roosevelt Island Tramway
Additional Attractions in the City
♦ Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue
♦ Rockefeller Center Rockefeller Center
♦ Times Square Times square :
♦ South Street Seaport South Street Seaport
♦ The "Ground Zero" - Twin Towers site World Trade Center Site
♦ United Nations Headquarters (UN) The United Nation Headquarters
♦ Chinatown Chinatown
♦ Lincoln Center Lincoln Center
♦ Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal
Theater and Entertainment Shows
New York has an abundance of plays and entertainment shows of all types and levels and is considered one of the most important theater centers in the world.
Details in the article: Theater and Entertainment Shows in New York.
Tickets for popular shows in New York from the Viator website:
Recommended Site for Purchasing Tickets for Shows, Theater, and Sports Events in New York:
Sports in New York
New York is a paradise for sports enthusiasts. It has good and famous teams in all branches of sport.
Additional details in the article: Sports in New York.