Top Things to do in New York
Top Hotels in New York
- 1. Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea
- 2. Margaritaville Resort- Times Square
- 3. The Draper, Ascend Hotel Collection
- 4. Arlo Midtown
- 5. Pod Times Square
- 6. Homewood Suites by Hilton New York/Midtown Manhattan Times Square-South, NY
- 7. Arlo NoMad
- 8. Artezen Hotel
- 9. Park Central Hotel New York
- 10. PUBLIC Hotel
What to do and see in New York, United States: The Best Historic Sites
New York State has it all – booming metropolises, majestic waterfalls, mountains, wine country, chicken wings. Yes, NYC is a magnet for tourists, but an exploration of the rest of the state can be equally thrilling. The Finger Lakes Wine Region is a vision of serene waters, quaint B&Bs, and pretty vineyards. Movie buffs will love Rochester, home of the George Eastman House and one of the world’s most comprehensive film archives. On your way to Niagara Falls, stop in Buffalo to fuel up on spicy wings.
Restaurants in New York
1. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,511 reviews
Historic site features the home and estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Springwood, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the only Presidential Library used by a sitting president. It was conceived and built under President Roosevelt's direction and opened to the public in 1941.The Library's mission is to foster research and education on the life and times of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and their continuing impact on contemporary life. Our work is carried out by four major areas: Archives, Museum, Education and Public Programs.
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
I have been on the tour of Springwood many times but not at the holidays. The tour was really interesting of birthplace of FDR and the home of his mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt. The house was supposed to be decorated for the holidays but only a Christmas tree in the library and the dining room set for dinner were the only holiday decorations in the house. The mansion will be going through a full renovation in April and then will be closed for a year so tour it now! The park ranger gave us an informative tour of the family, when the house was built and the additions added on, how the family grew here and the role the house played in the history of the United States especially in World War II. FDR continued to visit here after he became President and used it as his summer White House. Still it was his mother's home and Sara's influences are all over the house. Unlike other mansions, you could tell this was someone's home that was used at all times of the year. You can really see the family influences all over the house as if someone was still living here. It is a great tour and take time to visit the museum and walk through all the exhibits. It really does take two or three days to tour the house.
2. Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,524 reviews
The Martin House (Buffalo, NY, 1903-05) exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie House ideal and ranks as one of his finest residential works. Designed for Larkin Soap Company executive, Darwin D. Martin, the multi-residential estate is a one-of-a-kind composition consisting of the main Martin House, the smaller Barton House, a carriage house with chauffeur’s quarters and stables, a glass-roofed conservatory linked to the main house by a 100-foot pergola, and a gardener’s cottage. Tours explore the restored and reconstructed buildings, surrounding landscape, and an extensive collection of art glass and furnishings, all designed by Wright, which together form a totally integrated architectural masterwork. We welcome you to this National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By bonnieh111 - Palmyra, United States
Went to the Darwin D Marting House and the summer home and I really enjoyed the tour. The guide was very good and didn't mind all of my questions, If you like architecture or how the wealthy lived, this is a must see.
3. Seward House Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 384 reviews
We invite you to visit the Seward House Museum, the historic home of William Henry Seward; New York State Senator, two time New York State Governor, US Senator, and Secretary of State during the Lincoln and Johnson administrations. Our knowledgeable staff is on-hand to provide guided tours, helping you navigate the many fascinating aspects of this beautifully preserved home. Enjoy masterpieces of American art and special exhibitions in both the historic house and the museum’s gardens.
Reviewed By Huckle54 - Chapel Hill, United States
The Seward House will satisfy both the history and non history fan in your group. The tour guides are extremely well versed and take you through the Seward family history in this 1 hour plus tour. The home is intact exactly as it was in when the Sewards lived there. I agree with other reviewers that multiple visits to this museum-home will always provide new and interesting insights into Seward and his relationship with Lincoln as well as other politicians of the time, his wife's efforts in the underground railroad and the family's relationship to Harriet Tubman. Highly recommend.
4. Phelps Mansion Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 176 reviews
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR AN UPDATE ABOUT TOUR TIMES AND AVAILABILITY: The Phelps Mansion is a Historic House museum. We are open for tours Fri-Sun(Last tour at 3:30pm) Reservations are strongly encouraged. Admission is $7 students and senior 62 and over $5, kids 12 and under free. Come see the "jewel on Court st". Visitors to the Phelps Mansion should enter through the ballroom entrance located down the driveway side of the mansion. (Look for the open flag)
Reviewed By 129lorie
My favorite part of the tour was admiring the amazingly beautiful woodwork. It was also interesting to learn of how Mr. Phelps made his money. We were also informed about how the gas lighting was converted to electric. There were several photos of nearby historic places which our guide was quite knowledgeable of. There was even a gift shop with many interesting books. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Phelps Mansion and reccommend it to others.
5. Women's Rights National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 425 reviews
Women's Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women's Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, NY on July 19-20,1848.
Reviewed By chasinUpstateNewYork - Romulus, United States
Everyone of us has a Mother. And many of us have sisters or wives. And 51% of the population is female. This museum is a MUST SEE! The Birthplace of Woman's Rights in the United States; come see where the battle was formalized. Read the declaration of sentiments. Understand why Woman's Rights are EVERYONE'S Rights.
6. Lyndhurst
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 543 reviews
Lyndhurst mansion is closed but the grounds are open! Daily Grounds Passes are available through December 20th. Overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York, is Lyndhurst, one of America’s finest Gothic Revival mansions. Designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis, its architectural brilliance is complemented by the park-like landscape of the estate and a comprehensive collection of original decorative arts. Its noteworthy occupants included: former New York City mayor William Paulding, merchant George Merritt, and railroad tycoon Jay Gould. Lyndhurst is a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Reviewed By an0nym0us9999 - Memphis, United States
Lyndhurst was a dream estate built by Mr. Pauling that was sold to Jay Gould that overlooked the Hudson River. During Halloween, the house was decorated with Halloween decorations that took away from the overall historic feel of the house but was entertaining. I took the tour of the house it lasted about an hour and a half and get a good look at the furniture that was in the house during Jay Gould’s life. The house itself wasn’t anything extremely impressive. The most memorial piece of information about the estate for me was that the TV series, Dark Shadows, was filmed at Lyndhurst, and Barnabas’ and Angelique’s paintings from the TV series were displayed in one of the rooms. The house was built in a gothic revival style where ever door, window, room, furniture and et cetera had a parallel matching accompaniment. It was a enjoyable historic site to explore.
7. Kykuit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 748 reviews
Grand home and grounds of this former Rockefeller estate offer a marvelous collection of modern sculptures, Chinese and European ceramics, fine furnishings and beautifully landscaped terraces and gardens. KYKUIT IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL MAY 3. Please continue to check this listing or go to our website for updates.
Reviewed By LJL1974 - Middletown, United States
While the "classic" tour is slightly shorter and more limited than the grand tour, we did not feel at all shortchanged. The classic is over two hours (including the shuttle ride to/from visitor center at Phillipsburg Manor to Kykuit) and includes an extensive amount of the mansion interior as well as a wonderful tour of gardens and grounds, and the coach house. Our guide (Helen?) was amazing in her ability to fascinate us with information on the three resident generations of the Rockefeller family, the architecture and renovations of the main structure as well as the coach house, and the artists who created the amazing sculptures and other artwork throughout the home and grounds. This is a wonderful tour!
8. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,097 reviews
Historically known as Hyde Park, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is one of the region's oldest Hudson River estates. For nearly two centuries, this place has been home to socially prominent New Yorkers. A superb example of its type, Hyde Park represents the domestic ideal of the elite class in the late nineteenth-century America. It provides a glimpse of estate life, the social stratification of the period, and the world of the American millionaire during the era historians refer to as the Gilded Age.
Reviewed By PJCM744 - South Windsor, United States
If you are an architecture person, this home emulates good design and outstanding quality. Not as grand as the Newport Mansions, but this suites the area and owner's vision and lifestyle. Enjoyed our guide's knowledge and he was able to answer questions. Grounds are to be appreciated as well.
9. Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,205 reviews
"All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River" FDR This quote captures FDR's connection to Springwood, the estate that he loved & the place he considered home. The first US Presidential Library was started by FDR here. Visit the Home of FDR and Presidential Library & Museum to learn about the only President elected to four terms.
Reviewed By marcopolopaloalto - Palo Alto, United States
Area is open to visitors to walk around on the exterior during this pandemic time. While we cannot get into Presidential Library or the home where FDR was born and adored, , it is still worthwhile stopping here and walking the grounds of the home and estate where FDR came to relax, and where he raised his young family. FDR donated 33 of the acres from his family estate to this Park, where his home is, and where the library is, and where there is a prolific vegetable garden growing today. The vegetables grown there are given to an outreach program. FDR was a beacon of light as President during WWII. There are story boards and photos posted throughout the grounds about the exceptional history; busts of Churchill and FDR; and views of the Hudson. Gardner’s were friendly and helpful.
10. Brooklyn Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,594 reviews
The Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States and one of the premier art institutions in the world.
Reviewed By USALouise - Gurnee, United States
We traveled from Chicago to visit the excellent Frida Kahlo exhibit, and were very impressed, especially by the large collection of her clothing featured in so many of her paintings and photographs. Great videos, too. But the rest of the museum offered other fascinating exhibits. Don't miss the Do Ho Suh fabric recreation of his apartment on level 5 ("Perfect Home II") --- Note: it's only available for showing on weekends. We especially enjoyed the Dinner Party by Judy Chicago on Floor 4. (Tip: Be sure to wait for a circulating copy of the book that accompanies the exhibit. There were only two copies available when we were there, but without the booklet it's hard to fully appreciate the exhibit).
