What to do and see in New York, United States: The Best Things to do

January 13, 2022 Layne Dawes

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. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 5th Ave, New York City, NY 10028-0198 +1 212-535-7710 [email protected] http://www.metmuseum.org
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 54,604 reviews

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

At New York City's most visited museum and attraction, you will experience over 5,000 years of art from around the world. The Met is for anyone as a source of inspiration, insight and understanding. You can learn, escape, play, dream, discover, connect.

Reviewed By cmasb - Rickmansworth, United Kingdom

We have wanted to visit here for ages and finally made it. It did not disappoint. There is no way you can see everything in any museum of any stature such as the Met. Choose what you are interested in and focus on just a few items. Our passions include European paintings from the 15th to early 19th centuries and we were indulged: incredible works by Velasquez, Goya, David, Brueghel, Rembrandt, Hals, Vermeer etc etc. You cannot be disappointed. We also visited the Graeco-Roman and Egyptian galleries, which were also fascinating. It was busy even on a Monday in schooltime. We booked tickets ahead, which saved us time queuing, so it might be worth your time doing the same thing. We had a nice but rather expensive lunch in the cafeteria in the basement. Sandwiches at $15? They didn’t even have caviar in them (but were tasty).

2. Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House

125 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14214-2301 +1 716-856-3858 [email protected] http://www.martinhouse.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,524 reviews

Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House

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. The Strong National Museum of Play

1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607-3941 +1 585-263-2700 [email protected] http://www.museumofplay.org/
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,156 reviews

The Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play. Together, these enable a multifaceted array of research, exhibition, and other interpretive and educational activities that serve a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors, and others around the globe.

Reviewed By V7823XUmichaelb

This museum is fun for all ages and for hours! They have a mini Wegmans, toys HOF, a butterfly exhibit and so much more! Fabulous.

4. Cave of the Winds

Goat Island, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 +1 716-278-1730 http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/cave-of-the-winds.aspx
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6,081 reviews

Cave of the Winds

This exciting tour outfits you in a hooded raincoat and takes you into a cave and then along a catwalk near the foot of the falls for an up-close, wet and very rewarding view of the thunderous, cascading waters.

Reviewed By Kierab2013

This was such a cool experience! My family and I walked to this attraction from the Rainbow Bridge. This tour had been much lower on our To-Do list, when it should have been at the top! We went on a Monday in late August and did NOT purchase our tickets ahead of time. We purchased our tickets when we got to the stand for the next available tour that day, which ended up being in 10 minutes. We didn't have to wait long at all! You get a quick history review about the area via a room like a museum, then watch a short video about the area. Finally, you get a poncho and velcro sandals (you can keep them or recycle afterwards) and then you're set to start your self-paced tour! Keep in mind there is no where to keep your belongings except with/on you (I wore a giant backpack under my poncho and most everything stayed dry inside it - they don't allow food or drinks, except water but they said if they don't see the food then it's fine). If you don't want to get drenched, avoid the Hurricane Deck. You will get great views of the American and Bridal Veil Falls and a slight view of the Horseshoe Falls (but for that I recommend walking a bit further from where you bought the tickets to view the top of the horseshoe falls).

5. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225-1008 +1 718-623-7200 [email protected] http://bbg.org
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,454 reviews

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an urban botanic garden situated on 52 acres in the heart of Brooklyn, fostering delight and curiosity in the world of plants while inspiring an appreciation and sense of stewardship of the environment. The Garden also offers weddings and private event catering at the Palm House and Atrium, in a beautiful outdoor setting. Please note, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally. Be sure to visit bbg.org/visit before plan your visit.

Reviewed By WorldTravla7 - Cairns, Australia

I loved the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and found them incredibly peaceful and relaxing, not to mention stunning in their variety and beauty - just what needed after almost 2 weeks in a pretty crazy city. I also preferred the intimate design over the larger NYC Botanic Gardens in the Bronx. They shoot major productions here (I recognised several parts of the Gardens immediately in Episode 2 of the Netflix series ‘Maniac’ with Emma Stone). Highlights include: - Cherry blossom trees! (come in April/May when Cherry Esplanade is at its most floral). - Yellow Magnolia Cafe - quaint cafe in a greenhouse setting where you may spot a movie star (I looked up and saw Michelle Williams sitting a table across from me) - Shakespeare Garden (an English cottage style garden with around 80 plants referred to in Shakespeare’s works) - The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden (a traditional Japanese garden and pond with orange torii gate, immaculately kept plants and trees, sculptures, and a gazebo for viewing - The indoor C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum which houses one of the largest collections of bonsai (around 350) outside of Japan All things considered, this is a must do. Perhaps combine it with a day trip to Brooklyn/Prospect Park. Cost is $30 which is not cheap but well worth the spend. You are given a detailed map of the Gardens on entry. Entrance is adjacent to Prospect Park.

6. Dumbo

Brooklyn, NY 11201 +1 718-237-8700 http://www.dumbo.is/home
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,838 reviews

Dumbo

Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. It encompasses two sections: one located between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, which connect Brooklyn to Manhattan across the East River, and another that continues east from the Manhattan Bridge to the Vinegar Hill area.

Reviewed By 329john123 - Pittsburgh, United States

Really nice area with views of the skyline and many restaurants and free events in the evenings with really good local bands playing a variety of music. A great place to wind down from the bustle of the city. The only downside is the noise from the subway trains as they travel across the bridge.

7. Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Remsen St to Orange St along the East River, Brooklyn, NY +1 718-722-3214 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=136
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,437 reviews

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Offering magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, this 1/3-mile-long sliver of green overlooks Brooklyn's busy industrial waterfront.

Reviewed By 384deannaa

A walk on the Promenade offers a beautiful view of Manhattan. Walking along Montague Street offers many local restaurants to chose from

8. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

180 Greenwich St World Trade Center, New York City, NY 10007-0089 +1 212-312-8800 [email protected] http://www.911memorial.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 95,292 reviews

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Through commemoration, exhibitions and educational programs, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a nonprofit in New York City, remembers and honors the 2,983 people killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, as well as those who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks. 9/11 Memorial, Open Daily, 7-days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9/11 Memorial Museum, Open Thursday–Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thanksgiving and Christmas: Memorial Only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Museum Closed

Reviewed By Travelaround86 - Nottingham, United Kingdom

The museum and tour is definatly a must do for anyone visiting NYC, even if it's just out of respect for all of the people that died and were effected during the 9/11 disaster. Ground Zero is free to visit(The outdoor area where the two towers stood) and is so beautifuly and respectfully designed with waterfalls and all of the names of the victims displayed. The memorial museum is actualy underground within the foundations of the twin towers and is both a haunting yet beautiful tribute to everyone and everything lost. There are hundreds of artefacts and many videos and sound clips on display and the devestation caused cannot be understood until you see it with your own eyes. Ticket price is very reasonable and guides very knowledgeable, however we chose to just walk around the memorial ourselves without a tour. This was a very emotional museum and I have no shame in admitting that I shed a tear or two myself. Would definatley reccomend a visit here.

9. Dyker Heights

Brooklyn, NY +1 212-913-9917 http://www.facebook.com/Dyker-Heights-Christmas-Lights-149275121790027
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 607 reviews

Dyker Heights

Reviewed By 15Angelina03 - New York City, United States

Great place to go and feel the Christmas spirit. Houses are magically decorated, people are friendly, amazing pace to take pictures

10. Long Island Sound

NY
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Long Island Sound

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