57 Best Landmarks in New York

Summit One Vanderbilt sits atop the new 67-story One Vanderbilt supertall skyscraper, a 1,401-foot-tall skyscraper. As the fourth tallest building in the city after One World Trade Center, Central Park Tower, and 111 West 57th Street, it is just west of Grand Central Terminal, where you first enter the underground experience. After a journey through a mirrored hallway with its own immersive elements, guests take an elevator to the 91st floor, where they find themselves 1,000 feet above the streets and sidewalks of New York. Kenzo Digital has created a fully mirrored infinity room called "Air" that reflects the sky and city views over and over again, making you feel like you are walking in heaven or another plane of existence. Looking above and below you in this two-story space, you see your reflection repeating itself forever. After ascending to the third level of this experience, guests are introduced to “Levitation,” a series of clear glass boxes that jut out of the building 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue. Here you can stand on the street with only glass between you and the ground. It's certainly not for the faint of heart.

Although the One World Observatory occupies floors 100 to 102 of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, this observation deck can be reached in just 60 seconds via a set of visually immersive 'Sky Pod' elevators. During the interactive tour experience, visitors walk through some of the foundation on which the building is built before entering the elevators, which are equipped with floor-to-ceiling LED screens that show a video of the city and the history of the building. Once at the top, the video concludes as the screen lifts up to reveal stunning 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline. After taking in the views, head to One Café for casual dining, One Mix for small plates and cocktails, or, the gem, One Dine for a full dining experience with large windows overlooking the horizon (reservations required ). —Dan Q. Dao.

It's virtually impossible to imagine New York's glittering skyline without the iconic Empire State Building. A famous piece of Art Deco architecture that took more than 400 days to complete structurally, the skyscraper reaches a staggering height of 1,454 feet and, although no longer the tallest building in New York, it held that title for several decades after its completion. in 1931. date. Do you visit this illustrious monument? Keep your eyes peeled for some of the finer details of the lobby, which was lovingly restored in 2009. Enjoy the views from the three levels of lights above, illuminating up to nine colors at once, and don't miss the rod at the top. of the building, which is frequently struck by lightning; Yes, you might see sparks (literally) fly. Oh, and (of course) spend some time on the observation deck – the cityscape is fantastic. There may be a line, but trust us, the wait is worth it. Plus, the Empire State is open 365 days a year, so there's no reason to overlook it.

For more than one hundred years, this transit center has channeled thousands of daily travelers (more than 700,000 per day) through its wide corridors and concourses. Although technically a passage for those looking to go elsewhere, the building is certainly a destination in itself. With its grandiose Beaux Arts setting, the terminal is a spectacle of both form and function. Familiar features include the domed ceiling adorned with constellations and the four-faced opal clock that crowns the main information booth, both located on the Grand Concourse. Above the 42nd Street entrance you'll find symbolism for Mercury, the god of travel (naturally), and an ornate Tiffany crystal clock. — Dan Q. Dao.

You'll find a smorgasbord of New York sites in this distinctive multi-block complex; in fact, the ground level alone is home to the tourist-packed ice skating rink, the bronze Atlas statue, and the "Today Show" plaza. Higher up, Top of the Rock rivals the Empire State Building for panoramic views of the city. You may not be able to access the five private rooftop gardens if you're not a Saturday Night Live cast member, but you can still check out the spaces in Saks Fifth Avenue's eighth-floor shoe department if you can't help but feel curiosity. . However, no special credentials are required to inspect the Art Deco murals that appear on various buildings. Don't miss the triptych over the exterior entrance to 5 Rockefeller Center or the statue of Prometheus next to the runway; both supposedly contain secret Masonic symbols. —Allison Williams

We won't argue whether you want to call this resplendent pinnacle of Art Deco architecture the most dazzling skyscraper in New York. The triangle-shaped windows in its crown are filled with lights, creating a beautiful effect at night. Exuding a moneyed sophistication often identified with old New York, the structure pays homage to its namesake with giant eagles (replicas of those added to Chrysler automobiles in the 1920s) in place of traditional gargoyles and a brick relief sculpture of racing cars, complete with chrome. hubcaps. During the famous three-way race to build Manhattan's tallest building, Chrysler added a needle-sharp stainless steel spire to Wall Street's Top 40, but shortly after its completion in 1930 it was surpassed by the Empire State Building. —Tim Lowery

Expansion doesn't even begin to describe this Manhattan institution: It's one of the few places in the city where you can literally spend an entire day and see just a fraction of the properties. Behind the doors of its iconic neoclassical façade lie 17 curatorial collections spanning countless eras and cultural perspectives, from prehistoric Egyptian artifacts to contemporary photography. Those looking to satisfy their anthropological curiosity can explore the Costume Institute's extensive array of musical instruments, weapons and armor or the centuries of wearable art. And for committed museum visitors who have toured the permanent collections (an admirable feat), the special exhibitions are worth revisiting year after year. Recent blockbusters have examined the career of the late designer Alexander McQueen and featured the works of Pablo Picasso —Carolyn Stanley

In the footsteps of where the Twin Towers once stood are the largest artificial waterfalls in North America, the bottoms of which seem impossible to see. The twin reflecting pools, the 9/11 Memorial designed by Michael Arad, are a solemn reminder of all that was lost during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993. They line the pools , each an acre of large size, are bronze panels with the names of the 3,000 deceased victims of the attacks, including rescue personnel who died helping the other victims. For those who wish to pay their respects to the tragedy and learn more about the events that occurred, the museum serves as the premier collection of 9/11 artifacts and documentation. Inside, visitors can hear first-hand accounts from survivors, view photographs and video footage of the attacks, and see recovered artifacts, such as wrecked recovery vehicles, large pieces of warped metal foundations, and the national 9/11 flag. September 30 feet. —Tolly Wright

This 21-story Beaux Arts building once dominated the city center. Although now overshadowed by other structures, when it debuted in 1902, the triangle-shaped monolith represented the threat and excitement of modernity: detractors claimed it would never withstand the strong winds that buffeted 23rd Street, while revered photographer Alfred Stieglitz, who captured him. In an iconic photograph from 1903, he wrote that it was “a picture of a new America still in the making.” Today, it is possibly the least attractive New York landmark for tourists. The space above the ground floor shops, occupied by the Macmillan publishing house, is inaccessible to the public, but during office hours you can admire black and white photographs and read some panels on the history of the tower in the lobby . If you want to see the “point” offices (just over six feet wide at their narrowest point), we suggest getting to work on the Great American Novel. —Jonathan Shannon

Lady Liberty (or Liberty Enlightening the World, as she is officially known) was a gift from France on the United States' centennial. A universal symbol of freedom that welcomed more than 10 million immigrants sailing to Ellis Island in the early 20th century, the copper-plated sentinel measures 305 feet tall from the bottom of its base to the tip of its Torch. Book well in advance (three weeks or more) to see the New York skyline from Liberty Island with access to the statue's crown, and go earlier in the day if you also want to take the ferry to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

To truly feel out of the city, head to the 38-acre wilderness area on the west side of the park known as the Ramble. The area has a storied history (as a gay cruising spot dating back to the turn of the last century, among other things), and was even proposed as a recreational area in the mid-'50s. Fortunately, the winding trails, rocks and the streams remain, seemingly waiting to be discovered. If you want plenty of sun and a more social atmosphere, spread a blanket at Sheep's Meadow, where groups playing guitar and Frisbee and tanning topless stretch as far as the eye can see.

No simple river crossing, this stretch is an elegant reminder of New York's history of architectural innovation. When it opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was an engineering feat: it was the first structure to cross the East River and, at the time, the longest suspension bridge in the world. (It also used steel wire cables, invented by the bridge's original designer, John A. Roebling.) It now attracts thousands of tourists and locals, who enjoy spectacular views of lower Manhattan and other city landmarks (such as the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island) as they stroll its mile-long expanse. Beware, however: you may encounter the occasional cyclist trying to weave through the crowds on the pedestrian walkway. —Amy Plitt.

The Guggenheim in New York is as famous for its iconic building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and restored for its 50th birthday in 2009, as it is for its impressive collection and bold temporary art exhibitions. The museum holds Peggy Guggenheim's treasure trove of cubist, surrealist, and abstract expressionist works, along with the Panza di Biumo Collection of American minimalist and conceptual art from the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to works by Manet, Picasso, Chagall, and Bourgeois , the Guggenheim has the largest Kandinsky collection in the US —Howard Halle

When Madame Tussaud began creating wax figures in Europe in the late 18th century, she immortalized figures from the bloody French Revolution and later, in her first museum space on Baker Street, London, she featured people involved in sensational crimes. Now, more than 150 years after her death, Tussaud's legacy lives on in museums in several major cities around the world. However, few can compare in size or popularity to the five-story edition in Times Square, New York. People looking to take home a souvenir should splurge on tickets that include their own wax hand sculpture; You certainly can't get something like this at all tourist attractions.

The world's most expensive train station, Oculus serves the PATH train and 12 subway lines, and houses a beautiful shopping center inside. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the exterior resembles the skeleton of a whale, it has steel ribs clad in white metal that extend up and out, symbolizing a hand releasing a dove. The structure is a lasting reminder of the attacks of September 11, 2001. It is aligned with the solar angles of the sun every September 11, from 8:46 a.m., when the first plane hit, until 10:28 a.m., when The second the tower collapsed. Its central skylight conforms to this alignment and bathes the Oculus floor in a beam of light. The new shopping center inside has stores such as Apple Store, Aesop, Kate Spade, John Varvatos and others. Dining includes Eataly, Gansevoort Market, Wasabi Sushi & Bento and more.

Have you seen everything you can on the streets of New York and are looking for an ocean-oriented activity? It's time to head to the New York Aquarium. Whether visiting the penguin habitat or working up an appetite at feeding time, the oldest aquarium in the US has a lot to discover. Be sure to visit the sea lion pool, recreated reef, and shark exploration tank, only if you dare.

Learn about the glorious history of American aviation and the brave heroes who pioneered the world's last frontier at this nonprofit educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid. Founded in 1982, the museum also features an unrivaled collection of fighter jets, a Blackbird spy plane, a Concorde, the USS Growler nuclear submarine, a space shuttle prototype, and a capsule that returned one of the first astrotourists to Earth. . Permanent exhibits include a harrowing 30-minute video with audiovisual effects about the kamikaze attacks on the Intrepid, while new rotating programs range from a summer movie series (starting with Star Trek, appropriately) to an annual science festival and space. — Dan Q. Dao

Lincoln Center, one of the largest performing and visual arts campuses in the world, began construction in 1959 thanks in part to funding from John D. Rockefeller III. Today, the center is home to 30 world-class venues, including the Metropolitan Opera House, the David H. Koch Theater and the Julliard School, as well as 11 resident organizations that together host thousands of events each year. At the heart of the complex is the renowned Josie Robertson Plaza, whose fountain can be seen spouting white-lit water jets with the golden glow of the Met lobby serving as an elegant backdrop. — Dan Q. Dao

This museum of the Middle Ages may have been built in the 1930s, but it looks much older than that. Located in a bucolic park overlooking the Hudson River, the structure recreates architectural details of five 15th-century monasteries and houses items from the Met's collections of medieval art and architecture. John D. Rockefeller, who donated the land for the museum, even purchased land across the river to preserve the pristine view. Be sure to inspect the tapestries, including the famous 16th-century Unicorn Hunt. —Andres Frisicano

Beyond the iconic and spectacular exhibits (the grizzly bear in the North American Hall of Mammals, the 94-foot-long blue whale, the prehistoric Barosaurus skeleton that rears as if to frighten the adjacent Allosaurus skeleton), There is a 148-year-old museum exhibit that fills visitors of all ages with curiosity about the universe. Whether you're interested in the world beneath our feet, or the cultures of distant lands, or the stars light years beyond our reach, your visit is sure to teach you some things you never knew. —Tolly Wright

This luxury downtown complex, originally called the World Financial Center, is now home to several offices, including Merrill Lynch and American Express. Downstairs, however, you'll find a mecca of shopping attractions ranging from fashion (Burberry, Hermes, Gucci) to restaurants (Amada, Le District food hall). Beyond shopping, stroll through the space to enjoy the art installations in the glass-enclosed winter garden or go ice skating outdoors during the cold-weather months. — Dan Q. Dao

Native American life and culture are presented in rotating exhibits, from Navajo jewelry to ritual tribal dance costumes, along with contemporary works of art. The Diker Pavilion for Native Arts and Culture, opened in 2006, has already made its mark on the city's cultural life by offering the only showcase dedicated to Native American visual and performing arts.

The Bombers' current field opened in 2009 to much fanfare and sits across from the now-flattened original. It may not be the house Ruth built, but many elements of the new arena (the limestone exterior, the door-like frieze around the top) mimic the old one, plus cupholders at each seat and a scoreboard High definition are notable improvements. A museum behind center field is intended to house baseballs signed by all living Yankees players, but the most potent relic was not allowed to remain on site; In 2008, construction crews jackhammered out a Red Sox jersey that a rival fan attempted to install on the structure. base. —Allison Williams

Sure, you could spend a day getting lost in the permanent exhibits, which showcase all kinds of priceless pieces by renowned artists. But equally essential are the other elements of this museum, including an attached cinema that combines signature food and more accessible offerings, a sculpture garden with works by Picasso and Rodin, and The Modern, a high-end restaurant and bar run by Danny Meyer. . Free Fridays, an attractive prospect considering the hefty entrance fee ($25 for adults), are best left to money-saving tourists and students; Visit the museum when you can rest for a while.

Located on the grounds of two World's Fairs, the QMA is home to one of Gotham's most striking sights: The New York City Panorama, a 9,335-square-foot scale model of the five boroughs, created for the 1964 exposition and which presents Lilliputian models. With an ambitious expansion project in 2009, the museum doubled in size when it reopened in 2013, featuring public event spaces, eight new artist studios, and a glass facade facing Grand Central Parkway. —Andres Frisicano

Although it faces the imposing Art Deco Rockefeller Center, architect James Renwick's neo-Gothic-style building stands tall with intricate marble towers, a cavernous cross vault, pointed arches and buttresses. But the real treasures are found within this active house of worship, which is packed with impressive works. With a $175 million restoration project completed in 2015, visitors can delight in a gleaming, tanned and polished new interior. More than 200 saints are represented throughout the church, and many alters helpfully explain their stories to those missing Bible study classes. Look for the altar of St. Louis, just north of the Lady's Chapel, designed by the Tiffany workshop and donated by Jackie O's father, Michael Bouvier. South of Saint Louis is a large copy of Michelangelo's Pieta, made by the same sculptor who designed the lions outside the New York Public Library on 42nd Street. —Jonathan Shannon

Fans of Manhattan's predecessor won't mind crossing the river to find this branch of Long Island City, which is unique for its ever-evolving lineup of cutting-edge artwork and new programs. And while there's no shortage of world-renowned artists working here (Janet Cardiff, Olafur Eliasson), the venue also hosts one of the city's most popular music events, Warm Up, which combines innovative installations with live music from emerging artists. it acts to challenge visitors' expectations of what art can be. — Dan Q. Dao

The big, beloved and not-so-beautiful MSG is perhaps the most famous sports stadium in the world. Located above Penn Station since 1968, the 20,000-seat venue is not only home to New York's Knicks and Rangers basketball and ice hockey teams, but is also a favorite venue for college basketball tournaments ( The Big East), professional boxing and MMA fights. and, as a destination for WWE. Sports fans, however, know the Garden primarily as the best place in town to see international touring sensations like Adele, Beyonce and Aziz Ansari and many other incredible concerts. To learn the history of the stadium, which existed in several other iterations elsewhere over the past 130 years, and to see where the athletes dress, check out the all-access tour ($26.95, seniors and students $19.95, or ticketed the show $16 additional, group rates available), which has stops in locker rooms, the stadium and through exhibits featuring images and paraphernalia from iconic moments in sports and performance history. —Tolly Wright

Located just a ferry ride from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, this Staten Island gem, former home of retired boaters, remains a secret. Spread over 83 acres, the area features a huge botanical garden and cultural center surrounded by cobblestone streets and small lanes of Victorian and Tudor houses. One of the most popular attractions here is the Chinese Scholar's Garden, equipped with magnificent mountain-like rocks inspired by the poetry and paintings of Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist monks, as well as a bamboo forest trail and a pond. 

Go to the most beloved park in the city center? Located behind the New York Public Library is a well-cultivated retreat that hosts a dizzying lineup of free summer entertainment, including popular outdoor movies. In winter, visit Bank of America Winter Village to enjoy the free ice skating rink and pop-up holiday shops.

New Yorkers love to eat outdoors, whether at one of the city's best waterfront restaurants, elevated rooftop bars, or outdoor food markets like Brooklyn's famous Smorgasburg. A favorite among locals and tourists, Smorg has almost 100 vendors selling really delicious and dirt-cheap snacks. It's open April through November (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at Williamsburg's East River Park on Saturdays and Prospect Park's Breeze Hill on Sundays. —Christina Izzo

Just 15 minutes from the city center, the Museum of the Moving Image is one of the most dynamic institutions in the city. Collaborating with Kaufman Astoria Studios, it includes a three-story extension featuring a state-of-the-art 267-seat cinema and expanded gallery spaces. Meanwhile, the museum's "Behind the Screen" exhibit examines every step of the filmmaking process, with artifacts from more than 1,000 different productions and 14 classic (playable!) video games, including Asteroids, Ms. Pac-Man and Space Invaders. And don't miss the fairly new Jim Henson exhibit, where you can "meet" all your favorite Muppets and Sesame Street characters.

The Jewish Museum, located in the 1908 Warburg Mansion, hosts temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and also has a significant collection of works of art and Judaica. There's a permanent exhibit specifically for kids, as well as a restaurant that includes an Uptown outpost of Russ & Daughters, the Lower East Side's iconic purveyors of kosher delicacies like smoked salmon, sable, and whitefish.

Each city park offers its own brand of green escapism, but this lush expanse goes beyond landscaped flora. In addition to hosting swaths of greenery, including the 50-acre forest, featuring some of the city's oldest trees, the garden cultivates a rotating roster of shows that nod to the world's most treasured green spaces, such as the majestic grounds of the Alhambra and Monet's open-air sanctuary in Giverny. —Sarah Bruning

When the weather is nice, there's nothing like walking the High Line. The New York Elevated Park is undoubtedly one of the most popular attractions in New York that everyone should cross off their list. To give you a little history, the High Line was once a railroad line, in use until 1980. In 2009, the 1.45-mile-long strip was transformed into what is now considered one of New York's most unique parks. York. Featuring wildflowers, greenery and outdoor art installations, plus stunning views of the New York skyline. —Evelyn Derico

The tallest open-air viewing platform in the Western Hemisphere has landed at Hudson Yards. Unfortunately, the bird's-eye view attraction called Edge won't be open to the public until 2020. But judging by the rendering, it looks like it's worth the wait—that is, if you're not afraid of heights. The building's open-air terrace takes you 65 feet into the sky, making it the highest public balcony in New York. The platform not only offers panoramic views of our city skyline, but also a great vantage point below. Brave souls can stand on a large transparent glass floor and wave to passersby 330 meters below the surface. Like the Top of the Rock concept at Rockefeller Center, there is a 10,000-square-foot bar, restaurant and event space on the 101st floor.

While they haven't been as successful as their Bronx rivals in recent years, the Mets can certainly be happy with their stadium, which opened in 2009. With great views, fun activities for the kids, and a prodigious selection of food and drinks (including Shake Shack and Blue Smoke), even those with minimal interest in the game will have fun at the park, which in recent years has also become a concert venue with appearances by megastars like Paul McCartney and Nas.

New York City's hottest new attraction, Little Island, opened to the public in May 2021 and has since attracted many visitors who flocked to see Manhattan's newest "floating" green space. Open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m to 1 a.m, the park is filled with open grass, colorful bushes and trees, and a secret garden. Although entry to the park is free all day, entry between noon and closing requires a reservation. For those who are hungry, Savory Hospitality offers affordable food and drink options. The park's amphitheaters, The Glade and The Amph, offer spectacular views of the Hudson River and most events are free all summer long. Every Monday night at 6 p.m. m., the theater presents Savory Talks & Performances, a free dialogue about food sustainability and industry trends. The lineup features local farms and sustainable meat and fish businesses, looking at the future of food production, including “storytelling and dance elements” from Perform in the Park artists.

Although not as easily accessible by public transportation as most New York museums, this Queens County treasure is well worth the bus or car trip. As the city's oldest continuously farmed site (it's been in operation since 1697), the 47 acres feel like a completely different world compared to Manhattan. Feed and pet the barnyard animals, including sheep, ponies, and goats, hop on a hayride, and return during the fall harvest season, when you can go pumpkin picking and try to find your way through the Amazing Maize Maze ( yes, it's a corn maze). ). Don't forget to stop by the store on your way out to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables grown on the premises!

RISENY places thrill seekers inside a 40-foot, 180-degree projection dome that plays 8K aerial footage to create the sensation of flying. (The ride is similar to Disneyland's "Soarin' Over California" experience.) The experience begins with a film by documentary filmmakers Ric Burns and James Sanders, narrated by everyone's favorite actor, Jeff Goldblum, that addresses the history of New York, specifically Times Square and its globalization. impact. Visitors are then taken to a recreation of the city's first subway station at City Hall circa 1904, which is transformed into a fully immersive theater with visual and special effects. Finally, a modern subway car virtually transports visitors to the galleries. While in the subway car, passengers see the vibrant evolution of New York pop culture through seven themed galleries: "Finance", "Skyline", "TV/Radio", "Fashion", "Music", "Broadway" and "Cinema." Showcase historic artifacts and star-studded memorabilia. Once through the galleries, visitors are eventually taken into the air, where they will "fly" around New York landmarks (one rendering shows the Statue of Liberty) to a soundtrack of songs like "Welcome to New York" by Taylor Swift and Frank "New York Theme" by Sinatra. The full-motion seats will tilt, swivel and rise as wind, fog and odors are blown into passengers' faces.

Those looking for a bit of peace and quiet would do well to spend a few hours in this green oasis. The garden, which borders two other neighborhood gems: the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park, was founded in 1910 and features thousands of types of flora, spread across 52 acres. Every spring, crowds flock to the space for the Sakura Matsuri Festival, during which many trees bloom along the Cherry Esplanade. But equally impressive are serene places like the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the first Japanese-inspired garden displayed in the U.S., and the Shakespeare Garden, filled with plants (like primroses and crocuses) mentioned in the works of the Bard. —Amy Plitt

Let the world believe the Empire State Building has the best view of New York City—it keeps the crowds a little more manageable on the spectacular open-air observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Center. The aerial view of Gotham from 70 stories high allows visitors to not only see other iconic skyscrapers around downtown, including the aforementioned Empire State Building, but also see the entire expanse of Central Park. It's not as expensive as that other observation deck (adults $38, seniors $36, children 6 to 12 $32), and for those who don't want to wait in line, there is a VIP ticket ($75) that gives guests the opportunity to skip lines and get priority elevator access. If you're willing to splurge, don't forget to dress up and stop by the Rainbow Room, the historic lounge on the 65th floor, for exceptional cocktails, great food, live music, and spectacular views that rival those on the terrace, even if they are of some plants. lower.

New York's ever-changing skyline has taken on another sky-high attraction for Gothamites to climb: Vessel. The 60-ton sculpture, located in the chic cultural destination Hudson Yards, resembles a honeycomb, although some New Yorkers joke that it looks like a trash can. Others say the gigantic art installation designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick is New York's version of the Tour Eiffel. We say it sounds like a good excuse to exercise and Instagram. Visitors will climb the spiral staircase made up of 154 interconnected stairs, almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings, and although the current view of the construction is not ideal (the attraction just opened to the public on March 15), the various Viewpoints offer panoramic views of the Hudson River that will seem dreamlike at sunset. Know before you go that visiting and climbing the new Hudson Yards jungle gym is free, but you must reserve a time and get tickets in advance. Every morning at 8 a.m, same-day tickets can be purchased if you are unable to book in advance.

When Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a sculptor and art patron, opened the museum in 1931, she dedicated it to living American artists. Today, the Whitney houses about 19,000 pieces by nearly 2,900 artists, including Alexander Calder, Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Georgia O'Keeffe and Claes Oldenburg. Still, the museum's reputation rests primarily on its temporary exhibitions, particularly the Whitney Biennial. Held in even-numbered years, the Biennial is among the most prestigious (and controversial) assessments of contemporary art in the United States. The 2015 opening of the Renzo Piano-designed building near the High Line was acclaimed for its elegant, simplistic design. —Andres Frisicano

History buffs will love this Upper West Side institution. Built in 1804, it is the oldest museum in New York City. In a nod to the city's heritage, the museum kept the hyphen in its name, which is what New York was known in the early 19th century. The collection features more than 1.6 million works exploring the history of the city and country, including exhibits, art and historical artifacts. Don't miss the fourth floor, where you'll find the Women's History Center and a resplendent gallery of 100 beautiful Tiffany lamps. —Christina Gibson

The Frick Madison is now located at 945 Madison Avenue, the former home of the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Met Breuer, while Henry Clay Frick's mansion undergoes a massive renovation. This new phase will last two years, and while Marcel Breuer's Brutalist building is a huge departure from the Gilded Age mansion, the space offers a very different and unusual look at the collection, according to museum officials. Unlike the Frick Mansion, the Breuer Building is a clean slate, which actually helps draw the viewer's attention to the individual works. Here the eyes are not busy looking at ornate furniture. It's about seeing the smaller details of the artwork that you may have overlooked in the mansion. According to Ian Wardropper, director of Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen, "He's a different Frick than you've ever met."

Give the city's fourth-largest park a day and it will show you the world: its most enduring icon is the Unisphere, the gigantic steel globe created for the 1964 World's Fair. But there's also world-class culture and sports at the New York Hall of Science, Arthur Ashe Stadium and Citi Field (depending on how the Mets do). The rolling green fields also include a zoo, boating lake, skate park, barbecue area, playing fields and a $66 million hockey and aquatic center. In 2011, wetland plants such as swamp azalea and swamp milkweed were added to better manage water runoff from the park, improving catch-and-release fishing at Meadow Lake. —Allison Williams

Once home to a National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory, this Chelsea food court serves locals and restaurant-loving tourists alike. An ever-changing range of dining and drinking options ranges from Dizengoff, Philly's famous hummus, to oyster and seafood bar Cull & Pistol and the master sommelier-run Corkbuzz Wine Studio, while commercial vendors include Anthropologie, Posman Books and the local organization Artists & Fleas. Just a stone's throw from High Line Park and the nightlife hub of the Meatpacking District, the market is a must-see destination when visiting the area. — Dan Q. Dao

This Harlem institution has been the site of more than a few historic moments: Ella Fitzgerald's first performance took place here in 1934; Live at the Apollo, recorded in 1962, practically launched James Brown into the mainstream; and a young Jimi Hendrix won an Amateur Night contest in 1964. Despite its history and grand decor, this living link to the Harlem Renaissance feels quite cozy inside. Lately, the theater has attracted big-name comedians (Aziz Ansari, Tracy Morgan, Jim Gaffigan) and big rock stars (Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen), while continuing to welcome hidden talent to its famous Amateur Night of the Wednesday. —Tim Lowery

Holiday displays and huge balloons may draw curious onlookers to Macy's flagship store during the winter, but the giant department store is a year-round destination for some 20 million shoppers. The $400 million renovation in 2015 outfitted the store with ostensibly Millennial-friendly equipment like 3D printers, selfie walls and laser imaging technology, but restored the 34th St entrance and the iconic rickety wooden escalators that They have been in Herald Square since opening in 1902. This department store is also home to the always impressive and annual Macy's Flower Show. —Allison Williams

In 1986, artists and activists created this 4.5-acre urban park on a landfill. It now hosts large-scale sculpture exhibitions year-round and is one of the few places in the city specifically designated for artists to create works outdoors. The lavish Queens space overlooks the Manhattan skyline and is open 365 days a year, with a Greenmarket, free yoga and tai chi classes, and more.

The Blue Note prides itself on being "the jazz capital of the world." True musical titans (Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter) rub shoulders with young talents, while the club's closely spaced tables make customers rub against each other. Arrive early to ensure a good spot, and we recommend paying for a seat at the table.

The New Museum takes its name from The New School, where it originally opened in 1977. After moving to Soho, where it became a fixture during the 1980s and 1990s, the New Museum moved to its current location in 2007. It houses three levels of main galleries, a theatre, a café run by Hester Street Fair and rooftop terraces. The New Musem focuses its program on emerging (and important but little recognized) artists.

In fact, you can look forward to going to JFK International Airport thanks to this beautiful, completely renovated TWA terminal, which serves as a hotel, food and beverage destination, and convention. The interior of Eero Saarinen's iconic 1962 building oozes '60s elegance with 512 rooms offering views of JFK's runways, a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant, a rooftop pool, and an observation deck.

Here's an art museum for puppies. On February 8, the AKC Dog Museum reopened its doors downtown and New Yorkers have been gasping with excitement ever since. The American Kennel Club moved the original exhibit, previously housed in a doghouse in the New York Life Building, closer to its territory and library. To be clear: This is not an unforgiving Museum of Ice Cream or Museum of Pizza situation. So why dig up all 15 bones to get in? For the photo booth that reveals which breed of dog you are most like. Have your pup-arazzi moment!

Attending an outdoor bazaar is definitely a must here in New York, and Brooklyn Flea is definitely one of the best flea markets to go to. The market has it all, including an impressive selection of vintage items and records, which you certainly won't find in any vintage clothing or record store in the city. The food selection is nothing to sneeze at either, as the creators also organize one of the best food festivals in the city: Smorgasburg.

Brooklyn's premier institution is a less crowded alternative to Manhattan's more famous spaces, though the innovative and impactful elements found inside are as important as anything you'll find in the city. The museum, located on the edge of sprawling Prospect Park, has a large collection of Egyptian art, as well as the famous feminist piece, The Dinner Party, by Judy Chicago. The collection also includes works by Impressionist masters such as Cézanne, Monet and Degas, along with fine examples of early American art, period rooms and much more.