New York City is one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world, with countless attractions and activities to suit every taste and budget. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you will never run out of things to do and see in the Big Apple. But if you only have a weekend to explore, you might be wondering where to start and what to prioritize. To help you plan your perfect getaway.
Table of Contents
Here are 10 of the best places to visit in New York City this weekend.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world, with over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years of history. You can admire masterpieces by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, and many more, as well as explore collections of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Asian, African, and Islamic art. The Met also hosts temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year, so there is always something new to discover. The Met is open Friday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for students, and free for children under 12.
2. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic symbols of America and a must-see attraction for any visitor to New York City. The colossal copper statue, which stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, was a gift from France to commemorate the friendship and ideals shared by the two nations. You can take a ferry ride to Liberty Island and get up close to the statue, or even climb up to the pedestal or the crown for stunning views of the city skyline. You can also stop by Ellis Island on your way back and learn about the history of immigration in America at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum2. The ferry operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for children aged 4-12, and free for children under 4.
3. Central Park
Central Park is the green heart of New York City, a sprawling oasis of nature and culture in the middle of the urban jungle. The park covers 843 acres and offers a variety of attractions and activities for all ages and interests. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic paths, relax on the grassy lawns or by the lakes, visit the Central Park Zoo or the Belvedere Castle, watch a performance at the Delacorte Theater or the Naumburg Bandshell, or join a guided tour or a free event organized by the Central Park Conservancy3. Central Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., and admission is free3.
4. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York City and one of the tallest buildings in the world. The Art Deco skyscraper, which was completed in 1931, stands at 1,454 feet high and has 102 floors. You can take an elevator ride to the 86th floor or the 102nd floor observatories and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from all directions. You can also learn about the history and architecture of the building at the interactive exhibits on the second floor4. The Empire State Building is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., and tickets are $42 for adults, $36 for seniors, $36 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 64.
5. Broadway
Broadway is the home of American theater and one of the most popular entertainment destinations in New York City. Broadway refers to both the street that runs through Manhattan and the district that encompasses dozens of theaters that host musicals, plays, comedies, and other live shows. You can catch some of the most famous and acclaimed productions in Broadway history, such as Hamilton, The Lion King, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and many more5. You can also find some great deals on tickets at TKTS booths or online platforms like TodayTix5. Broadway shows usually run from Tuesday to Sunday at various times depending on the theater5.
6. Times Square
Times Square is one of the most vibrant and bustling places in New York City and one of the most visited attractions in the world. Times Square is located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and is known for its dazzling array of neon signs, billboards, and screens that light up the night sky. You can also find a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in Times Square, as well as street performers, artists, and vendors. Times Square is also the site of the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop, which attracts millions of spectators every year6. Times Square is open 24/7 and admission is free6.
7. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest and most beautiful bridges in New York City and one of the engineering marvels of the 19th century. The bridge, which spans the East River and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, was completed in 1883 and was the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world. You can walk or bike across the bridge and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and the harbor. You can also explore the neighborhoods on both sides of the bridge, such as Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, Chinatown, and Lower Manhattan7. The bridge is open 24/7 and admission is free7.
8. Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 buildings that house some of the most important cultural and commercial institutions in New York City. Rockefeller Center is located in Midtown Manhattan and is best known for its seasonal attractions, such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the ice skating rink, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. You can also visit some of the other attractions in Rockefeller Center, such as the Top of the Rock observation deck, the NBC Studios, the Radio City Music Hall, and the Museum of Modern Art8. Rockefeller Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight, and admission fees vary depending on the attraction8.
9. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a tribute to the victims and survivors of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. The memorial consists of two reflecting pools that mark the footprints of the Twin Towers, surrounded by bronze panels that bear the names of nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks. The museum displays artifacts, photographs, videos, and personal stories that tell the history and impact of 9/119. The memorial is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free9. The museum is open Thursday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are $26 for adults, $20 for seniors, $18 for students, $15 for youth aged 7-17, and free for children under 79.
10. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in New York City and one of the busiest transportation hubs in the world. Grand Central Terminal, which opened in 1913, is a masterpiece of architecture and design, with its majestic main concourse, its celestial ceiling mural, its ornate chandeliers, and its four-faced clock. You can also find a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and services in Grand Central Terminal, as well as cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year10. Grand Central Terminal is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., and admission is free10.
Conclusion
New York City is a city that never sleeps, with endless possibilities for fun and adventure. Whether you are interested in art, history, culture, entertainment, or nature, you will find something to suit your preferences in New York City. These are just some of the best places to visit in New York City this weekend, but there are many more to explore and discover. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of the greatest cities in the world.
