New York Vacation Packages & Travel Packages

Things to Do in New York City

Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave.

Midtown West, NY

(212) 736-3100

The tallest building in New York City, was completed in 1931 during the great depression, and stood almost empty for some time. Today, it's host to millions of visitors a year, most of whom ride to the fenced-in Observation Deck just a short distance from the building's top. The popular New York Skyride is launched from the mezzanine with Star Trek's Scottie (James Doohan) as the guide. The Skyride simulates a rooftop flight over the city.

Staten Island Ferry

Whitehall and South Sts.

Lower Manhattan

The city's most celebrated means of transportation offers unsurpassed views of the Manhattan skyline, and it's free.

The Statue of Liberty

The trip to Liberty Island where Lady Liberty stands takes 15 minutes.

The Museum of Modern Art

11 West 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

Manhattan

212-708-9400

Following a temporary move to Queens and a total renovation of the Manhattan facility, the foremost collection of modern art in the world is now completely reinstalled for the latest series of exhibitions. The MoMA draws on both its iconic masterpieces and newly installed contemporary works to explore the birth and growth of modernism.

The 100,000 pieces of art include household objects, photography, graphic design, conceptual art, and industrial design, primarily from the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Works of art feature postimpressionists through "Graffiti" artists. See the early groundbreaking work of Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, Monet, van Gogh and many other pivotal artists.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 Fifth Ave (At 82d St.)

New York NY (212) 535-7710

Tues.-Thur. and Sun, 9:30am-5:15pm; Fri-Sat, 9:30am-9pm

Admission charged.

"The Met" has been described as a vast city of art. The limestone beaux-arts facade with its impressive steps opens onto whole buildings within. Among these are the Temple of Dendur, the Astor Court, a replica Ming dynasty scholar's courtyard, an American wing containing over 20 period style rooms and courtyards, as well as the entire facade of the United States Bank from Wall Street. In addition, there are about 15 discrete collections from ancient art upward through the ages. An Orientation Theater points the way. On Friday and Saturday evenings, a string quartet entertains

Whitney Museum of American Art

945 Madison Ave (At 75th St.)

New York NY

(212) 570-3600

Tues, Wed, Fri-Sun, 11am-6pm; Thurs. 1-8pm

Admission charged.

The museum has an excellent permanent collection of 20th-century art. Recent acquisitions can be seen in several new galleries which opened in April 1998.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

1071 Fifth Ave. (Between 88th and 89th Sts.)

New York NY

(212) 423-3500

Fri-Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun-Wed, 10am-6pm

Admission charged.

While many art museums strive to make an architectural statement, few have succeeded as well as the Guggenheim Museum. This is the only building in New York City that was designed by the great Frank Lloyd Wright. The Guggenheim's initial focus was on abstract painting. The museum's scope has since expanded with acquisitions such as an excellent collection of art from the late-19th and early-20th centuries and a contemporary art center, the Guggenheim Museum SoHo, on lower Broadway. A spectacular new Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is being planned for Piers 9,11,13, and 14 on the East River in Lower Manhattan.

Jewish Museum

Upper East Side 1109 5th Ave (At 92d St.)

New York NY

(212) 423-3200

Sun-Mon, Wed-Thur, 11am-5:45pm; Tues, 11am-8pm

Admission charged.

Located on Museum Mile, the Jewish Museum is dedicated to showing work that addresses issues related to Jewish identity and art by Jewish artists.

American Museum of Natural History

79th St. and Central Park West

New York NY

(212) 769-5100

Admission charged.

The Museum's exhibition halls house a stunning array of artifacts and specimens from all corners of the world and all historical periods. These illuminate the natural history of our planet and its myriad species, and bring the world's cultures to life. A major ($45 million) renovation has restored and enhanced each building and exhibit. Highlights are the Hayden Planetarium (Rose Center) which now features a thrill ride through the universe; partially interactive gigantic dinosaurs; a 94 foot blue whale in the two story Hall of Ocean Life; the Hall of Meteorites, Minerals, and Gems; and Nature Max theater featuring a four story high screen and Friday night jazz and tapas. There is far too much of significance than can be seen in one day!

Brooklyn Bridge

Directions: To get to the bridge, take the 4,5 or 6 subway to the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Station, the N or R subway to City Hall or the 2 or 3 subway to Park Place.

Admission Free

A monument to man's ingenuity and creativity, the world's first steel suspension bridge was designed by architect John Roebling between 1867 and 1883, with oversight of the massive project started by his son after Roebling's sudden death, and completed by the son's wife following his untimely death. On the Manhattan side, you can get some great views of this majestic bridge from the top of Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport. From Brooklyn, Pier 1 at the Fulton Ferry landing provides a beautiful sunset view of the bridge and downtown Manhattan.

Broadway

Phone: (212) 239-6200 or (800) 432-7250 / group # (212) 239-6262

TicketMaster: (212) 307-4100 / group # (212) 889-4300

Going to the theater is one of the most popular events for visitors to New York City. Tickets should be purchased in advance of any show. While many Broadway shows are presented with adult audiences in mind, there are dozens of shows that teens and even younger children can enjoy and appreciate.

Apollo Theater

253 W. 125th St.

Harlem, NY

(212) 749-5838

Many well-known performers got their start at the theater's lively amateur nights, which still take place every Wednesday night.