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When you visit New York there will be so much to choose from to do and see - let FunPennsylvania recommend some top things to do in New York. These top 25 attractions in NY will give you an idea of the most fun and interesting places to visit. Many of the top attractions in New York are just over the PA border!

9/11 Memorial

A Shrine of Remembrance

 Located on the site where the World Trade Center once stood, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum is a shrine built in honor of the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks. The names of the victims are carved in bronze and surround two reflecting pools featuring the biggest manmade waterfalls you'll find in North America. A significant part of the history of the city--and the nation--this definitely counts as one of the top 25 attractions in New York.

 

The 9/11 Memorial is open every day, from 10 am to 8 pm. Admission is free but you'll need a visitor pass, which can be reserved online or by phone.

American Museum of Natural History

The Wonders of Earth and Beyond!

Discover the wonders of planet Earth and beyond with a visit to the American Museum of Natural History. From dinosaur fossils to lifelike animal dioramas to the marvels of outer space, this museum will leave you awestruck--and smarter about science and culture, too! It's a wonderful way to learn, and that is why it is considered one of the top 25 attractions in New York.

 

The Museum of Natural History is open every day, from 10 am to 5:45 pm. General admission tickets are $19 for adults, $10.50 for children, and $14.50 for students and seniors.

Bronx Zoo

The Biggest Urban Zoo in the World!

The biggest urban zoo in the world and one of the top 25 attractions in New York, the Bronx Zoo lets you experience wildlife from different parts of the globe, right in the heart of the city! With more than 600 species on display, plus a butterfly garden, a carousel, a 4-D theater, and lots of other attractions, this is a must-see for kids and kids-at-heart alike.

 

Hours of operation are 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5:30 pm on weekends and holidays. Visit the Bronx Zoo website for the rates and other details.

Brotherhood Winery

The Oldest Winery in the Country!

 Acknowledged as the oldest winery in the country and one of the top 25 attractions in New York, Brotherhood Winery is an excellent place to visit if you're a wine enthusiast. It offers tours of its underground cellars containing more than 200 oak barrels, as well as tastings, both of its own wines and foreign vintages.

 

Hours of operation are 11 am to 5 pm Sunday thru Friday and 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday. Tastings are $7 per wine glass and $5 per additional tasting. Tour passes are $6 each. Combined tour and tasting passes are $10 each.

Central Park

An Oasis in the Heart of Manhattan!

 Take a breather from the concrete jungle with a relaxing visit to Central Park! Located right in the heart of Manhattan, this is an 843-acre oasis offering a welcome respite from all the hustle and bustle of the city. With 24,000 trees, 275 species of migratory birds, 21 playgrounds, and seven ornamental fountains, among many other points of interest, this definitely qualifies as one of the top 25 attractions in New York!

 

Central Park is open every day of the year, from 6 am to 1 am. Go on a self-guided tour, or avail of one of several custom walking and van tours with a donation.

Empire State Building

World-Famous American Icon

 Who doesn't know of the world-famous Empire State Building? An American icon and one of the top 25 attractions in New York, the Empire State Building offers stunning views of the city all the way to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware from two observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors.

 

Whether you want panoramic daytime vistas or magnificent nighttime sights, you'll experience them all here! The building is open from 8 am to 2 am every day, all year round. Tickets to both observatories cost $42 for adults, $39 for seniors, and $36 for children. Or, you can visit just the 86th floor observatory for a lower price.

Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom

Satisfy the Thrill-Seeker in You!

 If you're the thrill-seeking type, Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom is worth a visit. From the top-rated Comet coaster to the swinging Pirate Ship to the spine-tingling Sasquatch drop ride, this theme park will surely satisfy the daredevil in you! But if you're looking for something a little less scary, Great Escape has family and kiddie rides as well. It's an ideal venue for awesome family entertainment, which is why it is one of the top 25 attractions in New York!

 

General admission tickets are $52.99 and junior tickets are $42.99. Kids two and under get in for free.

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt

A Piece of American History

 Experience a piece of American history with a tour of Franklin D. Roosevelt's estate near the Hudson River. This 300-acre historic site is home to FDR's mansion "Springwood," the Presidential Library and Museum, and lovely gardens and trails. You can explore the library, museum, and grounds on your own and go on a guided tour of the home. This blend of beauty and historical significance makes FDR's home one of the top 25 attractions in New York!

 

Visit any day of the week, from 9 am to 5 pm. Tickets to the guided tour are $14 each, but guests ages 15 and under can join for free.

Howe Caverns Adventure Park

Unlike Anything on the Surface of the Earth!

 Step into a different world 156 feet underground at Howe Caverns Adventure Park! You'll be amazed at the stalactite and stalagmite formations, the cool temperature that remains constant throughout the year, and the mirror like underground Lake of Venus, which you'll explore on a quarter-mile boat ride. This is literally unlike anything you'll see on the surface of the Earth, and for that, it deserves a spot as one of the top 25 attractions in New York!

 

Howe Caverns Adventure Park is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. An adult ticket costs $23, a senior ticket $20, a junior ticket $19, and a child ticket $12.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

An Aircraft Carrier Turned Museum

 One of the top 25 attractions in New York and a unique way to learn about American history and science, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is actually a decommissioned aircraft carrier that's been turned into an educational center. Here, you'll see military aircraft up close, find out what it's like to live in a submarine, and even go on a tour of the Concorde!

 

Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum any day of the week. General admission tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, $15 for veterans, $17 for guests ages seven to 17, and $10 for kids ages three to six.

Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate

Once the Home of the Richest Man in America!

Home to four generations of Rockefellers, this grand mansion is a landmark of the Hudson Valley region and one of the top attractions in New York. The stone mansion's, elaborate gardens, six stories of beautifully decorated rooms, and underground art galleries are all meticulously maintained.

 

Several types of tours are available for visitors depending on the length of time you would like to stay. The longest tour, at 3 hours includes a detailed look at every part of the house including the grounds, the second floor balcony and the important paintings from Governor Rockefeller's collection.

Liberty Island

See an Icon of American History!

The country's most recognizable landmark and one of the top attractions in NY, Lady Liberty has been standing at the entrance to New York's harbor for more than 120 years welcoming all who come. A stop at Liberty Island is not to be missed for those are visiting New York City. In addition to the unrivaled view of the statue, visitors can enjoy the gift shop with a wide range of products, a snack shop serving everything from burgers to ice cream and a lovely panoramic view of New York City. 

The ferry carrying passengers to Liberty Island also stops off at Ellis Island, once the gateway to the country, now a fascinating museum and well worth visiting.

Luna Park

Historic and Fun!

You don't usually use the word "historic" to describe roller coasters, but that's exactly what the Cyclone at Luna Park is! More than eight decades old and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cyclone is just one of many attractions at the park. You'll find lots of other rides as well, from the mild all the way to the extreme. This combination of fun and history makes Luna Park one of the top 25 attractions in New York!

 

Luna Park offers several ride and game packages. Check out its website for details and for the schedules of operation.

Madame Tussauds

Amazing Lifelike Artistry!

 Prepare to get star-struck at Madame Tussauds! From Hollywood celebrities to big-name musicians to political and historical personalities, these wax figures will amaze you with their lifelike artistry. If you're not lucky enough to see them in person, this is the next best thing. No wonder Madame Tussauds is one of the top 25 attractions in New York!

 

Madame Tussauds is open all year round. Opening time is 10 am while closing times are anywhere between 8 pm and 10 pm. Tickets at the box office are $36 for adults, $29 for children, and free for kids three and under. Purchase your tickets online and you'll save 15%!

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two Million Works of Art!

 With more than two million works of art in its collection, the Metropolitan Museum of Art definitely deserves a spot as one of the top 25 attractions in New York! This collection spans the entire globe and includes everything from classical to modern art. There are also a number of cafes, including the Roof Garden, which offers great views of Manhattan.

 

Admission is $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $12 for students. Children under 12 get in for free. Museum hours are 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Tuesdays thru Thursdays and Sundays, and 9:30 am to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed on Mondays.

Museum of Modern Art

The World's Finest Modern Art Collection!

 If you're a fan of modern and contemporary art, the Museum of Modern Art is a must-stop. After all, its collection of modern and contemporary art--consisting of paintings, sculptures, photos, films, and much more--is second to none in the world! That is why it occupies a spot as one of the top 25 attractions in New York.

 

Visit MoMA anytime from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm Saturdays thru Thursdays, or from 10:30 am to 8 pm on Fridays. Adults pay $25, seniors $18, and students $14. Kids 16 and under are admitted free of charge.

Niagara Falls State Park

The Closest You Can Get to Niagara Falls!

 Not only is this one of the top 25 attractions in New York, but it is also a world-famous American icon and the oldest state park in the nation! Established in 1885, the Niagara Falls State Park is the closest you can get to Niagara Falls, offering awe-inspiring views as well as lots of other attractions, such as an aquarium, hiking trails, and more.

 

Avail of the Niagara Falls Discovery Pass for $33 for adults and $26 for kids. This includes admission to the Niagara Adventure Theater, the aquarium, the Cave of the Winds, the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, and the Maid of the Mist.

NY Skyride

A 30-Minute "Flight" Over New York

Go on a tour of 30 of New York's most popular attractions--all within 30 minutes--at NY Skyride! The only virtual tour simulator and one of the top 25 attractions in New York, NY Skyride lets you "fly over" the city to enjoy the sights, while listening to Kevin Bacon's cool narration.

 

NY Skyride is located on the second floor of the famous Empire State Building and is open from 8 am to 10 pm, all year round! Tickets are $29 for adults and $19 for children and seniors. You can also opt for the NY Skyride and Empire State Building combo ticket for a slightly higher price.

Prospect Park

Brooklyn's Answer to Central Park

 Manhattan may have Central Park, but Brooklyn can be just as proud of its Prospect Park. After all, it was designed by the same landscape architects who created Central Park. Home to a nearly one-mile-long meadow, Brooklyn's only freshwater lake and forest, and a zoo with almost 400 animals, this urban haven definitely earns a spot as one of the top 25 attractions in New York!

 

Prospect Park is open at all hours every day except 1 am to 5 am. Some of its attractions have their own schedules of operation though. Visit the park's website for details.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

A Feast for the Eyes!

From the moment you set eyes on the modern Frank Lloyd Wright-designed facade to the time you reach the top of the spiral, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is a feast for the eyes! With its vast collection of important art, including Chagalls, Modiglianis, Picassos, and Kandinskys, it definitely qualifies as one of the top 25 attractions in New York.

 

The museum is open every day except Thursday. Hours of operation are 10 am to 7:45 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 5:45 pm the rest of the week. Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for students and seniors, and free for children 12 and under.

Top of the Rock

Unparalleled Views of the City!

 No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the Top of the Rock. Offering unparalleled views of the city and beyond, this definitely counts as one of the top 25 attractions in New York! It has three outdoor observation levels and coin-operated binoculars, as well as an indoor space in case the weather isn't ideal.

 

Visit the Top of the Rock any day of the week. It opens at 8 am and closes at midnight. General admission tickets are $27 for adults, $17 for children, $25 for seniors, and free for kids under six.

Vanderbilt Mansion

A Taste of the Gilded Age

 Have a taste of the Gilded Age with a tour of the Vanderbilt Mansion. One of the top 25 attractions in New York, this is a grand old estate along the Hudson River, home to the celebrated Vanderbilt family for decades. Along with the surrounding 211-acre park, it will awe you with its magnificent architecture, lovely gardens, century-old trees, and gorgeous views of the river and the Catskill Mountains.

 

Guided tours are available every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $8 each but free for children ages 15 and under.

Watkins Glen State Park

Nature's Breathtaking Beauty

 Bask in the beauty of nature at Watkins Glen State Park! With 19 waterfalls, a gorge, hiking trails, campsites, and fishing grounds, among other attractions, it's no wonder this is considered one of the top 25 attractions in New York. Whether you're looking to quietly commune with nature or planning an action-filled day biking, hiking, fishing, or swimming, this is an excellent destination!

 

Watkins Glen State Park is open the entire year. The entrance fee of $8 per vehicle includes use of the pool. Or, you can opt for the $65 season pass, which provides unlimited vehicle entry.

Whiteface Mountain

New York's Skiing Paradise!

 Want to ski down the most awesome vertical drop east of the Rockies? Come to Whiteface Mountain! Located not far from the site of two Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid, it offers terrains for beginners and experts alike, as well as classes for the uninitiated. And it doesn't stop with skiing. You can also go bobsledding, trekking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and gondola riding, among many other activities.

 

Plan a trip to Whiteface Mountain and you'll see why it's one of the top 25 attractions in New York. Check out the resort's website for ticket prices.

Whitewater Challengers

A Wild and Thrilling Water Adventure!

 Experience a wild and thrilling water adventure with Whitewater Challengers! You'll get an adrenaline high from your whitewater ride down the Black River, enjoy a free energy-boosting snack midway, then indulge in a free delicious barbecue dinner afterwards. Got room for a little more adventure? Try the new zipline, too!

 

It's a great combination of fun, adventure, and nature tripping, which is why it is one of the top 25 attractions in New York! Individual rates are $74 on Saturdays, $67 on Sundays, and $61 on weekdays. Groups of 12 or more enjoy a lower rate. Visit the Whitewater Challengers website for the schedules.