While some cities cater to art lovers and others draw foodies or sports fans, New York has something for everyone. Plan your New York City vacation around your favorite pastime, or choose one item from each category to get a sampling of the city’s many flavors.
The Historian’s New York
Most visitors begin with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, which once welcomed immigrants from all over the world. Other sites of historical importance include:
- The National September 11 Memorial – Commemorates the attacks on the World Trade Center.
- The Apollo Theater – Harlem’s famous music hall.
- The Cloisters – Featuring medieval architecture and art.
- Coney Island – The early 20th-century seaside resort.
- New York Historical Society – Interactive exhibits of historical urban living.
- Lower East Side Tenement Museum – A restored tenement open for tours.
- The Museum of Natural History – Exhibits spanning prehistory through the space age.
The Artist’s New York
The city boasts some of the best museums and galleries in the world, making it a paradise for art lovers of every variety. Don’t miss:
- The MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art) – Featuring modern and contemporary art.
- The Met – The largest art museum in the United States.
- The Guggenheim – A Frank Lloyd Wright building housing modern and contemporary art.
- David Zwirner Gallery – A wildly popular gallery in Chelsea.
- Pierogi – Featuring local artists and offbeat exhibits.
- Sean Kelly Gallery – Host to some of contemporary art’s biggest names.
The Sports Fan’s New York
New Yorkers love their sports teams and games can be enjoyed throughout the year. Top venues include:
- Yankee Stadium – The new home stadium of the New York Yankees.
- Citi Field – Home of MLB’s New York Mets.
- Madison Square Garden – A multipurpose indoor arena in Manhattan.
- The Red Bull Arena – The New Jersey home of New York’s Red Bulls soccer team.
- Barclays Center – Brooklyn’s multipurpose indoor arena.
The Foodie’s New York
From food carts to fine dining, New York is home to some of the best food in the nation. Don’t miss the following specialties:
- Hot Dogs – Head to Crif Dog for an artisan specialty.
- Burgers – Bareburger offers bison, elk and even ostrich.
- Bagels – Absolute Bagels’ offerings are hand-made and absolutely amazing.
- Ramen – Try Ippudo Ramen for a traditional bowl, or Yuji Ramen for a modern spinoff.
- Food Trucks – Track down Wafels + Dinges for speculoos-topped waffles, or Kimchi Taco for a Korean/Mexican synthesis.
- Fine Dining – Hearth is home to the best Italian, while Morimoto features sushi and seafood. Craft and Gramercy Tavern are also great picks.
Whether you plan your New York City vacation around baseball, burgers or Botticelli, it would take a lifetime to enjoy everything the Big Apple has to offer.
