New York

Central Park is New York’s backyard, a green stretch of calm right in the middle of Manhattan. Spend some time on the Great Lawn, rent a bike, or find a quiet bench by the lake; it’s easy to forget how close the city really is. The park’s surrounded by cultural landmarks too, including the Met on the east side and the Museum of Natural History just across the west side. Summer brings concerts, open-air theater, and plenty of locals just soaking up the sun.

Make the most of your time in New York City and see the Big Apple's top spots on this New York in One Day Sightseeing Tour. Travel by both the Staten Island Ferry and bus as you swing by the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and more. Then hop aboard a luxury boat for a sightseeing cruise past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, complete with sweeping views of NYC's skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Empire State Building is one of those landmarks that still makes people stop and look up. The real payoff comes from the observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors, where the views stretch across the city in every direction. Try to go close to sunset for a mix of daylight and city lights.

New Yorkers tend to religiously avoid Times Square, and proudly proclaim how much they hate it, but standing among the flashing signs, the larger-than-life billboards, and the throngs of bustling tourists is an inimitable experience. Indeed, most people there are visitors to the city snapping pictures of all the excitement, but that's part of the fun of trying to take in the hectic and overwhelming intersection.

Rockefeller Center is a landmark Art Deco complex filled with shops, restaurants, and plenty of energy year-round. In summer, the plaza turns into an open-air hub for dining and events, while winter brings the famous ice-skating rink and massive Christmas tree. You might catch a glimpse of a live NBC taping here, too. Head up to the Top of the Rock for panoramic views of Manhattan and Central Park—it’s somewhat expensive, but the views are hard to beat.

The Statue of Liberty has greeted arrivals to New York Harbor since 1886, standing as an enduring symbol of freedom and new beginnings. Take the ferry to Liberty Island for an up-close look, then continue to Ellis Island to explore the Immigration Museum, where stories and artifacts trace the journeys of millions who came seeking a new life in America. The views back toward Manhattan from the ferry are worth slowing down for.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or simply the Met, is one of those places you can spend hours in and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface. Its collection spans over 5,000 years, from ancient Egyptian artifacts like the Temple of Dendur to works by the biggest names in art history. Even if you only have a few hours, it’s worth wandering through a few galleries and spending time on the museum’s rooftop for views over Central Park.

Featuring one of the world's most comprehensive collections of modern art, including masterpieces by the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, Pollock, and many, many more, the MoMA is one of the most visited places in New York. Housed in this beautiful and modern building, floor after floor of painting, photography, design, sculpture, and more captivates visitors for hours on end.

Midtown offers an endless stretch of retail options, from large department stores to specialty shops. Walking uptown toward Fifth Avenue, the selection becomes increasingly high-end, culminating in iconic destinations like Saks Fifth Avenue. Even if you’re not buying, window displays and seasonal decorations make a stroll through the neighborhood entertaining.

Canal Street and the surrounding Chinatown are full of street stalls and small shops offering everything from handbags and shoes to watches and perfumes. Bargaining is part of the experience, and wandering beyond the main drag often leads to unusual finds you won’t see anywhere else.

SoHo, centered around Prince Street, is known for high-end designer stores and eye-catching window displays. The neighborhood has a rich artistic history; once home to New York’s bohemian community, many former lofts are now multimillion-dollar residences. Even if you’re just browsing, the mix of architecture, galleries, and shops makes walking around SoHo a memorable experience.

St. Marks Avenue and the surrounding Lower East Side are full of independent boutiques and vintage shops, each with its own distinct style. Beyond clothes and accessories, you’ll find trendy spots for haircuts, coffee, and small bites.

Macy’s Herald Square is the world’s largest department store, spanning seven floors and an entire city block. Beyond the shopping, from clothing and accessories to home goods, the store is a piece of history — the original wooden escalators from 1902 are still in operation to this day.

At Saks Fifth Avenue you can revel in ten floors of world-famous luxury goods. Here you will find brands such as DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry London, Lacoste, and Vera Wang, just to name a few. On the eighth floor, you can take a break from all the shopping and sit down in a café.

Bloomingdale’s on Lexington Avenue is an Art Deco landmark and one of New York’s most famous department stores. From designer labels to more accessible mid-range brands, it offers a wide range of apparel, accessories, cosmetics, and home goods. Whether you’re hunting for a special gift or just browsing, there’s almost always something worth slipping into “the little brown bag.”

B&H Photo Video in Midtown Manhattan is a landmark for anyone shopping for cameras, lenses, audio gear, and other tech. The store serves both professionals and hobbyists, with new and used equipment across multiple floors. Hours are limited on Fridays, and it’s closed all day Saturday for Shabbat, so plan accordingly.