Places to visit in New York

49 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, X, r/Brooklyn

The Met is the museum people recommend most, and many name it their top museum in New York; one found it far more impressive than MoMA. One person goes about once a month and still finds something new, and several say a visit can easily fill a day. A couple of people praise it at Christmas, and one points to a small Southwestern pueblo pottery display in the American Wing. It's the city's biggest museum, so it's not the pick if you want somewhere small.

40 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/nyc, r/Brooklyn

Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is a big favorite for quiet walks among historic tombs, and several point to the skyline views from Battle Hill. Several mention its tours and events, including themed walks. A few mention the wild parrots nesting near the entrance, and one notes that wheelchair users may need help on the steeper hills. One person points out that picnics and dogs aren't allowed.

39 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/newyorkcity, r/AskNYC, r/Brooklyn

Central Park gets plenty of love, with several people describing its views and beauty, from the reservoir to buildings reflected in the water. People suggest biking through it or walking over after the Met, and one rents a rowboat there almost every spring. A couple find the northern end less touristy and more natural, and another suggests a picnic on the Great Hill. Several say the park is nicer now that car traffic is gone, while one finds the cars that remain still take up a lot of space. One person says you can skip it for Prospect Park, which is calmer and less touristy.

33 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/bronx, r/nyc

The New York Botanical Garden is a favorite Bronx stop, often paired with the Bronx Zoo next door. Several say winter still has appeal, pointing to the holiday train show and quiet snowy walks. One person calls the forest area gorgeous and peaceful, another says it's in full bloom in April, and one mentions an orchid exhibit. For children, one points to the trams and the Halloween event.

30 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/AskNYC, X, r/Brooklyn

The Cloisters comes up again and again, and many call it underrated or overlooked. A couple describe it as calming or a good place to escape the city, one says it feels like stepping back centuries, and another remembers its aged stonework and timeless interiors fondly. A few suggest pairing a visit with nearby Fort Tryon Park, and one person praises the Hudson and bridge views from the north side. One says it's not the best place to escape the heat, since much of it is indoor-outdoor.

27 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

The Museum of the City of New York has plenty of fans, and several call it underrated, though one says it isn't really a hidden gem. One first-time visitor was wowed, one names it a favorite smaller museum, and another says the looping ground-floor video gives a clear overview of the city's history. One suggests making a day of it with other museums nearby, and another, who has been a few times, says it always delivers.

25 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/Brooklyn

The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria has a devoted following, and many call it underrated or name it a favorite museum. A couple highlight the Muppet exhibit, one describes a memorabilia exhibit and hands-on spaces for building games and animation, and another suggests planning around a screening. One fan finds it out of the way, though another says it's an easy subway ride from Manhattan, and one found it average and less engaging than expected.

25 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/AskNYC, r/Brooklyn, r/nyc

Prospect Park is widely recommended and often called beautiful, and one thinks it is probably the calmest and prettiest park around. People suggest walking through it or bringing a picnic, and others point to birdwatching, cycling and the free Sunday drum circle. One prefers it to Central Park as calmer and less touristy, though another says it lacks Central Park's mix of nature and city. One person who has been to its rink says the ice was poor, and one says the Flatbush side gets messy with litter in summer.

24 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskNYC, r/Brooklyn

The MTA Transit Museum in Brooklyn is a big hit, and many say they loved it. One describes walking through historic subway cars in an underground setting, and another suggests arriving at opening for photos of vintage cars on empty tracks. A couple suggest it as part of a day out in Brooklyn. A couple doubt it's really underrated, and one says to skip it on a hot day because it's in an old subway station and isn't cool inside.

21 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/AskNYC, r/bronx

The Bronx Zoo is a popular pick, and many pair it with the New York Botanical Garden next door. One calls it incredible and singles out the monorail, another says it's far better than the tiny Central Park Zoo, and one says it's widely considered one of the top three zoos in the country. A couple came away finding it depressing, one pointing to poor enclosures for the lions, birds of prey and penguins, while another pushes back on that reputation. One says it's far better in spring and summer, though another says it's even better in the snow.

20 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/Brooklyn

People call the Brooklyn Museum great and definitely worth it, and a couple urge setting aside a full day. One highly recommended an exhibit on Afro-Cuban identity and femininity, another says its early American galleries deliberately mix in Indigenous and African American works, and a couple point to its First Saturdays evenings with music. Several pair it with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden next door. A few rate the Met higher, while still calling this one great.

19 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/AskNYC, r/bronx, r/nyc

Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx is a favorite park for many. A couple point to its walking and running trails, and one says the northwest woods feel far removed from the city. One calls it low-key, another finds it massive and well used by people just hanging out, and another says it's beautiful to walk around. Two say the highways cutting through it spoil the park.

16 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/AskNYC

Rockefeller Center is mostly recommended for the holiday tree, and several say the tree is worth seeing despite the crowds. Many describe heavy crowds, and many suggest going around dawn when the lights switch on and few people are around, while a few suggest going late at night instead. One visitor found it quiet on a rainy weekend, and another says visiting until late morning is still fine. One suggests booking skating there. One found the tree and plaza underwhelming, one prefers the Met's Christmas decorations, and two locals enjoy it at quieter times but not in the holiday rush.

15 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, X

Lots of people suggest walking the High Line, and several locals name it as a touristy spot they really like. One calls it their top pick for out-of-town friends, one points to the views toward the river at the Hudson Yards end, and another notes it sometimes hosts good events. One finds it neat but says some times of year aren't the best for it.

15 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

A couple of visitors praise the curation, and several describe changing exhibitions, which have ranged from Soviet propaganda to New York City travel ads and film posters. Two visitors call it small but mighty, one says it makes for a quick visit, and another mentions workshops and events. One visitor says it tends to feature niche topics depending on the exhibition.

15 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Many visitors recommend the Tenement Museum, and several call it an underrated pick, though one is unsure how underrated it really is. One visitor describes it as interactive, with apartments shown as they were, and a powerful look at immigrant stories. Another says it highlights the city's neighborhoods and communities, and one suggests it as a rainy-day visit.

15 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/Brooklyn

Plenty of people suggest Governors Island, and several point to the ferry ride out as part of the trip. A couple suggest it for relaxing outdoors, a couple suggest biking around it, noting bikes can be rented there, and two mention the Porch Stomp folk festival held on the island.

15 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/nyc

Many visitors recommend Riverside Park, and several name it a favorite. One visitor finds it charming and laid-back, with a beautiful community garden. Another suggests walking along it for great views, and one recommends it for sunsets while noting the best views are farther north. One visitor mentions biking, benches by the water, dog play and sports, and one notes performances and trivia events held there.

15 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/AskNYC, r/nyc, r/Brooklyn

Many visitors recommend Brighton Beach, and several say it is easy to reach by subway. A few praise its food, including the Eastern European snacks and the neighborhood, and several find it less crowded than Coney Island, especially on weekdays. A couple of visitors say the water can look murky, and one defends it, saying the peninsula's shape causes that. A few visitors warned others off.

14 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/bronx

Many visitors recommend the American Museum of Natural History, and a couple call it a favorite or an all-time favorite. A couple of visitors say a visit could fill a full day, and one suggests a quiet off-season weekday while another suggests going early. One visitor suggests its after-hours events with scientists, and one notes a new building worth checking out. One visitor thinks it leans simpler since it is made for kids, and another is unsure it will be worth it with very young children.

14 people recommendvia r/Brooklyn, r/AskNYC

Many visitors recommend the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and several find it beautiful or gorgeous, with several suggesting pairing it with the neighboring Brooklyn Museum. One visitor says it works for wheelchair users, though parts are a bit sloped, and calls it lovely in spring. One notes that dogs are not allowed, and one is hesitant, weighing it against other museum plans.

13 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/AskNYC, r/nyc, r/Brooklyn

Many visitors speak well of Jacob Riis Park as a beach worth going to, and one calls it their favorite beach. One visitor praises its food court and live bands, though another disagrees with that ranking, and one finds it harder to reach since transit changed. One visitor who agrees with the praise warns that parts of the beach may close while endangered species nest, so it is worth asking a park ranger what is open.

12 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Many visitors recommend Cooper Hewitt, the Smithsonian's design museum, and several call it underrated, while one says it should not be missed. Two visitors praise its grand building, a former Carnegie mansion, and one notes it sits close to the Museum of the City of New York. One visitor feels it leans toward UX and design interests.

Smithsonian Design Museum

12 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Many visitors recommend the Queens Museum, and many praise its city panorama, a walk-on scale model of New York City. A few also point to its Tiffany glass and lamp collections, and a couple to its World's Fair material. One visitor says it suits anyone willing to leave Manhattan.

12 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Many visitors recommend the Noguchi Museum in Astoria, Queens, and many name it an underrated or overlooked pick. One says it is a stop they consistently fit in, and the recommendations mostly give little detail beyond the name.

12 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Many visitors recommend Inwood Hill Park, and a couple name it a favorite, while one calls it stunning. A couple say it feels far from the city, and one who hiked its dirt trails says it feels like upstate. One visitor calls it Manhattan's remaining original woodland, and another calls it underrated. One visitor cautions that February can be very cold.

11 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Many visitors say they love Grand Central, and several praise its architecture, especially the ceiling, which one visitor stops to look up at whenever they can. One visitor who commuted through it for years says it never gets old. One commuter finds the crowds and tourists stopping in walkways bothersome, though still enjoys it, while another found it nearly empty and calm on a quiet visit.

11 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Many visitors recommend the New-York Historical Society, and a few call it lesser-known or overlooked. One visitor singles out its Tiffany lamp display, while another finds that area quiet, cool and relaxing to sit in. One visitor says it impresses them every time, another has heard great things about its lecture series, and one names it a favorite museum.

11 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Visitors recommend Fort Tryon Park, and a few describe it as beautiful, lovely or gorgeous. One visitor reports good views toward the Palisades, and another calls its flower garden wonderful. A couple suggest pairing a walk through the park with a trip to The Cloisters. The mentions are brief.

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/bronx, r/AskNYC, r/nyc

Many visitors recommend Wave Hill, and one praises its nature, art and music along with Hudson River views. A couple call it beautiful or lovely, and one suggests it for a daytime outing. One visitor finds the trip from the South Bronx a hassle, since it means buses rather than an easy cab ride, and another warns that snow may limit what is open.

9 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Many visitors recommend Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, and one recommends it for its strong view of the Manhattan skyline. A couple of visitors mention sunsets as a highlight, and one visitor with young children says their family used it as a backyard because its playground beat the island's options. One visitor says the park faces the wrong way for watching a sunrise.

9 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Many visitors recommend this museum near Battery Park, and one calls it excellent. A couple of visitors praise its beautiful architecture, and one notes it sits in a historic former customs building near Wall Street. One visitor mentions places to sit, and one calls it magnificent.

9 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/nyc

Several visitors recommend Merchant's House Museum, and a couple describe the house as very well preserved. One calls it a one-family home museum with the family's own furniture, and another says friends with children loved their visit. One visitor says it is reputedly haunted, and another notes candlelit tours may only run in October.

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskNYC, r/nyc

Many visitors recommend Pelham Bay Park, and a couple point to its trails. A couple of visitors say it feels quiet and uncrowded, especially along the bay, and one calls it the city's largest park. One visitor says a road cutting through it takes away from its green space.

9 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/nyc, r/AskNYC, r/Brooklyn

Many visitors recommend Bryant Park, and one says it is worth a visit even without skating. A couple of regulars go weekly with their own skates, and one calls it the most accessible rink they know of, though not the best. A couple of visitors say it has felt less crowded lately, while one found the crowd made it impossible to move around. Others are more measured: one finds it nothing special beyond a pleasant chess spot, and one says it has improved over past decades.

8 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend Roosevelt Island, and a few praise its views, including from the tramway. One visitor says walking the park offers views of both the Manhattan side and the Queens and Brooklyn side. Two visitors say it is especially lovely when the cherry trees bloom or in October when the leaves turn yellow. One suggests the ferry, which is slower but more enjoyable, and another suggests setting aside a full day.

7 people recommendvia r/bronx, r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend the Bronx Museum of the Arts, and a few note it is a short walk from Yankee Stadium, which makes it easy to fit into a game day. One calls it a hidden gem, another praises its curation of provocative, interesting work, and a commenter says it tends to be quiet on weekdays.

7 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend the Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle. One says it is consistently fun, another enjoys talking with its resident artists, and a third says their young son loved trying on costumes from a temporary film display there. One is unsure it is really underrated.

7 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend the Society of Illustrators, and a couple call it overlooked or underrated. One calls it really wonderful, pointing to its exhibitions and a yearly picture-book showing, while another says its Edward Gorey exhibit was great. One visitor says it also showcases comic, anime and graphic-novel creators.

7 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/Brooklyn

Several visitors recommend Rockaway Beach, and one points to the Riis Park area as a beach option within the city. One visitor says the beaches farther out feel uncrowded and wonderful, and another found a solo trip pleasant, noting the ocean kept the air cooler. The discussion is thin, with only a few visitors giving specific detail.

7 people recommendvia r/Brooklyn, r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend Domino Park in Williamsburg. A couple praise its city views, and one suggests going around sunset. One visitor finds it easy to reach.

7 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors name Pier 57 Rooftop Park among places worth a visit, and one says its rooftop has views over Little Island and midtown. One visitor says most people do not know it exists, and one who went in person found it nearly empty. One points to a lesser-known bench on the west side.

7 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend the Whitney, and one says they love its exhibitions and architecture, adding that its city views are hard to beat. Two visitors suggest pairing a visit with a walk along the High Line, and a couple suggest it as an alternative to MoMA.

7 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/Brooklyn

Visitors recommend the Guggenheim, and two single out the building itself: one suggests checking out its exterior, and another calls the building art, with works inside. One visitor mentions a Jenny Holzer show, and another wonders why nobody mentions it and calls it a cool spot. One visitor thinks it is probably stronger than the Brooklyn Museum.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskNYC, r/nyc

Many visitors recommend Fort Tilden, and a few find it quiet and uncrowded, with one calling it especially pleasant and another enjoying winter visits when it is empty and peaceful. One visitor says there are no nearby restaurants or bars, though another mentions a nice eating and drinking area. One visitor warns that reaching it means a long walk carrying gear, and another warns that parts may close during nesting season, so it is worth asking rangers what is open.

7 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/nyc, r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend the observation deck, and a couple single out the elevator ride up. A few visitors say sunset is a good time to visit, and one found almost no line on a trip with relatives. One visitor advises going on a clear day. Two visitors found it overly indoor and commercial or had no wish to go up.

6 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend this small museum in a former townhouse on the Upper West Side. One describes the artist's colors as very vibrant, another says it delivers far more than its size suggests, and one really enjoyed it. A couple suggest checking its hours before going.

6 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend The Morgan Library & Museum, and one calls it amazing while another calls the building stunning. A few name it as an underrated or overlooked pick, though one doubts it is truly underrated.

6 people recommendvia r/statenisland, r/nyc, r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend Snug Harbor on Staten Island, and a couple point to it for families. One describes it as a major destination with several family-friendly options and as a peaceful botanic garden, and another took their children to a festive lights event there and plans to see the secret garden next time. A few name it only in passing, in lists of hidden gems and overlooked spots.

6 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona, Queens, and one who went found the visit fascinating. Another singles out the turquoise kitchen, one says it is worth seeing even without an interest in jazz and feels like a preserved time capsule, and one suggests the guided tour. Most of the recommendations are secondhand.

6 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend Morningside Park, and a few suggest pairing a walk through it with the nearby Cathedral of St. John the Divine. One visitor says the views were a pleasant surprise on a first walk through, and another praises a weeping willow there. One says the northern section near the waterfall is especially nice.

6 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/nyc, r/bronx

Several visitors list Orchard Beach in the Bronx among places worth a visit, mostly in brief mentions. One found it fairly enjoyable and less crowded than a comparable beach destination.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and a couple name it a favorite park. One visitor finds it fun to visit in its own right, and another suggests a day out that walks over from Flushing to the park. One visitor says a road running through the park spoils its green space.

5 people recommendvia r/AskNYC, r/Brooklyn

Several visitors recommend El Museo del Barrio, and one lists it among museums that highlight the city's neighborhoods and communities. Another calls it great, and one feels it is fairly institutional now, though mentions an archive exhibition that is often interesting.

5 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

A few visitors recommend the New Museum to anyone looking for exhibitions that match a specific interest, and one says it holds some really weird art. A couple say it reopened larger.

5 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend the American Folk Art Museum. One who saw an exhibit there found it really cool and notes the museum is near Lincoln Center.

5 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend the Neue Galerie, and one calls it a gem of a small museum in a former mansion that is quick to see. Another finds its collection amazing but says it is rarely talked about, one praises the cafe, and one suggests pairing a visit with nearby museums.

5 people recommendvia r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend the Museum of Chinese in America, and one lists it among museums that highlight the city's neighborhoods and communities. Another lists it among underrated picks.

5 people recommendvia r/Brooklyn, r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend Fort Greene Park. One calls it a major Revolutionary War monument, another lists it among their favorite parks, and one loves it and finds it small but very pretty. Another says it is nice for people-watching.

5 people recommendvia r/nyc, r/AskNYC

Several visitors recommend the Edge, and a couple praise its views, with one ranking it near the top of the observation spots they have visited. One visitor finds the glass-bottom section thrilling and the harbor views amazing, and another notes lunch is available there too.