Top Things to do in New York
Top Hotels in New York
- 1. Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea
- 2. Margaritaville Resort- Times Square
- 3. The Draper, Ascend Hotel Collection
- 4. Arlo Midtown
- 5. Pod Times Square
- 6. Homewood Suites by Hilton New York/Midtown Manhattan Times Square-South, NY
- 7. Arlo NoMad
- 8. Artezen Hotel
- 9. Park Central Hotel New York
- 10. PUBLIC Hotel
Countries
Things to do in New York, United States: The Best Architectural Buildings
New York State has it all – booming metropolises, majestic waterfalls, mountains, wine country, chicken wings. Yes, NYC is a magnet for tourists, but an exploration of the rest of the state can be equally thrilling. The Finger Lakes Wine Region is a vision of serene waters, quaint B&Bs, and pretty vineyards. Movie buffs will love Rochester, home of the George Eastman House and one of the world’s most comprehensive film archives. On your way to Niagara Falls, stop in Buffalo to fuel up on spicy wings.
Restaurants in New York
1. Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,524 reviews
The Martin House (Buffalo, NY, 1903-05) exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie House ideal and ranks as one of his finest residential works. Designed for Larkin Soap Company executive, Darwin D. Martin, the multi-residential estate is a one-of-a-kind composition consisting of the main Martin House, the smaller Barton House, a carriage house with chauffeur’s quarters and stables, a glass-roofed conservatory linked to the main house by a 100-foot pergola, and a gardener’s cottage. Tours explore the restored and reconstructed buildings, surrounding landscape, and an extensive collection of art glass and furnishings, all designed by Wright, which together form a totally integrated architectural masterwork. We welcome you to this National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By bonnieh111 - Palmyra, United States
Went to the Darwin D Marting House and the summer home and I really enjoyed the tour. The guide was very good and didn't mind all of my questions, If you like architecture or how the wealthy lived, this is a must see.
2. Richardson Olmsted Campus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 84 reviews
One of Buffalo’s most iconic buildings and a National Historic Landmark, the 145-year-old Richardson Olmsted Campus is being renewed after years of neglect. Designed by great American architect Henry Hobson Richardson and the famed landscape team of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the building incorporated a system of enlightened treatment for people with mental illness developed by Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride. Today, the Richardson Olmsted Campus is home to one of the largest historic preservation projects in the nation. Since 2006, the nonprofit Richardson has been hard at work bringing the site back to life after decades of neglect.
Reviewed By Chillerkane - Toronto, Canada
I would highly recommend the photography tour!!! I heard about this through a friend who had done it, so I decided to make the drive down. The photography tour is absolutely amazing. It was a pleasure to meet and chat with others and I was thrilled it was a small group. 2 photographers and a guide. Our guide was amazing and I wish we had longer then the 2 hours to hang out. Such a treat to share a passion for photography and old buildings. The building is a gem to photography, with plenty of items around and decay to see. Be sure to take a walk around the outside as well as this historic building as awesome. A few tips.....bring an extra light as there are some dark areas. You WILL get dusty. Also bring a bottle of water to drink. I made the drive down from Toronto, and was thankful I left early. If you are crossing the border, be sure to leave plenty of extra time. I will definitely plan to do this tour again. Was such an amazing experience. Thank you to everyone involved
3. Phelps Mansion Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 176 reviews
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR AN UPDATE ABOUT TOUR TIMES AND AVAILABILITY: The Phelps Mansion is a Historic House museum. We are open for tours Fri-Sun(Last tour at 3:30pm) Reservations are strongly encouraged. Admission is $7 students and senior 62 and over $5, kids 12 and under free. Come see the "jewel on Court st". Visitors to the Phelps Mansion should enter through the ballroom entrance located down the driveway side of the mansion. (Look for the open flag)
Reviewed By 129lorie
My favorite part of the tour was admiring the amazingly beautiful woodwork. It was also interesting to learn of how Mr. Phelps made his money. We were also informed about how the gas lighting was converted to electric. There were several photos of nearby historic places which our guide was quite knowledgeable of. There was even a gift shop with many interesting books. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Phelps Mansion and reccommend it to others.
4. The Wadsworth Homestead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 79 reviews
Two brothers moved to the frontier in 1790 to risk their inheritance on land, This elegant manor house was built by James Wadsworth in 1804, and remains in Wadsworth hands to this day. Original furnishings and ephemera are part of the unique appeal of this venue, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1972, that is open to the public for scheduled tours.
Reviewed By 269sheria
Thank you to Will and Piper Wadsworth for being fantastic hosts for our 25th Wedding Anniversary celebration! As the very first "safecation" guests, my husband and I enjoyed the gardens and estate to ourselves! Our hosts were gracious, picked up the dinner we ordered at a local restaurant and also made us breakfast, all while maintaining a safe distance and respectfully wearing masks. (We also chose to mask when in the same room with them). My husband also orchestrated a surprise "drive by" champagne toast, where our friends and family could "swing by" for quick toast and well wishes. The rooms are gorgeous and historic, and we enjoyed a long and quiet morning coffee on the porch overlooking the valley. A delightful place to stay in the best of times - a much needed getaway in the midst of shelter-in-place!
5. Jonas M. Kilmer House
6. Grand Central Terminal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44,259 reviews
Grand Central Terminal is the most extraordinary public space in New York City. Opened to the public in 1913, this historic train terminal is a world-famous landmark in Midtown. Its rich history is a story of immense wealth and great engineering. Grand Central is one of the busiest train stations in the world, with approximately 750,000 visitors every day. It is the home of Metro-North Railroad, a subway station, iconic restaurants, shops, and the world's most alluring Apple Store. Some of the highlights to see along your tour of Grand Central include the opal-faced clock, valued at $20 million, above the Information Booth, the Largest Tiffany Glass Clock in the World below the 48-foot, 1500-ton Transportation statue overlooking 42nd Street at Park Avenue, and the mystifying acoustics of the Whispering Gallery in front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. Audio and guided tours are available for those with a passion for history. More information regarding tours and ways to plan your visit can be found on the Grand Central Terminal website.
Reviewed By TheCuriousCowgirl - Dallas, United States
Because thousands of commuters pass through Grand Central Terminal every day, there's a market, filled with delicious pre-prepared foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and even a small outpost of the EAT Gifts. As a tourist, this is a GREAT place to pick up delicious goodies for an impromptu picnic in Central Park, or snacks for midnight cravings in your hotel. If you have a little more time, consider having a meal at the Grand Central Oyster Bar. First opened in 1913, this restaurant is a true NYC gem, offering up over twenty varieties of fresh oysters, a large menu of fresh, grilled and fried seafood choices, and an ambience and history that makes The Oyster Bar a very fun dining experience! Just outside the entrance to the Oyster Bar, is a space with a high vaulted ceiling. The four corners offer a bit of magic. If you and a friend will stand on opposite corners, you can speak directly into the wall, and the geometry of the space will carry your message up the wall, across the ceiling, and to your friend on the other side, earning the area the informal title of "the whispering walls." It's a ton of fun, and kids will get a HUGE kick out of sending and receiving messages! If cocktails are more your speed, The Campbell Apartment is a super swanky spot. The space was first rented out in 1923 by William Kissam Vanderbilt II, whose family built the terminal. It was once the ornate private office of early 20th century railroad exec and financier John Williams Campbell, andlater a studio for CBS Radio and a jail used by Metro-North Railroad. Today, it's a step back in time, and a little hard to find, making cocktail hour both glamorous and a little mysterious. If pure history is what you are after, take some time to admire the the zodiac mural on the ceiling of the Grand Concourse, one of New York City’s most beloved pieces of public art, created by French pastelist and etcher Paul César Helleu in 1912. The signs of the zodiac from October to March are outlined in gold leaf and modeled with nearly 2500 tiny, stippled gold leaf stars.Be sure and walk outside to 42nd street, and admire the gorgeous facade, particularly the imposing sculptures of Mercury, Hercules, and Minerva at the top. I never tire of the view, both during the day and at night, and few sites make me feel more truly in the heart of Manhattan than time spent in Grand Central Terminal.
7. Chrysler Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,046 reviews
This Art Deco masterpiece is actually no longer the property of the auto manufacturer.
Reviewed By michaelsM3853UC - London, United Kingdom
Dramatic architecture completed in 1930.Fantastic decorative details in stainless steel art deco style referencing stylized chromed motor car components:such as winged radiator caps and wheels.Fantastic crowning spire.The grand lobby can be visited and features multicoloured marble and granite,a beautifully painted ceiling with scenes of 1920’s transportation,wonderfully decorative elevator doors and art deco metalwork.
8. Rockefeller Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,302 reviews
Rockefeller Center is a national historic landmark in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Home to Top of the Rock Observation Deck, NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall and much more. Shop, dine and explore at one of New York's most inspiring locations.
Reviewed By joys919 - Morgantown, United States
Rockefeller center has great architecture, great shops, restaurants, ice skating, movie scenes from Home Alone, murals on the ceilings and an underground passageways to help you get back and forth and stay warm!
9. Empire State Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91,562 reviews
The Empire State Building is the World's Most Famous Building. It rises 1,454 feet from ground to antenna & features the only 360 degree open-air vantage point of Midtown Manhattan. The 86th & 102nd Floor Observatories are open daily from 12PM-9PM. On a clear day you can see up to 6 states. The brand-new 2nd floor museum (included in all ticket options) offers guests 10,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits that invite visitors on a journey beginning from the building’s construction to its current place in pop culture. The 102nd Fl Obs features floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass elevator with sound & light experience. It is the jewel of NYC. All signage, audio & exhibits in the building are available in 9 languages. We offer free Wi-Fi. The 34th St Lobby entrance features a grand staircase with a 2-story architectural model of the bldg & a high-tech LED exhibit that celebrates lighting ceremonies performed by famous, celebrity guests. Express guests receive red carpet VIP treatment.
Reviewed By PictureThisNYC - New York City, United States
Amazing experience to visit the Empire State Building for sunrise with a very small group of people for a safe & unsurpassed experience, Well worth the money, amazing views & tons of space on the observation deck that is usually very crowded. Friendly, helpful & welcoming staff made for a wonderful experience and so may great photos! Highly recommended.
10. Staatsburgh State Historic Site / Mills Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
A Gilded Age mansion and estate directly on the Hudson River in the mid-Hudson Valley, minutes from the Vanderbilt Mansion, the Roosevelt Presidential Library and home, the Culinary Institute, and Rhinebeck. The mansion has its original furnishings, and offers house tours and programs. The estate grounds, now a New York State park, offer picnic facilities, walking paths along the river, and hiking trails in the woods. A New York State historic site, with a NY State golf course, marina, and campground within one mile.
Reviewed By Kaiticatd
Staatsburg Mill House greatly exceeded my expectations. It's truly the Downton Abbey of Upstate New York and was stunning at Christmas time. The house maintains all of its original furniture, so it's an absolute representation of the time period, which is both rare and special. The staff and volunteers we're exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly, especially with my 19 month old daughter. I'm looking forward to visiting again in the spring and checking out the grounds.
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