Things to do in Downstate New York

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Downstate New York

Types of activities

Where to stay

Downstate New York travel guide

Brooklyn showing forests, a garden and a pond

Brooklyn which includes a bridge, a city and a suspension bridge or treetop walkway

Brooklyn featuring night scenes and rides

Brooklyn showing a city and heritage architecture

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Top places to visit

1. Times Square

Locals might bemoan Times Square’s touristy hustle and bustle, but the neon wonderland is undeniably New York City's beating heart. Loud and chaotic, the crowded epicenter is one of the world’s most visited and recognizable tourist attractions.

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Times Square featuring signage, a high-rise building and a city

2. Central Park

When it comes to film credits, no green space in the world can match New York City's Central Park. “When Harry Met Sally,” “Annie Hall,” “Home Alone 2,” and “Sex and the City: The Movie” all feature scenes shot in Manhattan’s iconic park, which opened in 1857 and is renowned as one of the city’s most precious outdoor areas.

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spring landscape in the Central park, New York, USA

3. Broadway

Broadway is called the “Great White Way” for the dazzling lights surrounding the popular Times Square portion of this avenue. Take a moment to look in all directions from your spot at the center of Times Square. Every December 31, about 1 million people crowd into this space to watch the 12-foot (3.6-meter) ball drop from One Times Square in celebration of the New Year.

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Motion blur effect,Times square with illuminated buildings and advertise on front crowded streets and yellow cabs for transportation tourists,midtown in New York with busy traffic and taxi cars moving

4. Madison Square Garden

Midtown Manhattan has one of the world’s most famous indoor arenas: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Watch the NBA New York Knicks, NHL New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty or your favorite big-name concert performers at this huge venue.

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5. Grand Central Terminal

Stand aside from the 750,000 daily visitors rushing to and from their trains and admire the architectural beauty of the majestic Grand Central Terminal. It’s also home to shops and dining options, making it an entertaining one-stop destination.

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Grand Central Terminal which includes heritage elements, city views and night scenes

6. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a world-famous landmark, synonymous with New York. It’s renowned as a backdrop in films such as “An Affair to Remember,” “King Kong,” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” In fact, it’s one of the city’s most significant and romantic skyscrapers.

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Close up view of the Empire State Building and the New York city skyline on a beautiful blue sky day

7. Rockefeller Center

An ode to 1930s New York, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan fuses the old and the new, and is at the heart of the city’s annual holiday celebrations.

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Rockefeller Center featuring heritage architecture, a city and a skyscraper

8. One World Trade Center

Standing well above its skyscraping neighbors, One World Trade Center is a building that is easily identifiable from New Jersey and from most parts of the boroughs surrounding Manhattan. The reflective sheen of the structure’s glass is easy to mistake for metal, and its isosceles triangular façades give it the appearance of having a twisting motion toward the sky.

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NEW YORK - JULY 02 2016: Aerial view of the Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center, Manhattan, New York

9. Wall Street

New York City’s central business district is located on the southern tip of Manhattan, and is home to the state’s major government and financial institutions. Many of the world’s biggest business decisions are made in the district, and many of the most influential global companies are based in the area south of Chambers Street. Among these are the New York Stock Exchange, on the world-renowned Wall Street. There are a number of important cultural landmarks in the area, including the former site of the World Trade Center, and Lower Manhattan is a popular destination for visitors wanting to discover the history of the area, see the impressive array of architecture or pay their respects to those lost during the September 11 attacks.

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10. Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium has been one of New York City’s iconic destinations for almost a hundred years, ever since the original was built in 1923. The team’s new home, constructed at a cost of $2.3 billion, is the most expensive stadium ever built, but manages to include both deluxe amenities and many references to the Yankees’ long history. Enjoy a typical New York experience by hopping on the subway northward, ready to spend an afternoon watching America’s pastime.

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Yankee Stadium featuring signage and street scenes

What to do in Downstate New York

Popular places to visit

Times Square

New York’s infamous neon wonderland is hustle and bustle at its best, and an essential stop for all tourists.

Central Park

Offering blissful respite from Manhattan’s concrete jungle, this is the perfect spot to rest weary feet or enjoy a picnic.

Ed Sullivan Theater showing a city and signage as well as a large group of people

Broadway

Visit the dazzling theater district of one of the world’s most exciting cities. Enjoy the shopping, dining and street entertainment as well.

Madison Square Garden

Whether you’re performing here, watching your favorite sports team or entertainer or touring the venue, you’re in for an exciting event.

Grand Central Terminal

This majestic, lively hub for commuters is a must-see for architecture buffs.

Empire State Building

No trip to New York is complete without zooming up the top of this iconic building, where the views of Manhattan are unmatchable.

Rockefeller Center

One of Manhattan’s most iconic developments, this hub of business and entertainment was considered a remarkable feat when it was completed in the late 1930s.

One World Trade Center

Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation platform of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, near to where the Twin Towers once stood.

Wall Street

The home of global finance also offers a fascinating historical excursion.

Areas of Downstate New York

Manhattan

4.5/5(1,983 area reviews)

Power and wealth and breathtaking scenery are concentrated on this very small island. Immerse yourself for a few days or a lifetime.

Midtown

4.5/5(437 area reviews)

One of the most recognizable areas in the world also has enough tourist attractions to fill several visits.

New York featuring a city, a high-rise building and street scenes

Central New York City

Known for its soaring skyscrapers and eye-catching views, there's plenty to explore in Central New York City. Check out top attractions like Broadway and Times Square, and jump on the metro at 49th St. Station or 50 St. Station (Broadway) to see more of the city.

Queens

3/5(186 area reviews)

Aqueduct Racetrack and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park are top sights in Queens, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Briarwood Van Wyck Blvd. Station or Jamaica Van Wyck Station to see more sights in the area.