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Best experiences:

Statue of Liberty (and Ellis Island)

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Statue of Liberty (and Ellis Island)

The 151ft high, iconic statue that symbolises New York City and embodies American values of freedom and opportunity, and an evocative museum explaining the extraordinary 19th-century mass immigrations.

Adult price: £22

Best for ages 4+

Shows on Broadway

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Shows on Broadway

One of the world’s two most prestigious cities for theatre hosts a wide variety of world-class performing arts and performers – but nothing beats a Broadway musical.

Adult price: £35

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2+ hours

Metropolitan Museum of Art

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Exterior and front entrance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the largest art museums in the world, the Met is a global art treasure house, with more than two million works spanning thousands of years of human civilisation.

Adult price: £20

Best for ages 8+

Museum of Modern Art (MoMa)

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Museum of Modern Art (MoMa)

One of the world’s greatest museums of contemporary art, taking you on an artistic journey through Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Impressionism and Pop Art.

Adult price: £22

Best for ages 8+

World-class art in New York

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
World-class art in New York

Rivalled only by London and possibly Paris, New York has it all when it comes to art – from masterpieces to modern, Egyptian treasures to leading boutique art galleries.

Best for ages 18+

New York’s must-see neighbourhoods

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
New York’s must-see neighbourhoods

A legacy of the waves of 19th century immigration of ethnic groups who then stuck together, New York’s today is a wacky jigsaw of contrasting ethnic neighbourhoods that offers architectural and cultural fascination.

Best for ages 18+

American Museum of Natural History

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
American Museum of Natural History

A staggering emporium of world-beating nature and science exhibitions and interactive displays, in a majestic building. A world-class attraction and a must-see for anyone remotely interested in nature.

Adult price: £17

Best for ages 4+

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The poignant ‘Ground Zero’ memorial to the victims of the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks – built upon the ruined foundations of the former twin towers – plus a museum dedicated to recounting the day’s tragic events.

Best for ages 10+

Central Park [boating, walking & cycling]

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Central Park [boating, walking & cycling]

The world’s most famous park – a vast, nostalgic oasis in the heart of frenetic Manhattan. Fifty blocks long and the width of four avenues filled with secrets, curios, and nostalgic delights.

Best for ages 4+

New York’s best food & drink

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
New York’s best food & drink

Our summary of New York’s typical foods and flavours, its dining scene and some great foodie experiences.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: -

Shopping in New York

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Shopping in New York

The world’s second-best shopping destination (behind London) offers a plethora of shops and almost every type of shop and shopping experience imaginable.

Best for ages 13+

Helicopter flights over New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Helicopter flights over New York City

One of the world’s great helicopter flights – in and around skyscrapers, over Central Park and up to the Statue of Liberty. Also a fascinating perspective Manhattan, crammed into a tiny island.

Adult price: £120

Best for ages 10+

Duration: 30 minutes

Empire State Building

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Empire State Building

An art deco icon, built 1929-31, that offers unrivalled, 360-degree views of the city. It’s touristy, but a must-do.

Adult price: £32

Best for ages 8+

Walk or cycle the Brooklyn Bridge

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Walk or cycle the Brooklyn Bridge

A superb, 30-minute (each way) scenic walk across a historic bridge to trendy Brooklyn, offering up killer views of the Manhattan skyline the whole way. Grab top-notch pizza and/or ice-cream halfway.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 90 minutes

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

A world-class collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, including works by Calder, Chagall, Kandinsky, Klee, Picasso, and van Gogh. All housed in Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece.

Adult price: £22

Best for ages 18+

Walk the High Line

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Walk the High Line

Uber-cool park built on an elevated, disused railway track that manages to combine terrific design, gritty urban architecture and river views.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 30 minutes

Gospel in Harlem

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Gospel in Harlem

Traditional gospel choirs lead rousing church services all over Harlem on Sundays. Get uplifted, then come back down to earth for some authentic ‘soul food’ after.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 hour

Museum of Broadway

New York, United States of America (USA)

Entrancee hall of the Museum of Broadway

An interactive and experiential museum celebrates Broadway’s rich history – three floors packed with memorabilia, beautiful costumes and vintage photographs that showcase its most beloved plays and musicals.

Adult price: £28

Best for ages 8+

Boat tours of New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Boat tours of New York City

Great value 1-3 hour sightseeing cruises around Manhattan, offering the chance to appreciate the city skyline and its key landmarks – including the Statue of Liberty – from the relative tranquillity of the Hudson River.

Adult price: £25

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 1-3 hours

Whitney Museum of American Art

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Whitney Museum of American Art

A specialist in 20th- and 21st-century American art, from Jackson Pollock to Keith Haring to Cindy Sherman. Every two years holds the Whitney Biennial which showcases a huge range of new contemporary art, often from little-known artists.

Adult price: £22

Best for ages 18+

Chelsea’s Art Galleries

New York, United States of America (USA)

Chelsea’s Art Galleries

A feast of hundreds of private art galleries, packed into one enclave on the west of Manhattan, showcasing an eclectic mix of contemporary and modern art.

Best for ages 18+

Headquarters of the United Nations

New York, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Exterior facade of the impressive United Nations building in Manhattan

The iconic building where world leaders and diplomats gather to resolve the world’s greatest challenges – and a bastion of hope that one day the world can live together in peace.

Best for ages 13+

Grand Bazaar, New York

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

Aerial view down onto white roofed stalls of the Grand Bazaar in New York

A year-round, Sunday bazaar packed with local artists, designers, food producers and antique/vintage dealers come together to sell one-of-a-kind and limited edition finds.

Best for ages 8+

Frick Collection

New York, United States of America (USA)

Frick Collection

One of America’s pre-eminent small art museums with an enviable bequeathed collection of European paintings, sculpture and porcelain, including Bellini, Constable, Gainsborough, Degas, Rembrandt, and Whistler. Housed in the late steel magnate and art collector Henry Frick’s magnificent mansion.

Adult price: £18

Best for ages 18+

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The Rubin

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

The Rubin

This interesting art museum specialises in Himalayan art; the collection includes approximately 3,400 objects spanning more than 1,500 years to the present day. Works come from the Tibetan plateau, and surrounding regions including Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and Mongolia.

Adult price: £15

Best for ages 18+

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Union Square Greenmarket

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

view of the Union Square Greenmarket, New York

This vibrant farmers’ market, nestled in the heart of the city, is the place to go for locally-sourced produce and artisanal goods. A strict ‘grow-your-own’ rule to promote a direct farm-to-table food chain ensures the freshest produce and that profits go directly back to those who grow and make it. A locals hangout, it’s a great place for soaking up some authentic ‘New Yorker’ atmosphere. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: All day

When: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat

Frequency: weekly

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Roller and ice skating at the Rockerfeller Center

New York, United States of America (USA)

ice skating infront of the Rockefeller center

This iconic Art Deco complex is home to an atmospheric rink for roller skating (summer) and ice skating (winter) – great fun for all ages. At Christmas, you can ice skate in front of the magnificent oversized Christmas tree (featured in Home Alone 2).

Adult price: £25

Best for ages 8+

South Street Seaport Museum

New York, United States of America (USA)

South Street Seaport Museum

For those interested in maritime history, this small but interesting museum documents the city’s nautical heritage and role as a major port and trading hub. There are historic ships docked at the pier, including the iconic tall ship Peking, plus artifacts, interactive displays, and educational programs for all ages.

Best for ages 13+

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Morgan Library & Museum

New York, United States of America (USA)

Interior of the stunning Morgan Library in new york, home to rare manuscripts

This cultural gem showcases a remarkable collection of art, rare books, manuscripts, drawings, prints and historical artefacts, including works by renowned artists and writers such as Rembrandt, Picasso, and Dickens.

Adult price: £12

Best for ages 18+

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

Exterior of the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, now home to a museum

A museum housed on and in a former aircraft carrier dedicated to technological advancement in sea, air and space. Highlights include the space shuttle Enterprise and a Concorde.

Adult price: £28

Best for ages 6+

Carnegie Hall

New York, United States of America (USA)

exterior entrance of Carnegie Hall in new york

One of the world’s most iconic and prestigious concert venues has a storied history dating back to 1891. It’s known for exceptional acoustics and stunning architecture, and countless legendary performances by renowned musicians and orchestras from around the world. Book ahead for an unforgettable evening.

Best for ages 13+

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Chelsea Market

New York, United States of America (USA)

Chelsea Market

Located where the High Line meets Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, this erstwhile warehouse is one of New York’s great foodie destinations. The rambling hall is crammed by casual restaurants, food kiosks, and speciality food shops.

Best for ages 13+

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One World Observatory

New York, United States of America (USA)

One World Observatory

Located at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere (the One World Trade Center), this observatory offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. It features interactive exhibits, immersive technology, and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that allow visitors to see landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park. The Sky Pod elevator ride to the top explains the city’s transformation over time.

Adult price: £35

Best for ages 6+

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New York Botanical Garden

New York, United States of America (USA)

New York Botanical Garden

A lush oasis located in the Bronx, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. Spanning over 250 acres, the garden is a haven for nature lovers, and is renowned for its extensive collection of plants, including rare and endangered species. For families, there’s a brilliant onsite Children’s Adventure Garden.

Adult price: £25

Best for ages 4+

Times Square

New York, United States of America (USA)

Times Square

A tourist trap hated by New Yorkers. See it once for the lights, especially with kids, or dart in to get discount theatre tickets, but otherwise avoid it. The streets are dark, dirty and jammed with honking taxis, bewildered package tourists and hawkers selling tat, all jostling together. The 1, 2, 3, S, N, Q, and R subway lines all stop at Times Square.

Best for ages 18+

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Bergdorf Goodman

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

Exterior view of the Bergdorf ~Goodman department store in New York

This iconic Fifth Avenue department store, founded in 1899, exudes an air elegance and sophistication. It’s renowned for curated collections of designer clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and home goods, and impeccable, personalised customer service.

Best for ages 13+

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Tenement Museum

New York, United States of America (USA)

Tenement Museum

History buffs should stop by this fascinating museum, a small row of old immigrant tenement houses preserved intact from the late 19th/early 20th century that showcases what life was like for the immigrants who first arrived in the city. http://tenement.org.

Adult price: £25

Best for ages 13+

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Bloomingdale’s

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

Bloomingdale’s

Known for its iconic ‘Big Brown Bag’ and bold, contemporary style, this legendary department store combines luxury with a more modern, youthful, trendsetting edge than its more traditional rivals. The store’s vast selection encompasses high-end designer brands, emerging labels, and exclusive collaborations.

Best for ages 13+

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Saks Fifth Avenue

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

View of Saks Fifth Avenue in new york from the street

Opened in 1924, this legendary department store is a Fifth Avenue icon, selling high-end designer brands, spanning from clothing and accessories to beauty and home goods.

Best for ages 13+

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Macy’s Herald Square

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

Macy’s Herald Square

Established in 1858, the world’s largest department store offers a comprehensive but affordable range of merchandise, including fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and home goods. The flagship store on Herald Square is a beloved landmark, hosting annual events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Best for ages 13+

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Katz Diner

New York, United States of America (USA)

Katz Diner

“I’ll have what she’s having,” is the famous line from the When Harry Met Salley movie scene set in this ancient palace of pastrami that’s been slicing and serving top-notch cured meat since 1888.

Best for ages 13+

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Great Jones Distillery

New York, United States of America (USA)

Great Jones Distillery

This craft distillery in NoHo, Manhattan, specialises in producing premium gin, vodka, and whiskey using traditional distillation techniques and high-quality ingredients. Visitors can book guided tours, to learn about the distilling process and the history behind each spirit. Tastings are also available, providing a chance to sample and savour the distinct flavours of their spirits.

Adult price: £30

Min age 21

Best for ages 21+

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Hudson Yards

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

Large sculpture building on the Hudson Yards entertaiinment and shopping complex

This spanking new, cutting-edge development, boasts New York;’s largest and most prestigious mall. Spanning multiple levels, it includes a mix of high-end luxury brands, popular retailers, independent boutiques. The sheer number of shops justifies it’s inclusion on this list, but there’s nothing you won’t find in malls in other cities.

Best for ages 13+

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Apollo Theater, New York

New York, United States of America (USA)

Exterior signage of the Apollo Theater in Harlem

Iconic Harlem theatre – a legend in the entertainment industry – has launched the careers of numerous stars. Today, it showcases the best African-American talent and performing arts.

Adult price: £20

Best for ages 18+

Harry Potter Store, New York

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

Exterior of Harry Potter Store new york

This magical haven for muggle fans of the beloved wizarding world spans three floors and over 20,000 square feet, making it the biggest such store in the world. Every possible Harry Potter artefact you could shake a wand at can be found here. Who needs Diagon Alley?

Best for ages 4+

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