Bucket list experience:
Credit D. Finnin. Copyright AMNH
Housing the world’s largest collection of fossils, including two famed halls of dinosaur skeletons and one million specimens, the American Museum of Natural History is a world-class attraction and a must-see for anyone remotely interested in nature.
The location ain’t bad either – on the edge of Central Park in trendy Upper West Side – and the building is an architectural stunner, worth stopping by to see in its own right.
The museum’s Rose Centre for Earth & Space has a wealth of fascinating photographs, displays and interactive exhibits about outer space. Every half hour, on the half hour, they show a great ‘Journey to the Stars’ space documentary in the planetarium.
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Destination Guide >Take the B or C subway to 81st Street. Book tickets in advance on the website to guarantee entry.
Before you go, download the museum’s ‘Explorer’ app, which has maps, directions and customized recommendations. You can also download a map PDF or pick up a printed one at information desks when you get there.
It’s also worth a quick look at the online interactive map of the galleries to plan what you want to see.
The mobile-delivered City Pass gives you entry to 6 top New York attractions at a 40% discount: the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
The museum is open all year round, seven days a week.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[1.6 miles]
A typically luxurious Mandarin hotel with top-notch facilities and faultless service – in an unrivalled location on Central Park. As good as Manhattan five stars get, and in the perfect location – walking distance to New York’s top attractions.
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New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[1.9 miles]
One of the world’s most famous and luxurious hotels in a prime location overlooking Central Park, for traditionalists seeking an old-school sense of occasion.
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New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[2.2 miles]
Sumptuous luxury hotel with lauded bar, spa, eateries, right next to Manhattan’s best shopping and museums.
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New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[2.9 miles]
Funky and efficient affordable option in a handy location for Fifth Avenue, Museum Mile, and Central Park.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
New York, United States of America (USA)
The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
New York, United States of America (USA)[0.7 miles]
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+ | Free
New York, United States of America (USA)[0.9 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 8+ | £20
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.3 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 18+ | £22
New York, United States of America (USA)[2.1 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 13+ | £35 | 2+ hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[0.3 miles]
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+ | Free
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.3 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 18+ | £18
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.9 miles]
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+ | Free
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[2 miles]
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+ | Free
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