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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 01 May, 2023

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.

Don’t miss

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.

Price from: £17
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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 City Pass

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.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, seven days a week.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour

Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour

New York City

From dinosaurs to space rocks, The American Museum of Natural History houses some of the world’s most fascinating artifacts. This 2.5 hour e...

$126 | Rating 4.96 / 5 [113 ratings]

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Museum of Natural History Guided Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

Museum of Natural History Guided Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

New York City

On this 2.5 hour semi-private (8 Guest maximum) guided museum tour, your guide will lead you through its seemingly endless halls, highlighti...

$126 | Rating 5 / 5 [29 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Met & Natural History Museum Skip-the-Line - Exclusive Combo Tour

Met & Natural History Museum Skip-the-Line - Exclusive Combo Tour

New York City

On this 5.5 hour exclusive guided museum combo tour, your energetic guide will show you the best that these palatial museums have to offer. ...

$243 | Rating 5 / 5 [21 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Met & Natural History Museum Skip-the-Line Combo Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

Met & Natural History Museum Skip-the-Line Combo Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

New York City

Join our enthusiastic guide and up to 8 guests on this 5.5 hour semi-private guided museum combo tour that will explore history, art, and na...

$243 | Rating 4.90 / 5 [41 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Mandarin Oriental New York

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.

Official star rating:

The Plaza

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.

Official star rating:

The Peninsula New York

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.

Official star rating:

Pod 51 Hotel

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.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

New York City

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.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Central Park [boating, walking & cycling]

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

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Overview >

Metropolitan Museum of Art

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

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

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

Shows on Broadway

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

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Grand Bazaar, New York

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

Frick Collection
Experience

Frick Collection

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

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exterior entrance of Carnegie Hall in new york
Experience

Carnegie Hall

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

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

Bergdorf Goodman

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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