ARCHITECTURE & LANDMARKS
FREE
The Oculus
Location: In Westfield World Trade Center, located at Church St, New York, NY 10006.
About: The Oculus is a shopping mall that was built recently, in 2016, and contains countless stores for the public to go shopping in. It symbolizes the light that continues to shine through after the darkness of the tragedy, 9/11, and allows light to fill the massive space as a memorial to the attacks on the twin towers. The mall has a beautiful design and is a tourist attraction you must see.
Transportation: Inside the Oculus itself, there are trains that are connected to it, thorugh the MTA. These include the E,R,A,C,2,3,4,5,J,Z, and the PATH trains.
Roosevelt Island
Location: In the New York City East River. The island lies between Manhattan(on the west) and the borough of Queens(to the east).
About: Roosevelt Island is two miles long and was previously known for housing hospitals and prisons. Today you can still visit some of those historical sites as well as a beautiful light house located on the island. There are apartment buildings, restaurants, parks and many seating areas by the water located on the island, allowing you to have a relaxing day away from the rush of NYC.
Transportation: To get to Roosevelt Island by subway, take the F Train and get off at the Roosevelt Island stop. You can also take the Q102 bus from Queens. There is also a tam that you can take to get on the island, located at 2nd Ave. between 59th and 60th Streets.
The High Line
Location: Between Gansevoort Street and 34th Street. Elevator access can be found at Gansevoort and Washington Street, 14th Street, 16th Street, 23rd Street, and 30th Street. Staircase-only entrances are at 18th Street, 20th Street, 26th Street, 28th Street, and 30th Street at 11th Avenue. Ramp access is available at 34th Street and 12th Avenue.
About: The High Line is one of the most unique parks in NYC, stretching 1.45-miles-long and is known to be the most famous elevated linear park. The park is built on a former New York Railroad and has a variety of sights for one to see. There are gardens along the park, lots of art and even live performances.
Nearby Transportation: To access the middle of the trail, take the C or E train to the 8th Avenue/23rd Street stop or use the 1, 2, or 3 trains on 7th Avenue at 18th, 23rd, and 28th Streets. Cross-town buses (M14, M23, & M34) provide access to the trail via 14th Street, 23rd Street and 34th Street.
UNDER $25
New York Aquarium
Location: NY Aquarium is located at 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, right next to Coney Island.
About: New York Aquarium is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States and a must see location. There are countless sea creatures and live walrus and sea lion shows accessible for free with admission. It is a perfect family attraction where you are guaranteed to have fun. The aquarium also has a 4-D theater where you can watch a 10 minute video for an additional $6.
Price: Tickets cost $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for children and $21.95 for seniors. Children under the age of 2 are free.
Nearby transportation: NY Aquarium is accessible by bus and train. You can take the F or Q train to the West 8th Street station in Coney Island, the B36 to Surf Ave. and West 8th St., or the B68 to Neptune Ave and West 8th St.
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
Location: Brooklyn botanical gardens is located at 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225.
About: Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is located next to Prospect Park and has many special exhibitions happening throughout the year, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival. It's special garden and specialty sections include cherry trees, the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Cranford Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Children's Garden, and more!
Price: The garden costs $15 for Adults, $8 for seniors and students with ID, and free for children who are under 12. They also offer free admission before noon on fridays.
Nearby Transportation: You can enter the garden around the corner, at 990 Washington Avenue, which is closest to the 2,3,4, and 5 subways, or at 455 Flatbush Avenue which is closest to the B,Q and S trains.
Central Park Zoo
Location: The zoo is located at East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021.
About: The Central Park Zoo is a 6.5-acre zoo located at the southeast corner of Central Park in New York City. It is part of an integrated system of four zoos and one aquarium managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society. The Central Park Zoo is seen in the famous animation movie Madagascar and is a huge tourist attraction that you don't want to miss out on.
Price: Admission to the zoo includes $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children, $16.95 for seniors, and free for children 2 and under.
Nearby Transportation: To access the zoo, you can take the N,R,or W trains to the Fifth Avenue/59th Street station and walk to 64th Street. You can also take the Lexington Avenue 6 train to the 68th Street/Hunter College station and take a short walk to the zoo.
$25 AND ABOVE
Madame Tussauds
Location: Madame Tussauds is located at 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036.
About: This huge tourist attraction is a wax figure museum where you can have a blast taking pictures with your favorite celebrities, as well as eat and drink. There are special exhibitions, depending on the time of year you visit, and numerous stores around the area.
Price: If you buy your tickets online, you can pay $29.95, however at the door the cost is $36.95.
Nearby Transportation: Madame Tussauds is accessible by subway using the 1,2,3,7,N,Q,E,A,C R and S trains. You can also use the M6, M7, M10, M16, M20, M27 & M104 buses to Times Square.
Top of the Rock
Location: In Rockefeller Center, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112.
About: Top of the Rock Observation Deck is one of New York Citys biggest attractions. Located in the heart of Rockefeller Center, it not only has the most breathtaking views in the city, but is also surrounded by the best summer shopping, dining, and entertainment in Midtown. You can see a 360 degree view of NYC and the observatory has outdoor sections so you can get a better feel for the city.
Price: Tickets start at $38 for adults, $32 for children 6-12 years of age
and $36 for seniors.
Nearby Transportation: Top of the Rock is accessible by subway through the B,D,F,M,1,6,N,Q and R trains. The nearby bus routes are the M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5 bus.
One World Observatory
Location: in Westfield World Trade Center, between floors 100 and 102, which is located at 285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10006.
About: One World Observatory is at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The Observatory is located on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors of One World Trade Center. One World Observatory offers views of New York Citys iconic sights, surrounding waters and skyline. The guest experience goes beyond the amazing view. Take an incredible elevator ride to the top, where you will be able to see a 360 degree view of New York and take lots of pictures!
Price: Tickets are $32 for adults, though seniors pay $30 and children aged 6 to 15 pay $26. Kids 5 and under are free.
Nearby transportation: You can get to One World Observatory by bus and the subway. The nearby bus routes are the BXM18, M9 and QM11. Nearby Subway trains include the 1, 3, E, R and W train.
