Things to Do in New York

Located in her hometown of Jamestown, New York, the Lucille Ball Museum is an homage to all things I Love Lucy, one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, as well as the couple who created it. A must for fans of the show, step onto exact recreations of the I Love Lucy sets, admire Lucille and Desi’s awards, check out original costumes, and soak up the lives and legacies of Ball and Arnaz.

Extending for 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) across New York City’s East River, this 19th-century bridge sees constant foot, bike, and car traffic thanks to commuters and sightseers alike. After a construction beset by tragedies—at least 20 people died during the building process—this steel-wire suspension bridge, then the world’s largest, finally opened to the public in 1883. Today crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is an essential New York experience. Visitors come in droves to admire the bridge’s dramatic neo-Gothic towers and the stellar views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront.

One of North America’s most majestic natural wonders, Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls—American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls—which plunge dramatically over the Niagara River. The falls straddle the border between Canada and the US with viewpoints and falls-themed attractions on both sides.

New York's Finger Lakes make up one of the state's most popular vacation destinations, and Cayuga Lake is the longest of the 11 bodies of water, stretching roughly 40 miles from Ithaca at its southern tip to the marshes of the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge at the northern end. Like all Finger Lakes, Cayuga Lake is narrow, only 3.5 miles at its widest point.

The Fingers Lakes region is known for wine-growing and outdoor attractions, both of which draw many visitors. With forests, waterfalls, marshes and rivers, travelers visit to go hiking, boating, fishing and more. There are also museums in lakeside towns and historic attractions.

Opened in 2018, the National Comedy Center in Jamestown is the nation’s official cultural institution dedicated to comedy as an art form. Featuring more than 50 immersive exhibits and interactive experiences, the museum celebrates the great minds and voices of American comedy and gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the comedic process.

Formerly known as the World Financial Center, the office complex known as Brookfield Place was renovated after 9/11 and has been the home of numerous financial companies like Merrill Lynch and American Express.

Today, this incredible architectural masterpiece that overlooks the Hudson River, is a destination for art-lovers, shoppers and foodies, thanks to a wide variety of boutiques, high-end stores, art installations and top-tier restaurants. Visitors can relax on park benches near the waterfront, enjoy strong drinks at one of the lively watering holes, or shop for unique items at some of the nearby retailers.

You can't get any closer to the thundering cascades of Niagara Falls than on a Maid of the Mist boat tour. The little steamboats have been chugging away into the falls' misty sprays since 1846, making this one of the area’s oldest tourist attractions. Be prepared to get up close and personal with the highest-flow-rate waterfall in the world—and to get wet, which is all part of the unforgettable Maid of the Mist experience.

Step back in time, to September 14, 1901, when Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated the 26th President of the United States following the assassination of President William McKinley. The Ansley-Wilcox house has been preserved as the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, and appears much as it did on that fateful day.

As the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States, New York City’s Ellis Island was America’s busiest immigrant inspection station for more than 60 years. Today, the island’s restored main building houses the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which honors the US’s immigrant heritage, chronicles the island’s role in immigration history, and gives voice to the immigrants themselves.

Its name may suggest cartoon elephants, but Dumbo—a waterfront neighborhood in the north of Brooklyn—is actually one of the borough’s most stylish and photogenic enclaves. Dumbo’s cobblestone streets and converted warehouses are home to trendy galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, and one of the city’s truly iconic pizzerias.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City stands as a place of remembrance and a somber tribute to those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Reopened 10 years after the 2001 attacks, the eight-acre (3.2-hectare) plaza—built on the World Trade Center site—features two massive square reflecting pools whose waterfalls cascade down into the footprints of the former Twin Towers. The surrounding plaza is a peaceful and moving green space, while the museum, located beneath the plaza, lends a deeper understanding to the impact of that day. You’ll undoubtedly leave with a heavy heart.

Brooklyn is New York's coolest borough, and Williamsburg is hipster mecca. Packed with galleries, music venues, and arts spaces, Williamsburg is a prime destination to soak up Brooklyn's eclectic culture. From its cupcake shops and dive bars to its independent movie theaters, Williamsburg is an ideal place to shop and indulge.

The smallest of the three waterfalls that comprise world-famous Niagara Falls, Bridal Veil Falls is anything but small. Located on the US side of the falls, the 56-foot-wide (17-meter-wide) waterfall thunders over a 78-foot (24-meter) drop. Its frothy white cascade is reminiscent of a bride’s veil, hence the falls’ name.

At the Cave of the Winds observation decks, thrill-seeking visitors can get within 20 feet (6 meters) of the thundering Niagara Falls for an experience that feels like the inside of a tropical storm with torrents of water cascading down and winds up to 68 mph (109 kph). Safe to say, you’ll probably get wet.