Explore The History Of Organized Crime At The Museum Of The American Gangster
The Museum of the American Gangsteris a two-room museum located at 80 St. Marks Place in the East Village in Manhattan. In this building that was once one of Manhattans most notorious speakeasies, youll find the most emblematic figures of the American prohibition period such as Al Capone. Learn more about NYCs darkest part of history.
Sometimes Free Museums In Nyc
Museums in New York City can be extremely expensive, but many offer occasional free afternoons or evenings or pay-what-you-want times: much better for your budget, but youll be dealing with more of a crowd than normal.
Museum of Modern Art: This is my absolute favorite modern art museum, with art from the post-war period until today. It owns the true icons of each movement.
MoMA:Open daily 10:30-17:30, until 20:00 on Fridays. Normally, admission is $25, but every Friday night, admission is free from 17:30 to 21:00. 11 West 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. If you decide to go when its not free, get this skip-the-line ticket.)
Jasper JohnsFlag from 1954-55 at MoMA in New York City
Museum of Chinese in America: If youre curious about immigrant history, this museum in Chinatown is a good place to visit, along with the Tenement Museum. Its in an impressive building, designed by Maya Lin.
MOCA: Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:00-18:00 and until 21:00 on Thursdays. Admission normally $12, but admission is free on the first Thursday of the month. 215 Center Street, between Howard and Grand and one block north of Canal Street.
A cap pistol inscribed with Chinese must go, on display at the Museum of Chinese in America.
Museum of Arts and Design: This used to be a crafts museum, but it now covers all sorts of design objects, such as architecture and textiles.
The New Museum is all cutting-edge contemporary art, even the building itself.
a detail of the 9/11 memorial
Check Out A Free Comedy Show
Laughter is the best medicine, and the only thing better than a comedy show guaranteed to make you laugh is a free comedy show guaranteed to make you laugh. Head to the Knitting Factory Brooklyn in Williamsburg every Sunday night for a free comedy show that will be sure to end your week on a high note.
You May Like: What To Do In Ashland Va
National Geographic Encounter Closed
If you want to check out the underwater world of National Geographic Encounter, it seems to be closed from what we can tell. Its too bad because this 60,000-square-foot space in Times Square, looked like it was an amazing way to immerse in the underwater world. Like Gullivers Gate, we wanted to keep this on the list because many people still search for the National Geographic Encounter.
New York Public Library
New York’s most famous library, also known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is situated in a grand Beaux-Arts icon east of Times Square. Fronted by marble lions named Patience and Fortitude, its a jaw-dropper to walk through particularly the reading room fit for 500 patrons poring over tomes under the library’s original Carrère and Hastings lamps. There are exhibits too, including a copy of the original Declaration of Independence, a Gutenberg Bible, plus 431,000 old maps. Free tours take place at 11am and 2pm Monday to Saturday, with an exhibition tour at 2pm on Sunday.
Read Also: Things To Do In Mystic Ct
Admire The Spectacular View On Manhattan Over The Hudson
The observation deck of the One World Observatory offers dramatic city views that turn magical at sundown. The visit to this observation deck offers a unique 360-degree view of the city. One World Observatory is also the tallest of the three most famous observation decks, which includes the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building.
If you plan to visit multiple attractions in the city, compare New York City passes to find the most convenient solution.
The One World Observatory offers the most impressive technological features for its visitors, with a mix of virtual reality, video guides, and theater shows. Thanks to its location in Lower Manhattan near the 9/11 Memorial, the One World Observatory also offers fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the harbor.
Because the One World Observatory is the newest, crowds can get a bit larger at this location, but the timed tickets ensure that you will probably never experience an unreasonable crowd size
See The World In Miniature At Gullivers Gate
Perhaps because I love travel, or maybe because great craftsmanship and art excite me, this is one of my favorite things to do in Times Square. See the whole world in two hours at this collection of superb replicas of many of the major world sites.
See the great architecture of the ancient worlds of the Middle East, the natural wonders of South America, Europes greatest cities, Asia’s landmarks and of course the great New York City in small scale. The New York City replicas include small yellow cabs, skyscrapers illuminated with real lights and detailed replicas of some of NYCs iconic buildings. The excellent rendition of the Grand Central Terminal is complete with trains and an exact reproduction of the terminal’s architecture.
Just the artistry of the incredibly detailed models is worth the visit, but add the educational element of visiting the world in one day and this lesser-known attraction is a must in Times Square. Gullivers Gate is located at 44th Street and 7th Avenue. Plan a visit online.
Time Square’s M& M Store has more than chocolate
Read Also: Things To Do In Ashland Va
Dave And Busters Times Square Sports Bar:
Food and a sports bar are the attractions at Dave and Busters chain of food outlets. Let your hair down and try the super cocktails, 20 beer taps or the premium bar while you watch HD TV with surround sound at the Times Square New Yorkoutlet. The Belgian waffle sliders, chicken crispies and smoked on apple-wood bacon are all-time favourites with the regulars to this pub. Spend some time bowling, playing billiards or electronic games like Fireteam, Raven and Halo.
Channel Your Inner Flower Child At The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Spend your morning surrounded by roses and water-lilies at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located on the northeastern edge of Prospect Park, the garden sits on 52 acres of land and is free to visit every Friday before noon or on weekdays from December through February.
Recommended Reading: Kid Friendly Things To Do In Cleveland Ohio
Tour The Federal Bank Of New Yorks Gold Vault
Set in the basement of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is the Gold Vault, which holds around 497,000 gold bars weighing a total of about 6,190 tons. Much of the gold arrived during and after WWII when countries wanted to store their gold in a safe spot. The vault remains the worlds largest known depository of monetary gold, and you can visit during a free hour-long tour Monday through Friday. Tours fill up quickly, so reserve your space on The Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorks website in advance.
Book A Broadway Walking Tour With New York Broadway Tours
If youre a huge fan of Broadway, then an all things theater tour is just what you need. Inspired by a musical theatre actress named Amada Anderson, the Broadway Walking Tour provides an interactive learning experience about the history of Broadway.
A unique element is that these are sing-along tours. Rest assured that youll get plenty of knowledge as the tour guides are licensed and actual theatre professionals.
Read Also: Ashland Va Things To Do
See The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
Every December, the lights on this iconic Christmas Tree are turned on.
For all the details such as when to go and how to get there, see our post on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
The tree lighting marks the unofficial start of the Christmas Season in NYC.
It’s now when many storefront displays, holiday shows, and musicals, as well as light decorations, are available.
While you are there, take the opportunity to visit Top of the Rock to get unparalleled views of New York City at the observatory.
Madame Tussauds New York
Located in the heart of Times Square and established in 2000, Madame Tussauds New York is the only place where you can get up close and personal to your favorite stars, or better to say, their wax figures. You can pose for photos with the worlds most famous musicians, movie stars, world leaders, sports legends, and other famous personalities. The museum occupies five stories with more than 85,000 square feet of space with interactive exhibits that include the Ghostbusters: Dimension hyper-reality experience and the Marvel Super Hero 4D Experience. The original Madame Tussauds wax exhibition was established in 1884 in London, and there are now Madame Tussauds museums in over 20 countries.
234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, Phone: 212-512-9600
You are reading “Fun Things to Do in Times Square, NYC this Weekend with Friends” Back to Top or More places to see near me today, what to do, weekend trips
Nearest romantic getaways today at night, places near me, local wedding venues, best small beach town, restaurants, outside, things to do with kids near me, staycation, beaches, resorts near me, how do I plan: Cincinnati, MD, OR Beaches, HI, Indoor Amusement Parks, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, WI, Orlando, Texas Beaches
You May Like: Things To Do In Canton Ct
Times Square Bucket List: Amazing Places To Visit In Times Square New York City
Times Square is one of the most dazzling tourist sites in the entire world and Manhattan, New York. What was once known as a carriage district in the 19th century eventually became an exemplification of American culture through its architecture, businesses, subways, theatres, etc. As a result, Times Square is now frequently flocked with people who are the most important part of the area. With that being said, here are some of the things you can do during your visit:
Cycle Over Brooklyn Bridge
Pedal across New Yorks most famous bridge and take in views of skyscrapers across the East River on a fun bike tour. Connecting the vibrant borough of Brooklyn with Manhattan Island, the bridge offers an epic way to see the sights.
See if you can spot movie filming locations in Brooklyn Bridge Park and marvel at the engineering of the worlds first steel-wire suspension bridge.
Don’t Miss: Things To Do In Mystic Ct
Radio City Stage Door Tour
Theater buffs, rejoice! Now is your chance to go behind the scenes at one of Americas most famous theaters. With the comprehensive, 75-minute Radio City Stage Door Tour®, youll get in-depth looks at major areas and special objects. Discover what makes this amazing place such an important cultural destination. Youll even get to take a photo with a world-famous Rockette!
Getting In: Radio City Stage Door Tour tickets are available on the Go New York Explorer pass.
Relax In Prospect Park
Brooklyn’s Prospect Park shares the same designers as Central Park. It hosts free shows at the bandshell in the summer, and there’s a greenmarket at the north end of the park open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays year-round. The Prospect Park Zoo houses animals from around the world and tickets are just $9.95 for adults, $7.95 for seniors, and $6.95 for children.
You May Like: Kid Things To Do In Syracuse Ny
Amazing Things To Do Around Times Square
Posted on Last updated:
Categories Travel Tips
If youre planning a trip to New York City, its only natural to seek out the best things to do in Times Square.
In fact, exploring some of the best things to do in Times Square is almost a right of passage when it comes to visiting New York City.
The gleaming lights and nonstop action are bound to enamor even the least touristy of travelers, and its centrally located enough that you can easily spend the whole day there, or less than an hour just passing through.
Not to mention, theres pretty much an unending list of things to do in Times Square, making it the perfect addition to any NYC itinerary.
Check out some of the best things to do in Times Square below, and dont forget to add your favorites in the comments!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission on qualifying purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.
Eat At Dave And Busters
Dave and Busters is a family-friendly restaurant that combines two vital parts of American culture: food and sports. This sports bar has an HDTV where guests can watch multiple sports events with stadium-quality surround sound.
There are also traditional arcade games and other traditional indoor sports activities such as billiards and bowling. And of course, this restaurant offers traditional American food such as chicken and waffle sliders.
Read Also: Things To Do In Mystic Ct
Shop Til You Drop In Times Square
Much of the action in Times Square is retail-oriented. Personally, I dont love the shopping mall feel of Times Square. I prefer tiny, unique boutiques. But Im definitely in the minority.
Many favorite teen-friendly American brands have huge stores in and around Broadway, including Sephora, Express and Steve Madden. Although many brick and mortar Disney Stores have closed, the one in Times Square is open for business.
If the kids need a bunch of souvenirs to bring back to their friends, check out one of the many I Love NY gift shops in the area. Do you collect souvenir ornaments from your family travels? Christmas in New York has two locations in Times Square to help you find a NYC-themed decoration for your tree.
If you want something a little special, tuck down Shubert Alley which connects 44th and 45th streets. One Shubert Alley used to be the Booth Theaters dressing room. Its Broadways oldest gift shop and youll find a wonderful selection of theater-related goodies here, when they reopen in the fall.
Free Things To Do In December
Here are just a few of the free things you can do in New York City in December.
Also, be sure to check out the other sections of this post, which contain other free things to do like seeing the Dyker Heights Lights, or going to the Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal.
For even more ideas, check our comprehensive post about free things to do in NYC.
You May Like: Kid Things To Do In Syracuse Ny
Walking Is Free In New York City
I never get tired of walking in New York City or, rather, I get tired, but not bored. Theres something new around every corner! Here are some ideas of great places to walk in the city:
Places to stroll: Central Park, of course! Walk around the Battery in Lower Manhattan, or South Street Seaport or the Hudson River Greenway or across the Brooklyn Bridge or the Manhattan Bridge .
view of the Manhattan Bridge from underneath in a neighborhood called DUMBO: Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass
If youre in NYC in November or December, make sure to walk along Fifth Avenue to admire the ornate windows of the high-end shops. When I was a kid, a trip to the city to see the windows was a yearly ritual.
Rockefeller Center: Rockefeller Center was built in the 1930s and is certainly worth a look, especially if youre interested in the art and buildings of that period. Great people-watching too, especially at Christmastime. Between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, around 49th and 50th St, Midtown .
Figure above the entrance to Rockefeller Center
Art Deco: And speaking of Art Deco, even if you cant afford to take the elevator to the top of the Empire State Building , the art deco style of the lobby is definitely worth seeing, if you can talk the guards into letting you in.
the Empire State Building
High Line: Gansevoort Street to West 34th between 10th and 12th Avenues, Chelsea.
The Manhattan skyline as seen from Governors Island.Smallpox Hospital, opened in 1856 on Roosevelt Island.
Restaurants Near Times Square
Alright, we do feel like we need to preface this with the disclaimer that we wouldnt really recommend eating in Times Square.
Theres just too many hidden gems in NYC to pass up and eat at a chain restaurant in Times Square .
Theres also usually a huge wait!
That being said, if youre dead set on the idea, check out some of the options below for some of the best, not-so-touristy places to eat in Times Square.
- Brooklyn Diner American comfort food, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Carmines family-style Italian chain restaurant
- Havana Central Times Square cuban restaurant, featuring cocktails & live music
- cute retro vibe, known for their worlds most fabulous cheesecake + American food
- R Lounge gourmet food & cocktails, overlooking Times Square
- Shake Shack quick service w/ awesome burgers, fries, & shakes
- Toloache modern Mexican fare
You May Like: Things To Do In Baytown Tx For Free
How To Actually Save Money While Visiting New York City
Lonely Planet Writer
Though it may be synonymous with high-rise luxury, New York City has a wealth of top-class cheap and free attractions for savvy travelers to enjoy, be they museums, park trails, brewery tours or outdoor theatre performances. Plus if you time it right, some ticketed venues have free entry times, too. Here’s our pick of the best free things to do in NYC.
