Best Things to Do Near the American Museum of Natural History

From nature to culture, explore the area's best offerings!

Published: April 11, 2025
Best Things to Do Near the American Museum of Natural History

While the American Museum of Natural History dazzles with its exhibits, the surrounding area offers a treasure trove of attractions waiting to be explored. From lush parks to gastronomic delights and cultural wonders, there’s so much more to discover. Ready to dive in? Let’s guide you through some fantastic experiences near the museum, including some Go City favorites.  

Central Park 

Just a short stroll from the museum, Central Park offers a verdant escape with endless exploration opportunities. Within its 843 acres, wander along scenic trails, discover iconic landmarks like Bethesda Terrace, or relax on Sheep Meadow’s expansive lawns. Rent a bike or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park's picturesque settings. From the Central Park Zoo to the enchanting Bow Bridge, there's something for everyone.  

The Met - Metropolitan Museum of Art 

A nearby cultural giant, The Met presents an extraordinary collection of art spanning centuries. From ancient relics to modern masterpieces, every visit reveals new insights. Special exhibitions showcase diverse cultures and styles, ensuring a fresh experience each time. Explore ancient Egypt, marvel at European paintings, or enjoy the tranquility of the rooftop garden. With so much to offer, The Met provides a compelling journey through world art and history, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. 

The Loeb Boathouse 

In Central Park, The Loeb Boathouse promises a unique combination of dining and leisure. Situated by the lake, enjoy a delicious meal with stunning waterside views. The seasonal menu features fresh ingredients, perfect for a leisurely brunch or elegant dinner. Rent a rowboat or enjoy a gondola ride to add a romantic touch to your visit. The Boathouse’s tranquil environment and picturesque setting offer a serene escape in the heart of the city, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. 

The Guggenheim Museum 

The Guggenheim Museum

Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, known for its distinctive architecture and impressive modern art collection. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the spiraling building itself is a masterpiece. Inside, discover works by renowned artists like Picasso and Kandinsky, and enjoy rotating exhibitions that keep the experience fresh and exciting. The Guggenheim is an essential stop for art lovers on their NYC journey. 

Levain Bakery 

A visit to Levain Bakery ensures a delightful treat. Famous for their oversized, gooey chocolate chip walnut cookies, the bakery is a sweet haven. The cozy space invites you to indulge and relax while enjoying fresh pastries and breads. Perfect for a quick snack break as you explore, Levain Bakery’s delectable offerings guarantee satisfaction for anyone with a sweet tooth. This beloved spot is a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking scrumptious delights in the city. 

The Hayden Planetarium 

Inside the museum, the Hayden Planetarium offers a thrilling journey through the cosmos. With state-of-the-art technology and immersive presentations, it brings the universe to life. The Space Show, narrated by celebrities, showcases the wonders of the cosmos with stunning visuals and engaging stories. Perfect for star-gazers and astronomy fans, the planetarium is an educational adventure. It's a highlight of the museum experience, promising to captivate and inspire visitors of all ages. 

Theodore Roosevelt Park 

Adjacent to the museum, Theodore Roosevelt Park provides a peaceful retreat ideal for families. Playgrounds, gardens, and picnic areas make this park a delightful urban oasis. Named after the 26th President, the park is an homage to nature lovers and explorers. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or relax on a bench surrounded by lush greenery. Whether you're winding down after a museum visit or simply enjoying the outdoors, its serene atmosphere offers a calming counterpoint to the city's hustle. 

The Gray's Papaya 

The Gray's Papaya 

For a classic NYC snack, visit Gray’s Papaya. Known for its delicious and affordable hot dogs, this vibrant spot offers a true taste of New York. Complemented by refreshing tropical drinks, it’s a quick, tasty bite that locals and tourists enjoy. The lively ambiance and no-nonsense vibe promise a quintessential city experience, making it a beloved culinary landmark. It’s the perfect stop for a delicious bite as you explore the Upper West Side's busy streets. 

St. John the Divine Cathedral 

Discover The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, one of the world’s largest cathedrals. This stunning Gothic revival structure boasts exquisite architecture, shimmering stained glass, and inspiring sculpture gardens. Explore the vast interior and learn about the history of this awe-inspiring landmark through tours and exhibitions. The cathedral also hosts concerts and cultural events, offering a diverse array of experiences. It’s a magnificent spiritual and cultural destination that adds depth to your NYC explorations. 

The Met Breuer 

Explore innovative art at The Met Breuer, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It focuses on modern and contemporary pieces, offering cutting-edge exhibitions and new perspectives on existing collections. The building itself—a modernist marvel—sets the stage for creative exploration. As you wander through the galleries, discover thought-provoking works elevating the art experience. 

Alice's Tea Cup 

Transport yourself to whimsy at Alice’s Tea Cup, a tearoom inspired by “Alice in Wonderland.” Delight in an array of teas, scones, and sandwiches in a magical setting. With fairy wings and enchanted decor, it’s an experience for all ages. This delightful stop adds a sprinkle of fantasy to your day, enhancing the NYC adventure with its unique charm. 

The New York Historical

The New York Historical

Step into the past at the New York Historical, NYC's oldest museum, showcasing America’s history. With exhibits from iconic documents to multimedia presentations, every visit offers fresh insights. Discover engaging displays and family-friendly interactive spaces. The elegant Beaux-Arts building itself fascinates, offering rich narratives familiarizing visitors with the city’s and nation’s stories. 

The Dakota Apartments 

Marvel at the historic Dakota Apartments, renowned for celebrity residents like John Lennon. Its Renaissance Revival style captures both architectural and cultural allure. While residential, the facade invites admiration. Strolling by adds a touch of celebrity history to your visit, making it a fascinating stop near the museum. 

The Great Lawn 

Within Central Park, The Great Lawn offers a sprawling space for relaxation and recreation. Perfect for picnics or casual sports, it often hosts concerts and events. The lawn’s vibrant environment makes it a lively spot for unwinding, framed by skyline views. It’s an inviting escape harmonizing relaxation, recreation, and urban vibrancy. 

Tom's Restaurant 

A must for “Seinfeld” fans, Tom’s Restaurant serves up classic diner fare. With its iconic facade and hearty menu, it delivers a true New York experience. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or late-night snacks in its welcoming, cozy atmosphere. Its pop culture fame and familiar vibe provide an enjoyable culinary stop in the city’s heart. 

Cafe Lalo 

Cafe Lalo 

Escape to European charm at Cafe Lalo. Famous for its expansive dessert menu, enjoy cheesecakes, pastries, and brunch amid a stylish setting. With twinkling lights and art-adorned walls, it captures a cozy, cosmopolitan feel. A short walk from the museum, Cafe Lalo is perfect for sweet escapes or leisurely meals, creating magical moments. 

Zabar’s 

A culinary delight awaits at Zabar’s, an iconic Upper West Side market. Known for specialty foods like smoked fish and cheese, Zabar’s is adored by food enthusiasts. Pick up goodies for a Central Park picnic, or savor fresh pastries. The bustling atmosphere and rich history make it a regional staple, offering authentic NYC flavors. 

Belvedere Castle 

Discover Belvedere Castle, an enchanting Gothic-style folly offering breathtaking views of Central Park and NYC’s skyline. This architectural gem is perfect for photographers and those seeking scenic beauty. Housing a nature center, the castle provides insights into the park’s ecology. It offers a charming blend of history and beauty, captivating visitors. 

For more, check out our 4 day NY itinerary, and see the city’s best historical sights! 

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®.  

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started! 

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

Blue whale at the American Museum of Natural History
Blog

Top tips for visiting the American Museum of Natural History

Bone up on this NYC gem ahead of your trip.
Lindsay Eagan
Little girl on a traditional Easter egg hunt.
Blog

What to do on Easter Weekend in New York City

Easter is a great time to visit New York, as the east coast shakes off its winter chill and the city bursts into colorful, vibrant life with a riot of tulips, cherry blossom and forsythia. Then, of course, there’s the Big Apple's annual Easter Parade, when a flamboyant forest of the biggest, boldest (and downright wackiest) bonnets you’ve ever laid eyes on weaves its way through Midtown Manhattan. Egg hunts, too, make for a cracking Easter day out for kids aged three to 93 and, who knows, you might even get a chance to meet the Easter bunny herself. So, pack your spring layers, brace your sweet tooth for joy, and read on for our eggs-pert guide to all things Easter in NYC. The Big Apple in Bloom If flowers float your boat and plants set your heart aquiver, there may be no better time to visit New York than over the Easter weekend, when many of spring’s best-loved blooms will be out in force. Central Park is as good a place as any to start your olfactory odyssey. Hit up the Bridle Path at 90th Street, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and the aptly-named Cherry Hill at 72nd Street for your cherry blossom fix – the pretty pink blossoms opposite the fairytale folly that is the park’s Belvedere Castle make for some of the finest spring selfie opportunities in town. If the weather plays ball, rent a bike to explore all of the park’s hidden nooks, or take a rowboat out onto the tranquil lake. The brief but beautiful annual cherry blossom explosion continues over at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where 26 species ensure good coverage from March through May. Meanwhile, the New York Botanical Garden adds a fragrant themed display of thousands of blooming orchids to the 200-or-so flowering cherry trees within its 50-acre forest. Want more? Take a spring stroll along the High Line (with a tour guide, if you so wish), where colorful wildflowers meet hip outdoor art installations and picnic spots are alive with the sound of birdsong and chattering squirrels. You’ll spot pretty Lady Jane tulips, Sunburst witch hazel and Virginia bluebells along this elevated former railway line on Manhattan’s west side. Or tiptoe through the tulips on Park Avenue: tens of thousands of the colorful blighters burst into bloom along the boulevard every spring. New York Easter Parade Put a great big hat-shaped marker in your diary for Easter Sunday, the eggstraordinary pinnacle of Manhattan’s Easter calendar. For today is the day that New Yorkers from across the state converge at 49th Street to follow the short Easter Parade route along Fifth Avenue, clad in some of the most outlandish headgear you’ll see in this galaxy, or any other. Yes, we’re talking about the annual festival of Easter bonnets, in which you can expect to see people in everything from period costume (a hat-tip to the parade’s 19th-century origins) to iconic New York landmarks in hat form (you may well lose count of the Empire State Buildings and Statues of Liberty), flamboyant flower-festooned fashion statements, and – for the very brave – pyramids of carefully balanced (real) eggs pointing precariously skywards. There are no prizes to be won, just the fawning admiration of your peers as you strut your stuff along Fifth Avenue in your eggstravagant Sunday best. It’s free to join and you can spend all day mingling with behatted fellow revelers along the half-mile route, with somewhere in the region of 30,000 people expected to turn up most years, weather permitting. Easter Egg Hunts in NYC Whether you’ve got kids or not, there’s surely no better way to spend your Easter weekend than mingling with the Easter bunny, having your face painted in a rainbow of colors and, of course, getting your sticky paws on some sweet, sweet Easter candy. You’ll find plenty of events taking place in parks and playgrounds across the Big Apple over Easter weekend. Note that while there are dozens to choose from, NYC Easter egg hunts are extremely popular so book ticketed events well in advance and turn up early for free hunts to avoid disappointment. Hit up East Harlem for the admirably punny annual NYSoM Easter Eggstravaganza, a free event that includes timed egg hunts, plus egg painting, a street fair and photo opportunities with the Easter bunny and pals. Over on Governer’s Island, there are hunts tailored by age group, with a whopping 10,000 painted wooden eggs to be found across 120 acres. Expect magic shows and puppetry as well as arts and craft stalls and a beer garden for the grown-ups. You can even make it educational. CMoM (the Children’s Museum of Manhattan) runs a fun Easter Egg scavenger hunt that’s included with your admission ticket. Set your little bunnies loose to seek out the cute critters hiding in eggs around the museum. There are prizes for successfully completing the challenge and Miffy – a close relative of the Easter bunny – may also make a guest appearance on the day. Easter Brunch in NYC Brunching is practically a religion in New York so, if the above activities sound just a little too taxing for a relaxing Easter weekend break, feast your eyes on these beauties for some of the finest Easter brunches in town. And remember to book in advance! The Dutch NYC. This SoHo stalwart promises long boozy brunches fueled by some of the best pre-noon cocktails in Lower Manhattan. Pair heaving platefuls of cornmeal blueberry flapjacks and avocado toast with a reviving Matcha Sour, or a punchy Oaxacan Sunset, with tequila, mezcal, hibiscus, lime and cassis. Jacob’s Pickles. Hit the dive bars a little too hard last night? This Upper West Side diner has you covered, with comfort food classics including heart-stopping biscuit-and-egg breakfast sandwiches and fluffy pancakes with buttermilk fried chicken. Wash down with a Bloody BLT – vodka, bacon and a jalapeño-pickled egg. Balthazar. The Oyster Marys at SoHo’s Balthazar are worth the entry price alone, but stick around for the divine eggs florentine and uber-comforting corned beef hash. The Garden @ The Standard. This East Village garden lets you tuck into oysters, steaks and mimosas in your own private yurt. There’s even an adult Easter egg hunt, with prizes including an overnight stay at The Standard. Ideal if you’ve overindulged in cocktails and chocolate eggs. Wynwood. For a family friendly option complete with epic brunch buffet, egg hunt and Easter bunny photo opportunities, make for Wynwood on Staten Island. Grateful grown-ups get a mimosa or bellini on arrival. Save on things to do on Easter weekend in New York City Save on admission to NYC attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Statue of Liberty in close-up with the New York skyline beyond.
Blog

Empire State Building Vs Statue of Liberty NYC Comparison

Ask your average Jane or Joe to name as many top New York attractions as they can in 10 seconds and it’s fairly likely the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building will be first out of their mouths. But how do they measure up? Which has been around the longest and which has stolen the most blockbuster movie scenes? We got up close and personal with these two titans of the Manhattan skyline to find out. History The Statue of Liberty arrived on US shores in 1885, a gift from the people of France. This beautifully rendered copper giant was designed by celebrated sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with a metal framework by his engineering pal Gustave Eiffel. Yes, that Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on Liberty Island in October 1886, where she has stood ever since, her gorgeous patina earning her the nickname ‘Green Goddess’. Still the definitive emblem of American freedom after more than 140 years, the statue attracts around 3.5 million visitors every year. The Empire State Building joined the party a little later, and will reach its centenary year in 2031. Perhaps the most iconic Art Deco building on the planet, it stands at 1,453ft and was the world’s tallest building for over four decades, until topped by the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1970. No other building has held the record for that long, just one of many accolades held by this monolithic Manhattan masterpiece, which attracts around four million visitors a year, primarily for the birds’ eye views afforded by its observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors, some 1,250ft from terra firma. At the Movies The iconic status of the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building mean both have featured in countless movies, TV shows and music videos over the years. How many can you think of? The image of King Kong at the top of the Empire State Building, clinging to his beloved Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) and swatting away airplanes like flies before succumbing to their gunfire, is one of the most recognizable in movie history. It’s the Empire State’s mic drop moment, but the Green Goddess is no cinematic slouch either, having appeared on the silver screen many hundreds of times, even as far back as the silent movie era, when she made what is thought to be her debut alongside Charlie Chaplin in 1917’s The Immigrant. As a proud symbol of American freedom, Lady Liberty has also done innumerable stints in disaster movies, representing hope – or the fall of humankind. We’re talking the haunting image of the statue half-buried in sand in the closing scenes of Planet of the Apes as well as appearances in – deep breath – Independence Day, Deep Impact, The Day After Tomorrow, Cloverfield and, um, Sharknado 2. What can you do at the Statue of Liberty? A trip out to the planet’s most famous torchbearer takes in both Liberty Island (where the statue is located) and its near-neighbor Ellis Island, home of the National Museum of Immigration. And it’s well worth visiting both while you’re here. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich history of New York and the USA itself, there’s no better place to start. Photographs, heirlooms and a database of searchable historical records track the history of immigration in the US, and you can even peep into the baggage rooms and dormitories once used by ‘the huddled masses’ who arrived in New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Of course, the statue herself is the main event, and there are various options depending on what you want to see. You can book to climb to the top of the pedestal on which Lady Liberty stands, or go the whole hog and climb the 162-step spiral staircase inside the statue for epic views from right up inside her famous crown. Tickets for these experiences are available via the Statue City Cruises website, while a pass from Go City includes your ferry ticket plus entry to the museums, as well as dozens more New York attractions including the Guggenheim, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and – yep – the Empire State Building. What can you do at the Empire State Building? Really the only downside of visiting the observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors of the Empire State Building is the fact that those crazy views don’t include... the Empire State Building itself. Instead, soak up some of the best selfie opportunities in town with backdrops that include Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and many other icons of the New York skyline. The 86th floor is in pole position for photo opps thanks to its open air platform, while the top floor is higher up (obvs) but fully enclosed. You can pimp up your visit with a range of direct ticket options that includes skip-the-line tickets, premium champagne packages and guided tours of the building, including the incredible Art Deco lobby. Or go straight for the 86th floor with an attraction pass from Go City. How to get to the Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty’s location on Liberty Island means the only way of getting there is by ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or the Liberty State Park in New Jersey. All passengers are required to undergo a security screening before boarding, so we’d recommend arriving 30 minutes or so before your planned departure, to avoid missing the boat. The Staten Island Ferry is another option if you just fancy a close pass (with stacks of great photo opportunities of both the statue and Manhattan skyline) but without actually physically visiting the attraction. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty here. How to get to the Empire State Building Getting to the Empire State Building is an absolute cinch. It’s right in the center or the Big Apple and you really can’t miss it; it’s visible from just about everywhere. The nearest metro stations are Herald Square and Penn Station, or arrive in style at the awesome Grand Central, and make the 10-minute walk from there. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Empire State Building here. Save on New York Activities and Attractions And that concludes our deep dive into the world of the Empire State Building vs the Statue of Liberty. We hope, in the unlikely event that you choose to visit only one of these big attractions, that in some small way our guide can help you make your decision. If not, and if indecision continues to dog you, remember you can easily visit both and save money thanks to Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes for New York. So what are you waiting for?
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.