What's there to do in NYC?
As you might expect, there are lots of things to do in New York City! Whether your interest is museums, sports, theater, food, shopping, the outdoors, or something completely different, there is something (usually too many somethings!) to see and do.
The best all-around resource to learn about activities and events is the the NYC Go website. Here you will find great information about the many things that NYC has to offer, tailored to your specific interests.
One thing to keep in mind about NYC is that there are five boroughs: Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. During the conference, attendees will be spending their time in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Conference housing is available in the Bronx and Manhattan.
Each borough has its own "flavor" and specialities. To see recommendations by borough, check out this link from NYC Go.
Although New York doesn't seem especially big in terms of area, it can take a while to get from place to place. If you are planning activities, try to schedule things that are relatively close together, either in the same borough or a short trip away. The MTA Trip planner can help you plan your travel between destinations and is an essential resource if you are planning to travel on the weekends as it includes information about service changes that Google Maps does not.
"That's all well and good," you say, "but I really don't want to spend a ton of money. Surely there are free things to do in New York!
You're right, of course. There are many free activities and attractions in NYC including parks and cultural attractions. Here are a couple of guides to free things to do in NYC (note that NYC Go and Time Out New York will show you content for specific days as well as by category):
- Broadway and Theater Tickets - suggestions for discountsIf you are looking for less expensive Broadway tickets, check out these tips from Time Out New York. Note that even extremely popular shows (like Hamilton) tend to have a ticket lottery, so don't forget to enter drawings for shows you want to see, just in case you get lucky.
But what do YOU recommend?
If you ask each of the organizers that question, you will get a different answer each time! However, here are some NYBG and BBG favorites. (Note that we will visit the High Line during the conference, and therefore it is not included on this list.)
- American Folk Art MuseumNow on display: Charting the Divine Plan: The Art of Orra White Hitchcock (1796–1863) Learn more.
- Bronx ZooThe largest zoo in a metropolitan center in the United States, the Bronx Zoo is across the street from Fordham.
- Central Park Conservatory GardenThis picturesque garden is located near many great cultural institutions. Make a day of it and visit Museum of the City of New York, The New York Academy of Medicine, and El Museo del Barrio which celebrates artists of Latino, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures.
- Central Park Skate CircleThe Central Park Dance Skater Association’s weekend get-togethers have been a fixture on the park's calendar for decades. Bring your own quads—or rent from the nearby Skate Truck and bust a move to throwback R&B, house, dance and Top 40 music spun by a rotating roster of local DJs. For those who don’t skate, there’s space to groove on foot without colliding with those on wheels, or just watch the old hands do their thing.
- Chelsea Flower MarketFor early-birds who love cut flowers, the Chelsea Flower Market offers a bustling atmosphere and brisk trade.
- The CloistersThe Met Cloisters, located on four acres overlooking the Hudson River in northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, is the branch of the Museum dedicated to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe. Deriving its name from the medieval cloisters that form the core of the building, it presents a harmonious and evocative setting for more than 2,000 exceptional artworks and architectural elements from the medieval West.
- Garment DistrictThe Garment District is home to a number of well-known designers, their production facilities, warehouses, showrooms, and suppliers of fabric and materials.
- Kinokuniya Japanese BookstoreFantastic selection of Japanese handmade papers, stationary items, comics, art books and gifts. This bookstore also as a wonderful Japanese snack cafe.
- The Metropolitan Museum of ArtThe Met presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in three iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters. Note that as of March 1st, 2018, the museum no longer offers "pay what you wish" admission. On display during the conference is Public Parks, Private Gardens: Paris to Provence.
- The Morgan Library & MuseumHome of the private library of financier J. P. Morgan (1837–1913), one of the preeminent collectors and cultural benefactors in the United States. Morgan assembled an outstanding collection of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints. The stunning Italian Renaissance style building housing the library was designed by McKim Meade & White. It too has an interesting shop.
- Neue GalerieA museum of German and Austrian art in the 20th century, the Neue (pronounced "noy-ah") Galerie includes an impressive Klimpt collection and a very good Viennese cafe. Two blocks north of the Metropolitan Museum of Art ("the Met") it offers an intimate an unforgettable experience.
- The New York Public LibraryThe Stephen A. Schwarzman Building located at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue is one of the world's greatest research libraries. Its marble corridors are home to several exhibition galleries and an ongoing series of public programs and lectures. The Children's Center is home to the original Winnie the Pooh who can be seen on display year-round. The shop offers numerous items of interest to librarians and literary types of all ages. Docent-led tours are also available.
- The Staten Island FerryAccessible from Lower Manhattan, the Ferry is free and goes to Staten Island, passing the Statue of Liberty. Lots of fun on a nice day. While you are in Lower Manhattan you can also visit Liberty Park (NY Times article) including the 9/11 memorial pools, the Battery Park waterfront, and the National Museum of the American Indian, a Smithsonian museum with free admission.
- Strand Book Store18 miles of new and used books, the Strand is located close to Union Square, a popular shopping district.
- Tenement Museum New YorkThe Tenement Museum preserves and interprets the history of immigration through the personal experiences of the generations of newcomers who settled in and built lives on Manhattan's Lower East Side, America's iconic immigrant neighborhood; forges emotional connections between visitors and immigrants past and present; and enhances appreciation for the profound role immigration has played and continues to play in shaping America's evolving national identity. Note: tickets must be purchased prior to your visit.