THE 10 BEST Museums You'll Want to Visit in New York City (2024)
Museums in New York City

THE 10 BEST New York City Museums

Museums in New York City

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What travelers are saying

  • KMKD00
    Columbia, SC120 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a wonderful but very emotional visit. We did a walking tour and we purchased our tickets directly through the museum, not a third party. I HIGHLY recommend doing this organized tour through the museum.

    We started outside and our guide gave us headsets. His microphone talked directly into our headsets. We had a 10am start time and the place was already busy, so I was thankful I could easily hear the guide. It also enabled me to take the headset off when it was a little too much to remember from that day. We walked around and he shared about the outdoor memorial, the survivor tree, and much more.

    We then skipped the big line and went into the actual museum through a tour entrance with our own security line. This was really nice and much faster than the line we passed! After everyone had time to get through security and take a bathroom break, the tour continued in the museum. We had a fantastic guide and I learned so much that I would not have learned without the guide! The tour took about 2 hours and then we had time to walk through exhibits at the museum as we wished.

    I cried a lot. I read a book once where it said " it takes courage to take a place where something awful happened and make it peaceful" That is how I felt. Something horrendous happened here and it was hard to relieve it, but I think it is tasteful and very well done to teach what happened and remember those that were lost.

    And just my personal opinion.... I do not recommend taking young children. I also don't recommend taking smiling touristy selfies. In my opinion, it is just poor taste to taking big smiling tourist selfies in place that is designed to honor and remember a solemn event- it just seemed disrespectful.
    Written May 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nicks J
    Edinburgh, UK44 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love the Met. I go every time I visit New York, and try to see a different part of it. It’s fascinating; it’s beautifully laid out and well organised.
    My big tip - research and plan your visit! It’s huge - you could spend days here, so if you haven’t planned what you want to see, it would be very easy to just wander around aimlessly.
    Written May 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christina C G
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the NY Public Library for a break from the city noise and to soak in the art, architecture, and history of the building. Spent time in the famed Rose Reading Room and perused some sections of books. Sat at a desk and took in the gorgeous ceiling and wood features all around the room. Check out the interactive map in the Visitors’ Center to plan your route.
    Written May 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Indah Edlightz
    Ontario, Canada3,759 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely amazing Museum. This museum puts DC's Smithsonian to shame. Such great exhibits and amazingly presented. Not sure if its because there is a fee to enter compared to Smithsonian, but $100 for a whole family is not much and you can easily spend most of the day in here. We were her in the summer and it was not that crazy busy.. first you need to avoid the long lineup at the Central Park door and go to the back where there is never a line.. Also, the parking below is easy and cheap and it saves you tons of time walking around.
    Kids loved seeing all the places that were in "Night at the Museum" movies and just an overall great place to spend a day.
    Written May 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kate L
    San Jose, CA27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    MoMA is a masterpiece! The exhibits are captivating, the layout is easy to navigate, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. A must-visit for art enthusiasts!
    Written May 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Luke
    22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth every penny. Loads to do and see. It is a humbling day out. Probably not the best if you have restricted mobility due to steep stairs and narrow passageways. Also if you’re claustrophobic it might not be the best especially on the submarine. Exceptional experience and I have absolutely no faults. There are veterans there who have served on the ship and can give excellent insights.
    Written January 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maree H
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place was amazing. Very moving and really well done. Very respectful. Can't believe I got to hold things that were kept from 9/11. Highly recommend
    Written January 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rochelle F
    Randolph, NJ1,107 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had not been to the Cloisters in years and wanted to visit again. This museum is of medieval times with a lot of architecture and art from that period. We took the 1 hour tour of highlights and learned a lot. The gardens (there are 3 or 4) are small but beautiful.

    We enjoyed a light lunch at the cafe. We also wandered around the Park which is quite nice too.

    A very nice outing for an afternoon with friends.
    Written May 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emily T
    Americus, GA13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a cool place! We did the Family Owned tour, and our guide was very knowledgeable. He was able to answer every question thrown at him. There is a short movie that you can see before or after your show, and they announce when your tour is beginning, so you don't have to worry about missing it while in the movie.
    Written May 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andy Kos
    Southampton, United Kingdom129 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bit of random fun to fill in some time. We had the New York Pass, and this was included, so we decided to go along to have a look as we had some time to kill before having dinner. It turned out to be quite fun, a few silly games to do, and some quirky historical information. Sufficient to take up an hour or so of your day.
    Written April 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • brienanni
    Kita, Mali246 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an amazing collection, three magnificent Vermeer's kick off the visit, intimately displayed in room of their own. You can visit the whole museum in 1-2 hours, so you don't get overfed with art. I actually enjoyed this more than the big ones.
    Written February 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • christina t
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is truly an emotionally engaging place - one can imagine the lives of the people who passed through its doors. Beautifully presented, thoughful and well preserved. Stories that are well over 100 years old and yet still so actual since many people around the world today find themselves in the same situation as all those families many years ago.
    Written May 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • toomuchstuff4010
    Atlanta, GA44 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The contents and the structure of the Morgan Library are incredible. I was very disappointed, though, to plan my visit for a docent tour only to wait 15 minutes past the tour time and then be informed it was cancelled. With 30 to 40 people waiting, someone should have addressed the issue much sooner.
    Written May 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Boyd J
    Maleny, Australia1,729 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a couple of hours to spare on our last day in NYC and one attraction left on our Explorer Pass to headed off to Madame Tussauds. Itreally is prettyv cheesy, but there has been some effort put into grouping the celebrities and present them thematically. There is also a 10 minute Marvel Universe 4D movie which is entertaining enough.
    Written March 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • moretrips51
    Palo Alto, CA402 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historically interesting and visually gorgeous building. The docent was very knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend the 1 hour tour.
    Written May 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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