The top attractions in Manhattan

American Museum of Natural History

No matter which wing you wander through or where your curiosities lie (dinosaurs, gems or something else entirely), it’s hard to explore the American Museum of Natural History without being awestruck. You’ll immediately spot the rotunda’s hulking Barosaurus skeleton replica, but delving further into the museum’s collection, you’ll find actual specimens, such as Deinonychus, in the fourth-floor fossil halls. When you tire of dinos, head to the human-origins and culture halls to learn more about our evolutionary history, or gawk at the famed 94-foot-long blue-whale model in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Lastly, don’t miss the Rose Center for Earth & Space, where you can discover the universe via 3-D and light shows in the IMAX auditorium and the Hayden Planetarium.

Central Park

Map out your next trip to Central Park in New York with our handy rundown of the park’s must-see attractions. Whether you’re looking for free things to do, a serene picnicking spot, an off-the-beaten-path area or a historical monument, we’ve got you covered. You’ll also find the lowdown on tourist attractions—the Central Park Zoo, boat rides on the Lake, the Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle—that are perfect for out-of-town friends and family.