This blog post is all about the coolest museums in New York.
I lived in New York for one glorious year on a J-1 visa. A 12-month adventure that gave me just enough time to soak up the city’s iconic sights, hidden gems, and, of course, its incredible museums.
Let’s be honest: New York City boasts some of the best museums in the world.
They’re perfect for rainy days when you’d rather be inside than battling the elements, but they can be equally enjoyable on a sunny day, especially if you’re trying to escape the summer heat (hello, air conditioning!).
From large, world-renowned institutions to quirky local treasures, there’s definitely something for every taste.
Below are my personal favourite museums in New York, and places I’d recommend to anyone visiting or living in the city. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just someone looking to try something new, these museums have you covered!
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
This blog post is all about the best museums in New York City.
The Best History Museums in New York City
Below are the best museums in New York to learn about the history of the city, and the wider world.
1. Tenement Museum
I have to start with the Tenement Museum because it’s hands-down my favourite museum in New York, and somehow still criminally overlooked by many visitors.
- Location: 103 Orchard St, Lower East Side, Manhattan
- Cost: Tickets range around $30 for an adult tour (check the official website for exact pricing).
- Hours: Typically 10 AM–6 PM; closed on Tuesdays. Hours can vary, so always check in advance.
Situated in the Lower East Side, this museum gives you an incredibly immersive look into the lives of families who lived in tenement buildings during various periods of New York’s history.
By the way, a tenement is basically a cramped, low-cost apartment building that housed waves of immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Tenement Museum runs different tours, each focusing on a specific family’s experience—often Irish, Italian, Jewish, or Asian families, among others.
The rooms are preserved (or meticulously restored) to look exactly as they would have at the time, complete with period furniture, personal artefacts, and even authentic wallpaper. You truly get a sense of how these immigrants lived, worked, and adapted to their new surroundings.
As someone with Irish heritage, I was especially moved by their Irish family tour. Seeing the tiny rooms and hearing about the daily struggles made me appreciate how hard these people fought to build a life in New York.
It’s powerful, it’s personal, and it’s educational. Definitely one of the best museums in New York not to miss!
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2. American Museum of Natural History
You might recognize this place from the movie Night at the Museum! The American Museum of Natural History is an iconic spot that’s perfect for visitors of all ages.
- Location: Central Park West & 79th St, Upper West Side, Manhattan
- Cost: Suggested donation for general admission (about $23), but you can pay what you wish in person. Special exhibits cost extra.
- Hours: Daily 10 AM–5:30 PM (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Whether you’re into dinosaurs, ocean life, space exploration, or ancient cultures, you’ll find an exhibit that grabs your interest.
The place is huge—I’m talking multiple floors filled with fascinating displays—so don’t expect to see it all in a single afternoon.
Highlights include the massive dinosaur hall (with a towering T-Rex skeleton), the giant blue whale hanging in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and the Hayden Planetarium (for all you astronomy lovers).
It’s also a great rainy day activity, and one of the best museums in New York for kids.
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3. Museum of the City of New York
I’m slightly obsessed with the Museum of the City of New York because it’s filled with the rich history of the greatest city on Earth (yes, I’m biased!).
- Location: 1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St, Manhattan
- Cost: Suggested admission around $20 (pay what you wish if buying in person).
- Hours: Typically 10 AM–5 PM daily.
Exhibits focus on everything from the city’s colonial beginnings to its diverse communities, and the museum does a fantastic job of showcasing New York’s constant evolution.
For pop culture fans, you might be excited to learn that this building was used as the set of the school in Gossip Girl. Naturally, I had to snap a photo or two (or ten) on the steps outside.
If you’re new to NYC or just visiting, this museum is a brilliant way to gain insight into how the city got to where it is today.
You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the neighbourhoods you explore afterward.
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4. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Museum is an absolute must-do if you’re visiting New York, even though it’s one of the most emotional places in the city.
- Location: 180 Greenwich St, Lower Manhattan
- Cost: Admission ranges around $28 for adults (additional discounts available).
- Hours: Usually 9 AM–8 PM; check the website for up-to-date hours.
The museum delves into the events of September 11, 2001, honouring the lives lost and detailing the global impact of that day.
Artefacts range from pieces of the World Trade Center to personal belongings found in the rubble, and the layout is immersive and respectful.
I’ll be honest: it’s a heavy experience, and you might leave feeling emotionally drained. But it’s also incredibly well-done, offering a poignant reminder of the resilience and unity that emerged in the face of tragedy.
For younger kids, it may be too intense, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with family.
The Best Art Museums in New York
Below are the best art museums in New York. Perfect for a rainy day, or if you happen to be really into art.
5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
The Met is absolutely massive and an art lover’s paradise. Its collections range from ancient Egyptian artefacts to European masters, Asian art, modern works, and so much more.
- Location: 1000 Fifth Avenue, along Museum Mile, Manhattan
- Cost: The Met has a suggested admission policy for NY state residents and NY, NJ, and CT students (pay what you wish). Otherwise, general admission for adults is $30.
- Hours: Typically open 10 AM–5 PM Sunday–Thursday, and 10 AM–9 PM Friday–Saturday.
You could so easily spend an entire day wandering its halls. And that might only cover one wing!
Whether you’re there for the paintings, sculptures, or historical objects, there’s an exhibit guaranteed to grab your attention.
If you’re feeling fancy (and the weather cooperates), head to the rooftop garden for panoramic views of Central Park and the NYC skyline.
So grab a drink if the bar is open, and enjoy the cultural immersion.
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If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
6. The Guggenheim Museum
Let me be upfront: modern art isn’t my cup of tea. I’m that person who stares at an abstract painting wondering if I’m missing something.
But if you do enjoy modern and contemporary art, the Guggenheim is one of the world’s premier destinations.
- Location: 1071 Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side, Manhattan
- Cost: Around $25 for adults, $18 for students; pay-what-you-wish on Saturdays from 4 PM–6 PM.
- Hours: Usually 11 AM–6 PM (closed Thursdays).
Even if you’re like me and don’t fully “get” modern art, the museum is still worth visiting for its incredible architecture alone.
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the spiral walkway is an engineering marvel, letting you wind through exhibits in a unique, continuous path.
So if nothing else, you’ll at least leave impressed by the building itself!
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7. The Cloisters (Part of The Met)
A hidden gem that many visitors skip, The Cloisters is an extension of The Met, dedicated to medieval European art and architecture.
- Location: 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, Upper Manhattan
- Cost: Included with The Met admission (if you’ve paid for admission at The Met on the same day).
- Hours: Typically 10 AM–5 PM; hours may vary.
The museum is tucked away in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, surrounded by greenery and also stunning views of the Hudson River.
It literally looks like a castle transported from medieval Europe, complete with both cloistered gardens and chapels filled with ancient tapestries and stained glass.
If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Manhattan, The Cloisters offers a peaceful, almost otherworldly experience.
8. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
If modern art does interest you, MoMA is so essential. Iconic masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Starry Night and also works by Picasso, Warhol, and Monet call this place home.
- Location: 11 West 53rd Street, Midtown Manhattan
- Cost: $25 for adults, discounts for seniors and also students; free admission on Fridays from 5:30 PM–9 PM.
- Hours: Usually 10:30 AM–5:30 PM (open until 7 PM on Saturdays).
MoMA is a bit smaller than The Met, but it’s jam-packed with influential pieces and constantly rotating exhibitions.
If you’re short on time, you can probably see the highlights in a couple of hours.
Keep in mind it can get quite busy, especially on the free admission evenings, so plan to arrive early if you want to skip the lines.
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9. The Whitney Museum of American Art
Nestled by the High Line in the trendy Meatpacking District, The Whitney focuses on contemporary American art, showcasing both established and up-and-coming artists.
- Location: 99 Gansevoort St, Meatpacking District, Manhattan
- Cost: $25 for adults, and they also have pay-what-you-wish on Fridays from 7 PM–10 PM.
- Hours: Typically open 10:30 AM–6 PM, also with extended hours on Fridays.
Its architecture is impressive, with multiple terraces offering views of the Hudson River and also downtown Manhattan.
Even if contemporary art isn’t your jam, it’s worth a visit for the gorgeous views alone.
Plus, the Meatpacking District is full of funky shops and eateries, so you can make a whole day of exploring this corner of the city.
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10. More Museums in New York to Visit
Beyond these heavy hitters, New York City is also brimming with hundreds of smaller museums and special exhibits.
Some you’ve probably heard of—like the Frick Collection or the Intrepid Museum—while others are so niche you’d only stumble upon them by accident (like the City Reliquary, full of NYC-specific artefacts, or the Museum of Ice Cream for those with a sweet tooth).
So you never know what you’ll find tucked away in random buildings or basements around Manhattan and the outer boroughs.
If you have extra time, keep an eye out for local art galleries, pop-up exhibits, and also cultural centres. They can be just as rewarding as the larger institutions.
The Best Museums in New York
So there you have it—my personal rundown of the best museums to visit in New York City.
I made the most of my year on a J-1 visa by exploring as many museums as I could, so I’m confident you’ll love them just as much.
Whether you’re an art aficionado, history geek, or casual traveler, there’s a spot on this list that will capture your imagination.
Make sure to check each museum’s website before you go for the latest ticket prices, special exhibits, and any updated hours.
Book tickets in advance if possible. Especially for popular spots like The Met, MoMA, or the 9/11 Museum, which can all get pretty busy.
Finally, don’t limit yourself to just one or two. Museums in New York are an experience in themselves, and exploring them is a fantastic way to dive deeper into the city’s rich tapestry of art, culture, and history.
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So, if you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
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