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New York: New York City – The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
🗽 New York Has Some Brilliant Museums — We Went to MoMA
New York has some truly great museums, and on our most recent trip to the city, we were on the lookout for one we hadn’t been to before. We’d done the Met, we’d done the Natural History Museum, and frankly, we were running out of excuses. As we were staying in Midtown Manhattan — right in the thick of it, surrounded by the usual chaos of yellow cabs, hotdog stands, and people who walk far too fast — MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art, seemed the obvious choice. It was only a few blocks away on West 53rd Street, so even we couldn’t get lost.
MoMA has been one of New York’s most important cultural institutions since it first opened its doors on 7th November 1929 — just days after the Wall Street Crash, which was either terrible timing or a stroke of genius, depending on how you look at it. It was founded by three formidably well-connected women: Lillie P. Bliss, Mary Quinn Sullivan, and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, wife of John D. Rockefeller Jr., who between them had the vision, the connections, and presumably the considerable resources to get the whole thing off the ground. Their stated mission was bold and bracingly straightforward: to create “the greatest museum of modern art in the world.” No pressure there, then.
The museum started with a rather modest gift of eight prints and one drawing. Not exactly the Louvre, but you have to start somewhere. From those humble beginnings, MoMA’s collection grew — rather spectacularly — to approximately 200,000 works. These include paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, architectural models and drawings, design objects, film and media works, and performance art pieces. On top of all that, MoMA holds a staggering archive of around two million film stills, which frankly sounds like the sort of thing that takes an awful lot of filing.
Today, MoMA houses works by some of the most celebrated artists of the modern era, including Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Dalí, Warhol, Hockney, and Pollock, to name but a few. Van Gogh’s The Starry Night (1889) alone is worth the entrance fee — it’s one of those paintings you’ve seen reproduced on every mug and tote bag imaginable, but standing in front of the real thing is still a genuinely startling experience. Even for a cynical old Londoner like me.
We arrived just as MoMA was opening — which meant we’d actually managed to get ourselves out of bed and out of the hotel at a reasonable hour, which felt like its own small victory. We made our way straight to the top floor, pausing only briefly to gawp at a Formula One Ferrari sitting rather magnificently in the lobby. Because of course there’s a Ferrari in the lobby — this is MoMA; they don’t do things by halves.
Our strategy, which we’ve honed over years of visiting museums and theme parks the world over, is simple: head immediately for the furthest point and work your way back. It sounds obvious, but most people pile in at the ground floor and shuffle along in a great slow-moving herd. We, on the other hand, had the upper galleries almost entirely to ourselves. Smug? Perhaps. Effective? Absolutely.
One thing we particularly liked about the galleries at MoMA was how small and intimate they felt. A lot of the grand old museums — your Louvre, your V&A — were designed to impress rather than to display, all soaring ceilings and marble columns that somehow manage to make you feel both insignificant and slightly exhausted. MoMA took a rather more sensible approach: low ceilings, clean white walls, and lighting that actually does what lighting is supposed to do. It all felt entirely right for the work on the walls.
We spent a good three hours working our way through, and honestly could have stayed longer without any difficulty whatsoever. Seeing works from some of our favourite artists up close was, as these things go, genuinely brilliant. There’s also a cinema on site showing classic films — worth checking the schedule before you go, and do bear in mind there’s an additional charge for that.
We eventually ran out of steam, as we always do — there’s only so much culture a person can absorb before their feet start staging a protest. Fortunately, MoMA’s restaurant turned out to be a perfectly decent refuge. We weren’t particularly hungry, so we didn’t bother with a full meal — we just grabbed a cup of tea and a slice of cake, which is honestly all any sensible person needs after two hours of earnest art appreciation. What made it rather lovely was the balcony. We grabbed a table outside, sat back, and watched midtown Manhattan do its thing below us — the noise, the bustle, the bewildering number of people all apparently in a tremendous hurry to be somewhere else. After the calm of the upper galleries, it was a genuinely pleasant way to decompress before heading back in for another round.
Planning your visit to MoMA
🎨 Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
| 📍 Location | 11 West 53rd Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY 10019 | 🕖 Opening Times | Mon–Thu & Sat–Sun: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Fri: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
| 🌐 Website | moma.org | 📞 Phone | (212) 708-9400 |
| 🚇 Subway | E or M train — 5th Ave/53rd St (3-min walk); or B, D, F, M — 47–50th St/Rockefeller Center | 🚌 Bus | M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 from the east side; M50 crosstown from the west side |
🎟️ Entry Fees
| Adult (17–64) | Senior (65+) | Student (with ID) | Under 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25 | $18 | $14 | Free |
ℹ️ New York State residents admitted free on Friday evenings 5:30–8:30 PM (tickets must be reserved in advance). General admission includes all collection galleries, special exhibitions, same-day films, and same-day entry to MoMA PS1 in Queens. Timed-entry tickets recommended; bookable online via moma.org.
Admission prices are set by MoMA and may be subject to revision; visitors are advised to confirm current charges before their visit
In summary …
- If you like contemporary art then we highly recommend you visit the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Try and get there early to beat the crowds and start on the top floor … most people start at the bottom! Or plan what exhibits you really want to see and find out where they are and go there first.
- It will take 3-hours plus to walk around the galleries – take some good walking shoes.
- Try out the restaurant – it is very nice and there is an outdoor balcony
- If you are interested in the films check what is on and book your tickets!
Visiting New York City
✈️ Getting There
By Air
New York is served by three major airports. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), in the borough of Queens, handles the majority of transatlantic flights and is the largest of the three. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is situated in New Jersey, just across the Hudson, and is a popular and often cheaper alternative. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the closest to Midtown Manhattan but handles primarily domestic routes.
All international visitors will pass through US Customs and Border Protection on arrival, regardless of which airport they land at. Be prepared for queues and have your documentation ready.
Entry Requirements & ESTA
Most visitors from countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Programme — including the UK, most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand — do not need a full visa for stays of up to 90 days, but they do need an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travelling. The ESTA costs $40.27 and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. It must be secured at least 72 hours before departure. Apply only through the official US government website to avoid third-party scam sites that charge inflated fees.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from the US. If you have previously visited certain countries — Cuba after January 2021, for example — you may not be eligible for ESTA and will need to apply for a B-2 tourist visa instead.
Getting from the Airport into the City
From JFK, the AirTrain connects to the subway system (the A line or the Jamaica Station hub for the Long Island Rail Road), giving you a relatively affordable route into Manhattan. Uber, Lyft, and licensed yellow taxis are widely available. Yellow taxis charge a flat fare from JFK to Manhattan.
From Newark, an AirTrain connects to Newark Penn Station, where you can board NJ Transit trains into Manhattan’s Penn Station.
From LaGuardia, there is no direct rail link; buses connect to the subway network, and rideshare apps are the most convenient option.
Be cautious of unofficial “taxi” drivers who approach you inside the arrivals hall. Always use the official taxi rank outside or book a rideshare through the app directly.
🚇 Getting Around
The Subway
The subway is the backbone of the city and the fastest, most affordable way to get around. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week — one of very few urban rail systems in the world to do so. Lines are identified by letters and numbers, and whilst the map can look daunting at first, the system is logical once you understand that express trains skip stops and local trains stop at every station.
The old MetroCard swipe system has now been phased out. The city has fully transitioned to OMNY (One Metro New York), a contactless tap-and-pay system. Simply tap your contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or smartwatch on the reader at the turnstile. If you prefer, you can also purchase a physical OMNY card from vending machines in any subway station. A single fare costs $3, and there is a weekly fare cap — once you have paid for 12 trips in a seven-day period, additional rides are free for the remainder of that week. Children under 44 inches (roughly 112 cm) tall travel for free.
Note that if you are using an overseas bank card, your bank may occasionally flag the first transaction as suspicious. It is worth taking a short test ride when you first arrive to verify your card works smoothly.
Buses
MTA buses cover areas of the city not well served by the subway and use the same OMNY tap-and-pay system. They are a good option for crosstown journeys in Manhattan, where the subway’s north-south orientation can be less convenient.
Taxis & Rideshares
Yellow taxis are iconic and plentiful in Manhattan. Uber and Lyft are widely used and often convenient, particularly late at night or when travelling with luggage. Avoid pedicabs (cycle rickshaws) unless you agree a fixed price in advance — they are notorious for charging tourists eye-watering amounts.
Walking & Cycling
Manhattan’s grid layout makes it one of the most walkable cities in the world. Many neighbourhoods are best explored on foot. Citi Bike, the city’s dockless bike-share scheme, is popular and relatively affordable, particularly for short hops between neighbourhoods.
Cars
Hiring a car in the city is not recommended. Traffic congestion is severe, parking is expensive and scarce, and the subway and walking will get you where you need to go more quickly and cheaply. Consider a car only if you are planning to venture outside the city limits.
🏙️ Neighbourhoods to Explore
Manhattan offers an enormous variety of experiences within a relatively compact area. Midtown is home to many of the city’s most iconic landmarks — Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, and the Museum of Modern Art. It is central, well-connected, and a natural base for first-time visitors.
The High Line, a repurposed elevated railway turned public park, runs through Chelsea on the west side, connecting to Hudson Yards at one end and the Meatpacking District at the other. Chelsea is also a hub for contemporary art galleries.
Greenwich Village and the West Village retain a bohemian character, with tree-lined streets, independent cafés, and a rich literary and artistic history. SoHo is known for its cast-iron architecture and high-end shopping. Tribeca, once an industrial area colonised by artists, is now one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in the city.
Downtown’s Financial District contains Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and the Oculus — the striking transit hub and shopping centre near the World Trade Center site.
Uptown, Central Park divides the Upper West Side from the Upper East Side. The latter is home to Museum Mile, a stretch of Fifth Avenue that includes the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Frick Collection, and several others. Harlem, to the north, has a vibrant cultural identity rooted in African-American history and is well worth a visit.
Brooklyn’s neighbourhoods are increasingly popular with visitors. Williamsburg has a thriving food and nightlife scene. DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) offers spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. Brooklyn Heights is one of the city’s most elegant residential areas.
Best Time to Visit New York City
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Spring is widely regarded as one of the most delightful times to visit New York City. Temperatures climb gradually from around 7°C in March to a pleasant 20°C by May, and the city shakes off its winter coat with a burst of colour. Central Park’s cherry blossoms typically peak in early April, drawing photographers and picnickers alike, while the High Line transforms into a ribbon of wildflowers and grasses above the streetscape.
Crowds are manageable in March and early April before the Easter holiday surge, making it an ideal window to visit popular museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art without the queues of summer. Hotel prices sit at a mid-range level — higher than winter, but far below the summer peak.
Rainfall is fairly consistent throughout spring, so a compact umbrella is wise. The weather can be unpredictable: a warm 18°C afternoon can be followed by a sharp drop at dusk, so layering is essential. Outdoor festivals begin to reappear — the Tribeca Film Festival typically runs in late April or May — and restaurant terraces start to fill up, giving the city an energised, sociable atmosphere.
What to pack: Lightweight layers including a cardigan and a light waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a compact umbrella, jeans or chinos, a couple of smart-casual tops for evenings out, and a light scarf for cooler mornings and evenings.
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Summer is New York City’s busiest and hottest season. Temperatures regularly reach 28–33°C, with high humidity making the heat feel more intense, particularly in July and August. The city buzzes with energy: outdoor cinemas, free Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theatre, rooftop bars in full swing, and street festivals nearly every weekend. Coney Island and the Rockaway Beach become popular escapes for New Yorkers and tourists alike.
The trade-off is significant congestion. Hotels charge peak rates, queues at major attractions such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building stretch long, and the pavements in Midtown can feel suffocating in the midday heat. Booking well in advance and planning sightseeing for early morning or evening helps considerably.
Despite the crowds, summer has an infectious vitality. The 4th of July fireworks over the East River are spectacular, and the city’s parks host free concerts and events almost continuously. New York Pride in late June brings a celebratory, welcoming atmosphere to the streets.
What to pack: Breathable cotton or linen clothing, shorts and lightweight trousers, a hat and sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a light cardigan or layer for heavily air-conditioned restaurants and museums, and comfortable sandals alongside a pair of trainers for longer walks.
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is arguably the finest season in New York City and is consistently the top pick among seasoned travellers. September brings warm, settled weather — often lingering in the low-to-mid 20s°C — without the oppressive humidity of summer. As October arrives, the temperature cools to a comfortable 14–18°C and the foliage in Central Park, Riverside Park, and Prospect Park turns to spectacular shades of amber, russet, and gold.
The city returns from its summer pace to full cultural gear. Broadway’s new season launches in September, galleries open major autumn exhibitions, and New York Fashion Week draws the industry’s eye in early September. The New York Film Festival runs through October. Restaurant Week (which actually spans several weeks) offers prix-fixe menus at some of the city’s finest establishments.
Halloween on 31st October is taken seriously here: the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade is one of the most theatrical events in the city’s calendar. Thanksgiving weekend in late November is festive and memorable — the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a spectacle — though it does bring a surge of domestic visitors and raised prices.
What to pack: A mid-weight jacket or trench coat, knitwear and jumpers, smart-casual layers, ankle boots or sturdy walking shoes, a light scarf, jeans and trousers, and a compact umbrella for November showers.
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Winter in New York City is cold, but it is also deeply atmospheric. December is one of the most magical months: the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree draws millions, ice-skating rinks open in Central Park and Bryant Park, and the shop windows along Fifth Avenue are dressed in elaborate festive displays. The seasonal markets — particularly those in Union Square and Columbus Circle — add a European flair to the city’s streets.
Temperatures average 0–5°C in January and February, with occasional snowfall that, when fresh, gives the city a cinematic beauty. Wind chill can make it feel considerably colder, especially in open areas such as the Brooklyn Bridge or along the Hudson River waterfront. After the holiday rush, January and February are among the quietest months for tourism, which means shorter queues, lower hotel prices, and a more authentic sense of everyday New York life.
February brings New York Restaurant Week again, and the city’s world-class indoor attractions — the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim, Lincoln Center — are all the more inviting when the cold drives you inside. Valentine’s Day sees the city at its most romantically charged.
What to pack: A warm, wind-resistant coat (ideally down or wool), thermal underlayers, chunky knitwear, a hat, gloves, and a scarf, waterproof boots with grip for potential icy pavements, thick socks, and smart layers for evenings at the theatre or a fine-dining restaurant.
🗽 Overall Best Time to Visit
If there is one season that stands above the rest, it is autumn — specifically late September through to late October. The weather is reliably comfortable, the city is alive with cultural events and culinary offers, and the foliage transforms Central Park into something truly breathtaking. Crowds are thinner than summer, prices are more reasonable than December, and the light — that particular low, golden autumn light — flatters the city’s skyline and brownstone streets in a way no other season can match. For those seeking a balance of comfort, atmosphere, value, and beauty, autumn in New York City is simply unbeatable.
Other things to do whilst in New York City
1. Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the United States, covering around 265 acres in the north of New York City. It opened in 1899 and is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which also manages several other zoos and aquariums across the city. The zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals from several hundred species, including big cats, gorillas, snow leopards, and Komodo dragons. Many of the enclosures are designed to reflect the natural habitats of the animals inside, with large open areas rather than small cages. It draws around 2 million visitors each year and is accessible by public transport, including a direct bus route from Manhattan. Entry prices vary depending on the time of year, and some areas within the zoo cost extra on top of the general admission fee. The zoo also carries out conservation work both on site and internationally, focusing on protecting endangered species and their natural environments.
2. New York Botanical Garden
3. 9/11 Memorial Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum stands at the site of the former World Trade Centre in Lower Manhattan, New York. It opened to the public in 2014 and sits partly underground, beneath the footprints of the Twin Towers. The museum documents the events of 11 September 2001, when nearly 3,000 people were killed in co-ordinated terrorist attacks on the United States, as well as the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing. Visitors move through a series of exhibition spaces containing original artefacts, photographs, audio recordings, and personal belongings from those who died. The displays are organised to give a sense of how events unfolded on the day and to acknowledge the scale of loss felt by families, rescue workers, and communities. Outside, two large reflecting pools occupy the footprints of the towers, with the names of every victim inscribed around their edges. The site attracts millions of visitors each year and serves as both a place of remembrance and a historical record of one of the most significant events in recent American history.
4. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Standing on a small island in New York Harbour, the Statue of Liberty has been one of America’s most recognisable landmarks since it was unveiled in 1886. The statue was a gift from France and depicts a robed female figure holding a torch aloft, symbolising freedom. A short distance away sits Ellis Island, which served as the country’s busiest immigration processing centre from 1892 to 1954. During that period, millions of people arrived there by ship, mainly from Europe, hoping to start new lives in the United States. Officials would check their documents and carry out basic health assessments before allowing them to enter the country. For many, the sight of the statue as their vessel sailed into the harbour was their first glimpse of America. Today, both sites are open to visitors and are managed as part of a national monument, drawing large numbers of tourists each year. Ellis Island also houses a museum dedicated to the history of immigration, where many Americans can trace the arrival of their ancestors.
5. Central Park
Central Park sits at the heart of Manhattan, covering around 840 acres of landscaped grounds in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities. It was laid out in the 1850s and 1860s by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, and has been a public green space ever since. The park contains open meadows, woodland paths, a boating lake, an ice-skating rink, several playgrounds, and a zoo. On any given day it is used by a wide mix of people — joggers, families, dog walkers, tourists, and office workers on their lunch break. In summer the lawns fill up quickly, and free outdoor concerts and film screenings are common. In winter the bare trees and quieter paths give it a quite different character. It is maintained by a partnership between the city and a private conservancy, and entry is free throughout the year.
Where to stay in New York City
1. Element Times Square
During our visit to New York, we stayed in the Element hotel which is in the Hells Kitchen district. For us, it was perfectly located and was only a 5-minute walk to Times Square. It was also very close to several metro stations and the main bus terminal. We were feeling a bit stingy and cautious due to the Covid-19 pandemic so we decided to walk from Penn Station to the hotel, which only took us 10-minutes, hauling our luggage.
The room was good, we had a little kitchenette and there were pots, pans, plates and silverware, so we were self-contained. We were lucky enough to be on one of the higher floors, so we had a view. It was also possible to see the Empire State building.
Breakfast is included but nothing to write home about, but there are plenty of places to eat in the area so it was not a problem for us.
2. Yotel New York
3. Freehand Hotel
Freehand is located in the former George Washington hotel, known as the home of many artists, and it has maintained its creative spirit. It has a partnership with Bard College and many artists take an active part in designing the hotel and in shaping its cultural life. Freehand features five restaurants and bars, and elegantly designed rooms with private bathrooms. The rooms sleep up to 6 people.
It is located on Lexington Avenue and in walking distance of Union Square, Midtown and Flatiron.
More to Explore
