It's on 9 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address476 5th Ave, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
When the colossal New York Public Library opened in 1911 it was the largest marble building in the country. It took 16 years to build the architectural marvel and I think everyone should make an effort to see it at least once.
Apart from books, the New York Public Library has an extraordinary collection of rare items on public display for the first time since its founding in 1895.
The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures is free tour, which is mind-blowing, considering you can see Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence (one of 26 known copies in the world).
Other highlights include The Gutenberg Bible, Charles Dickens’s Desk and Chair, Virginia Woolf’s Walking Stick, the original Winnie-the-Pooh dolls that inspired the beloved children’s story and Malcolm X’s Briefcase and diaries.
All this to say, touring the exhibit is one of the best things to do in NYC in winter (plus, it’s a great way to escape the cold).
This the kind of spot that turns a good trip into a great one.
When it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library (NYPL) was the largest marble building ever built in the country. You can sign up for a free guided tour and learn more about one of NYC’s most famous buildings.
Apart from books, the New York Public Library has an extraordinary collection of 56 million items. For the first time ever, the library is opening the collection to the public through the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures.
The exhibition is free tour, which is mind-blowing, considering visitors can see Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence (one of 26 known copies in the world).
Other highlights from the Polonsky Exhibition include. The Gutenberg Bible, Charles Dickens’s Desk and Chair, Virginia Woolf’s Walking Stick, the original Winnie-the-Pooh dolls that inspired the beloved children’s story, and Malcolm X’s Briefcase and Diaries. All this to say, touring the exhibit is one of the best things to do in NYC on a rainy day.
Guarded by two majestic lion statues, the New York Public Library is housed in one of the most famous buildings in New York City. Designed in a Beaux-Arts style, this building stands in stark contrast to the glass and iron it surrounds.
It houses over 53 million items, making it the second largest public library in the United States and one of the most significant in the world. When it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library was officially the largest marble building ever built in the country.
No small task, considering it took 16 years to construct this monolithic structure, but the wait was worth it, more than 50,000 people showed up on opening day. I’m a firm believer that everyone needs to see the New York Public Library at least once in their life.
The New York Public Library’s main branch, also known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is my favorite historic landmark in the city. The Rose Main Reading Room with its chandeliers and painted ceiling is absolutely stunning, and it’s free to walk through even if you’re not a library card holder.
Located right next to Bryant Park, this library is a perfect stop if you’re exploring Midtown. I love showing visitors the marble lions out front, the quiet exhibition rooms inside, and the old-school research vibe that still feels very alive. Visiting is a must for book lovers, architecture fans, and anyone exploring Fifth Avenue.
Fun fact. The two lions in front of the library are called Patience and Fortitude, here’s why.
You simply can’t visit New York City without seeing the New York Public Library, I recommend it to all first-time visitors! When it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library was officially the largest marble building in the country.
No small task, considering it took 16 years to construct this monolithic structure, but the wait was worth it, more than 50,000 people showed up on opening day. Luckily for you, this also a great spot to find tulips in New York City!
Admittedly there’s not as many tulips here as some of the other places mentioned on the list, but what this area lacks in quantity it makes up for in beauty. I mean, anything in front of the two iconic marble lions is bound to impress!
When it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library was officially the largest marble building ever built in the country. No small task, considering it took 16 years to construct this monolithic structure. The library is free to visit and I suggest swinging by to take in the grandeur of the building from inside.
Better still, the library has an extraordinary collection of rare items that they’ve recently put on public display for the first time ever. You can see Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence and the toys that inspired Winnie the Pooh. We were so enthralled with the exhibition, we ended up spending 1 hour looking around.
A quick ten minute walk from Times Square will take you to one of New York’s most treasured institutions. When it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library was officially the largest marble building ever built in the country. No small task, considering it took 16 years to construct this monolithic structure. But the wait was worth it. more than 50,000 people showed up on opening day.
She still talks about it.
There are multiple rooms in the library you can peruse, even if you don’t have a NYPL card. Of course you’ll want to mindful of your noise level. There are folks working and studying in the reading rooms.
The New York Public Library is well worth the pit-stop during your visit to NYC. Designed in a Beaux-Arts style, this building stands in stark contrast to the glass and iron it surrounds. Being as it’s a public library spending time exploring it is one of the best free things to do in NYC.
When it opened to the public in 1911, the library was officially the largest marble building ever built in the country. No small task, considering it took 16 years to construct this epic structure. Today it still opens its doors to both tourists and locals alike, and has had its time on the big-screen too.
When it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library was officially the largest marble building ever built in the country. In its 100+ years of existence, the monolithic library has become one of the most famous movie locations in New York City.