The best synagogues to visit or daven at in NYC in 2026 are Central Synagogue and Temple Emanu-El for landmark Reform sanctuaries, Congregation Shearith Israel, America's oldest Jewish congregation, Park East and Kehilath Jeshurun for Orthodox services on the Upper East Side, and Lincoln Square Synagogue and B'nai Jeshurun on the Upper West Side.
New York has hundreds of synagogues across every denomination. These are the landmark congregations that welcome visitors and newcomers. Security is tight at most shuls: bring photo ID, expect a bag check, and email ahead if you plan to attend Shabbat services as a visitor.
A Moorish Revival landmark and one of the largest Reform congregations in the US.
Central Synagogue's 1872 sanctuary on Lexington Avenue is the oldest synagogue building in continuous use in New York, with a dazzling painted interior. Its services are also streamed worldwide.
Good to know: Free public tours are offered on set days — check the website.
652 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022
One of the largest synagogues in the world, on Fifth Avenue.
Temple Emanu-El, New York's first Reform congregation, worships in a vast Romanesque sanctuary on Fifth Avenue at 65th Street, with a museum of Judaica in the building.
Good to know: Visit the Bernard Museum of Judaica during weekday visiting hours.
1 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065
The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, America's oldest Jewish congregation.
Founded in 1654 by Sephardic Jews, Shearith Israel is the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. Its Orthodox services follow the Spanish and Portuguese tradition in a 1897 Central Park West sanctuary.
Good to know: Ask to see the Little Synagogue, which contains furnishings from earlier buildings.
2 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023
A landmark Orthodox shul led for decades by Rabbi Arthur Schneier.
Park East's Moorish-style 1890 building on East 67th Street houses a large Orthodox congregation with active programs for young professionals and visitors.
Good to know: A short walk from many Upper East Side and Midtown East hotels.
163 E 67th St, New York, NY 10065
A historic Modern Orthodox congregation and publisher of the CKJ kosher list.
KJ, on East 85th Street, is a leading Modern Orthodox congregation affiliated with the Ramaz School, and publishes the monthly kosher restaurant list many New Yorkers rely on.
Good to know: Check KJ's monthly 'Kosher in NYC' list before eating out in Manhattan.
125 E 85th St, New York, NY 10028
An elegant Orthodox shul just off Fifth Avenue.
Fifth Avenue Synagogue is a Modern Orthodox congregation on East 62nd Street, known for its distinguished membership and its minimalist mid-century sanctuary.
Good to know: Close to the Pierre, the Plaza and other Central Park hotels.
5 E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065
The Upper West Side's big Modern Orthodox congregation, famous for outreach.
Lincoln Square Synagogue, near Lincoln Center, is a large Modern Orthodox congregation with a modern building, a busy young-professional scene and many minyanim on Shabbat.
Good to know: It's within walking distance of hotels near Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle.
180 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
A musical, egalitarian congregation that draws crowds on Friday nights.
B'nai Jeshurun, founded in 1825, is an independent egalitarian congregation known for its joyful, music-filled Kabbalat Shabbat services and social-justice work.
Good to know: Arrive early for Friday night services, which are very popular.
257 W 88th St, New York, NY 10024
A leading Conservative congregation on the Upper East Side.
Park Avenue Synagogue is one of the country's largest Conservative congregations, with a Moorish-style sanctuary on East 87th Street and a strong music and arts program.
Good to know: Its Friday night services feature notable music.
50 E 87th St, New York, NY 10128
A historic Reform congregation founded by Rabbi Stephen Wise.
Stephen Wise Free Synagogue was founded in 1907 on the principle of free, unassigned seating, and remains an active Reform congregation on West 68th Street.
Good to know: Near Lincoln Center and Central Park West.
30 W 68th St, New York, NY 10023
Brooklyn's oldest continuously operating Jewish congregation.
Kane Street Synagogue, founded in 1856, is a welcoming Conservative congregation in Cobble Hill with an egalitarian service.
Good to know: A good choice for visitors staying in Brooklyn Heights or Downtown Brooklyn.
236 Kane St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
A large, open Modern Orthodox community in Riverdale.
The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, known as The Bayit, is a large Modern Orthodox congregation known for its inclusive, open approach.
Good to know: Riverdale has an eruv and several kosher restaurants nearby.
3700 Henry Hudson Pkwy E, Bronx, NY 10463
Yes. Central Synagogue, Temple Emanu-El and the Museum at Eldridge Street offer tours or visiting hours; for services, most congregations welcome visitors but ask that you contact them first.
Dress modestly. At Orthodox synagogues, men cover their heads and women typically wear skirts or dresses with covered shoulders; kippot are usually available at the door.
The Upper West Side (Lincoln Square Synagogue, Shearith Israel) and Upper East Side (Park East, KJ, Fifth Avenue Synagogue) are within walking distance of many hotels — see our Shabbat-friendly hotels guide.