popular nyc tourist attractions

New York City   Travel Guide

34 Best Things to Do in NYC

There are countless reasons to be mesmerized by New York, from its skyscrapers and monuments to its vibrant art, food, fashion and nightlife. Across the city, fresh perspectives are yours to be found; go for a stroll in Central Park or along the High

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Central Park Central Park free

This part-park, part-museum, part-concert hall swallows central Manhattan, and many of the city's most notable attractions are situated next to it or within its limits ( the Guggenheim , the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History , to name a few). But travelers insist that you shouldn't just pass through Central Park on your way to another place. This 843-acre green space is a favorite of New Yorkers and tourists; you can come here to exercise, dine, go to the zoo and more.

Almost everyone has a positive impression of the park, but no one has quite the same experience or recommends that you do quite the same thing. There's an almost impossible amount of sights to see here (hidden treasures, indeed), including more than 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, monuments or sculptures, and 30 bridges. Here's a shortlist:

National September 11 Memorial & Museum National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum serves as the primary tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as the six lost in the 1993 bombing. The memorial's twin reflecting pools and human-made waterfalls rest as eerie footprints where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood. The 1-acre pools are enclosed in bronze panels on which the names of every victim are inscribed. The museum spans across 110,000 square feet and relays the narrative of the attacks through a series of multimedia displays, real-time recordings, authentic artifacts and an interactive table.

Recent visitors cited the overall atmosphere of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum as sobering and moving. Many travelers say they were impressed with the site as a whole, noting its respectful and informational displays. Reviewers say you won't want to rush your time here, with some recommending that you budget three to four hours to see all of the exhibits.

Empire State Building Empire State Building

U.S. News Insider Tip: Watch out for "sunset peak" pricing, which adds an extra $10 per ticket for two hours around sunset each evening. But on a clear day, it just might be worth it. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

New York City Tourist 101 dictates that you must swing by this landmark structure in midtown Manhattan. And despite the hefty admission fees, the crowds and the long lines, recent visitors insist that you won't be sorry. In fact, taking a trip to the top of the Empire State Building is either the perfect way to begin or end your Big Apple excursion – on a clear day you'll be able to the see the city's major highlights some 1,250 feet beneath you. 

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Metropolitan Museum of Art Metropolitan Museum of Art

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come for the art, stay for the rooftop cocktails. A seasonal rooftop garden bar offers views over Central Park, which is especially coveted at sunset. The roof garden stays open into the evening on Friday and Saturday. – Jessica Colley Clarke

No museum in the United States is as celebrated as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spilling over with masterpieces from all over the world, including notable collections from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity, "the Met" is an art experience unlike any other, and like much in New York, it's impossible to see all the museum has to offer in one day (or even two days, for that matter). 

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of many travelers’ must-see lists. A feat of 19th-century technical engineering and a beacon for immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, the statue can be admired from several different vantage points around Manhattan, including Battery Park and the High Line . But to truly appreciate its size and significance, you’ll want to visit the statue and Ellis Island while on your NYC vacation.

The only way to access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is by using the official National Park Service ferry operator, Statue City Cruises. If you’re departing from the New York side, you’ll hop on a ferry at Battery Park in lower Manhattan. If you’re departing from the New Jersey side, you’ll depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The ferry ride takes approximately 15 minutes.

Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge free

One of many signature landmarks of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge is also one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Its six lanes (and one pedestrian and bicycle walkway) span the East River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. Walking across the bridge remains a tourist pastime.

Some visitors decide to skip the bridge in favor of other attractions, but if you're short on money, this truly is one of the best ways to experience the city and to get a unique view of either borough at no cost. Several reviewers warn that since there is no shade along the bridge, it can get quite hot in the summertime (though there are vendors selling bottles of water). Many also warned that it can get quite crowded, and advised visiting in the morning before 9 a.m. if you don't want to maneuver around crowds.

The High Line The High Line free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds. If you walk from north to south, add on a visit to The Standard Biergarten or the vibrant Chelsea Market for great people-watching, food and drink. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Set on an abandoned rail track on Manhattan's West Side, this sprawling, nearly 1½-mile-long landscaped park stretches over three of the city's most lively neighborhoods: the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen. Standing 30 feet above street level, the High Line offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan's cityscape. But the vista isn't the only reason visitors and Manhattanites flock to this manicured green space. Here, you'll find continually changing public art installations, a handful of food vendors and a sprawling picnic and sunbathing area (known as the 23rd Street Lawn).

NYC Food Tours NYC Food Tours

Known for everything from cheap eats to authentic international fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, New York City is a culinary hot spot and undoubtedly one of the best foodie cities in America . However, chances are you won't have time to experience everything the city has to offer in just one trip. One way to get a taste of New York's excellent cuisine across a variety of neighborhoods is to take a food tour.

Whether you want to explore a particular borough or neighborhood, or even a specific cuisine or dish, you'll find a tour to appease your taste buds. Relying on traveler reviews and expert analysis, U.S. News rounded up the best food tours in New York City . Though tours vary in length and price, they all receive rave reviews from past travelers, who applauded the variety of food and the expert knowledge of the guides.

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Washington Square Park Washington Square Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Finding an empty bench in Washington Square Park after visiting one of the neighborhood's independent bookstores – from The Strand to Three Lives & Company to Left Bank Books – is a true lower Manhattan pleasure. – Jessica Colley Clarke

The central gathering place of Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park, an almost 10-acre green space known for its downtown buzz. Here, kids splash in the fountain, musicians perform to a crowd, artists sell sketches or photographs, and chess enthusiasts gather to challenge each other to a game. What was historically a cemetery and later a bohemian hot spot is now a neighborhood institution that draws locals and visitors alike with its kids' playground, sizable dog run and ample shady space for picnics. An arch dedicated to George Washington is the dominant architectural feature of the park. 

Broadway Broadway

U.S. News Insider Tip: Start your day with a stop at the TKTS booth in Times Square or at the Lincoln Center location to snag discounted same-day tickets for an array of Broadway and off-Broadway shows. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

Some out-of-towners spend their entire New York trip at one show or another on the Broadway circuit. And if you like plays and musicals, this is where you should be: "The Great White Way" represents the heart and soul of American theater. Considering that nearby Times Square is a dizzying maze of sights and sounds with no real starting point, some visitors suggest you can see all you need to of that neighborhood just by trundling back and forth between shows. 

One World Observatory One World Observatory

Formerly known as Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in lower Manhattan. This observatory sits atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the highest point in the city. You'll find it adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial . At more than 125,000 square feet, the three-level observatory is located on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors of this office skyscraper. Travelers enjoy the panoramic, 360-degree views, up to 45 miles in every direction on clear days. 

Visitors reach the observatory by direct express elevators known as SkyPods. The trip upward includes a visual presentation showing how New York has changed over the decades, from open land to smaller buildings to skyscrapers. The trip takes less than a minute. Expect a multimedia presentation at the top before stunning views are revealed. A restaurant and bar on the 101st floor are open to guests who have purchased tickets to the observatory. 

Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal free

At this beautiful train station, you can eat some lunch or shop till you drop, but recent travelers most enjoyed just taking in the scenery. Before you enter, be sure to snap a few shots of the exterior's ornate beaux-arts neoclassical architecture. Inside the celebrated main concourse, you're treated to glimmering marble floors, gold and nickel-plated chandeliers and a sky-themed ceiling. Other must-sees include the Information Booth clock, the Whispering Gallery and Grand Central Market, a European-style food market that sells produce, gourmet ingredients and treats. Food options range from the upscale (Cipriani Dolci and The Campbell Bar) to the legendary (the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant) to the fast and easy (Shake Shack). As mentioned, there are also plenty of shopping options, though most travelers suggest you leave most of Grand Central's pricey merchandise in the store. If you want a train-themed souvenir, visit The New York Transit Museum Store in the shuttle passage.

Travelers call the train station "iconic" and say it's a beautiful space to walk through or to grab a meal and people-watch.

Bryant Park Bryant Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This Midtown park draws crowds for two seasonal events: summer movie nights under the stars and a holiday market complete with ice skating. For summer picnics or winter shopping sprees, Bryant Park delivers year-round. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Sprawling across nearly 10 acres, Bryant Park sits just south of Times Square – though it feels a world away. Though its lush green space has existed for more than 150 years, Bryant Park was a revitalization project of the 1990s that made it a sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. This is the preferred place for midtown Manhattan professionals to eat lunch, for fashionistas to strut during fashion week and for performers to showcase their talents during annual events like Broadway in Bryant Park and Piano in Bryant Park. If you're interested in learning more about the park's history, consider joining one of its free tours. Tours, which last 45 minutes, are free and offered every other Wednesday, year-round. 

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Staten Island Ferry Staten Island Ferry free

Perhaps the most famous ferry service in the United States, the Staten Island Ferry runs daily between the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan and St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. The city has been operating the ferry service since 1905 and transports some 70,000 passengers across New York Harbor every day. It’s one of the last remaining vestiges of an entire ferry system that served New York City residents before the construction of any bridges.  

But the Staten Island Ferry is more than a transportation service; it’s an attraction, drawing tens of thousands of out-of-town visitors a year for a free ride across the harbor (that’s right, no charge; the service is provided by the City of New York). The 5-mile ride lasts about 25 minutes. Passengers must disembark and then reboard to make the return trip to Manhattan. Travelers remark about the views of the Statue of Liberty , Ellis Island, Manhattan skyscrapers and the bridges of lower Manhattan. 

Museum of Modern Art Museum of Modern Art

You don't have to be an art lover to appreciate the Museum of Modern Art; this airy midtown gallery also doubles as a shrine of pop culture and 20th century history. Some of the most significant contemporary pieces hang on its walls, including Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans," Van Gogh's "Starry Night," Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory," Monet's "Water Lilies," and the list goes on and on. In October 2019, the museum reopened after completing an expansion project that added more than 40,000 square feet of gallery space, as well as a performance studio that features live programming.

Recent travelers were impressed by the extensive art collection and loved being able to see the museum's famous paintings. The $30 entry fee for adults ($17 for students; $22 for seniors; free for kids 16 and younger) can be hard to stomach for some, but reviewers insist you won't regret the money spent. A few travelers express disappointment with the crowds (which are most common on rainy days), but suggest getting some fresh air at the museum's Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.

New York Public Library New York Public Library free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you love all things book-related, consider visiting The Morgan Library & Museum nearby, which features J.P. Morgan's stunning 1906 library. The museum offers free admisson (and live jazz music) on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

This main branch, officially called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, attracts plenty of book lovers, history junkies and architecture aficionados. Most people swing by the Bryant Park landmark to say hello to Patience and Fortitude (the famous marble lions guarding the entrance) and to admire the lovely beaux-arts design.

American Museum of Natural History American Museum of Natural History

Visitors love the American Museum of Natural History off Central Park West. Whether you're exploring the interactive exhibits on the land, the sea or outer space; user reviews take on a common theme. This museum is incredible. Even the cafeteria and gift shop are worth your notice.

There are more than 34 million artifacts inside, spread across four city blocks, 26 buildings and through 45 exhibition halls, so don't plan on seeing everything in one day. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a particular favorite, but you should also plan on visiting the dinosaurs, the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe and the Butterfly Conservatory (accessible November through May), which houses nearly 500 butterflies. Local experts say the institution is one of the city's can't-miss museums , especially for families.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Wander along Brooklyn's Washington Avenue, and you can't avoid stumbling upon this verdant 52-acre park. A main highlight here is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, punctuated by wooden bridges and Japanese maples. And if you arrive at the end of April, you can't miss the Cherry Esplanade ( Sakura Matsuri ) when rosy cherry blossoms burst into bloom. Another standout: the Shakespeare Garden, which contains more than 80 plants described in the playwright's works.

Thanks to the garden's extensive collection, which includes 13 gardens and five conservatories, there's plenty of scenery to soak up here. Plus, you can take advantage of year-round exhibits and events, such as children's gardening workshops and Lightscape, the annual wintertime lights display. After you've taken respite in Brooklyn's cherished green space, recent visitors suggest moseying over to two staples located down the street: Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum.

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Brooklyn Bridge Park Brooklyn Bridge Park free

Located on the Brooklyn side of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre oasis at the foot of the famous bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. The park stretches 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s waterfront, connecting Columbia Heights and Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, an eclectic neighborhood of boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants. Travelers rave about the views of the lower Manhattan skyline, the New York Harbor and the bridge.

Among the city’s newest parks, Brooklyn Bridge Park was once an industrial district and home to a transportation terminal that served as an entry point for immigrants. Today, the park features rolling hills, promenades, playgrounds, basketball courts, sports fields, a roller skating rink, gardens, and more among six piers and the riverfront. What’s more, the park is home to more than 12,000 species of plants and wildlife. It also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, such as sunset yoga and stargazing.

The Guggenheim The Guggenheim

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or simply, "The Guggenheim," is one of the most well-known art museums in the country, and it's just as renowned for its cutting-edge design as it is for its pieces. The coiled building (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) stands out on Fifth Avenue at 89th Street. Inside, the halls are chock full of works from the likes of Picasso, Cézanne, Degas, Manet and Van Gogh, among others.

Visitors loved the building's design and architecture, but offered more mixed reviews for the art on display. Some raved about the permanent collection and the special exhibitions, while others felt the cost of entrance tickets was overpriced for the amount of art displayed. Reviewers recommended the Museum of Modern Art over the Guggenheim if you're short on time. 

Off-Broadway Shows Off-Broadway Shows

Off-Broadway may not have the glitter of the Great White Way , but these smaller theaters and their productions are often innovative and are no less engaging. Unlike Broadway, these theaters are not centered around Times Square , but scattered all over Manhattan and generally seat fewer people (between 100 to 499 audience members). Smaller venues provide a more intimate experience for plays, musicals and revues. Many of New York’s most famous productions found their start off-Broadway, such as “Hair,” “Rent” and “In the Heights.”

Tickets also are more affordable, generally between $20 and $75 per person. Look for innovative productions at places like the Public Theater, Cherry Lane Theatre or Playwrights Horizons. The Signature Theatre showcases revivals and new plays.

Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck

This iconic plaza has it all – beautiful sculptures, an enormous skating rink, a fishbowl view of NBC Studios, plus a plethora of stores and restaurants. Though undoubtedly there will be intense crowds, this is an experience that's worth having at least once. During the wintertime holidays, the plaza sparkles with an illuminated Christmas tree and skaters gliding across the ice rink. But don't fret if your New York adventure doesn't take place during the cold months. There's plenty to do year-round. If you plan ahead, you can spend a morning watching a taping of the "Today" show, an afternoon admiring the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and an evening catching a performance at Radio City Music Hall .

Travelers say the Top of the Rock offers some of the best views of Manhattan and say the experience is worth every penny. Visitors recommend booking the Rock Pass ticket that includes a tour of the building and observation deck access.

Little Island Little Island free

New Yorkers have long needed to get creative to maximize space on the island of Manhattan, where space is limited. But with the opening of Little Island in 2021, that creativity stretched beyond the island's borders and into the water. Little Island is an artificial island located on the west side of Manhattan in the Hudson River. This public park, which is free to visit, offers a new space for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in nature, art, free events like concerts and one of the most memorable locations in New York City to catch the sunset.

Most recent visitors praised Little Island for its peaceful atmosphere, splash of greenery and views of the Hudson River and beyond. Some recent visitors recommend planning a visit on a weekday rather than a weekend, when this attraction can be crowded with people picnicking, especially during the golden sunset hours. Regardless of what time of day visitors stop by, almost everyone is left with a positive impression of the park and note its sculptures, family-friendly vibe, impressive variety of plants and free concerts.

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St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral free

This sprawling cathedral sits amid the hustle and distinctively secular bustle of Rockefeller Center . But that doesn't take away from its otherworldly vibe. Whether you're religious or just making an architectural pilgrimage, you can't help but be impressed by St. Patrick's. Opened in 1879, the neo-Gothic cathedral spans the length of an entire city block and features 330-foot spires. Its interior is just as impressive thanks to its numerous altars, stained-glass windows, organs and imposing 9,000-pound bronze doors. The church welcomes more than 5 million visitors annually.  

Travelers love the historical church's beauty and stained-glass windows, but say you don't have to carve out too much time to see it. Previous vacationers also suggest visiting at Christmastime to really see the church in all its glory. 

Little Italy Little Italy free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Taste the best of Little Italy at C. Di Palo Wine Bar. With connections to the fine foods store serving this neighborhood for more than a century, this wine bar serves Italian cheeses, meats and wines in a comfortable, modern environment. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Once a thriving enclave of Italian immigrants, Little Italy is now a popular tourist destination (though remnants of the past remain). Restaurants serving classic Italian dishes on red-and-white checkered tablecloths can still be found in the neighborhood. Among the neighborhood staples is Lombardi’s, a restaurant that has been tossing pizzas since 1905 and claims to be the first pizzeria in the United States. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, another famous Little Italy eatery best known for its cannolis and espresso, has been around since 1892. 

Times Square Times Square free

Some say that Times Square is like a five-block metaphor for New York City itself – it's exciting, colorful and always jumping. Others describe this area of midtown Manhattan as artless, overpriced and congested. Perhaps this commercial stretch from West 42nd to West 47th streets is a little of both, and though locals would advise you to avoid it, you should at least catch a glimpse of its neon lights. Most travelers recommend visiting the area after dark to see the marquee displays. Many add checking out Times Square before or after a Broadway show is the perfect time to fit it into your schedule. However, if you're not a fan of crowds, reviewers suggest you avoid this area altogether.

Times Square's biggest tourist draw is the annual New Year's Eve ball drop. Revelers crowd the area to see New York's famous Waterford crystal ball descend 77 feet from a pole on the One Times Square building. If you're feeling brave, take a trip to New York and Times Square at this time of year and watch the ball drop for free! Just plan on coming in the early morning and staying all day, and note that the area is super crowded, even by New York standards.

Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue free

It's fitting that St. Patrick's Cathedral would be on the same street as stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. That's because for many people, shopping is a religious experience, and here between 34th and 59th streets you'll find the holy grail. 

Even if you're not planning to put your credit card to work at high-end stores, travelers say a stroll along Fifth Avenue is a must. It's one of the top places to shop in the city, according to local experts. Plus, during the winter holidays, the street is decked out in festive decor.

Bronx Zoo Bronx Zoo

According to travelers, these 265 acres sheltering more than 10,000 animals should be near the top of every young family's itinerary in New York. And if you're an older visitor, the Bronx Zoo could be a great way to escape the nonstop activity in Manhattan. This zoo's claim to fame is that it's one of the largest metropolitan animal parks in the country. It's also one of the best zoos in the U.S . Originally opened at 1899, the zoo also houses several famous landmarks, including the Rainey Memorial Gates, the Rockefeller Fountain and the historic Zoo Center, which was constructed to look like a palace.

Among the zoo's popular exhibits is JungleWorld, which aims to recreate the jungles of Asia with animals like white-cheeked gibbons, gharials, tapirs, fruit bats and more. There's also the Wild Asia Monorail, a seasonal outdoor monorail that allows visitors to observe animals like rhinos, tigers and red pandas roaming freely in the outdoor habitat. Other star attractions include the Congo Gorilla Forest, the seasonal butterfly garden, Tiger Mountain and the Children's Zoo. Along with the animals, there are also several rides and experiences, such as a carousel and sea lion feedings.

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Apollo Theater Apollo Theater

U.S. News Insider Tip: Go to BLVD Bistro on 116th St. before or after your visit to the Apollo. They serve breakfast all day and literally have the best grits and pancakes I have ever had in my life. It is also Black-owned! – Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global

One of the most famous music halls in the United States, "the Apollo" started as a burlesque theater in 1914. By the 1930s, it transformed into a concert hall that helped launch the career of several black musicians. A then-unknown Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson (with the Jackson 5) and Stevie Wonder all performed on the Apollo stage during an Amateur Night competition. If you're in Harlem on a Wednesday you can still go to Amateur Night, an experience some previous travelers highly recommend.

Metropolitan Opera House Metropolitan Opera House

Stroll through the courtyard of the Metropolitan Opera House even if you're not going inside for a performance. Every element of this opulent building – from the limestone architecture, to the lobby's glittering chandelier, to the acoustics in the concert hall – is gorgeous. Travelers call this opera house a feast for the eyes and ears. Tickets are notoriously expensive (as much as several hundred dollars for the best seats), but the sticker shock evaporates quickly if you're into performing arts. You can try to score a same-day ticket at a discounted rate, plus there are discounts for senior citizens.

The Metropolitan Opera House features spring performances by the American Ballet Theatre and fall and winter performances by the Met Opera Company. Showtimes and ticket prices vary by performance and seating, so check the Met Opera's website for additional details. You'll find the opera house at Lincoln Center Plaza on Manhattan's Upper West Side – take the 1 train to 66th Street.

Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall

It's where Ella Fitzgerald pined for the man she loved, the Rolling Stones couldn't get no satisfaction and Lady Gaga had a "Bad Romance." Among performers, there's no New York concert venue that's quite like Radio City Music Hall. Not only is it the largest indoor theater in the world, its marquee spans a full city block. Opened in 1932, the theater is a New York City Landmark. Today, the theater welcomes musical performers like Ben Platt and Lil Nas X, as well as comedians like Chris Rock.

If you're in town any dates between November and January, consider attending the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which stars the Rockettes. According to recent visitors who attended a show, there's not a bad seat in the house. If you're not able to attend a performance, consider signing up for the hourlong Radio City Stage Door Tour. The guided tour includes stops at areas of the historic venue not typically seen by the public, such as Radio City’s secret apartment, The Roxy Suite. You'll also an enjoy an in-depth history lesson about the stage and its iconic art deco design. The tour concludes with a meet-and-greet with a Radio City Rockette. Tours are offered daily starting at 9:30 a.m.; tickets cost $42 per adult and $38 per kid 12 and younger.  

The Battery The Battery free

Also known as The Battery, this 25-ace park sits at the very southern tip of Manhattan Island, and offers a green respite from the steel and concrete of lower Manhattan. The park, named after artillery batteries that protected the settlement in the 17th century, is popular with visitors because of its views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty . 

The park is home to perennial gardens, bike paths, grand lawns, an urban farm and a unique carousel, known as the SeaGlass Carousel. On the carousel, riders sit within iridescent fish and glide through a 360-degree aquatic adventure. The carousel’s bioluminescent design honors the waterfront site as well as another landmark, the Castle Clinton, one of the country’s earliest aquariums. 

Coney Island Coney Island

Known as the "the People's Playground," this famous amusement area in Brooklyn has witnessed an illustrious past. In the early 1900s, Coney Island enticed New Yorkers to visit with its bathing pavilions, seaside resorts and amusement park. The Great Depression took its toll on the fun-loving spot, causing many attractions to close. But after years of economic instability, Coney Island has reclaimed its place on the Brooklyn map, with a fresh roster of eateries and entertainment (including a July Fourth hot dog-eating contest and an annual Mermaid Parade ) found along the boardwalk. Coney Island now features several separate amusement parks, as well as a museum, which hosts a variety of exhibits and shows.

According to recent visitors, Coney Island is a worthwhile trip in the summer if you have the time and are traveling with young kids who would enjoy the rides. If you're not up for indulging your inner thrill-seeker, you can also walk along the beach, which spans nearly 3 miles and features several sports courts, as well as playgrounds. A walk along the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk is just as memorable, according to recent visitors.

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Chrysler Building Chrysler Building free

Technically, the Chrysler Building is an office building open Monday through Friday, but you don't need to go inside to appreciate its aesthetic appeal. Recent visitors praised the building's unique architectural style (though a few wished you could still go inside to admire its intricate lobby and elevators).

Built in 1930, the Chrysler had a short-lived run as the tallest building in the city, before it was usurped of its title by the Empire State Building . Nevertheless, this 1,046-foot-high skyscraper remains a favorite among New Yorkers for its classic art deco style. And unlike the Empire State, at this site you won't need an expensive entry ticket, a strong stomach to stand soaring heights or patience for long lines to see what all the fuss is about. You can behold the building's menacing gargoyles and triangular openings from many spots in Manhattan. Though the lobby is currently closed to visitors, there have been talks of building an observation deck, though none is available at this time.

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22 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City

Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 18, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

One of the greatest cities in the world , New York is always a whirlwind of activity, with famous sights at every turn and never enough time to see them all.

Some people come here to enjoy the Broadway shows; others come specifically to shop; and many come simply to see the tourist attractions: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, historic neighborhoods, and world-famous museums . As someone who visits regularly, I like to come with friends, try new restaurants, and discover new experiences.

Many of the best places to visit in New York are within walking distance of each other, or just a short ride away, making this city a delight for sightseeing. If you have plenty of time and enjoy the water, touring New York City using the NYC Ferry System offers a unique way to see the sights.

Any time of year and any time of day or night there are an endless array of things to see and do in New York.

See also: Where to Stay in New York City

1. Statue of Liberty

2. central park, 3. rockefeller center & top of the rock observation deck, 4. metropolitan museum of art, 5. broadway and the theater district, 6. empire state building, 7. 9/11 memorial and museum, 8. american museum of natural history, 9. high line, 10. times square, 11. brooklyn bridge, 12. fifth avenue, 13. grand central terminal, 14. lincoln center, 15. one world observatory, 16. the frick collection (frick madison), 17. new york public library, 18. wall street, 19. radio city music hall, 20. st. patrick's cathedral, 21. carnegie hall, 22. bryant park, where to stay in new york city for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to new york, map of tourist attractions in new york city, best time to visit new york, ny.

America's most iconic sight, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of every first-time visitor's list of things to do in New York. It was France's gift to America. Built in 1886, it remains a world symbol of freedom and is one of the top attractions in America .

It is one of the world's largest statues, standing just under 152 feet tall from the base to the torch, and weighing approximately 450,000 pounds. You can see the statue from land, with particularly good views from Battery Park , on the southern tip of Manhattan.

To truly appreciate the Statue of Liberty, the best thing to do is to take a short boat trip to Liberty Island and see it up close. Take a pleasant stroll around the base, and if you have reservations, enter the pedestal or the crown. The crown is open for tours, but book well in advance if you want to enjoy this special experience.

On a tour of the Statue of Liberty, you have the option to stop at Ellis Island and explore the Immigration Museum . This fantastic museum is located in the historic immigration station complex, where thousands of immigrants were processed before entering the United States.

Displays focus on the process, the experiences, and the stories of the people who came through here on their journey to the United States. You can even search the on-site computer database to see a record of immigrants who came through here.

Tickets to go inside the statue sell out. Pre-purchasing tickets is a must during the high season and a good idea at any time of year. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour takes you to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This tour allows reserved access to board the ferry and includes access to the Museum at Ellis Island.

Author's Tip: Buying tickets near the ferry can be tricky, with hawkers swarming you as you exit the subway claiming to be "official representatives" and trying to sell you more expensive tickets before you can find the ticket booth. Be sure to buy in advance at the link above or ignore the hawkers until you reach the booth in Castle Clinton in Battery Park.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in New York State

An oasis of green amongst New York's concrete canyons, Central Park is a sanctuary of peace and quiet for visitors and locals alike.

A walk, pedal, or carriage ride through the crisscrossing pathways of Central Park is a must-do on anyone's New York City itinerary. In winter, you can even lace up your skates and glide across Wollman Rink . This huge park in the city center, a half-mile wide and 2.5 miles long, is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful and livable city.

Besides being a great place to experience a little nature, Central Park has many attractions within its borders, and most of them are free, making it one of the few cheap things to do in NYC. Some of the most popular places to visit include the Belvedere Castle , Strawberry Fields , the Central Park Zoo , and the Lake . If you are exploring the park on your own, start by picking up a map at one of the visitor centers and plot your route.

Central Park also offers activities throughout the year, from 5km runs and yoga classes to penguin feeding at the Central Park Zoo. Have a look at the park's events schedule for details on what's happening during your visit.

If you're visiting during the summer months, you may want to catch a performance of Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. This is a relaxing way to spend an evening in New York City and performances are free.

Read More: Best Parks in New York City

When it comes to New York attractions, Rockefeller Center is on almost all tourists' itineraries. This vast entertainment and shopping complex in the middle of Manhattan is home to NBC-TV and other media, but the centerpiece is the 70-story 30 Rockefeller Plaza , an Art Deco skyscraper that offers awesome views over Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck .

The "deck," as it's known, includes three floors, located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. Indoor and outdoor viewing spaces offer spectacular views by day or night. You can buy a Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket in advance. These tickets come with a flexible voucher redemption policy, so you can change the date if your plans change or the weather doesn't cooperate.

Skating on the outdoor skating rink at the base of the tower is one of the most popular things to do in winter in New York City and a fun activity for families and couples. The rink is typically open from October to April. If you aren't a strong skater, don't worry, the rink is tiny, and for many people, this is their first time on skates, so the skill level is pretty low.

After Thanksgiving, a huge Christmas tree is erected in front of the skating rink, lighting up the complex for the holiday season. Many people visit New York in December just to see this site.

Another point of interest in this area is the famous bronze sculpture of Atlas in front of the International Building. It's a popular subject for photographers.

Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York

Read More: Best Places to Go for Christmas

The Metropolitan Museum of Art , or the Met, as it is commonly known, was founded in 1870, and is one of the most famous museums in the United States. The permanent collection of The Met contains more than two million works of art, spanning a period of 5,000 years.

Although the museum has three sites, the centerpiece is The Met Fifth Avenue . Highlights of this collection include American decorative arts, arms and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, photographs, and much more.

Always-changing exhibitions bring some of the world's most famous works to the public.

The Met Cloisters , located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan, is another extremely popular New York museum. This branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, housed in an outstanding structure, built around medieval cloisters, chapels, and halls, focuses on the medieval art and architecture of Europe.

Address: 1000 5th Avenue, New York, New York

Read More: Top-Rated Museums in New York City

Attending a Broadway show is one of the top things to do in New York City. Considered the pinnacle of American theater, this is the place to see the latest shows and the long-running classics.

Broadway usually refers simply to Broadway theater, which encompasses a large number of theater venues in the Theater District and along the street of Broadway. For the most popular shows , tickets should be purchased well in advance from the website.

Shubert Alley is a famous pedestrian-only alley in the Theater District and home to two well-known playhouses: the Shubert on 221 West 44th Street and the Booth at 22 West 45th Street. Historically, aspiring actors would frequent Shubert Alley looking for opportunities to perform in a play sponsored by theater baron, Sam S. Shubert.

A Chorus Line played at The Shubert for a record 6,137 shows. The musical Oklahoma debuted in 1941 at the St. James playhouse just down the street. Other legendary places include Sardi's restaurant, where many famous actors met, and the Music Box Theater, where Irving Berlin staged The Music Box Revue in 1921.

The Empire State Building is one of New York's most famous landmark buildings and key tourist attractions. The 381-meter-tall, 102-story building was the tallest in the world until the 1 World Trade Center tower rose higher, 41 years later. Topped with a mooring mast for airships, the Empire State Building immediately became a landmark and a symbol for NYC when it opened in 1931.

There are actually two observatories atop the Empire State Building , both offering astounding views. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles, looking into the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

The 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet) is the city's highest open-air observation deck, and what most people are expecting to find when they go up the Empire State Building. If it feels familiar, it's because this area has been featured in countless movies and TV shows.

Reached by high-speed, automatic elevators, it has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the building. The views are incredible. The Top Deck on the 102nd Floor stands 1,250 feet above the bustling streets below. While you are 16 stories higher, the viewing area here is enclosed.

The line to go up the Empire State Building is almost always long; moves slowly; and during peak times, it can be ridiculous, making the whole experience more frustrating than it needs to be. Be aware you can easily burn up half your touring day just at this one attraction.

It's well worth buying the Empire State Building Ticket – Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Ticket that lets you bypass the lines .

The World Trade Center's twin 110-story towers once dominated the Manhattan skyline but were destroyed by suicide-piloted jetliners on September 11, 2001, with a tragic loss of life. Where the two towers of the World Trade Center once stood, now stand two square reflecting pools, each one acre in size.

Known as the National September 11 Memorial , this area is a moving tribute to the almost 3,000 people killed as a result of attacks on September 11, 2001, and also the six people killed in the earlier World Trade Center bombing in February 1993.

Surrounded by trees and grass, the pools are recessed, with water cascading over the sides and flowing into a seemingly bottomless square. These are the largest manmade waterfalls in North America . Around the pools are bronze panels with the names of all those who were killed in the attacks.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located in an architecturally stunning, curving glass building, between the two pools. It features displays that include artifacts, photos, and videos, presenting the story of 9/11, as well as the aftermath and impacts.

The building is constructed around the remnants of the World Trade Center and incorporates the old structures within the extraordinary new museum building. The memorial and the museum are located on the south side of One World Trade Centre, on Greenwich Street.

Also worth seeing in this area, on the opposite side of Greenwich Street, is the eye-catching Westfield World Trade Center , which contains Oculus Plaza . You can't miss this building with its white fins and spaceship-like appearance. This is a public building with shops and high-end stores, but it's worth popping in for a quick look at the architecture.

Tickets to the 9/11 Museum must be purchased online or at the window in advance. This is one of New York's most popular things to do, so booking ahead is essential to avoid disappointment. If you are traveling as a family, be sure to book the discounted family rate for up to five.

When purchasing your tickets, you will have the ability to select a time to visit, and you must make your time slot. On Mondays, museum entry is free from 3:30 to 5pm, but tickets still need to be booked in advance, starting at 7am, and are limited to four per person.

Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, New York

One of New York City's best museums for a family outing, the American Museum of Natural History has always been an important institution, but now it's even more exciting.

One of the newest additions to the New York City attraction scene is the recent opening of the Richard Gilder Center for Science , in May of 2023. This impressive renovation and expansion is quickly becoming one of the city's top things to see, with a design reminiscent of the imaginative style of Antonio Gaudi.

The stunning four-story wing features flowing concrete in intriguing formations. Once inside, you can explore the brand-new insectarium, butterfly conservatory, research library, and a wealth of educational opportunities. It's an exciting addition to the city's cultural landscape that is sure to inspire visitors of all ages.

The museum's permanent exhibit halls showcase all that's interesting about the natural environment of our planet, from science and the environment to animals and fossils. It also hosts special exhibits that run for a set block of time.

Some of the current exhibits that are well worth seeing include one on sharks, featuring models of these amazing creatures that you can actually touch. Another fascinating display is the rare 22-carat Okavango Blue Diamond.

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, New York

An exciting, and recently expanded, attraction in New York City, the High Line is a former rail line that has been transformed into an urban walking trail above the city streets.

This unique linear public park has been planted with a variety of plants and trees, many of which are native species. In spring many of these come into bloom. The park is lined with glass railings in most areas, giving it a natural feel, while still offering outstanding views of the city.

This oasis on Manhattan's West Side runs from Gansevoort Street at the south end (just south of West 13th Street) to West 34th Street at the north end, running parallel to 10th Ave most of the way. You can access it at various points along the route, some of which offer stair access only, and others with elevator access.

Although the High Line is only about two to three stories above street level, the views of the city's architecture and the lookouts over the streets offer a whole new perspective. Along the route are art installations and benches , and near the south end is a sitting area with bleacher-style seating and a glass wall looking out onto the city . The trail is heavily used, and on weekends it can be extremely busy, but without the surrounding traffic, it's still a peaceful retreat.

One of the highlights of the High Line is the Hudson Yards overlook, called The Vessel, near 34th Street. This is a stunning multilevel structure.

You'll find other interesting places to visit just off the High Line. The south section runs through the Meatpacking District , with plenty of trendy restaurants and fine dining. The southernmost access point is adjacent to the Whitney Museum of American Art, which is also worth a visit.

If you hop off the High Line at the 16th Street access (elevator access), it's just a short stroll to the popular Chelsea Market , located in a former Nabisco factory, where you'll find restaurants and unique shops.

In the spring of 2023, a new extension called the High Line — Moynihan Connector opened to much fanfare. This extension adds new access points, public spaces, and transit connections via the Moynihan train station. The new additions consist of two new 600-foot-long bridges, one made of steel and one made of wood.

Tours of the High Line are offered year-round and trace the history of the attraction from its industrial beginnings through to the structure it is today. Tours are free and are 90 minutes long in the spring, summer, and fall, and 45 minutes long in the winter.

Although a late-night stroll on the High Line on a hot summer's night or after a concert or Broadway show may sound enticing, the High Line closes at 10pm.

Location: Manhattan West Side

Lined with huge, brilliantly lit billboards and screens, Times Square is the place to go in New York in the evening, but still exciting at any time of day. This is the location of New York's New Year's Eve Celebrations and the famous "ball drop" at midnight, when the square and surrounding streets are filled with people.

Times Square is busy and perpetually crowded but has its own unique appeal. Bleachers set up at one end are a great place to take a break and appreciate the scene.

Formerly Longacre Square, Times Square was named in 1904 after the New York Times tower. The newspaper first posted current headlines along its moving sign, the first of its kind in the world, in 1928.

If you've had your fill of sitting on the bleachers and are looking for something fun to do either as a group or a couple, stroll over to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum . The eerily life-like wax figurines feature NYC icons like Jimmy Fallon and the set of The Tonight Show , Broadway cast members, and shows where you actually get to dress up and participate. The building's glass dome protrudes over Times Square for awesome views.

Address: Broadway and 7th Avenue, New York, New York

The Brooklyn Bridge, with its Gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables, is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and has inspired generations of poets, songwriters, and painters. This historic bridge, spanning the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn, was completed in 1883 and was the world's first steel suspension bridge .

You can see it from many of the ferries, or the east side of Manhattan, but the best way to experience this icon is to take an hour and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. A wood plank walkway, only open to pedestrians and cyclists , runs above the lanes of traffic. If you are not up for walking the whole distance, at least go as far as the first pillar, where there is a viewing platform, and you can see one of the granite towers up close.

From the bridge are beautiful views over Manhattan, the East River, and beyond to the Statue of Liberty. Biking over the bridge is another option, but pedestrian traffic is often very heavy, and cycling can be slow and challenging on busy days. Be aware that the access to the bridge begins well back from the water's edge.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Brooklyn

One of the most famous shopping streets in America, Fifth Avenue is New York's premier shopping area , where many top designers have their flagship stores. Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, the famous Apple Store Fifth Avenue, and of course, Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as many others, line this posh avenue.

Even non-shoppers can enjoy a walk along Fifth Avenue. The best area runs from approximately the south end of Central Park to the New York Public Library, or more specifically, between 60th Street and 40th Street.

Grand Central Terminal , often called Grand Central Station, is a fantastic Beaux Arts building, and it's definitely worth popping in to take a look at this famous landmark. The building first opened in 1913 as a terminal for the subway and train stations.

Outside, the 42nd Street colonnaded faces and the statuary on top are some of the key highlights. Inside, you can't miss the Grand Staircase , where you can stop to gaze out over the concourse. The beautifully restored ceiling here shows a celestial scene.

One of the most iconic sights within Grand Central Terminal is the Main Concourse Information Booth Clock. This four-sided clock has been the site of countless meet-ups (and even a marriage proposal or two) and has been featured in many famous movies including The Godfather , Men in Black , and Midnight Run .

You'll also find an extensive selection of retail shops and restaurants inside the terminal.

Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, New York

If you plan on taking in one of the performing arts such as ballet, symphony, or opera, it's likely that your plans will involve an evening or afternoon at the Lincoln Center . Musicians, dancers, and performers of all kinds dream of gracing one of the 30 indoor and outdoor stages spread throughout the center.

Throughout the summer from mid-June through to mid-August Lincoln Center is one of New York's cheapest cultural hotspots with hundreds of free events during their Summer for the City series . All kinds of entertainment for all ages are on offer.

The Lincoln Center is home to the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the Juilliard School of Music, the Lincoln Center Theater, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and it's almost a certainty that some sort of event will be taking place during your time in town.

In addition to live performances, Film at Lincoln Center showcases innovative movies on a daily basis.

Location: 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York

At the top of the newly constructed One World Trade Center building , One World Observatory is the highest observation deck in the city offering outstanding views from floors 100, 101, and 102, 1,776 feet above the ground. The elevator to the top is part of the attraction. As you ascend, the surrounding panels show New York as it transformed over the years, from a rural landscape to the metropolis you see today.

This glass building, which can be seen from all over the city, is a unique structure on the Manhattan skyline, with angles that give it a very distinct appearance. If you stand near the base and look straight up, the tower appears pyramidal.

If you want to go up and see the view, you can buy an NYC One World Observatory Skip-the-Line Ticket to save you some time, but note, you will still need to clear security.

Address: One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, New York, New York

For ambience, the Frick Collection tops the list when it comes to New York City museums. Housed in an early 1900s mansion, the building and the original collection were donated by Henry Clay Frick, who had the mansion built to display his art collection.

However, the original mansion is currently closed for a massive renovation and will be for several more years. A decision was made to move elements of the Frick Collection to the former site of the Whitney Museum. The temporary home is known as Frick Madison .

A visit is still worthwhile — the most notable artwork, which includes a mix of paintings, porcelain, and furniture, are on display, as are works by Monet, Rembrandt, Bellini, El Greco , and many other famous artists.

Temporary Address: 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street

The New York Public Library's main branch was designed by architects, Carrere & Hastings, in the Beaux Arts style. The library, with its impressive rooms, is a prominent city attraction that has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years.

Although colloquially known as the main branch, the proper name is actually the Stephen A. Schwarzman building . It opened in 1911 to immediate acclaim. An enormous library, the Main Reading Room alone stretches two city blocks, and the Periodicals Room holds 10,000 current magazines. The collection at this location is vast, to say the least.

Location: Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, New York

Stretching for eight city blocks from Broadway to South Street is the world-famous Wall Street. This street and the surrounding area are home to some of the most important exchanges in the world, including the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ, and the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Also located nearby are the impressive Trinity Church and Federal Hall . Look for the bronze statue of Charging Bull at Bowling Green, on Broadway. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Financial District and a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

Lying in the shadow of Rockefeller Center is Radio City Music Hall , a famous entertainment venue and a designated city landmark. This 1932 Art Deco theater offers musical extravaganzas and films and is the home of the dance company, The Rockettes .

The building was built and financed by the Rockefellers during the 1930s and contained the largest indoor theater in the world at the time. Today, the venue frequently hosts major events, including the Grammy Awards and Tony Awards. Its prominent marquee is hard to miss as it curves around the building and stretches down the block.

Address: 1260 6th Avenue, New York, New York

St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of New York's finest examples of Gothic Revival, with its massive bronze doors, white marble façade, 330-foot spires, the Great Organ, rose window, bronze baldachin, 2,400 seating capacity, and the statue of Pieta at the side of the Lady Chapel. With millions of visitors annually, the cathedral is a major destination for believers and tourists alike.

The building was erected in 1879 and has been carefully restored and maintained throughout its existence, including a $200-million renovation that was completed in 2016.

Location: 5th Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets, New York, New York

Carnegie Hall opened in 1891 as New York's first great concert hall. Musicians from Tchaikovsky, who conducted on opening night, to Leonard Bernstein and The Beatles have filled the hall. It is said to have some of the best acoustics in the world.

While the best way to enjoy the hall is to take in a performance, one of the best ways to learn about it is on a guided tour . The tour offers a comprehensive look at the hall, insight into the construction, and discusses some of the artists who have taken to the stage. Tours end at the Rose Museum.

Address: 881 7th Ave, New York, New York

On a summer's day, it's hard to beat a leisurely afternoon at Bryant Park . The grounds feature monuments and gardens, and "Le Carrousel," a popular carousel. A games area makes available chess boards, checkers, and backgammon boards for a small fee.

Bryant Park was a seedy area known for crime and a hangout for undesirables until 1989, when the city reclaimed it and turned it into a beautiful urban oasis. Locals have embraced this park, and today, it's a pleasure to walk through. If you don't want to play a game, it is still interesting to watch others playing.

When the snow flies and the temperature drops, an outdoor skating rink emerges at Bryant Park. This small rink is free to use, unlike the one at Central Park. Bring your own skates or rent a pair at the concession stand. Don't know how to skate? No problem. Skating aids, similar to walkers that elderly people use, are available to rent. If you can, try to visit on Tuesdays or Thursdays. At 12:40pm, artistic skating performances by the Ice Theater of New York take place.

The park is located adjacent to the New York Public Library.

Location: Between W 40th Street and W 42nd Street, at 6th Ave, New York, New York

The best way to truly experience New York is to stay in Manhattan, rather than trying to commute from the suburbs, which can be time-consuming and a little tiring. The hotels mentioned below are all centrally located in Manhattan and close to many of the major attractions.

Luxury Hotels:

• Known for impeccable service The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is a New York landmark. The hotel has recently been renovated and upgraded, and now the 253 rooms have all the latest modern features the discerning traveler requires and demands.
• The Mandarin Oriental is an outstanding luxury property with a great location near the south end of Central Park.
• Farther south, near Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, and Grand Central Terminal, the posh 60-story Langham Place, Fifth Avenue is another reliable five-star hotel.
• One of the hot new arrivals on New York's hotel scene is the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan . This four-star property offers affordable luxury and is located within walking distance to the High Line, Penn Station, and Times Square.
• In a similar price range, near Times Square, is the boutique Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection .

Mid-Range Hotels:

• With a prime location, within walking distance of Times Square, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center, The Pearl Hotel is at the higher end of the mid-range. It offers quality rooms, great service, and very reasonable rates.
• Another noteworthy mid-range hotel in a good location includes the Kasa, The Duffy Times Square . This small hotel has a B&B-style feel with only 22 rooms and as the name indicates, is close to Times Square.
• The Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street is located in a great position near the Empire State Building.

Budget Hotels:

• Hotel rates vary considerably depending on the season, but it's usually possible to find a few quality budget hotels offering reasonable rates. Some popular, modestly-priced hotel options include the Econo Lodge Times Square , just north of Times Square.
• Near Seaton Hotel is the more modern and affordable Pod 39 Hotel , with funky, compact rooms featuring en-suite bathrooms, and sociable common areas.

With so much to see and do in New York, purchasing a couple of tours can really help cover all the main attractions and make sightseeing easy and enjoyable. Walking everywhere can be tiring, and figuring out the subway isn't for everyone. There are many tours to choose from, but the following offer a good mix of attractions and experiences, and they are all guaranteed lowest prices.

Explore the City :

• For getting your bearings, seeing the sights, and learning a little history, there is no beating the traditional open-top sightseeing bus. Take a Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Tour to cover all the top sights and save yourself a whole lot of walking, so you will still have some energy to take in dinner or a show in the evening.
• If you are spending several days in the city and plan on sightseeing each day, you can save yourself money and hassle by picking up a New York CityPASS , which covers five major attractions and will allow you to bypass the lines. The pass is good for nine days.

See the Sights from the Water :

• Take a Manhattan Island Cruise to see the city skyline and city landmarks from the water, along with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These are 2.5-hour cruises that run in the morning and afternoon and include a live guided narration.

Get an Aerial Perspective :

• Indulge yourself with a Manhattan Helicopter Tour and fly over one of the most amazing cities in the world. These 15-minute shared-occupancy flights take you past the landmark buildings in downtown, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. This tour will give you a whole new appreciation for the density of the buildings and the size of Central Park.

No matter the season, New York City shines, and there is truly no wrong time to visit this bustling metropolis. The best time to go to New York City depends on what you want your vacation to be. If your idea of New York stems from movies like When Harry Met Sally and You've Got Mail , with idyllic strolls through Central Park as colorful leaves gently fall on your shoulders, autumn is an ideal time.

If seeing the Rockettes after a day of skating under the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and admiring holiday window displays is what you've always dreamed of, winter is a magical time to be in the Big Apple.

But if you are looking for a quieter and more budget-friendly getaway, with perfect weather, spring is your best bet. Locals, happy to be shedding their winter armor, have a spring in their step as they make their way to outdoor dining spots and markets on sidewalks carpeted with spring blossoms.

Summer is hot and humid, but if the balmy months are the only time you can travel with your family, you can still enjoy New York City's many attractions.

High season in New York is from June to August and November to December during the holidays, when you can expect to pay high prices for accommodations and flights. March to May and September to early November are considered shoulder seasons, and you will experience pleasant weather and relatively low prices. Low season is during January and February when it's chilly, but you will get cheap deals.

An ideal New York City vacation involves mild weather and fewer travelers, and the times that have both are spring and fall. Visit the city anytime between April to early June, or around September to early November, when the kids are in school and people aren't swarming major attractions.

Flights and hotels are also less expensive than the summer months and during the holidays in December. Take advantage of the nice weather to walk the streets, have a picnic in a park, and catch sports games.

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The Boroughs of New York City: If you have time to tour areas outside of Manhattan, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Take a trip on the Staten Island Ferry and discover the sights of Staten Island . Hop on the subway and explore the attractions of Queens . Walk or bike over the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the numerous attractions in Brooklyn . Lastly, home to the Yankee Stadium and the largest zoo in the United States, it's worth taking some time to visit the Bronx

Where to Go near New York City: If you want a quick break from New York, have a look at our top day trips from New York City or our best weekend getaways . In summer, you might even want to consider heading out to explore the best beaches on Long Island .

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The 37 Best Things to Do in New York City

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg and Alex Erdekian

One of the most mysterious things about New York City is that the closer you look—even at something as minor as a street corner—the more you see. And the longer you look, the faster it changes before your eyes. People can live here for 100 years and never run out of places to go or people to meet, so deciding the best things to do in New York is daunting; which is why we're narrowing your options. Whether you're a local itching to get out of your neighborhood or an out-of-towner who doesn't know The Met from the Mets, these new and classic activities alike will dazzle you. From wandering Central Park to slurping soup dumplings in Chinatown , these are a few of our very favorite things to do in New York City, from Midtown to Brooklyn.

Read our complete New York City travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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To get that Nora Ephron New York experience, you have no choice but to take a stroll through Central Park while in the city. As you step off the crowded sidewalks of 59th Street into a mass of green, you’ll hardly realize what lies before you: 693 acres of man-made gardens, meadows, forests, and  hillsides. If you ambled down every one of Central Park’s pathways, you would walk 58 miles. Along the way, you pass sculptures, bridges, and arches, plus 21 playgrounds, a winter ice-skating rink, even a zoo . But you’d hardly notice the four major crosstown thoroughfares, which cleverly disappear into foliage-covered tunnels. Map your park route to stop at classic Central Park landmarks, like the Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and the Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial.

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 Chinatown is one of the neighborhoods that makes lower Manhattan vibrant and unforgettable. After surfacing from the steps of the Canal Street subway station onto the sidewalk, meandering past thick crowds, neon light shops, and vendors peddling fake designer bags, you’ll find yourself in the narrow streets of Chinatown, where there are bright heaps of produce, succulent ducks hanging in windows, and restaurants old and new. Touching Tribeca, SoHo, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side, Chinatown has a rich history and began being populated by Chinese immigrants as early as the 1850s. You can visit in whichever way makes sense for you. Whether you spend an hour devouring a box of roast pork or duck from street-style Wah Fung No. 1 before you have to proceed elsewhere, or you spend half a day shopping for produce, dining out, and paying a visit to the Museum of Chinese in America , everyone will gain something from a visit to Chinatown.

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The Whitney got a major upgrade when it relocated from the Upper East Side to its vastly-expanded Meatpacking headquarters in 2015. It houses 50,000 square feet of indoor galleries with works by Jean Michel Basquiat, Richard Avedon, and Alexander Calder, four outdoor exhibition spaces and terraces, and a ground-floor restaurant and top-floor bar, both by Danny Meyer, one of the town’s best-known restaurateurs. The floors are connected by two artist-designed elevators (albeit slow-moving, crowded ones). If mobility isn’t an issue, take the stairs instead, which offer uninterrupted views of the Hudson river. The upper floors and sculpture terraces are also connected by a series of exterior staircases, with great views of the downtown skyline, and a rare opportunity to experience art en plein aire.

Yankee Stadium Arrow

A spring or summer day spent cheering at an NYC ballpark is a classic activity for a reason. Located in the Bronx, Yankee Stadium is the home field of New York’s 27-time World Champions. It’s a half-hour subway ride from Penn Station and approximately a 20-minute subway ride from Grand Central Terminal, making it easily accessible from Manhattan. It replaced the 1923 original in 2009 and cost $1.5 billion to build, making it one of the world’s most expensive stadiums. It seats 50,287 fans. New York Yankees games, obviously, are the main event here, but you can also attend concerts, college football, and soccer matches.

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Kyler Alvord

The Morgan Library & Museum Arrow

The Morgan is like a multi-hyphenate millennial—only instead of actress/model/influencer/whatever, it’s museum/library/landmark/historic site/music venue. Inside the multimillionaire’s personal library, expanded into a must-see museum and cultural space, you'll find rare artifacts, paintings, and books, some dating back to 4000 B.C. that are worth more than your house. In particular the museum is home to one of 23 copies of the original Declaration of Independence; Mozart's handwritten score of the Haffner Symphony; the collected works of African American poet Phillis Wheatley; the only extant manuscript of Milton's  Paradise Lost ; and Charles Dickens’s manuscript of  A Christmas Carol . Swoon.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine Arrow

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine on 112th and Amsterdam in Upper Manhattan’s Morningside Heights is the largest cathedral in the world and the sixth-largest church by area. Hundreds of thousands of visitors walk through these doors annually for a reason. The cathedral itself—and its remarkable Gothic architecture, story-telling stained glass windows, and 17th century tapestries—is already worth visiting. But there is artwork that is especially meaningful to New York City here as well, including Keith Haring's white gold and bronze altarpiece and a 9/11 memorial sculpture by Meredith Bergmann, which holds debris of the towers in it.  The cathedral holds daily and Sunday worship services, which welcome all. There is no charge to pray, meditate, or contemplate in the cathedral. Visitors who show for sightseeing purposes can enter for $5 admission. Special tours are offered depending on the day of the week. 

Summit One Vanderbilt Arrow

There’s no shortage of jaw-dropping views found throughout the city, but the team behind Summit One Vanderbilt has assembled a bunch of big names to bring together a full experience where you could easily spend a few hours. It starts with the elevator, a light- and sound-filled ride that whooshes visitors up to the 91st floor. There, you’re greeted by a massive, mirrored room that looks out over New York City. Additionally, there are rotating art installations from Kenzo Digital, as well as two special features: Levitation, a glass skybox that lets you feel as if you’re floating one-thousand feet above Madison Avenue; and Ascent, a separate glass elevator that brings you up even higher to gaze over downtown Manhattan. Inside, a Snøhetta-designed Nordic-inspired space serves food and drinks from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events, including pastrami-stuffed pretzels and ricotta toast; there’s also a wrap-around outdoor terrace that feels like the city's most exciting rooftop bar.

MoMA PS1 Arrow

The sister institution to MoMA   is no ordinary art museum. Located in a striking Renaissance Revival former public school building in Long Island City, Queens, MoMA PS1’s setting is just as interesting as its collection. All manner of cutting-edge contemporary art is shown here, with a collection over 200,000 pieces strong, from the likes of James Turrell and Ai Weiwei. The people-watching can be just as good as the art, as creative types from around the city come here to find inspiration.

Bemelmans Bar Arrow

At Bemelmans, Ludwig Bemelman's illustrations—you might remember them from the Madeline books—adorn the walls. In one panel, a bunny smokes a cigar in Central Park ; in another, a man hands a boy a clutch of balloons. This is a bar where gawking is permissible. The cocktails here very much depend on who’s making them: an Old Fashioned might be a bit watery, a whiskey sour too tart. But often a dirty gin Martini is just perfectly executed. Everything is expensive—it’s clear why you’re here—so take the edge off that sensation by digging into the free, hearty snacks that float your way.

For locals and first-time visitors alike, seeing a Broadway show is a special experience, and one that is exclusive to New York City. Times Square is ordinarily a drag, but when you’re moseying into Midtown Manhattan for a show the bright billboards and lights don’t flash in your face—they dazzle in your eyes. A Broadway show's costumes, sets, songs, and stories are the stuff of dreams. In November, anticipated Spamalot— (parodying Monty Python and the Holy Grail) —and Harmony —a performance telling the true story of the Comedian Harmonists—take the stage.

New York Botanical Garden Arrow

The New York Botanical Garden has carefully manicured flower gardens, lush fields, winding hikes, and impeccable greenhouses. There are spaces that feel deeply intimate, as if you're truly separated from the world, and there are vast expanses where it's hard to believe you're still in the Bronx . In winter, the greenhouses host an annual train show recreating all of New York City in miniature; the warmer months bring every floral delight imaginable, from cherry trees to peonies. Plan to spend at least half a day here and pack a picnic.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

It’s one thing to be in the midst of Manhattan, on the ground; it’s quite another to look upon it from across the river. In Brooklyn Heights, a couple subway stops away from lower Manhattan, the city’s image looms large before you. Arguably the best view of the skyline in the city, the Brooklyn Heights promenade hovers above the Brooklyn-Queen Expressway. Underlying the peaceful, tree-lined walkway, traffic rumbles below. The promenade stretches from Remsen Street at the south end to Middagh Street at the north. Around the corner, pedestrians can discretely cross a basketball court to access a suspended footbridge that zigzags down to the piers of Brooklyn Bridge Park. While in the picturesque neighborhood, make stops at the New York Transit Museum, the Sardinian trattoria River Deli, and the old-time dive bar Montero.

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Grand Central Terminal is more than just one of the busiest train stations in the world—it's a window into old New York and into a time when train travel was the ultimate luxury for the wealthy and a necessity for the working man. If you aren't commuting in or out of the city, avoid coming during rush hour, and take your time admiring the landmark architecture and checking out the top-notch dining and shopping.

9/11 Memorial and Museum Arrow

Every American should visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at least once. As you enter the museum, you descend from the street to bedrock level—the foundation of the former Twin Towers—and are placed in a meditative mindset, forced to recall where you were on that fateful day. The museum itself is a masterful balance: It's grand in scale, contemplative in its construction, and personal in its execution. It pays homage to the enormity of the loss, both physical and spiritual. 

Brooklyn Bridge Arrow

When the Brooklyn Bridge was constructed in 1883—extending 1,595 feet across the East River, connecting lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights—it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Now, it’s a historic staple of the New York City skyline, transporting commuter car traffic underneath and touristic foot traffic above . Standing before arches and rectangles with city skyscrapers rising in the distance, will at once inspire a sense of grandiosity and slightness.

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Located on four acres in northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, the Met Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is America’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the art and architecture of the Middle Ages. The building overlooks the Hudson River and actually incorporates five medieval-inspired cloisters into a modern museum structure, creating a historic, contextualized backdrop in which to view the art.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Arrow

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the MoMA is larger than it appears as you approach it from the street below. One of the world’s most influential museums—displaying the works of important artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, and Diane Arbus—it has 630,000 square feet of space and attracts more than a million visitors a year. While making a beeline for the fifth-floor Collection Galleries to take in The Starry Night and Monet’s Water Lilies is understandable, don’t miss the exhibitions, which tell new stories and can only be experienced in a limited time frame. Allocate time to spend pouring over the remarkable books and objects in the famous gift shop, too—an NYC must-visit in its own right.

Apollo Theater Arrow

Countless careers have been made and stars have passed through this world famous, legendary Harlem theater—Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, Lauryn Hill, and D’Angelo to name a few. The venue—which began as a white-only burlesque destination until 1934, when under new ownership it began welcoming and becoming central to the Black community—has been active for 88 years, with swing, blues, jazz, R&B, and comedy acts taking the stage. Today, visitors can attend events like Amateur Night at the Apollo, one of the city’s most long-standing, fame-making live shows. Capacity is 1,500, with three levels of seating, and contrary to the way it appears on 'Showtime at the Apollo,' is intimate without much legroom.

Prospect Park Arrow

Prospect Park is in many ways the Central Park of Brooklyn; in fact, it was designed shortly after by the same team of architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, and has many of the same features: sprawling meadows, walking trails, and picturesque bodies of water. In feeling though, it’s more rambling and less manicured than its touristed Manhattan counterpart. Prospect Park Woodlands is Brooklyn’s last remaining forest, with 250 acres of trees, turtles, chipmunks, 200 species of birds, and other fauna and flora. There's also basketball and tennis courts, a carousel, playgrounds, zoo, and a 3.35-mile loop for runners and bikers (they’re fast —watch out!). While there, make a trip to adjacent Brooklyn Botanic Garden , particularly lovely during cherry blossom season.

Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg Arrow

Sip iced coffee in McCarren Park, catch an indie show at Baby's All Right, walk two blocks over to some of the city's most-coveted Italian at Lilia (with a month-in-advance res, of course.) This is the busiest thoroughfare in hip Williamsburg: Bedford Avenue—and the L train that feeds it—might as well be North Brooklyn’s own personal people-watching catwalk. Pedestrians with voluminous pants, dogs with miniature rain boots, and high-speed scooters will swish past you. As you make your way south from the subway station, likely en route from the East Village, you’ll pass local businesses that characterize the area, like Catbird (ethereal, vintage-inspired jewelry), Spoonbill & Sugartown Books (poetry, special design and cookbooks, cards), and Awoke Vintage (best-known for their genuine denim often from the ‘90s.)

Coney Island Arrow

Coney Island has a reputation as a circus-worthy tourist trap, which is exactly what it is. But you may be surprised by the old-timey charms of this beachfront American town. You’ll definitely be impressed by the food and drinks—Totonno's Pizza, Gargiulo's and Coney Island Brewery in particular. Locals and tourists hang out on the beach, eat ice cream cones on the promenade, and stand in line for the famed Cyclone roller coaster. The beach and boardwalk along with spots like Nathan’s are open year-round. The amusement park itself is seasonal. Events like the annual Mermaid Parade (crowded as they may be) are worth watching for the audacity and theatrics you can’t find anywhere else in the world but Coney Island.

Lincoln Center Arrow

World-renowned performing arts center Lincoln Center is always worth visiting when the opportunity arises, and in October 2022, David Geffen Hall, home to the New York Philharmonic, reopened after a major renovation that improved the venue’s acoustics and spiffed it up with a modern look. The sprawling Upper West Side complex is also home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and Juilliard. All kinds of music, dance, theater, and films show here; Some highlights from the upcoming calendar include the New York Film Festival, the operas like The Life and Times of Malcom X and La Boheme , and ballets like The Nutcracker . Whether you’re on a special date or reconnecting with old friend when you’re in town, seeing a live performance at Lincoln Center will always make for an elegant and memorable night out.

Washington Square Park Arrow

If people-watching is your sport, Washington Square Park is your place. Entertainment is a given in this intimate, not-quite 10-acre space, filled with career chess players, musicians, performers, students, sunbathers, strollers, and general throngs of Greenwich Villagers, desperate for a bit of fresh air. Take your time as you go through: Pause beneath Washington Arch, honoring our country’s first president (for whom the Park is named), and observe the laurel wreaths and intricate motifs that extend from the base to the keystones, atop which twin eagles perch like constant watchmen. Washington Square Park is the beating heart of this vibrant New York neighborhood.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Arrow

For nearly a century and a half, the Met has remained the cultural epicenter of New York City, thanks to forward-thinking exhibits and an extensive permanent collection. With its Gothic-Revival-style building, iconic tiered steps, and Central Park location, the building is a sight to be seen. But step inside its Great Hall—as a ceaseless parade of museumgoers move to-and-fro—and you’ll feel the overwhelming sense of possibility and discovery that lays beyond. If you've got limited time or compatriots with limited attention spans, start with the Temple of Dendur, a 2,000-year-old soaring Egyptian temple (the only complete one in the Western Hemisphere)

Blue Note Jazz Club Arrow

Blue Note has been one of the best jazz clubs in New York, and the world, since the 1980s. It offers music every night at 8 p.m. and 10:30, and on Friday and Saturday nights has a late night series at 12:30 a.m., which showcases emerging talent. If you're looking to get a taste of jazz in NYC, you can do no better. Over the years, legendary musicians including Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Charles have performed on the Blue Note Stage, as well as contemporary jazz acts such as Wynton Marsalis, Keith Jarrett, and Chris Botti. Tables are intimate, close-set, and all-ages (with the bar being 21-plus).

Union Square Greenmarket Arrow

Union Square is a place of the people, not unlike the agoras of ancient Athens—and no offering of Union Square showcases this quality quite like the bustling Greenmarket. From upstate New York, the Berkshires , New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, vendors sell artisan bread, honey, fresh-cut flowers, heritage meats, pastries, seasonal fruits and vegetables both common and uncommon, and much more. Don't miss the free events, like book signings and more: Cooking demos take place at the Market Information tent daily, beer and spirits pop-ups show seasonally, and the education station offers tours and tastings.

Rockefeller Center Arrow

Rockefeller Center sits in the heart of midtown Manhattan, both in terms of its physical location and its prominent place in the city's folklore and culture. Whether you want to check out a performance on the plaza outside the TODAY show, visit the Christmas tree, or practice your best moves on the ice skating rink, you're in for an iconic, family-friendly experience. If you buy a ticket to Top of the Rock, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the city below. No matter where you are, you're bound to be constantly pointing and shouting “hey, look at that!”

Comedy Cellar Arrow

None of the promoters on MacDougal Street shouting “stand-up comedy tonight!” are trying to get you into the Comedy Cellar, where the show is already sold out. Blockbuster stars like Jerry Seinfeld and Eddie Murphy made their names at the Cellar; if you're lucky, one may show up the night you're there. Seating is intimate and close together, and there is a two-item minimum on food or drinks. It's 21-plus and vaccine-mandatory; be prepared to surrender your phone at the door, too. There's no bad seat in the house, but sit in the front at your own risk of getting (playfully) heckled by the host or a comic.

American Museum of Natural History Arrow

Truly one of the world's great natural history museums, the American Museum of Natural History spans four city blocks just across from Central Park . All aspects of the natural world are represented here, from a vast collection of taxidermy mammals, to depictions of the life of Native American tribes, to an entire hall dedicated to marine life—including a life-size model of a blue whale. The crown jewel is the dinosaur floor, with an imposing Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton that dominates the room. The newest attraction comes in the form of the long-awaited Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation , which opened in May of 2023 and, among many other things, boasts a comprehensive insectarium and vivarium. Breathtaking architecture from New York-based Jeanne Gang doesn't hurt, either.

The Strand Book Store Arrow

With its towering stacks, filled with more than 2.5 million titles, this 94-year-old bookstore is less neighborhood haunt and more globally recognized institution. You could call the Strand's employees tour guides, considering their deft ability to find the exact title you're looking for and recommend a book you may not have otherwise plucked from the shelves. The store will make you question why you don’t read more; and chances are you won’t leave empty-handed.

Bronx Zoo Arrow

With more than 700 different animal species spread across 265 acres of parkland thoughtfully designed to mimic natural habitats, the Bronx Zoo is a great place to escape from Manhattan for the day, especially if you're traveling with kids. Don't miss the giraffe building, the Congo gorilla forest, the house of reptiles, the flamingos in the sea bird aviary, and the sea lions, who always make for an exciting show. If you want to blow the minds of a bunch of kids, you can do no better.

Governors Island Arrow

Located in New York Harbor, only 800 yards from Manhattan and 400 yards from Brooklyn, walking onto quirky, car-free, brick-covered, 173-acre Governors Island feels like being transported to an alternate universe from the city—but in reality it's a quick, affordable ferry ride away. One-way fare is $4 and boats are serviced from Lower Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building every day, as well as from Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook on the weekends. In the past couple of years, Governors Island has become an even more popular city destination, and has welcomed a slew of new luxury businesses. One is special in particular: Collective, the only place you can stay overnight on the island. Collective is a glamping experience, offering plush beds inside the tents, morning yoga, sunset cocktails, and iconic skyline views—Lady Liberty included, herself. Which is all to say, you’re by no means roughing it here. On the menu at their restaurant, you’ll find grilled seafood, gorgeous spreads of pastries, and more. Another luxury experience new to the island is QC NY Spa, with top-grade saunas and a skyline view-filled pool.

McCarren Park Arrow

Fashion and dogs; dogs and fashion. At McCarren Park, these wonders abound. Located smack between Williamsburg and Greenpoint and bound by Nassau Avenue, Bayard Street, Lorimer Street, and North 12th Street, McCarren is one of North Brooklyn’s best gathering places and community hubs. Activities on offer include softball, volleyball, soccer, handball, and more, but you’ll also see Brooklynites running on the track, rollerblading around the park’s perimeter, and hoisting each other up in acroyoga poses on the grass. Shopping and dining opportunities fringe the park and make for a bustling atmosphere—including the Greenmarket on Saturdays, a thrift market bursting with vintage clothes on the weekends, Awoke Vintage, Forma Pasta, Bernie’s, Frankels, and more.

Elsewhere Arrow

Located in Brooklyn on a hip stretch of Bushwick’s Jefferson Avenue, Elsewhere—a vast, three-story nightclub and live music venue with multiple dance floors, stages, and a rooftop—has become one of the city’s best nightlife destinations. Spinning disco balls and kaleidoscopic lights set the scene. A somewhat recent staple in the city’s nightlife scene, Elsewhere is a converted warehouse that opened in 2017. Blocks away from similar venues like Avant Gardener and House of Yes, Elsewhere stands out for its inclusivity, its intimate vibe in spite of its size, and for lifting up smaller, up-and-coming acts.

Rockaway Beach Arrow

One of the best public beaches you can visit in New York City proper, Rockaway is a sandy, sprawling stretch of surf located in Queens on the Atlantic Ocean, complete with a 5.5-mile boardwalk of delicious concessions. A summery way to get there in style? Take the ferry from Wall Street or Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and let the wind blow through your hair as you take in the city views, sailing under the Verrazano Bridge and past Coney Island on the way. From just about everywhere else in the city, you can also get there via the A train. Each stretch has a different crowd and personality: Beach 90-106 is the busiest section, with the most food and drink options; Beaches 67-69 as well as 90-92 are the surfing zones; between Beach 153 and Beach 169 you’ll find Jacob Riis Park, which is popular with young people and is a summer gathering place for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

Metrograph Arrow

Located on Ludlow Street in the Lower East Side, Metrograph is an independent movie house and a New York City cinema destination. When you walk in, you’ll notice that the decor is trendy, artsy, and has almost nothing in common with an AMC. You might overhear film buffs opining on French directors you never heard of, but hey, it’s all part of the charm. It shows a curated roster of films that includes exclusive archival screenings, special premiers, and Q&As with notable filmmakers; a few of the films playing on the current lineup in November include The Wall , a 1990 documentary about the Berlin Wall with vérité-style footage; Bill Cunningham New York on 35mm film, introduced by director Richard Press and producer Philip Gefter; and the classic Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf , starring Elizabeth Taylor. Seats are assigned and booked online—to purchase in person, tickets go on sale a half hour before showtime. Seats are red-velvet-cushioned, and pretty comfortable.

Bonus: The legitimate restaurant on site called the Metrograph Commissary serving brunch and dinner, where movie-goers can extend their outing with a meal or a round of drinks. You won’t find your typical movie theater slushies here—espresso martinis, steak tartare, and duck with rosemary are on the menu.

Chelsea's Art Galleries Arrow

If you’ve done the Met and the MoMA a million times but have yet to explore the city’s art gallery scene, get thee to Chelsea. The West Side neighborhood is one of the city’s best-known for art and is home to some of the world’s most respected contemporary art galleries, like David Zwirner —representing legends like Yayoi Kusama, Alice Neel, and William Eggleston—and Gagosian —Damien Hirst, Richard Avedon, Takashi Murakami, and Anna Weyant, whose star is rising. These spaces feel exclusive and glamorous, and you feel special upon walking inside and experiencing their treasures. (And unless you’re an heiress, you’re only window shopping.) The Chelsea gallery scene exemplifies one of New York City’s greatest strengths: walkability. We’d recommend mapping out the spots you want to hit and making half a day out of it—West 24th Street between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues is a prime route.

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15 of the best things to do in New York City in 2024

Mar 23, 2024 • 9 min read

A trip to Central Park is a classic stop on any NYC itinerary © Marco Rubino / Shutterstock

Three life-changing words: New York City .

Millions are drawn to it; some never shake it. Monumental, artistic, cultural, commercial, cosmopolitan – the City That Never Sleeps is everything you've imagined. You'll never be bored here – the only problem is narrowing down what to do from the endless list of possibilities.

To help you get started, here's a list of my favorite inspirational highlights – all perfect experiences for your next trip. However, the big sights lure big crowds, so brace yourself. If you're after a calmer NYC experience, sights in the "outer borough" (beyond Manhattan) will generally be less crowded. 

Ticket costs can also be substantial, so consider purchasing a New York CityPASS , which offers good discounts on top attractions.

1. Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The iconic copper-green  Statue of Liberty dominates a small island in New York Harbor, casting a protective shadow over neighboring Ellis Island , the site of a stirring Immigration Museum . Still symbolic today, these two landmarks served as an uplifting gateway through which over 12 million soon-to-be-Americans passed from 1892 to 1924.

Planning tip: Boats to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leave from The Battery in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The monuments are often visited on a combined ticket – book well ahead, especially if you hope to spend time in Liberty's pedestal or crown.

2. Soak up the views from the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings

The tallest building in the world when it opened in 1931, the 1454ft  Empire State Building remains a much-loved character on the NYC skyline, although somewhat controversially, street-level views of this New York City skyline icon are about to be obscured by a luxury condo apartment. Vistas from the outdoor, 360-degree view, 86th-floor deck and the indoor 102nd-floor observatory are breathtaking, though – particularly at sunset. Look northeast at the art deco Chrysler Building , also once the world's tallest before being dethroned by the Empire State.

Planning tip:  Buy tickets in advance and devote a few moments to the second-floor Story of an Icon museum.

3. Pay tribute to lost lives at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The National 9/11 Memorial is located where the World Trade Center Twin Towers once stood. It features sobering tributes to the lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, most poignantly two sunken pools with cascades of water pouring into the fallen towers' footprints. Adjacent to the memorial is a profoundly moving museum with remnants and reminders of the tragic day.

Planning tip:  The memorial is free; museum tickets are best bought online in advance.

4. Have family-friendly seaside fun at Coney Island

Jutting like a Brooklyn thumb out into New York Harbor's Lower Bay, Coney Island boasts a wide beach, a popular seaside boardwalk and a lively amusement park, all reachable by subway in about an hour from Midtown Manhattan. Popular attractions include the family-friendly New York Aquarium , Nathan's Famous hot dogs , Deno's Wonder Wheel and thrill-filled Luna Park , featuring the wooden Cyclone rollercoaster – a city and national historic landmark.

Planning tip:  Walk to nearby Brighton Beach for classic Russian and Ukrainian eats.

5. Tour the vast collections at NYC's major museums

The Met  is NYC's most visited museum for very good reasons. With 5000 years of art from all over the world, two million individual objects and 17 acres of exhibition space, it's massive, astounding and seemingly inexhaustible.

An inside tip – the Met's often bypassed uptown Cloisters were cobbled together from authentic sections of European medieval monasteries. Tickets cover three-day admission to both Met branches.

Directly across Central Park from the Met is another significant museum with a broad scope: the American Museum of Natural History , where your ticket grants you access to more than 50 exhibits and 34 million artifacts!

Art lovers will find modern masterpieces from Warhol, Pollock and more in the Museum of Modern Art ; book ahead to skip the line, particularly at weekends. Somewhat smaller and less crowded, though definitely still comprehensive, is the Brooklyn Museum .

Detour: For something much more contemporary and free of hordes, try Brooklyn's Bushwick Collective Street Art .

Use this guide to plan the ultimate museum tour of New York City .

6. Hang out in Central Park

Hemmed in by buildings, Central Park serves up 843 acres of green space – meadows, groves, gardens and lakes, as well as restaurants, theaters, concert venues, fountains, skating rinks, ballfields, playgrounds and much more. Park Drive, although often crowded, is a favorite route for runners, skaters and cyclists.

Seeking some green space with fewer people? Brooklyn's Prospect Park , created by the same landscapers as Central Park, has all the same charm with far less throng.

Detour: For a leafy overview of Manhattan, consider cycling along sections of the 31-mile Manhattan Waterfront Greenway , especially the Hudson River Greenway segment.

Can't get enough of Central Park? Our local tells you where to find Central Park's best corners .

7. Walk across Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Undoubtedly NYC's most beautiful river crossing, the 1596ft-long, stone-towered Brooklyn Bridge was one of the world's first steel suspension bridges when it opened in 1883. Today, a walk along its pedestrian passageway delivers delightful Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline views.

Brooklyn Bridge Park , the 1.3-mile, 85-acre green space on Brooklyn's East River shoreline, prolongs the pleasure (and the Manhattan views). Check out the waterfront, glass-enclosed Jane's Carousel and multiple revitalized pier-based leisure and activity areas.

Save these restaurants to your Brooklyn itinerary.

8. Gaze upon the Manhattan skyline  

Manhattan's tumble of buildings is a mesmerizing spectacle, changing in natural and artificial light, particularly at dusk and night. Harbor cruises are a fantastic way to enjoy it, but there are also numerous land-based vantage points along the East River.

In Brooklyn, head for Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, East River State Park in Williamsburg and Transmitter Park in Greenpoint. Over in Queens, go to Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City and Astoria Park.

Planning tip:  For a once-in-a-lifetime splurge and unbeatable views, take a helicopter tour over NYC; yes, it's pricey, but it's worth it.

9. See art and architecture on the High Line and at Hudson Yards 

The 1.5-mile-long High Line is one of New York's great surprises. This art-filled, community green space – featuring gardens, events, and amazing city outlooks – was crafted from an abandoned elevated railway. It can be packed on warm evenings when the unique modern architecture on all sides is illuminated.

The northern terminus of the High Line is at the Hudson Yards , Manhattan's newest luxury development, with gourmet restaurants, upscale shops and singular attractions like Vessel , a multilevel public landmark, and The Edge , the city's highest (101st-floor) open-air observatory.

10. Visit the landmark Rockefeller Center

Perhaps best known for its winter backdrop – a world-famous ice-skating rink and New York's giant ceremoniously-lit Christmas tree – the art deco Rockefeller Center is a busy, art-filled national historic landmark all year round.

Named for its entrepreneurial developer – John D Rockefeller Jr, America's first billionaire – it claims highlights such as the 70th-floor Top of the Rock observation deck, the Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios Tours , as well as plenty of Midtown shopping and dining.

11. Be dazzled by the lights of Times Square and the Theater District

The neon lights really do shine bright on Broadway, especially in Times Square at the heart of the world's most celebrated theater district. Day and night, it provides billboarded sensory overload. In the area are dozens of marquee-fronted playhouses hosting box-office hits, alongside Madame Tussauds and National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey . Bryant Park, Midtown's small but activity-filled green oasis, and the lion-flanked entrance of the New York Public Library , a national historic landmark, are also nearby.

12. Ride the New York City Subway and Staten Island Ferry

The wheels never stop turning in NYC, aided by its sleepless subway , one of the world's biggest mass transit systems. Another iconic part of the New York transport network is the free, orange Staten Island Ferry , the cheapest way to grab pics of Lady Liberty.

For NYC urban transport history, the kid-friendly Transit Museum has climb-aboard subway cars from all eras. There's a museum annex and shop in Grand Central Terminal , a Midtown beaux-arts wonder with an unforgettably grand main concourse.

13. Support conservation at the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens

Who'd have thought the US's biggest and oldest zoo is in NYC? The conservation-minded Bronx Zoo hosts 6000-plus animals in 265 acres of specially designed habitats. Adjacent to it is the New York Botanical Garden , a 250-acre, year-round nature showcase with dozens of indoor and outdoor gardens included in your ticket.

Planning tip: Smaller but impressive alternative zoos can be found at Central Park, Prospect Park and Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens). The 50-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden is famous for its seasonally blossoming cherry trees.

14. Find art and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn

In a city that places a high premium on space, Brooklyn now claims three hip, rehabilitated industrial areas commandeered by entrepreneurs, artisanal makers, retailers, artists, start-ups and nonprofits. Industry City occupies six large warehouses on the Sunset Park waterfront.

Further south, 100-plus companies fill the vast and storied Brooklyn Army Terminal . And east of Downtown Brooklyn, the expansive, historic Brooklyn Navy Yard is a modern made-in-Brooklyn manufacturing hub.

15. Go to a game at a New York stadium

New Yorkers take outsize pride in their sports teams, so how better to absorb the city's energy than at a game? The Bronx's Yankee Stadium and Mets' Citi Field in Queens are grand open-air stadiums, while Manhattan's Madison Square Garden , home of Knicks and Liberty basketball and Rangers hockey, and Brooklyn's futuristic Barclays Center , where the Nets basketball and Islanders hockey teams play, are enclosed, so good for rainy days.

Planning tip:  If you'd prefer to see the Giants and Jets compete in the National Football League, their arenas are in nearby New Jersey .

And now for the hard part: should you go to a Mets or Yankees game? Two local experts weigh in .

Keep planning your trip to NYC:

Find out which NYC neighborhood fits your vibe Find the best time of year to visit Getting around NYC is fairly straightforward –  find out how in our full transportation guide . Even better, read on for top tips to see New York on two wheels .

This article was first published May 2021 and updated March 2024

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NYC Attractions & Landmarks

13 Top New York City Attractions

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If it's your first or second trip to New York City, it can be pretty overwhelming when you try to choose among all the enticing attractions beckoning you to check them out. It's not called the Big Apple for nothing: New York City the center of the worlds of finance, fashion, music, art, theater, literature, and architecture. And it is the scene of lots of history as a bonus. You just can't see it all in one trip, and what's open that time of year .

To get a feel for the city, start with this list of its top attractions and landmarks. Many of the attractions on this list are iconic NYC institutions and could very well be on your bucket list. So get ready to check a few off and get a feel for one of the greatest cities on the planet. These picks are in no particular order; they're all top-of-the-list spots.

If you have some time after visiting these landmarks, check out Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park, shop on Fifth Avenue, ride to the top of One World Observatory, take a walk on the High Line, and go bar-hopping in the Meatpacking District.

Watch Now: 7 Must-See Landmarks in New York City

Statue of liberty.

TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins 

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States in 1886 from France in honor of the friendship established between the newly minted United States of America and France during the French Revolution. It has become an American symbol of freedom and welcome to the immigrants who come to the United States looking for a better life. 

Only visitors who are in good health and plan in advance visit the crown of the Statue of Liberty  because tickets are limited to allow roughly 240 people per day crown access. Even if you can't visit the crown, a visit to Liberty Island can be very rewarding. It's amazing to see the statue from Liberty Island and realize just how large it is. Ranger-led tours of the island are free and offer a great deal of information about the Statue of Liberty and its history.

Staten Island Ferry

Of its approximately 22 million annual riders, roughly 1.5 million of the Staten Island Ferry passengers are tourists who take the free ride for the iconic New York views. Commuters and tourists get a view of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty during this hour-long ride between lower Manhattan and St. George, Staten Island. 

Empire State Building

TripSavvy / Donghee Eim

The  Empire State Building  is the most iconic and recognized symbol of New York City, and a visit to this legendary structure and its observation deck is a must. This classic New York City attraction gives millions of visitors each year spectacular views of New York City and the surrounding area from its 86th- and 102nd-floor observatories. The Empire State Building, which opened during the Great Depression in 1931, reflects its Art Deco era in its architecture and lobby. Buying tickets to the observation decks in advance cuts waiting time and is especially important if you're in New York City during high vacation season.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

More than 2 million works of art from around the world and throughout history are housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art,  the No. 1 art museum in the United States. If you're an art lover, the Met is well worth a visit to its vast and diverse collection. There's no way to see everything this museum offers in a single day, but just a few hours give you a taste of its most important gems. 

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

TripSavvy / Brakethrough Media 

Founded in 1929 as the first museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art, the Museum of Modern Art is home to an impressive collection of modern works of art. From painting and sculpture to film and architecture, MoMA's diverse collection has something for just about everyone. Don't miss its gift shop, where you can buy classy souvenirs of your trip. 

American Museum of Natural History

Since opening to the public in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has evolved and grown. In addition to the Rose Center planetarium and permanent displays, the museum hosts a revolving series of temporary exhibitions.

This is a great place for kids, with IMAX shows and a Discovery Center that is full of hands-on activities for children. The food court and several cafes offer visitors a variety of different dining options and a chance to refuel during an extended visit.

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is both an essential New York City transit hub and an authentic example of Beaux-Arts architecture. 

Renovations since its opening in 1913 have turned Grand Central into more than just a hub for transportation. You can shop, eat, have a drink, and just marvel at this architectural landmark of New York City. Its  special spots , including the Campbell, Whisper Gallery outside of the Oyster Bar, and the Main Concourse Information Booth Clock, make this a particularly special destination, and it's all free. 

Central Park

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Central Park's  843 acres have offered a welcome escape from the concrete jungle of New York City since the mid-19th century, and 42 million people visit this green oasis every year. New Yorkers and visitors alike come to Central Park year-round to exercise, relax, and explore.

One of the reasons that Central Park is such a magical place is that no matter how many times you visit, there's always something new to discover or explore. Visitors might enjoy a picnic in Central Park, watching a SummerStage concert or even taking a free walking tour offered by the ​ Central Park Conservancy .

Central Park was the first major landscaped public park in the United States and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The pair also designed  Brooklyn's Prospect Park , somewhat smaller but also beautiful to behold and a star attraction in Brooklyn.

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is a great destination for visitors any time of year, but it's an especially big draw during the holiday season, with its famous Christmas tree and ice skating rink.  Built during the Great Depression , the complex's Art Deco architecture and works of art make it destination-worthy, even without all the shops, restaurants, and activities happening.

Besides its Christmas tree and ice skating rink , the midtown Manhattan landmark also offers visitors the wonderful Top of the Rock Observation Deck , where you can enjoy a great view of Manhattan from 850 feet above street level, and Radio City Music Hall , which hosts concerts, shows, and performances year-round.

Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan

TripSavvy / Winifred Lao 

A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights, across the East River, is such an authentic New York experience that it's often dramatized in movies and TV shows to set the scene. It's free and magnificent. Walk along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade on the Brooklyn side for spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and grab a hot dog from a street vendor on the Manhattan side of the bridge , just across from City Hall Park.

Broadway and the Theater District

Broadway, the Great White Way, is yet another NYC legend. The Theater District goes from West 41st to West 54th streets and from Sixth to Eighth avenues. It's home to 39 Broadway theaters, and for many visitors to New York City, this is a prime reason for going. Dinner and the theater is an authentic New York experience, and this is where you find it.

Times Square

Times Square, with its gaudy lights and legendary status, draws more than 400,000 people daily. It's one busy place, quintessential New York City for many visitors. The neighborhood has become more pedestrian-friendly with reduced traffic and more plazas with seating and tables for relaxing and people watching, as well as food carts where you can get a snack and drink to fuel up. 

Times Square is most impressive after dark when the glow of billboards and street signs make it hard to believe that it's nighttime. 

9/11 Memorial

 TripSavvy / Winifred Lao 

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum needs no introduction or explanation. The twin reflecting pools are in the footprint of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers that were attacked on September 11, 2001, and the names of all the victims of the attacks of that day, at the Twin Towers, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, along with the six who died in the 1993 bombing at the World Trade Center, are on bronze panels that form the edges of the two pools. 

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65 Best & Fun Things To Do In NYC (New York)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: December 24, 2022  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

The Big Apple.

The City of Dreams.

The City So Nice, They Named It Twice.

New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet.

Welcoming more than 60 million visitors per year, it’s an absolute treasure trove of attractions, landmarks, resorts, skyscrapers, and general vacation destinations.

You’ve probably seen large swatches of NYC even if you’ve never stepped foot in the city.

It’s been used in countless films since the inception of Hollywood, so places like Times Square, Grand Central Station, and the Empire State Building have all taken on a legendary status for aspiring travelers.

Another nice thing about NYC is that it’s a truly year round destination, so it doesn’t matter when you’re planning to go.

You can attend New York Fashion Week in the spring and catch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the winter.

There’s always something going on.

Are you ready for the vacation of a lifetime?

Do you want to experience the best, brightest, and most bodacious things to do in NYC?

Dive right to Empire City!

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a booking through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

1. Statue of Liberty

Matej Hudovernik / Shutterstock

Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…

The Statue of Liberty has been welcoming visitors to New York since 1886.

A gift from France, this robed, torch-bearing goddess is a symbol of freedom, enlightenment, and safe harbor for people from around the world.

It’s a pretty cool tourist attraction, too.

You’ll take a ferry to get there, and you can either climb the stairs or ride the elevator to the top of the goddess’s crown.

A panoramic view of NYC will await.

No matter where you’re coming from, the Statue of Liberty is a must see in terms of NYC attractions.

She’s a once-in-a-lifetime sight for many, so she’s definitely worth your bucket list.

Check out these awesome activities around the Statue of Liberty.

Address: New York, NY 10004, United States

2. Central Park

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One of the most famous places to go in all of New York City, Central Park is a lush and lavish destination.

You’d never expect from its vibrant greenery that it’s surrounded on all sides by gleaming skyscrapers!

Entertainment options in the park include everything from a shopping mall to a full-sized zoo.

There are more than two dozen playgrounds, and you can walk, bike, skate, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride between them.

In the summertime, there are free outdoor concerts and movie nights; in the winter, there are ski tracks and ice skating rinks.

Another great thing about Central Park is that there’s never an admission charge, so if you’re looking for free things to do in NYC, here’s an option that won’t cost you a dime!

You’ve probably already seen Central Park in a dozen different movies, but there’s nothing like walking the paths and smelling the roses on your own.

There’s a reason why it’s a top sightseeing destination in the city, and you won’t want to miss it!

Check out these tours & activities around Central Park.

Address: New York, NY, United States

3. Times Square

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You know Times Square .

Everyone knows Times Square.

It’s one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in the world, especially during major, fireworks-shooting events like New Year’s Eve.

You don’t have to wait for a holiday to hit up Times Square, however.

Just like NYC, it’s a destination that never sleeps.

The billboards are always flickering with new, neon-colored ads.

The streets are always crowded with buskers, magicians, musicians, and street vendors.

Some people even say that seeing Times Square at night is better than seeing it during the day, so it’s something to put on your bucket list twice!

Make time for the Times.

It’s a top 10 destination in New York City, especially if you’re trying to hit all of the major landmarks during your visit.

You’ll look back on these particular photos for years to come.

Address: Manhattan, NY 10036, United States

JJFarq / Shutterstock

For the trendy, there’s no place like Tribeca.

It’s a youthful neighborhood in NYC where cobblestone streets are lined with cafes, bistros, and boutiques of every variety, many of them set against a backdrop of industrial buildings converted into chic lofts.

There’s a deeper history to Tribeca, too, and it’s related to 9/11.

The neighborhood was hit hard in the aftermath, so it pays tribute to the tragedy with a number of memorial events and activities.

One of these is actually the Tribeca Film Festival: It was created to boost the local economy after the attacks, and it’s since evolved into the world-famous attraction that it is today.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for swanky things to do in New York City this weekend, hit up Tribeca.

The coffeehouses are open day and night, and the shops, galleries, and restaurants are more than enough to fill your Instagram reel.

Any money that you spend will be supporting a vital NYC community, too.

Check out this walking tour around Tribeca.

Address: Tribeca, New York, NY, United States

5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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If you’re an art lover wondering what to do in NYC, the answer is the Met.

The largest art gallery on the entire continent, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is so big that it’s measured in acres, not feet.

It’s home to a staggering two million objects, including paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, vintage fashion, suits of armor, and much, much more.

You could literally get lost among them all.

Depending on when you visit, there are many special events to enjoy at the Met, too.

Kids can join storytime.

Lovebirds can sip cocktails during couples’ nights.

Visitors of all ages can sign up for tours, performances, lectures, and family activities.

There’s a reason why The Metropolitan Museum of Art is such a world-famous destination.

Believe the hype, and book your ticket this week!

Check details, prices and reviews here.

Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States

6. Rockaway Beach

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You don’t have to fly to the Bahamas to enjoy a sun-soaked vacation.

NYC is close to a number of beaches that offer surf and turf, including Rockaway Beach .

Nestled on the coast, Rockaway Beach is a beautiful destination with waves as far as the eye can see.

You can go swimming and surfing; you can join in sand volleyball games; you can explore the boardwalk and its quaint little shops that sell everything from skateboards to snow cones.

It should be noted that Rockaway Beach isn’t technically located in NYC, but thanks to a free ferry service sponsored by the city, it’s quite easy to reach.

Many natives hop aboard to enjoy a day by the water before returning home.

All in all, if you’ve been dreaming of sandcastles and umbrella drinks, Rockaway Beach is a must do for your New York vacation.

It’ll offer all of the benefits of a tropical getaway, but you’ll stay close to the action of NYC, too!

Address: Far Rockaway, NY 11693, United States

7. City Climb

New York City has no shortage of skyscrapers, and you can see them from all kinds of towers, observation decks, and helicopter tours.

If you really want a thrill, however, consider strapping on a harness and scaling one yourself!

Billed as an “open-air building ascent,” City Climb offers the utterly unique experience of climbing a skyscraper with your own two hands.

You’ll rise more than 1,200 feet in the sky after mounting steps and platforms one by one.

You’ll be strapped into a safety harness the entire time, so you won’t fall, but your hind brain might not realize it.

Your heart will definitely be in your throat as you scale some of these jaw-dropping heights!

If you’re looking for cool things to do in the Big Apple, consider climbing a skyscraper.

There’s nothing like a bird’s eye view of NYC, especially when you’ve made it to the top under your own power.

You’ll have earned every breathless glimpse of the city below.

Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States

8. Brooklyn Pizza Tour

OKMG / Shutterstock

One of the most archetypal dishes in New York City is a folded-over pizza slice, and with the Brooklyn Pizza Tour, you can sample your way through the borough’s best.

A bus will take you to multiple pizzerias during the 4.5 hour tour.

In between stops, you’ll also have the chance to explore the Brooklyn Bridge, the Coney Island Boardwalk, and several other notable landmarks of NYC.

Your tour guide will be a Brooklyn native who’s able to point out everything from Saturday Night Fever filming locations to the army terminal where Elvis Presley went off to war.

Enjoy pizza like a true New Yorker when you sign up for the Brooklyn Pizza Tour .

It’ll provide a tasty trip through the city, and what’s more, it’ll let you rest your full belly on a bus ride as you go!

9. FAO Schwarz

Jessica B. Kirk / Shutterstock

Design your own Barbie doll.

Dance on the light-up floor piano.

Ride a train or a fire truck.

These are just a few of the childhood wonders available at FAO Schwarz , the world’s oldest toy store.

Walking into FAO Schwarz is like walking into Santa Claus’s workshop.

Toys line every available surface, and your eyes won’t know where to look as things flash, whizz, bang, sparkle, and pop in all directions.

If you’re ready to buy, you’ll have shelf after shelf of ideas.

But you can also have a good time without spending any money at all.

Just let your little ones race down the aisles, hug the life-sized stuffed animals, or press the “try me” button on everything they see.

If you’re speculating on what to do with kids in NYC, FAO Schwarz is the answer.

It’s such a beloved institution of the city that it actually re-opened in a new location after the original was shut down.

Folks just couldn’t bear to lose it!

Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, United States

10. Empire State Building

TTstudio / Shutterstock

Considered one of the man-made wonders of the world, the Empire State Building is a truly stunning piece of architecture.

At the time of its construction in 1931, it was the tallest building ever!

Today, it’s been out-built by other skyscrapers, but it’s never been outdone.

It still stands proud among the giants as one of the most popular NYC attractions.

Countless movies have used it as a backdrop or a scene stealer, including King Kong, Independence Day, and Sleepless in Seattle.

Its observation decks are also a marvel: You’re sure to get dizzy as you gaze out from the 86th or 102nd floor.

At that height, everything below seems like a speck of dust!

Buy a ticket for the Empire State Building if you’re looking to experience all of NYC’s most iconic landmarks.

It’s a must see for anyone who’s ever been awestruck at the gigantic building in their favorite New York based movies.

Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States

Visiting other parts of the New York State? Why not check out some of the things to do in Buffalo, NY ?

11. Area 53

While generally temperate in terms of weather, NYC can have some inclement days, especially in the winter when snow and sleet are common.

How can you entertain yourself when you’re stuck indoors?

Try somewhere like Area 53 !

One of the biggest “activity centers” in the city, Area 53 offers all kinds of fun for both the young and the young at heart.

There’s laser tag; there’s paintball; there’s an inline skating rink.

An adventure park offers slides, battle beams, obstacle courses, and rock climbing walls.

An old-fashioned arcade is filled with nostalgic classics like Skee-Ball.

Area 53 isn’t just for kids, either, unlike other activity venues with a playhouse theme.

They even host 21+ nights where you can hang out with other adults and bring your own beer.

Are you looking for cool stuff to do on a rainy or snowy day in NYC?

Work up a sweat at Area 53, a land where you’re never too old to climb a rope ladder or whack your friends with ninja sticks.

Address: 53 Bridge St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

12. New York City Walking Tours

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There are so many NYC walking tours that it would be impossible to list them all.

However, here’s a small sample of what you can expect to find from local tour groups:

– Sightseeing tours that will take you on a loop of the city’s most famous attractions – Food tasting tours of Hell’s Kitchen – Underground catacomb tours via New York City’s cathedrals – Sunday morning tours of Harlem that include brunch and gospel services – Graffiti and street art tours that change weekly as new works are created, covered, and re-tagged

At the end of the day, the experience that you’ll have is up to you.

Put on your sneakers and get going!

13. American Museum of Natural History

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The American Museum of Natural History is a mammoth, and this description doesn’t just refer to the gigantic woolly mammoth skeleton hanging out in the gallery.

It’s a way of conceptualizing the staggering size of the museum.

Housing more than 34 million objects, it’s so large that it spans 26 interconnected buildings.

You could spend days exploring and still not see everything.

And what things there are to see!

There’s a reason why the American Museum of Natural History is one of NYC’s top tourist destinations.

From mummies to meteorites, it’s full of interesting, engaging exhibits that’ll inspire wonder about the natural world.

You can touch whale bones; you can traipse among the hanging globes of a solar system; you can learn about ancient human civilizations and their art, fashion, tools, and belief systems.

You don’t have to be a “museum person” to appreciate the American Museum of Natural History.

Just like its scenes in Night of the Museum, it’ll come alive in your imagination.

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, United States

14. Little Italy

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NYC is home to several neighborhoods that have grown immigrant populations so vast that they’ve become tourist destinations.

Little Italy is one of them.

Home to bakeries, pizzerias, and cheese shops, Little Italy celebrates Italian culture on every street corner.

You’ll find flags hanging from the windows and vendors shouting “buon appetito!” as they serve piping hot platters of lasagna.

You’ll also see the Italian American Museum , which can teach you about the first Italian seafarers that landed in NYC and brought their language, food, art, and customs.

A quick note if you’re visiting in September: Little Italy hosts the Feast of San Gennaro every year, which includes parades, opera performances, meatball eating contests, blessings from religious leaders, and other social and cultural events.

You might have heard that Little Italy is much smaller than it used to be, and that’s true.

However, it’s still one of the most amazing things to do in New York City when you’re craving a cannoli, and it can still deliver an authentic experience for culture enthusiasts who want to pretend that they’re in Naples.

Check out these tours & activities around Little Italy.

Address: Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013, United States

15. Apollo Theater

Chie Inoue / Shutterstock

A mainstay of Harlem, the Apollo is one of the longest-running theaters in NYC, and it’s been the birthplace of countless stars.

From Diana Rossa to Ray Charles to Aretha Franklin, it’s basically hallowed ground for legendary performers.

Originally a “whites only” burlesque theater, the Apollo started to attract African-American performers in the 1930s, eventually becoming one of the best places to visit for people of color who wanted to make a name for themselves in the biz.

It gave rise to all kinds of jazz, blues, and R&B, though it offered other acts as well.

You might have heard of staples like “Amateur Night at the Apollo” and “Showtime at the Apollo.”

They’re still running today!

Other events at the Apollo include concerts, comedy shows, swing dances, gospel nights, vaudeville performances, and more.

You can check their online schedule to see what’s coming soon.

The Apollo Theater is an emblematic destination in NYC’s arts and theater scene, and it’s been that way for almost a century.

If you’re planning on dinner and show while in the city, this is the place to see the show!

Address: 253 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027, United States

16. The Museum of Modern Art

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The Starry Night by Van Gogh.

The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali.

Fruit Dish by Pablo Picasso.

These are just a few of the heavy hitters that you can see at The Museum of Modern Art , NYC’s most biggest and most prestigious art museum.

Offering hundreds of thousands of works, MoMA is a horn of plenty when it comes to art.

You can browse paintings, prints, sculptures, films, illustrations, photography collections, architectural models, and more.

Some exhibitions are permanent; others rotate in and out of the museum, buoyed by the work by international artists and the influences of other cultures and histories.

There’s an admission fee to MoMA, but if you’re on a budget, you can plan your visit for a discount day such as Friday afternoons after 5:30PM.

It’s entirely possible to experience Van Gogh as one of the free things to do in NYC.

Isn’t that amazing?

Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, United States

17. Broadway

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If you’re a fan of the theater, going to a Broadway show will be like a dream come true.

Not only will it send you on a journey through the glitzy lights of Times Square, but it’ll also put you front and center for award-winning productions of Hamilton, Hairspray, The Lion King, and more.

The one downside of Broadway is that it’s immensely popular, so you’ll want to book your tickets well in advance.

Think months, not weeks.

You can also apply for Broadway’s lottery system to score seats even for sold-out shows.

Are you on a budget?

Consider exploring off-Broadway or even off-off-Broadway, the latter of which can be a hilariously quirky experience even more memorable than a “real” show.

Broadway is the ultimate of New York City attractions, so even though it’ll take some prepping and planning to get your ducks in a row, the curtain call will make everything worth it.

18. New York Aquarium

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New York City is such a big, bustling place that it’s home to multiple aquariums and marine sanctuaries.

However, everyone agrees that the New York Aquarium is the best.

Housing literally hundreds of species, the New York Aquarium has to be seen to be believed.

You’ll walk through underwater tunnels with millions of gallons of water above your head.

You’ll see sharks, dolphins, fish, and coral, everything darlingly large and dazzlingly colorful.

There are many activities to enjoy at the aquarium, too.

You can watch sea lion shows; you can observe the penguins being fed.

There’s a 4D theater for educational films and a “playquarium” where you can actually touch crabs, urchins, and sea snails.

Whether you’re a wide-eyed kid or an adult who’s never grown out of their shark phase, the New York Aquarium is one of the most fun things to do in NYC.

Visit for yourself to understand why it’s a top 10 destination in the Big Apple!

Address: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, United States

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19. Strand Book Store

The Strand Book Store isn’t one of the loftier things to see in New York City.

In fact, it’s downright humble.

But don’t let its appearance fool you: It’s one of the oldest bookshops in the city, and it’s the only survivor of “Book Row,” a former neighborhood of almost 50 bookstores that closed one by one.

The tomes are piled high inside of the building.

Everywhere you turn, there’s another table, another shelf, or another heap.

Book-related memorabilia is also available, and you can find a wide assortment of stationery as well.

The Strand buys used books, too, though you probably won’t have any in your vacation luggage.

But their acceptance of a broad range of novels, comics, memoirs, and textbooks means that you can benefit as a buyer from a very diverse collection!

The Strand Book Store is considered a New York City staple.

It’ll make a great stop on your tour of NYC, and if you wind up buying anything, you can take pride in supporting the local economy.

Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States

20. Grand Bazaar NYC

Grand Bazaar NYC

You can think of the Grand Bazaar as the biggest flea market in New York City.

Held every Sunday, rain or shine, it’s an electric mix of vendors from every borough, but they all have one thing in common: They value affordability.

The bazaar was created in response to the rising costs of NYC retailers, and profits go to public schools and enrichment programs across the city.

It’s the kind of place where you can feel good about spending your money.

As for how you can spend your money, the sky’s the limit.

There’s food, drink, jewelry, antiques, and more.

Full-room furniture spreads are next to amateur art galleries.

There are florists, bakers, artisans, and craftsmen.

Every stall has something new to discover.

Best of all, since it’s open every Sunday, you can visit the Grand Bazaar year round.

If you’re wondering what to do this weekend on a last-minute trip to NYC, it’ll offer a fun, colorful excursion with the possibility of picking up some great souvenirs.

Address: 100 W 77th St, New York, NY 10024, United States

21. Bryant Park

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A staple of Midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park is where everyone goes to unwind.

From office workers on their lunch breaks to families enjoying picnics and ping pong tables, it’s a popular site with visitors of every demographic.

This includes tourists!

Places to go in the park include gardens, cafes, carousels, playgrounds, and pop-up shops.

You’ll find lawns staked out by everyone from chess players to yoga and tai chai classes.

In the summer, giant screens are erected for outdoor movie nights.

In the winter, the park transforms into a holiday wonderland complete with a free ice skating rink.

There’s honestly no limit to the fun offered by Bryant Park.

There are traditional outdoor activities, and there are quirky things like bingo games and ribbon dancing performances.

Head on over during your NYC vacation and let yourself forget your troubles for awhile!

Address: New York, NY 10018, United States

22. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

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You might have seen photos, but they’re nothing like reality.

Madame Tussauds is one of the craziest things to do in New York City, especially if you spring for the “immersive” tour package.

You see, the museum offers a lot more than just life-sized wax figures of celebrities and politicians.

It’s also an entertainment venue with gleefully outlandish attractions.

The Marvel movie theater will rattle, rumble, and mist you with water as you follow the adventures of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

The interactive roleplaying games will let you shoot lasers at deranged clowns.

You can even take home a personalized souvenir in the form of your own wax hand!

If you want to put a kooky page in your NYC scrapbook, visit Madame Tussauds.

A wax museum is already interesting enough, but when you add immersive and interactive special effects, it becomes something truly unique.

Address: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, United States

23. Brotherhood Winery

Brotherhood Winery

The Brotherhood Winery is located about an hour outside of NYC, but if you’re looking for an authentic experience in wine country, you’ll need to leave the city limits and roll into the lush green hills of Washingtonville.

Established in 1839, the Brotherhood Winery is the oldest winery in America, a mark of esteem that even Napa Valley can’t match.

The Brotherhood takes the honor seriously and continues to use the same cellars and aged oak barrels that started it all.

Especially impressive is the fact that its underground, dimly-lit vault was excavated by hand back in the day!

As a visitor, you’ll be allowed to see these cellars for yourself.

You can also sign up for tours, tastings, and other special events that range from holiday lighting ceremonies to murder mystery dinners hosted at the on-site restaurant.

Of the many excellent places to visit in NYC, the Brotherhood Winery is one with real history.

If you’re a connoisseur of spirits, this is a place you won’t want to miss.

Address: 100 Brotherhood Plaza Dr, Washingtonville, NY 10992, United States

24. Smorgasburg

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Smorgasburg is an open-air food market that you can find in New York City during the spring and summer months.

Nicknamed “the Woodstock of eating,” it’ll give you the chance to try cuisine from all around the world, usually at very reasonable prices or with samples and mini-plates that won’t strain your budget.

Another option is to go with a friend and split portions so that you can both try a little bit of everything!

Menu options range from traditional favorites to out-of-this-world experiments like ramen burgers, spaghetti donuts, and spicy lemonades.

Seating is available, but it can get crowded during tourist season, you might want to bring a blanket and have a picnic.

Vendors often rotate throughout the day, so it’s worth coming back more than once and seeing what’s new.

If you’re thinking about what to do in NYC when you’ve worked up an appetite, consider Smorgasburg.

You’ll definitely get full, and what’s more, you’ll discover tons of new dishes and cuisines along the way.

Address: 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States

25. Greenbelt Nature Center

Greenbelt Nature Center

Though it’s best known for its economic development, the state of New York has large reserves of untouched, undeveloped wilderness, and these can serve as some of the most beautiful vacation spots in the US .

One such example is the Greenbelt Nature Center .

Located in the heart of Staten Island, it has a lovely building that’s often used as a venue for weddings and other events, but its true claim to fame is what lies around the property.

Beyond the borders of the venue, there are nearly 3,000 acres of wilderness, and they’re primed for outdoor activities of all kinds.

You can hike. You can bike.

You can even pack a lunch and eat among the local flora and fauna.

The area is known for its biodiversity, so you might spot everything from green tree frogs to black-capped chickadees.

When you’re eager to get away from it all, hike for miles around the Greenbelt Nature Center.

You might even forget that you’re in NYC.

It’s a truly special area for greenery.

Address: 700 Rockland Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, United States

26. Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

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Dog lovers, this one is for you.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an annual, multi-day competition that determines the “best in show” for all types of dog breeds.

You might’ve caught highlights on TV before, but nothing beats actually being in the stands as a spectator!

Usually held at Madison Square Garden, the show offers a fun and lively look at some of the best-trained and best-groomed canines in the country.

Multiple events unfold over the course of the competition, including fan favorites that showcase things like doggie obstacle courses.

When you aren’t watching the dogs vie for a blue ribbon, you can explore nearby neighborhoods for food, drink, and other amusements.

Tarrytown always has good deals for tourists, and so does Irvington.

If you love seeing what fur balls can do when they really set their minds to it, buy a ticket for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

It’ll definitely be a fun memory for you during your New York City extravaganza.

Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001, United States

27. Boroughs of the Dead Ghost Tours

Boroughs of the Dead Ghost Tours

Do you feel a chill on the back of your neck?

You might be experiencing the call of Boroughs of the Dead , NYC’s premiere company for ghost tours.

They’ll take you on an unforgettable adventure through the spookiest sanctums of the city.

Tours are grouped by location, so you can choose to explore Brooklyn , Queens, Manhattan , Roosevelt Island, and other areas in and around the city.

Depending on your destination, you might explore everything from haunted cemeteries to murder mansions with grisly pasts.

You’ll hear tales of voodoo, vampires, poltergeists, and hidden treasures.

You’ll even get to visit the home of horror novelist H.P. Lovecraft.

Taking a ghost tour will be one of the most fun and memorable things to do in NYC.

You’ll see the sights, but you won’t be a typical tourist; instead, you’ll be a brazen paranormal investigator.

Get ready to invoke the spirit of the Winchester brothers with the Boroughs of the Dead!

28. Marquee

The nightlife scene in NYC is spectacular, and so if you’re looking to cut loose, this is the city to let your hair down and let the rhythm move you.

There are countless number of bars, pubs, clubs, cabarets, and music lounges.

The Marquee is one of the more established names in Manhattan, so much so that it’s branched out to other locations like Las Vegas .

There are two floors for drinks and dancing, and DJs spin almost every night, including top talent like Steve Aoki and DJ Snake.

The lights, music, deco, and neon-tinted crowds are all designed to immerse you in a magical environment where it feels like anything could happen.

The Marquee is one of the best things to do for adults in NYC.

When you’re wide awake in the city that never sleeps, hit the dance floor and see if you can meet somebody new!

Address: 289 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001, United States

29. Coney Island

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If you enjoy cotton candy, carnival games, and old-fashioned roller coasters, Coney Island is one of the best vacation places in the world .

In fact, there was a time when it was the vacation destination.

At the turn of the century, Coney Island had the most famous boardwalk in the world, lit up every night by carousels, tilt-a-whirls, bumper cars, arcade rooms, and Ferris wheels.

Today, Coney Island hasn’t lost a bit of its magic.

It’s leaned into its vintage charm, and it’s become a place where generations of visitors keep coming back with their kids and grandkids.

Entertainment at the island ranges from “The Cyclone,” one of the world’s last remaining wooden roller coasters, to “The First Symphony of the Sea,” a 332-foot mural of marine life.

Outside of amusement park thrills, you can also enjoy parks, playgrounds, and aquariums.

Grab a hot dog and stay awhile.

Coney Island is basically a tourist destination in its own right, so you won’t lack for unique things to do while you’re there.

Address: Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224, United States

30. General Grant National Memorial

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Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, wanted to be buried next to his wife when he died.

It was a sweet request, but since there were archaic laws about burying women in military cemeteries, it couldn’t happen in the traditional way.

Instead, the mayor of NYC and the Grant family came together to build their very own mausoleum.

Today, the General Grant National Memorial is the largest of its kind in the entire country.

It’s also one of the coolest things to do in New York City for history buffs.

You can tour the grounds, look at historical artifacts, and watch an educational film about Grant’s life.

In the summertime, West Point’s military band plays a tribute concert on the front lawn.

You can also, of course, pay your respects to the tombs of Grant and his wife.

His final wish was granted in the end.

Visit the General Grant National Memorial if you’re looking for fun and interesting attractions for a day trip.

You might not expect a mausoleum to be in the same neighborhood as a shopping mall, but that’s the beauty and diversity of NYC!

Address: W 122nd St &, Riverside Dr, New York, 10027, United States

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31. Brooklyn Bridge

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The Brooklyn Bridge is such an iconic part of the New York City skyline that many people don’t even realize it’s part of Brooklyn.

Spanning over 6,000 feet, it feels like a ubiquitous part of NYC, especially when you’re walking it on foot.

It does have a beginning and an end, however, intersected with by its gigantic stone arches.

It connects Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights.

You’ll probably cross the bridge at some point via car, bus, or trolley, but you can also take its pedestrian pathways for a scenic stroll.

There are also bike lanes for cyclists.

As you might expect from such a landmark destination, the Brooklyn Bridge is also centrally located.

There are many fun places to visit near and around it, and it can serve as a touchstone for your travels if you’re worried about getting swallowed by the NYC maze.

Ultimately, it’s worth a trip across the Brooklyn Bridge.

It isn’t a mind-blowing experience, but it’s a nifty one, and it’ll make you feel like you’re really crossing off the hot spots of your NYC to-do list.

Check out these tours & activities around the Brooklyn Bridge.

Address: Brooklyn Bridge Blvd, New York, NY 10038, United States

32. Rockefeller Center

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Rockefeller Center is another one of those things to see that you’ve probably already seen.

From the plaza to the radio hall to the statues of Atlas and Prometheus, it’s an iconic destination that’s frequented many NYC-based shows and movies.

Stuff to do at Rockefeller Center depends on what time of year that you visit.

In the winter, there’s ice skating under the twinkling lights of the famous Christmas tree.

In the summer, there are boogie nights and sleepover camps.

Sightseeing is another popular activity, and it’s something that you can enjoy year-round.

If you’ve ever wanted to join the waving crowds outside of The Today Show, this is your chance to get on TV!

Rockefeller Center is an iconic destination in Midtown Manhattan, so it’s definitely something to put on your travel itinerary.

Whether you’re in the mood for winter wonderlands or summer adventures, you can experience it through the legacy of the Rockefellers.

Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, United States

33. Yankee Stadium

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Yankee Stadium is one of those iconic NYC attractions that every baseball addict has on their bucket list, but it can provide a rollicking good time for casual fans, too.

The field is amazing, of course, with its vivid green pitch and nostalgic, old-school setup.

Other memorable spots range from the seven-story Great Hall to the Monument Park museum with its retired jerseys of famous players.

The stadium is best known as the home of the New York Yankees, but it sees other action as well, primarily soccer and football.

Concerts are also popular since the venue can get nice and loud with its 50,000 seat capacity.

If you’re in the mood for peanuts and popcorn this weekend, consider catching a game at Yankee Stadium.

You’ll be the envy of every MLB fan in your life, and you might just find a new appreciation for America’s favorite pastime as well.

Address: 1 E 161 St, The Bronx, NY 10451, United States

34. Historic Richmond Town

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As rich as its name, the Historic Richmond Town is a place where history comes alive.

You’ll be treated to an amazing demonstration of colonial living that encompasses more than two dozen buildings, a working farm, and a full staff of customized actors who are committed to playing their roles.

The main campus consists of churches, cottages, schoolhouses, outhouses, post offices, and railway stations.

Farther on the grounds, there’s a farm where visitors can participate in fun seasonal activities like apple picking and pumpkin decorating.

Actors are always on standby to lead tours and answer questions about everything from blacksmithing to butter churning.

Every building has educational merit, but if you really want to know your stuff, consider visiting the on-site museum with its exhibitions on American history dating back to the 1700s.

The Historic Richmond Town is one of the most enchanting places to visit for historians in NYC.

Not only will it teach you about turn-of-the-century living, but it’ll do so in a memorable way that’ll help the lessons stick.

Address: 441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306, United States

35. Greenwich Village

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Greenwich Village is one of the most famous neighborhoods in New York City.

Known as “the cradle of the LGBT movement,” it spent most of the ’60s and ’70s as an artsy, bohemian kind of place where creativity flourished thanks to the free spirits of its residents.

Today, Greenwich Village has undergone a lot of gentrification, so it isn’t quite the boho capital that it used to be.

However, you can see still its roots in everything from its street murals to its cozy cafes and vintage clothing boutiques.

There are tons of fun, non touristy things to do, including off-Broadway shows and walking tours of famous film and TV destinations.

If you’re interested in the history of Greenwich Village, it’s also a great destination for landmarks, particularly LGBT landmarks.

The Stonewall National Monument is located here.

Are you wondering what to do to experience the true culture of New York City?

Go for a ramble through Greenwich Village, a legacy destination with a lot to offer open-minded visitors from all walks of life.

Check out this 2-Hour Greenwich Village Tour.

Address: 14th Street and West of Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States

36. Fifth Avenue

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Shopping on Fifth Avenue might sound like something out of a dream, but it can become a reality when you visit Manhattan .

It offers a score of high-end boutiques ranging from Tiffany and Co. to Saks Fifth Avenue.

That said, there’s a lot more to the neighborhood than just its retail outlets.

If you’re into museums, for example, there’s a stretch called the “Museum Mile” because of its congregation of artistic and cultural institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

If you enjoy architecture, you might like “Millionaire’s Row” with its collection of historic, top-dollar mansions.

Other points of interest include churches, cathedrals, hotels, and gentleman’s clubs.

Sipping a latte and strolling down Fifth Avenue is one of the most glamorous things to do in NYC.

Even if you don’t spend a dime, you’ll want to go sightseeing to soak up the atmosphere.

Don’t forget to snap a selfie or two to show off to your friends later!

Address: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118, United States

37. Big Apple Circus

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Circuses are something of a dying art, but one place where you can still enjoy the magic of a ringmaster is the Big Apple Circus .

Acrobats will walk the high wire.

Animal trainers will show off tricks.

Trapeze artists will make you gasp, and juggling masters will make you laugh.

Other performers include aerialists, daredevils, musicians, and even comics!

Another thing worth noting about the Big Apple Circus is that it’s kept in touch with changing standards of care, so you don’t have to worry about supporting a bad cause.

It’s known for its humane treatment of animals and its community outreach programs that send clowns to children’s hospitals.

Duck into the big top tonight and see an old-fashioned yet modern-minded circus.

Everyone in the family will have a great time, and you can enjoy the spectacle guilt free.

Address: 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States

38. Chelsea Market

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New York City is a melting pot of cultures and communities, and nowhere is that more apparent than Chelsea Market .

It’s a “global marketplace” where every corner has been claimed by something new.

Food vendors, for example, range from taco shacks to ramen noodle stalls.

Shopping outlets include everything from European fashion boutiques to import stores with crafts and furnishings from the Middle East.

You can also get your nails done, send off a letter, browse art galleries, and enjoy live music shows.

There are even dance troupes that perform at Chelsea, so you never know when you might be able to catch a free ballet performance!

Part flea market, part food court, and all fun, Chelsea Market is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for adventure in NYC.

It’ll take you all around the world within just a few city blocks.

Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States

39. Roosevelt Island

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Roosevelt Island has some of the most unique of New York City’s attractions.

From the crumbling ruins of a smallpox hospital to a 19th century lighthouse that offers incredible views of the water, it’s definitely worth a day trip.

You can explore by foot, bike, car, or tram.

If you decide to take the tram, which is on an elevated railway, you’ll also be treated to panoramic views of NYC that are similar to an observation deck but for only a fraction of the cost.

Landmarks at Roosevelt Island are numerous.

There’s an old insane asylum that’ll give you the creeps; there’s a beautiful park that’ll let you frolic with the fam.

Some people skip Roosevelt Island when they come to New York City, but that’s a mistake.

It might be a lesser-known locale, but that just makes it a hidden gem, and uncovering it will make you an explorer.

dress: Roosevelt Island, New York, NY, United States

40. High Line

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The High Line is a top NYC attraction.

It’s an elevated walking path or “rail trail” that was built on the remnants of abandoned train tracks, and since its transformation, it’s become one of the coolest, most unique things to see in the city.

The entire trail is a little under 1.5 miles, so it’s walkable for all kinds of visitors.

You’ll enjoy sweeping views of downtown NYC as well as the Hudson River running alongside it.

Another point of interest is the architecture of the trail: It’s a fusion of man and nature where gleaming metal structures meet wild foliage.

Take a stroll along the High Line when you’re looking for fun experiences in NYC that aren’t big-budget tourist attractions.

Not only is it free, but it’s something that you can enjoy anytime and for any duration, making it a perfect pit stop during a whirlwind vacation.

Check out these tours & activities around the High Line.

Address: New York, NY 10011, United States

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41. The Battery

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The Battery is a tranquil spot in the urban landscape that is NYC.

It’s also a must do for anyone trying to get to Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty; the ferry takes off from the park.

Otherwise, activities at The Battery are pretty low key.

Kids can ride an aquatic carousel.

Families can stroll along the nature trails, have picnic lunches on the grass, or participate in locally organized scavenger hunts.

There are waterfront views of the harbor.

Flower gardens fill the air with fragrances.

All in all, The Battery can serve as a very peaceful site for weary travelers.

If you ever find yourself needing a breather while on vacation, sit under one of its shady trees and just “be” for awhile.

42. The Guggenheim

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The Guggenheim is one of those tourist attractions that’ll make you do a double take when you’re walking down the street.

White and circular, it doesn’t look like anything else on NYC’s Fifth Avenue, and it was deliberately designed that way.

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright wanted it to be something new.

The building was such a shock upon its completion that it caused controversy in the art world among people who were concerned that the architecture would overshadow the artwork!

The inside of the museum, however, is just as splendorous as the outside.

It’s a home for everything from paintings to sculptures, many of them in surreal or abstract styles, so they aren’t necessarily realistic.

Instead, they’re studies of art, shape, color, and form.

They’ll definitely serve as a visual extravaganza as well as one of the best things to do in NYC.

Check out the Guggenheim if you’re looking for fun and unique experiences in New York City.

Not only will its architecture make you reach for your camera, but its exhibitions will broaden your horizons in terms of art and how it can move you.

Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128, United States

43. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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You don’t have to leave NYC to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

In addition in green spaces like Central Park, you can also enjoy a pocket of paradise at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden .

Covering 52 acres in total, the garden is actually a series of gardens that cover the globe in terms of ecology.

There’s an aquatic plant house to showcase flowers that bloom in wetlands.

There’s a three-story conservatory that separates desert, tropical, and temperate flora.

To represent Japan, there are cherry blossom esplanades and gated archways leading to waterfalls.

To represent the English countryside, there are small cottages overgrown with the flowers and trees of Shakespearean works.

When you tire of the gleaming metal of New York City’s metropolis, take a breather with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

It’s quite literally a destination where you can stop and smell the roses.

Address: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, United States

44. Chrysler Building

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You’ve probably heard the phrase “as big as the Chrysler Building .”

At the time of its completion in 1930, it was the tallest building in the world, and it’s still among the top dozen.

It’s easily one of the most famous and notable of NYC attractions.

The bad news is that you can’t ascend the Chrysler Building.

While there are plenty of tours that let you experience NYC’s heights, this building doesn’t offer them.

It’s still worth a visit, however, for being a highly recognizable fixture in NYC media.

You’ve seen Spider-Man climb it.

You’ve seen Godzilla squash it.

You’ve even seen UFOs flying overhead in Independence Day!

Checking out the Chrysler Building is just one of those activities that you have to undertake while visiting New York City.

It’s a classic even when you’re seeing it from the sidewalk or milling around the ground floor lobby.

Address: 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174, United States

45. SPYSCAPE

Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

SPYSCAPE is a quirky and niche interest museum, not the kind that’s common in NYC.

In this case, it’s all about the world of subterfuge!

Sneak through the front doors like Jason Bourne, then embark on a mission to discover the hidden secrets of the museum’s exhibitions.

You’ll be tested both physically and mentally as you break codes, duck under lasers, interact with clues and checkpoints, and test your skills at lie detection.

At the end of your visit, you’ll be given a customized dossier about your spy skills, and you’ll learn where you rank among the great espionage agents of history.

Special attractions at the museum have included things like Batman crossovers, but these gimmicks, while fun, aren’t the true foundation of the venue.

There are real facts to be learned here about everything from WWII reconnaissance to modern day cybercrime; they’re just delivered in an electrifying “edutainment” format.

Do something different with a trip to SPYSCAPE.

You’ll learn, and you’ll have a blast while you’re doing it.

Take that, James Bond!

Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

46. Chinatown

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Are you in the mood for dim sum?

New York City’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the world, so it’s the perfect destination to experience a little jiayou without having to leave NYC.

The first thing that you’ll notice about Chinatown is that it’s crowded.

The sidewalks will put you shoulder to shoulder with vendors and visitors alike, and the effect can make you lightheaded, especially when you’re taking in all of the sights simultaneously.

Lights will flicker from laundromats and convenience stores.

Food marts will pile produce on tables and hang poultry from the windows.

Street vendors will hawk everything from fresh bao buns to fake designer bags.

Other, quieter areas of Chinatown are near the busy blocks, and this is where you’ll find attractions like the Museum of Chinese in America .

Chinese immigrants have been in the area since the 1850s, so there’s a lot of history to unpack for the interested.

Ultimately, however, the real fun of Chinatown is in its bright and buoyant streets.

It’s one of the most vibrant places to visit in all of New York City, and unlike other destinations, it’s escaped gentrification.

It’s the kind of neighborhood where you can walk and talk the real NYC.

Check out these tours & activities around Chinatown.

Address: Canal Street to Bayard Street, New York, NY 10013, United States

47. New York Fashion Week

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You’re probably familiar with the glitzy and glamorous New York Fashion Week that’s invitation-only for the Anna Wintours of the world.

But did you know that Fashion Week also has shows that are open to the public?

You’ll need to be prepared for fierce competition to secure tickets, but if you’re a fashionista, emerging triumphant from the battle will be worth it.

You’ll have an up close and personal view of the runway and all of its emerging looks.

If you splurge for VIP tickets, you’ll be treated to a “designer experience” that can include everything from after-party access to meet-and-greets with the models.

If you can swing it, New York Fashion Week is one of the most fantastic things to do in NYC.

Live your daydreams of The Devil Wears Prada by strutting your stuff right through the velvet ropes!

48. Cathedral of St. John the Divine

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The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is one of the grandest things to see in NYC.

Between its spires, steeples, arches, columns, and towers, it’s a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, and it’s all the more impressive for being technically unfinished.

That’s right: Only two-thirds of the cathedral were completed, so it was meant to be even grander.

Looking at it now, of course, you’d never guess that its construction was cut short.

It’s been welcoming the devout since the early 1900s, and it offers plenty to admire, including iconography etched into everything from bronze doors to stained glass windows.

The cathedral is open daily, and it’s free for prayer and worship purposes.

To take a tour, you’ll need to pay a small fee, but the experience can be worth it for a behind-the-scene look of its many and varied architectural features.

For example, the tour gives you the chance to climb all 124 feet of the church’s spiral staircases.

Secular or not, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is an amazing tourist destination in New York City, and it’s worth a visit when you’re in the neighborhood.

If nothing else, it’s cool to see such an old-fashioned church surrounded by the modern metropolis of NYC!

Address: 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, United States

49. Little Island

Creative Family / Shutterstock

Little Island is an artificial island that was designed by architects to serve as a outdoor space amid NYC’s urban jungle.

Notably, it was built atop a series of rounded structures called “tulips” that jut out of the river and bloom with greenery, giving it the feeling of a storybook landscape where you might expect gnomes or fairies to come and greet you.

There’s no cost to visiting Little Island, so you can count it as one of the free things to do in NYC.

Potential activities include going for walks, grabbing a bite to eat at one of the food kiosks, or attending local music or theater events.

There are also a series of playful installations ranging from spinning disc posts to dance chimes installed in the asphalt, so you could make a game out of discovering them all!

Take a trip to Little Island if you’re looking for unique ways to spend your time in NYC.

Its designers worked hard to make it an appealing retreat, and your enjoyment will be their reward.

Address: West 13th Street Pier55 in Hudson River Park, New York, NY 10014, United States

Officially known as “South of Houston Street,” SoHo is one of the most fun places to go for shopaholics, influencers, and other trendsetters in NYC.

It can get expensive when you’re buying off the rack, but it’s also possible to find good deals or even limit yourself to window shopping so that you don’t spend a dime.

The atmosphere is the best part of SoHo.

Once a grid of factories and foundries, it’s been converted to a very chic neighborhood filled with upscale shopping.

You can buy clothes, shoes, perfumes, handbags, and more.

You can also dine at trendy cafes and gourmet white tablecloth restaurants.

There are even a few nightclubs if you like to party among the elite!

Visit SoHo for a taste of the high life in New York City.

Again, you don’t have to pull out your wallet if you’re zealously guarding your vacation fund.

You can just pop on some sunglasses, sip a bubble tea, and stroll among the shopfronts with all of their retail promises.

Check out these tours around the SoHo.

Address: South of Houston Street, New York, NY 10022, United States

Have more time? Why not check out some of the best things to do on Long Island ?

51. Chelsea Piers

Marcel René Kalt alias Groovio , CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons

Covering more than 28 acres as an indoor/outdoor complex, Chelsea Piers is a venue that’ll keep you busy.

It offers golf ranges, tennis courts, batting cages, climbing walls, an indoor ice rink, and more.

You can run a track or toss a football.

You can learn parkour.

You can swing on gymnastics bars.

Everyone in the family can find something to do, too, making Chelsea Piers an excellent cure for boredom.

There’s even a toddler gym!

Visitors of all ages can encourage mind and body development by engaging in physical activity.

It’s often difficult not to overindulge during a vacation, but if you’re watching your waistline, you might appreciate the fitness classes at Chelsea Piers.

You can also engage in other athletic activities that’ll get you moving.

If you feel the need to stay active this week in NYC, book some time at Chelsea Piers.

Address: 62 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011, United States

52. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Some people say that NYC attractions look the most beautiful from the water.

You can decide if they’re right when you book an excursion with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises .

Operating on the Hudson River, the cruise line provides exciting day trips around New York.

Different tours are available on different boats depending on the type of experience that you want to have.

The full island cruise, for example, circles Manhattan in its entirety; the semi-circle cruise only covers half the sights but is twice as fast.

The speedboat tour is the absolute fastest, and it’s undertaken on a fun, colorful vessel called “The Beast.”

A night cruise will let you see the lights of the harbor during and after sunset.

The kiddie cruise includes games and activities that’ll keep your little ones entertained.

All things considered, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises offers a little something for everyone.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a parent with kids or a corporate shareholder looking for a nice retreat for your employees.

A cruise will be a good time for all.

Address: 83 North River Piers West 43rd Street and, 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States

53. Bronx Week

The Bronx doesn’t always have the best reputation, but this is doing a disservice to one of the oldest boroughs in New York City.

It’s a historic, character-rich part of NYC with a lot to offer visitors and residents alike.

To experience the best of the Bronx, try visiting during Bronx Week.

This annual celebration is a showcase of the art, food, culture, and customs that have kept the neighborhood going strong for decades.

It also offers some of the most interesting things to do in NYC if you’re looking for activities that are off the beaten path!

The week kicks off with a parade, and things only get better from there.

Festivities include everything from outdoor concerts to induction ceremonies in the Bronx Hall of Fame.

Hit up Bronx Week to explore an oft-misunderstood area of New York City.

Once you’ve realized how much fun it can be, you’ll be glad that you visited.

54. Hershey’s Chocolate World

Hershey’s Chocolate World

If you can’t get enough Kisses, this is the attraction for you!

Hershey’s Chocolate World is more than just a shop: It’s an cocoa-flavored emporium.

In addition to twirling around the stacks and stacks of chocolate, you can also indulge in fun, sweet activities like concocting your own milkshakes, building gigantic s’mores, pulling the lever on candy machines, and posing with chocolate bars as big as your head.

All of your favorite Hershey brands will be represented, including Kit Kats, Reese’s, and Hershey itself.

In addition to buying edible goodies, you can also shop for chocolate-themed NYC memorabilia that ranges from plushies to tee shirts.

Go a little crazy in Hershey’s Chocolate World.

You can always blame it on a sugar rush!

Address: 20 Times Square, 701 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States

55. Hudson Yards

Viktor Fuchs / Shutterstock

You’ve never seen anything like Hudson Yards .

That’s the point of its existence.

An utterly unique real estate development, it’s been a playground for architects since its inception in 2012, resulting in several blocks of ultra-modern, ultra-amazing buildings.

You can be forgiven for thinking that the whole thing looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.

The skyscrapers seem to defy gravity as they bend and twist; the plazas are dominated by mind-bending skylines.

For example, the Vessel is a 16-story spiral staircase that looks like a labyrinth risen out of the ground.

The Edge is a glass-and-metal observation deck that overlooks Manhattan at dizzying angles.

This isn’t even getting into the dozens of shops, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial business that line the area like pearls on a necklace.

It might surprise you to learn that Hudson Yards was originally a junkyard, but that’s NYC for you.

It’s a city that can transform its ugly and abandoned spaces into urban wonders.

If you want to visit tomorrow land, just visit Hudson Yards.

Address: Hudson Yards, New York, NY, United States

56. Sloomoo Institute

DW labs Incorporated / Shutterstock

Have you ever wanted to sink your hands into a vat of multicolored slime?

How about standing under a slime shower like you’re on Nickelodeon’s Double Dare?

The Sloomoo Institute is one of those bizarre, “only in NYC” attractions that’ll make for a great story when you get home.

Billing itself as a sensory experience, it’s all about slime: creating it, squishing it, splattering it on the walls.

You can learn the science behind slime even as you’re playing with it or cooking it up like a mad scientist in a lab.

Kids will have a blast at the museum, of course, but adults are welcome as well.

It’s an all-ages destination for anyone who’d like ASMR slime stations or immersive slime CGI videos.

Slink your way over to the Sloomoo Institute for a truly one-of-a-kind experience with slime.

You’ve never seen anything like this before, and you never will again.

Address: 475 Broadway, New York, NY 10013, United States

57. United Nations Headquarters

Osugi / Shutterstock

Get a truly global perspective at the United Nations Headquarters .

It’s the real worksite of not just domestic and foreign government officials but also of international organizations such as UNICEF.

You’ll need to sign up for a guided tour of the UN; you can’t just walk around.

You’ll have several options for your experience.

The standard tour will teach you about the UN’s work while letting you peek into important rooms like the General Assembly Hall and the Security Council Chamber.

The children’s tour will incorporate games and quizzes for the next generation of leaders.

The garden tour will take everyone outside, allowing you to smell the cherry trees, snap photos of famous fountains and statues, and check out historic relics like fragments of the Berlin Wall.

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to check out the United Nations Headquarters.

It’s one of a kind, and it’s only in New York City.

Address: 405 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States

58. Dominique Ansel Bakery

Nami Uchida / Shutterstock

Have you ever tried a cronut, that delectable mix between a croissant and a doughnut?

It was invented by a chef named Dominique Ansel right in the heart of NYC, and you can relish in his recipe firsthand at the Dominique Ansel Bakery .

Just to be clear, you won’t be the only one angling for the doughy deliciousness of a cronut.

It has such a cult-like following in New York City that the line outside of its home bakery can stretch for blocks, and the cronuts are typically sold out by mid-morning.

If you can manage to nab one, however, it’ll be a mouthwatering experience.

If you don’t make it to the front of the line in time, don’t fret: There are plenty of other goodies to try, including the cookie shot, blossoming hot chocolate, and frozen s’mores.

Visit the Dominique Ansel Bakery to tell your friends and family back home that you visited ground zero of the cronut.

It’s a fun and unique opportunity that’ll make for a great NYC travel story.

Address: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, United States

59. Whitney Museum of American Art

Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock

With a tall, multi-story building staggered by tiers and dominated by windows, the Whitney Museum of American Art is a work of art.

You’ll gawk at the views of the river outside just as much as you’ll marvel at the paintings and portraits hanging on the walls.

There are even terraces where you can breathe in the fresh, crisp air while exploring sculpture gardens!

As for the names that you can expect, there’s an impressive roster: Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper, Jean-Michel Basquiat.

This is another example of New York City museums where prestige carries a real weight.

Special events at the museum range from lectures to exhibition tours to film screenings, so depending on when you go, you might be able to experience all kinds of education or entertainment.

Put the Whitney Museum of American Art on your shortlist if you’re looking to experience class and culture while in NYC.

From the whitewashed walls to the staircases dripping with art deco lights, it’s a luxe destination for highbrow art.

Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014, United States

60. Carnegie Hall

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

Carnegie Hall is such a venerable institution in the music world that visiting it is basically a pilgrimage.

Founded in 1891, it’s seen a staggering amount of legends perform on its stage, including Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin, Louis Armstrong, and Tchaikovsky.

Speakers have included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Comedians have included Groucho Marx.

Even the Beatles once played at Carnegie Hall!

As you can see, it’s a diverse place of music, and that tradition continues to this day.

When you look at upcoming events at Carnegie Hall, you’ll be dazzled at the sheer range of the acts that you can enjoy.

Carnegie Hall is one of the landmark places to go for music lovers of all styles.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re into classical orchestras or contemporary bands.

If you’re in NYC, you can’t miss it.

Address: 881 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

Planning to visit other areas of New York State? Why not check out some of the things to do in Albany, NY ?

61. Resorts World New York City

Resorts World New York City

Resorts World is the only casino in NYC, giving it a monopoly in terms of gambling.

You’ll have to chase Lady Luck right into its plushly carpeted halls of slot machines and electronic gaming tables.

If you like to toss the dice, however, a trip to Resorts World is easily one of the best things to do in NYC.

You can win big by betting on everything from baccarat to blackjack.

Most of the games are digital, including video poker, but there are real window dressings in the form of craps tables and roulette wheels.

Once you start raking in the cash, of course, you won’t care that everything is online.

Amenities at the casino include a number of hotels and restaurants.

Make sure to drop by the Sugar Factory, Food and Wine Magazine’s pick for the “most Instagrammable restaurant in America.”

When you’re looking to hit a jackpot in NYC, there’s literally only one place to go.

Book a suite at Resorts World this weekend and let the chimes sing you to success!

Address: 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Queens, NY 11420, United States

62. The Morgan Library & Museum

H.J. Herrera / Shutterstock

New York City has dozens of libraries, but The Morgan Library & Museum is the only one where you’ll find documents dating back to 4000 BCE.

Its rare and valuable collections will absolutely amaze you in terms of historical merit.

Here are just a few of its gems:

– An original copy of the Declaration of Independence; – A version of the Haffner Symphony handwritten by Mozart – Charles Dickens’s personal manuscript of A Christmas Carol.

The texts can be found by going into the hushed depths of the library archives where heavy wooden bookshelves glow between dimly lit lamps.

It’s exactly the kind of atmosphere where you’d expect to find old, rare books, which gives it a delightful sort of charm.

If you’re wondering what to see as a bibliophile in the Big Apple, you won’t want to miss The Morgan Library & Museum.

Its aesthetic is outdone only by its prestige.

Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

63. Turnstyle Underground Market

You’ve marveled at the malls.

You’ve unearthed treasures at the flea markets and thrift shops.

Now it’s time for something completely different: an underground market hosted below a subway station!

The Turnstyle Underground Market is an utterly unique destination that’ll make you feel like you’ve entered a strange new world.

Spanning an entire city block, it has retail stores, pop-up shops, kiosks, stands, stalls, and all manner of eateries.

You can grab a cinnamon roll and a coffee; you can sit down for a three-course meal.

Everything will be completely underground.

There are multiple descent points from the streets to the tunnels, and despite the fact that it’s all built like subway station, you won’t need a metro card to enter.

Wandering around the Turnstyle Underground Market is one of the coolest things to do in New York City.

Just ask yourself how many times in your life that you’ve had the opportunity to go shopping in a mole-like shopping mall, and you’ll have your answer for whether it’s worth visiting.

Address: 1000 S 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

64. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Located near Grand Central, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt gives you the chance to see NYC from 1,200 feet high.

However, it’s a lot more than just an observation deck.

Every moment of the experience is designed to thrill you.

You’ll start with an elevator ride to the 91st floor that includes a light and sound show.

Once you’re at the top, you’ll pass through an artist-designed mirror room with more than 30,000 square feet of reflective surfaces.

Last but not least, you’ll enjoy breathtaking aerial views of New York City’s attractions, and you can pick your poison in terms of perspectives: There’s a glass “skybox,” an elevator with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a number of outdoor terraces spread over the open air.

Special tickets are available if you want to visit at sunset or at night.

All things considered, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an experience like none other.

Whether you’re saying hello to the city for the first time or wishing it a fond farewell at the end of your vacation, do it with a bird’s eye view.

Address: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States

65. NYC Must-See Week

Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock

Last but certainly not least, if you’re looking to wring every bit of fun that you can get out of your New York City vacation, consider visiting during the NYC Must-See Week.

Held every year in January, it offers 2-for-1 tickets to many of the most iconic tourist attractions in the city.

The line-up changes annually, but previous participants have included the Bronx Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

Some years have also offered free tickets to local festivals.

If you can’t decide what to do in the city, do it all.

Plan your trip for the NYC Must-See Week and hit up the very best that the five boroughs have to offer.

Start Planning Your Trip To NYC

These are just a few of the best and brightest things to do in NYC.

There’s a reason why it’s one of the top tourist destinations on the planet, so whether you’re in the mood for festivals, parades, malls, museums, concertos, or casinos, try taking a bite out of the Big Apple!

50 Best New York Tourist Attractions

Rosalia Ignatova - Travel Writer

Last Updated: January 4, 2024

Hey! Howdy, I'm Rose! Check out the ultimate guide to the top 50 New York tourist attractions in 2024, featuring stunning photos curated based on my personal experiences in this incredible city. Start planning your trip in advance to make the most out of your time and have an unforgettable adventure in the Big Apple!

New York City is one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world, with an endless array of activities for tourists and locals alike. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there's always something new to discover in the Big Apple.

In this article, we'll be exploring the 50 best fun tourist attractions in New York City , USA, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems like quirky museums and foodie hotspots. So grab your walking shoes and get ready to explore the city that never sleeps.

Most Recommended Thing to Do

Central Park

Top Choice Hotel

The St. Regis New York

Our Top Choice Restaurant

Eleven Madison Park

Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife

Best Time to Visit

Spring or autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Average Temperature

Varies based on season, generally ranging from 30-80°F.

Transportation Options

subway, bus, taxi, bike, ferry, walking, rideshare, car

Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)

My Top Recommendation

When it comes to New York City, the possibilities are endless! One of my top recommendations for a truly personal experience is to start your day with a walk through Central Park. As you explore the lush greenery and picturesque paths, take a moment to sit on one of the benches and people-watch. It's a fantastic way to feel the vibrant energy of the city while also finding a peaceful escape. Afterward, head over to the bustling streets of Times Square. Bright lights, towering billboards, and the constant buzz of activity create a truly unique atmosphere. Grab a slice of authentic New York pizza from one of the many nearby pizzerias and enjoy your lunch while immersing yourself in the iconic New York City ambiance.

For an evening filled with culture and history, I highly recommend visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Explore the vast collections of art, from ancient to contemporary, and marvel at renowned masterpieces. The museum offers a captivating journey through different eras and cultures, allowing you to discover new perspectives and artistic beauty. Afterward, walk along the High Line, an elevated park built on an old railroad track. Stroll above the city streets, surrounded by greenery and art installations, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline. It's an incredible way to end your day in New York City, blending nature, art, and architecture into an unforgettable personal experience.

What You'll Need to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight and breathable clothing
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A map or smartphone with navigation apps
• Portable charger or extra batteries for your electronic devices
• Travel adaptor for your electronic devices
• A reusable water bottle
• Travel insurance documents
• Necessary medications and a first aid kit
• Money or credit cards for expenses.

New York City is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that offers a wide range of attractions and activities. To make the most of your visit, it is important to bring comfortable walking shoes as you will likely do a lot of exploring on foot. The city can get quite busy, so lightweight and breathable clothing will help keep you comfortable throughout the day. Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun by packing sunscreen and sunglasses.

As New York City is quite large and can be confusing to navigate, it's a good idea to bring a map or have navigation apps on your smartphone. Additionally, bringing a portable charger or extra batteries will ensure your electronic devices don't run out of power while you're out and about. It's also worth noting that the electrical outlets in the United States may be different from those in your home country, so a travel adaptor is essential.

Staying hydrated is important, especially during the warmer months, so having a reusable water bottle will come in handy. Don't forget to bring your travel insurance documents and any necessary medications, as well as a small first aid kit for emergencies. Finally, be sure to bring money or credit cards for expenses as you explore all that New York City has to offer.

What Not to Miss

Central Park, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Broadway shows, Metropolitan Museum of Art, High Line, One World Observatory, 9/11 Memorial and Museum

What to Avoid

• Crowded tourist attractions.
• Rush hour traffic.
• Unlicensed street vendors.
• Walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods at night.
• Falling for tourist scams or pickpocketing.
• Overpriced souvenir shops in popular areas.
• Visiting during extreme weather conditions.
• Drinking tap water from public fountains.
• Engaging with aggressive street performers.
• Ignoring local laws and regulations.

Table of Contents

1. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable and beloved landmarks in New York City, and for good reason. This iconic statue stands on Liberty Island, welcoming visitors to the city and symbolizing freedom and opportunity.

Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island and climb to the top of the pedestal or even the crown for breathtaking views of the city skyline and harbor. The statue also houses a museum that chronicles its history and significance, making it an educational and inspiring experience.

2. Times Square

Times Square is a bustling commercial and entertainment hub in the heart of New York City. It's famous for its bright lights, billboards, and buzzing energy.

Visitors come to Times Square to experience the excitement of Broadway shows , explore the shops and restaurants, and take in the iconic New Year's Eve ball drop. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of the city's vibrant energy

3. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is an iconic New York landmark. Rising to a height of 1,454 feet (443 meters), the building was completed in 1931 and held the title of the world's tallest building for nearly 40 years.

Visitors can take an elevator ride to the 86th or 102nd-floor observation decks for breathtaking views of the city and beyond. The iconic Empire State Building also houses exhibits and historical displays that chronicle its construction and significance, making it an educational and inspiring experience

4. Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge that spans the East River and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. Completed in 1883, Brooklyn Bridge was the world's longest suspension bridge at the time of its construction and remains a remarkable feat of engineering and design.

Visitors can walk or bike across Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying stunning views of the city skyline , East River, and harbor along the way. The Gothic arches and cable-stayed design of Brooklyn Bridge make it a breathtaking sight to behold. Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic images of NYC.

5. The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

The Museum of Modern Art , commonly known as MOMA , is a must-visit destination in New York City. MOMA is home to an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by world-renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali.

The museum is also a city landmark and is easily recognizable by its iconic glass façade. A visit to MOMA is a unique opportunity to explore some of the most significant art movements of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art.

6. Central Park

Central Park is New York's most beloved park and a top destination for tourists and locals alike. It covers 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan and is home to several iconic attractions such as the Central Park Zoo , Bethesda Fountain, and the famous Central Park Conservatory Garden .

There are plenty of things to do in Central Park . The park offers a wide range of activities and amenities, including jogging paths, biking trails, picnic areas, and boating lakes. Visitors can also attend various events and concerts throughout the year or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

7. Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall in Midtown Manhattan is one of the most prestigious concert venues in the world. The historic building has hosted some of the most iconic performances by renowned musicians and performers since its opening in 1891.

The hall's unparalleled acoustics and grandeur make it a perfect setting for a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, and world music. Carnegie Hall is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the grandeur and elegance of one of New York City's most iconic cultural landmarks.

8. Broadway and the Theater District

Broadway and the Theater District in New York are synonymous with the best of live entertainment, offering a wide range of shows, from classic musicals to cutting-edge plays. Broadway productions draw visitors from all over the world.

The area's lively atmosphere and bustling streets add to the excitement of watching a Broadway show . Whether you're a theater buff or just looking for a fun night out, a visit to Broadway and the Theater District is a must to experience the best of live entertainment in the city.

9. Rockefeller Center and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Rockefeller Center and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck offer stunning views of the New York skyline from one of the city's most iconic landmarks. 

Visitors to the Rockefeller Center can take an elevator ride to the top for breathtaking views of the city, with the Empire State Building and other famous landmarks visible in the distance.

The complex is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and seasonal attractions , including the famous ice skating rink and Christmas tree during the holiday season. 

A visit to Rockefeller Center is a must to experience the beauty and excitement of one of New York City's most beloved destinations.

10. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art , or the Met , is one of the world's largest and most comprehensive art museums, with over 2 million works in its permanent collection spanning 5,000 years of world culture.

Visitors can explore galleries featuring art from ancient Egypt, Europe, Asia, and beyond , as well as special exhibitions and events. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's impressive collection of art and artifacts, coupled with its beautiful architecture and stunning views of Central Park, make it a must-visit for anyone interested in art and culture.

11. New York's Guggenheim

New York's Guggenheim Museum is a modern and contemporary art museum located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The museum is known for its distinctive architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art.

Visitors to the Guggenheim can see world-famous works by artists such as Picasso, Kandinsky, and Warhol . Visitors can take a guided tour or explore this iconic New York City landmark at their own pace, taking in the vibrant and eclectic artwork on display.

12. One World Observatory at the One World Trade Center

The One World Observatory at the One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan offers panoramic views of the city from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can take an elevator ride to the top of the 104-story skyscraper, where they can enjoy unobstructed views of the city from above.

The One World Observatory also features interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the history and significance of the building and the financial district. A visit to the One World Trade Center is a must for anyone looking to experience the breathtaking beauty and resilience of New York City.

13. Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is one of New York City's most iconic streets, renowned for its ****high-end shopping ****and cultural landmarks. Running through the heart of Manhattan, from Washington Square Park to the Upper East Side, it offers a unique blend of historic elegance and contemporary style.

Visitors can experience the glamor of department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman , explore the awe-inspiring St. Patrick's Cathedral or the majestic Metropolitan Museum of Art, and enjoy stunning views of Central Park.

14. Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in the heart of downtown Manhattan. It's known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural landmarks. The streets of Greenwich Village are lined with charming brownstones and tree-lined blocks that offer a glimpse into the rich history of the neighborhood.

Visitors to Greenwich Village can explore Washington Square Park , a popular spot for picnics and people-watching, or visit the legendary jazz club, the Village Vanguard. The neighborhood is also home to some of the best restaurants in New York City, with a diverse range of cuisines and styles to suit every taste.

15. Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden is a legendary indoor arena in Midtown Manhattan and is known for hosting some of the biggest entertainment events in the world. It has hosted countless memorable concerts, including performances by the Rolling Stones, Madonna, and Billy Joel.

The venue also hosts professional sports games, such as NBA, NHL, and boxing matches . Visitors can catch a game or a concert, or even take a behind-the-scenes tour of the arena to learn about its storied history.

16. Ellis Island

Ellis Island is a historic landmark located in New York Harbor, known as the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Ellis Island serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of the immigrant experience in America.

Visitors to Ellis Island can explore the museum showcasing the stories of individual immigrants and their journeys to America , and learn about the complex history of immigration in the United States.

The restored Great Hall and registry room at Ellis Island offer a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of those who came to America seeking a better life.

17. Staten Island

Staten Island is a borough of New York City with a relaxed and suburban atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry and ****explore the borough's many beaches. The Staten Island Ferry provides stunning views of landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty.

Nature lovers can explore the green parks and trails of the Staten Island Greenbelt . History buffs can visit the Staten Island Museum, which showcases the borough's rich cultural and artistic heritage. Foodies can indulge in some of the best pizza and Italian cuisine in the city, as well as other ethnic specialties like Sri Lankan and Polish cuisine.

18. New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is a beautiful green space located in the Bronx, covering over 250 acres. It is home to a vast collection of plants, including rare and endangered species, and a wide range of natural habitats, from tropical rainforests to native woodlands.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the many gardens and landscapes, including the serene Japanese Garden and the colorful Perennial Garden , or attend one of the many educational programs and events hosted at the Garden throughout the year.

19. Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is an iconic theater and entertainment venue located in the heart of New York City at the Rockefeller Center. Built in 1932, the Art Deco-style venue is renowned for its stunning architecture and historic significance.

Today, Radio City Music Hall continues to host big concerts, comedy shows, theatrical productions, and award ceremonies . Visitors can take a tour of the venue to learn about its rich history and see the impressive interiors, including the famous Grand Foyer, the auditorium, and the stage.

20. American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History in NYC is one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world. Its collection features over 32 million specimens and artifacts , ranging from fossils and minerals to cultural and scientific objects from around the globe.

Visitors can explore the many exhibitions and galleries, including the iconic dinosaur skeletons, the impressive Hall of Biodiversity , and the fascinating Rose Center for Earth and Space .

21. Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney Museum of American Art is a modern and contemporary art museum located in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. The museum is known for its extensive collection of American art, including works by artists such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Andy Warhol .

Visitors can explore galleries featuring paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other media, as well as special exhibitions and events. The museum's beautiful architecture, stunning views of the city, and unique collection of artwork make it a must-visit for anyone interested in modern art.

22. New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is one of the world's largest and most prestigious libraries, featuring a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials that document the history and culture of the world.

Visitors to the New York Public Library can explore its beautiful architecture, including the iconic Rose Reading Room . The New York Public Library also boasts exhibits and events that showcase the library's rich history and collections.

23. Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is a vibrant and bustling indoor market located in the heart of the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan. It is housed in a historic building that was once the home of the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory.

Today, it is a popular destination for foodies and shoppers alike. The market is home to a diverse range of vendors and merchants, offering everything from artisanal cheeses and baked goods to fresh seafood and international cuisine. Visitors can also find unique gifts and souvenirs at the many specialty shops and boutiques.

24. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, featuring stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and serving as a major transportation hub for millions of commuters and travelers each day.

Visitors to Grand Central Terminal in New York can explore the many shops and restaurants, as well as the famous main concourse , with its vaulted ceiling and impressive celestial ceiling mural. The main concourse has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including Friends with Benefits and Gossip Girl .

25. New York Stock Exchange

The New York Stock Exchange is one of the most iconic financial centers in the world, located in the heart of Wall Street in Lower Manhattan. It has been the symbol of American capitalism for over 200 years, and it continues to be the leading stock exchange in the United States.

Visitors can tour the historic trading floor , learn about the exchange's history, and gain insight into how the stock market works. It's a great way to understand the inner workings of Wall Street and how the financial markets shape the global economy.

26. The Charging Bull Statue

The Charging Bull statue is one of the most iconic landmarks in the financial district of New York City. This bronze sculpture is a symbol of the American financial system's strength and resilience, and it has become a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

The statue is located in Bowling Green Park and depicts a fierce bull charging forward, a representation of the bullish market in the financial industry. Visitors can take photos of the statue and marvel at its impressive size and detail.

27. Coney Island

Coney Island is a world-famous amusement park in Brooklyn. It is a fun-filled destination that offers a wide range of attractions for all ages.

Visitors to Coney Island can enjoy classic rides like the Cyclone roller coaster and the Wonder Wheel , as well as newer rides like the Thunderbolt and the Steeplechase coaster .

28. The Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is an iconic skyscraper located in midtown Manhattan, and it is one of the most recognizable buildings in New York City's skyline. Completed in 1930, it was briefly the tallest building in the world until it was surpassed by the Empire State Building.

The Chrysler Building has a distinctive art deco design and spire, which make it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. Visitors can also take an elevator up to the 71st floor to see the building's impressive observation deck.

29. Central Park Zoo

The Central Park Zoo is a small but charming zoo in the heart of Central Park. The zoo features a wide range of animals, including snow leopards, penguins, and sea lions, as well as exhibits and educational programs that explore the wildlife of New York City and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, taking in the beautiful scenery and enjoying close encounters with some of the world's most fascinating animals. It's one of the best New York City attractions for families.

30. Museum of the Moving Image

The Museum of the Moving Image is a unique and fascinating museum dedicated to the history and technology of film, television, and digital media. The museum features a wide range of exhibits and artifacts, including vintage movie cameras, costumes, and props from famous films and TV shows.

The museum has many interactive installations that allow visitors to explore the world of moving images. Visitors can also enjoy screenings of classic and contemporary films , as well as special events and workshops that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the world of media production.

31. National Lighthouse Museum

The National Lighthouse Museum is a fascinating tribute to the history and culture of lighthouses, featuring exhibits and artifacts that explore the role of lighthouses in maritime navigation and safety.

The museum is located on the grounds of the former US Lighthouse Service General Depot , which played a key role in the maintenance and repair of lighthouses throughout the country.

Visitors can learn about the history of lighthouses and their importance in keeping ships and sailors safe, as well as explore the museum's collection of maritime artifacts and memorabilia.

32. Little Island in the West Village

Little Island is a new public park and performance venue in the West Village of New York City. This unique attraction features an elevated, 2.4-acre park on top of a series of concrete piles, creating a stunning visual spectacle that appears to float above the water.

The park is home to a variety of plant life, including trees, shrubs, and flowers, and offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. Little Island is also a vibrant cultural destinatio n, featuring a range of live music, theater, and dance performances throughout the year.

33. The Hudson River

The Hudson River is a scenic waterway that runs for over 300 miles from the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York to the Atlantic Ocean. The river is a major attraction in New York, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors can enjoy kayaking, sailing, and fishing , or take a relaxing boat tour along the river. You can also explore the many parks and trails that line its banks, including the Hudson River Greenway and the Palisades Interstate Park.

34. The Frick Collection

The Frick Collection is a museum in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It is housed in the former residence of industrialist Henry Clay Frick and features a collection of European art, decorative arts, and sculpture from the Renaissance through the early 20th century.

The museum's highlights include works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Renoir , as well as masterpieces of sculpture and decorative arts. The Frick Collection is known for its intimate atmosphere and impressive collection of works, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. It's temporarily closed but check the website for updates.

35. Madame Tussauds New York

Madame Tussauds New York is a popular wax museum located in Times Square in New York City. The museum features lifelike wax sculptures of famous celebrities, politicians, historical figures, and pop culture icons from around the world.

Visitors can get up close and personal with their favorite stars, take selfies with their favorite celebrities, and even participate in interactive exhibits that simulate being on the red carpet or playing with their favorite sports team.

36. Museum of Sex

The Museum of Sex in New York City features a collection of exhibits and installations that range from the historical to the modern, with a focus on exploring the social and cultural contexts in which sexuality has been experienced throughout history.

Visitors can learn about the history of erotica , explore the impact of technology on modern sexuality, and engage with interactive installations that encourage exploration and discussion of taboo topics.

37. The New York Hall of Science

The New York Hall of Science is an interactive science museum in Queens, New York. Its hands-on experiences showcase the wonders of science and technology. Visitors can learn about physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations.

The museum is especially popular with families and children, who can engage in hands-on activities that are both fun and educational . Highlights of the museum include the Science Playground, an outdoor exhibit that lets children experiment with water, sound, and motion, and the 3D theater, which shows immersive science films.

38. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an iconic museum that is located on an aircraft carrier, the USS Intrepid, docked on the Hudson River. The USS Intrepid is a World War II aircraft carrier that survived several close battles in the Pacific and has been on permanent display since the early 1980s.

The museum's collection explores the history of air and space exploration , as well as the role of the military in protecting our nation's freedoms. View vintage planes and spacecraft and participate in interactive exhibits that offer a unique and engaging experience.

39. The National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian in New York City is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the indigenous cultures of the Americas.

The museum features exhibits that explore the rich and diverse history of the native peoples of the Americas, from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Visitors can view artifacts and art from various tribes and participate in interactive exhibits that offer a unique and engaging experience.

40. Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium is a legendary sports venue in New York that is a must-visit destination for sports fans of all ages. The stadium is home to the New York Yankees baseball team.

Visitors can attend games, take guided tours of the stadium , and view the team's championship trophies and memorabilia. The stadium is also home to a range of dining and entertainment options, including restaurants, bars, and retail shops, making it a great place to spend a day or evening enjoying America's favorite pastime.

41. St. Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the cathedral has been a fixture in the city since 1878 and attracts visitors from around the world.

Visitors can admire the intricate stained-glass windows, towering spires, and ornate details that make St. Patrick's Cathedral one of the most beautiful churches in the world . Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or religious pilgrim, a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral is a must when in New York City.

42. New York Aquarium

The New York Aquarium is a fantastic destination for animal lovers of all ages. Located on Coney Island , the aquarium boasts an impressive collection of marine life, including sea lions, penguins, sharks, and rays.

Visitors can learn about the ocean's creatures and conservation efforts through interactive exhibits and educational programs. The NY aquarium is not just a fun day out, but it is also a valuable resource for marine research and conservation.

43. The High Line

The High Line is an elevated park that runs along a former railroad track on Manhattan's west side. The park offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Hudson River and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The park features unique art installations , vibrant gardens, and peaceful seating areas, making it an excellent place to relax and enjoy the city's natural beauty. Visitors can take a stroll along the High Line and take in the sights and sounds of New York City from a new perspective.

44. Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a beautiful public park located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and a great place to relax and take a break from the city's hustle and bustle. Enjoy the park's lush greenery, free WiFi, and various outdoor activities, including lawn games, concerts, and movie screenings.

Bryant Park is also home to a variety of food and beverage options , making it a great spot for a picnic or a quick bite to eat. A visit to Bryant Park is a must for anyone looking to experience a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city's busy streets.

45. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York's Upper West Side is home to some of the world's most celebrated arts organizations, including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Ballet.

Visitors can attend performances in any of the center's multiple venues, ranging from classical music to opera to dance. In addition to performances, Lincoln Center also offers guided tours of its facilities, allowing visitors to learn more about the history and significance of this iconic institution.

46. Legoland New York

Legoland New York is a theme park dedicated to the popular building toy, Lego. Located in Goshen, NY, it is one of the best New York attractions for families with children. The park features more than 50 rides, attractions, and shows that are all designed to inspire creativity and imagination.

Visitors can take a stroll through Miniland , where Lego sculptures of famous New York City landmarks are on display. They can also take a ride on the Dragon Coaster , a thrilling roller coaster that takes them through a Lego castle .

47. The Neue Galerie

The Neue Galerie is a must-visit destination for art lovers in New York City. Located on Fifth Avenue, the museum features a collection of German and Austrian art from the early 20th century, including works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Otto Dix.

The museum's stunning architecture and interior design add to the charm and beauty of the space. The Neue Galerie is a unique and immersive experience that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural history of Germany and Austria during a time of great artistic innovation.

48. MOMA PS1

MoMA PS1 is a contemporary art museum in Long Island City, Queens, New York City. It is affiliated with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and specializes in exhibiting innovative and experimental art by emerging artists from around the world.

You can explore the museum's various exhibitions, attend events and performances, or simply relax in the museum's outdoor courtyard, which features a large-scale installation by an emerging artist each year.

49. The Skyscraper Museum

The Skyscraper Museum ****in New York City is a fascinating destination for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The museum is dedicated to exploring the history of skyscrapers and their impact on the urban landscape.

It features a collection of artifacts, photographs, and models that showcase the evolution of skyscraper design and construction from the early 20th century to the present day. Visitors can learn about the engineering and architectural innovations that enabled the creation of some of the world's most iconic buildings.

50. The Brooklyn Flea

One of the underrated New York attractions is the Brooklyn Flea , a weekly outdoor flea market that features a variety of unique vendors selling vintage clothing, antique furniture, handmade crafts, and artisanal food.

FAQs Related to Fun New York Tourist Attractions

Let's also explore some frequently asked questions related to fun New York Tourist Attractions.

What is the number 1 tourist attraction in NYC?

The number 1 tourist attraction in NYC is the Statue of Liberty. It was gifted to the United States by the people of France and has been a symbol of freedom and democracy for over a century. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island and climb to the top of the statue for breathtaking views of the New York City skyline.

What is the most visited place in NY?

The most visited place in New York is Times Square. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square is a bustling commercial and entertainment hub famous for its bright lights, billboards, and digital screens. It's estimated that over 330,000 people visit Times Square every day, making it one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world.

Summing Up: Best New York Tourist Attractions

New York City is a treasure trove of fun and exciting tourist attractions that offer something for everyone. From the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art and Fifth Avenue to the iconic Liberty Island, Central Park, and World Trade Center, there is no shortage of places to explore in New York .

Explore the bustling streets of downtown Manhattan and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city skyline from the Top of the Rock observation deck. Use our list of the 50 best fun New York tourist attractions and plan your visit today.

With so much to see and do, there has never been a better time to visit the Big Apple. So, book your tickets today and discover the magic of New York City for yourself.

Statue of Liberty

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27 Top Tourist Attractions in New York City

The largest and most populated city in the USA, New York City is often called the “city that never sleeps” because it is constantly buzzing with activity. Full of arts, culture, endless restaurants and a night sky where the stars are replaced by bright skyscrapers, New York is a magical place. Loud, boisterous and impatient, Manhattan especially, is a high energy place. Events don’t just happen here, they happen with a bang.

With so much to see and do in the city, it can be overwhelming to a New York novice. This comprehensive list outlines the top tourist attractions in New York City that travelers won’t find anywhere else. From Broadway to One World Trade Center, we’ve got them all here.

Map of New York City

27. Chelsea Market

After making history as the place where the Oreo cookie was invented, the Chelsea Market has become one of the most popular food halls in New York City. The old Nabisco Factory has made way for a collection of high-end supermarkets, delis and specialty stores.

While the market is a great place to shop and stock up on produce, the various eateries are the real attraction. There are over 30 food vendors selling delicious eats at the Chelsea Market. Some of the popular places you should check out include the Chelsea Creamline, Num Pang for Cambodian and the amazing tacos at Los Tacos No. 1.

26. Madison Square Garden

Arguably the world’s most iconic stadium, Madison Square Garden, has a storied past that continues to evolve into the modern day. MSG remains an incredibly busy stadium hosting both the New York Knicks of the NBA and the NHL’s New York Rangers. In-between all of that, they still have time to be the second-busiest venue for concert sales on earth.

Experiencing a sporting event or a concert at Madison Square Garden is sure to be an unforgettable experience. But the stadium also provides an exceptional behind-the-scenes tour that allows you to explore the locker rooms and step out onto the court.

25. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

For history and military enthusiasts and anyone that would love to set foot inside a submarine, you must visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Featuring a spectacular collection of aircraft and amazing views of downtown Manhattan, the museum is a memorable experience from the get-go.

The major part of the museum is the USS Intrepid. This aircraft survived several close battles over the Pacific in World War II and has enjoyed a permanent home at the museum since the early 1980s. Along with this fighter plane, you can also explore a guided missile submarine, the only one available to the public in the country.

24. Chrysler Building

Since its opening in 1930, the Chrysler Building has held an important position in the famed skyline of Manhattan. Its stunning art deco design makes it easy to spot, even in a city full of amazing skyscrapers. For almost a year, the Chrysler Building, with its tiered arches and steel crown, was the tallest building in the world. Until the Empire State came along.

You can view the Chrysler Building from several spots around the city, including a glorious spot in Gramercy Park. But nothing tops exploring the elegant lobby, complete with an interior sourced from countries all around the world.

23. Coney Island

For the longest time, Coney Island was a seaside escape for New Yorkers seeking some sun, sand and a bit of fun. Although technically no longer an island thanks to a landfill that connected it to the rest of Long Island, Coney Island has kept its appeal among residents.

Today you can escape downtown on the train and explore the “island’s” many attractions. One of those being the Coney Island Cyclone, a classic wooden rollercoaster that began operating in 1927 and can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

22. Frick Collection

Henry Clay Frick made his name in the 1800s as an influential player in Pittsburgh’s coke and steel industries. But he quickly got out once he made his fortune to pursue his genuine passion, art. Until his passing in 1919, Frick collected an amazing amount of exceptional decorative pieces and work from prominent luminaries who existed well before his time.

Six years before he passed, his collection was turned into a museum. The Frick Collection has since become a must-see New York City gallery. The highlights are pieces by Rembrandt, Fragonard and Vermeer.

21. Greenwich Village

Once a literary haven for such prominent writers as James Baldwin, Jack Kerouac and William S Burroughs, Greenwich remains a great neighborhood to explore. This despite sky rocketing rental costs. The leafy streets lined with 19th century brownstone homes are the real attraction. The beautiful neighborhood vibe allows you to get lost in its streets as you wander along the footpaths.

Greenwich Village’s many cafes and bars, which were once home to our favorite authors and even Bob Dylan, are still inviting. While the first integrated nightclub in the US, Cafe Society, may have closed, Greenwich Village continues to provide some of New York City’s best nightlife.

20. Broadway

Such is the importance of Broadway in everyday culture that this stretch of road has become known across the world. A visit to New York is not complete without catching a live show on Broadway. In fact, it remains a rite of passage for all New Yorkers. All told, Broadway has 41 venues, each with over 500 seats.

New acts such as Hamilton and the Book of Mormon have taken Broadway by storm in recent years. But the famous theater street is still well-served by classic shows, such as the Phantom of the Opera which has been running since 1988.

19. New York Public Library

In a city full of iconic attractions, the New York City Library stands out as one that many would instantly recognize. The library is a part of the third largest public library system on earth, giving readers and researchers an envious amount of access to literature, science, humanities and fine arts.

The building’s interior is stunning, however, it is the library’s entrance that is most likely to keep your camera busy. With a marble facade and a pair of large Corinthian beams, the New York Public Library is a masterpiece.

18. Museum of Modern Art

MoMA, as many would know it, is home to some of the most famous pieces of modern art. The Museum of Modern Art has a collection of 150,000 pieces. Some of the more renowned include Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, the Dance by Matisse and Picasso’s iconic Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.

Along with their permanent exhibitions, MoMA puts on consistent short-term exhibitions. Including collections from ‘old masters’ and even solo shows from world renowned artists.

17. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

With a wondrous neo-Gothic design, the St Patrick’s Cathedral is a sight to behold. The original building opened in 1878, covering an entire block of Manhattan. The cathedral recently underwent a $177m restoration that returned it to its former glory.

Visiting the beautiful cathedral is free, and it is just as stunning from the inside. Walk through and admire the several side chapels and the two altars. The St Louis altar was designed by Tiffany and Co. Most memorable, however, is the Pieta, the rose window and the Gallery Organ which was added to St Patrick’s Cathedral in 1930.

16. American Museum of Natural History

Comprising four floors and 45 permanent exhibits across 28 connected buildings, the Museum of Natural History holds claim to being the best museum in New York City. The massive museum is incredibly captivating and has a way of guiding you through otherwise complex information. You could spend hours walking through and still not see everything.

With dozens of categories from anthropology to zoology, amazing fossils, and even a replica of a 95ft blue whale, there isn’t much the American Museum of Natural History doesn’t cover.

15. One World Observatory

Standing at 1776 ft (541m) representing the same year the USA became a country, One World Trade Center stands in place of the north building of the Twin Towers. The building took almost ten years to complete and upon opening, was the tallest building in the western hemisphere and the sixth tallest on earth.

Aside from admiring the sheer size of the building from afar, one of the best activities to do here is to head up to the One World Observatory. From the observation area you will have 360-degree views towards all of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

14. Staten Island Ferry

Before the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, among others, ferries shuttled residents of New York City across the harbor and the Hudson River. One of the last remaining ferries is the one to Staten Island, and it is one of the best free things to do in New York. Running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

While you may not be overly interested in exploring Staten Island, the trip itself is more than worth it. As you pull out of Manhattan, you will enjoy an amazing view of the city and the Statue of Liberty that you can’t get anywhere else for free.

13. Ellis Island

For over six decades since opening in the 1890s, Ellis Island was the point of arrival for over 10 million immigrants. The importance of this immigration is played out in real time, with half of the current US population having a connection with this historic island.

The place to visit here is the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Take the audio tour with hours’ worth of fascinating information and learn about the history of immigration in the USA.

12. Bryant Park

If you have visited the New York Public Library, you may be interested to know that it is in Bryant Park, a popular urban oasis. This beautiful green space helped revitalize the city and provides the perfect place to kick back with a coffee and enjoy some light reading.

During the summer, you will find movie nights held each week, while the chess tables are always busy alongside yoga on the grass. During the winter, Bryant Park also offers a rink and is a magical place to ice skate in front of many skyscrapers.

11. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The largest gallery in America is found in New York. The vast Metropolitan Museum of Art presents art and artifacts dating back centuries and from all corners of the globe. There are dozens of different sections of the museum that house everything from Egyptian mummies to old European armor and classical sculptures.

Popular parts of the museum that are not to be missed, however, include Rembrandt’s Aristotle, Van Gogh’s self portrait, and the Egyptian Temple of Dendur dated to 15BC.

10. September 11 Memorial

The National September 11 Memorial has been constructed in honor to those who were killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The names of those who died are engraved in two bronze panels flanking the Memorial pools. The pools are each nearly an acre in size and mark the footprints of the Twin Towers that once stood on that site.

The National September 11 Memorial Museum serves to educate the public on the implications of the attacks through multimedia displays, archives, narratives and a collection of artifacts.

9. High Line

The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above Manhattan’s West Side. The park is maintained and operated by Friends of the High Line, which fought for the preservation and transformation of the rail line into green space.

Every month there are new fun and diverse activities for visitors. These include stargazing, tree tours and art tours along with season specific events such as the Haunted High Line Halloween in October.

Some of the park’s attractions include naturalized plantings and splendid views of the Hudson River. The High Line also integrates cultural attractions into its design with architecture and art installations.

8. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal has been dubbed the “world’s loveliest station” and is one of the top tourist attractions in New York City. The cavernous Main Concourse is home to the impressive clock made of pearly opal glass.

Visitors are also treated to the elaborate astronomical ceiling decorations originally conceived in 1912. The lower level, home to the dining concourse and train tracks, offer diverse dining options including the Oyster Bar.

Vanderbilt Hall just off the main concourse, which was originally constructed as a waiting room, now hosts the annual Christmas market and special exhibitions. The elegantly restored Campbell Apartment was meant to replicate a 13th-century Florentine palace, but now hosts tourists and commuters in its cocktail lounge.

7. Rockefeller Center

A tour of Rockefeller Center, a complex of 19 buildings built by the Rockefeller family, offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of New York City’s greatest treasures. These buildings have housed many major corporations over the years including General Electric and are home to the NBC studios.

At 70 stories high, the Top of the Rock observation deck gives visitors an unobstructed 360 degree views of New York City. The NBC Studios tour gives visitors the chance to glimpse the sets of their favorite NBC shows or sit behind a news desk.

Rockefeller Center is also home to Radio City Music Hall, which was restored to reflect its 1930s glamor. Rockefeller Center transforms during the holiday season with the impressive Christmas tree overlooking the skating rink and Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

6. Fifth Avenue

Ranked as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, Fifth Avenue is a prime destination for visitors with a taste for luxury. The section of Fifth that crosses Midtown Manhattan between 49th and 60th Streets is lined with high-end shops including designer showrooms and prestigious department stores.

The section of Fifth Avenue between 82nd to 105th streets on the Upper East Side is referred to as the Museum Mile. Nine museums are situated along this stretch of Fifth including the Guggenheim and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

5. Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge, built between 1869 and 1883, is one of the oldest and most recognizable suspension bridges in the world. It spans 5,989 feet and connects Manhattan to Brooklyn across the East River. More than 120,000 vehicles, 4,000 pedestrians and 2,600 bicyclists cross the bridge every day.

Visitors to the bridge can walk, drive, or bike across this famous New York City landmark. There is a pedestrian walkway situated above the traffic, where visitors can take in views of the harbor and both boroughs. The 2 km (1.3 mile) stroll across the bridge offers plenty of opportunities for admiring the New York skyline.

4. Times Square

With over 39 million visitors annually, Times Square is the world’s most visited tourist attraction. The bright lights and big city feel of this commercial intersection have iconified this spot as “The Crossroad of the World.” Today, Times Square is a major center of the world’s entertainment industry.

The annual New Year’s Eve ball drop, which began in 1907, has been a staple of the square’s allure. The shopping, entertainment and plethora of restaurants offer many activities and options for every type of visitor. It’s an area not to be missed on a trip to New York City.

3. Central Park

Located in the center of Manhattan, Central Park is a sprawling 840 acres and home to Belvedere Castle, the Central Park Zoo among many other attractions. For naturalists looking to take a break from the big city, relaxing in the Great Lawn or a walk along the extensive paths throughout the park can offer a much needed respite.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities to entertain visitors including catch and release fishing at the Dana Discovery Center, rowboat rentals from the Loeb Boathouse. The park boasts six miles of paved roads open only to joggers, bicyclists as well as skateboarders and inline skaters. Central Park is also especially friendly for families with playgrounds and the Tisch Children’s Zoo.

2. Empire State Building

The iconic Empire State Building soars over a quarter of a mile above Manhattan and offers expansive views to the millions of visitors it attracts every year. On a clear day, visitors can see New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

There are two observations decks in the tower, on the 86th floor and 102nd floor. Both offer impressive views and interesting facts about the building’s extensive history and importance. The Empire State Building has made appearances in over 250 films and was named “America’s Favorite Architecture.” It is open daily from 9:30am until midnight and tickets can be purchased at the counter or online.

1. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, has welcomed new arrivals to the shores of America for over a hundred years. Lady Liberty on her pedestal stands at an impressive 93 meters (305 feet), which visitors can climb for views of Brooklyn and Gustave Eiffel’s supportive framework.

For those who choose not to climb the 154 steps to the crown, the pedestal offers panoramic views of the harbor and downtown New York City. Guided tours of Liberty Island are offered throughout the day by Park Rangers and a self-guided audio, offered in nine languages, tour is included with a ferry ticket to the island.

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Reader interactions.

July 18, 2014 at 3:44 am

Thanks..Nice post. Also enjoy there Festivals & Events like New York Fashion Week, a global extravaganza that happens twice a year in February and September, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November and New Year’s Eve At Times Square

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25 Best Things to Do in NYC + MAP

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With so many incredible things to do in NYC , many tourists, especially first-time visitors, don’t even know where to start. We’ve been lucky enough to have spent several years living just a couple of hours from the Big Apple, so we can tell you what to do in NYC , no matter your interests.

In this guide, I’ll share 25 fun things to do in New York City , including popular tourist attractions and some hidden secrets that most visitors don’t know about. At the end, I’ll recommend some of the best hotels in Manhattan , as well as food recommendations, and some other activities you may want to check out if you have extra time.

So, get ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple!

1. Go across the Brooklyn Bridge, the best thing to do in NYC

You can find the best views in NYC for free by visiting the Brooklyn Bridge . This landmark is a must-see in NYC , whether you walk, jog, drive, or bike across it. The most popular bridge in NYC is over 130 years old and, at 6,000 feet, was the world’s longest suspension bridge from 1883 to 1903.

As you travel across the bridge, you’ll get stunning views of the skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge Park below. One of NYC’s best parks , Brooklyn Bridge Park overlooks the East River and hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Each of the park’s piers features different attractions, including playgrounds, sports fields, green spaces, and a carousel.

While you’re exploring the area, check out the Brooklyn Heights Promenade , a pedestrian walkway that offers a picture-perfect view of the Lower East Side.

2. The Statue of Liberty, a famous place to see in NYC

Another must-see in New York City is the Statue of Liberty , an iconic national symbol of freedom and opportunity. Lady Liberty stands proudly on Liberty Island , surrounded by the New York Harbor.

You can see the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, although I recommend taking a boat ride to Liberty Island. A cruise to Liberty and Ellis Islands is included in the New York Pass , or you can book this 4-hour tour , which should give you enough time to explore the islands and museums.

Check our guide to the Statue of Liberty for more information.

3. Central Park, another beautiful place to visit in New York City

If there’s one place in New York City that’s popular with both locals and tourists, it’s Central Park . You could easily spend hours exploring this huge urban park, which is full of forests, lakes, playgrounds, waterfalls, and more.

Visiting the park is one of the best free things to do in NYC , although with so much to see, you should consider renting a bike or taking a Central Park bike tour . Bike rentals in Central Park are included in the New York Pass , too.

Here, you’ll find attractions for kids, couples, and adults, making a visit to Central Park one of the best free things to do in NYC . Youngsters will love the playgrounds and the Central Park Carousel , while couples can enjoy a romantic boat ride on The Lake .

Keep your eyes peeled for sculptures throughout the park, too. If you’re visiting NYC in the winter , you can go ice skating at Wollman Rink , or, if you’re here during the summer, have a picnic in one of the meadows. However, my favorite time to explore it is if you visit NYC during the fall since the array of colors is endless. If it’s culture that you crave, Central Park is dotted with museums and famous landmarks like Belvedere Castle and the Bethesda Fountain. No doubt why this is one of the most popular parks in New York City .

4. See the Empire State Building, a cool thing to do in New York City

One of the best attractions in NYC is the Empire State Building , so it’s well worth a visit. It held the title of the world’s tallest skyscraper from 1931-1970 and, with 102 floors, it’s still among the top 10 tallest buildings in New York.

The Empire State Building has observation decks on the 86 th and 102 nd floors, and admission is included in the New York Pass (you can also book a skip-the-line ticket here ). I recommend timing your visit for just before sunset so you can see the orange glow over the skyline. The view makes this one of NYC’s best observation decks , as long as you’re not afraid of heights!

5. MoMA, The Met, and other must-visit museums in NYC

New York is an iconic place for art, so I recommend visiting at least one art museum in the city. If history is more your thing, there are plenty of great options, and many New York City museums are included in the New York Pass :

• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) displays works from the 1880s to today, including Van Gogh’s Starry Night , Picasso’s Young Ladies of Avignon , and The Persistence of Memory by Dalí. You can get a skip-the-line ticket here .
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art contains over 2 million works spanning several continents and art movements, although the Roman and Egyptian galleries are very popular. You can get a skip-the-line ticket here .
• The 9/11 Memorial & Museum honors the victims of the World Trade Center attacks with bronze inscriptions, two reflecting pools, and poignant exhibits. You can get a skip-the-line ticket here .

5. The Met, one of the must-visit museums in NYC

• The Guggenheim is known for its collection of abstract and contemporary art, as well as its iconic rotunda built by Frank Lloyd Wright. You can get an entry ticket here .
• The Whitney Museum of American Art is your go-to museum for 20 th and 21 st -century art, and you can purchase your admission here .
• The American Museum of Natural History ’s exhibits teach visitors about biology, ecology, and geology. You can find a discounted entry ticket here .
• The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at Pier 86 displays historical watercraft, military flight simulators, and the Space Shuttle Pavilion. You can get an entry ticket here .

Psss Some NYC museums are free some days a week, so don’t forget to check out our article on free museums in NYC for more info.

6. Visit Times Square, something to do in NYC at night

If you’re looking for something to do in NYC at night , you must check out Times Square . Here, you’ll have the city’s best entertainment, restaurants, and shops at your disposal.

Your first time here can be a bit overwhelming; the bright lights, billboard ads, and strange street performers are quite a sight. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Times Square include M&M’s World , MTV Studios , Madame Tussauds , and the Red Stairs , where you can snag Broadway tickets for up to 50% off. Times Square also hosts the most famous New Year’s celebration, although most people prefer watching it on TV at home, where it’s much warmer!

Moreover, Times Square is a hub for all kinds of fun activities in NYC , so spend some time checking out the lively bars, restaurants, shops, and theaters.

7. Walk the High Line and see The Vessel

A fun alternative to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is the High Line , which stretches 1.5 miles from the Meatpacking District through Chelsea. This elevated park and garden trail is an excellent way to explore New York City , and it’s one of my favorite hangout spots in Manhattan.

The walkway sits on former train tracks and travels past several top attractions in NYC , including the Whitney Museum and Chelsea Market. Along the way you’ll come across The Vessel , an avant-garde beehive structure overlooking Hudson Yards. I’ve never seen anything like it, so I recommend checking it out.

A walking tour of the High Line and its public art and gardens is included in the New York Pass , and it’s a nice thing to do in NYC with family or friends.

8. Take a New York helicopter tour, the most romantic thing to do in NYC

It’s one thing to know the best spots in NYC , but what about seeing them from a birds-eye view? A helicopter ride  is one of the best NYC tours to take and something that will make your visit unforgettable.

There are several flight options available, although this basic tour is a good option if it’s your first time and you want an overview of the city. It goes past Central Park, New York Harbor, and other famous landmarks.

However, my favorite one of all the tours I have taken is this doors-off helicopter tour which is ideal for photographers.

If you’re looking for something special to do for an anniversary or date, this private helicopter tour is perfect for couples.

We have a guide with the top helicopter tours in NYC that I recommend you check out before booking your tour.

9. Go to Grand Central Station & the Chrysler Building, two places you can’t miss in NYC

For a free way to experience the hustle and bustle of NYC, check out Grand Central Station . This iconic train terminal is over 100 years old and was built in the Beaux-Arts style, which you can see reflected in the Main Concourse’s celestial-painted ceiling.

Around 100,000 people visit Grand Central per day, some of which are travelers and others that are visiting for the novelty of it. Besides serving as a hub for the city’s subway and railway systems, the terminal houses dozens of shops, and restaurants, most notably Grand Central Market. It’s also worth visiting Vanderbilt Hall, a lavish 1,100ft² event space.

Just a short walk from the terminal is the Chrysler Building , one of the most famous places in New York . Towering nearly 1,050 feet high, it’s one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers and an excellent example of the Art Deco style.

You can admire the building’s architecture from several viewpoints, although my favorite is the Tudor City Bridge. If you can, you should visit during Manhattanhenge (the Manhattan Solstice), when the sun aligns with the city streets’ grid pattern, creating one of the most iconic photo opportunities in NYC .

10. See a Broadway show, something you must do in New York City

Without a doubt, seeing a Broadway show is one of the best things to do in NYC . With over 40 Broadway theaters in the city, you can find permanent productions as well as limited-time musicals and plays. If you’re worried about the price of a Broadway ticket, you can find discounted seats at the TKTS Pavilion at the Red Stairs in Times Square. However, you can’t always choose which show you’ll see.

I doubt you’ll see a Broadway show you don’t like, although if you want the best of the best, the New Amsterdam Theatre, Hilton Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, and Belasco Theatre are top-rated venues. Splurging on dinner and show is one of the best things to do in NYC as a couple , or you can find a fun musical or play to see with the kids.

So far, we’ve seen Aladdin , The Lion King , The Phantom of the Opera , Wicked , and Chicago , and everything from the set design and the costumes to the acting was wonderful. You can find tickets to other shows here .

11. Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock, a spectacular place to visit in NYC

Visiting the Rockefeller Center is another exciting thing to do in New York City . This famous complex is comprised of over a dozen commercial buildings, NBC Studios, and Radio City Music Hall. Built in the 1930s, the Art Deco-style structure is recognized as one of the greatest projects to come out of the Great Depression.

Moreover, this NYC landmark is known for its variety of indoor and outdoor attractions, including Rockefeller Plaza , which transforms into an ice-skating rink in the winter. Inside the Rockefeller Center, you can go to the underground concourse for all kinds of dining and shopping options.

Perhaps best of all, the Rockefeller Center is home to one of the best observation decks in NYC , the Top of the Rock . This multi-level viewing platform is on the 68 th and 69 th floors and offers 360° views of the city, including Central Park and the Empire State Building. Visiting this observation deck is a must-do for any tourist in New York City , and you can get admission here or with the New York Pass .

12. Fifth Avenue and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, two more extraordinary places to go in NYC

Besides all of the wonderful things to see in NYC , you’ll also find lots of luxury shops, especially along Fifth Avenue , one of the most famous streets in NYC . This is perhaps the most famous avenue in the city, and while it’s known for its glamorous clientele, it’s also close to several New York City attractions .

Extending from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to 143 rd Street in Harlem, Fifth Avenue is full of boutiques, shops, historic homes, and high-end apartments. Enjoy window-shopping and browsing stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Versace, and walk past the mansions on Millionaire’s Row, between 59 th and 96 th Streets.

As I said, Fifth Avenue trails past several landmarks, including Central Park, Trump Tower, the Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the Flatiron Building, which I’ll mention later in this guide. Fifth Avenue also goes past St. Patrick’s Cathedral , the largest Neo-Gothic Catholic church in the U.S. Even if you’re not religious, this cathedral is a must-see in NYC .

Dedicated to St. Patrick of Ireland, the church stands nearly 330 feet tall and has large bronze doors with relief sculptures of several patron saints. Inside, the cathedral has a 3,000-person capacity, several altars and shrines, a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture, and two huge pipe organs. One of the most beautiful parts of the church is its stained-glass windows and rose window, which provide a heavenly glow.

13. Visit the New York Public Library & Bryant Park, a fun thing to do in NYC with kids

If you’re looking for things to do in NYC with kids , two popular places you can check out are the New York Public Library and Bryant Park.

The New York Public Library is one of the top libraries in the U.S. and it’s free to visit. It has 92 locations throughout the city, with the main branch in Bryant Park, Manhattan. This Neo-Classical building is the third-largest library in the world, with four floors, 20 rooms, and nearly 53 million items. The ground floor is dedicated to children’s books, while the first floor contains the reference section and computer lab. The second floor has a study room with a marble fireplace, and the third floor is where you’ll find the McGraw Rotunda.

Right outside the library is Bryant Park , a French-style park and garden with all kinds of fun activities in NYC . It includes a large fountain, several sculptures, a carousel, food stalls, and ping-pong, making it one of the best parks in NYC . During Christmastime in NYC , it transforms into a Winter Village, where you can go ice skating and enjoy the holiday lights.

14. Browse Chelsea Market, one of the best things to do in New York City

Another main attraction in NYC that I recommend is Chelsea Market . Occupying a full city block, the market is in a former Nabisco factory. Today, the market boasts dozens of food stalls, as well as shops and office spaces for companies like Google and YouTube.

Starting on the market’s underground floor, you can peruse the food market for fresh produce, artisan cheeses, sweets, and ethnic food. You’ll also see craft and clothing stalls and the Pearl River Mart, a popular Asian-American retailer.

Along with live music throughout the week, Chelsea Market also hosts ARTECHOUSE , an immersive exhibit that combines art, science, and technology. It’s an awesome thing to do in New York City after enjoying some delicious food, and you can get your ticket in advance here .

15. Take a bus tour of Harlem, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn

New York City is made up of five distinct boroughs , so it’s worth visiting each one. However, if it’s your first time in the city, I recommend this bus tour , which highlights the most popular neighborhoods in New York and covers 4 of the 5 boroughs. It’s one of the must-do tours in NYC for first-timers.

First, Harlem (which is part of Manhattan) is one of the coolest places in NYC and is best known for its African American roots. During the Great Migration of the 1920s and 30s, Black culture took center stage, which you can experience today at places like the Apollo Theater, the Jazz Museum, and the Museo del Barrio. Harlem is also known for its strong Christian presence and soulful gospel choirs, so if you want to know more about this neighborhood’s culture, you can plan to go to a Harlem gospel service on Sunday.

The Bronx is another must-see in NYC , thanks to its diverse culture and attractions, and will be the second borough you visit during this bus tour. Known as the birthplace of Jennifer Lopez and other famous singers, the Bronx is a hub for hip-hop, graffiti art, and Latin music. Moreover, the borough is home to Yankee Stadium , New York Botanical Garden , the Bronx Museum of the Arts, and the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage. You can find here other things to do in The Bronx.

After that, you will visit Queens , a borough with all kinds of communities and cultures, as well as a love for the arts. Here, you can witness the neighborhood’s punk rock and jazz influences and see attractions like MoMA PS1, Socrates Sculpture Park, and the American Museum of the Moving Image. During the tour, you will stop at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, where you’ll find the Mets’ Stadium and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. You will also visit Roosevelt Avenue, one of the borough’s main streets.

The bus tour then goes to Brooklyn , which offers some of the best sightseeing around NYC , with the Brooklyn Bridge, the artsy Bushwick Collective, the DUMBO neighborhood , and the Jewish Quarter in Williamsburg , one of the top neighborhoods in Brooklyn . Finally, you’ll cross the Brooklyn Bridge and end up back in Manhattan, in the area of Little Italy and Chinatown, two popular neighborhoods in Manhattan among foodies.

Little Italy is a small hub of Italian culture where you can nosh on delights like Neapolitan pizza and cannoli. Moreover, NYC’s Chinatown has one of the largest Asian populations outside of China, as well as hundreds of restaurants and cafes, so it’s a place you must visit!

16. One World Observatory & 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Along with the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock, the One World Observatory is a viewpoint you must see in NYC . This observation deck is between the 100 th and 102 nd floors of One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

The structure is 1,776 feet tall, and the observatory’s height is 1,268 feet, making it one of the coolest places in NYC . From up there, you’ll have sweeping 360° views of Manhattan, including the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. On the 100 th floor, you can see the Sky Portal, a 14-foot-wide glass disc that portrays a high-definition video feed of the streets below.

There is also a restaurant, a theater, and the 9/11 Museum , which contains tens of thousands of objects related to the World Trade Center attacks. Outside, you can see the 9/11 Memorial’s two reflecting pools, which are where the Twin Towers once stood.

The 9/11 Museum is a worthwhile museum to visit, and One World Observatory is one of NYC’s best observation decks , so consider booking a combo ticket to both. Both are included in the New York Pass , but if you’d rather just visit the observatory, you can get a ticket here .

17. Wall Street, a top-rated place to visit in New York City

Among the iconic buildings and landmarks, another popular place to visit in NYC is Wall Street . Situated in Lower Manhattan , Wall Street is the historic financial district that’s home to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the largest in the world. Along with the NYSE, there is also Federal Hall, New York’s first city hall, and the place where George Washington was elected the first President of the United States.

While you’re walking around this area, be sure to stop at Bowling Green, the oldest public park in NYC. Here, you can see the Charging Bull sculpture , one of the top NYC tourist attractions . The 7,100-pound, 11-foot-tall bronze bull is seen by some as a national symbol of prosperity.

In 2017, the Fearless Girl statue made her debut for International Women’s Day, originally standing across from the Charging Bull before being moved to the front of the NYSE. You can see the Fearless Girl on this free sightseeing tour that goes past Wall Street, or you can book this Wall Street tour that focuses solely on the Financial District (a must-do if you’re into finances).

18. See the Flatiron Building, something interesting to do in NYC

I mentioned earlier that there are all kinds of things to see on NYC ’s Fifth Avenue, and one of those is the Flatiron Building, one of the most famous buildings in NYC . Located on the corner of Broadway and Fifth Avenue, this 22-story triangular structure is one of the most unique places to see in NYC.

The building’s design was influenced by the Beaux-Arts architectural style and features a rounded apex and double columns. At its narrowest corner, the Flatiron Building is just 6.5 feet wide, creating a 25° angle.

As you walk around the 285-foot-tall building, you might get dizzy or think it’s on the verge of collapse. That said, the sturdy steel structure can withstand strong winds, so there’s nothing to worry about. Moreover, keep in mind that the building contains office spaces, so you can’t go inside. That said, visiting the exterior is a fun, free thing to do in NYC , and it’s close to Madison Square Park.

19. The Edge at Hudson Yards, one of the nicest views over New York City

I have another recommendation if you’re looking for amazing views of the city. Hovering 1,100 feet in the air, The Edge at Hudson Yards is one of the newest high-rise observatories in Manhattan.

What’s especially unique about The Edge is that it juts out at the Eastern Point, where it’s large enough for one person to stand and feel on top of the world. Angled glass walls create a more immersive (and somewhat terrifying) feeling.

The observation deck also has a glass floor, so if you’re brave enough, you can look down 100 floors to the street below. In addition to the stunning 360° views, there is a covered gazebo and champagne bar, making this one of the best places in New York for couples. The Edge observation deck is included in the New York Pass , or you can reserve your ticket here .

20. Go to Madison Square Garden, an exciting thing to do in NYC

Two of the most popular activities in NYC are shopping and visiting Broadway, although you can also watch a basketball game in NYC at Madison Square Garden . Sports fans in the city flock to see the New York Knicks play at this 20,000-person-capacity event space. You should book your tickets in advance .

The stadium is also home to the New York Rangers, so if hockey is more your thing, reserve tickets to a game in advance.

Along with the stadium, there is the smaller Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, which hosts concerts, comedy shows, and other performances. So, whether you prefer sports or a show, you can find an event to suit your interest!

Madison Square Garden is a top attraction in NYC , and you can book an all-access tour of Madison Square Garden here or with the New York Pass .

21. Take a sunset cruise around Manhattan, the best thing to do in NYC for couples

Manhattan can be one of the most romantic places, and one of the best couples things to do in NYC is to take a sunset cruise on the river.

There are several cruise options included in the New York Pass , although I like this Harbor Lights night cruise , which floats past the glittering Manhattan skyline. During the 2-hour ride, you can buy drinks from the bar and snap night photos of popular landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

For an even more romantic thing to do in NYC , I recommend this champagne cruise , which sails past the Manhattan skyline during sunset. The cruise includes a complimentary drink of your choice, which you can sip while admiring the shimmering lights on the New York Harbor. That is why this is one of the best boat tours in New York City .

22. One Vanderbilt, another great place to go in New York City

Another place you should visit in New York as a couple is One Vanderbilt . This luxurious venue is the 4 th -tallest building in the city, standing 1,401 feet tall. Most of the lower floors contain offices, but as you ascend past the 73 rd floor, you can access The Summit observation deck.

The Summit is unlike any other observatory in the city since it has glass-enclosed balconies jutting out from the façade. From here, you can look out over Midtown Manhattan and see famous NYC attractions like Central Park, the East River, and the Empire State Building. The Summit also has a bar and several restaurants, so you can make a date out of it. Just be sure to purchase your ticket in advance here .

It’s also worth noting that One Vanderbilt connects to Grand Central Station via a transit hall, so its location is very convenient.

23. Little Island, a unique place to visit in New York

If you’re visiting the city as a family, Little Island at Pier 55 is one of the best places to go in NYC with kids . This artificial island is on the Hudson River and spans 2.4 acres, making it a little oasis and one of the most unique things to do in New York City .

Little Island is a lovely green space amid the urban jungle of NYC, and you can visit morning, afternoon, or night. The entire park has a gorgeous garden landscape full of perennial plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees. Scattered throughout the island are scenic lookouts and plazas where you can relax and enjoy the view. There are also performance spaces, food stalls, and a kids’ arts and crafts area, so you could easily spend a couple of hours here.

24. Visit Coney Island, something you must do in New York

A visit to Coney Island is something you must do in NYC , whether you’re a local or a tourist. This place offers something for all ages, from exciting amusements to a tranquil beach.

Coney Island is most enjoyable during the summertime, when you can visit Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park , one of the nation’s oldest and most popular amusement park in New York . Here, you can ride the legendary Cyclone wooden rollercoaster, the historic B&B Carousell, and the famous Wonder Wheel, which features stationary cabins and several others that travel on tracks to opposite sides of the wheel.

If you prefer something more low-key, you can take a stroll on the beach or boardwalk. Also, the neighborhood has a large Russian-speaking population, which is reflected in the area’s bakeries and shops.

25. Go shopping at the outlets, something to do in NYC if it rains

Finally, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan of things to do in NYC on a rainy day . Shopping at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is something to do if you’re looking for high-end items or you want a cheaper alternative to the swanky boutiques on Fifth Avenue. These are the most convenient outlets you can go to from New York City .

Here, you can browse 220 stores and grab a bite to eat at over 20 restaurants and cafes. The shops here range from domestic brands to international stores, with discounts of up to 65% off. So, if you’re looking for stuff to do in NYC on your day off or if your plans get washed out, you can take a trip to the outlets.

The Woodbury Common Premium Outlets are about an hour outside the city, and you can book a bus to the shops here .

Best day trips from NYC

Thanks to its convenient location, there are lots of great day trips from NYC . If you’re going to be in the area for a longer length of time and you’re wondering what to visit around NYC , consider renting a car and checking out these places:

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the best places in New York state , but it’s about 7 hours away, so, if you prefer not to drive, consider a Niagara Falls bus tour from NYC like this one .

Philadelphia

Philly is near and dear to our hearts since we lived in the area for about five years. It’s only about 2 hours away from NYC, so you could easily take a day trip to Philadelphia from NYC like this one .

Washington D.C.

About 4 hours from NYC, you can see the nation’s capital, Washington D.C .

This city is full of world-renown museums, famous landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, and of course, the White House. A day trip from NYC to Washington DC like this one  is the perfect way to learn more about U.S. history while enjoying iconic sights.

Four hours in the opposite direction, you’ll find Boston , another interesting place to go near NYC . Boston’s sophistication comes from its historical charm and modern appeal, which you can see on a day trip from NYC to Boston like this one .

The city is home to beautiful plazas, bustling markets, parks, and the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party began in 1773.

Where to stay in NYC

There are so many things to see and do in NYC , so it’s a good idea to spend the night at one of the best hotels in the city. Below are some of our three absolute favorites, although we also have a complete guide on where to stay in New York City .

• Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown : This swanky hotel is like a home away from home, with a gym, spa, and restaurant. It’s one of the best 5-star hotels in NYC .
• Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square West : We stayed here several times and recommend it if you want to stay in the heart of the city (it’s one of the cheapest hotels near Times Square ).
• Pod 51 : This is one of the cheapest hotels in NYC and it doesn’t skimp on quality, plus it has a rooftop garden and it’s close to the Rockefeller Center.

NYC foods you must try!

Without a doubt, your visit to New York City isn’t complete without trying some famous New York foods . Arrive hungry because there are all kinds of delicious options waiting for you!

• Pizza : Some say it’s the New York water that makes NY-style pizza so good, but it could also be that brick-oven taste. For the best pizza in NYC, head to Lombardi’s , John’s of Bleecker Street , Patsy’s Pizzeria , Grimaldi’s Pizzeria , or Juliana’s Pizzeria .
• Hotdogs : A true New York-style hotdog is an all-beef dog topped with spicy mustard, sauerkraut, and onion relish. For the best hotdogs in NYC, go to Nathan’s Famous Hot-Dog Stand , Gray’s Papaya , or Papaya King .

NYC foods you must try

• Bagels : If you want to feel like a New Yorker, grab a bagel for breakfast, preferably at Leo’s Bagels , Absolute Bagels , or Tal Bagels .
• Burgers : For a mouth-watering burger, head to Burger Joint or  Corner Bistro . Here is our guide to the best burgers in NYC .
• Cocktails : Finally, you can wash down your delectable meal with a perfect cocktail. I recommend grabbing a drink at one of NYC’s best rooftop bars , like 230 Fifth , Jimmy , or Purple .

Last, but not least, I recommend this cupcake tour through Greenwich Village if you have a sweet tooth. It’s one of many great food tours in NYC , so be sure to check out our guide.

Map of New York City

I hope you enjoyed reading about all the cool things to do in New York City ! Be sure to download this New York City tourist map so you can easily find all the places you want to visit during your trip.

As you can see, there are plenty of awesome places to visit in New York , so if you have any questions or you’d like to share your recommendations, leave me a comment.

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Top 21 THINGS TO DO in NYC in 2024

Sean Finelli Last Updated: October 26, 2023

New York City is one of the most happening and exciting cities to visit which is why you should not only visit but be prepared to do a lot. The area would be considered my home turf so get ready for an action-packed list of the best things to do in NYC from a local.

Pro Tip : If you are planning a trip to New York, bookmark this article in your browser. Seriously, there is a ton of content linked here about everything you need to plan the best trip ever to NYC!

21. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is without argument New York’s most iconic bridge which makes it a must-visit attraction. At the time of construction, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge and an unbelievable feat of engineering.

It connects the Financial District/Chinatown to downtown Brooklyn. It is always open and free to walk across, which definitely can help out your budget! Walking over this bridge is also a very romantic thing to do on a nice spring or fall day when the sun is out. The above photo was taken on a beautiful day in December.

Location – Get off at Chamber St, Fulton St, or Brooklyn Bridge City Hall subway stops.

20. Drink a Manhattan Overlooking Manhattan

One of the coolest things about a city packed with skyscrapers and tall buildings is that some of those places have bars and restaurants on top ! So go ahead, make a reservation or roll the dice by walking in, but definitely enjoy a drink and maybe some food overlooking Manhattan’s skyline.

You can do that in Manhattan or ideally in Brooklyn overlooking the city. I recommend Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge, which is located in Brooklyn Heights . You get a killer view of Manhattan and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge! If you want more Brooklyn content, check out our favorite things to do in Brooklyn !

19. Discover Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is as much a part of New York history as the Empire State Building or Central Park, which is why it is the landmark square of Greenwich Village. Imagine how Bob Dylan or Andy Warhol must have passed more than a few afternoons there contemplating their works of art.

In the center of the park, you’ll find a larger fountain framed by the triumphant arch which is pretty epic and a great place to snap a pic. On warm days you’ll find musicians busking in the square which can be more than you’d believe. I’ve listened to a student play a mini-grand piano there and the memory sticks with me today.

18. Check out the Chelsea Market

The Chelsey Market is exactly what it sounds like: a cool market in the Chelsea district of NYC. There are tons of cool restaurants, shops, and places to spend your money at which makes it attractive and scary at the time.

If you go by, definitely check Los Tacos #1 or Los Mariscos for Tacos, both are great. If not in the mood for Mexican, try Lobster Place which is also exactly what it sounds like!

17. Explore Central Park

Central Park is one of the most iconic greenspaces in the world. It’s 2.5 miles long and just less than a mile wide, smack dab in the center of New York City. According to “The Guardian” newspaper, Central Park real estate is worth 39 trillion dollars, but would NYC property be worth so much without it? Probably not.

Central Park is one of the main attractions that draw visitors to Manhattan and without it the city would be very different. There are tons of things to see and do in the Park including renting remote control boats, going hiking, the zoo, multiple museums, and more!

Get prepared for your visit by reading our list of the top things to do in Central Park ! Plus we know the best restaurants and hotels nearby!

16. Eat a Red Velvet Cake, Black & White Cookie and/or NY Cheesecake

Neither of these dishes is native to NYC, but both have gone pro in this most metropolitan of cities. Where do you go to try one—or ideally both—of these dishes? Lili’s Bake Shop on 7th & 53rd . We also like Veniero’s , City Cakes , and Buttercup Bake Shop .

Their specialty is the Dirty Cheesecake which is delicious, but you could cross cheesecake, red velvet, and the famous black-and-white cookie off your list here. D-LISH!

15. Check out a Speakeasy

Stay in NYC long enough and you may start to believe that prohibition is still alive and strong. Why? Because there are speakeasies all around the city, which is part of the charm. There is a myriad of different choices from La Esquina in Soho to Blind Barber in Alphabet City.

14. See a Broadway Show

Broadway definitely did not invent the theatre, but it sure did bring it to an entirely new level. Seeing a Broadway show in NYC is close to obligatory! And while you’re down here, you can find other cool things to do around Times Square !

13. Visit the MoMA

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of NYC’s leading museums and arguably the world’s greatest modern art collection. The gallery itself is a work of art that is only out-shadowed by its prestigious collection of over 200,000 pieces. You’ll find everything from Picasso to Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko here.

Address: 11 West 53rd Street

12. Head to the American Museum of Natural History

In NYC with children or have an extra day to burn? NYC’s Natural History Museum is one of the premier collections of dinosaur bones out there. Why? They were one of the first museums to aggressively go after dinosaur remains in the US, which were originally discovered in the UK but became wildly abundant in the US.

It most definitely has more than just dinosaurs as well. That’s just part of why it is exciting to visit this museum even if you don’t have kids. They have exhibits on just about everything you could imagine!

Address: 200 Central Park West

11. See NYC from Above

There are 7,000 high-rise buildings in NYC (115 feet) and 93 buildings are at least 650 feet high, which makes for an incredible skyline. The most famous of all buildings to climb in NYC is undoubtedly the Empire State Building in Midtown. The building is used mostly for office buildings and is extremely prestigious. I once visited an accountant there that I definitely could not afford, but I got to see a nice view from an upper floor.

In terms of newer buildings that are famous, the One World Trade Center (which also goes by One WTC or Freedom Tower) is now the tallest building in New York City. You can get tickets to the top of the Freedom Tower, which I have done and would definitely recommend, along with visiting the nearby 9/11 Memorial .

10. Stay at a Swanky Hotel

New York City is one of the world’s epicenters for creativity, food, culture, and money which is why you should consider spending your evenings at a cool swanky hotel. The city has so many cool hotels like the Standard on the High Line or the Trump International Central Park .

Check out our guide for where to stay in NYC to get suggestions at every budget!

9. Walk Down Wall Street

Regardless of your feelings for big banks and stewards of finance, Wall Street is a historic part of New York and world history. You also have the famous bull statue in this area.

Wall Street runs through the financial district and is home to the New York Stock Exchange which is an iconic building. You won’t be able to go inside or even too close, but it is still worth the time. Right near the NYSE is the Federal Reserve Bank, which is home to some extraordinarily large gold reserves.

The NYSE is coincidentally only a 15-minute walk from Ground Zero and the new One World Trade Center , so you can see it all together.

8. Eat Ethnic Food

There is a commonly spoken joke in the United States that we invented Chinese food, which is obviously not true—but it is kind of true if you really think about it. At this point, everyone has realized that American-Chinese food is not like the food you’ll find in China, so what we have in the States is sort of our invention.

That said, the best versions of these Americanized ethnic foods may be in NYC. You can literally find anything here, and it is often different than you’d find in its country of origin but nonetheless delicious. Some things you have to try are:

• Dumplings in China Town (Joe Shanghai or Nom Wah Tea Parlor)
• Indian Fare at Patiala Indian Grill
• Tacos @ Birria Landia Food Truck
• Hallel Street Food @ Rafaqis Food Truck

Read more about the top foods to try in NYC and our favorite restaurants around the city .

7. Pizza by the Slice

Pizza is unequivocally an Italian dish that is best eaten in Italy. That said, as a person who has lived in Italy and NYC, pizza-by-the-slice is an NYC specialty that is best eaten in NYC. Where?

Joe’s Pizza has a few stores in NYC and is regarded as the best pizza by the slice in the city. Head over there and decide for yourself!

See which Joe’s Pizza is closest to you here .

6. Little Island

Little Island was completed recently and was all the talk. It is a completely man-made island and park full of things to do! It’s a cool new spot to bike, walk around, or enjoy music at the small amphitheater. You’ll find it on the Hudson River between Chelsea and Greenwich Village.

5. Take a Tour of the MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was originally opened in 1870, but not in the location you see today at Central Park. Nine years later, the current building opened and has been its home ever since, but like any home it has been subject to renovations, additions, and improvements for this growing family of art.

The collection is one of the greatest on Earth, which is why you absolutely cannot miss it. We recommend you take a tour of the MET since it will elevate your experience. Local guides in NYC are passionate and will save you from a less-than-awesome experience where you stare and wonder what you are looking at.

Also, check out our article on what to see at the MET . They are super-comprehensive but not meant to replace a tour. I find when I do background research on a museum, it becomes even more interesting when I actually explore with a guide.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a guided tour of the Met is worth it .

4. Walk the High Line

New York City’s High Line park is an abandoned railroad converted into a beautiful park full of plant life, built-in seating, food stalls, and incredible views.

The now incredibly famous park was once a bustling train line bringing goods into New York City. Originally it was on ground level, but there were far too many causalities that the city elected to elevate the tracks. Eventually, the trains became less popular with the integration of modern trucking. By the 60s, it was barely used at all and by 1983 there were plans to demolish it.

Plans to destroy the structure were met by progressive residents who wanted to see it used differently. Twenty years later in 2003, the project finally took flight, and in 2009, the first section opened up. Today, the park is 1.45 miles long with hundreds of plant species which makes it a much-needed break from the city inside the city. At one point, it was the most popular destination on Instagram.

Location and hours

3. The Vessel at Hudson Yards

This new and interesting art installation is all the jazz right now. It is a honeycomb series of staircases and platforms that is 16 stories tall and extremely mind-boggling. I visited this when it was first opened, and it’s a cool photo op for sure.

In just 20 minutes or so, you can walk from Little Island up the High Line and end up at the Vessel, which will be an artistic and cool afternoon full of exercise.

2. Go to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the United States and the values embodied here more than any other monument or statue in this land. It was most certainly a welcome site for immigrants coming to the United States through Ellis Island (which is usually part of your Statue of Liberty tour).

If you haven’t seen it in person, it’s massive and takes your breath away. There’s also a relatively new museum on the grounds to explore.

The Statue of Liberty is grouped into the category of “Colossal Statues” and the first on record was built in 280 BC in Rhodes. The Roman Emperor Nero, first century AD, also built a colossal statue in his own image in the valley where the Colosseum would later be erected. You’d never have guessed, but all three of these statues were about the same height!

The Statue of Liberty is far from the largest statue in the world today. This status is taken by the Statue of Unity in India which is over three times the size! However, the Statue of Liberty is arguably the most recognized statue on Earth, though it has close competition with Christ the Redeemer in Brazil.

We’ve put together all you need to know about how to visit the Statue of Liberty , plus things you’ll see there and at Ellis Island .

1. Pay Respects at Ground Zero – 9/11 Memorial

September 11, 2001, was a day that Americans will never forget, and it forever changed New York City. After the devastation was cleaned up from the site of the World Trade Center towers, a memorial was planned and built in much of the same space. A new One World Trade Center was also built on the same property, standing an appropriate 1,776 feet high.

Two memorial pools now sit where each building once stood to commemorate the victims and heroes of that day. The memorial is free to visit since it is an outdoor memorial with a glade of trees to visit and the FDNY Memorial Wall too.

That said, there is a museum and souvenir stand which generate revenue to support the memorial. In terms of things to do in NYC, a visit to Ground Zero is a must. If you want to stay near the memorial or Financial District, use our guide to the best hotels and even our favorite restaurants .

While you are there, definitely walk through the Oculus at the World Trade Center PATH station which connects 12 subway lines and is honestly one of the most beautiful subway stations on Earth. The station, according to NY Port Authority, serves over a million people every week.

Where to Stay in NYC

New York City is the center of the universe to those who adore this iconic city. Choose the best neighborhood to stay in as you plan your upcoming trip to the Big Apple.

About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

Reader Interactions

Comments (3).

November 7, 2021

Thanks for sharing these tips. I found these tips very helpful.

September 21, 2022

Great share. Enjoy reading it. This will really help with my first visit to NYC.

September 23, 2022

Fantastic! So glad you enjoyed the read and hope you love your trip to NYC.

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The Best Things to Do in New York City With the Whole Family

Famous sites, under-the-radar gems — we've got it all!

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

The one tip that nearly everyone on our team mentioned: Don't just hang out in Times Square. "It's calmer, cleaner and so much fun in other parts of Manhattan and other boroughs like Brooklyn and Queens," said one editor. After you see a Broadway show or two, head uptown or downtown to explore under-the-radar gems and popular tourist stops that are legit awesome. (Did you know there's a waterfall in NYC?)

The subway is the most cost-effective way to get around — and city kids often take it by themselves by the time they're in middle school. Buy each family member a $34 New York Metro Card that's good for unlimited rides for a week. Use Google Maps to help you navigate stops and stations; it's often pretty accurate about train times too. We hope to see you in NYC real soon!

Central Park

Location: Manhattan

You could visit Central Park every day on your NYC vacay, and still not see it all. The 843-acre oasis spans over 50 blocks. It's surrounded by skyscrapers and boasts 21 playgrounds, a zoo and a Swedish Cottage with Marionette shows. Wollman Rink is typically the go-to for ice skating, but for the summer, it has been transformed into a giant pickleball installation with 14 courts. Since it's easier to come and go to the park as you please if you stay in a nearby hotel, put Thompson Central Park New York , winner of a 2024 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award , on your radar when you're booking your trip.

Museum of the Moving Image

Location: Astoria, Queens

Another staff favorite, the Jim Henson exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image appeals to kids of all ages. "Younger kids can decorate a Muppet body with eyes and hair," says a Good Housekeeping editor. Meanwhile, older kids will enjoy the interactive stations where they can try their hand at ADR, foley effects, music cues or stop-motion animation. You might even luck out and go on a day when there's a kid-friendly screening.

American Girl Place

Location: Midtown Manhattan

Kids will love taking their dolls out to dinner at American Girl Place New York , which provides doll-size booster seats that attach to the table and a mini place setting so your child's doll can eat with the family. Dolls dine for free while a fun four-course menu is $27 per person — downright inexpensive by NYC standards. The experience is best for kids ages 3-12.

Broadway Shows

Location: Times Square

Broadway shows live up to the hype, so add one (or more!) to your list of must-dos if you have kids in elementary school or older. (While younger kids can attend, they may not be able to sit still for two-plus hours.) Wicked and Hamilton are wonderful all-around picks that please multiple generations. For something more edgy with teens and college-age kids, a Good Housekeeping team member highly recommends Sweeney Todd . "Bring your Playbill to the stage door after most Broadway shows and some of the cast will autograph it," she suggests.

Museum of Broadway

Book tickets to this fun, new attraction for before or after your Broadway performance. The Museum of Broadway is packed with famous costumes, props and other memorabilia from shows, including a retrospective of Broadway's longest-running show, Chicago . If you want to continue with the Broadway theme, have lunch or dinner at Gayle's Broadway Rose. The wait staff sings show tunes and the food is pretty good too!

Bryant Park

Bryant Park sits right outside the main branch of the New York Public Library, and its famous carousel only costs $4 to ride while the one in Central Park will set you back $10, noted one Good Housekeeping staff member. Depending on when you visit, you might run into jugglers or other entertainers in the park. From October to December, Bryant Park hosts a holiday market packed with fun food and handmade gifts for everyone on your list. And don't forget to pop into the library to see its amazing architecture. Tours are free, but space is limited, so be sure to register online . Stop for lunch at Bstro38 —a family-friendly restaurant that serves up American favorites in a casual atmosphere.

Governors Island

Location: A five-minute ferry ride away from the bottom of Manhattan

"Governors Island is the best picnic spot ever!" raved a Good Housekeeping staffer who has a 7-year-old. You can also rent bikes, climb a huge man-made hill, swing in a hammock grove or play on gigantic slides. In the winter, Governors Island also offers ice skating.

Statue of Liberty

Location: Liberty Island

You have a handful of options for seeing Lady Liberty on your trip. If you're in lower Manhattan, hop on the free 24-hour Staten Island Ferry (you don't even need a ticket) and on the way to Staten Island, you'll pass right by the statue. You can turn right around and come back if you want — expect the total trip to be 60 to 90 minutes. Or you could combine a boat ride to see the statue with dinner and book a memorable trip with City Experiences . "It's really magical at sunset," said one of our testers. If you want to climb up the Statue, take a ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan to Liberty Island. While you don't need an advance ticket to go inside the statue, you will need one to access the crown. Keep in mind that kids need to be at least 42 inches tall to visit the crown.

Greenacre Park

Location: Midtown Manhatten

A 25-foot waterfall in the middle of NYC? No way! Yes, it's real! "Almost always shady and cool, the park's cafe is a perfect place to grab a bite with the kids," says Beckman. You'll find this hidden gem at 51st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.

Harry Potter New York

Location: Flatiron District

Get a taste of the Wizarding World right in NYC! The Harry Potter store sells butterbeer, themed treats (chocolate frogs, here you come!) and tons of magical merch in a new-ish store near Madison Square Park. "We got our butter beer to go and drank it in the park," says an editor.

Nearby, you may also want to check out Eataly , an Italian marketplace with pizza, homemade pasta and gelato. If you're visiting on a weekend, stop by Chelsea Flea to check out the vintage clothes. "This area of Manhattan is also a great home base because it's far less crowded than Times Square and still has a lot of fun things to do," says one editor.

The Kimpton Hotel Eventi is a good pick, especially if you're traveling with your pet. In fact, in May, the hotel will offer a Moms & Mutts a "barkuterie board" with canine treats and a playdate with with Liza, the hotel's 20-pound Boston Terrier.

Major League Baseball Game

Location: The Bronx (Yankees) or Queens (Mets)

Take the kids out to the ballgame. At Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, kids can practice taking a swing at a mini baseball diamond behind the scoreboard in center field. Yankee Stadium also offers a play area for mini fans. Its Kids Clubhouse — filled with baseball-themed climbing structures — is located on the 300 level in centerfield. At both ballparks, you'll find some incredible food offerings like towering Grand Slam milkshakes at Yankee Stadium and fried chicken sandwiches that use glazed donuts as the bun at Citi Field.

The Elevated Acre

Location: Lower Manhattan

If you're walking around the Wall Street area with the kids (perhaps to see the 9/11 Memorial Museum) and need to find a quiet spot, head over to the Elevated Acre on 55 Water Street. Nestled on the terrace of a giant office building, it features a large lawn, amphitheater seating, a few winding tree-lined paths and spectacular views of the East River, Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge. "You can easily miss it," warns Beckman. "There is a small sign but it’s quite inconspicuous, and the escalators don’t look like they are for public usage. Look for the outdoor escalators set back from the sidewalk."

American Museum of Natural History

Location: Upper West Side of Manhattan

Dinosaur fans may never want to leave this incredible museum, which recently won a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award . The dino exhibit, which takes up an entire hall on the fourth floor, features 100 specimens and is mesmerizing. The American Museum of Natural History still requires timed-entry reservations to visit; book the earliest slot for the best chance at seeing the dinos without a lot of crowds. If you're planning to visit several NYC attractions on your trip, look into purchasing CityPASS , a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Awards winner. This bundled offering will save you money over buying individual admissions.

Todd Otterness Silver Towers Playground

Location: Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan

A sculpture actually doubles as a jungle gym at Todd Otterness Silver Towers Playground . Shaped like a seated human, it has slides for legs, seats for hands and arms that extend as climbing apparatuses. "It's a huge hit with kids as well as their art-loving parents," says Beckman. You'll find it on 41st Street between 11th and 12th Avenues; it's a great place to stop if you're walking back from the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum to Times Square.

Cornelia Street

Location: West Village

The Swifties in your family will want to walk by 23 Cornelia Street, a townhouse where the pop superstar lived in 2016, three years before releasing the song "Cornelia Street." Other spots mentioned in her songs include The High Line and Coney Island.

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55 Best Things To Do In NYC For Locals And Tourists

We've compiled the ultimate list of things every visitor and local should do in NYC at least once!

New York City is a one of a kind place, and whether you’re someone who’s lived here for years, or are visiting on vacation, we’ve created the ultimate list of things you have to do at least once! From visiting NYC’s most iconic landmarks to eating the best food out there, we’ve got a mix of “touristy” and “local” recommendations that we think everyone should try out during the week or on weekends ! Without further ado, here’s our list of the best things to do in NYC right now:

1. Grab tickets to The Orchid Show at NYBG

This year’s annual Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden has a fashion-forward twist that can’t be missed. In this year’s The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion show, three designers showcase the connection between florals and fashion…with there even being an “orchid runway.” It’s open now through April 21 , with tickets on sale now! Learn more about the exhibition here .

2. See the solar eclipse

April 8 marks the day that a once-in-a-life time solar eclipse will happen, and you can catch the astronomical phenomenon right here in NYC! Many observation decks , museums , and parks are hosting viewing parties and handing out free eclipse glasses. Check out all of the best solar eclipse events happening around NYC here .

3. Step into the prestigious Whitney Biennial

One of NYC’s longest running art exhibitions is back at The Whitney… and it’s the Whitney Biennial! This year’s theme is Even Better Than The Real Thing , and it features 71 different artists who explore the topic of finding the “ the real” in the age of AI , as well as explore the fluidity of identity and form . Learn more about the Whitney Biennial 2024 here .

4. Grab an underground slice at See No Evil Pizza

This brand new pizza spot hidden underneath a Midtown subway station is our newest best kept secret! See No Evil Pizza just opened on the concourse of the 50th Street 1 station , and it’s from the same team behind other subway spot Nothing Really Matters . Stop into the sit-down pizzeria and order up some food and wine next time you’re in the area…it’s so worth it.

Where: 210 W 50th St Concourse #1

5. Celebrate Black culture at The Met

Stop by The Met to check out their brand new exhibition , The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism . Its 160 works celebrates and depicts the era of the Harlem Renaissance, when many African Americans were migrating north during the 1920-40s and settling in NYC. Learn more about the exhibit here .

6. Have Korean fried chicken and champagne at COQODAQ

Have dinner at New York City’s trendiest restaurant COQODAQ in Flatiron. It opened just a few months ago, and it’s making its viral rounds on social media thanks to it’s mouth-watering Korean fried chicken, largest champagne list in America, and Instagram-friendly interior.

Where: 12 E 22nd St

7. Admire cherry blossoms in NYC

Spring is nearly here in NYC and that means the flowers are about to bloom! The city’s gorgeous cherry blossoms are a picturesque tell tale sign of the upcoming good weather…and they’re starting to pop up all over the city ( with some early sightings already in Central Park! ). Check out our favorite places to see cherry blossoms in NYC here .

8. A “The Masked Singer” exhibit at The Paley Museum

Are you fan of the TV show “The Masked Singer?” If so, stop by the Paley Center for Media and check out their new exhibit dedicated to the hit FOX show! You can get up close and personal with fan-favorites like Monster, Flamingo, and Gazelle…plus look at tons of video highlights, memorabilia, and photography from the show! It’s open now through May 19 . Learn more about the exhibit here .

9. Catch a Broadway show

From Lion King to Wicked, Broadway helms some of the best actors and actresses from around the globe! Housed in iconic theaters, these jaw-dropping productions are something to truly behold. Plus, you can find any kind of show you want. We’re talking anything from movie adaptations, to musicals, to comedies! There’s always off Broadway shows happening too, so there’s never a lack of entertainment.

10. Search for the best bagel in NYC

We’ll take a B.E.C please! Start your morning off in NYC with one of the most iconic breakfast items the city has to offer. Between the different types of bagels and the fix-ins inside that you can order, the opportunities are truly endless. You’ve got to see why the best bagels in NYC claim is undisputed.

11. Have a drink on a rooftop bar

Pinkies up, because we’re going to a rooftop bar! There’s arguably no better NYC activity than sipping on a signature cocktail from a rooftop bar. You get views, vibes, and great company! From SoHo , to Chelsea, to Williamsburg , and beyond, there’s so many places to sit back, relax, and enjoy a rooftop drink. Check out our favorite places here .

12. Walk through Central Park

NYC’s most iconic park is always full of things to do, especially right now! You can peep cherry blossoms, walk through strawberry fields, Visit the Central Park Zoo, and so much more.

13. Cross over the Brooklyn Bridge

Bask in the 19th century engineering that makes up the Brooklyn Bridge, which connects the borough to Manhattan! The 1.3 mile long bridge is the perfect place to stroll with your significant other, or take in some stunning NYC views (and maybe even catch some street performers along the way). If you start in Manhattan and end up in Brooklyn, you’ll even end up in DUMBO which has a lovely park, restaurants, and markets (like Brooklyn Flea).

14. Stroll through one of NYC’s best museums

NYC boasts some of the most iconic museums in the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, The Met, The Guggenheim , and so many more! You’ll find everything from Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” to Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory” if you look hard enough! Many museums are affordable, and even have free admission days too if you plan it right! Check out even more of our favorite museums to visit below:

• The Museum of Modern Art: 11 W 53 St
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1000 5th Ave
• Brooklyn Museum : 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn
• Whitney Museum of American Art : 99 Gansevoort St
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum : 1071 5th Ave
• American Museum of Natural History: 200 Central Park West

15. Pay homage at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Explore the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which documents the tragic events that happened in both 2001 and 1993. A vulnerable part of NYC’s history, this museum “tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts, presenting visitors with personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope.” Be sure to check out the Memorial Pools, as well as the fairly new Oculus Center at the nearby World Trade Center after!

16. Dine at one of NYC’s best restaurants

Humbly we have to admit, we have the best food around. And that means the best restaurants too. From Italian outposts to sushi joints , you can get just about any cuisine you’re craving. We’ve compiled our list of the absolute best restaurants in NYC for your viewing here .

17. Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty

Get up close and personal with Lady Liberty as you explore one of NYC’s most famous landmarks. Spend time walking around the pedestal of the statue, exploring the Statue of Liberty Museum, and investigating her crown (reservations required). Of course, the scenic boat ride out to Liberty Island is to be admired as well!

18. Grab a drink at one of NYC’s best bars

New York City is home to some of the world’s most renowned award-winning bars. We’re talking about everything from sophisticated cocktail bars  to dive bars with $5 beers. If you want to drink in style, NYC is the place to do it! From key lime cocktails at Double Chicken Please to pints of Guinness at McSorley’s , check out the best NYC bars right now .

19. Observe the skyline from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Another great sky deck to ascend into is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Here, you’ll find three levels of multi-sensory immersive experiences atop the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. The views of Empire State Building and the Chrysler building are amazing of course, and you’ll truly feel on top of the world.

20. Take in one-of-a-kind art exhibits in NYC

Alongside our great museums comes one-of-a-kind exhibits that showcase anything from immersive experiences to full-blown artist solo showcases. See works that range from paintings of Claude Monet to exclusive photos of Brooklyn rapper Biggie Smalls. Exhibits are constantly visiting the city, and you can check our favorites here .

21. See your favorite artist live in concert

Thanks to NYC’s prestigious music venues there are always so many concerts to be seen! Touring acts from all over the world make NYC feel like home, ranging in genre and size! You never who might be in town! Check out our monthly guide to see our hand-picked concerts happening in the Big Apple.

22. Walk on The High Line

If you’re looking for a nice walking path in NYC, check out this car-free walkway that runs 1.4 miles along Manhattan’s west side. The above ground walkway on old train paths includes all sorts of gardens, public outdoor art installations , cool building views, and more! Plus, there’s always good food and art galleries to see near Chelsea along the way!

23. Get buzzed at brunch

Brunch is the perfect weekend activity, year-round, and is literally the answer to any “What should we do this weekend?”.  Some of our favorite places to get brunch include:

• Wicked Willy’s, Greenwich Village
• Mojave, Astoria
• Ainslie, Williamsburg
• Beatstro, Bronx

See more of our favorite spots here .

24. Take in a stunning concert by candlelight

We bet you’ve never seen a concert like this before! Concerts by Candlelight is a series of music events around NYC dedicated to certain themes of music, played in gorgeously candlelit venues. The multi-sensory musical experience brings orchestras into beautiful places…playing out themed-nights that range from Taylor Swift to Frank Sinatra! See all of the events coming up here .

25. Attend a live TV show taping

Who knew that many of TV’s awesome shows are filmed right here in New York City?! And the best part…they’re free! Shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show , Saturday Night Live , and so many more are filmed live right here in NYC, and you can be part of the studio audience! It’s such a great experience and you can learn about how to get tickets here .

26. Laugh the night away at an NYC comedy show

The beauty of NYC’s comedy clubs is having the potential to see famous comedians before they blow up! New York’s most famous spots like Gotham Comedy Club and the Comedy Cellar are institutions by now, but there are so many “underground” places you can stumble into for a laugh as well. It’s a perfect date night or a lovely alternative to dinner or clubbing .

27. Devour an authentic slice of NYC pizza

Attempt to end the longest lasting debate in NYC food scene history: the best slice of pizza. You’ll definitely have to visit the landmark spots like Prince Street Pizza and John’s of Bleecker Street before you get to your final answer, but it’s a great adventure to go on! Divide and conquer by neighborhood, or take our recommendations for a test spin and let us know what you think!

28. Refine your tastebuds at a Michelin-starred restaurant

If you’re a food connoisseur, don’t be shy to dive into NYC’s diverse restaurant scene! Our cuisine is award-winning and Michelin-recognized, ranging from elegant chef tasting menus to suit and tie wait staff. If you’re willing to shell out some money for a world-class dining experience, New York is the place to do it. Check out our favorite Michelin-star restaurants right now here .

29. Lay out on Manhattan’s first ever public beach

This beautiful beachfront only opened in the fall, so New Yorkers didn’t get much time to fully enjoy the sun & sand right on the west side of Manhattan. It’s definitely going to be a hot spot (no pun intended) in summer of 2024. Learn more about the beach here .

30. Go shopping at an NYC street fair

New York City’s street fairs and festivals are just the niche thing we love about the city. Looking to do some shopping? Bored and want something to do? From farmer’s markets to food festivals to the old fashioned street fair, there’s so many pop-up happenings to bookmark. Check out some upcoming fairs here !

31. View Times Square at night

We know this is a little controversial…but we couldn’t make our list complete without the legendary sights of Times Square. The astonishing crampedness of crowds, street performers, and massive billboards makes the illuminating square one of the most recognizable spots in all of NYC! Immerse yourself in the flashing lights, take a seat on the famous steps, and snap a few pictures of the famous strip. Don’t forget about the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop that takes place every year too!

32. Go out dancing at an NYC nightclub

NYC is ranked the 2nd best city in America for nightlife, and it’s all because of the city’s lively night clubs. From aesthetic upscale lounges like Little Sister to house and techno outposts in Brooklyn like Elsewhere , there’s so many great places to dance the night away. Check out our favorite nightclubs in NYC here .

33. Elevate to the Top of the Rock

Might we recommend going to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, because it quite possibly has the best aerial view of NYC! Of course there are a ton of people who choose the Empire State Building’s observation deck as preference, but Top of the Rock is just as good AND you get the ESB view in your skyline shot!

34. See animals at an NYC zoo

Take a step onto the wild side and visit one of NYC’s zoos, including The Bronx Zoo , the world’s largest metropolitan zoo in North America. Each zoo comes complete with a range of animals, exhibits, activities, and more! It’s the perfect way to spend a day with kids , or to just see some animals you wouldn’t normally see!

35. Read a book at a gorgeous NYC library

Read a book and cozy up at the gorgeous New York Public Library in Midtown. It’s the perfect peaceful escape for when you want to just relax and take some self-care time. The stunning corridors are something to behold, and the library of available readings seem endless. Remember, that’s only one of the many beautiful libraries there are in NYC!

36. Admire Grand Central Terminal

No matter whether you’re taking a train from the iconic station, or just want to feel like the main character of a movie, we suggest spending a second at Grand Central. Take a moment to admire the stunning artwork on the ceiling, shop and dine to your heart’s content, and learn the history of one of NYC’s most iconic transit landmarks!

37. Go shopping around SoHo

NYC is home to just about any retail store you can think of, especially in SoHo where the famous streets of Canal St, Prince St, and more reign home to flagships of the world’s most popular brands. For our shopaholics, spending a both shopping and window shopping in SoHo is definitely worth it. Odds are you’ll probably stumble into a few local NYC businesses too.

38. Check out Governors Island

If you’re looking for a little day trip idea, head to Governors Island…a sweet little getaway that has some lovely restaurants, attractions, and view of the Manhattan skyline! The island is maintained by the city, state and the National Park Service, so it’s well-groomed and perfect to explore. You can ride bikes , hit up the QCNY Spa , dine at Gitano Island , and so much more. Learn more here .

39. Admire the skyline from EDGE

Nothing beats viewing the skyline of the Concrete Jungle quite like an observation deck , and EDGE is one of our favorites. Ascend high above skyscrapers and take in the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, NYC waters, and so much more. For our adventurous folks, they even have a “City Climb” program where you can scale the skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above the ground!

🏙️ Buy your tickets to EDGE here!

40. Eat and drink your way through Little Caribbean

If you want to feel like a local, take our secret recommendation of checking out the Little Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn. It’s a Flatbush-based cultural hub that’s full of different restaurants, bars, art, and local businesses. Not only are you supporting local, but you’ll also be treating yourself to some of the most authentic Caribbean cuisine in all of NYC! Check out our favorite things in the area here .

41. Watch a sports game

Feeling sporty?! Check out one of NYC’s sports teams that are in season. In the NFL, the New York Giants and New York Jets are currently playing their football at MetLife Stadium through the new year! Meanwhile, you can check out the Brooklyn Net s at Barclays Center or the New York Knicks and New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden !

42. Explore Chinatown

Chinatown is one of NYC’s most popular downtown neighborhoods, and for good reason. Stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy authentic Asian cuisine at Chinatown restaurants , with everything you could possibly want, from dim sum to dumplings to noodles. Visiting during Lunar New Year is always an exciting time as well, since it’s decked out in decor and vibes.

43. Go on a cruise around NYC waters

All aboard the (arguably) best means of transportation around NYC! Thanks to our bodies of water, there are so many great cruises happening that you should be capitalizing on! From food tasting tours to standard dinner outings, there’s a little something for everyone. Check out some of our favorites below and grab tickets before it’s too late:

Cruise around Statue of Liberty & Manhattan Skyline

City Lights Cruise

• NYC Sunset Cruise Party

Even more options here .

44. Cozy into a hidden speakeasy

Think you might know the password? Test your luck at one of NYC’s hidden speakeasies, which offer dark and intimate sessions away from the hustling backdrop of NYC. These places often have great cocktails, aesthetically pleasing decor, and a sense of mystique around them. We’re talking everything from a secret speakeasy under the subway to a bar designed as a locksmith and shoe repair shop !

45. Have a picnic at an NYC park

Grab a blanket, some food, and friends, and lay out in one of NYC’s parks for a picnic! It’s a lovely activity to do in the warmer months and is a great alternative to going out to eat. We of course suggest Central Park as a main attraction, but there are tons of other parks and secret gardens to cozy into!

46. Take in the West Side Highway

The West Side Highway has become one of our favorite places recently, and that’s because there is always so much happening! For the athletic type, plan your biking or running route alongside the Hudson River Greenway, and for everyone else, plop a seat in the green grass to enjoy some people watching and waterfront views!

47. View street art around NYC

NYC’s street art culture is abundant, and between colorful murals on walls, big bold writing on subway cars, and spray painted words on sidewalks and streets, it’s evident that anything can be a canvas here in New York City! Our insider tip is checking out the Bushwick neighborhood in Brooklyn where much of the art lies, but there are many works scattered around the Big Apple to gaze at.

48. Revel in beautiful architecture at The Met Cloisters

The Met Cloisters is a museum in Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights that specializes in European medieval art and architecture, with a focus on the Romanesque and Gothic periods, and it’s the only museum in the country dedicated to the art of the Middle Ages . Here you’ll feel like you were on a trip to Europe! Read more about it here.

Where:  99 Margaret Corbin Dr.

49. Catch a game at one of NYC’s best sports bars

Hanging out at a sports bar on game day is vital to our society  and when game day arrives we need three things: a rowdy place to catch the game at, good food in front of us, and an ice cold drink by our side. No matter what sport you’re into, four of our fav sports bars in NYC are:

• The Irish American, FiDi
• The Whiskey On Grand, Williamsburg
• The Bronx Public, The Bronx
• Smithfield Hall NYC, Chelsea

See six more of our favorites here .

50. Score the best happy hour deals

There’s not much New Yorkers love more than eating and drinking with friends, and considering it’s so expensive to live in New York City we’ll take all the deals we can get . That’s where happy hour comes in! Lido in Harlem offers $5 beers and $7 wine and sangria at their happy hour. And they extend this happy hour to their bites, serving up some $9 items like creamy garlic bread and fried calamari.

51. Have all the fun for free

The one downside to New York City is how expensive it is and how quickly a night out can break the bank. But, even though it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are loads of completely FREE things to do . Here are some free things we think you must take advantage of:

• Join a walking tour, like the ones offered by Central Park Conservancy
• Play tennis at Hudson River Park
• See a live TV show taping
• Tour the Ample Hills ice cream factory/museum  in Brooklyn

Our full list of the best free things to do in NYC can be found here .

52. Eat at the brand new Din Tai Fung

This Michelin-starred Taiwanese chain is already hugely popular in other areas of the U.S., and it’s finally coming to the East Coast this spring, taking over part of Paramount’s 48-story office in Midtown. It will be a whopping 26,000 square feet , and will of course feature their Michelin Star-rated Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings and noodles. Learn more about the opening here !

53. Dine at a waterfront restaurant

Only in New York City can you grab a table at a waterfront restaurant with lovely skyline views. We’re talking everything from a floating Mexican restaurant to picnic tables right along the East River. Check out all our favorite waterfront spots here .

54. Partake in family-friendly activities

If you’re looking for something to do with kids, look no further! NYC is chalk full of family-friendly activities that include hands-on museums, pickleball classes, and a whole lot more! Check out our favorite things to do in NYC with kids here !

55. Spend a rainy NYC day the right way

Rainy days often make us want to stay inside and hide under the covers, but when it comes to New York City there’s definitely  something romantic about a rainy day . If you’re brave enough to venture out into the rainy streets, here are some suggestions of what you can do:

• Golf at Chelsea Piers
• See a movie
• Head to this indoor adventure park in Brooklyn

Find some more suggestions here .

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The best New York tourist attractions that locals love

From historical sites to lush gardens and art museums, these are the New York tourist attractions that locals also adore

Gothamites may loathe having to constantly dodge slow-moving tourists on the streets, but in the end, we love many of the same New York tourist attractions that sightseers do (admit it). We compiled our top must-visit spots below, and the good news is there are so many great things to do in NYC today that there’s plenty of the city to go around. And don’t worry, we can still keep the best art shows and best restaurants  to ourselves…maybe.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best New York attractions

An email you’ll actually love

Best New York tourist attractions

1.  Empire State Building

• Monuments and memorials
• Midtown West

2.  Central Park

• Parks and gardens
• Central Park

3.  The Statue of Liberty

• Liberty Island

4.  One World Observatory

• Towers and viewpoints
• Financial District

5.  Chrysler Building

• Civic buildings
• Midtown East

6.  The High Line

7.  Rockefeller Center

• Things to do

You’ll find plenty of iconic New York sites in this multiblock complex: The ground level is home to the Rock's famed ice-skating rink, the bronze Atlas statue and the Today show plaza. Higher up, Top of the Rock rivals the Empire State Building in panoramic city views, and you can inspect the Art Deco murals that appear in several buildings. Don’t miss the triptych above the outdoor entrance to 5 Rockefeller Center or the rinkside Prometheus statue; both purportedly contain secret Freemason symbols. 

8.  Bronx Zoo Wildlife Conservation Society

• Zoo and aquariums

9.  New York Botanical Garden

10.  Flushing Meadows–Corona Park

Looking for more things to do in nyc.

Check out the 101 best things to do in NYC

Discover the best things to do in NYC with the ultimate insider's guide to restaurants, bars, clubs, museums and more

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The 29 Best Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan

Here's everything you need to know about midtown manhattan.

Midtown Manhattan has endless skyscrapers, full sidewalks, and the streets are filled with honking and bicyclists swerving in and out of traffic. This part of the city attracts countless tourists daily to New York City’s most famous landmarks and unique attractions such as the Empire State Building , SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the Chrysler Building. 

You may also like:

The 32 best hotels in midtown manhattan, things to do in manhattan.

• Shopping New York

People are drawn to the bright lights of Times Square and are easily inspired by the energizing aura of the city. Exploring Midtown is on every to-do list for the New York City vacationer. Fifth Avenue is arguably the most popular shopping street which is filled with tourists and locals every day. Don’t be surprised if you run into a celebrity as well.

What you need to do, see and eat in Midtown Manhattan, I’ll tell you in my ultimate Midtown Manhattan Guide!

By the way:  If you don’t have that much time check out this amazing New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour .

Table of Contents

My TOP 5 Things to do in Midtown Manhattan

You won’t be able to explore all of Midtown in one day. There’s simply too much to experience and a lot of it can be time-consuming. Below are the absolute things to do in this part of the city.

• Empire State Building by Night
• Bryant Park
• Shopping at 5th Avenue
• Enjoy breath-taking views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
• Visit the bright lights of Times Square

Where is Midtown Manhattan located?

Don’t let the term midtown confuse you! Midtown Manhattan describes on the one hand the whole area from 14th Street to 59th Street (at Central Park) and includes more than 10 neighborhoods like Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, the Theatre District and the Flatiron District . Below Midtown Manhattan begins Downtown Manhattan , with Uptown Manhattan bordering it to the north.

At the same time, Midtown is also a neighborhood within the Midtown Manhattan area.

Here you find a map of Midtown Manhattan

How to Get To Midtown Manhattan

• Metro: It really depends where in Midtown Manhattan you would like to visit. All of the trains go right into the city. For main locations such as Time Square, take the 7   N Q R W A C E or the 1 2 3 . If you want to go to Grand Central, you can take the 7   S , or the 4 5 6 . For Bryant Park, you can take the 7 and the B D F M lines.
• Hop on Hop Off Bus : Stop 1 to 4, 14 and 15 of the downtown loop of BIG BUS (“Union Square”) or stop 1 to 5 of the downtown loop of Gray Line Sightseeing (“Union Square”). Here you find more about Hop on Hop off in NYC . My tip: the tickets for the buses are included in many of the New York City passes – which one is the best for you, you can see in my Pass Comparison for New York !

🥇 Look no further: That‘s the only New York Travel Guide you need (300+ pages and 700+ reviews on Amazon)

Check out our preview here .

The 29 Best Things To Do in Midtown Manhattan

There are so many things to do in Midtown Manhattan that it would be impossible for someone to go through all the attractions in just one day. With so many NYC attractions, tours, and sights, it would take multiple days and maybe even multiple visits to the city. With that being said, it’s ok if you don’t get to experience everything.

Enjoy Live-Music at Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. Its construction was completed in 1930 after a close race with the Chrysler Building. The 86th floor of the 102 story building serves as an observation desk that gives you a stunning view of the city.

When? Thursday to Saturday, 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bryant Park: Have a good time in my favorite park in Midtown Manhattan

Bryant Park is located right in central Manhattan and is a quiet oasis between 40th and 42nd Street. Bryant Park is right in the cetner of Midtown Manhattan between 40th and 42nd Street, yet it still lends you the peace and quiet you need to get away for a few moments from the bustling city. With many small cafés dotted throughout the park this is the perfect place to unwind or relax when the weather is nice. The large meadow in the middle of the park is often used for sunbathing or reading.

In the winter, Bryant Park ice skating is popular as the green lawn turns into an ice rink and the pathways become the Bryant Park Winter Village . Here, you’ll find many holiday vendors that sell holiday ornaments, souvenirs, and food. And if you’re in New York this summer , don’t miss the free movie screenings in Bryant Park!

Insider Tip: In addition to winter markets, there are certain days of the year that the city closes certain streets to make way for NYC street fairs. You’ll be able to buy food from local vendors and pop-up shops also make an appearance.

New York Public Library

You’ve probably seen the iconic library from movies and photos. The beautiful New York Public Library is located right next to Bryant Park. As one of the most popular libraries in the United States, it is not only a destination for students, professors, or bookworms, but many New York visitors come to the public library to see this impressive building. For us, the old building, the smell of the books, and the silence make this place magical.

You will find it at 42nd Street 5th Avenue, right next to Bryant Park . Just like the park, the library is a great way to escape the sounds of the metropolis. In many films, the Public Library has already stood out. Many will recognize it from the hit series and movie  Sex and the City .

The NYPL is a popular wedding venue as well. In the summer months, you will most likely see a wedding couple. Incidentally, the library has also secured a place in our top 10 for true New York insiders. At the Public Library, you have free Wi-Fi and also find clean toilets. Trust us. Clean toilets are very difficult to come by in New York City.

Top of the Rock

New York has numerous amounts of observation decks. One of the viewing platforms that is very popular is Top of the Rock and is arguably one of the best out of the five. From the top of the skyscraper, you’ll have the iconic view of the Empire State Building and the One World Observatory in the background. It’s a must-visit in New York.

Experience New York by Night with this awesome bus tour (really!!)

The night tours by bus are quite unique, because you can experience the “city that never sleeps” at night. New York at night is really cool, everything lights up and looks completely different than during the day. This tour is narrated by a guide and takes you to the best sights and attractions of the area. You will pass Times Square and many other iconic places at night.

One Vanderbilt The Summit: the newest attraction in Midtown Manhattan

The New York City skyline is one of the most famous and recognizable skylines in the world. It’s a city filled with skyscrapers and tall buildings. In most recent years, it has been expanding which made way for new observation decks. The newest observation deck is located at the top of the One Vanderbilt Building and is called The Summit. This deck is the second-highest outdoor deck in NYC which follows the Edge and has been open since October 2021.

Explore Midtown Manhattan by boat

This Circle Line cruise will take you past NYC’s most famous attractions and landmarks. You will head past the Statue of Liberty, the One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, amd much much more. If you are looking to explore Manhattan from the water and learn some of the history of NYC at the same time, this is definitely the cruise for you. At a lenght of approximately 1.5 hours, this cruise will take you half way around the Island of Manhattan as well as once around the Statue of Liberty for the ultimate photo opportunity.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

This museum provides you with 630,000 square feet of art. You could easily spend more than a whole day here and was recently renovated. One of the pieces you’ll find here is the famous Starry Night painting by Van Gogh.

Recommended: The Best Museums in NYC

Enjoy Skyline Views at the Bateaux Dinner Cruise

Forget trying to snag a hard-to-get reservation at New York’s hottest restaurants du jour. Instead, indulge in a delicious 3-course dinner during the cruise on an all-glass boat around New York City that offers you an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty and other famed sites. As a live pianist plays relaxing music for you, take in the immense view of one of the world’s great cities, and enjoy a delicious pre-set dinner by the on-board executive chef. Upgrade to enjoy a romantic or first class VIP experience including a private table and French sparkling wine.

Recommended:

• Best Dinner Cruises in NYC
• Best Lunch Cruises in NYC
• Best Brunch Cruises in NYC
• Best Jazz Cruises in NYC

Macy's Herald Square: Go Shopping at one of Midtown Manhattan's most famous stores

This is the flagship of Macy’s department stores and it shows! At over 2100ft² this is the biggest department store in the USA! The 10 floors of shopping space have developted into a NYC icon for shopping over the past 150 years and as soon as you set foot through its doors, you will see why.

Get goosebumps on a helicopter ride over Midtown Manhattan

The Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour takes you on an areial tour over Manhattan and its many attractions. You wont forget the view of NYC from above or the feeling of flying high above the skyscrapers any time soon. Especially for those of you who like taking photos, this is a guaranteed way to secure some amazing shots of the NYC skyline.

Recommended: The Best Helicopter Tours in NYC

Have a beer in our favorite Irish Pub in NYC: Connolly's in Midtown Manhattan

The bar Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant is an Irish pub like it is in the book and is for me one of the best pubs in New York. A huge, rustic bar, lots of colourful taps and tons of good whiskey immediately attract attention. The kitchen is also excellent. The burgers are a blast!

Ride the NYC Ferry from Hell's Kitchen!

For the locals, the New York Ferry or NYC Ferry is one of the most important means of transport when it comes to reliability and speed. Unfortunately, the subway is always a problem, which is why you sometimes never know exactly if it is running and if so when. Not so with the NYC Ferry – and the best? For $3 you can take a really great boat tour along the East River!

And since August 2021 there is a brand-new route that connects Hell’s Kitchen with Staten Island! Just head to Pier 79 at W 39th Street and enjoy the 35 minutes ride!

Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is one of the many landmarks of the city. The architecture makes it so unique and recognizable. Yet, it was not supposed to look like this at all and was only created because the founder wanted to have the title of the tallest building in the world.

Learn more about the famous Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center and its observation deck are usually mentioned in the same breath as the Empire State Building. Billionaire John D. Rockefeller Jr. took down 228 properties in the middle of Manhattan to build a city within the city in the 1930s. Fourteen skyscrapers were part of this huge complex, including the General Electric Building, Radio City Music Hall, the Christie Auction House, and the NBC television station.

Rockefeller Center spans three blocks between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue), West 47th Street and 52nd Street. With a height of 259.1m, the GE Building is the highest of the building complex. During the holiday season when the famous Christmas tree is set up, Rockefeller Center is bombarded with foot traffic.  Top of the Rock is well worth the visit.

You can explore the famous Rockefeller Center with this tour! The guided tour includes your own headset through which you will be able to hear your guide tell you everything about the history the work and architecture of the building.

Go (Window) Shopping at 5th Avenue

5th Avenue is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world and a must-see if you want to go shopping in New York! Fifth Avenue starts right at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village and goes all the way to 143rd Street in Harlem. The length of 5th Avenue is over 11 kilometers – you will need about 2.5 hours on foot.

Visit the Museum of Mathematics (no joke!)

In New York, a museum has been set up for every area and every topic – so there is also one about our “favourite school subject”. The Museum of Mathematics (MoMAth) deals with mathematics (obviously) and shows its visitors that math is very much all around us. And it shows its visitors that mathematics can also be fun (really!). From algebra to geometry, everything is covered.

Let you guide you through Midtown Manhattan with this bus tour

The tour in an open double-decker is one of the best and most convenient ways to explore New York! As part of the tour, you will see well-known landmarks such as the famous Empire State Building and the new One World Trade Center.

Have Lunch at the United Nations Headquarter

The four-building skyscraper complex on the East River, built between 1949 and 1953, is home to the United Nations and also the headquarters for UN agencies such as Unesco and Unicef. In 1946, when the United Nations was looking for a place to build its new headquarters in New York, it was originally planned to be built on the grounds of the 1939 World’s Fair at Flushing Meadow Park in Queens.

But when a project called X-City on the eastern border of Manhattan failed, John D. Rockefeller Jr. bought the seven-acre property and donated it to the United Nations. The entire area has been declared an international territory and is not officially part of the United States. The United Nations Plaza has a public park on the East River and is peppered with works of art donated from various countries. It includes “Swords to Plowshares” by Yevgeny Vuchetich, from the Soviet Union in 1959, and a section of the Berlin Wall.

In front of the UN headquarters, the flags of each member country are lined up on First Avenue – starting with Afghanistan on 48th Street to Zimbabwe on 42nd Street. 

Our insider tip: Have lunch in the United Nations Headquarters and have lunch with the UN staff (sneakers are not allowed)!

230 Fifth Avenue Rooftop Bar

230 Fifth is arguably the most famous rooftop bar in New York City. It is well known for its stunning views of the Empire State Building great cocktails and large outside seating area. Whether in summer or winter, the 230 Fifth is always a good idea. The sunset is always enchanting and in the winter cuddled under blankets and heated mushrooms has also something to sit.

Recommended:  The 43 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC  and the Best Rooftop Bars in Midtown Manhattan

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Midtown Manhattan is also home to famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral.   The neo-Gothic church of stone and marble was consecrated in 1879 to the patron saint of the Irish. It can occupy up to 2,500 people to find peace at any time of the day. It is the eleventh largest church in the world and the largest neo-Gothic style cathedral in the United States. The slender towers rise almost majestically to a height of over 100 metres. and offers an impressive retreat in the middle of 5th Avenue.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral New York City is the most breathtaking ecclesiastical building in New York!

FAO Schwarz in New York

FAO Schwarz is unlike any other toy store and a great destination in NYC this holiday season. Take your kids or just feel like a kid again when you enter the amazing collection of unique toys and life-sized stuffed animals.

FAO Schwarz is the oldest toy store in the United States and with its location right in front of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, it’s something you don’t want to miss this holiday season in New York. Don’t miss the famous clock on the stairs. Also, you can play “The Big Piano” on the floor (known from the movie “Big”).

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is located close to  Fifth Avenue  and therefore great for shopping. The largest train station in the world is also the most visited building in New York. It’s walking distance from the  Empire State Building , the Chrysler Building and  Rockefeller Center.  Every day, 750,000 people pass New York’s most famous station.

Here is a little tip. Look up at the ceiling while you’re in the terminal. The ceiling has been painted mirror-inverted. The reason: the painter had kept the card upside down! Its official version, of course, was that it was wanted and the view was not painted from below, but from the perspective of God – that is, from above.

M&M's World

Beware, danger of addiction! You will find nothing but colourful treats from M&M’s on several floors. Almost every colour is there and you can choose freely from all M&M’s. How? It’s very easy: in huge transparent plexiglass tubes you can see the varieties, which can then be easily filled into bags. The thing you will hear most is something like “Come on, I want to try some of that!”

Apple Store 5th Ave

The Apple Store in New York is an institution and is on the shopping list of many. The first thing that comes to mind is the Apple Flagship Store on 5th Avenue in Central Park – the glass cube with the illuminated Apple symbol is very much at the forefront of design.

Refinery Rooftop

A very small rooftop bar very close to Bryant Park with a nice view of the Empire State Building is the Refinery Rooftop from the Refinery Hotel. This two-story rooftop bar in Midtown isn’t particularly large, but it certainly has its appeal due to the combination of location and quality of the cocktails. 

Visit the world-famous Theater District in New York and see a Broadway Show

Broadway is the mecca of this type of entertainment and it’s located here right here in Midtown. New York Broadway shows thrills the masses and it’s considered the birthplace of the late 18th-century musical. Musicals that are shown in New York are long-term box-office hits, such as the Phantom of the Opera , as well as modern pieces, such as Disney’s Aladdin  or  the Lion King . What’s unique are the many old theaters in which the shows are performed, which gives Broadway a special charm and ambiance.

Every year, Broadway brings in new shows to give it a refresh. It is often decided within a few weeks whether the production will remain on Broadway or will be discontinued. If the numbers do not perform as expected, the shows will be replaced. For example, the musical Rocky, or Spiderman were replaced.

Tickets for one of the musicals are always a great gift idea when you’re on vacation to New York. Every show is always well attended and often sold out. Our personal favorite is the show, Aladdin. People of all ages will enjoy this musical. Also, there’s this thing called Broadway Week where they offer discounted prices for shows!

Recommended: The Best Broadway Shows in NYC

Madison Square Garden - All Access Tour

Midtown Manhattan is home to probably the most iconic stadium in the world. Madison Square Garden (MSG) , nicknamed “The Garden” bills itself as the “world’s most famous arena” and arguably so. MSG is home to the New York Knicks , the New York Rangers , and was once home to the WNBA team, NY Liberty. Just to give you perspective on how famous this arena is, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier fought here and was dubbed “The Fight of the Century”.

Aside from sporting events, the arena has hosted some of the biggest shows and celebrities in the world. From Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston to Jay-Z and Drake, every major talent has performed here. Whoever performs here is a bonafide celebrity.

Personally, we have attended several New York Knicks games and the atmosphere in the arena is always great – even for those who are not into basketball, it is always an experience. New York is considered the “Mecca of basketball”. We also experienced several Rangers games and was also very exciting!!

What is Midtown Manhattan known for?

Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan are the main areas of NYC where tourists visit. Everything is there, from attractions, tours all the way to your shopping experience. In Midtown NYC you can find the Empire State Building , Grand Central Station , the world-renown Macy’s department store, and more. Because there are so many things to do in this part of New York City, we wanted to filter out all of the noise so your trip is easier to navigate and you can focus on the best of the best.

Best Attractions in Midtown Manhattan

Many of New York’s major New York attractions  are located in this part of Manhattan so make sure to add them to you travel itinerary. Below are a few more attractions and museums in Midtown Manhattan we recommend.

01 Central Park

Central Park spans from Midtown Manhattan all the way up to Harlem. There are about 340 hectares of land and is a popular meeting place for New Yorkers. With about 35 million visitors per year, the man-made park is an attraction not only for tourists. New Yorkers love Central Park and its tranquility. Many events are held here such as the NYC Marathon. There are also tons of green spaces, walking lanes, and bike lanes. Central Park is home to Sheep’s Meadow, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Zoo, and many other things as well.

02 Central Park in Winter

Central Park should not be missing from any Things to Do in New York in winter! The green lung of the city turns into a true winter wonderland during the cold season. It is therefore also a popular destination for New Yorkers. Stroll through the park under snow-covered trees and let yourself be enchanted by the play of lights on the frozen water surfaces in the evening.

Walking through Central Park in the cold is magical! If there’s snow, it’s even more amazing.

If you want to be more adventurous, start in Harlem and walk down Central Park towards Midtown. Too often we catch ourselves starting on Fifth Avenue at the Plaza Hotel in Central Park. There is so much more to explore than just that part of Central Park.

03 American Radiator Building

Located just off Bryant Park, the American Radiator Building is the building with the striking black granite and gold facade. It was built in the late 1920s and has typical Art Deco features, such as vertical lines, abstract patterns and ornate ornaments.

04 Beekman Tower

Designed by John Mead Howells, the Beekman Tower (also known as the Panhellenic Tower) was built between 1927 and 1928. The Art Deco skyscraper is located at the corner of First Avenue and East 49th Street in Midtown Manhattan and has a total of 26 floors.

The building was designed with many setbacks and bevels at the corners. The sculptural ornaments in Art Deco style with Gothic influences are designed by Rene Paul Chambellan. Since 1998, the Beekman Tower is officially one of the landmarks of New York City.

05 Belasco Theatre

The Belasco Theatre is one of the oldest theaters in New York. It opened back in 1907 under the name Stuyvesant Theatre. The expensive construction was financed by entrepreneur David Belasco, who gave it his own name three years later.

One of the greatest actors of our time, Marlon Brando, was discovered here when he played a leading role in the play Truckline Cafe in 1964. In 2019, the film The Irishman by Martin Scorcese premiered here when the theater became a movie theater, and the film was screened for a month.

06 Broadway Theatre

The Broadway Theatre is one of the very few theaters in New York that is actually on Broadway. It has had an eventful past, has had four other names, and has been the setting for many famous musicals, such as Evita, Les Misérables, King Kong, and, most recently, West Side Story.

Opened on December 24, 1924, it is recognizable from afar as the “Broadway Theatre,” with letterings that extend from the first to the seventh floor of the building.

07 Bryant Park

Bryant Park is located right in central Manhattan and is a quiet oasis between 40th and 42nd Street. Bryant Park is right in the cetner of Midtown Manhattan between 40th and 42nd Street, yet it still lends you the peace and quiet you need to get away for a few moments from the bustling city. Withg many small cafés dotted throughout the park this is the perfect place to unwind or relax when the weather is nice.

08 Bryant Park Film Festival

One of the best things to do in July in New York is visiting the free Bryant Park Film Festival and picnic performances in Bryant Park. In the heart of Manhattan , people gather in the summer months with blankets and chairs they’ve brought themselves to relax at the outdoor movie theater and concerts by the New York Philharmonics. Bryant Park is just under a 5 minute walk from Times Square , surrounded by tall trees, so it’s a bit secluded from the rest, but you’re still in the middle of it all: Awesome!

09 Bryant Park Studios

Just off Bryant Park, next to the New York Public Library, is another Beaux Arts-style building: Bryant Park Studios. Like many others on this list, it is an official historic landmark.

It is an office building with some space that can be booked for exhibitions. Bryant Park Studios opened in 1901, and the architect was Charles Alonzo Rich, who designed it in the Beaux Arts style with his architectural firm Lamb & Rich.

Just a few steps from here stands the American Radiator Building, which is one of the most beautiful Art Deco buildings in New York City.

10 Chelsea Piers

All sports fans should definitely go to the Chelsea Piers – these include Piers 59, 60 and 61 between 17th and 23rd Street. The complex consists of bowling alleys, climbing walls, fitness studios, basketball courts, an ice skating and skating rink and an indoor swimming pool.

11 Chrysler Building Observation Deck

It was discussed for a long time and now it has finally become reality: The Chrysler Building is to get an observation deck! This is to be built on the 61st floor and transform the current north and south terrace into an observation deck with a view over Midtown, the East River and One Vanderbilt Summit.

12 Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is the most famous attraction in New York City. When most people think of NYC, this landmark is usually the first thing that pops into their head. It’s an iconic skyscraper and has been arguably the face of the city. It should definitely be a part of every trip to the city since it features two observation decks! Here’s a fun fact: The Empire State Building even has its own zip code! (NY 10118)

Almost every attraction and tour in Midtown Manhattan are included in one of the New York City passes. So you can easily and quickly save up to 70% – how does it work?

You can see that in my ultimate 👉   New York Pass comparison , here you can see my personal 👉   New York Pass Reviews after more than 20 visits to New York and our free New York Pass Advisor answers the question: “ Which New York Pass is the best? ”

Compare New York Passes

Best Guided Tours in Midtown Manhattan

Most tours in NYC start right here in Midtown Manhattan, which makes sense of course since a lot of the attractions are in the vicinity. These range from Hop-on Hop-off bus tours , going up to NYC observation decks to touring buildings such as Radio City Music Hall or Madison Square Garden . You’ll have numerous amounts of options so it really depends on your time and schedule.

Here are our favorite tours below.

01 Food on Foot Tours

This is one of the best ways to discover the culinary highlights of NYC! Taking you around the city to explore the best of the best in terms of food, this award winning tour is an excellent way to explore the taste of different areas of NYC.

02 High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour

This is the most popular walking tour along the High Line, starting in the Meatpacking District at the Whitney Museum, running through Chelsea and ending at Hudson Yards. The High Line is my personal favorite park in NYC and always worth a visit. I find the High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour really exciting because you get told the history and significance to New York. Your guide will tell you many secrets that the High Line, the Chelsea Market and the Meatpacking District has to offer.

For me personally, this tour is one of the best walking tours in NYC ever, because you see a lot of the old and the new New York City. That’s what makes this district so interesting for me!

03 High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour

This walking tour through Greenwich Village and Chelsea is one of the best food tours New York City has to offer! Because in this part of the city there are many wonderful little food spots that you must discover. 

In addition, you will learn many exciting anecdotes about the High Line, which connects the Hudson Yards with the Meatpacking District. This former elevated railway line was saved from demolition due to an initiative and is now one of the most popular sights in New York. All the more reason to book this awesome walking tour!

04 High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking Tour

Go on a fun adventure in New York’s only park above street level- the Highline. Experience the Chelsea neighborhood from a whole new vantage point and find out more about the history of the famous Meatpacking District including how it developed into one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the world.

05 Central Park Conservancy

Free Central Park tours are offered by the Central Park Conservancy. Here you will learn all kinds of interesting facts about the history of Central Park, its highlights and most important corners. The meeting point depends on the tour.

06 Central Park Highlights Walking Tour

The Walking Tour takes you through the most popular park in New York: Central Park . Next to the TV & Movie Sites Central Park Walking Tour, this is one of the most booked tours. A New York guide will show you the most beautiful areas, spots, bridges and lakes in Central Park, from the Bethesda Fountains to the Central Park Zoo. You’ll also learn about the history of the park and where to take the best photos. 

07 Fifth Avenue Gilded Age Mansions Walking Tour

I highly recommend this walking tour to architecture enthusiasts. On this tour, you’ll be able to see the footprint of the largest single residence ever built in Manhattan. Along the way, you’ll take in outrageous stories of Gilded Age wealth, architecture, and art on Fifth Avenue – the very Avenue where they happened. You’ll also learn some of the secrets of the famous Frick Collection as you stroll by, and discover a charming bookshop tucked into a Fifth Avenue mansion. Additionally, you’ll uncover one of the last single residence mansions on Fifth Avenue and visit the oldest building on Millionaire’s Row. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience all of this on one amazing tour!

08 Flatiron Food, Architecture, and History Tour

The Flatiron Building is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. But there is much more to discover in the direct neighbourhood. Thanks to the organization “Flatiron 23rd Street Partnership” you will be guided through the district every Sunday by a free guide. Meeting point is the southwest corner of Madison Square Park.

09 Grand Central Partnership

If you want to know what makes the Grand Central Terminal so special, the 90-minute free walking tour from the Grand Central Partnership is something you should definitely consider. With a historian as your guide, you’ll learn lots of exciting things about the beautiful building every Friday from 12.30 p.m.

10 Grand Central Terminal Tour

From hidden tennis courts to the world’s largest Tiffany clock, Grand Central Terminal has a few tricks up its sleeve. If you want to take a tour of Grand Central Terminal and learn the little-known facts that even New Yorkers don’t know, check out the Grand Central Terminal tours.

11 Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour

Too many people rush through Grand Central Terminal to get from one train to the next. On this slower walking tour, you’ll learn about Grand Central Terminal attractions like the Whispering Gallery, the Zodiac ceiling, and more.

12 Grand Central: Open Sesame Bagel Tour

Want to learn more about the art and architecture that make Grand Central Terminal so special? On this 1.5-hour tour, the secrets of Grand Central Terminal are revealed by a helpful and knowledgeable tour guide.

If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC !

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Best Restaurants in Midtown Manhattan

Midtown restaurants, bars, and cafes can be found on pretty much every corner of the neighborhood. Because so many tourists come here, it would only make sense to have food establishments set up. However, you should be aware that prices for food tend to be on the more expensive side in this part of the city. With that being said we love places like 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, Ellen’s Stardust Diner for tourists, and if you’re looking for an NYC food hall, check out Urbanspace Vanderbilt.

01 99 Cent Fresh Pizza

At 99 Cent Fresh Pizza, you can get a delicious slice of cheese pizza for just $1 at 8 different locations in the city. Of course, you can also choose extra toppings for a small surcharge. Are you really hungry? Then you can get a whole cheese pizza for just $8. A pepperoni pizza costs only $10.

The specials are also really good, where you can get two slices of pizza with a topping and a drink for $4.50, for example. For a quick and affordable lunch or dinner, you’ve come to the right place!

02 A Taste of Magic

When it’s the Halloween season, there’s no shortage of witches, wizards, and warlocks wandering about. That’s why A Taste of Magic is one of our favorite ways to celebrate Halloween in NYC.

This traveling experience takes place at restaurants around New York, bringing the thrills and intrigue of close-up magic to some of the city’s finest dining. Plus, it’s a family-friendly, all-ages way to get into the season. Each ticket includes the magic acts, the dinner, and the entertainment, and the two seating times (5pm and 8pm) fit perfectly for those packed New York schedules. 

Their current shows take place at Docks, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and Gossip. You can find out more about A Taste of Magic and make reservations for yourself at the official page.

03 ABC Kitchen

The ABC Kitchen serves Slow Food – the opposite of fast food and a declaration of love for our planet. Only the freshest ingredients, supplied by local farmers, are put on the plate. The dishes change seasonally and are free of pesticides, antibiotics, hormones and genetic engineering. The prices are more than reasonable for the quality of the ingredients and the service.

ABCV is a plant-based restaurant that features many vegan dishes, in addition to being fully vegetarian. The spot is decorated elegantly but with a modern twist. There are golden chandeliers, among other handing lights, that provide lighting from above. And the space features many light, pastel colors.

Although ABCV serves everything from ice cream to tomato soup, they’re often praised for their dips. Their green hummus, in particular, seems to be a fan favorite and it is served with whole-grain pita.

05 ANA Bar & Eatery

ANA’s at Hudson Yards offers something for everyone. You can have a delicious breakfast including fresh coffee and pastries or enjoy a nice lunch meal with farm-to-table foods or pizza.

At 4:00 PM the place turns into a perfect happy hour spot for everyone who likes signature cocktails, wine, craft beers on tap and pizza.

This year ANA Bar & Eatery hosts a Super Bowl watch party where you can treat yourself at the unique market buffet of buffalo wings, Mac & cheese bites and other tasty food.

Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the  Best Restaurants in Midtown Manhattan .

Best Bars in Midtown Manhattan

After a long day exploring Midtown Manhattan, one of the best things to do is to grab drinks at one of the many bars in the area. One of the most popular spots in Midtown is 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar . It has outdoor seating and the Empire State Building is literally staring right next to you. It arguably has one of the best views of the city.

01 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar

02 American Whiskey

In the Chelsea district of New York you can find the American Whiskey Bar. Unlike other sports bars, this bar offers not one, but three floors where you can have a good time. The main bar is especially popular, with leather and oak wood furnishings. The 36 flat screen TVs are perfect for watching the next basketball game. Perfect for all sports fans.

In the American Whiskey there are over 100 different types of whiskey! So there is something for every whiskey fan here.

03 BAR 54 Rooftop

One of the most popular rooftop bars in Times Square is Bar 54, located on the roof of the Hyatt Times Square Hotel New York, on the 54th floor (hence the name), where you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city. The Bar 54 is also a lounge, so you can go there even if the weather is not so good.

04 Bathtub Gin

A great bar with a great selection of cocktails and gins. On the menu you will find small dishes like crispy calamari, grilled chicken or burrata.

05 Bill's Bar and Burger

This bar is one of the places that are one of our little highlights in NYC. As the name suggests, you can get tasty burgers and excellent beer here. The list of beers that are drafted or bottled is as long as the list of burgers. And all this at a fair price.

Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the  Best Bars in Midtown Manhattan  and the  Best Rooftop Bars in Midtown Manhattan

Best Cafes in Midtown Manhattan

If you’re looking for a quick break then you can always check out some Midtown cafes . There are artisanal tea and coffee shops and bakeries throughout the neighborhood and are great places to relax and recuperate from all the sightseeing.

01 Bibble & Sip

Bibble & Sip is a bakery café located in Midtown Manhattan. It’s a great place to grab a coffee and some of the cutest desserts in the city.

02 Blank Slate NYC Coffee + Kitchen

Coffee Shop with excellent cuisine in Midtown

03 Gotham Coffee Roasters

The coffee is fantastic, the service is great and the location invites you to stay. Be sure to try a croissant with your hot drink. These are particularly delicious.

04 Grace Street

Affectionately considered to be one of the top Korean dessert cafes in K-Town, Grace Street has something to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. From coffee to Korean doughnuts, shaved ice to mochi waffles, this cafe truly offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The open seating area is incredibly inviting and the wait staff is warm and hospitable. After a long day walking around NYC, you definitely deserve one of the sweets from Grace Street. 

05 Jacques Torres Chocolate

If you’re a hot chocolate lover like me, then NYC won’t disappoint you. For a rich and dark hot chocolate that feels like a warm hug, I can only recommend heading over to Jacques Torres Chocolate. Trust me, it’s a chocoholic’s dream come true. 

They have two locations: one in Grand Central Station on Lexington (Address: 17 Grand Central Terminal) and one in DUMBO (Address: 66 Water Street).

If you prefer something lighter and thinner, then Levain Bakery offers a cup that’s just as comforting but maybe not as heavy. Either way, you’re in for a treat that’s perfect for the chilly NYC weather.

Shopping in Midtown

Shopping in New York can be overwhelming as there are tons of stores in this city. Times Square has some big stores such as H&M, Uniqlo, and Levis. Then you have Herald Square and 34th Street which is home to the most store in the US, Macy’s Department Store . For high-end luxury shopping, then shopping on Fifth Avenue would be your best bet. This street is home to designer stores such as Gucci, Tiffany’s, Coach, and many more. Fifth Avenue is also home to the Apple Store which reopened in 2019 from renovations.

Where to shop in Midtown Manhattan

Macy's herald square.

From 34th to 35th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue is the legendary and huge department store, Macy’s. The building is 11 floors high – including a café, McDonald’s, and Starbucks. Macy’s at Herald Square is one of the most famous department stores in the world and is definitely the biggest. A number of brands such as Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, and many more extend on the seemingly endless sales area.

Macy’s is filled with jewelry, handbags, jeans, dresses, household goods, a large well-stocked cosmetics department, and a complete floor full of shoes. In order to avoid the huge crowd that visits the department stores daily, we recommend you come early and during the week. Be sure to head up the ancient escalator to the 11th floor, which has been in operation since its opening in 1901. Macy’s at Herald Square is an icon you do not want to miss.

The Fifth Avenue Apple Store is the most popular Apple Store in the city. You won’t miss the store because the store entrance is this huge and beautifully-made glass cube. It’s also right across from The Plaza Hotel and Central Park. As you enter the store, you’re greeted with a lot of greenery giving the store a clean aesthetic. You’re also greeted with this amazing spiral staircase that takes you down to the store floor.

The M & M’s Store in Times Square is a real hot spot that you should definitely check out. Since 2006, tourists have come here to fill their bags with M & M’s. This is a personal paradise for someone that has a sweet tooth. In addition to chocolate, there are also many souvenirs from New York, for example, a Statue of Liberty in M & M’s style. So come by and choose between all the colors and different sorts of treats.

You’ll probably recognize their old store location in movies such as “Big”, “Heart & Soul” and “Chopsticks”. FAO Schwarz’s  interior was the inspiration for Duncan’s Toy Chest in the movie “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”. Aside from its film features, this toy store in NYC moved their store location to Rockefeller Center and is perfect for kids. It’s a hot-spot during the holiday season as well.

Nordstrom Flagship Store NYC

The Nordstrom Flagship store in NYC opened in 2019 and is the first Nordstrom for women in the city. It was a big move because the area is already saturated with multiple department stores but it also shows how successful Nordstrom is becoming. Nordstrom Men’s store is located right across the street.

Shopping on Fifth Avenue NYC

Just like we mentioned above, Fifth Avenue in NYC is loaded with designer stores and is one of the best shopping in New York destinations. You have Bergdorf Goodmans which has two separate stores across the street from each other. Each store is individually catered to women and men. Right down the block is Sak’s Fifth Avenue which is another luxury department store. Tiffany’s is also another store on Fifth Avenue. Other stores on this infamous street are the likes of Gucci, Coach, Louis Vuitton , Victoria’s Secret, and many more. For sports, Niketown NYC and Adidas are located here as well. Shopping on Fifth Avenue definitely won’t take a day so it’s best to plan ahead of time.

Best Hotels in Midtown Manhattan

Staying in Midtown has many advantages . For one, you’re right in the middle of the action and everything you’ll ever need will be around you. There are train stations everywhere so getting to locations won’t be a problem at all. Also, if you stay on the higher floors of the hotel, you’ll have a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline. Some of the best hotels are Hotel Novotel, The Row NYC, YOTEL Times Square, and many more.

If you decide to stay in the neighborhood please check out these amazing hotels:

01 Ace Hotel New York

4 stars | This charming boutique hotel has two stylish restaurants and a bar. The Herald Square underground station is in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. Each of the spacious rooms is individually designed.

02 AKA Times Square

4 stars | AKA Times Square provides luxurious, furnished apartments offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of one of the world’s most iconic cities. With complimentary amenities and services, including a fitness center and morning coffee, your stay promises to be inspiring. The apartments are in the center of Times Square with key locations within a 5-minute walk. Guests love the spacious rooms, laundry service, and the exceptionally kind and helpful staff. Many have felt at home during their stay.

03 Ameritania at Times Square

4 stars | Located in the heart of the Theater District, Ameritania at Times Square is a wonderful choice when it comes to family friendly hotels NYC. The hotel is just steps away from The Ed Sullivan Theater and 7th Avenue underground station, making it an excellent starting point each day.

Each spacious guest room at Ameritania features cable TV, designer bath amenities, and work desks. The rooms are styled with rich colors, mahogany furnishings, and modern decor, providing a comfortable and stylish retreat for families. While the hotel doesn’t offer a complimentary breakfast, there are plenty of dining options in the area, including family-friendly restaurants like Ellen’s Stardust Diner and Carmine’s.

04 Andaz 5th Avenue

5 stars | The hotels with the name Andaz stand for the very highest standards and quality. This is demonstrated by the Andaz Wall Street Hotel and this one: the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel.

As the name suggests, it is located on the famous 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. This means that many sights such as Central Park, Times Square, Bryant Park, Summit One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building are within easy walking distance.

The boutique hotel itself has everything that a 5-star hotel in New York has to offer: large rooms, luxurious furnishings, friendly and competent staff, and a stylish bar. 

05 Archer Hotel

4 Stars | The Archer Hotel is a boutique hotel right on Bryant Park – the perfect location! The rooms are truly stylish and from some of them you can even see the Empire State Building . What we also liked: the small bar on the roof of the hotel!

06 Arlo NoMad

4 Stars | This beautiful hotel is pretty much right where you want to be during your (first) visit to New York: just around the corner from the Empire State Building ! This place isn’t only exceptionally stylish, it also has a rooftop bar and terrace from where you have a sensational view of New York – and the Empire State Building from up close, of course. Hard to beat. 

07 Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York

5 stars | There are 5 star hotels and there is the Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York – I can sum it up as simply as that.The Baccarat Hotel is an absolute luxury hotel and is one of the best hotels in all of New York City. It was even voted among the 30 best hotels in the world by Condé Nast.

Even the lobby is stunning, and the rooms and suites are equally opulent and classically decorated.In addition, there is a first-class spa with wellness area and bar, an excellent restaurant and bar.

Recommended article: The 32 Best Hotels in Midtown Manhattan .

Neighborhoods Nearby

Midtown is the epicenter of tourism in NYC . It’s definitely the go-to location when it comes to places to visit in Manhattan . It’s definitely an area that tourists should check out. Once you’re finished with Midtown make sure to swing by the nearby neighborhoods below.

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The 15 Best Things to Do in SoHo NYC – The Complete Guide 2024

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Neighborhoods that are Similar to Midtown Manhattan

If you enjoyed Midtown, below are similar neighborhoods that we think you’ll enjoy.

There are a lot of neighborhoods in Manhattan worth visiting. We highly recommend Midtown  and SoHo . There’s a lot of things to do in New York City and those surrounding areas have a similar vibe to the Flatiron District.

Theater District in New York

Things to do in Hell’s Kitchen

Our perfect day in midtown manhattan.

Like we mentioned before, Midtown is huge and can be very overwhelming since there are so many things to do in Midtown. Depending on your length of stay, it can be difficult to figure out where to start first. It’s impossible to see all of Midtown in just one or two days. You’ll most likely need multiple days to experience this very busy area. However, if you follow this recommendation, we can assure you that your visit to the neighborhood will be smooth and fun.

Our recommended itinerary

• Have breakfast at Blank Slate NYC – This small cafe which has a sit-in section and caters to take-out as well is located on the border of Midtown and the Flatiron District. Their items are very good and one thing you’ll notice is that their ingredients are of high-quality and nutritious.   (121 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016)
• Visit an observation deck – Either visit the Empire State Building , SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or  Top of the Rock to see great views of Manhattan. That’s the reason you came here right?
• Shop on Fifth Avenue – This street is filled with many high-end stores as well as your favorite mainstream shopping stores. You’ll find jewelry, clothing, and even electronics along this street. (Fifth Avenue – 42nd Street to 59th Street)
• Lunch at Black Tap NYC – Black Tap NYC is an amazing burger spot but is also famous for its crazy milkshakes. One of their key items on the menu is their Bam Bam Milkshake which is loaded with Fruity Pebbles along with your classic strawberry milkshake. You can either go to the one on 35th Street or 55th Street.  (45 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001, 136 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019)
• Visit the Museum of Modern Art – The MoMA is one of Manhattan’s most popular museums. It’s also the mecca for art and has been open since the 1920s. (11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019)
• Coffee and pastries at Bluestone Lane Coffee – A quick coffee break is always needed. It gives you that time to rest and re-energize yourself for whatever it is you need to do. We recommend visiting one of the Bluestone Lane Coffee locations especially next to Bryant Park. (1120 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036)
• Enjoy a cocktail and amazing views at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – This is probably the most popular rooftop bar in all of NYC. The views are amazing and the rooftop is big enough to fit a good amount of people. In the winter, the rooftop bar installs heated “igloos” so you can enjoy the outdoors. (230 5th Ave, New York, NY)

FAQ: Midtown Manhattan

What’s considered midtown manhattan.

Midtown is the area between 34th Street and 59th Street. You can find The Empire State Building and Macy’s on 34th Street. 59th Street is home to the southern part of Central Park , The Apple Store and The Plaza Hotel (which is famous for the movie Home Alone 2).

Is Midtown Manhattan safe?

Midtown Manhattan in general is safe. It’s perfect for tourists, but it’s also a prime spot for scams. Like in any other big city, make sure to be aware of your surroundings.

Is Midtown Manhattan expensive?

NYC is generally a little bit more expensive compared to other American cities. Living in Midtown can be quite expensive as well. People live in very small spaces but pay a premium price. Also, restaurants are on the pricier side because of rent and the flock of tourists that come to the city. If you’re looking for cheaper, but still great quality food, make sure to check out Queens or Brooklyn.

Shopping in New York: The Ultimate Guide 2024

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Top 35 Tourist Attractions: Sight Seeing in New York City

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New York City is one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the world, offering tourists a wide and diverse range of attractions to explore. From architectural wonders such as Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building to bustling neighborhoods like SoHo and DUMBO, there’s something for everyone.

Here are 35 of the top places to visit in New York that you don’t want to miss:

Iconic new york tourist attractions.

You may have seen them in movies or on TV, but seeing them in person is an entirely different experience.

1. The Statue of Liberty

One of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, the Statue of Liberty , has stood proudly in New York’s harbor since 1886. The towering landmark is a gift from France and is a symbol of freedom around the world. Ellis Island, another hot attraction, is nearby if you wanted to catch it while you’re in the area.

2. Times Square

Times Square is one of the best places to go in NYC. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this electrifying intersection is one of the most visited places in the world. Times Square is home to many theaters, retail stores and electronic billboards, making it an exciting place to explore. You can also catch a Broadway show here.

3. Coney Island

Coney Island is one of the top tourist attractions in New York, and it is synonymous with fun when summertime rolls around. Located in Brooklyn, this amusement park is home to world-famous attractions such as the Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster and the Parachute Jump Tower ride. If you are in NYC during July, the annual Hot Dog Eating Contest should not be missed!

4. Central Park

Of course, no trip to NYC is complete without visiting Central Park. This 843-acre park is one of the most picturesque spots in Brooklyn. You can visit Strawberry Fields, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Architectural Wonders

The Big Apple is home to some of the best architecture in the world. Check out these world-renowned examples for an unforgettable experience.

5. Grand Central Terminal

Opened in 1913, this Beaux-Arts-style railway station in midtown Manhattan is one of New York’s most recognizable landmarks and transports over 750,000 commuters daily. It is worth seeing for its impressive design and artwork alone. Inside, you’ll find a grand main concourse with its striking clock and constellations on the ceiling.

6. The Brooklyn Bridge

Among our NYC famous places list is the Brooklyn Bridge . This popular tourist attraction is a stupendous feat of architecture that offers breathtaking views of New York City. Spanning 1,595 feet across the East River, this bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Every day, 30,000 pedestrians and 116,000 vehicles travel over its span.

7. The Empire State Building

In 2022, this building was named the number one attraction in the US by the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is a must-see for New York tourists. Completed in 1931 and standing 1,454 feet tall, it was the tallest building in the world until 1972.

8. Chrysler Building

This iconic Art Deco-style skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan was once the world’s tallest building until it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. The Chrysler Building’s impressive structure is still one of New York’s most recognizable skyscrapers and is worth visiting. It features a stunning lobby adorned with aluminum, marble and granite.

9. Rockefeller Center

Located in Midtown Manhattan, this complex is home to many of New York City’s most iconic entertainment centers, such as Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios. Also, the Top of the Rock Observatory is on top of the Rockefeller Center, and it offers some of the best views of the city.

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Sightseeing in New York City

New York sightseeing opportunities are beyond compare. From strolling through parks and gardens to cycling through hip neighborhoods, New York City has many ways to explore the city. 

10. See NYC With a Bike Tour

Uniquely experience NYC with a bike tour . You can take guided tours of Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge or Harlem. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, cycle through the city on your own with rental companies like Citi Bike, Ofo and Jump. If you don’t know where to bike in NYC , here are some recommendations .

11. Get Lost in Brooklyn Botanic Garden

This 52-acre urban oasis in Prospect Park offers visitors a chance to experience nature right in the heart of Brooklyn. Explore the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden, the Cranford Rose Garden and the Steinhardt Conservatory.

12. Stroll Through the High Line

One of the most unique experiences in New York City is High Line Park . This elevated park runs along a disused railroad track in Manhattan’s West Side. It is perfect for those who want to explore NYC at their own pace while taking in the city’s skyline and river views. Visitors can explore art installations, gardens, food vendors and more while walking along the High Line.

13. Walk Along the Museum Mile

This famous stretch of Fifth Avenue houses some of the most iconic museums in NYC to visit . A walk along Museum Mile lets you visit the Guggenheim, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cooper Hewitt and nine other amazing museums. Another nice treat is the tree-lined walkway that runs down the side of Central Park.

Best Places to Visit in New York

The five boroughs each have their own unique flavor and character, making it easy to find fun activities to do all over New York City. Try these on for size.

14. Greenwich Village

Known as “The Village” for short, this quaint neighborhood is full of character and is a great place to uncover some of the Big Apple’s hidden gems. You can stroll to Washington Square Park or visit unique boutiques and restaurants on Bleeker Street. On the other hand, jazz fans can take in legendary jazz venues there, like the Village Vanguard and Blue Note .

15. Chelsea Market

This food hall in the Meatpacking District is one of the most popular spots in the city. Sample a variety of international cuisines, explore local art galleries or pick up some unique souvenirs from these Chelsea shops .

16. SoHo Shopping

Shopping in SoHo is a must-do when visiting NYC. This chic neighborhood offers unique stores, specialty boutiques and trendy vintage shops. To make your shopping experience even more special, be sure to check out the area’s many art galleries and artist studios, as well as its historic cast-iron buildings.

Nicknamed for its location “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” DUMBO’s cobblestone streets are lined with galleries, cafes and boutiques. During your visit, be sure to visit the iconic Jane’s Carousel and Empire Stores, or just take in the stunning views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges.

The area of Nolita is a part of Little Italy, and the name even stands for “North of Little Italy.” The neighborhood has become quite popular in recent years because of all the fantastic points of interest it offers. But the real highlight of this area is the St. Basilica Chruch and its Catacombs. When you’re done touring them, you can grab a bite at one of the nearby top-rated pizzerias.

Unique New York City Experiences

The Big Apple has many unique experiences you can explore. The following will help you experience the city’s richness and diversity from varying perspectives.

19. Sea The City Jet Ski & Hot Tub Boat Tours

Sea The City’s jet skis or hot tub boat tours let you enjoy an exciting and unique experience on the Hudson. You can cruise around Liberty Island, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and other NYC landmarks while taking in breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. In fact, you’ll cruise around many of the landmarks and colorful places on this list! Both tours can be booked online and include all the necessary safety gear.

20. Food Crawls

New York City is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, so why not explore them all? Take a food crawl tour and experience the many flavors that NYC has to offer. A few that stand out include the Taste of Tribeca , The NYC Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour and the Midtown Manhattan Street Food Walking Tour .

21. The Great Gatsby’s Gold Coast Mansions

Located on the North Shore of Long Island, these opulent, historic mansions have a unique charm that is only found here. Many were built in the early 20th century and are open for tours year-round. They are often featured as the backdrop to Hollywood movies such as The Great Gatsby.

22. Street Art Murals in Bushwick

Bushwick is one of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and it has been slowly growing. It’s also home to some lesser-known gems, like the largest concentration of street art murals in NYC . It has a thriving street art scene, with graffiti-covered walls, murals and other outdoor art installations, which can be found around the area.

Historical Sites in New York

What’s a visit to New York without a bit of history? The following lets you visit some of the city’s most iconic and historical sites.

23. African Burial Mound Ground National Monument

This memorial pays tribute to the estimated 15,000 free Africans and African-American slaves who were interred in an unmarked cemetery in Lower Manhattan. It is the largest and oldest known excavated burial ground for free and enslaved Africans in North America. The National Park Service manages the site and offers a variety of educational programs, events and tours to honor these forgotten lives.

24. Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Also known as the Esplanade, this park’s beginnings go all the way back to WWII. Started as a way to connect an expressway through Queens and Brooklyn, the historic site is now one of the most frequented spots in Gotham. Filled with lush parkland and spectacular views of the NYC skyline that you can view from one of its many benches or a stroll-by, this is definitely one place that’s for the books.

25. 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Honor those who were lost on September 11th at this memorial site located at the former World Trade Center site. The museum features artifacts from that day, a survivor tree and interactive exhibits that bring visitors closer to the events of 9/11. Pay your respects at this solemn site and learn more about the tragedy and its impact on our nation.

26. Governors Island

Located in New York Harbor just south of Manhattan, Governors Island offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of NYC. Visitors can explore the island’s many attractions, such as Fort Jay, Castle Williams, The Hills and Victorian Gardens. During the summer, outdoor concerts, art installations, festivals and food vendors are also available.

27. Bronx Zoo

One of the largest metropolitan zoos in the U.S., the Bronx Zoo has proudly welcomed visitors since 1899. The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world and offers a range of interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. It also has an Aquarium and Conservation Hall that houses some endangered species.

28. Ellis Island

Ellis Island is where nearly 12 million immigrants first set foot in America between 1892 and 1954. The island is now a national monument and museum where visitors can explore its rich history and learn more about the immigrants who shaped America. In addition to interactive exhibits, there are also guided tours of the site available.

Upstate New York Tourist Attractions

When you finish with the hustle and bustle of the New York City attractions, you can book a BNB and head out to gorgeous Upstate New York to relax. The area consists of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley, which offer some glorious scenery and stellar places for sightseeing. 

These places to visit near New York pull out all the stops!

If you want to immerse yourself in some culture, the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum , or WAAM, is an art museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of Woodstock, NY and its vibrant music scene. It features rotating exhibits from some of the most iconic musicians who have graced the stage at this legendary venue.

30. Lake George

Lake George is one of New York’s most popular vacation spots, with plenty to offer visitors. From its pristine waters to the nearby Saratoga Springs and Lake Placid, there are plenty of things to do and discover in this area.

31. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Upstate New York, which is why it’s no wonder that it is one of the natural wonders of the world. Along with its mesmerizing views and thunderous roar, you can explore nearby attractions , such as the Niagara Aerospace Museum, Niagara Sky Wheel, Goat Island and Whirlpool State Park.

32. Adirondack Park

The Adirondack Mountains are a stunning area located in North-Eastern New York that’s filled with lush forests, crystal clear lakes and gorgeous mountain views. It’s great for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities, as well as sightseeing.

33. The Catskill Mountain House

Built in 1823, the Catskill Mountain House is a landmark that stands atop South Mountain – the highest of seven peaks in the region. It offers breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley and surrounding mountains, as well as a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing and snowshoeing.

34. Kaaterskill Falls

Kaaterskill Falls is a two-tiered waterfall located in Greene County at the eastern edge of the Catskills. It is one of the most famous waterfalls in New York State and has been featured in numerous paintings and photographs throughout history. The falls are accessible via a short hike on a marked trail.

35. The Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes are a group of 11 long, narrow glacial lakes in western Upstate New York. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and kayaking. It’s an ideal getaway spot that’s filled with resorts, hotels and bed & breakfasts. Don’t miss out on visiting many of the local wineries – the region is one of the top wine-producing regions in the country. Be sure not to miss the many sights and landmarks along the Hudson River . that can be viewed by boat or jet ski.

Check out Sea the City in New York

Whether you want to go jet skiing with your favorite person in the world or prefer to have a hot tub party with 20 of your closest friends, we’ve got a tour that is perfect for you. Go ahead and  book your celebration today  and get ready to enjoy a unique NYC experience that you won’t find anywhere on land.

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