Yellow taxis driving through the busy intersection of 5th Avenue and 23rd Street in New York City, USA

Things to do in  New York City

Save the sleeping for another town

Nearly 9 million people call New York City home, and you could spend a lifetime getting to know this much-mythologized American city. When visiting, it’s hard to pick between top-notch museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), green spaces like Central Park and the High Line, major landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, and boroughs like Manhattan and Brooklyn. The only solution when planning things to do in New York City? Make peace with never seeing it all in one trip.

Here, get your guide to New York City’s best attractions, tours, and more.

Top 15 attractions in New York City

Statue of Liberty

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Designed by Frédéric Auguste Barthold and Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), the Statue of Liberty came to the USA as a gift from France in honor of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Today, this 305-foot (93-meter) statue guards the entrance to New York Harbor on Liberty Island. “Lady Liberty,” and the land surrounding her was declared the Statue of Liberty National Monument in 1924.More

Empire State Building

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The Empire State Building has long been one of New York City’s best-known attractions. It was the world’s tallest building from the 1930s until the 1970s, surpassing the slightly older Chrysler building by a mere 20 feet (6 meters). The Empire State Building is among the taller buildings in Manhattan to this day (One World Trade Center is the tallest). A stepped Art Deco pinnacle at the top of the building is floodlit at night and displays holiday and commemorative colors throughout the year.More

Central Park

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The heart and soul of Manhattan, Central Park is 843 acres (341 hectares) of green space featuring running paths, a boating lake, ponds, a zoo, fountains, statues, gardens, and a skating rink. New Yorkers and visitors alike have gathered at this National Historic Landmark year-round since 1857 to enjoy a respite from Manhattan’s concrete jungle.More

Ellis Island

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As the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States, New York City’s Ellis Island was America’s busiest immigrant inspection station for more than 60 years. Today, the island’s restored main building houses the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which honors the US’s immigrant heritage, chronicles the island’s role in immigration history, and gives voice to the immigrants themselves.More

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

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The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City stands as a place of remembrance and a somber tribute to those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Reopened 10 years after the 2001 attacks, the 8-acre (3.2-hectare) plaza—built on the World Trade Center site—features two massive square reflecting pools whose waterfalls cascade down into the footprints of the former Twin Towers. The surrounding plaza is a peaceful and moving green space, while the museum, set beneath the plaza, lends a deeper understanding to the impact of that day. You’ll undoubtedly leave with a heavy heart.More

Flatiron Building

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Both an architectural marvel and one of New York’s most recognizable landmarks, the Flatiron Building has been a city icon since its debut in 1902. Named for its uncommonly thin, triangular shape, the building was designed by architect Daniel Burnham and is a National Historic Landmark. It is not currently open to the public.More

The Dakota Apartments

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One of Manhattan’s most storied—and macabre—buildings, the Dakota has pride of place on Central Park West. The architectural icon of the Upper West Side was a stand-in for the fictional Bramford in the horror film Rosemary’s Baby; it’s also where John Lennon was shot in 1980.More

Brooklyn Bridge

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Extending for 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) across New York City's East River, this 19th-century bridge sees constant foot, bike, and car traffic thanks to commuters and sightseers alike. After a construction beset by tragedies—at least 20 people died during the building process—this steel-wire suspension bridge, then the world's largest, finally opened to the public in 1883.More

Columbia University

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One of the most esteemed institutes of higher learning in the United States, Columbia was established in 1754 as King’s College. Today, the Ivy League university is celebrated for its academic reputation and striking architecture. And if the campus looks familiar, you may have seen it in a Hollywood blockbuster or two.More

Niagara Falls

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Niagara Falls is one of North America’s most majestic natural wonders. Its three waterfalls—American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls—plunge dramatically over the Niagara River. The falls straddle the border between Canada and the USA with viewpoints and falls-themed attractions on both sides.More

Madison Square Park

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Madison Square Park is a bustling, leafy square that's packed with benches and tucked into New York's Flatiron District. Offices, trendy restaurants, and an architectural landmark—the Flatiron Building—surround Madison Square, situated at Broadway at 23rd Street. Stop for a rest in the park on a busy day exploring Manhattan.More

Rockefeller Center

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Radiating art deco glory, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan is where you'll find Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios, the Top of the Rock observation deck, and in winter, New York City’s famous ice rink and Christmas tree. Opened by John D. Rockefeller Jr. during the Great Depression, it’s a classic NYC stop for its history as a cultural center and architectural icon.More

Times Square

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With its neon lights and video billboards, Times Square is one of New York City's best-known landmarks. It's near many of the Big Apple's famous theaters and hosts the annual New Year's Eve ball drop—an essential Manhattan experience.More

New York Harbor

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One of the largest natural harbors in the world, New York Harbor is the gateway to Manhattan. It’s also a scenic spot to explore and a must for first-time visitors to New York City, with photo ops aplenty along its walking trails, bridges, and piers.More

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

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The World War II-era USS Intrepid aircraft carrier retired to Manhattan’s West Side, where it was transformed into a museum. The complex hosts noteworthy craft, including NASA’s Enterprise space shuttle, the USS Growler missile submarine, and a Concorde jet. While there, check out original artifacts, film, and photographs, plus simulators that recreate the flying experience.More

Trip ideas

Must-See Museums

Must-See Museums

Top activities in New York City

New York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience
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New York Buffet Dinner Cruise

New York Buffet Dinner Cruise

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The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York
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New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
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All about New York City

When to visit

There are things to do in New York City year-round, but summer is when the Big Apple's cultural programming is at its peak. Come for Shakespeare in the Park, the Central Park Summerstage, and Pride. Then there's the Fourth of July, the US Open Tennis Championships, and Broadway in Bryant Park. Alternatively, visit in the fall to enjoy fewer crowds and slightly cheaper rates. You'll encounter events ranging from the New York Film Festival to the Village Halloween Parade.

Getting around

New York City is one of the country’s best-connected cities. John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport cater to international and domestic visitors, while the Big Apple's uniquely expansive subway system comprises dozens of lines and a whopping 472 stations. Passengers can hop on mainline train services at hubs like Penn Station and Grand Central Station. And buses, taxis, and rideshare services keep the city moving at street level. But remember, there's nothing quite like exploring NYC on foot.

Traveler tips

To truly experience New York City at its most international and eclectic, leave Manhattan behind and head into Queens. Flushing is home to one of the largest and fastest-growing Chinatowns in the world. And Jackson Heights is the most diverse neighborhood in the city: Its residents speak more than 160 languages. Travelers can nosh on everything from Salvadoran pupusas and Nepalese momos to Pakistani curries and Mexican tacos.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EST (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
212
Tours
2,031
Reviews
221,998

A local’s pocket guide to New York City

Alex Maddalena

Alex is a writer with deep family roots in NYC. Having grown up just outside the city, he became familiar with all of the food and culture the city has to offer, including the outer boroughs. His favorite pizza slice is the square from L&B Spumoni Gardens.

The first thing you should do in New York City is...

get oriented. There are a lot of visible landmarks in New York that will help you explore by foot without a map.

A perfect Saturday in New York City...

begins with brunch followed by a trip to one of New York’s amazing museums. Saturday nights in New York are more bustling than usual, so make sure you’re rested before heading out for evening festivities.

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

Central Park truly is a thing of beauty. Walk around in the middle, and you’d be stunned to find out you’re still in one of the busiest cities in the world.

To discover the "real" New York City...

get lost. Start walking. No map. Let all the things in between shine through. You’ll find your way back when you’re ready.

For the best view of the city...

you can’t beat the view from the top of the Empire State Building, but the Manhattan Bridge offers a pretty spectacular view from the other side.

One thing people get wrong...

New York City is much more than Manhattan and Williamsburg. Head north to discover the Bronx, or even east into Queens, which is one of the most diverse areas in the world.

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People Also Ask

What should I do on my first trip to New York?

During a first-time trip, get to know New York on foot. New York City tours allow you to slow down and explore street by street. Travel between destinations by subway and then explore neighborhoods on foot. Don’t miss the chance to see new views of the skyline at the Empire State Building or One World Observatory.

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What is the most visited place in New York?

Times Square is the most visited place in New York City. This Midtown landmark hosts the city's New Year’s Eve celebrations, as well as its most impressive billboards. This area is also home to many Broadway shows, while Rockefeller Center—and the Top of the Rock—are nearby.

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What should you not miss in New York?

There are so many things to do in New York City. Go to the top of the Empire State Building, visit the Statue of Liberty, and see the Brooklyn Bridge. You can also pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center at the 9/11 Memorial. And don't forget to discover NYC classics like the Guggenheim Museum or Grand Central Terminal.

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What type of activities can you do in New York?

The list of things to do in New York City is practically endless. Rent bikes in Central Park, sip cocktails at a rooftop bar, or see dinosaur bones at the American Museum of Natural History. You can also sail on the Hudson River, visit the Union Square Farmer’s Market, or go on an arts and architecture guided tour, try a variety of restaurants, and much more.

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Is it safe in New York?

Yes, it is safe in New York City. Visit New York and you will find streets that are well lit and locals who are willing to help with directions. As in any city, use common sense when it comes to keeping cash and wallets zipped away. At almost any time of day, New York offers safety in numbers on the subway and in the city streets.

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Is New York City the same as Manhattan?

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What do locals do for fun in NYC?

NYC offers its residents almost endless possibilities for discovery. New Yorkers love to eat and drink, and there's always a new and exciting restaurant or bar opening somewhere. Locals spend time in green spaces like Central Park, visit galleries and museums, shop at the farmers market, indulge in people watching, and generally bring a sense of exploration to their ever-changing city.

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What is the prettiest place in New York?

Each New Yorker may have a different answer. But the prettiest places in New York City include Central Park, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and the charming streets of the West Village. Don't forget the piers and paths of Riverside Park, and the New York Botanical Garden.

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Do you need a guide to visit New York City?

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Frequently Asked Questions