New York City, the city that never sleeps, is a vibrant, lovely metropolis offering endless activities and attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover in the Big Apple. Here are 44 of the best things to do in New York City, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.
1. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, within New York City.
Start your NYC adventure by visiting the iconic Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy. Take a ferry to Liberty Island and get up close to Lady Liberty herself.
You may like to read: Best Christmas Vacations in 2024
2. Central Park
New York’s Central Park is an urban park in Manhattan, New York City, with numerous recreational opportunities.
Escape the urban jungle in Central Park, a sprawling 843-acre oasis in the heart of Manhattan. This is one of the most popular places to visit in New York. Rent a bike, take a leisurely stroll, or enjoy a picnic while taking in landmarks like Bethesda Terrace, the Bow Bridge, and the Central Park Zoo.
3. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, offering stunning views from its observatory.
For breathtaking views of the city, head to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, which offers panoramic vistas that are especially stunning at sunset. It’s one of the iconic things to see in NYC.
4. Times Square
NewYork’s Times Square is a major commercial intersection and entertainment center in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Experience the electric atmosphere of Times Square, with its dazzling lights, Broadway theaters, and bustling crowds. Be sure to visit at night for the full effect.
You may like to read: Summer in New York: Top 10 Reasons to Visit
5. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge in New York City, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River.
Walk or bike across the Brooklyn Bridge for spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. It’s one of the city’s most picturesque strolls. It’s one of the most picturesque places to see in NYC.
6. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an influential art museum located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, known for its modern art collection.
Art lovers should take advantage by visiting the Museum of Modern Art, which is home to a plethora of masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. The museum’s sculpture garden is also a very tranquil retreat in the heart of Midtown. It is undoubtedly one of the best NYC Museums.
7. Broadway Show
New York’s Broadway is the theater district in New York City, home to numerous professional theaters where world-class performances are staged.
Your NY experience is incomplete without catching a world-class performance on Broadway. Whether it’s a long-running favorite or a new hit, the theater district offers something for everyone.
8. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or The MET, is one of the world’s largest and finest art museums, located in New York City.
Explore its vast collections, which houses more than 5,000 years of art and history from every corner of the globe. It’s another must-see on the list of best NYC museums.
You may like to read: 5 Holiday Markets You Would Love to Visit in New York City
9. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is located at the World Trade Center site in New York City.
Pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a poignant tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks. The reflecting pools and museum provide a moving experience, making it one of the most meaningful places to see in New York.
10. High Line
The High Line is an elevated linear park, greenway, and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur in New York City.
The linear park offers green spaces, art installations, and great views of the city and Hudson River. It’s a great and free thing to do in NYC.
11. Chelsea Market
The Chelsea Market in NYC is a food hall, shopping mall, office building, and television production facility located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
Savor culinary delights at Chelsea Market, try everything from gourmet tacos to artisanal chocolates. It’s a fun place to explore in New York.
12. Fifth Avenue Shopping
New York’s Fifth Avenue is a major thoroughfare in the borough of Manhattan, New York City, renowned for its high-end shopping.
Indulge in some retail therapy by visiting flagship stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., and the Apple Store. This is a quintessential New York activity for shoppers.
You may like to read: Spring Break Vacation Ideas for Solo Travelers to Slay!
13. Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is a large complex consisting of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres between 48th Street and 51st Street in New York City.
Visit Rockefeller Center to experience the famous ice-skating rink, the Top of the Rock observation deck, and Radio City Music Hall. It’s one of the most iconic places to see in New York.
14. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest natural history museums in the world, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City.
Explore the wonders of the natural world at the American Museum of Natural History. Don’t miss the impressive dinosaur exhibits and the stunning Hayden Planetarium—one of the best NYC museums for families.
You may like to read: 10 Best Places to Bike in New York City
15. Greenwich Village
New York’s Greenwich Village is a neighborhood on the west side of Lower Manhattan, New York City, known for its artistic and bohemian vibe.
Wander the charming streets of Greenwich Village, known for its bohemian vibe, historic brownstones, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great place to visit in New York for those seeking a more relaxed, cultural experience.
16. SoHo
SoHo is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Shop and dine in SoHo, famous for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and stylish restaurants. It’s one of the fun things to do in NYC for fashion and art enthusiasts.
17. The Cloisters
The Cloisters is a museum in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, New York City, dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe.
Visit The Cloisters, a branch of The MET dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, located in Fort Tryon Park. It’s a serene place to explore in New York.
18. Grand Central Terminal
New York’s Grand Central Terminal is a commuter rail terminal located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Marvel at the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal, an architectural gem with its iconic celestial ceiling, bustling market, and gourmet dining options. It’s one of the key things to see in NYC.
You may like to read: 10 Best Cities in the World to Travel!
19. Wall Street and the Financial District
The Wall Street and the Financial District Wall Street is an eight-block-long street in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, New York City, known for its financial institutions.
Take a stroll through the Financial District, home to world renowned Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Charging Bull statue. It’s a fascinating place to visit in New York.
20. One World Observatory
One World Observatory is an observation deck located in One World Trade Center, the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
Ascend to the top or unparalleled views from One World Observatory. The experience includes interactive exhibits and a sky-high restaurant, making it one of the exciting New York activities.
21. New York Public Library
The New York Public Library’s main branch is located on Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
A Beaux-Arts landmark in New York with its iconic lion statues and magnificent reading room. It’s a literary treasure and one of the free things to do in NYC.
22. Chinatown
New York’s renowned Chinatown is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, known for its Chinese culture, cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere.
Explore Chinatown’s bustling streets, where you can enjoy authentic dim sum, shop for unique souvenirs, and visit the Museum of Chinese in America. It’s one of the most vibrant places to see in NYC.
You may like to read: New York City Travel Guide & Tips
23. Little Italy
Little Italy is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, known for its Italian heritage, restaurants, and the annual Feast of San Gennaro.
Indulge in delicious Italian cuisine in Little Italy. Visit during the Feast of San Gennaro for a festive atmosphere and plenty of street food. It’s a delightful place to explore in New York.
24. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a public park located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, known for its lush green space and seasonal events.
Relax in Bryant Park, a green oasis in Midtown that hosts seasonal activities like ice skating in winter and outdoor movie screenings in summer. It’s a charming and “free to visit” with several interesting things to do in NYC.
25. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a decorated Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral church located on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a world renowned and an absolutely stunning place of worship, which is also one of the city’s most beloved architectural landmarks. It’s a must-see place to visit in New York.
26. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an American military and maritime history museum with a collection of museum ships in New York City.
Explore the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, where you can tour the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid and see space shuttles and submarines. It’s one of the most unique activities to do in NYC.
27. Coney Island
Coney Island is a residential and commercial neighborhood and entertainment area in the southwestern part of the borough of Brooklyn, New York City.
Enjoy a classic American beach day at Coney Island. Ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster, stroll the boardwalk, and indulge in Nathan’s Famous hot dog. It’s one of the most fun things to do in NYC.
28. New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located in the Bronx, New York City, featuring extensive collections and exhibitions. Apart from that, it also features seasonal exhibitions, a conservatory, and extensive gardens. It’s a peaceful place to visit in New York.
29. The Frick Collection
The Frick Collection is an art museum located in the Henry Clay Frick House on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, New York City.
It is a museum housed in a grand mansion with a superb collection of European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. It’s one of the best NYC museums for art lovers.
30. The Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum The Guggenheim Museum is an art museum located at 1071 Fifth Avenue on the corner of East 89th Street in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
The unique architecture of the Guggenheim Museum was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and is a must visit for your New York holidays for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Another gem among the best NYC museums.
31. Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building is a triangular 22-story steel-framed landmarked building located at 175 Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron District neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
Take a photo in front of the iconic Flatiron Building and explore the surrounding neighborhood, including Madison Square Park. It’s one of the most classical landmarks to see in NYC.
32. South Street Seaport
The South Street Seaport is a historic area in the New York City borough of Manhattan, centered where Fulton Street meets the East River.
Explore the historic South Street Seaport, featuring restored 19th-century buildings, waterfront dining, and the South Street Seaport Museum. It’s a picturesque place to visit in New York.
33. Roosevelt Island Tramway
The Roosevelt Island Tramway is an aerial tramway in New York City that spans the East River and connects Roosevelt Island to the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Take a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway for spectacular views of the East River and Manhattan. Explore the island’s parks and historic sites—one of the interesting New York activities.
34. Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is a media museum located in Astoria, Queens, New York City, dedicated to the history, technology, and art of movies, television, and digital media. It’s one of the best NYC museums for media and film enthusiasts.
35. Harlem
Harlem is a neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, New York City, known for its rich African-American cultural history and vibrant arts scene.
Discover the cultural richness of Harlem with its world renowned jazz clubs, soul food restaurants, and landmarks like the Apollo Theater. It’s a marvelous place to explore in New York.
36. New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium is located on the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City, and is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Explore marine life at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island, featuring exhibits like the Sea Cliffs and the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit. It’s one of the best family-friendly activities to do in NYC.
37. Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is an art museum located at 200 Eastern Parkway in the New York City borough of Brooklyn.
It is home to an extensive collection of art ranging from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to contemporary works. Another one of the must-see NYC museums.
38. Prospect Park
Prospect Park is a public park in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Prospect Park in Brooklyn, designed by the creators of Central Park. The park features a zoo, a lake, and the LeFrak Center at Lakeside. It’s a great place to see in New York.
39. Bushwick Collective Street Art
The Bushwick Collective is an outdoor gallery of street art in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City.
Admire the vibrant street art of the Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn, where murals by local and international artists cover the neighborhood. It’s a colorful place to explore in New York.
40. Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards is a real estate development in the Chelsea and Hudson Yards neighborhoods of Manhattan, New York City.
Visit The Vessel, a striking honeycomb-like structure, and The Shed, a cultural center. It’s one of the newest places to see in NYC.
41. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is a 16.3-acre complex of buildings in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
Attend a performance at Lincoln Center, home to the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic. It’s a premier place to visit in New York for performing arts.
42. Governors Island
Governors Island is a 172-acre island in New York Harbor, within New York City, accessible by ferry.
Take a ferry to Governors Island, a car-free oasis with bike rentals, art installations, and panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan. It’s a perfect activity for a relaxing day in NYC.
43. The Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum is a national historic site and museum located at 97 and 103 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
Learn about immigrant history at the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side, where guided tours take you through restored apartments and shops. It’s an educational place to visit in New York.
44. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is an annual display of extravagant Christmas lights and decorations in the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City.
During the holiday season, visit Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see some of the city’s most extravagant Christmas light displays. It’s one of the festive things in NYC this weekend if you’re visiting during the holidays.
Conclusion
New York City is a treasure trove of experiences, offering countless things to do in New York City. Whether you’re into history, art, food, or outdoor adventures, NYC has something to offer every traveler. From iconic places to see in New York to fun things to do in NYC, this city has it all. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of the Big Apple!