Welcome to the city that offers an endless variety of places to visit and things to do. From iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge to spectacular New York museums like the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With so much to see planning a trip can be overwhelming.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC to narrow down your list you’ve come to the right place.
What are the best things to do in NYC?
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, find out what you need to know about visiting Central Park, Top of the Rock, Times Square, and more — as well as recommendations for some of New York City’s hidden gems.
- Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty
- Learn the history of Ellis Island
- Walk along the High Line
- Experience the Museum of Modern Art
- Ice-skating at the Rockefeller Center
- Climb at the top of the Rock
- Stroll through the Central Park
- See the 9/11 Memorial
- Travel and marvel at the Grand Central Terminal
- Taste fresh goods at the Chelsea Market
- Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
- Fun and history at the Coney Island
- Watch a play on Broadway
- Feel the vibe of the Times Square
- Explore New York Public Library
- Art and history at the MET
- Cheer at the Yankee Stadium
- Travel back in time at the American Museum of Natural History
- Meet Lower East Side, NYC’s culture hub
- Shop and taste at the Union Square Greenmarket
- Discover the medieval secrets at The Cloisters
1. Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty
One of America’s most iconic landmarks, visiting the Statue of Liberty is a quintessential New York experience that should not be missed. The statue, gifted to the United States by France in 1886, has come to symbolize the American spirit of freedom and democracy.
Take a ferry ride from Battery Park to Liberty Island to get to the statue. Once you’re on the island, you can explore the statue’s pedestal and museum, but for an even more breathtaking experience, climb to the statue’s crown for stunning views of the city skyline.
Be prepared for a strenuous climb, as there are 354 steps to the crown, but the view is well worth the effort. Tickets must be booked in advance.
2. Learn the history of New York on Ellis Island
If you’re interested in American history and immigration, Ellis Island is a must-visit. The historic island served as the main port of entry for millions of immigrants to the United States from 1892 to 1954, making it a significant landmark in the country’s history.
To get to Ellis Island, take a ferry ride from Battery Park, just like when visiting the Statue of Liberty. Upon arrival, you can explore the museum’s extensive exhibits, which include artifacts, photographs, and personal stories of the immigrants who passed through the island’s inspection station.
If you have a personal connection to Ellis Island, visit the Family History Center to search for records of your ancestors who may have passed through Ellis Island. The center has a vast database of immigration records and can help you trace your family’s roots.
3. Walk along the High Line
This elevated park was created on a former rail line, stretching nearly 1.5 miles from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street on the West Side of Manhattan.
As you walk along the High Line, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, as well as the beautiful gardens and art installations that dot the park. The park’s design incorporates the original rail tracks, giving it an industrial-chic feel that is both modern and nostalgic.
The High Line is free to visit and open year-round, but it can get crowded, so consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
KAYAK top tip: Get on at Hudson Yards then walk to Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District. Here you can sample bites at the different vendors (skip to number 10 on this list for more Chelsea Market food recommendations) before heading to the nearby Whitney Museum.
4. Experience the Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art, often referred to as MoMA, is home to one of the world’s most renowned collections of modern and contemporary art worldwide, with more than 200,000 works of art on display.
Since its founding in 1929, the museum’s extensive collection has grown to include paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, design objects, film, and media by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol.
MoMA’s gift shop is also a must-visit, featuring unique gifts and souvenirs inspired by the museum’s collection.
5. Ice-skating at the Rockefeller Center
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is one of the most iconic winter activities in NYC, and a great way to experience the city’s holiday spirit. The ice rink is located at the center of the Rockefeller Center complex, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and the famous Christmas tree.
The rink is open from October to April, weather permitting, and offers skating sessions throughout the day and evening. Skaters of all levels are welcome, and skate rentals are available on-site.
6. Climb at the top of the Rock
The Top of the Rock observation deck is considered one of the best places to visit in New York and takes in breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. Located on the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Center, the observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Hudson River.
The observation deck is open year-round, with extended hours during the holiday season. However, to avoid long lines and crowds, book your tickets in advance and arrive early in the morning or later in the evening.
Dress warmly if you plan to visit during winter, as it can get quite chilly at the top of the building.
7. Stroll through Central Park
Central Park is one of the world’s most famous and beloved parks, spanning 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan. In the park, you can enjoy a wide range of activities including jogging, biking, picnicking, boating, and more. The park also has several beautiful gardens, lakes, sculptures, and iconic landmarks, like Bow Bridge and the Bethesda Fountain.
Central Park is vast, so be sure to plan your visit and choose which areas of the park you want to explore, or consider renting a bike or taking a guided tour to get a more in-depth understanding of the park’s history and landmarks.
8. See the 9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial is a moving and powerful tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City. Located on the World Trade Center site, the memorial features two reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood, and a museum that tells the stories of the victims, survivors, and heroes of that tragic day.
Visitors can walk around the pools and read the names of the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks. The memorial also features a beautiful plaza with a grove of trees and a path that leads to the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
9. Travel and marvel at the Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most iconic transportation hubs, a historical landmark, and a must-visit destination in New York City. This stunning Beaux-Arts building was completed in 1913 and features a massive main concourse with a celestial ceiling and a clock that has become a popular meeting spot for New Yorkers and tourists alike.
Alongside the terminal’s many shops, bars, and beautiful architecture we recommend exploring the side corridors and more hidden areas, like the Whispering Gallery. Here If you stand in opposite corners with someone, you can hear each other whisper.
Also, don’t miss the many specialty dining options, including the famous Oyster Bar.
10. Taste fresh goods at the Chelsea Market
This food lover’s paradise is popular with locals and tourists alike. Located in the heart of the Chelsea neighborhood, Chelsea Market is a former biscuit factory transformed into a vibrant marketplace filled with specialty food vendors, restaurants, and shops.
Visitors can sample artisanal and international foods, including fresh seafood, handmade chocolates, gourmet sandwiches, and more. Be sure to try some of the market’s signature dishes, such as the lobster rolls at Lobster Place or the tacos at Los Tacos No1.
11. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
Completed in 1883, The Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time and has become a symbol of American engineering and ingenuity. Visitors can walk across the bridge’s elevated pedestrian path, which offers stunning views of the city skyline and the East River. The bridge also features two massive stone towers and intricate Gothic-inspired details, making it a beautiful and impressive structure to behold.
12. Fun and history at the Coney Island
This fun and historic seaside destination is known for its old-school amusement park, instantly recognizable boardwalk, and carnival games. For more than a century, people have flocked to Coney Island to ride the famous Cyclone roller coaster, take a spin on the Wonder Wheel, or play games and win prizes at one of the many carnival booths.
The beach is also a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and there are plenty of options for food and drinks, including Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, a Coney Island institution. If you’re interested in history, be sure to visit the Coney Island Museum, which showcases the area’s colorful past through exhibits, artifacts, and photos.
13. Watch a play on Broadway
Attending a Broadway show is a quintessential New York City experience that shouldn’t be missed. Broadway is home to some of the best theater productions in the world, with an ever-changing lineup of plays, musicals, and other performances.
Tickets to Broadway shows can be expensive, but you can often find discounted tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square, or by entering a digital lottery for the show you want to see.
14. Feel the vibe of Times Square
Times Square is one of the most famous and vibrant areas of New York City, known for its bright lights, giant billboards, and bustling crowds.
The heart of Times Square is the pedestrian plaza at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, which is always teeming with people, performers, and vendors. The area is mainly home to massive flagship stores of major brands like Disney, Hershey’s, and M&M’s, as well as many Broadway theaters.
15. Explore New York Public Library
The New York Public Library, adjacent to Bryant Park in Midtown, is a historic and iconic institution in New York City. The library is known for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, vast collections of books and documents, and its role as a cultural center and hub for intellectual discourse.
You can explore the library’s many reading rooms and research areas, including the famous Rose Reading Room, which features soaring ceilings, intricate moldings, and more than 30,000 books lining the shelves.
If you’re interested in viewing rare books and manuscripts, check out the library’s special collections and archives, which include more than 46 million items ranging from medieval manuscripts to contemporary digital materials.
16. 5,000 years of art and history at the MET
Known as “The Met,” the Metropolitan is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive art museums, with a vast collection spanning more than 5,000 years of art history from around the world.
Whether you’re interested in Egyptian sculptures or contemporary paintings and installations, the Met has it all. The museum also has beautiful outdoor spaces, including a rooftop garden, which has stunning views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
17. Cheer at the Yankee Stadium
Home to the New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world and a must-visit destination for any baseball fan. Catch a game at the stadium and experience the excitement of watching one of the most storied franchises in sports history.
The stadium also offers guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes, including the locker rooms, dugouts, and batting cages.
17. Travel back in time at the American Museum of Natural History
As one of the world’s most famous and visited museums, the American Museum of Natural History is home to a vast collection of exhibits and artifacts showcasing the wonders of the natural world.
The museum’s many halls and galleries showcase exhibitions on dinosaurs, mammals, marine life, and human evolution. But given the museum’s massive size, plan your visit carefully and consider focusing on specific areas or exhibits of interest.
19. Meet Lower East Side, NYC’s culture hub
The Lower East Side is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Manhattan that has become a hub for arts, culture, and nightlife. Once a center for immigrant communities, the area is now known for its trendy restaurants, boutiques, and street art.
In addition to shopping and dining, the Lower East Side is home to several popular music and performing venues, including Abrons Arts Center and Bowery Ballroom.
Be sure to stop by the Tenement Museum, which offers guided tours of historic tenement buildings and explores the lives of the immigrants who once lived there.
20. Shop and taste at the Union Square Greenmarket
The Union Square Greenmarket is one of the largest and most popular farmers’ markets in New York City. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Union Square Park (worth a visit on its own), the market features a wide variety of locally grown produce, meat, beer and ciders, and prepared foods like pastries or pasta.
The market is also great for discovering new and sometimes exotic foods from local farmers, like reishi mushrooms from Blue Oyster Cultivation and okra flowers and huitlacoche from Lani’s Farm.
The market is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday year-round, but the selection of produce and products vary depending on the season. Consider visiting in the summer, when the market is in full swing, and the selection of fruits and vegetables is at its peak.
21. Discover the medieval secrets at The Cloisters
Located in Upper Manhattan, The Cloisters Museum features a collection of medieval art and architecture, including illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, and stained glass. The Cloisters is a branch of the MET museum.
You can explore the many galleries and exhibitions that showcase Europe’s rich artistic traditions from the 9th to the 16th centuries or the beautiful gardens and learn how medieval plants and herbs played a part in medicine and art. You have free access to The Cloisters Gardens with your museum ticket.
It is a must-visit destination for art and history lovers, but it can be tricky to get to. Our tip? Take the 1 or A trains to Dyckman Street, but wear comfortable shoes, as the museum is on a steep hill.
Of course, there are more than 21 things to do in New York City. Whether you’re interested in art, history, culture, or food, New York City has it all—and don’t miss out on the city’s buzzy LGBTQ+ scene, either.
How did we choose our 21 best things to do in NYC?
The selection of the best things to do in New York City was based on the knowledge of multiple New York City locals, including the author, as well as extensive research. We wanted to provide a well-rounded and diverse list of activities and attractions that would appeal to a wide range of interests and preferences. From iconic landmarks to lesser-known gems, each recommendation was carefully chosen to showcase the best of what New York City has to offer.
Visiting New York City: FAQs
Do I need a car in New York City?
No, you don’t need a car in New York City. New York City has one of the world’s most extensive and efficient public transportation systems, including buses, subways, and trains. The city’s public transportation system can take you virtually anywhere you want to go, often faster and more reliably than driving.
When is a good time to visit New York City?
New York City is a great destination to visit year-round, but the best time to go depends on your preferences and what you want to do.
Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit because the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner than during the peak summer tourist season. Spring is gorgeous in New York City, with blooming flowers in Central Park and a lively atmosphere as people emerge from winter.
Still, ultimately, the best time to visit New York City depends on your preferences and what you want to do while you’re there.
How long should I spend in New York City?
The time you should spend in New York City depends on what you want to do and see while you’re there. There are so many incredible attractions, museums, and neighborhoods to explore that it’s easy to fill a week or more with activities.
For a first-time visit to New York City, spend at least five days to get a sense of the city’s vibrant energy, diverse neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks. This will give you enough time to visit all the famous attractions and explore areas like Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and Williamsburg.
If you’re short on time, you can still get a taste of New York City in just a few days. A three-day itinerary could include highlights like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the High Line, the Brooklyn Bridge, and a Broadway show or a night out in the trendy Meatpacking District.
Is New York City safe?
As far as large cities go, New York City is safe to visit. The city has made progress in reducing crime, and the overall crime rate is much lower than in the past.
That being said, it’s always essential to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings when traveling to any destination, including New York.
Some neighborhoods in the city may have higher crime rates than others, so it’s a good idea to research the areas you plan to visit and take precautions accordingly.
Does New York City have tourist passes?
Yes, New York City offers several tourist passes that can help you save money on popular attractions and activities.
The New York CityPASS is a popular option that includes admission to five top attractions, including the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History, as well as three more attractions of your choice, ranging from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. The pass is valid for nine consecutive days and offers savings of up to 40% off regular admission prices.
Before purchasing a tourist pass, it’s a good idea to research the attractions you want to visit and compare the prices to the cost of a pass. Some attractions may offer discounted admission during certain times or days of the week, so it’s important to do your homework and find the best deal for your needs.
