7 Best Things To Do In New York City: New York has so much to offer that can captivate anyone, from its tall buildings and famous landmarks to its lively art scene, delicious food, stylish fashion, and vibrant nightlife. You can explore the city in different ways – take a leisurely walk in Central Park or along the High Line, enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan from the One World Observatory or Top of the Rock, or take a boat cruise in the New York Harbor to see the skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
If you love art, check out some of the city’s great museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art (top 10 new york attractions), the Guggenheim, or the Frick Collection. Instead of eating at chain restaurants, try local favorites from Chinatown to a cozy bistro and savor the flavors of New York. At night, catch a Broadway show, enjoy live music at a jazz club, or visit a rooftop bar for a drink.
New York offers family-friendly activities too, such as ice skating at Rockefeller Center or biking over the Brooklyn Bridge. The Big Apple has a lot of memorable experiences waiting for you on your trip.
Read on for the 7 best things to do in New York City.
7 Best Things To Do In New York City
1. Central Park, New York- Best Things To Do In New York City
Central Park, a mix of park, museum, and concert hall, sprawls across central Manhattan, hosting famous attractions (must visit place in nyc) like the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Covering 843 acres, it’s a beloved spot for New Yorkers and tourists alike. You can exercise, dine, visit the zoo, and more. The park offers diverse experiences, with over 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, sculptures, and 30 bridges.
Notable spots include:
- Alice in Wonderland Statue: A magical 11-foot statue surrounded by characters like the Mad Hatter.
- Bethesda Fountain: A romantic spot with an Angel of the Waters sculpture.
- Conservatory Garden: A formal garden with English, French, and Italian styles.
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir: A scenic 106-acre jogging spot.
- Loeb Boathouse: Rent a boat, bike, or gondola in this Victorian-style spot.
- Strawberry Fields: A tribute area named after John Lennon’s song.
- Wollman Rink: A popular Lower East Side spot for ice skating in winter and various activities in summer.
Located from 59th to 110th Street, Central Park is free to visit, open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Visit during the day or early evening, use on-site restrooms, and explore with guided tours or helicopter rides. Check the official website for maps and event details.
2. National September 11 Memorial & Museum- Best Things To Do In New York City
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a solemn tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Twin reflecting pools with waterfalls mark the footprints of the World Trade Center towers. The museum spans 110,000 square feet, featuring multimedia displays, artifacts, and an interactive table telling the story of the attacks. Visitors find the atmosphere moving and recommend spending three to four hours exploring the exhibits.
Located near Fulton Street subway stops, admission to the memorial is free. Museum tickets cost $33 for adults, with discounts for students and youths. Free admission is available on Mondays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations are required. The memorial is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the museum from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed Tuesdays). Audio guides and guided tours are available for additional fees.
If you’d like a more in-depth look at the museum and the importance of surrounding sites, such as St. Paul’s Chapel, consider signing up for one of the city’s best tours, including the best walking tours in NYC. For up-to-date information, check out the official National September 11 Memorial & Museum website.
3. Empire State Building- Best Things To Do In New York City
Watch out for “sunset peak” pricing, adding an extra $10 per ticket for two hours around sunset. Despite the crowds and admission fees, visiting the Empire State Building in midtown Manhattan is a must for New York City tourists (top tourist destinations in nyc). It offers breathtaking views of the city’s highlights from 1,250 feet above on clear days. The iconic art deco skyscraper also dazzles with mood lighting in the evenings, featuring a dynamic system with over 16 million colors.
Choose between the 86th or 102nd floor observatories for panoramic views. Explore exhibits on the second and 80th floors, covering the building’s history and cultural significance. To avoid crowds, visit in the morning or after 9 p.m. The Empire State Building is the fourth-tallest in NYC, located at Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street.
Observatories are generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m., with varying hours. Restrooms are not available on the 102nd floor. Tickets for the 86th floor start at $44 for adults, $42 for seniors, and $38 for children 6 to 12; children under 5 are free. Express Pass options are available, starting at $80 per person. Check the official website for pricing details and the lighting schedule.
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4. Metropolitan Museum of Art– Best Things To Do In New York City
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art for an unparalleled art experience, showcasing masterpieces from around the world. Highlights include Greek and Roman art, Egyptian art, and Islamic art exhibits. The museum, known as “the Met,” is a must-visit in New York City (best nyc tourist attractions). Explore semiannual exhibits by the Costume Institute or head to the Met Cloisters for medieval European art and architecture.
The Met is praised for its first-class facilities and artwork. Plan your visit by checking the museum’s website for exhibit details. Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to the 86th Street station, located along Fifth Avenue, near Central Park. Open Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission to the main building and The Cloisters costs $30 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $17 for students. Kids under 12 enter free with a paying adult. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents, as well as students, have a “pay what you wish” option with valid ID. Purchase tickets online or in person.
Enhance your visit by dining at the museum’s eateries or enjoying a sunset from the rooftop garden bar, open into the evening on Friday and Saturday.
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5. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island- Best Things To Do In New York City
The Statue of Liberty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for many travelers. To fully appreciate its size and significance, visit both the statue and Ellis Island on your NYC vacation (nyc most popular tourist attractions). Access the sites via the official ferry operator, Statue City Cruises, from Battery Park or Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
Tickets, at $24.50 for adults and $12 for children, cover round-trip ferry service, audio tours, and museum access. Ferries start at 9 a.m., with the last at 4 p.m. Arrive early and consider Liberty State Park for shorter lines. Opt for a pedestal ticket for panoramic views or crown tickets for a climb and city views (book months in advance).
After Liberty Island, take the ferry to Ellis Island. Explore the Main Building and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Exhibits showcase immigrants’ artifacts and photos. Audio guides and ranger tours are included, or choose a third-party guided tour for a more in-depth experience.
Boat tours and helicopter rides offer stunning views. The ferry from Battery Park is accessible from the Bowling Green subway stop, open daily except Dec. 25.
6. Brooklyn Bridge– Best Things To Do In New York City
The Brooklyn Bridge, a signature NYC landmark and one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country, spans the East River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. With six lanes and a pedestrian walkway, walking across is a popular and cost-free tourist activity.
While some may opt for other attractions, crossing the bridge offers a unique, free view of both boroughs. Visitors caution about the lack of shade, recommending morning visits before 9 a.m. to avoid crowds and midday heat. The A or C train to High Street in Brooklyn allows for a leisurely stroll back to Manhattan, taking about 30 minutes.
It’s a free and iconic experience, attracting walking tours and offering a unique perspective for boat and helicopter tours passing under the bridge.
7. The High Line– Best Things To Do In New York City
Escape the city hustle by visiting the High Line, a nearly 1½-mile-long park on Manhattan’s West Side, set on an abandoned rail track. For the best experience, visit early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds. As you stroll from north to south, consider adding a visit to The Standard Biergarten or lively Chelsea Market for people-watching and food.
Situated 30 feet above street level, the High Line offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan’s skyline. Visitors praise it as an “urban oasis,” featuring changing public art installations, food vendors, and a spacious picnic area known as the 23rd Street Lawn.
The High Line has three sections with multiple entrance points. Accessible by various subway lines, it’s free to visit. Opening hours vary by season, typically from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with extended hours in spring, summer, and fall. Check the official website for details and current events.
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