Top 20 Things to Do In New York

New York is one of the most recognised cities in the world. Look at our guide to the top 20 things to do in New York to make the most of your trip.

We know all the famous streets and designer shops in New York without ever having been there. Being in New York City is like stepping into a movie. The impressive architecture and jaw-dropping fashion will amaze you. So, let’s look at what you can do in the Big Apple to experience what the city offers.

• Things to do in New York
• Free Things to Do in New York

Things to Do in New York

1. 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The National 11 September Memorial & Museum is a memorial and museum in New York City that commemorates the 9/11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which killed 2,977 people, and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, which killed six. The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 10 am-5 pm. The museum and memorial is located at 180 Greenwich Street in lower Manhattan. Every morning, Memorial & Museum staff put a white rose in the name of victims who had a birthday on that day.

The museum and memorial are worth seeing during your time in New York. The museum is profoundly moving and unforgettable, telling the story of 9/11 through artefacts, personal stories, imagery, and videos. You can get a guided tour of the museum or walk around and discover it at your own pace. The One World Observatory is also nearby, giving an incredible 360-degree view of NYC on the 100th floor.

While at the museum and memorial, you can walk across to the Oculus. This unique architecture is a transportation hub with over 100 stores. A highlight of the Oculus food market is Eatly, where you can dine and buy fabulous Italian foods.

Cost: Entry to the Memorial and Oculus is free, and the Museum has a $30 entrance fee.

2. Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is a must-do for your New York City trip. Travel up the 70 floors of the Rockefeller Center to get a 360-degree view of the city. Top of the Rock Observation Deck is open daily from 9 am-11 pm. The Rockefeller Center is also home to NBC studios where “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and “Saturday Night Live” are filmed. The NBC studios shop is excellent for buying merchandise from your favourite NBC shows like “The Office” or “Friends”. If film and TV interest you, you can decide to do a guided tour of the NBC studios to get behind-the-scenes access to the famous studio.

Cost: Top of the Rock tickets are $34 for children and $40 for adults.

3. Statue of Liberty & Eilis Island Tour

It is popular to do Eilis Island and the Statue of Liberty tours together as they are so close to one another. A ferry brings you to Liberty Island, where you can look at Lady Liberty and the Statue of Liberty Museum. You can also pay extra to go into the pedestal and the crown of the Statue of Liberty and look at the scenic view. The tour also brings you to Eilis Island to learn about the immigration history to America in the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Access the American Family Immigration History Center’s records to review passenger records, ship manifests, and information.

4. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is another unbelievable view spot to take in the beauty of NYC, however SUMMIT One also offers a unique immersive experience on the top three floors of the One Vanderbilt. Artist Kenzo Digital created a mind-bending art piece of mirrored rooms with interactive areas called Air. Transcendents 1 and 2 are two floors covered in mirrors, giving you a different view of the city. SUMMIT One also has round silver balloons drifting in the air in Affinity for unique and fantastic photos. Levitation lets you see the city from a glass box jutting out from the One Vanderbilt if you are brave enough.

If you pay extra, you can take a glass elevator up to the top with Ascent and have a signature cocktail in Aprés, the outdoor and indoor dining area. Many people go to SUMMIT One for a spectacular view of the city at sunset.

5. Museums in NYC

The Metropolitan Museum of Art 

The MET Museum is a popular must-do on people’s lists of things to do in New York. Stand on the iconic steps of the Met, famously seen in the TV show Gossip Girl and used by celebrities to show off their outfits at the most prestigious fashion event of the year, the MET Gala.

The 150-year-old Museum showcases millions of works, including a collection from the Costume Institute with over 33,000 costumes dating from the 15th Century to the present. It also has a collection of Asian art, African art, Greek and Roman art, and paintings by Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh. The museum brought Egypt to New York with the “Temple of Dendur.”

American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)

The AMNH opens from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am-5 pm, and is in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The museum showcases the world’s natural wonders and human cultures. The over 150-year-old museum has several exhibitions, for example, Extinct and Endangered and a Sharks exhibition. Exhibitions showcase for a limited amount of time each year. The museum is the perfect way to spend a few hours of your day and will satisfy everyone’s interests, from its Gem display to its impressive Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

The MOMA is known for its exceptional exhibitions and modern and contemporary art collections. The MOMA showcases works by Henri Matisse, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo. Some of MOMA’s most recognised pieces of art are Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans”, “The Water Lilies” by Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night”.

Museum of Ice Cream

This is a fun way to spend time in New York, whether with friends or family. This brightly coloured multi-sensory and immersive experience provides visitors with great entertainment and delicious ice cream. The Museum of Ice Cream’s unique and colourful rooms make a great space to take creative photos. It is New York’s ice cream version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

6. Edge Observation Deck

The Edge is another excellent observation spot in NYC. It is the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, with a 360-degree view. Its uniquely designed glass floor makes you feel like floating in the air. It is open every day from 8 am-12 pm, allowing you to watch the sunset over NYC on top of the Edge. If you are brave enough and want to do more than just look at the NYC scenery, you can also scale the outside of the skyscraper with City Climb for a skyscraper adventure of a lifetime.

7. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is always at the top of people’s list of things to do in New York and is one of New York’s most recognised landmarks. The iconic building has been shown in 100’s of films, including Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair to Remember and Elf. It provides visitors with a 360-degree view of New York City that would leave anyone in awe. There are options to see the beauty of NYC from the top of the Empire State Building in any light. Whether at sunrise, during the day, at sunset or at night, you are guaranteed to be wowed by the view.

Cost: Tickets for the 86th floor are $44, and if you want to include the 102nd floor, ticket prices rise to $77.

8. Helicopter Tour of NYC

A helicopter ride over NYC is probably one of the most expensive things to do in New York, but it is an unforgettable experience. You can choose between a daytime or nighttime tour to see the city’s lit-up skylines. Some tours may allow you to choose what sights you want, while others might have a route set out. The helicopter tours give you unobstructed views of NYC and last 15 to 30 minutes.

9. Broadway Show

If musicals and theatre are your thing, going to a Broadway show is a must on your list of things to do in New York. There is an endless variety of shows on Broadway that are guaranteed to entertain viewers. To experience what Broadway has to offer, why not eat at “Ellen’s Stardust Diner” before you go see the spectacular shows on Broadway? The waitstaff at Ellen’s Stardust Diner are theatre performers, and many of them go on to perform on big Broadway shows. Ellen’s Stardust Diner is world famous for singing to customers as they serve them food and drinks. The retro 1950s diner is a unique dining experience that you will not forget.

Cost: Broadway ticket prices vary depending on the show.

10. Madison Square Garden

Visit the most famous arena in the world, which offers various sports and musical performances. Have the unique experience of watching a basketball or hockey game or listening to the most excellent musicians in the world perform on a world-renowned stage. You can also get a behind-the-scenes tour of Madison Square Garden and learn about iconic sports and entertainment history moments.

Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on what event you choose to see.

Free Things to Do in New York

There are many things to do in New York without spending money. Here are some free options that will be a favourite during your time in the Big Apple.

11. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is open all year round, connecting Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge should be at the top of your list of things to do in New York. You can see spectacular views of the New York skyline while walking across the bridge, which costs you nothing to do. The broad promenade above the roadway allows pedestrians to use the bridge built nearly 140 years ago and is still a top-rated tourist attraction.

12. Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (DUMBO)

If you decide to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, you should take a few extra minutes to walk under the Manhattan Bridge once you get over to Brooklyn. The cobblestone streets of the DUMBO neighbourhood, with the Manhattan Bridge in between the buildings and the Empire State Building in between the arch, make for a very picturesque photo. The DUMBO waterfront is a beautiful spot, and you get a great full view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York skyline. This photogenic spot is well worth the visit.

13. Times Square

Times Square is one of the first things you think of when you hear New York. Seeing the hustle and bustle around Times Square will be like nothing you have seen. It is the liveliest area in NYC, lit with neon lights and giant billboards. If crowds aren’t your thing, go to Times Square early in the morning, sit down, and enjoy a coffee and a pastry from one of the many food vendors while enjoying the craziness of NYC.

14. Central Park

Central Park is situated between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan and is the largest urban park in New York. You can spend hours walking or cycling around Central Park, taking in the beautiful green scenery surrounded by tall buildings. If you want to pay, you can go on boat rides, skate on the ice rink, or have a carriage ride through the park. Take in the atmosphere of Central Park, with street performers, musicians, and artists at every turn.

Recognise famous spots where your favourite movies and TV shows were shot. For example, you will recognise the Gapstow Bridge, which is seen in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and the Bethesda Terrace which is shown in the Disney movie “Enchanted”. Of course, there are 100 more examples, and if you are interested in movie locations, you can get a guided tour. Some highlights of Central Park are the Imagine Mosaic in memory of Beatle John Lennon, the Belvedere, Shakespeare in the Park and the Bethesda Fountain.

15. Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards is a built-up neighbourhood in lower Manhattan. Spend the day in the retail centre, which has over 100 shopping places and an impressive selection of restaurants. Enjoy concerts at the Shed, the performing arts area, and take in Hudson Yard’s incredible art piece, a spiral staircase called the Vessel. Next to the Vessel is a green public space where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

16. Kayak at the Hudson River

Kayaking on the Hudson River probably isn’t the first thing that comes to your mind when planning a trip to the Big Apple, but it is something you should add to your list of things to do in New York. The Downtown Boathouse is the world’s most extensive kayaking programme. Once you know how to swim, you can use the kayaks provided and enjoy your time kayaking around the Hudson River.

17. The High Line

The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long repurposed old elevated railway line that allows you to walk over the busy streets of New York. It is also a public park that surrounds you with historic buildings and amazing artwork and has a wide variety of places to eat. Free tours are given on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The High Line offers a unique way to experience New York City and should be added to your list of free things to do in New York.

18. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is a world-famous landmark. Its main purpose is as a transportation hub, but it is also home to many shops and restaurants, including a daily food market. It is the second most visited destination in New York, and like many places in New York, Grand Central has been featured in many movies and TV shows.

The beautiful architecture and gold leaf-painted zodiac ceiling in the Main Concourse will leave you in awe, and the information booth clock is an instantly recognisable landmark of Grand Central Terminal. While at Grand Central, you should give the whispering gallery a go, which allows you to talk to a friend in the opposite corner due to the Guastavino tiles on the low ceramic arches.

19. Little Italy

Little Italy is a New York neighbourhood known for its large Italian population. Enjoy Italy in NYC with Little Italy’s fabulous range of Italian restaurants and fantastic street art. Little Italy is also the shooting location for the movies The Godfather and The Godfather III and is home to the very first pizzeria in the US, Lombardi’s. Walking around Little Italy is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in New York and immerse yourself in the Italian-American culture.

20. China Town

Chinatown is near Little Italy, and it is well worth visiting. Spend a few hours exploring what Chinatown offers, from souvenir shops to markets and designer boutiques. Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine is essential in Chinatown, with many noodle houses and teahouses. Explore all the Chinese culture and traditions that Chinatown has to offer.

With our guide to 20 things to do in New York, you will have endless options to make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps.

You may also be interested in our other articles: Top 5 Places to Visit in New York State I A Tourists Guide to The Big Apple I 12 Things You Must See Around New York City