We know that planning a visit to NYC might be overwhelming. It is the biggest metropolis in the United States with a inhabitants of greater than 8 million folks. It might be exhausting selecting the place to begin on a go to to the Big Apple. There are simply so many issues to do in New York from visiting the entire well-known points of interest to taking in a Broadway present or venturing out to its 5 boroughs. That is why we needed to make planning your journey to New York simple.
Best Things to do in New York City
We love New York City, to us, it’s the most fun metropolis in the world! We’ve visited the Big Apple many instances over the previous decade and all the time discover one thing new to see and do. Whether you’re a first-time customer to New York or that is your fifth time visiting, this checklist of the last word issues to do in New York City will make your subsequent journey unforgettable. Visiting New York this vacation season? Check out our information to Christmas in New York – What to do in NYC for the Holidays
We determined to type this checklist of what to do in New York City by the “wow” issue. Putting the must-see issues to do on the high (particularly in case you are visiting for the primary time) and the issues we really feel you possibly can depart for a second or third go to close to the underside. We additionally give costs and Google map coordinates to provide help to discover every attraction. So completely happy searching!
1. Empire State Building at Night
Not many cities in the world evaluate to the NYC Skyline at night time and essentially the most well-known of all of the statement decks in New York City is unquestionably on the high of the Empire State Building. One of the good issues to do in New York is to up the Empire State Building at night time. It used to be the tallest constructing in New York however that title is now held by the brand new constructing at 1 World Trade Center. Still, the view of the town from right here is unbelievable. Read: 30 Best New York Views – Where to See the Manhattan Skyline
Our favourite time to go to is at night time. The statement deck is open till 12 am in {the summertime}. Going late at night time helps means much less crowds whereas taking in the neon lights igniting the town skyline. If you do need to go to the Empire State Building through the day we suggest heading there early to keep away from the strains. But it truly is extra lovely at night time.
2. Go Up to the Top of the Rock
You’ll discover that we point out numerous views in this New York City information and that’s as a result of New York has such a phenomenal skyline. One of New York’s finest skyline views might be seen from the Top of the Rock.
In our opinion, no journey to New York could be full with out visiting the Rockefeller Center and the Top of the Rock. This has among the best views of New York. While I really feel that the skyline view itself is best than the one from the Empire State Building, the view of the Empire State Building is breathtaking from the Top of The Rock.
The view from the highest of the rock view is the traditional New York City view that all of us see in the flicks. Plus, it’s cool to go to right here as a result of it’s residence to NBC Studios. In the morning you possibly can stand outdoors to watch the right this moment present, and in the event you actually need to bounce by way of hoops, you possibly can attempt to see a Jimmy Fallon taping. Make positive to guide your tickets in advance for the Top of the Rock. It can get actually busy throughout peak seasons.
3. National 9/11 Memorial Plaza
A go to to the National 9/11 memorial and museum to see the spirit and resilience of the folks of New York, a go to to Ground Zero at One World Trade Center is a should. The web site of the Twin Towers has been remodeled into a strong memorial.
Two 9/11 memorial reflection swimming pools sit on the bases of the place the dual towers have been with names etched into the partitions. The swimming pools are surrounded by skyscrapers exhibiting how New York has rebuilt and is standing with hope somewhat than hate.
4. 9/11 Museum
Going into the 911 memorial Museum is one thing everybody ought to do. Inside it exhibits the devastation and real-life affect September 11, 2001 assaults on the United States and the World Trader Center bombings of 1993. We really feel that it’s a type of essential issues to do in New York no matter whether or not it’s your first time or not.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum remind us all that these mindless acts of violence solely harm the harmless however when tragedy strikes, one of the best of the human race emerges.
5. One World Observatory
While visiting the museum, go up to the statement deck of One World Observatory. It is the best of the statement decks in New York taking you up 102 flooring for panoramic metropolis views. There is a glass ground referred to as the Sky Portal and an audio-visual show on the Forever Theater.
This is an additional cost outdoors your ticket to go up to the One World Observatory however the memorial museum is included in your New York Pass.
6. The Oculus
While visiting the 9/11 memorial, your eyes shall be drawn to the putting construction referred to as the Oculus. The design of stark white metal ribs interlocking excessive above the bottom represents doves flying from the palms of a kid. It offers a way of hope on the web site of a tragedy.
It is a transportation hub so likelihood is you’ll come up from the subway right here. In our opinion, it is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in New York.
7. the Statue of Liberty
No go to to New York City could be full with out seeing the Statue of Liberty up shut. It’s New York’s most well-known attraction and in addition to studying about its historical past, it additionally affords wonderful views of the town. When planning your Statue of Liberty go to, you should have to be dedicated and have the time. It takes a number of hours of your day.
If you might be visiting New York through the excessive season, you possibly can stand in line for hours ready to catch the ferry. Even once we went through the offseason, we had to look forward to 45 minutes only for the ferry to refill. It is then a 15-minute experience from Battery Park out to Liberty Island.
When you get to the Statue of Liberty you possibly can guide a time to go up to the highest of the statue of Liberty Head (I did this after I was 16 years outdated) and you may stroll round woman liberty admiring one of the best view of Manhattan.
There’s a superb museum to go to with the unique flame on show. If that is your first journey to New York you will have to make time to see this as it’s actually spectacular and value the price. It is the image of freedome in the United States and its an excellent time that we’re all reminded how fragile freedom is.
Do you’ve gotten restricted time? Make positive to learn our submit on How to Make the Most out of your go to to the Statue of Liberty
8. Ellis Island
Many folks embrace the Ellis Island tour with the Statue of Liberty. We did this our first time in New York collectively and we discovered it fascinating. We really loved our Ellis Island tour greater than our time at Liberty Island to study in regards to the historical past of immigration to New York.
It does add an additional hour or so onto your go to, however this can be a historic web site that’s not to be missed. Make your method up to the second ground and there is a wonderful assortment of pictures displaying the historical past of Ellis Island. There are free audio excursions you could take at your individual tempo or you possibly can be part of a ranger tour for a extra private expertise.
Cost: Included in the Statue Of Liberty Tour
9. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
As individuals who by no means put museums on an inventory of metropolis guides, New York is the exception. We liked visiting its museums and the Met is one you need to be sure to see. It takes days to actually expertise all of it, however highlights embrace Van Gough’s self-portrait, Dantes Inferno, a recreation of the Sistine Chapel, and an unbelievable Egyptian Display full with mummies and historical tombs. But you don’t have to spend days right here. An hour or two offers you an excellent appreciation for what it has to provide.
10. Be Wowed by The Vessel
The Vessel at Hudson Yards is a exceptional murals that offers wannabe photographers their good Instagram-worthy shot. If you might be in search of enjoyable issues to do in New York City then ensure to add this to your checklist.
Surrounded by eye-catching skyscrapers, this artwork set up is surrounded by skyscrapers. At the second, going up The Vessel is closed however it’s free to stroll round and admire the distinctive design.
11. Have Coffee whereas strolling High Line
The High Line is a 1 1/2 mile lengthy (2.4 km) elevated walkway and park that cuts by way of Manhattan’s West Side. It was an outdated freight prepare monitor, that’s now a pedestrian path by way of condos and skyscrapers. You catch some nice views of road artwork alongside the way in which as properly.
Grab a espresso on the Hudson Yards take a stroll on the High Line. This is one thing we attempt to do on each journey to New York.
It takes about 30 – 40 minutes to stroll from Hudson Yards to the Whitney Museum in the Meatpacking District.
12. Hudson Yards Shopping Center
This midtown Manhattan neighborhood is an superior place to hang around for the morning. It is positioned on the Vessel and there’s a nice view of it from the second ground inside. Hudson Yard is residence to very costly condos and we will solely think about who has an residence in this neck of the woods.
There is all the time one thing occurring at Hudson Yards from film nights to the Public Square & Garden to watching soccer on the large display screen. Inside the retailers are embellished to go well with the season with fall flowers or Christmas ornaments. Hudson Yards is unquestionably not to be missed on a New York City journey.
13. Chelsea Market
By the time you’ve visited the Vessel and walked the Highline, I’m positive that you’re hungry, so breeze over to Chelsea Market for lunch or brunch positioned in Meatpacking District.
Chelsea Market is positioned in the outdated Nabisco Factory the place Oreo cookies have been invented! Today it has been remodeled into workplace buildings for Google. Well, Google’s father or mother firm Alphabet Inc.
The market is a meals complicated on the primary and basement flooring with every thing from tacos to ice cream. It has every thing your empty abdomen may want, so be certain to pop into this complicated that takes up a full metropolis block for any deal with you want.
14. Be Wowed by Times Square
New York City’s Times Square is essentially the most well-known sq. in the world. This might be some of the touristy issues to do in New York, however you can not miss seeing it.
We additionally virtually all the time keep in or close to this space once we are in the town. It’s simply among the best people-watching locations on earth. Plus it is extremely central and straightforward to get round, so we extremely suggest staying close by.
Be amazed by all of the neon billboards and skyscrapers that fully encompass you. There is all the time one thing occurring and going up to sit on the crimson steps to take all of it in is a should! Revel in the hustle and bustle that occurs right here 7 days per week. You undoubtedly have to ensure to go to if this shall be your first time in New York. Read extra: Things to do in Times Square – A Walking Tour and Nearby Attractions
15. Broadway
If you’re keen on reside productions then you realize one of many high issues to do in NYC is to take in a Broadway present. Times Square is in the guts of Broadway and streets jutting off from the sq. have marquee billboards showcasing the most recent Broadway productions.
Movie stars all the time flex their performing chops on Broadway and there’s no higher method to see your favourite star than to go and see them in a play. The New York Pass app lets you realize what offers you may get if you are in city. Make positive to guide your tickets in advance, particularly in the event you plan on taking in one of many extra standard exhibits.
16. The Lincoln Center
The Lincoln Center homes David Geffin Hall, David H. Koch Theatre, and the Metropolitan Opera House. It is residence to the New York City Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera, and the New York Philharmonic. So, if you would like to step into excessive society for a night, this is without doubt one of the finest to do it.
Whenever we consider the opera, we image Cher and Nicolas Cage going to the Met in the movie Moonstruck which is positioned proper right here. If you might be visiting New York at Christmas, we recommend testing The Nutcracker on the Lincoln, it’s a convention! And in the event you’ve all the time needed to see the ballet, this is perhaps the time to do it.
17. Grand Central Terminal
This is extra than simply your common prepare station, it’s the largest prepare station in the world. Besides being a significant hub additionally it is some of the lovely buildings in New York City.
Its large important concourse was really modeled after a Roman public bathtub and it’s actually spectacular to take in, particularly through the hustle and bustle of rush hour. When you go to Grand Central Train Station ensure not to miss the whispering gallery for slightly enjoyable.
18. History of the Rockettes Music Hall Tour
Seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall was a spotlight for us when visiting New York at Christmas, however you possibly can’t all the time see them carry out.
If you need to know extra about this historic landmark, among the best issues to do is to take a again stage tour. You can admire the artwork deco inside and study in regards to the historical past of this world-renowned live performance corridor.
See the non-public quarters of Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel who wined and dined the best artists of the time together with Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock, Judy Garland, and extra. Meet a Rockette and see the magnificent hydraulic stage.
19. Madison Square Garden Tour
When you’re taking a tour of Radio City Music Hall, they provide a reduction to tour Madison Square Gardens together with your ticket. If you’ve gotten the New York Pass it’s included. Chances are, you gained’t have the opportunity to catch a sport or see a rockin’ efficiency at Madison Square Gardens, however we predict excursions are the subsequent smartest thing!
20. Rent a Bicycle in Central Park
Central Park is certainly one of my favourite locations in Manhattan and no go to to the town could be full with out at the very least stepping foot in it. Watch road performers at The Mall which is an elm tree-lined pedestrian path, see the Hans Christian Anderson and Alice In Wonderland statues, get pleasure from a espresso by the pond, and take an image of the Bethesda Fountain.
Remember, Central Park is big, so an effective way to get round in case you have restricted time is to lease a bicycle. There are so many issues to see that you just’ll need wheels to do it proper. If you’ve gotten some extra time, now we have discovered among the best methods to uncover Central Park is to simply wander round and get misplaced. You will all the time find yourself at a significant road and it’s an effective way to escape the enterprise of the Manhattan streets for a number of hours.
Other methods to see Central Park – Horse and Carriage, Pedicabs, strolling, Central Park Tours. Google maps: Central Park Bike Rentals
21. Strawberry Fields
Located on the West Side of Central Park, Strawberry Fields is a memorial to John Lennon. Lennon lived proper throughout the road on the Dakota (the place he was additionally shot out entrance) and spent numerous time in this a part of Central Park.
There is a round mosaic that appears like a report with the phrase “imagine” etched into it in the middle of the trail. Go early in the morning as there are flocks of vacationers round it getting an image of the well-known memorial.
22. Greenwich Village
I’ll always remember strolling round Greenwich Village with our pal Melanie as she identified her outdated haunts. While it has modified so much over time, it’s nonetheless a spot to really feel like a neighborhood New Yorker. Home to the well-known arch of Washington Square Park, that is the place the cool folks hang around.
It’s a spot to loosen up, folks watch and watch artists at work in one of many many off-Broadway Theatres, workshopping their newest and best masterpieces. If you’ve gotten time, take a stroll to different cool neighborhoods just like the close by SOHO and East Greenwich Village.
We barely left these neighborhoods when visiting New York for the primary time. Take a tour to actually study the historical past of the realm. The Hippie days are lengthy gone, however a tour will present you the place all of the cool spots have been that helped form the tradition of right this moment.
23. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a wonderful vacation spot year-round with free films exhibiting at night time in {the summertime} and free ice skating on the rink in the winter. We actually liked this park in the winter. It is much less crowded than Rockefeller Plaza and the man-made skating rink is a superb place to spend a night.
There’s the winter village arrange with many retailers and eateries lining the trail, there are road performers in the summer season and plenty of eating. It’s referred to as Manhattan’s assembly place.
24. Charging Bull of Wall Street
This is a foolish little factor that pulls method too many guests for what it’s. People really line up for a crowded selfie across the Wall Street Bull. But it appears to be the factor to do when visiting New York, in order they are saying “when in Rome…”
25. Wall Street
New York City’s Wall Street is the heartbeat of the American financial system and you may see the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall, and Trinity Church When you might be finished on the bull, go across the nook to the long-lasting Wall Street. It is fairly cool to see. This is the monetary hub of the world and it’s price spying on “the suits” who stroll by doing one thing crucial on their cell telephones.
26. Take a Boat Tour
If you don’t need to go to the precise islands of Ellis or Liberty, we recommend taking a ship tour to see New York from the water. There are loads of possibilities to get out on the Hudson River in New York with boats to Governors Island, New York City Water Taxis crossing the channel, and Liberty Island Boat Tours, (the place you don’t have to get off)
The finest method to get an excellent have a look at the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan on a budget is to bounce on the Staten Island Ferry. It crosses the New York Harbor 24 hours a day and seven days per week. You can simply take it for the views or in case you have slightly time, spend an hour or so on Staten Island.
27. New York Public Library
I do know what you might be saying, “Who goes to the library anymore?” But the NYC Stephen A. Schwarzman Public Library is particular. Built again in the 1800s this constructing is just lovely. It prices nothing to enter and it’s well worth the journey simply to see the newly restored Rose Reading Room. If you’re a fan of structure then you’ll not need to miss gong contained in the second largest library in the world! .
There are free excursions Monday to Saturday at 11 am and 2pm476 fifth Avenue
28. the Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim is positioned on Museum Mile, and in the event you actually love exploring historical past and tradition, you may want to try all of the museums alongside this stretch of street that strains Central Park.
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim is price going inside if solely to wander round and see the structure. With our New York Pass, it was free, so we popped in to see the shows too. Special reveals are always altering in this very trendy gallery.
29. The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
For Modern Art, MOMA is the place to go. It was the primary museum we ever visited in New York as a result of we had heard a lot about it! It homes the well-known Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh and homes among the best collections of contemporary artwork in the world.
If you need to save your self some cash MOMA affords free entrance every Friday between 4 and eight pm. It additionally affords entry to its sculpture backyard free of charge every single day from 9-9:15 am.
30. The American Museum of Natural History
If you might be in search of issues to do in New York with youngsters, then the American Museum of Natural History is without doubt one of the locations you will have to add to your itinerary. This is a enjoyable museum for them to see dinosaurs, life-size animals, and scenic shows.
We didn’t love this museum, however lots of people do! And the life-like shows are very spectacular.
31. St Patrick’s Cathedral
Whenever Dave and I journey, we all of the sudden turn into spiritual. Well, we at the very least go to church buildings and cathedrals. There is a lot historical past inside them. St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York is without doubt one of the oldest and most recognizable cathedrals in the United States.
If you might be like us and go to locations just like the Vatican, Notre Dame, and the Koln Cathedral solely when touring, that is one other one to add to the checklist.
32. Little Italy
I don’t suppose there’s a cooler Italian space anyplace in the world (outdoors of Italy). This is part of the town that has considerably saved its heritage. Buildings are embellished with white and inexperienced stripes and even the garland hanging over the streets are in Italy’s colours of crimson, white, and inexperienced.
Some eateries have been round because the 1800s and thus far, Little Italy has survived gentrification (at the very least for now). So go in for a chunk to eat and comply with in the footsteps of NYC’s most well-known Italians.
33. Go Shopping
New York is without doubt one of the finest locations in the world to buy groceries. I’ll always remember my mother getting indignant with me as a child as a result of I didn’t need to purchase something from Bloomingdales.
We had come all this fashion to New York and I used to be having a tantrum about procuring. I’ve modified my tune nowadays!
When visiting New York, you’ve gotten to ensure to stroll alongside fifth avenue to do some window procuring and go into the world-renowned shops of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Macey’s. And don’t neglect Tiffany’s.
34. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
A good way to discover New York is on foot, and strolling throughout the Brooklyn Bridge is iconic. While you may get to Brooklyn by bus or subway, why not stroll from decrease Manhattan to Brooklyn throughout the bridge? Though it’s not the oldest bridge in NYC it is without doubt one of the few bridges you could really stroll throughout.
You can stand overhead wanting on the New York visitors go beneath, dodge new yorkers scuttling to work and hold an eye fixed out for cyclists whizzing by in the bike lane. This is a superb place to see the town from a unique vantage level.
35. Walk The Manhattan Bridge
Another bridge you possibly can stroll throughout is the Manhattan Bridge which is able to take you virtually immediately to DUMBO. Starting in Chinatown, a stroll throughout the Manhattan Bridge will take you away from the crowds of the Brooklyn Bridge. There is a pedestrian walkway on the south facet at Canal road. You can cycle throughout it too and cyclists have their very own lane on the opposite facet. Why not stroll alongside one bridge to DUMBO and the opposite again?
36. DUMBO
When you get throughout the Brooklyn Bridge, spend a morning or afternoon on the waterfront of the East River in Brooklyn. There are loads of issues to see right here, together with iconic views throughout the East River of the Manhattan Skyline from DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and The Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is just not solely an important vacation spot in New York, however additionally it is among the best locations to see the Manhattan Skyline. The finest place to see the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges can also be at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The park stretches alongside New York Harbor, with 85 acres of waterfront inexperienced house to discover.
37. Spend a day in Brooklyn
When you discover New York, you will have to add a contact of Brooklyn into your journey. You can wander across the cool neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights, or stroll alongside the waterfront admiring the retailers, cafés, and Jane’s carousel. New York’s well-known for its pizza and among the best locations to seize a slice is on the well-known Grimaldi’s pizzeria.
Brooklyn is mostly a neighborhood and attraction unto itself that deserves various hours, however in case you are visiting New York for the primary time, this can be a nice introduction.
38. Coney Island
Coney Island is an ideal day trip in Brooklyn, with loads of issues to do. Visitors can loosen up and absorb the solar on Coney Island Beach, a classic seaside strip. Grab a scorching canine at Nathan’s Famous and stroll the Coney Island Boardwalk to Brighton Beach. Brighton Beach is positioned on the east finish of the coast, nearer to Manhattan Beach and extra residential areas.
Enjoy the rides at Luna Park or make your method to Maimonides Park, the house turf of the Brooklyn Cyclones, a minor-league baseball staff. If you might be in search of a little bit of non-sporting historical past, you possibly can cease by at Coney Island Museum.
How to Save the Most Money in New York City
We used the New York Pass to see all the highest New York City Attractions. A 3-day go price $199 USD. It just about offers you entry to the entire high issues to do in New York, together with excursions.
It additionally consists of the hop-on-hop-off bus if you would like to get a lay of the land and see the town, plus you possibly can catch it from one space to one other at no further price. However, we discovered the subway to be quicker.
But in case you are not used to utilizing metropolis metros, the vacationer bus is the best choice.
We appreciated having the New York Pass as a result of we went into locations that we in any other case wouldn’t have checked out. And they ended up being nice experiences.
The app helps you:plan your tripgives steered itinerariesoffers reductions to exhibits, excursions, and eating experiencesand is up to date each day with new concepts and scorching offers
We discovered it to be well worth the cash for what we did. But be sure to are literally going to do so much in New York City since you may purchase it and never find yourself utilizing $199 price of experiences.
Getting Around New York City
The finest method to get round New York is through the use of the Subway. The New York Pass consists of the Hop on Hop off Bus, however we discover this a waste of time.
Getting on the subway is quick and environment friendly and it’s very affordable. Just get your self a metro go card on the machines (price $1) and fill it up with some money. It’s simple to refill, so you can begin out with the $9 that comes preloaded. And then you might be free to go round for $2.50 per experience.
One of our favourite issues to do in New York is to bounce on the subway and get off at a cease now we have by no means been to. Metro rides permit one free switch inside a 2-hour interval, so you possibly can pop into Grand Central in your method to anyplace and get again on with out losing a experience!
If you might be solely planning on seeing one or two websites, we recommend buying tickets separately. Or wanting into only a one-day go. Buy Your New York Pass Here
Taxis and Ubers are available in New York and we discover New York City to be extra reasonably priced than different cities all over the world when it comes to taxis and experience shares. When taking a taxi get the CURB App to hail a yellow taxi in New York City.
We like to take taxis at night time as they’re quick, protected and reasonably priced. Yes, the yellow cabs of New York City are nonetheless going robust. They settle for money and credit score as properly.
Where to Stay in New York City
New York has no scarcity of nice locations to keep. From the high-end accommodations close to Central Park to the extra reasonably priced lodging on the higher east facet. There is one thing for everybody. When selecting your lodging we recommend determining the place you need to discover the primary after which planning your resort round that.
If you’re a first-time customer among the best locations to base your self is in Mid-Town so you might be in the guts of all of it. The solely disadvantage right here is that it will get actually costly.If you might be on a funds I might counsel wanting on the Lower East Side or Upper Westside and making the most of among the best subway programs in the world. It could add slightly further time getting across the metropolis however it’s going to prevent a ton of money.We have a complete submit on the place to keep in New York and a submit on our favourite New York Hotels you could learn right here to discover quieter and extra affordable locations to fit your wants.
As you possibly can see there are numerous issues to do in New York and there’s no method you would cowl all of these items in one go to. Our advice is to stick to Manhattan if that is your first go to to New York City and depart issues like taking the Staten Island Ferry, Brooklyn, and a few of the museums for an additional go to. If there may be one factor I can assure you it’s that you’ll be again.
Plan extra of your New York City travels:
What have you ever finished in New York City? Leave strategies in the feedback under so now we have concepts for our subsequent go to!