15 Best Things to Do in NYC

Whether you’re planning a weekend away or you’ve been here for years, there’s so much to do and see that you’d need a lifetime to do it all. Besides Times Square, it seems there’s never an exact answer as to where you should go in this big urban jungle. For your easiness, we have classified the best things to do in NYC.

Monumental, creative, cultural, commercial, and cosmopolitan – the “City That Never Sleeps” is all you’ve imagined and more. You’ll never be bored right here; the only issue is narrowing down what to do from the countless list of possibilities. To help you get started, here is a list of our favorite inspirational highlights – all ideal experiences on your next journey. However, the large attractions attract huge crowds, so brace yourself. If you’re after a calmer NYC experience, sights in the “outer borough” (after Manhattan) will generally be less crowded.

5 Best Places to Tour in New York City

Check out the top places to visit in New Your City that have been listed below.

1. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The top spot on this list may not be surprising to you, but there’s absolute confidence that both of those points of interest are a must while you’re in New York. The Statue of Liberty is simply a symbol of New York but of America. And Ellis Island represents the country, too after all, nearly half of Americans can trace their ancestry back to this one island.

There are many options for viewing the statue from the harbor, but it is recommended to take the time to go to Liberty Island to see it up close. You can visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and climb the pedestal for exquisite views. From there, it’s a short ferry trip over to Ellis Island to explore the immigration museum and learn more about this gateway to America.

2. Broadway

The Theater District is home to over 40 Broadway theaters; that’s why New York has some of the best live theater on earth. Whether it’s a new musical, the modern hits, or a long-running classic, seeing a Broadway show transports you out of your seat and into a new reality.

There are masses of splendid insider recommendations for exploring the area. There are also a few hints for tickets, but know that even though the charges can be expensive, there are ways around it. You can also visit Broadway with a real-life NYC actor to learn more about the tales, secrets, and techniques that make NYC’s Theater District unique in contrast to everywhere else inside the city.

Speaking of theater, all of the world’s a stage in terms of New York. Quite some shows and movies have been filmed here, and one of the latest ones—the HBO show “Succession”—became very famous. While this may not be the most apparent of the top NYC points of interest, you’ll find you spend a whole lot of your time in NYC exploring Lower Manhattan, especially if it’s your first trip here. It’s filled with a lot of attractions, and it’s even where you’ll start your trip to the Statue of Liberty.

So while you’re here, visit iconic “Succession” film spots like Rava’s penthouse, the buildings that served as the Waystar/Royco Headquarters, and the scene for the ultimate shot of the series.

3. Little Italy and Chinatown

One of the various amazing things about New York is its diversity, and that is what you’ll experience when you go to Little Italy and Chinatown. The best part is these two completely distinctive neighborhoods are right next to each other. That’s the splendor of New York: You get to enjoy equally captivating, but definitely exceptional, neighborhoods within mere blocks of one another.

Lots of people go to both of those neighborhoods on the same trip. Since they’re so close, you can get a taste of each in under an hour.

4. Metropolitan Museum of Art

New York is chock-full of charming and historic museums; however, the Metropolitan Museum of Art manages to stand out from the others. It’s the largest art museum in the United States and one of the various top-visited museums in the world. The permanent collection alone has over 2 million works. Its halls are stuffed to the brim with artwork and culture, so you can spend a day here and still not see all of it. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is also located in Central Park, so it’s close to some other places to see in this list.

5. Grand Central Terminal

Arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in all of New York, Grand Central has come a long way since its beginning in 1913. About three-quarters of one million people pass through this vicinity each day, making it certainly one of the biggest and busiest stations in the entire world. Its size is impressive, but its architecture is worth admiring, too.

The spotlight is the main concourse ceiling, which soars 125 feet above you, showcasing a mural of gold-leaf constellations. Be sure to take some time to look outdoors, as the exterior of the building is similarly stunning, a standout among a few of the vibrant, modern towers of midtown.

Top Attractions in New York City

Also find out some of the top attractions in the city you must see, and best things to do in NYC:

6. Brooklyn Bridge

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is an easy, fun journey and the perfect excuse to visit Brooklyn. The views are unparalleled, and the bridge itself is a marvel to experience on its own.

If you need the best views, start off on the side of Brooklyn and stroll toward Manhattan. It keeps the view in front of you and starts you off with much fewer crowds. This gives you an extra chance to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

7. Central Park

There’s nothing that beats a sunny day in Central Park. Definitely keep this one for a nicer day-wet weather doesn’t help you fully experience the beauty that is the backyard of New York.

Take a stroll through The Ramble, pay tribute at Strawberry Fields, go skating at Wollman Rink, picnic in Sheep’s Meadow – you’ve got plenty of options, and you’ll see other New Yorkers out here doing the same. Visiting Central Park is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of actual NYC life.

While rain could possibly get in the way of a terrific time at the park, don’t allow the cold climate to prevent you. Central Park in the snow is classic New York fun, and ice skating here in winter is magical.

Best Things for City Tours in NYC

Here are the best things to do in NYC that you can’t miss.

8. The Lights of Times Square and the Theater District

The neon lights do shine vividly on Broadway, specifically in Times Square, at the heart of the world’s most celebrated theater district. Day and night, it offers billboarded sensory overload. In the place are dozens of marquee-fronted playhouses hosting box-office hits, alongside Madame Tussauds and National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey. Bryant Park, Midtown’s small but activity-filled green oasis, and the lion-flanked front of the New York Public Library, a national historic landmark, are also close by. This is one of the best things to do in NYC.

9. Go to Watch a Sport at a New York Stadium

New Yorkers take a lot of pride in their sports teams, so how better to soak up the town’s energy than at a game? The Bronx’s Yankee Stadium and Mets’ Citi Field in Queens are grand open-air stadiums, while Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden, home of Knicks and Liberty basketball and Rangers hockey, and Brooklyn’s futuristic Barclays Center, wherein the Nets basketball and Islanders hockey groups play, are enclosed, perfect for rainy days.

Best Cultural Tours in NYC

Given below is a list of cultural tours in New York City.

10. Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The indispensable city tour of all trips, hop-on, and hop-offs are applauded for ease, accessibility, and price. Map-reading and subway-taking not your strong suits? No issues—even the most directionally challenged tourist can experience Big Bus Tours, condensing a sightseeing fest that includes thirty landmarks into one trip. Don’t forget to look out for famous and interesting places as you go with the help of a live tour guide.

Choose from routes running in downtown, uptown, Harlem, and Brooklyn, and get from Wall Street’s Charging Bull statue to the green meadows of Central Park with no trouble. Basically, it is a simple choice for seeing as much or as little as you want of the city in a day—and not stressing out about maps or splendid, luxurious Uber fares.

11. Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour

Visiting some of the most beautiful and remarkable views inside the city, the Brooklyn Bridge is a beacon for vacationers. But do not let your only experience of this beautiful place and its brilliant views be via the viewfinder of your camera.

Put the gadgets down and take a bike journey across the bridge to absorb the scenery. This ‘Bike and Roll’ tour takes about three hours, running at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for photograph stops. Make certain you make the most of your guide, which is sure to have a lot of information about the bridge’s history and architectural details.

Best Outdoor Activities in NYC

You can also enjoy the following outdoor activities in NYC.

12. Go Kayaking

You don’t have to leave the city to have an outside adventure. If the water allows, try having a river kayaking experience at one of the metropolis’s community boathouses. Many of those locations provide rentals and instructions at no cost, so it’s an outstanding free outdoor activity in NYC when you have a little spare time.

The Manhattan Community Boathouse at Pier 96 offers free kayaking classes on the Hudson River, and all you need to do is sign up on the website. If you’re in Brooklyn, check out the North Brooklyn Community Boathouse or the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse.

You can also discover the aquatic nature in New York City on the Downtown Boathouse or on Kayak Staten Island, both of which provide complimentary rentals. These companies provide kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets, so all you need to do is show up. Without a doubt, it’s one of the top free things to do in NYC, especially when it’s a stunning day and you may feel the river breeze.

13. Go to the Beach

It can also seem bizarre to hear that there are beaches in NYC; however, it’s true! You can journey to the outskirts of the town or go further in the direction of the coast to experience some fun in the sun, and it’s a pleasant outdoor activity in NYC to do in the summer season.

First, Rockaway Beach is one of the few surfing beaches in NYC. Located in Queens, Long Island, it has sports activity centers, a skate park, playgrounds, and a boardwalk. The beach has reachable showers and bathrooms, so it’s an awesome choice for families with youngsters.

Over within the Bronx, Orchard Beach is an artificial beach that’s a part of Pelham Bay Park and one of the most famous points of interest to visit in the Bronx. It’s positioned along Long Island Sound, so it’s an amazing place to swim and cool off from the heat. During the summer, lifeguards are on duty, and the community hosts a free concert series.

Another choice is South Beach, part of the South Beach Wetlands. Besides swimming, it has a scenic boardwalk, so it’s a fun thing on Staten Island too. Further outside of NYC, the Hamptons are home to several nice beaches, such as Main Beach in East Hampton and Cooper’s Beach in Southampton. If you don’t want to drive, this tour will provide transportation to East Hampton, Sag Harbor, and Southampton.

Food, Drink, and Nightlife in NYC

There are hundreds of options to enjoy the food, drink, and nightlife of NYC. Check out below.

14. Le Bain

A rooftop bar on the top floor of the Standard Hotel in the Meat Packing District offers one of the most thrilling experiences to the night owls, with an indoor hot bath and a plunge pool in summer. With clubby European tunes and techno songs being played in the background and a top-notch view from the rooftop, Le Bain easily draws people from special social groups, from company employees and models to downtown creative people.

It’s not a very exclusive venue, so anyone can get easy access after waiting for about 20-30 minutes. Dress to impress and experience the vibrant menu of the place with its cocktail, mocktail, and food delights, presenting a few vegetarian and gluten-free options.

15. Deux Chats

Located below the Williamsburg Bridge, this Belle Epoque-themed spot has a little less scenery than its sister bars (Le Dive and The Nines). The vibrant, vaulted space filled with distressed mirrors and ornate light furnishings puts you in a cocktail-drinking mood, so order the slightly spicy Kinky Martini. Starting meal with a Liquor is never a great idea, so start experiencing their seafood menu as soon as you sit down. Be sure to get a few chilled sardines, a salmon crudo, or a seafood tower if you’re feeling fancy.

Wrapping Up

With so much to look at and do in New York, a couple of tours are definitely not enough to cover all the main attractions and make sightseeing easy and enjoyable. Walking everywhere may be tiring, and taking the subway isn’t for everybody. There are many places to select from; however, this list provides a terrific blend of attractions and experiences to enjoy your stay in New York City.

FAQs – 15 Best Things to Do in NYC

1. What are the best places to go to in New York for a honeymoon?

Answer:

Visit these places to have the best honeymoon in New York:

• Niagara Falls
• Thousand Island
• Times Square
• Catskill Mountain
• Lake Placid

2. How can I spend three days in NYC?

Answer:

If you’re spending 3 days in New York, these places are a must-go:

• Times Square
• New York Public Library
• Trinity Church
• Lunch in Chinatown

3. What is a great time to go to New York?

Answer:

The best time is between April to June or November and December. The spring season is between April to June, and therefore you get to experience the best weather with fewer tourists around. November and December are eventful months with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s in line, so there are non-stop events to be enjoyed.

4. What is famous in New York?

Answer:

New York is an all-rounder when it comes to the things this city is well-known for. We have already given you a list of the places you need to see and go to in New York; however, we’ve also included a few places where you can try the meals. A New York-style pizza at the neighborhood pizzeria, a filling steak, corned pork, or maybe some baked pretzels to go with. However, meals and sightseeing are simply two parts of NYC.

5. What should you not miss in New York?

Answer:

You must not miss interesting places like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Broadway, Central Park, the 9/11 Memorial, and so on. Each of the destinations holds an awesome feature to start with; the Statue of Liberty exudes the announcement of freedom, while the 9/11 Memorial indicates grief and sorrow for the victims of the attack.