Planning a trip to New York City? In that case, you'll discover that this iconic metropolis offers a dizzying array of attractions and activities that cater to every interest and passion.
From world-renowned landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park to the bustling streets of Times Square and the cultural treasures of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, there are many things to do in NYC. Here are some of the must-see and must-do experiences in the Big Apple.
Enjoy tabletop games with your friends at Cellar Dog in Greenwich Village. This laid-back, vintage-style establishment offers various games and serves typical bar beverages.
Cellar Dog vaunts nightly jazz performances, billiards, ping pong, and traditional board games, making it a great late-night NYC activity option for everyone.
Address: 75 Christopher St, West Village
What to do in NYC? Consider savoring a drink at the Panorama Room to enjoy the city's breathtaking views. This rooftop lounge offers oysters and small plates in a stylish setting with glass walls.
Their remarkable cocktails and non-alcoholic options complement the experience of watching the sunset. Enjoy a Manhattan-inspired cocktail while conversing with friends on the outdoor terrace. Alternatively, you can choose an indoor seat and share a meal indoors.
Address: 22 N Loop Rd, Roosevelt Island
Frick Madison serves as the temporary residence for The Frick Collection, showcasing significant pieces from their permanent collection in an organized fashion, chronologically and by region.
Inside, you'll find Renaissance paintings created by Italian masters and early 20th-century modernist art, all presented in a stylish setting. The museum also regularly features temporary exhibitions.
Address: 945 Madison Ave, Upper East Side
The Union Square Greenmarket boasts an abundance of vendors offering locally sourced fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, baked goods, fish, and homemade products from farms near New York City.
Take some time to explore this open-air market, engage in conversations with the food vendors, taste samples, and purchase fresh, locally produced foods. This NY activities with your family is undoubtedly fun.
Address: Union Square W & E 17th St
New York City offers numerous family-friendly activities for those planning a trip with kids. One such things to do when in New York City is to visit the American Museum of Natural History.
This NYC museum is devoted to studying and exploring human cultures, the natural world, and the known universe. You are surely going to have great fun at this place.
Address: 200 Central Park West, Upper West Side
The Strand Book Store is a family-owned independent bookstore with a rich history spanning over 95 years. This unique store specializes in new, used, and rare books, covering a wide range of subjects from philosophy to finance, and also offers book-related gifts.
If you're an avid reader or a book enthusiast, be sure to include a visit to the Strand Book Store on your list of NYC things to do.
Address: 828 Broadway, Downtown Manhattan
Catching art in a street setting offers a more immediate and sensory experience than viewing it within a museum's confines. A prime example is the Coney Art Walls, a public art project at 3050 Stillwell Avenue.
Aside from the captivating murals, it provides live entertainment and features well-loved dining establishments. This initiative has become a sought-after attraction, serving as a venue for diverse events like art exhibitions and music festivals. For art buffs, it is a fun things to do in NYC.
Address: 3050 Stillwell Ave, Brooklyn
If you're craving delectable donuts, make your way to Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop. This classic bakery offers a variety of soft donuts to satisfy your taste buds.
Peter Pan is a traditional bakery with counter seating where you can enjoy donuts, pastries, shakes, and egg creams. It's a perfect spot to grab some coffee and kick off your list of things to do NYC.
Address: 727 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn
Looking for some things to do in NYC for the day with your family? Consider a visit to the Queens County Farm Museum. Here, you can engage with and feed the barnyard animals, such as sheep, ponies, and goats.
Take a hayride for some added fun, and if you visit during the fall harvest season, you can enjoy pumpkin picking and challenge yourselves in the Amazing Maize Maze.
Address: 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens
When faced with many options, many visitors find themselves pondering what to do in New York. If you're seeking cost-free activities, visiting the Brooklyn Promenade is a great choice.
The promenade is a preferred spot for joggers, strollers, and rollerbladers. It boasts a pedestrian pathway, seating areas, greenery, and, most notably, astonishing views of the iconic NYC skyline.
Adjacent to the Vessel in Hudson Yards, you'll discover The Shed, an architecturally distinct building with various artistic experiences. The Shed hosts diverse artistic expressions from hip-hop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance.
The Shed features a revolving series of exhibits and doesn't maintain a permanent collection. To ensure the exhibit aligns with your interests, it's advisable to check in advance what is currently being showcased.
Address: 545 W 30th St, Hudson Yards
Are you a shopping freak? Then the Oculus Center is an ideal destination for you. It boasts numerous shopping malls, dining establishments, and convenient subway and train transportation access.
With a wide variety of retail and dining choices, the Oculus makes for a fantastic stop before or after exploring nearby attractions such as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Survivor Tree, and the One World Observatory.
Address: 50 Church St., Manhattan
St. Patrick's Cathedral, a prominent New York City house of worship, has been open to all visitors since 1879. Its exquisite Gothic architecture stands out dramatically against the surrounding buildings, evoking a profound sense of awe upon first sight.
Even individuals who do not follow a religious faith can find solace and appreciate the serenity offered by this remarkable place. Including this destination on your list of what to do in the NYC would be an excellent choice.
Address: 5th Ave, Midtown Manhattan
Thrilling and fun things to do in New York City for the real daredevils is City Climb. This experience involves ascending the tallest open-air staircase on a building globally.
Adventure enthusiasts can relish the excitement of scaling a steep 45-degree staircase and leaning out over the edge. It's a one-of-a-kind adventure and an accomplishment that will stay with you forever.
Address: 30 Hudson Yards
Fun things to do NYC include a trip to ARTECHOUSE, a cutting-edge venue that centers on using vibrant, interactive technology to delve into art and science.
Conveniently located near Chelsea Market, you can plan a full day out by enjoying drinks or a meal and incorporating ARTECHOUSE as part of your entertainment. The artwork projections play continuously, and you're free to stay for as long as you'd like
Address: 439 W 15th St, Chelsea
Experience a panoramic view of Manhattan Island in New York with a sightseeing helicopter tour. Marvel at the city's landmarks from the unique vantage point of a specially designed helicopter that provides an expansive 180-degree view from the sky.
While the helicopter ride may come with a higher cost, the breathtaking aerial perspective and the sights you encounter make it a worthwhile investment.
If you're running short on things to do New York City, consider visiting the General Grant National Memorial. It's a tranquil area ideal for leisurely walks, reflection, and simply enjoying the outdoors.
The memorial building is not only strikingly beautiful, with its vibrant white appearance amidst the surrounding greenery, but there's also a nearby gift shop where you can watch a film about General Grant. You'll find plenty of benches for a peaceful break, or you can take a stroll along the pathways.
Address: W 122nd St &, Riverside Dr, Morningside Heights
New York City offers an abundance of attractions, but there are certain sites that are must-visit, and the Chrysler Building is one of them. Its Art Deco facade, adorned with gargoyles, is enough to understand the beauty and majesty of this iconic edifice.
Visitors are welcome to explore the lobby, which provides a glimpse into the glamour of NYC in bygone eras. The walls, elevator doors, and ceilings boast exquisite details worth observing and appreciating.
Address: 405 Lexington Ave, Midtown East
If you're a fan of the series, a trip to the FRIENDS Experience in New York is an absolute must. It allows you to step right into the sitcom world, especially when visiting Central Perk.
Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of FRIENDS with interactive set recreations, authentic props and costumes, fantastic photo opportunities, and a chance to snag exclusive merchandise. It's an experience that fans won't want to miss.
Address: 130 E 23rd St
If you're keen on gaining insight into the lives of 19th-century immigrants arriving in NYC, this attraction should definitely be at the forefront of your list of things to do New York.
Established in 1988, the museum is located within a tenement building that once provided housing for numerous immigrant generations. It's a fascinating destination, especially if you are interested in history and want to delve into the immigrant experience of that era.
Address: 103 Orchard St, Lower East Side
After a full day of exploring the city, consider giving yourself a well-deserved break by unwinding at one of the rooftop bars, where you can sip on cocktails while relishing the sunset panorama. NYC boasts numerous rooftop bars, and one notable option is Spyglass.
At Spyglass, you can soak in the picturesque vistas while savoring delicious foods and drinks. The venue offers all-season spaces and open-air terraces, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment.
Having a great night out with your friends in Koreatown is a must on the list of things do NYC. And what's a night out without some karaoke fun? Koreatown has numerous fantastic karaoke bars, including the Space Karaoke Bar & Lounge.
You can enjoy snacks and cocktails at this venue in a stylish, brightly lit bar with ten private rooms for group karaoke sessions. It's a fantastic way to have a memorable and entertaining night with your buddies.
Wondering about NYC what to do list? Make sure you add Fotografiska to the checklist. This unique experience blends breathtaking photography with a more youthful and laid-back ambiance than traditional museums.
On the ground floor, you'll find a cafe where you can leisurely sip a coffee or a glass of wine while you peruse the museum's exhibits.
Address: 281 Park Ave S, Gramercy Park
What to do New York with your partner? Head towards a romantic dinner date on a yacht cruise. Sail along the water, savoring the cool breeze and captivating vistas of the Manhattan skyline.
You'll find numerous sightseeing yacht cruises, each offering luxurious amenities to suit your preferences and make your evening together special. Some names are Classic Harbor Line, World Yacht, and NYPartyCruise.
Awestruck by what to do NYC at night? Consider signing up for a spooky ghost tour to explore the intriguing stories hidden within the city's streets.
One fascinating option is the Greenwich Village ghost tour, which unravels the eerie history of this area dating back to the 17th century. It's an excellent way to conclude a day of exploring the city, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to your nighttime adventure.
26. Summit One Vanderbilt
27. Walk The Brooklyn Bridge
28. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
29. Trip To Governors Island
30. Picnic At Battery Park
31. Empire State Building
32. Must-Visit Urban Park - Central Park
33. One World Observatory - Tallest Building In NYC
34. World-famous Fifth Avenue
35. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
36. See a Broadway Show
37. Rockefeller Center
38. Marvel The Street Of Times Square
39. Metropolitan Museum of Art
40. Edge Observation Deck
41. Stroll Around The High Line
42. Bites At Chelsea Market
43. Little Island Park
44. Enjoy The Historic And Chic Streets Of Greenwich Village
45. Lincoln Center For The Performing Arts
46. Washington State Park
47. Grand Central Terminal
48. Museum of Broadway
49. Intrepid Sea Air, & Space Museum
50. Visit Chinatown NYC
51. Guggenheim Museum
52. New York Public Library
53. Shop At Essex Market
54. Rubin Museum Of Art
55. Photogenic View Of Flatiron Building
56. Federal Hall
57. Trinity Church & Cemetery
58. Staten Island Ferry Ride
59. Morgan Library & Museum
60. Trip To Coney Island
61. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
62. Jackie Robinson Museum
63. Enjoy Delicious New York Style Pizzas
64. Kayaking On The Hudson River
65. Food Fest At Smorgasburg
66. Live Music At Radio City Music Hall
67. Comedy Show At Comedy Cellar
68. Enjoy Quintessential NYC Brunch
69. Sip A Drink At Great Jones Distilling
70. Queens Night Market
71. Bronx Children’s Museum
72. Luxury Spa Day At World Spa
73. Carreau Club Pétanque
74. Swingers Crazy Golf - NoMad
75. Fine Dining Experience At Le Rock
76. LES Gallery Nights
77. Eat At City Winery Grand Central
78. Green-Wood Cemetery
79. Madison Square Park
80. The Bronx Zoo
81. Explore Pelham Bay Park
82. Visit The Statue of Liberty
83. Brooklyn Bridge Park
84. Whitney Museum of American Art
85. South Street Seaport
86. Prospect Park
87. The Met Cloisters
88. Game Day At Yankee Stadium
89. Merchant House Museum
90. Stroll Around SoHo
91. Explore Bryant Park
92. McSorley’s Old Ale House
93. Have NYC bagel at Tal Bagels
94. Slim Fun At Sloomoo
95. Shop At Harry Potter New York
96. Karaoke At Ms Kim's
97. Take A Picture At The Bean Sculpture
98. The Starbucks Reserve Store
99. Uptown Night Market
100. The House of Cannabis (THC NYC)
