Things to do in New York

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New York Attractions

The Big Apple has never been accused of being a bore, and in all likelihood never will be. From Broadway to Times Square and Soho to Chinatown, you can enjoy thousands of activities in New York City. Fun things to do in NYC run the gamut of interests, from the culinary to the artistic. Of course, retail therapy is also one of the best things to do in NYC. You may come to New York, New York, for a weekend, but chances are good you’ll want to stay much longer, so think long and hard about your itinerary when you book your tickets.



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What to do in New York

Free Things to Do in New York

Traveling on a shoestring budget in New York? Spend time, not money, on terrific experiences.

International Center of Photography - Round up the whole family and set off on an intriguing adventure through history together.

Love Sculpture - This is a non-negotiable stop for culture vultures who want to add an artistic flourish to their trip.

Wollman Rink - Let down your hair and add some extra good times to your trip here.

Floating Pool - Swing by for a refreshing dip and let your inner water lover swim free.

Times Square - Appreciate the creativity and design of this fantastic example of modern architecture.

Brill Building - Drop by this historic attraction and learn a few things about the cultural heritage of the region.

Duffy Square - Get to know some of the local residents and seek out the real personality and soul of this fascinating place.

Wagner Cove - Take things at a slower pace and spend some time out beside the water.

Algonquin Hotel - Widely known among local residents, this site is worth checking out.

Church of Saint Mary the Virgin - Get in touch with your spiritual side or simply get lost in the peaceful ambiance at this place of worship.

Brower Park - Appreciate the contrast between busy city life and nature's beauty at this beautiful spot.

Bryant Park - Find your green thumb and be wowed by the wide variety of plants on display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in New York

The neighborhoods in New York are difficult if not impossible to encapsulate in just a few sentences. Indeed, the vibrant, diverse areas of NYC could fill a book. And things to do in New York span across all of these neighborhoods. Whether you are interested in the arts, want to party the night away, or feel like strolling the streets aimlessly, New York City makes an excellent destination.

Midtown — Midtown hosts the Empire State Building and Koreatown. Of course, the area is also spilling over with professionals who have somewhere to be, so prepare to elbow your way down the sidewalk as you navigate the neighborhood.

Chinatown — Make your way to Chinatown for authentic dim sum and cultural flare. This part of NYC is also a magnet for adventurous foodies, and you will find vendors selling things like live eels and pork buns to the public. Don’t let the name of the neighborhood deceive you: Chinatown also has Vietnamese food and more.

SoHo — Take the fast track to SoHo for boutiques and other retailers in spades. Once you’ve spent your fair share on your credit card, make your way to some of the chic art galleries, if only for a window shop.

West Village — West Village has trendy nightlife and serves as a good place for celebrity watching. Despite its high profile, the area manages to maintain a bit of a comfortable charm. This attitude is reflected in local brunch spots and beyond.

Things to See in New York

Things to do in New York City include more than trekking through the streets all day. You can certainly relax, be entertained, and take break from the hustle and bustle while you enjoy some of the best sights and sounds. Start by taking in a show (or two, or three) in the theater district. Once you give your regards to Broadway, walk through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and stop to smell the roses at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. Of course, you should always bring your camera to New York so you can snap pictures of the architecture, landmarks, and community gardens.

Sightseeing in New York

In a city that never sleeps, it’s no surprise that you will find limitless activities and attractions in NYC. While in the Bronx visiting the New York Botanical Garden, you may as well stop by the Bronx Zoo or grab a slice of world-renowned pizza. Of course, walking through Time Square is a must-do for first time visitors, but don’t spend too much time here when there is so much more to see. You can spend days in Central Park, where activities range from biking and jogging to playing a baseball game. Sightseeing in New York City can be overwhelming, but fortunately New York tours make it easy to navigate the boroughs and make the most of your time in the city.

Things to Do in New York with Kids

There are loads of amazing experiences in New York that the whole gang will get a buzz out of. These are some of the best family friendly experiences around.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in New York? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Stay near popular New York attractions

Where to stay in New York

Find the best New York areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about New York
Learn more about New York

Midtown

Times Square and Rockefeller Center are a few top attractions in Midtown. Hop around the city on the metro at 42 St. - Bryant Pk. Station or Times Sq. - 42 St. Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, soaring skyscrapers, and acclaimed art galleries.

Upper West Side

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Upper West Side. Check out top attractions like Lincoln Center and Children's Museum of Manhattan, and jump on the metro at 86 St. Station (Broadway) or 79 St. Station to see more of the city.

Upper East Side

Known for its fascinating museums and beautiful river views, there's plenty to explore in Upper East Side. You can visit top attractions like 5th Avenue and Gagosian Uptown, and jump on the metro at 77 St. Station (Lexington Av.) or 72nd Street Station to see more of the city.

Chelsea

Chelsea is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Madison Square Garden and Joyce Theater. See more of New York by jumping on the metro at 23 St. Station (8th Av.) or 23 St. Station (7th Av.).

Greenwich Village

Travelers choose Greenwich Village for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Christopher St. - Sheridan Sq. Station or W 4 St. Station and check out top sights like 5th Avenue.


 

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Popular day trips from New York

Frequently asked questions

Is New York worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in New York is visit Times Square. Tick this top attraction off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's views and dining.
How do I spend a day in New York?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Times Square and Rockefeller Center, spend the rest of your day discovering New York's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in New York?
The top tourist attraction in New York is Times Square, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in New York?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out many city highlights, like Times Square, Rockefeller Center and Wall Street. The average stay in New York is three days. If you have the time to extend your vacation, Newark isn't far away.
Is New York a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, New York is a good place to experience on foot. Wander between Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Then take a stroll through Manhattan, located 2 miles from the center, and Midtown, which is about 0.1 miles away.
What are some activities to do in New York with kids?
What to do in New York for adults?
There are loads of things to do in New York, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Brooklyn Brewery or New York Distilling Co..
Are there free things to do in New York?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in New York is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Times Square is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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