Things to do in New York

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New York showing boating, a bridge and a city
Downtown Brooklyn which includes heritage elements and a bridge
New York featuring a monument and sailing
Brooklyn Bridge Park which includes a sunset, a river or creek and a skyscraper
The Oculus showing interior views as well as a small group of people

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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New York must see attractions

1. Times Square

Locals might bemoanTimes Square’s touristy hustle and bustle, but the neon wonderland isundeniably New York City's beating heart. Loud and chaotic, the crowdedepicenter is one of the world’s most visited and recognizable touristattractions.
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Times Square which includes a city, signage and a high rise building

2. Central Park

When it comes to film credits, no green space in the world can match New York City's Central Park. “When Harry Met Sally,” “Annie Hall,” “Home Alone 2,” and “Sex and the City: The Movie” all feature scenes shot in Manhattan’s iconic park, which opened in 1857 and is renowned as one of the city’s most precious outdoor areas.
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spring landscape in the Central park, New York, USA

3. Broadway

Broadway is called the “Great White Way” for the dazzling lights surrounding the popular Times Square portion of this avenue. Take a moment to look in all directions from your spot at the center of Times Square. Every December 31, about 1 million people crowd into this space to watch the 12-foot (3.6-meter) ball drop from One Times Square in celebration of the New Year.
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Motion blur effect,Times square with illuminated buildings and advertise on front crowded streets and yellow cabs for transportation tourists,midtown in New York with busy traffic and taxi cars moving

4. Madison Square Garden

Midtown Manhattan has one of the world’s most famous indoor arenas: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Watch the NBA New York Knicks, NHL New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty or your favorite big-name concert performers at this huge venue.
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NewYork_MadisonSquareGarden_6291778_8

5. Grand Central Terminal

Stand aside from the 750,000 daily visitors rushing to and from their trains and admire the architectural beauty of the majestic Grand Central Terminal. It’s also home to shops and dining options, making it an entertaining one-stop destination.
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Chrysler Building shines amid evening glow in New York City skyline

6. Empire State Building

The Empire StateBuilding is a world-famous landmark, synonymous with New York. It’s renowned asa backdrop in films such as “An Affair to Remember,” “King Kong,” and“Sleepless in Seattle.” In fact, it’s one of the city’s most significant andromantic skyscrapers.
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Close up view of the Empire State Building and the New York city skyline on a beautiful blue sky day

7. Statue of Liberty

Few buildings conjure up as many emotions as New York’s iconic Statue of Liberty, an awe-inspiring symbol of freedom, hope and democracy standing proud on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
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Statue of Liberty

8. Rockefeller Center

An ode to 1930s NewYork, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan fuses the old and the new, and isat the heart of the city’s annual holiday celebrations.
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Rockefeller Center

9. One World Trade Center

Standing well above its skyscraping neighbors, One World Trade Center is a building that is easily identifiable from New Jersey and from most parts of the boroughs surrounding Manhattan. The reflective sheen of the structure’s glass is easy to mistake for metal, and its isosceles triangular façades give it the appearance of having a twisting motion toward the sky.
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NEW YORK - JULY 02 2016: Aerial view of the Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center, Manhattan, New York

10. Wall Street

Near the southern tip of Manhattan is New York City’s Wall Street, one of the world’s most active and influential financial districts. Walk through canyons created by wide buildings in which some of the world’s biggest business decisions are made. The area also has major government institutions and a famous national monument.
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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.


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in New York

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in New York

Wall Street which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and a city

Manhattan

Densely populated and culturally rich, this area boasts iconic attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and Grand Central Terminal. Explore diverse neighborhoods, such as bustling Chinatown and vibrant Koreatown, while enjoying world-class shopping on Fifth Avenue.

Manhattan
Midtown featuring a bay or harbor, a sunset and a city

Midtown

Central portion of NYC, Midtown Manhattan boasts iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Times Square. Explore Broadway, Koreatown, and enjoy easy access to major transportation hubs like Grand Central Terminal.

Midtown
New York featuring a city, signage and a high rise building

Central New York City

Known for its soaring skyscrapers and eye-catching views, there's plenty to explore in Central New York City. Check out top attractions like Broadway and Times Square, and jump on the metro at 49th St. Station or 50 St. Station (Broadway) to see more of the city.

Central New York City
Corona which includes a sporting event

Queens

Largest NYC borough, Queens boasts linguistic diversity and a varied economy. Explore Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, catch a game at Citi Field, or attend the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Queens
Times Square showing a city, cbd and a high rise building

Theater District

From Times Square to Broadway theaters, experience New York at the height of its showmanship in this revitalized Midtown area.

Theater District
The High Line Park featuring a city, a garden and street scenes

Chelsea

Primarily residential with a thriving art scene, this area boasts over 200 galleries, the High Line park, and Chelsea Market for food lovers. Easily accessible via multiple subway lines and bus routes.

Chelsea

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

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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