New York City is a one of a kind place, and whether you’re someone who’s lived here for years, or are visiting on vacation, we’ve created the ultimate list of things you have to do at least once! From visiting NYC’s most iconic landmarks to eating the best food out there, we’ve got a mix of “touristy” and “local” recommendations that we think everyone should try out during the week or on weekends! Without further ado, here’s our list of the best things to do in NYC right now:
1. Central Park
NYC’s most iconic park is always full of things to do, especially right now! The 843-acre green space in the heart of Manhattan is full of over 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, and tons of landmarks like the Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and the Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial. Some other great activities that will help you explore the iconic park include rowing boats at Central Park Boathouse or visiting the Central Park Zoo.
2. One World Observatory
The One World Observatory is downtown Manhattan’s main observation deck, where you can ascend to the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere to get an uptown view of the Big Apple. It’s right next to the 9/11 Memorial in the Financial District and is the highest viewing point of NYC you can find. Visitors can rise to the top of the building via SkyPod Elevators in less than a minute, seeing an incredible multimedia time-lapse of New York’s skyline development over the centuries. Plus, there’s also a lovely sky-high restaurant that awaits on the top floor in ONE DINE.
Where: 117 West St
🏙️ Purchase your tickets to One World Observatory here!
3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum is one of the most renowned museums in the entire country, and if its famous steps and Gothic-Revival-style architecture aren’t enough to take your breath away, wait ’til you step inside. There’s artwork from all around the world here, spanning over 5,000 years of history and ranging from Van Gogh to Andy Warhol. From their Temple of Dendur, a 2,000-year-old soaring Egyptian temple to the ever-changing rooftop exhibition, there’s so much to see (it could even take you a few days).
Plus, they host lots of events like special night hours, date night tickets, an annual exhibit from The Costume Institute, and so much more.
Where: 1000 5th Ave
🏛️ Purchase tickets to The Metropolitan Museum of Art here!
4. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Get up close and personal with Lady Liberty as you explore one of NYC’s most famous landmarks. Spend time walking around the pedestal of the statue, exploring the Statue of Liberty Museum, and investigating her crown (reservations required). Of course, the scenic boat ride out to Liberty Island is to be admired as well!
5. EDGE
Nothing beats viewing the skyline of the Concrete Jungle quite like an observation deck, and EDGE is one of our favorites. Ascend high above skyscrapers and take in the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, NYC waters, and so much more. For our adventurous folks, they even have a “City Climb” program where you can scale the skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above the ground!
Where: 30 Hudson Yards
🏙️ Buy your tickets to EDGE here!
6. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a true gem of a history museum, and there’s so much to see…including dinosaur skeletons in the Fossil Halls, the famous 94-foot blue whale model in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, the immersive Hayden Planetarium, and so much more. Its diverse range of exhibits offers a glimpse into the natural world as know it, tracing our routes through nature, science, and human culture. We recommend visiting their fairly new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation which just opened, it’s a brand new wing that includes an insectarium, butterfly vivarium, floor-to-ceiling collections displays, and more.
Where: 200 Central Park W
🦖 Buy your tickets to American Museum of National History here!
7. Brooklyn Bridge
Bask in the 19th century engineering that makes up the Brooklyn Bridge, which connects the borough to Manhattan! The 1.3 mile long bridge is the perfect place to stroll with your significant other, or take in some stunning NYC views (and maybe even catch some street performers along the way). If you start in Manhattan and end up in Brooklyn, you’ll even end up in DUMBO which has a lovely park, restaurants, and markets (like Brooklyn Flea).
8. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the world’s most influential museums, which is home to some of the most recognizable paintings like Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans,” Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” DalĂ’s “The Persistence of Memory,” and Monet’s “Water Lilies” just to name a few. Millions of visitors check out the museum per year, and the over 630,000 square foot museum has an impressive permanent collection and rotating exhibitions showcasing emerging artists, thematic collections, and historical surveys.
If you’re a museum lover or art geek, the MoMA is an absolute must-visit.
Where: 11 W 53rd St
9. Broadway
From Lion King to Wicked, Broadway helms some of the best actors and actresses from around the globe! Housed in iconic theaters, these jaw-dropping productions are something to truly behold. Plus, you can find any kind of show you want. We’re talking anything from movie adaptations, to musicals, to comedies! There’s always off Broadway shows happening too, so there’s never a lack of entertainment.
10. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
Explore the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which documents the tragic events that happened in both 2001 and 1993. A vulnerable part of NYC’s history, this museum “tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts, presenting visitors with personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope.” Be sure to check out the Memorial Pools, as well as the fairly new Oculus Center at the nearby World Trade Center after.
Where: 180 Greenwich St
11. Times Square
We know this is a little controversial…but we couldn’t make our list complete without the legendary sights of Times Square. The astonishing crampedness of crowds, street performers, and massive billboards makes the illuminating square one of the most recognizable spots in all of NYC! Immerse yourself in the flashing lights, take a seat on the famous steps, and snap a few pictures of the famous strip. Don’t forget about the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop that takes place every year too!
12. Grand Central Terminal
No matter whether you’re taking a train from the iconic station, or just want to feel like the main character of a movie, we suggest spending a second at Grand Central. Take a moment to admire the stunning artwork on the ceiling, shop and dine to your heart’s content, and learn the history of one of NYC’s most iconic transit landmarks!
13. The Met Cloisters
The Met Cloisters is a museum in Fort Tyron Park in Washington Heights that specializes in European medieval art and architecture, with a focus on the Romanesque and Gothic periods, and it’s the only museum in the country dedicated to the art of the Middle Ages. Here you’ll feel like you were on a trip to Europe! Read more about it here.
Where:Â 99 Margaret Corbin Dr.
14. Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
Might we recommend going to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, because it quite possibly has the best aerial view of NYC! Of course there are a ton of people who choose the Empire State Building‘s observation deck as preference, but Top of the Rock is just as good AND you get the ESB view in your skyline shot!
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
15. The Bronx Zoo
Take a step onto the wild side and visit one of NYC’s zoos, including The Bronx Zoo, the world’s largest metropolitan zoo in North America. The zoo comes complete with a range of animals, exhibits, activities, and more! It’s the perfect way to spend a day with kids, or to just see some animals you wouldn’t normally see!
Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
16. New York Public Library
Read a book and cozy up at the gorgeous New York Public Library in Midtown. It’s the perfect peaceful escape for when you want to just relax and take some self-care time. The stunning corridors are something to behold, and the library of available readings seem endless. Remember, that’s only one of the many beautiful libraries there are in NYC!
Where: 476 5th Ave
17. Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is another recognizable park that’s worth a visit, where you can sneak a peek at the Washington Square Arch and Central Fountain. It’s right in the heart of Greenwich Village near New York University (NYU) and serves as a popular spot for students, locals, and tourists to hang out. From time to time there’s even street performers and musicians, art shows, cultural festivals, and political rallies. Don’t forget about their famous chess tables where the best of the best go to duel.
18. Chinatown
Chinatown is one of NYC’s most popular downtown neighborhoods, and for good reason. Stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy authentic Asian cuisine at Chinatown restaurants, with everything you could possibly want, from dim sum to dumplings to noodles. Visiting during Lunar New Year is always an exciting time as well, since it’s decked out in decor and vibes.
19. Chelsea Market
Allot some time take in the sights and smells of Chelsea Market, a massive food hall and shopping mall known for its gourmet food vendors and unique shops. You can spend hours in here taste testing all of NYC’s best spots, ranging from donuts to seafood. Don’t forget to stop by the bountiful boutiques and pop-up shops selling the cutest goods you won’t find anywhere else
Where: 75 9th Ave
20. SoHo
NYC is home to just about any retail store you can think of, especially in SoHo where the famous streets of Canal St, Prince St, and more reign home to flagships of the world’s most popular brands. For our shopaholics, spending a both shopping and window shopping in SoHo is definitely worth it. Odds are you’ll probably stumble into a few local NYC businesses too.
21. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Located right along Museum Mile on 5th Ave is the The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or just “The Guggenheim” colloquially. It stands out from the crowd of museums thanks to its unique spiral structure and modernist design by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright…and their interior central rotunda which creates a one-of-a-kind art viewing experience. Their permanent collection is full of works ranging from the likes of Picasso to Kandinsky, and Pollock…as well as constantly rotating temporary exhibitions.
Where: 1071 5th Ave
22. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is Midtown’s urban oasis, where many tourists and locals stop in from time to time for a glimpse of greenery amongst the skyscrapers. The serene retreat features a massive lawn as well as food vendors and seating to casually hang out and take in your surroundings. Throughout the year they host some of the city’s best events, including free movie nights, free yoga sessions, Broadway performances, and a very festive Winter Village holiday market during Christmas time.
Where: 6th Ave between 40 – 42nd Sts
23. Intrepid Museum
One of the more underrated NYC museums on this list, the Intrepid Museum is actually housed aboard the USS Intrepid, a retired aircraft carrier on the Hudson River. It’s dedicated to an impressive collection of aircraft, spacecraft, and maritime exhibits, where guests can get up close and personal with historical aircraft carriers, submarines, space shuttles, and more. Along with their exhibits, they have tons of educational programs, virtual reality experiences, and simulator rides for visitors to immerse themself with.
Depending on when you visit, they often have special events happening like during Fleet Week in May, special movie nights on the roof deck, and so much more.
Where: Pier 86, W 46th St
24. Governors Island
If you’re looking for a little day trip idea, head to Governors Island…a sweet little getaway that has some lovely restaurants, attractions, and view of the Manhattan skyline! The island is maintained by the city, state and the National Park Service, so it’s well-groomed and perfect to explore. You can ride bikes, hit up the QCNY Spa, dine at Gitano Island, and so much more. Learn more here.
25. Katz’s Delicatessen
One of New York City’s culinary institutions, Katz’s Delicatessen is literally historic and you have to stop by here at least once. Sure you may have to wait in line, but it’ll all be worth it once you have their tasty food in your grasp. The renowned Jewish deli has been serving their hearty sandwiches in the Lower East Side since 1888, and have been pleasing customers with their Pastrami Sandwich, Corned Beef Sandwich, hot dogs, and matzo ball soup ever since. They carve the meat in front of you, it feels old school, and you won’t find anything like it elsewhere.
Where: 205 E Houston St
26.
Empire State Building
Ascend to the top of one of the world’s most famous buildings, the Empire State Building, and take in panoramic views of NYC from both the 86th and 102nd-floor observatories. It’s quite literally been ranked the world’s #1 attraction by TripAdvisor and it’s one of the best observation decks in the whole city. While you’re here you can check out all kinds of history exhibits that walk you through the architecture, pop culture history, and construction of the building.
Since this is one of NYC’s most notable tourist attractions, there may be long lines and exorbitant wait times for tickets, so be sure to plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance.
Where: 20 W 34th St
27. Smorgasburg
Who’s hungry?! One of New York City’s best food festivals, Smorgasburg, is officially open for the 2024 season! With three separate locations around NYC (World Trade Center, Williamsburg, Prospect Park), the market welcomes in over 100 vendors across its locations to serve up delicious one-of-a-kind grub. It happens in FiDi on Fridays, Williamsburg on Saturdays, and Prospect Park on Sundays! Learn more about Smorgasburg and see the full vendor lists here.
28. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Another great sky deck to ascend into is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Here, you’ll find three levels of multi-sensory immersive experiences atop the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. The views of Empire State Building and the Chrysler building are amazing of course, and you’ll truly feel on top of the world.
Where: 45 E 42nd St
29. Comedy Cellar
Comedy Cellar is one of stand up’s most prestigious venues…and it’s a spot you’ll have to snag tickets well in advance of your visit since it’s always sold out. The likes of comedy legends Ray Romano, Chris Rock, and Kevin Hart are just some of the iconic names who’ve passed through this stage over the years, and you never know who you’ll get when you go. Perfect for a date night or alternative to dinner, the intimate comedy club setting brings in some of the best local and national names for a night of laughs. There’s a two-item minimum on food or drinks and you have to be 21+ to enter. Learn more about Comedy Cellar and see who’s performing here.
Where: 117 MacDougal St
30. Coney Island
For a little beachside getaway from the hustle bustle of the concrete jungle, head to Coney Island in Brooklyn. Known for its incredible beach, the historic neighborhood is a quintessential summer destination that offers a mix of nostalgia, thrills, and seaside charm. Of course you can hit the beach, ride amusement park rides at Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, walk the 3 mile Riegelmann Boardwalk, see marine life at the New York Aquarium, and even eat a hot dog at the flagship Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog stand.
31. Rooftop bars in NYC
Pinkies up, because we’re going to a rooftop bar! There’s arguably no better NYC activity than sipping on a signature cocktail from a rooftop bar. You get views, vibes, and great company! From SoHo, to Chelsea, to Williamsburg, and beyond, there’s so many places to sit back, relax, and enjoy a rooftop drink. Check out our favorite places here.
32. Best restaurants in NYC
Humbly we have to admit, we have the best food around. And that means the best restaurants too. From Italian outposts to sushi joints, you can get just about any cuisine you’re craving. We’ve compiled our list of the absolute best restaurants in NYC for your viewing here.
33. Grab a drink at one of Best bars in NYC
New York City is home to some of the world’s most renowned award-winning bars. We’re talking about everything from sophisticated cocktail bars to dive bars with $5 beers. If you want to drink in style, NYC is the place to do it! From key lime cocktails at Double Chicken Please to pints of Guinness at McSorley’s, check out the best NYC bars right now.
34. Best pizza in NYC
Attempt to end the longest lasting debate in NYC food scene history: the best slice of pizza. You’ll definitely have to visit the landmark spots like Prince Street Pizza and John’s of Bleecker Street before you get to your final answer, but it’s a great adventure to go on! Divide and conquer by neighborhood, or take our recommendations for a test spin and let us know what you think!
35. Nightclubs in NYC
NYC is ranked the 2nd best city in America for nightlife, and it’s all because of the city’s lively night clubs. From aesthetic upscale lounges like Little Sister to house and techno outposts in Brooklyn like Elsewhere, there’s so many great places to dance the night away. Check out our favorite nightclubs in NYC here.
36. Best things to do in NYC with kids
If you’re looking for something to do with kids, look no further! NYC is chalk full of family-friendly activities that include hands-on museums, pickleball classes, and a whole lot more! Check out our favorite things to do in NYC with kids here!
37. Have all the fun for free
The one downside to New York City is how expensive it is and how quickly a night out can break the bank. But, even though it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are loads of completely FREE things to do. Here are some free things we think you must take advantage of:
- Join a walking tour, like the ones offered by Central Park Conservancy
- Play tennis at Hudson River Park
- See a live TV show taping
- Tour the Ample Hills ice cream factory/museum in Brooklyn
Our full list of the best free things to do in NYC can be found here.
38. Sports in NYC
Feeling sporty?! Check out one of NYC’s sports teams that are in season. In the NFL, the New York Giants and New York Jets are currently playing their football at MetLife Stadium through the new year! Meanwhile, you can check out the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center or the New York Knicks and New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden!
39. Go on a cruise around NYC waters
All aboard the (arguably) best means of transportation around NYC! Thanks to our bodies of water, there are so many great cruises happening that you should be capitalizing on! From food tasting tours to standard dinner outings, there’s a little something for everyone. Check out some of our favorites below and grab tickets before it’s too late:
-
City Lights Cruise
- NYC Sunset Cruise Party
40. Live TV show tapings
Who knew that many of TV’s awesome shows are filmed right here in New York City?! And the best part…they’re free! Shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show, Saturday Night Live, and so many more are filmed live right here in NYC, and you can be part of the studio audience! It’s such a great experience and you can learn about how to get tickets here.