Things to do in New York

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Brooklyn Bridge Park showing a city, night scenes and a sunset

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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Most popular activities in New York

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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Frequently asked questions

What to do in New York on a sunny day?
What to do in New York on a rainy day?
What is New York famous for?
Bring your comfiest shoes because there are plenty of landmarks that simply beg to be explored:

  • Times Square
  • Broadway
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Rockefeller Center

What should I not miss in New York?
Don’t return home without crossing off the following list of wonderful attractions:

  • One World Trade Center
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Radio City Music Hall
  • Museum of Modern Art

Are there cheap things to do in New York?
What can you do in New York for free?
You’ll hardly have time to grab your wallet out of your backpack with so many incredible free things to do:

  • Times Square
  • Broadway
  • Grand Central Terminal
  • Brooklyn Bridge


Discover the most popular places to visit in New York

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in New York

Wall Street - Financial District showing street scenes, an administrative buidling and a city

Manhattan

4.5/5(26,026 area reviews)

Power and wealth and breathtaking scenery are concentrated on this very small island. Immerse yourself for a few days or a lifetime.

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

Midtown

4.5/5(3,368 area reviews)

One of the most recognizable areas in the world also has enough tourist attractions to fill several visits.

Midtown
Corona which includes a sporting event

Queens

3.5/5(7,239 area reviews)

Citi Field and Forest Park are top sights in Queens, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Briarwood Van Wyck Blvd. Station or Jamaica Van Wyck Station to see more sights in the area.

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

Chelsea

4/5(1,578 area reviews)

Manhattan’s prized arts district is a success story of urban renewal. Tour the area to see some of Downtown’s hippest attractions.

Chelsea
SoHo - Tribeca showing a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people

SoHo

4.5/5(165 area reviews)

This fashionable neighborhood is great for shopping, eating and drinking.

SoHo

Popular day trips from New York