What to do in New York, NY

Activities, attractions and tours

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 river or creek, a city and a sunset
The Oculus which includes 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.

Areas & Neighborhoods

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.

Things to Do & Attractions 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.


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What to do in New York


Discover the most popular places to visit in New York

Explore areas of New York

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

Manhattan

4.5/5(3,032 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(445 area reviews)

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
NewYork_Williamsburg_175056_15

Williamsburg

4.5/5(42 area reviews)

Experience contemporary art, hipster culture, and vibrant nightlife in this Brooklyn gem. Discover cutting-edge galleries, trendy bars, and eclectic eateries for a taste of modern urban living.

Williamsburg
Queensboro Bridge East River Manhattan Queens Roosevelt Island New York

Queens

3.5/5(395 area reviews)

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
Love this place 💒

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 Times Square and Grand Central Terminal, 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, street scenes and a park

Chelsea

4/5(161 area reviews)

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

 

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Day trip destinations from New York

Frequently asked questions

Is New York worth visiting?
With a mix of views and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in New York. When you're here, head to Times Square, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in New York?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Times Square and Rockefeller Centre, spend the rest of your day enjoying New York's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in New York?
Times Square is one of the top tourist attractions in New York and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in New York?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city sights, like Times Square, Rockefeller Centre and 5th Avenue. The average stay in New York is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Newark isn't far away.
Is New York a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in New York. Several key sights, such as Times Square and Rockefeller Centre, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of New York's neighbourhoods, Manhattan is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Midtown is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in New York with kids?
Deciding what to do in New York with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly tours and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in New York for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in New York, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Brooklyn Brewery or New York Distilling Co..
Are there free things to do in New York?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in New York. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Times Square is a must for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.

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