What to do in New York, NY

Activities, attractions and tours
New York

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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Top places to visit

1. Times Square

Locals might bemoan Times Square’s touristy hustle and bustle, but the neon wonderland is undeniably New York City's beating heart. Loud and chaotic, the crowded epicenter is one of the world’s most visited and recognizable tourist attractions.
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Times Square which includes a city, night scenes and cbd

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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Central Park showing flowers, a park and a pond

3. 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 showing a statue or sculpture, heritage elements and a monument

4. 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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Ed Sullivan Theater showing a city and signage as well as a large group of people

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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Grand Central Terminal showing heritage elements and interior views as well as a large group of people

6. 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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Whether you’re performing here, watching your favorite sports team or entertainer or touring the venue, you’re in for an exciting event.

7. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a world-famous landmark, synonymous with New York. It’s renowned as a 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 and romantic skyscrapers.
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Empire State Building featuring a high-rise building and a city

8. Rockefeller Center

An ode to 1930s New York, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan fuses the old and the new, and is at 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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One World Trade Center showing a sunset, a city and skyline

Discover the most popular places to visit in New York

Explore areas of New York

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

Manhattan

4.5/5(3,032 area reviews)

Central Park and Manhattan Cruise Terminal are a few top attractions in Manhattan. Hop around the city on the metro at 81 St. - Museum of Natural History Station or 86 St. Station (Central Park West) and check out the area's fascinating museums, important monuments, and soaring skyscrapers.

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

Midtown

4.5/5(445 area reviews)

Times Square and Broadway 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.

Midtown
Corona which includes a sporting event

Queens

3.5/5(395 area reviews)

Citi Field and Flower District 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(161 area reviews)

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

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

SoHo

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in SoHo. Spend some time visiting top spots like The Apartment, and catch the metro at Prince St. Station or Spring St. Station to see more of the area.

SoHo

Day trip destinations from New York