Nearly 9 million people call New York City home, and you could spend a lifetime getting to know this much-mythologized American city. When visiting, it’s hard to pick between top-notch museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), green spaces like Central Park and the High Line, major landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, and boroughs like Manhattan and Brooklyn. The only solution when planning things to do in New York City? Make peace with never seeing it all in one trip.
Here, get your guide to New York City’s best attractions, tours, and more.
There are things to do in New York City year-round, but summer is when the Big Apple's cultural programming is at its peak. Come for Shakespeare in the Park, the Central Park Summerstage, and Pride. Then there's the Fourth of July, the US Open Tennis Championships, and Broadway in Bryant Park. Alternatively, visit in the fall to enjoy fewer crowds and slightly cheaper rates. You'll encounter events ranging from the New York Film Festival to the Village Halloween Parade.
New York City is one of the country’s best-connected cities. John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport cater to international and domestic visitors, while the Big Apple's uniquely expansive subway system comprises dozens of lines and a whopping 472 stations. Passengers can hop on mainline train services at hubs like Penn Station and Grand Central Station. And buses, taxis, and rideshare services keep the city moving at street level. But remember, there's nothing quite like exploring NYC on foot.
To truly experience New York City at its most international and eclectic, leave Manhattan behind and head into Queens. Flushing is home to one of the largest and fastest-growing Chinatowns in the world. And Jackson Heights is the most diverse neighborhood in the city: Its residents speak more than 160 languages. Travelers can nosh on everything from Salvadoran pupusas and Nepalese momos to Pakistani curries and Mexican tacos.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EST (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 212 | Tours 2,030 | Reviews 221,998 |
Alex is a writer with deep family roots in NYC. Having grown up just outside the city, he became familiar with all of the food and culture the city has to offer, including the outer boroughs. His favorite pizza slice is the square from L&B Spumoni Gardens.
get oriented. There are a lot of visible landmarks in New York that will help you explore by foot without a map.
begins with brunch followed by a trip to one of New York’s amazing museums. Saturday nights in New York are more bustling than usual, so make sure you’re rested before heading out for evening festivities.
Central Park truly is a thing of beauty. Walk around in the middle, and you’d be stunned to find out you’re still in one of the busiest cities in the world.
get lost. Start walking. No map. Let all the things in between shine through. You’ll find your way back when you’re ready.
you can’t beat the view from the top of the Empire State Building, but the Manhattan Bridge offers a pretty spectacular view from the other side.
New York City is much more than Manhattan and Williamsburg. Head north to discover the Bronx, or even east into Queens, which is one of the most diverse areas in the world.
During a first-time trip, get to know New York on foot. New York City tours allow you to slow down and explore street by street. Travel between destinations by subway and then explore neighborhoods on foot. Don’t miss the chance to see new views of the skyline at the Empire State Building or One World Observatory.
...MoreTimes Square is the most visited place in New York City. This Midtown landmark hosts the city's New Year’s Eve celebrations, as well as its most impressive billboards. This area is also home to many Broadway shows, while Rockefeller Center—and the Top of the Rock—are nearby.
...MoreThere are so many things to do in New York City. Go to the top of the Empire State Building, visit the Statue of Liberty, and see the Brooklyn Bridge. You can also pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center at the 9/11 Memorial. And don't forget to discover NYC classics like the Guggenheim Museum or Grand Central Terminal.
...MoreThe list of things to do in New York City is practically endless. Rent bikes in Central Park, sip cocktails at a rooftop bar, or see dinosaur bones at the American Museum of Natural History. You can also sail on the Hudson River, visit the Union Square Farmer’s Market, or go on an arts and architecture guided tour, try a variety of restaurants, and much more.
...MoreYes, it is safe in New York City. Visit New York and you will find streets that are well lit and locals who are willing to help with directions. As in any city, use common sense when it comes to keeping cash and wallets zipped away. At almost any time of day, New York offers safety in numbers on the subway and in the city streets.
...MoreYes and no. The island of Manhattan is one of five boroughs that make up New York City, along with Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. Manhattan is only part of the city, but it's correct to say you're in New York City when visiting Manhattan.
...MoreNYC offers its residents almost endless possibilities for discovery. New Yorkers love to eat and drink, and there's always a new and exciting restaurant or bar opening somewhere. Locals spend time in green spaces like Central Park, visit galleries and museums, shop at the farmers market, indulge in people watching, and generally bring a sense of exploration to their ever-changing city.
...MoreEach New Yorker may have a different answer. But the prettiest places in New York City include Central Park, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and the charming streets of the West Village. Don't forget the piers and paths of Riverside Park, and the New York Botanical Garden.
...MoreThe Big Apple is huge and bustling, so exploring with someone who knows New York is a great way to get acquainted with the city. Get your guide to help you tick off the highlights and take you to hidden gems that you might otherwise have missed if exploring alone.
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