New York City always has something going on. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the city has a way of keeping things interesting. From famous spots like the Empire State Building to unexpected finds like hidden speakeasies, there’s no shortage of stuff to do in NYC.
In this blog, we’ve rounded up 9 fun activities to do in NYC that are totally worth your time. Solo trip? Family vacay? Hanging out with friends? There’s something here for everyone!
1. Take Skyline Photos at Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the iconic Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is like stepping into a postcard. The bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn and offers some of the most Instagram-worthy skyline views in the city. Go at sunset for that magical golden glow, or wake up early for peaceful, crowd-free shots.
For a more fun and informative experience, consider joining a Brooklyn Bridge walking tour. You’ll get cool stories, local tips, and a deeper look at the bridge’s history as you walk across.
If you have the time after, explore DUMBO. It’s a great spot with cobblestone streets, trendy cafes, and that famous photo spot with the Manhattan Bridge framed between red-brick buildings.
⭐ Rating: 4/5
🕐 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset
2. See Famous Artworks at The MET
The famous MET museum
Love art, culture, or history? Then The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) is a must. It’s one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. Inside, you’ll find everything from ancient Egyptian temples to Van Gogh’s dreamy paintings.
The MET isn’t just about looking at art; it’s about experiencing it. You can walk for hours and still find something new in every room. And yes, that iconic MET Gala staircase is right out front!
Want to make the most of your visit? Book a guided MET tour to get insider stories and see the highlights without getting overwhelmed.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
🕐 Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings to avoid crowds
3. Walk the Glass Floors at The Edge
Feel the thrill on the Edge’s glass floors!
If you’re brave enough, step out onto The Edge, NYC’s highest outdoor sky deck. It’s located at Hudson Yards and gives you 360-degree views of the skyline. The glass floors and angled walls make it feel like you're floating in the sky!
This is hands-down one of the most fun things to do in NYC if you’re into thrills and epic views. The Edge Observation Deck puts you 100 floors above the city with glass floors and sky-high photo ops. Try booking your sunset tickets as the whole city lights up beneath you; it’s a view you won’t forget!
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5\
🕐 Best Time to Visit: Sunset for stunning views
4. Go on a Horse Carriage in Central Park
Ride through Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage! | Photo Credits: Mingyang LIU on Pexels
Central Park is NYC’s green heart, and seeing it from a horse-drawn carriage feels like stepping into a movie scene. The ride takes you past popular spots like Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, and The Mall. It’s charming, relaxing, and romantic, perfect for couples or families.
You’ll get to hear fun facts too from your driver, plus snap beautiful photos along the way. Make sure to book your Central Park carriage ride in advance since they fill up fast, especially during weekends and holidays.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
🕐 Best Time to Go: Late afternoon or early evening
5. Cheer at a Yankees Game
Cheering on the Yankees at Yankees Stadium
Feeling sporty? Watch a live Yankee baseball game at Yankee Stadium! The crowd energy is lively, the snacks are classic (hello, hot dogs and pretzels), and the experience is so American that you’ll love every minute.
Even if you're not a baseball expert, cheering for the home team is a blast. It’s one of the most fun activities NYC offers, especially if you catch a game against a big rival.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
🕐 Best Time to Go: During baseball season (April–October)
6. Walk the High Line
Walking the High Line, NYC’s green escape
The High Line is one of NYC’s coolest outdoor spaces. It’s an elevated park built on an old train track that winds above the west side of Manhattan. You’ll walk through gardens, modern art installations, and wide open spaces, all with amazing views of the Hudson River and city skyline.
It’s the perfect combo of nature and city, and it’s totally free to visit. Along the way, you’ll spot food stalls, benches to relax, and plenty of photo ops. You can even join a High Line guided tour to learn more about the park’s history and its surrounding architecture.
⭐ Rating: 3.8/5
🕐 Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
7. Fly Over NYC on a Helicopter Tour
Soaring above NYC in Helicopter Tour
Want to see NYC from a whole new angle? Take a NYC helicopter tour over the city! It’s an unforgettable way to see landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge all from above. The views are absolutely next level and give you a whole new perspective on the city.
The ride is smooth, the views are unbeatable, and the thrill is real. It’s one of those bucket-list experiences that’s just as fun as it sounds. If you’re looking to do something different in New York, this is a must.
⭐ Rating: 5/5
🕐 Best Time to Go: Clear days for best visibility
8. Find a Speakeasy Bar
Hidden NYC speakeasy
NYC’s nightlife is packed with surprises, and nothing says “hidden gem” like a speakeasy bar. These bars are tucked behind secret doors, phone booths, or even barbershops, and they serve some of the city’s best cocktails.
You can join a NYC speakeasy bar tour that guides you through 2-3 of the best spots. It's a fun way to meet locals and taste creative drinks while learning the history behind Prohibition-era hideouts.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
🕐 Best Time to Go: After 7 PM
9. Take a Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Cruise
Cruising past the Statue of Liberty
Seeing the Statue of Liberty up close is a must-do in NYC. Hop on a ferry cruise that takes you right to Liberty Island, where you can walk around Lady Liberty, visit the museum, and snap some iconic photos.
The trip also includes Ellis Island, where you can explore the Immigration Museum and learn about the millions of people who started their American journey there.
For a smoother trip, book a Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour. It includes roundtrip ferry tickets and guided tours so you won’t miss a thing.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
🕐 Best Time to Go: Morning (for fewer crowds and cooler temps)
Tips for Your NYC Trip
Make your New York adventure smooth and stress-free with these handy tips. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these will help you explore more and spend less:
Stay Connected with a USA eSIM
NYC is huge, and you'll need your phone to check maps, find restaurants, or book rides. Instead of hunting for Wi-Fi, stay online with a USA eSIM. It’s easy to set up and keeps you connected the whole time, no physical SIM card needed.
Save Money with Klook Pass New York
Want to visit multiple attractions without breaking the bank? The Klook Pass New York bundles famous spots like the Empire State Building, The Edge, and Top of the Rock into one discounted pass. It can save you up to 45%. Plus, you skip long ticket lines!
Use the NYC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Taxis and trains can get confusing if you're new to the city. The New York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is an easy and fun way to see all the big sights. Hop off wherever you like, explore, then hop back on!
FAQs About Fun Things to Do in NYC
What should I not miss when visiting NYC?
Don’t miss walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, riding to the top of The Edge, and exploring Central Park. Also, visit at least one world-famous museum like The MET or Museum of Natural History. If you're into sports, catching a Yankees or Knicks game is unforgettable.
How do I find fun things to do in NYC?
One of the best ways is to check trusted travel sites like Klook. They list the most popular and trending fun activities in NYC, and you can book everything in one place. Local blogs, social media, and city guides are also great places to discover hidden gems.
What are fun things to do in NYC for first-time visitors?
If it’s your first time, stick to the classics: walk through Times Square, see the skyline from The Edge, ride a horse carriage in Central Park, visit The MET, and grab a slice of New York-style pizza.
What fun things can I do in NYC for free?
Yes, NYC has free fun too! Walk the High Line, enjoy street performers in Washington Square Park, check out Grand Central Terminal, or take the Staten Island Ferry for a free view of the Statue of Liberty. Many museums also have “pay what you wish” hours.
What fun things can I do in NYC in one day?
Start early with a walk across Brooklyn Bridge, then visit Central Park or a museum. Grab a quick lunch in Midtown, ride up to an observatory like The Edge or Top of the Rock, and end your day with a sunset view and dinner at a rooftop restaurant or hidden speakeasy.
Plan Your Fun NYC Adventure Now
There’s really no place like New York City. You can snap skyline photos, walk through world-famous museums, fly in a helicopter, or find hidden bars tucked away inside streets. NYC is full of energy and surprises around every corner.
With so many fun things to do, it helps to have a plan. Choose a few must-see spots, leave room to explore, and let the city show you something new. There’s always something exciting just a few blocks away.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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