New York is one of the most exciting places in the world. It’s fast, fun, and full of amazing things to see and do. But with so much to do, where do you start?
That’s why we’ve made this list of the coolest things to do in New York. These aren’t just typical tourist stops. They’re fun, unique, and give you a true taste of what makes this city so special. We’ve also included handy tips and links to help you book your must-do activities fast and easy.
So grab your walking shoes, charge your phone (you’ll want lots of pics), and let’s explore the best of New York City together!
🌇 Watch the sunset from the Empire State Building
Sunset views at Empire State Building
Head to the top of the Empire State Building and watch the sun set over New York City. From the 86th-floor observatory, you’ll see the skyline turn into a glowing sea of gold, pink, and purple. It’s beautiful, romantic, and gives you a full view of the city’s energy from above.
This isn’t just any rooftop view, it’s the view. You’ll spot famous landmarks like the Chrysler Building, Central Park, and even the Statue of Liberty. It’s one of the coolest things to do in NYC because it captures that classic New York magic in one unforgettable moment. And yes, it’s 100% Instagram-worthy.
🎭 See Chicago on Broadway
Chicago, the iconic musical of jazz
Nothing captures the spirit of New York quite like a Broadway show, and Chicago stands out as one of the most iconic musicals of all time. With its jazzy score, sharp choreography, and bold andunforgettable characters, the show delivers nonstop energy and classic Broadway flair.
Chicago is also an excellent choice if it’s your first Broadway experience. The storyline is easy to follow, the runtime isn’t too long, and the songs are instantly catchy. For the best experience, book your tickets in advance, especially for weekend performances when seats fill up fast!
🌟 See yourself on a Times Square billboard
See yourself on a Times Square billboard!
Ever dreamed of seeing your name in lights? With the Times Square billboard experience, you totally can. Upload your photo and message, and you’ll appear on a massive digital screen right in the heart of Times Square. Talk about a brag-worthy moment!
What makes this experience even better is that your display runs for 24 hours, so you have lots of time to stop by and snap photos. This is one of the coolest things to do in New York because it’s fun, fast, and totally unique. Friends and family back home won’t believe it until they see the photos.
🛍️ Shop at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Shop til you drop at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
If you love fashion or scoring big deals, this is the trip for you. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is one of the largest outlet centers in the U.S., with over 200 stores offering discounts on top brands like Nike, Coach, Gucci, and more.
It’s not just shopping, it’s a full-day adventure with big savings. The Woodbury Outlet tour from Manhattan is easy, so you don’t need to worry about transportation. You’ll come back with bags full of great finds and extra cash in your wallet.
🏀 Catch a New York Knicks game
Catching the action live at a New York Knicks game | Photo Credits: Tdorante10 on Wikimedia
Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, watching a New York Knicks game is something special. It’s loud, exciting, and full of energy from the moment you walk in.
You’ll be part of a real New York moment, surrounded by local fans and maybe even a few celebrities at Madison Square Garden. When the Knicks score a big basket and the crowd goes wild, you’ll understand what all the hype is about.
It’s also a great way to experience American sports culture firsthand. Between the music, halftime shows, and crowd chants, you’ll be entertained the whole time, even if you don’t know the rules!
🚴♀️ Bike and picnic in Central Park
Central Park adventures: bike rides and a picnic
Need a break from the city streets? A Central Park bike rental with a picnic is the perfect way to slow things down. You’ll ride past lakes, fountains, gardens, and famous spots like Strawberry Fields and Bow Bridge. Then, stop and relax on the grass with a delicious picnic.
This is one of those cool NYC activities that pair nature and city life perfectly. It’s peaceful, fun, and gives you that “I’m really in New York” feeling, without the crowds or traffic.
Tips for Your NYC Trip
Exploring New York City can be a bit confusing. With a little planning, you can make the most of your time and money. Here are some top tips to help you travel smarter and stress-free:
Save time and money with the Klook New York Pass
Want to see the best of NYC without breaking the bank? The Klook New York Pass gives you entry to multiple attractions with one easy pass. Skip the ticket lines at top spots like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, museums, and more. It’s perfect if you're planning to hit several sights in a short time.
Stay connected with a US eSIM
Don’t waste time hunting for Wi-Fi or local SIM cards. With a US eSIM, you can connect instantly as soon as you land in New York. It’s a digital SIM you install on your phone, no swapping cards, no hassle. Perfect for using maps, calling rideshares, and uploading your skyline selfies without interruptions!
Explore with the hop-on hop-off bus
If it’s your first time in NYC, the New York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a game-changer. You can ride around the city and get off at famous neighborhoods and landmarks like Chinatown, SoHo, the Brooklyn Bridge, and more. It’s a relaxing way to sightsee while giving your feet a break!
Ready for your cool NYC adventure?
From watching the sunset high above the city to cheering at a live game, New York is packed with energy at every turn. These cool things to do in NYC are designed to help you experience the city, not just see it, and create memories you’ll talk about long after your trip ends.
Start planning your adventure, and enjoy the coolest NYC attractions all in one place. Let New York surprise you!
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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