What to see and do in the city that never sleeps
It’s starred in countless TV shows and inspired a myriad of movies. The Big Apple boasts a wealth of iconic, scene-stealing landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, plus museums and galleries galore!
However, in a city this big and bustling, it’s easy to fall into the trap of the “overs”- overpriced, overrated, and overcrowded attractions. If you want to experience the New York that feels as good as it looks on screen, you’re in the right place. This guide is here to help you discover the fun things to do in NYC that are actually worth your time and bucks.
1. See the Statue of Liberty
Cruise tour view of the Statue of Liberty | Photo by Klook User Zhou *********
You can’t visit New York without seeing its muse. 🗽
Located on Liberty Island and seen as a symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty stands 93 metres tall and gazes across New York Harbour like a giant green copper gatekeeper. To get up close and personal, book a tour! You can choose from a multitude of ways to see Lady Liberty: through a cruise, a helicopter, during the day, at night, with other attractions nearby, or on its own. It’s one of the top things to see in New York, especially if it’s your first time.
2. Watch the sunset and take in the NYC skyline
New York skyline seen from the river cruise | Photo by Klook User TOSAPOL **********
Watch the city that never sleeps transition from day to night with a sunset cruise! 🌇
Hop on a boat at the Hudson River before the sun sets to take in the view of NYC’s greatest hits like the One World Trade Center, Empire State Building, Pier 54 (Titanic Pier), Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and many more. Book your tickets for the New York Harbor Lights Cruise that comes with a fully stocked bar of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks for a night to remember. 🥂 This might be one of the most memorable activities to do in NYC!
3. Enjoy NYC from up above
Views from the sky
Inside the helicopter with a professional pilot | Photo by Klook User
If you’ve never ridden a helicopter before, doing it in NYC is the perfect chance. Seeing the skyline from a different angle is one of the best things to do in New York! Keep your eyes peeled for the big stars: the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and of course, Lady Liberty herself waving from below. 🚁
4. Get your heart rate up at The Edge
The observation deck suspended in mid-air | Photo by Klook User Gerald ****
Ever been to a viewing deck that made your palms sweat? The Edge Observation Deck takes it to the next level by literally hanging in mid-air, so you’ll feel like you’re floating above the city. The frameless glass panels tilt out just enough to give you insane, unobstructed views of New York (don’t worry, it’s totally safe). Look down through the glass floor and you’ll see 100 stories straight beneath your feet!
A view from the top of the building
Not thrilling enough for you? Then go all in and climb right to the top of the building. Yup, that means tackling a 45-degree angled staircase before leaning out over the edge for the ultimate adrenaline rush. It’s basically your chance to say you’ve literally stood on top of the world.
If you’re an adventure seeker, this is one of the most exciting things to do in NYC. 😎
5. Watch a musical on Broadway
Many theatres line Broadway | Photo by R.D. Smith on Unsplash
They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway, but they rarely tell you that – at an impressive 53 kilometres – it’s New York’s longest street! It takes hours to explore it from top to bottom, so head to where it curves into the bright and busy Times Square. This is where you’ll find old-time theatres like The Palace, which first opened its doors over a hundred years ago.
With more than 40 theatres, Broadway has a multitude of world-famous musicals to choose from, with all-time favorites such as The Lion King, Aladdin, Wicked, Chicago, Moulin Rouge, and much more! Out of all the things to do in NYC at night, this one is simply unforgettable. 🎭
Inside the Museum of Broadway
If you’re a Broadway superfan, the Museum of Broadway is basically your dream come true. It’s an immersive, walk-through experience packed with sparkly costumes, props, rare photos, behind-the-scenes videos- you name it. It’s like stepping straight into the spotlight minus the stage fright. ✨
6. View masterpieces at the Museum of Modern Art
Know your Monet from your Manet? Swoon at the sight of dreamy Chagall watercolors? If so, the Museum of Modern Art will have you in raptures. The gallery has nearly 200,000 works of modern and contemporary art in its collection. Gaze into van Gogh’s The Starry Night and feast your eyes on Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. 🖼️
Book your tickets in advance for the Museum of Modern Art to skip the line! It’s one of the best things to do in New York if you love art.
7. Explore Central Park
Take a tour around Central Park in a pedicab
Hop on a comfy pedicab and let a local do the pedaling while you enjoy Central Park’s vibe. You’ll roll past Central Park icons like Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, and Strawberry Fields, the same spots you’ve probably seen in about a million movies. 🎬 Between the history, the greenery, and the movie trivia, it’s basically a highlight reel of Manhattan’s iconic green space.
More of a wander-at-your-own-pace type? Book a self-guided audio tour in Central Park 🎧and rack up those 10,000 steps while exploring. As you stroll, stories about each landmark will automatically play when you approach. It’s like having your own personal tour guide in your pocket! Central Park is a must for anyone making a list of things to do in New York.
8. Become a spy at the Spyscape Spy Museum
One of the immersive experiences inside the Spyspace Spy Museum
Channel your inner 007 at NYC’s top-rated spy museum, Spyscape Spy Museum. With the SPY HQ experience, you’ll get to crack codes, tail suspects, and even find out your secret agent profile. In the SPYGAMES experience, you’ll be jumping, climbing, and dodging your way through challenges straight out of a CIA training camp. It’s definitely something unique and one of the coolest activities to do in NYC.
9. Check out the American Museum of Natural History
One of the exhibits inside the American Museum of Natural History | Photo by 이 **
Want to learn more about the origins of our planet? In the setting for the film Night at the Museum, you can come face-to-face with ancient dinosaurs and explore the secrets of the solar system. From a mighty mastodon skeleton to a 9,500 kg model of a blue whale suspended from the ceiling, the diversity of life on earth is displayed in over 45 permanent exhibits. Definitely one of the activities to do in NYC for families.
10. Learn more about NYC’s history
Some of the preserved remnants of the original building
New York isn’t just about the landmarks you’ve seen on TV; it’s also about the moments that shaped the city itself. The 9/11 Memorial Museum, located beneath the memorial pools where the Twin Towers once stood, offers a look at that history. Through photos, artifacts, and stories, it honors those lost while being a reminder of the resilience that makes NYC truly unforgettable. Visiting here is among the most meaningful things to do in New York.
Now you know which New York spots live up to the hype, it’s time to book your tickets, hit the city, and live your own main character moment.
FAQs
What should I see first time in New York?
We recommend skipping tourist traps and heading straight to the tried and tested attractions in NYC, such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, The Edge Observatory, Broadway, and various unique museums.
What to do in NYC if you have one day?
If you only have one day, focus on the big icons: take a cruise to see the Statue of Liberty, stroll through Central Park, and end your day with a skyline view from The Edge. If time allows, stop by the 9/11 Memorial Museum. That way, you’ll cover the best things to do in New York while getting a taste of its history and heart.
Is there anything fun to do in NYC?
Of course! There are loads of fun things to do in NYC. Aside from seeing its famous landmarks, there are tons of museums for every interest. You can also explore the city in different ways: on foot, on a cruise, on a helicopter, on a bicycle, you name it!
More NYC Adventures to Add to Your List
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