Looking for the best things to do in New York City? We found 20 most beautiful places to visit in New York. Discover the best tourist attractions in the city.
“The City that Never Sleeps”, often called New York City (NYC) is a global cultural, financial, and media center with a significant influence on commerce, entertainment, research, technology, education, politics, tourism, dining, art, fashion, and sports.
New York City is composed of five boroughs—Brooklyn (Kings County), Queens (Queens County), Manhattan (New York County), the Bronx (Bronx County), and Staten Island (Richmond County).
Many districts and monuments in New York City are major landmarks, known all over the world.
Therefore, New York is an incredible city to explore. You’ll never be bored here.
We invite you to discover our Top containing the best 20 things to do here. These are just some of the most exciting activities from which to choose on your next New York vacation!
Best Things to Do in New York
Explore the treasures of Central Park
Central Park is a beautiful respite from pressures of city life, an oasis of green in the middle of Manhattan. It has 843 acres of green space – gardens and lakes, restaurants, theaters, concert venues, fountains, playgrounds and much more. Places to stay in the area
One of Central Park’s most well-known and important landscapes, Sheep Meadow is the upmost expression of the Park’s essential purpose as a retreat from urban life. Thousands of people lounge and play on warm days.
Next, the Central Park Zoo is one of the oldest in the country, where visitors can find 130 different species ranging from Snow Leopards to Tropical Birds.
The open-air Delacorte Theater is also a great place to visit. It is best known for The Public Theater’s free Shakespeare in the Park production. Tens of thousands of New York natives and visitors come to the Delacorte to enjoy free Shakespeare.
Other recommended stops include the Shakespeare Garden, on the west side between 79th and 80th Sts, with its lush plantings and excellent skyline view.
Spend great moments in Times Square
Times Square is often called the “crossroads of the world”. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Places to stay in the area
Time Square is one unique place, a bustling mix of people, shops, flashing neon lights and giant digital billboards. Times Square is big, bright and unforgettable.
It’s undoubtedly one of the best places in NYC to take pictures thanks to all of the colorful signs and lights
Just stand there and spend time looking at the buildings around you! Enjoy the loads of shops and great atmosphere.
Walk over Brooklyn Bridge
One of the best things to do when visiting New York is to walk the Brooklyn Bridge.
It is one of the most spectacular parts of the New York City skyline and the best place which will provide visitors a true New York City experience. Places to stay in the area
One of the most recognizable parts of the New York City skyline, the bridge has been featured in movies and on television shows, and is a real piece of New York City history. It is a marvel of design and provides spectacular views of the city’s skyline.
One can enjoy on Brooklyn side as there is a large space to take pictures. It is simply stunning.
Visit the National 9/11 Memorial Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City represents a place of remembrance and a tribute to those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The museum lends a deeper understanding to the impact of that day. Places to stay in the area
The coverage of 9/11 is far-reaching in its historical breadth and depth, but also incredibly personal in its individual histories of the deceased.
The museum itself is a masterful balance: It’s grand in scale, contemplative in its construction, and personal in its execution.
See the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor with its metal framework built by Gustave Eiffel.
“The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World” was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States. Places to stay in the area
Enrich your time on Liberty Island with a visit to the museum. Explore the Statue’s history, view her original torch, and discover the passion that fueled her creation.
You can also walk around, take pictures, eat lunch in the cafe and wander through the gift shop.
The impressive statue is one of the best things to visit and something you should do at least once.
Empire State Building
One landmark you should not miss is the Empire State Building, an iconic structure and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Places to stay in the area
It rises 1,454 ft from ground to antenna & features the only 360 degree open-air vantage point of Midtown.
The building has 102 floors and a great design and decor from the insides of it. The Empire State Building can be admired from the outside, but for the best experience, visitors should go for spectacular views.
It is a signature destination in New York for any kind of traveler. Go right before sunset for the best experience at the observation deck.
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Keep readingExplore Harlem
Located north of Central Park in Manhattan, Harlem is a neighborhood known for its music scene and African American heritage.
Is awash with cultural institutions that have been significant in defining New York City and the US at large. Places to stay in the area
Home to fantastic jazz clubs, trendy restaurants, and museums filled with awe-inspiring art, Harlem is one of the best places to visit during your vacation in New York City.
One of the best things to do in Harlem is visiting Apollo Theatre, a legendary theater that has hosted some of the world’s greatest artists, such as James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr., Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and many more.
Another places to visit in this vibrant neighborhood are: Studio Museum in Harlem, Central Park Conservatory Gardens or the Graffiti Hall of Fame.
This is a stop that should certainly be included when visiting New York.
Best Places to Visit in New York –
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Visit Coney Island
Another New York City’s iconic destination, Coney Island is a peninsular neighborhood and entertainment area.
With nearly 3 miles of sandy beaches, Coney Island offers an ideal summer respite from the hectic and steamy city. Places to stay in the area
Between the best things to do here, visitors can take a walk along the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk, check out the New York Aquarium, or the Maimonides Park baseball stadium where you can see the minor league Mets (the Brooklyn Cyclones) play ball.
Also, don’t forget to put on your list Luna Park, the largest amusement park in New York City. Luna Park provides an unforgettable seaside experience with family-friendly attractions and entertainment, shopping and dining on the scenic landmarked boardwalk, thrill rides and special events.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is a one of the best known of New York City’s public parks. The park is an open space, dominated by the Washington Square Arch. Places to stay in the area
The park is surrounded by New York University’s historical buildings, and draws students, local denizens, tourists, and street performers to its vibrant urban space.
Washington Square as a dynamic commons for local residents, chess players, students, performers and tourists from around the globe.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is the largest train station in the world, by number of platforms and area occupied.
It is the most extraordinary public space in New York City, with approximately 750,000 visitors every day. Places to stay in the area
Since Grand Central Terminal opened in 1913, “meet me under the clock” has always meant one place: the magnificent four-faced brass timepiece on top of the information booth in the main concourse.
On the Dining Concourse, near the famous Oyster Bar, you can find the iconic whispering gallery. Throughout Grand Central Terminal, you will find acorns and oak leaf clusters on top of clocks, carved in stone and engraved in light fixtures.
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most-visited destinations in New York City and worth visiting, especially for its architecture.
Experience Wall Street
After Broadway, Wall Street is the most famous street in NYC and also a place with a lot of things to do. From history, architecture and good food, everything can be find here. Places to stay in the area
One of the most influential buildings located here is The New York Stock Exchange, an impressive building just perfect for taking some photos with the landmark facade.
A great activity for those who are interested in finding out more about Wall Street, there is the Financial Crisis Tour, giving detailed explanation as to how the collapse unfolded and almost destroyed the economy.
Another thing to do on Wall Street is visiting Federal Hall, home to George Washington’s presidential inauguration and the first draft of the Bill of Rights.
There are so many things worth seeing that it really is a must when you’re visiting New York.
Broadway
Broadway is the oldest north-south running road in New York City, filled with some of the most famous venues and attractions of the city, such as Times Square and Broadway Theatre. Places to stay in the area
It is one of the highlights of best things to do in New York. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular streets in the city of New York where visitors can find everything right from chic boutiques, ethnic stores, dining, theatre, and much more.
The term Broadway is virtually synonymous with American theatrical activity. The number, size, and magnificence of the Broadway theatres grew with New York City’s prosperity and power, and in the 1890s the brilliantly lighted street became known as “the Great White Way.”
The Cloisters
The Cloisters, also known as the Met Cloisters, is a museum in the Washington Heights neighborhood, situated in Fort Tryon Park. It has stunning views across the Hudson River to the Palisades. Places to stay in the area
Visiting is like traveling through time: medieval architecture is incorporated into a modern building purpose-built to evoke the Middle Ages.
The beautiful stone building houses an impressive collection of Medieval art, including the famous unicorn tapestries.
Also, and the gardens were planted according to horticultural information found in medieval treatises and poetry, garden documents and herbals, and medieval works.
Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in NYC, especially if you are looking for something less touristy.
Ride the Roosevelt Tram
Roosevelt Island’s biggest transportation attraction is the Roosevelt Island Tram.
The Roosevelt Island tram began operating in 1976 and is the first commuter aerial tramway in North America. Places to stay in the area
The aerial tramway resembles a ski gondola. It has become a permanent part of the life of the island and a treasure for New Yorkers and visitors throughout the world.
The Roosevelt Island Tram provides a skyline view of the city like no other.
Enjoy the nightlife in Williamsburg
Williamsburg is one of the City’s most exciting nightlife neighborhoods, with many of NYC’s trendiest restaurants and clubs. Places to stay in the area
Visitors can explore the lively arts, music, and boutique scene here, dine at some excellent restaurants, and soak up the youthful and creative energy.
The Mona Lisa of Williamsburg is the most well known mural, while Domino Park is a real delight to walk. Smorgasburg, a spring-and-summer food festival, is made up of local snack vendors that set up shop weekly in East River State Park.
If there’s one neighborhood that’s indicative of the “new Brooklyn,” it’s Williamsburg. Therefore, you should start planning on exploring this exciting neighborhood on your next trip to New York City.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center sits in the heart of midtown Manhattan and is a masterpiece of composition.
It is a large complex consisting of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres (89,000 m2) There’s something special about every moment you spend at Rockefeller Center. This is the epicenter of everything New York. Places to stay in the area
The varied public art collection of murals, reliefs, sculptures, carving, architectural styles, and modern-day installations provides endless opportunities to explore, stop and reflect, and appreciate the beauty and creativity that surrounds you.
One of the best things to do here is visiting Top of the Rock’s observation decks. It delivers spectacular views of the city skyline. With terraces facing east, west, north, and south, Top of the Rock’s panoramic sights make it the ultimate observation deck in NYC.
American Museum of Natural History
One of the largest and most famous museums in the world, the American Museum of Natural History, comprises 26 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibition halls, in addition to a planetarium and a library. Places to stay in the area
The museum collections contain more than 34 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and human cultural artifacts, as well as specialized collections for frozen tissue and genomic and astrophysical data.
The Museum is renowned for its exhibitions and scientific collections, which serve as a field guide to the entire planet and present a panorama of the world’s cultures.
One can explore dozens of exhibits and theater shows, the museum being one that both kids and parents will enjoy.
Therefore, plan on spending close to an entire day there. The museum worth visiting.
Walk around Greenwich Village
Visiting Greenwich Village is one of the best things to do in New York City.
It is a neighborhood on the west side of Lower Manhattan famous for being the hub of counter-culture in the 1960s. It was also the epicenter of the LGBT+ community. Places to stay in the area
It’s also home to a bevy of beloved institutions and a spirit unlike any other. Comedy clubs and excellent restaurants make Greenwich Village a nightlife destination.
Immerse yourself in New York City’s bohemian history as you stroll through one of the most renowned neighborhoods in NYC.
Explore the Guggenheim
If you love art, then New York is a city that you’re bound to fall in love with.
Housed in one of the most iconic buildings in New York, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum presents interesting and innovative exhibitions.
It is one of the most popular attractions for people on New York City tours. Places to stay in the area
The museum has an impressive collection of modern art from great masters like Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Franz Marc, and more.
Visitors can also see sculptural installations like The Matter of Time by Richard Serra and floral installations like the Puppy by Jeff Koons in the museum.
You will experience the artwork along a huge ramp that spirals up around the entire interior of the cylindrical building.
The High Line
The High Line is an elevated railway transformed into a public park on Manhattan’s West Side. Places to stay in the area
On the High Line, you are treated to amazing 360-views of NYC as well as stunning architecture and contemporary installation art.
The High Line is also one of the best locales for photography in NYC!
It is one of the more popular New York attractions, and it’s the perfect place to take out-of-town visitors.
Best Things to Do in New York
- Best Things to Do in New York
- Explore the treasures of Central Park
- Spend great moments in Times Square
- Walk over Brooklyn Bridge
- Visit the National 9/11 Memorial Museum
- See the Statue of Liberty
- Empire State Building
- Explore Harlem
- Visit Coney Island
- Washington Square Park
- Grand Central Terminal
- Experience Wall Street
- Broadway
- The Cloisters
- Ride the Roosevelt Tram
- Enjoy the nightlife in Williamsburg
- Rockefeller Center
- American Museum of Natural History
- Walk around Greenwich Village
- Explore the Guggenheim
- The High Line
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