Top 50 Things To Do In New York

New York City has something for everyone. From iconic attractions and world-renowned museums to trendy restaurants and buzzing nightlife, it’s no wonder why New York is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With so much to see and do in this vibrant city, it can be hard to narrow down the list of must-do activities. So, if you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple and need some help deciding what to do, check out our top 50 things to do in New York!

A Brief Introduction To New York

New York City, often referred to as “The City That Never Sleeps,” is the most populous city in the United States. It is home to over 8 million people from all walks of life, making it one of the most diverse cities in the world. New York was founded by Dutch settlers in 1626 and was soon named after the Duke of York. Throughout its history, it has served as a major port and a center of finance and commerce, drawing people from all over the world.

The city is known for its many iconic attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. New York is also home to some of the world’s best museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Guggenheim Museum. Additionally, the city is a hotbed of culture and entertainment, boasting hundreds of theaters, art galleries, clubs, and restaurants.

1. Visit the Iconic Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the copper statue was a gift from France and a symbol of freedom and democracy. The statue stands at 305 feet tall and can be seen from many parts of the city. Visitors can take a ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island and explore the statue up close. The ferry also offers a great view of the Manhattan skyline and is a great way to start your New York adventure.

2. Take in the Views from Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Standing at 850 feet tall, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck offers some of the best views of Manhattan. Located on top of Rockefeller Center, visitors can take in breathtaking 360-degree views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and beyond. The observation deck is open until late at night and offers special events like Sunrise Yoga and a 4th of July fireworks show.

3. Browse the Stalls at Brooklyn Flea Market

The Brooklyn Flea Market is one of New York’s most beloved attractions. Located in Fort Greene, it draws thousands of visitors each weekend to browse through its hundreds of vendors selling vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, antiques, and more. The market is open year-round, so there’s always something new to find!

4. Explore Central Park

Central Park is one of New York’s most beloved green spaces. Spanning 843 acres, it is home to many attractions like Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo. Visitors can also take part in activities like horse-drawn carriage rides, boat rides on The Lake, ice skating at Wollman Rink, and much more.

5. Take an Iconic Walk along The High Line

The High Line is an elevated park that spans 1.45 miles along Manhattan’s West Side. It was created from an abandoned freight rail line and features a number of unique attractions like art installations and restaurants. Visitors can take in stunning views of the Hudson River and surrounding neighborhoods as they walk along the path.

6. Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Located on Pier 86 on Manhattan’s West Side, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an interactive museum dedicated to military history and science exploration. Visitors can explore an aircraft carrier that served in World War II, a space shuttle pavilion featuring artifacts from space exploration missions, interactive exhibits about flight science and aircrafts, and much more.

7. Stroll Through Times Square

Times Square is an iconic area located in Midtown Manhattan. It is home to many iconic attractions like Broadway theaters, restaurants, shops, Times Square Tower, Madame Tussauds wax museum, and more. It’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world due to its neon signs and bustling atmosphere.

8. Shop “til You Drop on Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is a famous shopping district located in Midtown Manhattan. It’s home to some of the world’s most prestigious stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as many smaller boutiques and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a designer dress or just window-shopping, Fifth Avenue is a great place to explore!

9. Take a Stroll Through Chinatown

Chinatown is one of New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Located in Lower Manhattan near SoHo, it is home to many Chinese restaurants, shops selling traditional goods like herbal remedies and teapots, and colorful street vendors selling everything from souvenirs to knock-off handbags. It’s also home to Confucius Plaza—the largest Confucius statue outside of China!

10. Admire the Gothic Architecture at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1879 in the neo-Gothic style, it is located on Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets in Midtown Manhattan. The Roman Catholic cathedral is open for worship services as well as tours for visitors who want to admire its grand architecture up close.

11. Take a Tour of Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is one of New York’s busiest transportation hubs and one of its most iconic landmarks. Located on 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, it was built in 1913 and features an iconic Main Concourse with its grand staircase and constellations painted on its ceiling. Visitors can take hourly tours that explore its history as well as its architecture!

12. Explore Brooklyn Heights Promenade

The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is an iconic waterfront esplanade located in Brooklyn Heights overlooking Lower Manhattan and the East River. It features stunning views of harbor islands like Governors Island as well as iconic attractions like the Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade Center in the distance. Visitors can also explore nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park for even more incredible views!

13. Catch a Show at Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall has been entertaining audiences since 1932 when it first opened its doors in Midtown Manhattan. This iconic theater hosts many popular events like Radio City Christmas Spectacular each year as well as concerts featuring top performers like Elton John, Celine Dion, and Adele!

14. Take a Tour of Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is an iconic complex located in Midtown Manhattan that features many attractions like Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, NBC Studios, as well as shopping centers and restaurants. Visitors can take guided tours that explore its history as well as its many attractions!

15. Enjoy Some Jazz at Village Vanguard

Located in Greenwich Village since 1935, Village Vanguard has been hosting live jazz performances by some of music’s biggest stars like Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. Today it continues to be one of New York’s premier jazz venues hosting performances by top jazz musicians from all over the world!

16. Take a Trip to Coney Island

Coney Island has been one of New York’s favorite summertime destinations since 1895 when it first opened its doors as an amusement park featuring rides like The Cyclone roller coaster and The Wonder Wheel ferris wheel! Today it continues to be a great place for families to spend a day enjoying rides, games, food stands, beach activities like volleyball, and more!

17. See a Broadway Show

Broadway shows are an iconic part of New York culture! From musicals like The Phantom Of The Opera to classic plays like The Glass Menagerie, there are plenty of great performances to choose from! Tickets can be purchased online or through ticket brokers on Broadway itself for shows at theaters like The Palace Theatre or The Walter Kerr Theatre!

18. Find Your Inner Artist at The Met Breuer

The Met Breuer is part of The Metropolitan Museum Of Art located on Madison Avenue in Upper East Side Manhattan. This modern art museum features works from 20th century artists like Marcel Duchamp and Mark Rothko as well as contemporary pieces from artists like Jeff Koons!

19. Visit MoMA PS1

MoMA PS1 is part of The Museum Of Modern Art located in Long Island City Queens. This modern art museum features works from emerging artists as well as pieces from legendary artists like Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock! It is also home to performances by experimental musicians and DJs throughout the year!

20. Get Lost In Books at The Strand Bookstore

The Strand Bookstore has been one of New York’s favorite bookstores since 1927 when it first opened its doors on Broadway near Union Square! Today it continues to be a great place for booklovers to explore with its 18 miles worth of books ranging from bestsellers to rare finds!

21. Take a Trip back In Time at Tenement Museum

The Tenement Museum tells the stories of everyday life for immigrants who lived here during the 19th century! Located on Orchard Street near Little Italy in Lower East Side Manhattan this museum offers guided tours that explore what life was like for these immigrants living in cramped apartments with little money or resources!

22. Enjoy Some Culture at Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center is one of New York’s premier performing arts centers located on Columbus Avenue near Central Park in Upper West Side Manhattan! It is home to venues like Metropolitan Opera House which hosts performances by world-renowned performers throughout the year! Other attractions include outdoor cafes where visitors can enjoy some food while watching outdoor performances by musicians or dancers!

23. Catch Some Comedy at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater

Upright Citizens Brigade Theater has been performing improv comedy shows since 1999 when it first opened its doors in Chelsea near Union Square! Today it continues to be one of New York’s premier comedy venues hosting performances by some of comedy’s biggest stars like Amy Poehler or Aziz Ansari!

24. Walk Across Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York’s most iconic landmarks connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan across the East River! Spanning 5989 feet long this suspension bridge offers stunning views of both boroughs while you walk across it! It’s also home to some great attractions like Jane’s Carousel which offers rides for kids or adults alike!

25. Enjoy Some Art At The Whitney Museum Of American Art

The Whitney Museum Of American Art has been exhibiting works by American artists since 1940 when it first opened its doors near Madison Avenue in Upper East Side Manhattan! Today it continues to be one of New York’s premier art museums featuring works by modern American artists like Jasper Johns or Andy Warhol!

26. Take a Trip To Governors Island

Governors Island has been one of New York’s favorite summertime destinations since 1776 when it was first used by British troops during the Revolutionary War! Now it serves as an oasis for city dwellers offering plenty of activities like kayaking or biking as well as concerts throughout the summer months!

27. Enjoy Some Nature At Wave Hill Public Garden

Wave Hill Public Garden has been offering visitors stunning views since 1965 when it first opened its doors near Riverdale Bronx! This public garden features 28 acres worth of gardens filled with beautiful flowers as well as plenty of trails perfect for taking a leisurely stroll or taking in some stunning views overlooking Hudson River Valley!

28. Visit Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo has been entertaining visitors since 1899 when it first opened its doors near Bronx Park! This 265 acre zoo features over 4000 animals from around the world as well as plenty of interactive exhibits perfect for kids or adults alike! Visitors can also take part in special events such as “Boo At The Zoo” each year during Halloween season!

29. Explore Battery Park

Battery Park has been one of New York’s favorite places for taking in stunning views since 1797 when it was first built for military defense near Lower Manhattan waterfront! Today it serves as an oasis for city dwellers offering plenty of activities such as kayaking or walking around its 25 acres worth of gardens filled with flowers!

30. Take A Trip To Queens Botanical Garden

Queens Botanical Garden has been offering visitors stunning views since 1939 when it first opened its doors near Flushing Meadows Queens! This 39 acre garden features plenty of interactive exhibits perfect for kids or adults alike such as “Butterfly Garden” which offers visitors a chance to get up close with live butterflies flying around its paths filled with flowers!

31. Admire Some Street Art At Bushwick Collective

Bushwick Collective has been exhibiting some amazing street art since 2012 when it first opened its doors near Flushing Avenue Brooklyn! This outdoor gallery features works by both local artists as well as renowned street artists such as Shepard Fairey or Banksy offering visitors plenty of colorful murals perfect for taking photos or admiring their work up close!

32. Enjoy Some Music At Jazz Standard

Jazz Standard has been entertaining jazz fans since 2001 when it first opened its doors near Gramercy Park Manhattan! This jazz club hosts performances by some world-renowned jazz musicians such as Wynton Marsalis or Herbie Hancock throughout all year attracting visitors from all over world looking for some good music or just fancy drinks at its bar area!

33. Take A Trip To Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island has been one of New York’s favorite places for taking in stunning views since 1839 when it was first used by native Len