Are you visiting New York for the first time? you can do Many Things to do in New York, nestled in the Northeast region of the United States, harbors over eight million residents and magnetizes an astounding fifty million annual visitors. Its history, dating back to the arrival of Colonists in 1624, showcases a continuous evolution influenced by waves of hopeful immigrants seeking liberty.
Each newcomer brought along a cultural richness that wove into the vibrant tapestry of New York, shaping its sounds, flavors, and essence. It’s their collective dreams that have constructed this unparalleled cityscape, stretching not only skyward but also spreading its influence across the globe.
The city’s grid system facilitates exploration by foot, taxi, or the ceaselessly active subway system, reflecting the city’s perpetual energy. Iconic symbols like the Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan, standing tall since 1931, offer timeless breathtaking views from its upper floors.
Landmarks such as the Rockefeller Center, born during the Great Depression, remain bastions of creativity and inspiration, providing unmatched views of the city’s skyline.
Amidst the urban expanse, New York embraces moments of tranquility, notably in Central Park, an 850-acre oasis where residents find solace, romance, and self-expression. The city is also a hub of art and culture, boasting renowned museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim, showcasing centuries of human creativity.
However, New York is more than its landmarks; it’s a melting pot of cultures and languages embodied in its diverse neighborhoods. From the charm of Little Italy to the artistic flair of Soho and the historical resonance of Greenwich Village, each corner tells a unique story.
Venturing beyond Manhattan, across the Brooklyn Bridge, leads to Brooklyn, a vibrant hub with distinctive neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and the nostalgic Coney Island. In this multifaceted metropolis known as The Big Apple, one can barely skim the surface of its offerings. It’s a destination where the appetite for life’s finest finds abundant fulfillment—a place with enough richness to savor over a lifetime.
New York is a whirlwind of activity, boasting famous sites at every turn and an endless list of attractions that draw visitors from all corners of the globe. Some come for the Broadway shows, while others arrive with shopping, dining, or sightseeing on their agenda.
The city’s iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park sit within walking distance or a short ride from each other, making it a sightseer’s paradise.
Top 10 Things to Do in New York
In this guide, we explore the top 10 things to do in New York City. We’ve covered the iconic attractions as well as a few hidden gems you might have overlooked.
Times Square
Times Square is one of the most popular attractions in New York City and no wonder with the bright lights and electric atmosphere. Times Square is not actually a square but four quarters created on the intersection where 7th Avenue and Broadway meet midtown Manhattan. You can do many Things to do in Times Square.
In Times Square is Madame Tussauds. Here, you can pose with your favorite celebrities or even get a wax hand. This popular attraction, situated on 42nd Street, offers a quieter and more romantic experience in the evening. Prices start at $37, and it operates from 10 am to 9 pm most days.
If you’re traveling with children, Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a fantastic choice. Located next to Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s museum features over 500 real artifacts, interactive experiences, photo ops, galleries, and intriguing facts for the whole family to enjoy.
Interested in Broadway shows? Seeing a Broadway show while in New York City is a must. Classics are highly recommended, but for family outings, options like “The Lion King,” “Stomp,” “Aladdin,” or “Wicked” are excellent. Tickets can often be purchased at the box office, and there’s a guide available on various ways to buy Broadway tickets. We recommend visiting Times Square at night here you can explore many Things to Do in Times Square at Night.
For those preferring comedy over musicals, visiting a comedy club in Times Square is a great option. You can often find deals on Groupon for clubs like Broadway Comedy Club or the LOL Times Square Club. And if you’re with kids but still want a theatrical experience, consider the New Victory Theater, which offers performances tailored for children from one and a half to 12 years old. Times Square is one of the best things to do in New York. you can do many Things to do in times square with kids.
There are also nearby attractions worth exploring, such as Bryant Park, offering a serene green space with various activities, or taking a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour to explore other landmarks like Madison Square Gardens, Chinatown, or the Empire State Building. Additionally, attractions like Top of the Rock Observatory, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and Bryant Park offer distinct experiences nearby. Times Square is one of the most famous Places to visit in New York.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is near the top of that list. It’s one of the world’s most famous buildings constructed during the onset of the great depression the Empire State Building became a symbol of American innovation and a marker of what the United States could achieve even during its darkest times.
Standing as the world’s tallest building for 40 years of its life the grandeur and scale of the empire state inspired near-universal law and cemented it as the defining structure of New York City.
The entry point for tourists purchasing tickets to access the 80th and 86th floors showcases captivating history. The prices for the observatory range from $42 to $72, offering stunning views worth every penny. Unlike the bustling queues in pre-pandemic times, the present-day experience is noticeably calmer, ideal for those who dislike crowds yet seek remarkable sunset vistas.
Moving up to the second floor, the museum displays the building’s evolution, providing a glimpse into its construction. It’s a fantastic opportunity to understand the building’s unique story and capture some awe-inspiring photos. The exhibits pay homage to the Empire State Building’s starring roles in iconic movies like ‘King Kong,’ adding a thrilling cinematic touch to the visit.
Now, onto the heart of the experience—the elevator ride. As the doors close, look up—this is when the fun begins. The elevator showcases the building’s construction, with rivets flying and planks moving, giving a playful but informative glimpse into its history. It’s a creative way to set the mood before ascending to the observatories. This is the best option if you are coming with kids. Empire state building is one of the best Things To Do In New York City with Kids.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is the main attraction to visit in New York. A trip to New York City feels incomplete without a stop at the Statue of Liberty. This iconic figure stands tall at 305 feet, crafted from copper as thin as two pennies. Initially, Lady Liberty sported a dull brown hue, but the green patina developed over the years has acted as a shield against the elements.
The Top of the Rock observation deck. Perched atop Manhattan’s centerpiece, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, it offers unforgettable views every day of the year. From north to south, east to west, witness Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson River, and beyond. Embrace it all; soar above the city across three levels of indoor and outdoor decks. Touch the sky on the magnificent 70th floor, boasting a 360-degree open-air panorama showcasing the city’s essence.
The view from the top is breathtaking—a spectacular and sweeping metropolis that will stay etched in your memory. Everything unfolds here, inviting you to step inside and reach the summit.
Rockefeller Center isn’t just an iconic spot; it’s a destination cherished by locals and tourists alike. Make a day of it, exploring over a hundred specialty shops and restaurants. Stroll amid the serene fountains, lush greenery, and seasonal decorations at the Channel Gardens. Dive into the rich history, art, and architecture with the Rockefeller Center tour. Rockefeller Center is one of the Best Places to Live in New York for Families.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal in New York. It’s an acoustical marvel that allows a person to whisper into the wall, and it bounces across a vaulted tile ceiling. You can hear the person at the other end, about 30 or 40 feet away. It’s one of those great secrets of Grand Central.
Grand Central is celebrating its centennial in February. It opened in 1913 and was the gateway to the continent for so many people, ideas, and so much culture. It just captures people’s imagination in ways that almost no other building in New York can. It is emblematic of New York because it created Park Avenue and Midtown in New York. This is now the busiest railroad terminal in the world, the biggest in the world.
What’s so fascinating about Grand Central is it’s also a building that contains many secrets. Everybody knows about the famous clock facing down Park Avenue from the front facade of Grand Central. You can actually climb up to a tiny little room-up ladder to access it. This clock, like all the clocks of Grand Central, is set by atomic weight, set by the National Observatory, and it is extremely accurate. The train boards, which list when the trains are leaving, are always wrong. They actually leave about a minute later than the time scheduled departure on the train boards.
It has the deepest basement in all of New York City, deeper than the World Trade Center, deeper than the Federal Reserve Bank. I’m just coming out of a secret staircase right in the middle of the main Concourse of Grand Central, in fact, it’s in the information booth. This leads not to the sewers but to the lower-level information booth where you have your tickets.
And of course, the biggest mistake in Grand Central is the ceiling. It was discovered by one commuter not long after Grand Central opened. The sky is backward. An astronomer at Columbia University gave a chart to the painters, but he probably thought that they were going to hold it over their heads to paint. In fact, they put it down, and therefore what we have is sort of a heavenly view of the stars. You look at the stars from above, rather than look at the stars from the main Concourse itself. Consider Grand Central Terminal when looking for the cheapest places to live in New York.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a memorial and museum that is part of the World Trade Center complex, in New York City, created to remember the September 11 attacks of 2001, which killed 2,977 people, and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, which killed six.
The site of the fallen World Trade Center Towers, now replaced by the One World Trade Center, alongside the Oculus, is a stunning piece of architecture. Beginning with the inception of the original towers in the ’60s, I detailed their construction, controversies, and eventual acceptance by the city.
Top of The Rock
Top of the Rock stands tall as an exceptional observation deck in New York City, offering unparalleled views in a less crowded environment. Nestled within the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza, it’s an outdoor and indoor deck across three levels, granting a complete 360-degree panoramic view of the cityscape.
Opening its doors in 2005, it’s a part of the historic building housing NBC Studios and the Rainbow Room. After a quick elevator ride to the 67th floor, visitors are treated to stunning vistas featuring landmarks like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center.
Moving outside to the first deck provides an even better look at Central Park while the 69th floor offers a more spacious outdoor experience. Top of the Rock’s less-crowded nature adds to its allure, allowing visitors to enjoy the breathtaking skyline without the usual hustle and bustle found in other observation decks around the city.
Climbing up to the 70th floor reveals a true 360-degree view, showcasing the city’s skyline, including other famous observation decks like the Empire State Building and the Edge. From the distant Statue of Liberty to views of Central Park and the Hudson River, this deck offers a comprehensive visual tour. Amidst the excitement of Rockefeller Center, especially during the winter holidays, Top of the Rock remains an oasis for those seeking unforgettable skyline experiences.
Bryant Park
Bryant, the park’s namesake, advocated for Central Park’s creation in 1844. Fast forward to 1853, this place hosted the World’s Fair with the Crystal Palace and the Lighthouse Observatory.
Here’s Gertrude Stein’s statue, who coined ‘the Lost Generation.’ Nearby, Bryant Park Grill awaits you with its fancy eats. It spans from 40th to 42nd Street and is bookended by 6th and 5th Avenues. You’ll find the New York Public Library, a great landmark, just a stone’s throw away. Oh, and the Bank of America Tower is nearby too, almost as tall as the Empire State Building. The park’s design came from the old reservoir that once stood here. We’re rounding up now, but this park’s a hidden gem; tourists, locals, and office workers all flock here
Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is known for its luxury stores and world-renowned museums, but at one point, it was actually home to Millionaires’ Row, where extravagant, ornate, gilded mansions filled the Avenue.
One of the most famous Fifth Avenue residences belonged to the Astor family. John Jacob Astor’s estate, built in the late 1800s, was considered one of the grandest mansions on Fifth Avenue, boasting a ballroom capable of holding 1,200 guests. Astor, a business magnate, tragically perished in the Titanic disaster of 1912. After his death, the family sold the mansion to developers,
and today, Temple Emanuel stands in its place. Another breathtaking residence along the Avenue was owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt, built in the late 1800s on 5th Avenue and West 57th Street. However, it was sold in 1926 due to large commercial development projects nearby. The mansion was demolished, and Bergdorf Goodman now stands in its place.
Remnants of its grandeur still exist today as the Vanderbilt Gate in Central Park. While many of these mansions were lost over time, some still remain, housing organizations and museums such as Cooper Hewitt, the Jewish Museum, the Henry Clay Frick House, and the Ukrainian Institute of America. Even the iconic Cartier flagship store resides in what was once the Morton F. Plant residence after the high-end retailer acquired the building in 1917.