40 of the Best Things to Do in New York City

Attend a Broadway present.

One of many few locations you possibly can spot native New Yorkers and vacationers from everywhere in the world mingling collectively is at a Broadway present. Individuals flock to the town’s Theater District to catch one (or extra) of over two dozen performances, starting from classics like Chicago and Depraved to newer exhibits like Hadestown and Dying Turns into Her. Seeing a Broadway present is each energizing and a great way to flee dangerous climate. And, if you happen to’re touring with children, tickets to The Lion King will make everybody glad.

Stroll the Brooklyn Bridge.

“I really like strolling or jogging throughout the Brooklyn Bridge,” says Vazquez, who provides that “everybody ought to do it no less than as soon as.” The enduring landmark gives a few of the finest views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, making it one of the crucial widespread issues to do in New York Metropolis.

To keep away from crowds, go to as early within the morning as doable, and be sure you put on comfy footwear; the stroll takes about 20–half-hour (1.3 miles) every approach, however add on further time to cease for photographs and stroll at a leisurely tempo. You can begin both in DUMBO on the Brooklyn aspect or in Manhattan, simply throughout from Metropolis Corridor. Notice that you could additionally cycle throughout the bridge within the protected bike lane, separated from pedestrians and vehicles.

Hop on the ferry.

Some say that New York is finest explored on foot, however we’d argue the town is much more magical when seen from the water. One of the simplest ways can also be a discount: a experience on the NYC Ferry prices simply $4.50 (a 10-pack of tickets is $29) and can take you up and down the East River, previous the Empire State Constructing, and proper underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll be able to sit outdoor or in, and there is even a bit of snack bar inside. “Embark on a charming boat experience by way of New York Harbor to take pleasure in breathtaking views of the town’s skyline,” says Alfonso. “This expertise permits you to recognize the town from a distinct perspective.”

Pack a picnic and head to Central Park.

Central Park is Manhattanites’ yard. It gives lots to see and do inside its 800-plus acres, which embrace grassy lawns, 9 lakes and ponds, and even a zoo. However the easiest way to expertise the park and its huge pure magnificence—an oasis amid towering skyscrapers—is to easily get pleasure from lunch on a park bench or set a picnic basket down on the grass. Eat as you get pleasure from some prime people-watching. To make your picnic much more memorable, contemplate working with Good Picnic NYC, certainly one of a number of luxurious picnic firms that remodel fundamental spreads into connoisseur lunches.

See the beautiful view from the Edge.

Positioned in Hudson Yards, the Edge prides itself on being the best outside sky deck within the Western Hemisphere. The thrilling attraction is perched greater than 1,000 toes above the sidewalk, and its glass-bottom flooring take the adrenaline-pumping expertise to a wholly new stage. The outside viewing space spans 7,500 sq. toes and is accessible by way of a 52-second elevator experience. The view itself is solely breathtaking: all the metropolis, the Hudson River, and New Jersey are laid out earlier than you.

Go for a swim at Rockaway Seaside.

Simply an hour-long ferry experience from Pier 11 in downtown Manhattan (and likewise accessible by subway), Rockaway Seaside in Queens attracts locals and vacationers alike with its sandy shorelines and surf. “It’s nearer than the Hamptons and way more inexpensive,” Vazquez says.

If you happen to plan on staying the night time, Vazquez recommends reserving a room on the stylish Rockaway Resort, which gives trendy rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and free bikes so you possibly can cruise the boardwalk in type. 

Take a look at Little Island.

A part of waterfront Hudson River Park and a fast stroll from the Excessive Line and the Whitney Museum is the two-and-a-half acre Little Island. Regardless of its small dimension, this magnificent floating construction—made up of 280 tulip-like concrete constructions—is dwelling to greater than 350 species of flora. Little Island hosts a slew of occasions all through spring and summer season, together with DJ units, dance events, and dwell musical performances.

Wander round The Met Cloisters.

Make your approach to Washington Heights in higher Manhattan to take a look at The Met Cloisters. A part of The Metropolitan Museum of Artwork, the museum is the one such venue within the U.S. devoted particularly to medieval structure and artwork. The gathering is displayed amid sections of cloisters and different architectural options from European monasteries and church buildings. You’ll be able to simply spend a whole afternoon wandering the museum’s indoor and outside areas, and it is set within the riverside Fort Tryon Park—a beautiful place for a picnic.

Odor the flowers on the New York Botanical Backyard.

The New York Botanical Backyard (NYBG) within the Bronx feels worlds away from the bustling metropolis, and the 250-acre web site boasts a couple of million crops. The blooms range relying on the time of yr. We advocate visiting within the spring, when peonies, daffodils, magnolias, and lilacs are all in season. Different highlights embrace the cherry blossoms in March to mid-Could (there are over 500 flowering cherry timber), the rose backyard (Could by way of October), the azalea backyard (year-round), and the intensive orchid assortment (additionally open year-round).

See animals galore on the Bronx Zoo.

Dwelling to over 6,000 animals, the Bronx Zoo is likely one of the largest zoos within the U.S. Roam the grounds and are available face-to-face with all method of fauna, from large cats like tigers and lions to penguins, elephants, and flamingos.

View masterpieces at a few of the nation’s finest artwork museums.

It’s no secret that New York Metropolis is dwelling to unimaginable artwork museums. In Manhattan, this contains The Whitney (recognized for its assortment of Twentieth-century American works) and The Museum of Trendy Artwork (MoMA), which boasts practically 200,000 works from the world over. Different must-visit museums embrace the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, an oasis for modern artwork lovers, and The Metropolitan Museum of Artwork, one of many world’s largest effective artwork museums. The Met is dwelling to a powerful assortment of works, a few of which date again 1000’s of years.

The Brooklyn Museum, on the prime of Prospect Park, has a group that features all the things from historic Egyptian artifacts to Judy Chicago’s seminal feminist artwork set up “The Dinner Occasion.” It additionally hosts altering exhibitions. In Queens, the Museum of the Transferring Picture takes guests contained in the world of movie and TV manufacturing.

Stroll by way of Socrates Sculpture Park.

Take the ferry to the Astoria cease after which wander by way of Socrates Sculpture Park on the waterfront in Queens. It is a favourite of Vazquez’s for its tranquil riverfront locale and nice installations. As soon as an deserted landfill, this outside museum additionally hosts year-round occasions, together with yoga and meditation periods, dance lessons for youths, and even kayaking in close by Hallet’s Cove.

Retreat to Cosy Harbor Cultural Heart & Botanical Backyard.

Staten Island is the town’s least populous borough, however don’t let that deter you from visiting. The Cosy Harbor Cultural Heart & Botanical Backyard is, by far, its finest attraction. You’ll be able to stroll right here in about half-hour from the Staten Island Ferry cease at St George. The waterfront web site, set inside an 83-acre park, consists of 28 historic buildings, 14 botanic gardens, a two-acre farm, and loads of picturesque surroundings.

Stroll down Arthur Ave.

It will not be as extensively referred to as its Manhattan counterpart, however Arthur Avenue has gained a popularity as the town’s extra genuine Little Italy. Vazquez calls it “the actual deal” for its abundance of “Italian bakeries and crimson sauce eating places.” Just a few can’t-miss spots embrace Funici A Pizza for pies, Tino’s Delicatessen for stuffed heroes, Casa Della Mozzarella for contemporary mozz, Dominick’s for giant plates of pasta, and Madonia Bakery for cannoli.

Have dim sum and extra in Flushing’s Chinatown.

Although it is typically ignored in favor of the admittedly extra handy Manhattan Chinatown, Flushing is much more vibrant. Enterprise right here to feast on scrumptious noodle soups, dim sum favorites like shumai and pork buns, dumplings of all types, rooster toes, and barbecue spare ribs, to call a couple of. Whilst you can’t go incorrect with any of the eating places on this neighborhood, we particularly love Asian Jewels, Shanghai You Backyard, and Nan Xiang Xiao Lengthy Bao.

Discover Governors Island.

This 172-acre car-free island is simply quarter-hour by ferry from downtown Manhattan, making it a superb day-trip vacation spot. Vacationers will discover lots to do year-round on Governors Island, together with biking its perimeter with none honking vehicles, enjoyable at QC Spa, and seeing a centuries-old fort. The island additionally boasts a handful of eclectic consuming and eating venues, a lavender area (open seasonally), and New York Metropolis’s solely glamping property (additionally seasonal).

Journey the Ferris wheel at Coney Island.

Coney Island is a simple outing for households who come for its abundance of nostalgia-inducing amusement park rides, together with the 150-foot-tall Deno’s Surprise Wheel. Add in a charmingly old-school 2.7-mile-long boardwalk and broad sandy seashores and you have a enjoyable day trip regardless of the ages of your group. If in case you have time, go to the New York Aquarium, dwelling to sharks, rays, otters, and extra, adopted by a sizzling canine and fries on the flagship Nathan’s Well-known.

Have a drink at a couple of rooftop bars.

“Indulge within the stylish and enchanting ambiance of New York Metropolis’s rooftop bars, providing beautiful views of iconic landmarks like Instances Sq. or the Empire State Constructing,” says Alfonso, who particularly loves Magic Hour Rooftop in midtown. Different year-round choices abound, together with Daintree, which has ESB views and a superb cocktail menu, Westlight at The William Vale in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, the rooftop at Royalton Park Avenue, and Panorama Room on the Graduate New York on Roosevelt Island (the views alone are well worth the enjoyable tram experience right here).

Go to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

These two New York Metropolis landmarks are solely accessible by way of ferry and require tickets. The Statue of Liberty represents freedom and hope, and guests can climb to its crown, so long as they don’t thoughts trekking up 160-plus steps. Ellis Island, which welcomed 12 million immigrants into the nation, is equally fascinating; immediately, it’s dwelling to the Nationwide Immigration Museum, which homes historic artifacts and displays.

Sip vino at an city vineyard.

You don’t need to journey to the Finger Lakes or the North Fork of Lengthy Island to sip and savor a few of the Empire State’s finest wines. As a substitute, head to certainly one of NYC’s progressive city wineries. Just a few of our favourite spots embrace Brooklyn Vineyard (which gives excursions and tastings), The Redhook Vineyard (a warehouse-turned-winery that makes use of domestically grown grapes), and Metropolis Vineyard, which is a restaurant, vineyard, and dwell music and leisure venue rolled into one.

Stroll the Excessive Line.

The Excessive Line, which stretches by way of the Meatpacking District and Chelsea in Manhattan, is likely one of the metropolis’s most original public parks; it is an elevated rail observe that is been remodeled right into a greenery-filled walkway spanning slightly below 1.5 miles. The park boasts 500 species of crops and timber, in addition to a number of putting items of artwork. You’ll discover loads of locations to take a seat and lounge, good people-watching, and nice vantage factors for snapping skyline photographs.

Store in SoHo.

SoHo, which stands for “South of Houston Road,” is amongst New York Metropolis’s busiest neighborhoods. With stylish boutiques, eclectic galleries, and hip eateries galore, you possibly can spend hours wandering the streets right here and popping out and in of retailers. If you happen to’re after some wardrobe additions, your choices abound, from well-known sportswear and outside manufacturers to modern designers and curated multi-label boutiques like Kirna Zabête.

Style your approach by way of the Tin Constructing.

Set in a 1907 former fish market, The Tin Constructing by Jean-Georges is a huge meals corridor close to the East River in decrease Manhattan. The 54,000-square-foot oasis is a haven for culinary connoisseurs. Anticipate a handful of fashionable sit-down eating places, bars, and fast-casual spots serving all the things from crêpes and dosas (at, properly, Crêpes & Dosas) to Chinese language-leaning seafood (Home of the Pink Pearl) and French fare (T. Brasserie).

Go to the Nationwide September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Positioned within the World Commerce Heart, the Nationwide September 11 Memorial & Museum goals to coach guests on the influence and significance of 9/11 by way of a mix of media and artifacts. Reveals evoke private tales of loss and tragedy coupled with these of unwavering hope and resilience. Whereas the outside memorial is free and open to the general public, you’ll must buy tickets to enter the museum. Guided excursions are additionally out there.

Go to the American Museum of Pure Historical past.

The American Museum of Pure Historical past on Manhattan’s Higher West Facet captivates guests of all ages with its spectacular assortment of 30 million specimens and cultural artifacts. Put together to be dazzled by the now-iconic blue whale mannequin, enchanting dinosaur displays, and the fascinating show of extinct mammals. Contained in the Richard Gilder Heart, you may additionally discover distinctive options like an insectarium and a butterfly vivarium.

Take within the metropolis views from One World Observatory.

Vacationers can expertise the cityscape from new heights by visiting One World Observatory, NYC’s highest indoor vantage level. Along with panoramic views, you’ll discover a handful of retailers, displays, and eating places. Even the 47-second elevator experience to the 1,250-foot summit is thrilling, because it includes a CGI timelapse of Manhattan from the sixteenth century to the current day.

Go to the Empire State Constructing.

No journey to NYC could be full with out a go to to The Empire State Constructing, nonetheless the town’s most recognizable landmark since its 1930 building. Take the elevators as much as the 86th-floor, open-air observatory deck which has been featured in so many exhibits and films, together with “Sleepless in Seattle,” How I Met Your Mom, and Broad Metropolis. There’s additionally the 102nd-floor remark deck, the place floor-to-ceiling views (and on a transparent day, as much as 80 miles of visibility) await.

Discover DUMBO.

Brooklyn already takes the cake for being the town’s coolest borough, and DUMBO (which stands for Down Below the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) could be its coolest neighborhood. The historic waterfront space is teeming with high-end eats and retailers. Snag a seat outdoors at Cecconi’s to feast on handmade pasta in type, and search for treasures on the Brooklyn Flea, which takes place right here on Saturday and Sunday for a lot of the yr (it closes in winter).

You will additionally discover myriad galleries, together with Klompching, which showcases unimaginable modern pictures, and occasional retailers galore (we love Zaruma Gold Espresso, which serves wonderful Ecuadorian espresso). Brooklyn Bridge Park is a major place for people-watching, and it’s additionally the place you’ll discover Jane’s Carousel, a should for little ones. 

Enterprise to Astoria.

A straightforward subway or ferry experience from Manhattan, Astoria is chock-full of distinctive eating places and points of interest. Movie buffs should not miss the Museum of the Transferring Picture, a temple to the artwork, historical past, and expertise of films. From there, seize a chunk at certainly one of many Greek eateries—Astoria has one of many highest populations of Greeks within the U.S.—together with the always-buzzing, seafood-forward Taverna Kyclades. Different neighborhood sizzling spots embrace Astoria Park (which spans virtually 60 acres alongside the East River), The Bonnie for artistic cocktails and bar bites, and a killer slice of white pizza at Astoria Pizzeria.

Eat breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Channel your inside Holly Golightly and splurge on breakfast (or lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner) at Tiffany’s—significantly. Inside the jewellery model’s flagship Fifth Avenue location is The Blue Field Café by Daniel Boulud, the place the elegant, Tiffany Blue-hued inside units the scene for a swanky meal. To be true to the movie, order the Holly’s Favorites breakfast, which comes with a croissant, butter, jam, juice, espresso, or sizzling chocolate.

Take pleasure in a Michelin-starred meal.

There are over 70 Michelin-starred eating places in New York Metropolis, which suggests many mouthwatering meals await. Eleven Madison Park is a favourite amongst foodies and celebrities alike, whereas Eric Ripert’s French-leaning Le Bernardin dishes out spectacular seafood. There’s additionally Aska in Williamsburg, which serves seasonal Scandinavian fare, and Meju, a classy conventional Korean fermentation restaurant in Lengthy Island Metropolis.

Catch a comedy present.

If you happen to like to snigger—and who would not?—be sure you catch no less than one stand-up or improv efficiency when on the town. Town is dwelling to dozens of venues, starting from nationally famend staples just like the Comedy Cellar, Stand Up NY, and Gotham Comedy Membership—all of that are in Manhattan—to hidden gems like The Tiny Cabinet in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

Take a helicopter experience over NYC icons.

Whereas the Huge Apple is gorgeous from each angle, seeing it from excessive above is an expertise like no different. Catch a chook’s-eye view of your favourite NYC landmarks by embarking on a helicopter experience. It is a brief, candy, and pretty costly expertise: HeliNY’s helicopter excursions begin from $259 for a 12–15-minute experience; that does not embrace the heliport payment, which is round $45. However for an unforgettable expertise like seeing NYC from the sky, the value tag will be price it.

Take pleasure in a bathhouse go to.

Once you want a break from the town’s bustle, retreat to certainly one of a handful of uber-sleek bathhouses for a rejuvenating soak. The aptly named Bathhouse in Williamsburg is housed in a Nineteen Thirties-era former manufacturing facility. Immediately, it’s a modern house with facilities like thermal swimming pools, saunas, a steam room, and coverings like massages and physique scrubs—to not point out a classy on-site bar and restaurant. Aire Historic Baths in Tribeca, which, like Bathhouse, occupies a restored textile manufacturing facility, is one other favourite for its wellness-centric choices and stylish atmosphere. Manner down in South Brooklyn (proper subsequent to a subway cease) is World Spa, the place to go for a full spa day in NYC. Its 50,000 sq. toes is crammed with saunas (together with infrared), Moroccan and Turkish hammams, 4 swimming pools (amongst them an onsen and a hydrotherapy pool), and serene rooms for massages, facials, and scrubs.

Fill your abdomen on a pizza crawl.

No meals is extra emblematic of New York than a slice of pizza. These are a couple of standout slice retailers: L’Industrie in Williamsburg and the West Village does a killer fig jam and bacon slice with mozzarella and ricotta. Lucia (which has 4 areas round city) is a favourite for its vodka and pepperoni slices. On the Decrease East Facet, Scarr’s has a wonderfully retro inside and pleases with vegan slices and specials just like the Hotboi (pepperoni, jalapeños, and extra-hot honey). Close to the southwest nook of Central Park is Pop’s Pizza, with its wonderful grandma slices (sq.) and equally scrumptious white slice with ricotta. Top-of-the-line white slices is at F&F in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn—with clams, mozzarella, parmesan, and breadcrumbs, plus lemon, parsley, and crimson chili flakes.

Go to a dwell efficiency.

If you happen to’ve seen a Broadway present and need extra, New York’s theaters ship with ballet and fashionable dance, musicians of each stripe, opera, and particular children’ occasions. The historic Apollo Theater in Harlem has turn out to be an establishment because it opened in 1914 and is finest recognized for Novice Night time, a efficiency/expertise competitors that helped launch the careers of Lauryn Hill and Ella Fitzgerald. New York Metropolis Heart, an early Twentieth-century theater in Moorish Revival type, hosts fashionable dance troupe Alvin Ailey every December. Lincoln Heart has an enormous roster of occasions for adults and youngsters, starting from New York Metropolis Ballet performances to New York Philharmonic concert events and jazz nights. The Metropolitan Opera, additionally at Lincoln Heart, places on each classical and modern operas.

Take the youngsters to run round at a playground.

Youthful guests will recognize the town’s distinctive playgrounds. Down in Tribeca, Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 has tons of climbing constructions—together with a rock-climbing wall—splash areas for cooling off in summer season, and swings and slides. The pier additionally has a historic steamship that is free to go to and an 18-hole mini golf course. Simply subsequent door on Pier 26 is the Science Playground, the place children can roam inside monumental fish-shaped play constructions (representing the sturgeon native to the river), which have slides, climbing partitions, and nets. After visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork, head to the Historic Playground proper behind the museum. Impressed by the Met’s Egyptian assortment, the playground has its personal mini pyramids, a sundial, and an obelisk, plus swings, a sandbox, and water options.

Cheer on an expert sports activities staff.

Between the 5 boroughs, New Jersey, and Lengthy Island, the better NYC space has practically a dozen skilled sports activities groups taking part in soccer, baseball, basketball, soccer, and hockey. Throughout the metropolis itself, you possibly can watch the Yankees and Mets play baseball; see a basketball recreation that includes the Knicks, the Nets, or the Liberty; root for the Rangers hockey staff, and watch the quick footwork of soccer staff New York Metropolis FC, which can have its personal stadium in Willets Level, Queens in 2027.

Hand around in Bryant Park regardless of the season.

Bryant Park is a year-round inexperienced oasis in the midst of Midtown, a brief stroll from Instances Sq. and proper behind the primary department of the New York Public Library. In summer season, its garden turns into an open-air movie show, with movies screened each Monday in June, July, and August. From late October to March, the Winter Village units up, with a vacation market (sometimes till early January), ice skating, curling, igloo-style bubbles through which to cozy up with sizzling drinks, and an open-air restaurant/bar. In spring and fall, the park has a packed calendar of free actions, together with ping pong, train lessons, orchestra performances, and youngsters’ programming.