New York City has always been one of my favorite cities to visit. Since 2019, I’ve had the luxury of living a very short train ride away. After visiting the city several times, and living close by now, I’ve put together a list of 40 things you should see, eat and do in New York City. Some of the items on this list are your typical tourist attractions, but others are things in NYC that you may have not heard about before or thought to try. One of the great things about NYC is that there is always just so much to see and do, and it is constantly changing.

This guide to things to do in New York City is divided into sections. The first section is best for first time visitors to New York City, and includes the top iconic tourist attractions in New York City. The next section includes all of New York City’s best green spaces, the best NYC Parks and Urban escapes. The following section is for foodies visiting New York City. In the next section you can explore New York City’s different neighborhoods, and lastly unique experiences you can have in the city. There are so many things to do and things to see in New York City, it could keep you busy forever! I hope you enjoy this comprehensive list of things to do in New York City!

The Top Things to do in New York City

(if it is your first time visiting)

If it’s your first time in New York City, start here! These are your iconic New York Experiences for your first visit to New York City.

1. Visit Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central is my absolute favorite building in New York. Now that I live in New York (state), this is my arrival station into the city. There is something about the high ceilings, chandeliers and the opal clock that emit history and romanticism. I always find my imagination takes flight in the main terminal, thinking about the over 100 years history of this building, the number of people starting or ending journeys, meeting loved ones, or saying goodbye to them. There are tours of the terminal or you can explore it yourself. My favorite spots in the terminal are the opal clock, the celestial ceiling featuring the 12 zodiac signs, and the Whispering Gallery, where you can whisper across the hall from your fellow travelers.

2 - 6: See New York City From Above but which Observation Deck is the best in NYC?

There are multiple places to take in fantastic views of the city, whether it is at the top of a skyscraper or a rooftop bar. The most famous and frequently visited locations for city views are the Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, the One World Trade Center, the Edge, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Each location has its own pros and cons and unique vantage points, and many of them are packed with like-minded travelers. It helps to buy skip the line tickets and time your trips carefully - as well as book in advance for those ideal time slots. Just remember - its New York City, it is likely to be busy no matter where you go!

2. Take in the city views from the Top of the Rock

Many people argue that the view at the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center is the best view in New York City. You have an incredible view of the Empire State Building directly in front of you, with the Freedom Tower and Statue of Liberty in the distance.

3. Take in City Views - from The Empire State Building

I really enjoyed being at the top of the Empire State Building at sunset, despite being with many other travelers.

4. Take in City Views - from the Observatory of the One World Trade Center

View New York City from above by jumping into the elevators at the One World Trade Center. They take you up 102 stories in 47 seconds. The One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. On a clear day, you can see 45 miles of 360 degree views.

5. Take in the city views from The Edge in Hudson Yards

The Edge is another, but newer, observation deck in New York City. It is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere and you can see for miles. The outdoor deck is made up of angled glass panels which allow you to lean over and into the view. It also boasts a glass floor that allows you to look down 100 stories, if you want to! You can also climb out of your comfort zone by attempting to ascend the highest open-air building ascent in the world - you scale the outside of a NYC skyscraper about 1,200 feet above ground.

6. Take in the city views from the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

This newest observation deck doesn’t just use its view to dazzle visitors. This observation desk combines spectacular city views with immersive art installations and spaces from Kenzo Digital. It is one of New York’s hottest new Instagram spots but also one of its busiest. Top tip, you’re going to be waiting a long time to get up there and the line is wild. Your entry time is going to be long after what you booked. It is a little crazy. While I think the views are awesome and the exhibits are fun, I am not sure it is worth the energy and time it takes to get up there. The views are definitely amazing, but it’s a bit of a hassle.

7. View the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

There are multiple ways to see the Statue of Liberty. Some of these involve heading to Ellis Island via ferry and exploring the grounds and museum. Other options include entering the pedestal where there is also a museum and viewing area, and one step further is going all the way up to the crown. The cheapest option is using the Staten Island Ferry. While this ferry does not take you to Ellis Island, it passes close enough to get a good view of the Statue of Liberty, and the best part is that it is free in both directions. If you want all the info and history of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, I highly recommend using a tour to visit. I find the history of immigration on Ellis Island fascinating and if you have the time, it is well-worth the money.

8. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

One of the most recognizable bridges in the country, the Brooklyn bridge was completed in 1883. It is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. One of the most popular things to do in New York City is to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, so even in the early hours of the morning or late evening hours, you will be sharing the experience with a lot of other people. The best way to walk this bridge is to head into Brooklyn by subway, and then walk back into Manhattan. Doing it this way allows you to walk towards the city skyline with the best views. You won’t have to keep turning around to look at the skyscrapers. There are other awesome things to do in Brooklyn too, such as trying to get that iconic shot of the Empire State Building centered under the Manhattan Bridge. Scroll down for more things to do in this area.

9. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

No one can deny that the world changed on September 11, 2001. Visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a must for any visitor to NYC. The memorial is a man-made waterfall that marks the location of each of the towers. Along the edges of each reflecting pool are the names of the victims of the terrorist attack. The 9/11 Museum tells the story of that day, and the days that followed through media, narratives, artifacts, and special exhibitions.

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10. Take in the bright lights of Times Square

On the top of many visitor’s lists of things to do in New York City is to see Times Square. For most New Yorkers, this is their least favorite thing to do, if not the most hated thing to do. It is incredibly busy and packed and I try to avoid it as much as possible. But if it is your first time in NYC, then it is a must! It is estimated that around 50 million people visit Times Square annually and close to 300,000 people on a daily basis pass through it.

11. Watch a Broadway Show

One of the best things to do in New York City is to watch a show on Broadway. Broadway is actually a street that stretches all the way across the city, but most people refer to the small section in and around Times Square that houses most of the smash hit theatre shows. Tickets to Broadway can get expensive, especially if you are trying to see a hit like Hamilton or the Cursed Child. There are multiple ways to get cheaper tickets, although most ways require you to be flexible or have a bit of luck. Many hit shows have lotteries you can apply for daily or weekly. Many shows are cheaper to purchase at the box-office. Some of the online ticket sites will have cheaper re-sell tickets hours before the show. You can also go to the TDF’s TKTS booth in Times Square for cheaper same day/next day tickets - although these are not often the musicals. Some of my favorite shows on Broadway include Wicked, Hadestown, and the Cursed Child. I’ve yet to snag tickets for Hamilton, although we won lottery tickets for Dear Evan Hansen one time!

NYC’S Best Parks, Green Spaces, and Urban Escapes

12. Explore Central Park

Central Park boasts historic architecture, memorials, art, restaurants, a zoo, a carousel, and even an ancient Egyptian obelisk. Every time I visit Central Park I find something new. I almost always get lost at some point too. It is a beautiful park to explore at all times of the year, and one of my favorite things to do is take some picnic food with me and enjoy people watching.

13. Walk the High Line

The High Line is located on the west side of Manhattan and is an elevated urban park. It sits on the top of a disused section of the New York Central Railroad. Over the years, this park and the surrounding areas have been re-developed and is now one of the top areas to visit in NYC. It is extremely popular and has served as an inspiration point for many cities across the US to find ways to redevelop old infrastructure in cities. The best way to visit the High Line is to just wander across it. You will come across gardens, art exhibits, markets, dining options, city views, and more. It is also close to other stellar attractions in the city, such as the Chelsea Market and Hudson Yard attractions.

14. Visit one of NYC’s newest parks - The Little Island

The Little Island is an artificial island park located in the Hudson River. The park was created out of 132 pot shaped structures or “concrete tulips” above the water, each weighing 68 tons and measuring from 16 ft to 52 ft. The tulips were then covered in soil and created into a park. It is a great spot for sunset over the river, and throughout the year hosts performances and events.

15. Do a Day-Trip to Governor’s Island

Governor’s Island is a fantastic Summer in New York day trip. Governor’s Island is a 172-acre island in the East River, and boasts a multitude of recreational activities. It also has a long history - it served as a fishing camp for the Lenape (the Native Americans of the Manhattan Region), was bought by colonists in the 1600’s, and then served as a military fortification of various uses over time. After serving as a coast guard facility, it was declared a National Monument in 2001 and opened to the public in 2003. The island has become more and more of a destination over the years and offers fantastic views of the cities from the Hills, public art galleries and installations, different food options, including bringing your own picnic, and more. Visitors can also bike the island, take part in guided tours, and even play mini-golf. Activities and events change every season, so it is worth checking out the website to plan your visit.

16. Relax in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village

Washington Square Park is one of the most well-known public parks in the city, located in Greenwich Village. If you read more about the history of this space, you will realize it has seen it all. Before being developed into a park, this land was first known to the Lenape Native American tribe living in the area in the 1600s. It was a marshy area filled with water foul and trout. From there, it became a trading post for the Dutch East India Company and future Dutch settlers, land for free black farmers, an eventual potters field, a parade ground, and eventually a square that has seen many protests and cultural events over the years. It is steeped in both history and current activism, performance art, and a wonderful fountain that many people relax in on a hot summer’s day.

NYC FOOD & MARKETS YOU CAN’T MISS

17. Chelsea Market

If you drop me anywhere near the Meatpacking District, there’s a very high chance I’m ending up inside Chelsea Market. It’s one of my favorite places to eat in New York City. It is nothing fancy and it’s chaotic in the best possible way. Housed in the old Nabisco factory (yes, the Oreo was invented here), the space still feels industrial and historic, but now it’s filled with some of the best food vendors in NYC. You can grab a lobster roll, fresh pasta, tacos, ramen, pastries, and an oat milk latte all within a few steps of each other. This makes it perfect if you’re traveling with people who “don’t know what they want.” I love pairing a High Line walk with a Chelsea Market stop and just wandering until something smells too good to pass up. It’s busy, it’s loud, it’s very New York and it’s one of those places that feels like a must-do whether it’s your first trip to NYC or your fifteenth. Come hungry and give yourself time to explore.

18. Eat at Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg was actually my very first introduction to what I now lovingly call “foodie NYC.” Before the rooftop reservations and trendy tasting menus, there was me: wandering Smorgasburg with zero plan and absolutely no self-control. This open-air food market is one of the best things to do in New York City if you love trying creative, over-the-top eats from local vendors all in one place. It’s also the birthplace of the famous ramen burger (yes, ramen noodles as the bun), which still feels like peak chaotic genius to me. Depending on the season, you’ll find Smorgasburg in Brooklyn or Manhattan, usually with skyline views that make the whole experience feel very cinematic. The vibe is casual, loud, and wonderfully indulgent. You grab what looks good, eat standing up, and immediately start planning your next bite. If you’re visiting NYC and want a true taste of the city’s food creativity, this is where it begins. Come hungry and wear stretchy pants.

19. Eat a classic New York City Bagel

You simply cannot visit New York City and not eat a proper New York bagel. It’s practically a rite of passage. My original obsession was the rainbow bagel at Tompkins Square Bagels in the East Village, back when standing in line for a brightly colored, sprinkle-covered bagel felt like peak NYC foodie culture. These days, you can find rainbow bagels all over the city, but the real magic is in the classic: a fresh, still-warm bagel with a thick schmear of cream cheese (or lox, if you’re doing it right). New York bagels are famously chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and somehow taste better eaten on a park bench or while walking down a busy Manhattan street. It’s not fancy or curated but it is just one of the most iconic and affordable food experiences in NYC. Whether you go viral with a rainbow bagel or keep it traditional with everything and scallion cream cheese, eating a bagel is one of the most deliciously simple things to do in New York City.

20. Wander through Chinatown

Chinatown is another must visit in New York City. It is the oldest Chinatown in the country and at times, you feel like you could be in China. This area has some of the oldest buildings in New York and is packed with plenty of history. Again, a walking tour is well worth the money to learn more about the area. If you are going to explore on your own, Mott Street is a good starting point. It is the unofficial main street in Chinatown where many of the first Chinese-owned shops were opened. If you want to score some very affordable fried dumplings, then head to Mosco Street, and you’ll easily spot the tiny shop “Fried Dumpling” because of its long line outside.

21. Experience Little Italy on a Food Tour

One of the best things to do in New York City is to explore its neighborhoods, and a tour that focuses on food in these neighborhoods is a great way to do it. A tour of Little Italy will accomplish this and more. You can take a food tour of Little Italy and eat your way through the neighborhood, while learning about the history of the area, see famous filming sites and learn about the history of immigration in New York in the 20th century. One of my favorite tour companies is Free Tours on Foot and they offer a tour of Little Italy in conjunction with touring Chinatown and Soho. While it is not necessarily a food tour, you will see enough of Little Italy to adventure off on your own for food.

22. Explore Eatly in the Flat Iron District

The Flat Iron Eatly location has it all. Italian restaurants, cafes, markets, cooking classes and more. Each restaurant has its own speciality and focus, and reservations go fast. It is worth a pop if you are a fan of Italian cuisine.

23. Find a NYC restaurant and treat yourself

One of my favorite things to do in New York City — especially after a long day of walking 20,000 steps — is to book a reservation somewhere nice. NYC is estimated to have over 25,000 restaurants, which means if you ate at a different one every single night, it would take you nearly 70 years to try them all. Seventy. Years. The options range from cozy neighborhood gems to Michelin-starred tasting menus, rooftop restaurants with skyline views, and intimate spots that feel like you’ve discovered a secret.

My top tip for finding a great restaurant in NYC? Go to Google Maps and filter by 4.5 stars and above, then read the reviews and scan real customer photos. It’s the fastest way to narrow down the overwhelming number of choices and avoid tourist traps. I also love using Time Out New York for new openings and trending spots, especially if I want something a little more unique. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a memorable meal, eating at a standout restaurant is one of the best experiences in New York City. In a city this big, there is always something extraordinary on the menu — you just have to be willing to make the reservation.

COOL NYC NEIGHBORHOODS TO EXPLORE

24. Stroll through Brooklyn Heights Promenade and the Brooklyn Bridge Park

This entire area is a great starting point for exploring Brooklyn for the first time. Brooklyn Heights has pretty restored historical homes to walk by, but the main attraction for me is the incredible view of Lower Manhattan. The Brooklyn Bridge Park also boasts this view, along with picnic spots, special events, recreational facilities for various sports, gardens, playgrounds, and more. There are several piers that expand out onto the water that host different recreational facilities and sports.

25. Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park and the surrounding shops and restaurants at Time Out

Also located in the Brooklyn Bridge Park complex is the Empire Fulton Ferry area. This part of the park merits its own section because it is nestled right between Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge. It hosts grounds for picnics, shopping areas, a carousel, and more spectacular views. Close by is also the Time Out NY Market. If you haven’t heard of Time Out NY before, then you need to check it out. It is an online guide to everything new, wonderful, exciting, and worthwhile in NYC. The Time out NY Market is a communal eatery boasting a bunch of exciting eateries and food options and incredible city views. This is a great option to head to if you are in the area and in need of food, and have multiple opinions of what to eat in your travel group. It offers so many different options, from pizza and sandwiches to Indian cuisine and Ramen.

26. Take your own DUMBO shot

No first-time trip to this area of Brooklyn would be complete without capturing your own iconic DUMBO shot, along with many other people, of course. Head to the intersection of Washington St. and Water St. to line up the Empire State Building between the steel blue structures of the Manhattan Bridge.

27. Take the train to Bushwick for some of the best street art & murals

Some of the best street art and murals in the world can be seen in Bushwick. The neighborhood features art from renowned international street artists to local NY artists and tells many, diverse stories. It is worth a trip from Manhattan into Bushwick to explore this vibrant neighborhood. You can explore on your own or another option is to find a guided tour. If you are headed out on your own, some of the best streets to view artwork include: the Morgan Avenue area east Williamsburg/Bushwick, Siegel Street walking towards White Street, Grattan Street, and the Bushwick Collective (Jefferson Street, and Troutman Street towards Saint Nicholas Avenue.) You can also check out the Fine + Raw Chocolate Factory, a factory and store producing chocolate.

28. Head to the Hudson Yards - The Vessel

The Vessel is a controversial structure located in Hudson Yards, and was built as part of the Hudson Yards redevelopment project. The structure is about 16 stories high, with 154 flights of stairs, 2,500 steps, and 80 landings. While the Vessel is interesting to look at, and fun to climb, it has been marred by multiple controversies and tragedies since its conception. When it was open, the Vessel was not exactly accessible for wheelchair users. Improvements to this problem have yet to be completed. The Vessel is sadly also the site of numerous suicides. Again, very few changes have been made to the Vessel itself, with the site ultimately being closed since July 2021.

29. Head to the Hudson Yards - The Shed

Also located in the Hudson Yards area is the Shed, a cultural center that commissions, produces, presents, and hosts a wide range of activities across all artistic domains. The Shed boasts that it brings together established and emerging artists from NYC to create innovative new works involving artists and communities. At any time in the year, the Shed has a broad range of performances, exhibitions, and features to check out.

30. Visit the Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo has the well-earned accolade of the USA’s largest metropolitan zoo. Located in the Bronx, the zoo takes up 265 acres, with its around 750 species of animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Some of the stars of the Bronx Zoo include the Congo gorillas, the lemurs, tigers, brown bears, bison, lions, and many others. With over 750 species of animals, there is truly something of interest for everyone. The zoo is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, founded in New York in 1895. The Society has wildlife conservation at the forefront of its operations and works to support conservation efforts in over 65 countries. The exhibits at the Bronx Zoo are also well known for their focus on the animals’ natural habitats. There is an additional fee on top of general admission for some of the big exhibits, like the Gorilla Forest and Jungle World.

31. Explore Harlem with a local

Doing a walking tour of Harlem with a local guide is easily one of the most impactful things to do in NYC. This neighborhood has such deep history, and hearing it from someone who truly knows it makes all the difference. You’ll stand near places connected to legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, see the iconic Apollo Theater, and walk past the beautiful brownstones of Striver's Row. Many tours also stop by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and share powerful stories about Malcolm X and the Civil Rights Movement. I love experiences like this because they give so much context to the city beyond the typical tourist spots. If you want something meaningful, educational, and rooted in real New York history, this is such a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

32. The New York Botanical Garden

If you need a break from the nonstop energy of Manhattan, visiting the New York Botanical Garden is one of the most peaceful things to do in NYC. Located in the Bronx, this 250-acre garden feels worlds away from the city’s chaos, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom or in fall when the foliage turns fiery and dramatic. The glass Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is the centerpiece and worth the trip alone, but seasonal exhibitions, like the famous Holiday Train Show, make it special year-round. If you’re building a balanced NYC itinerary, this is a beautiful way to add something calm, scenic, and unexpectedly romantic to your trip.

33. Take the Tram to Roosevelt Island

Taking the tram to Roosevelt Island is one of the most fun and unique things to do in NYC. The ride itself is like a mini adventure, floating above the East River with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and Queens in the distance. Once you arrive, the island is peaceful and a nice change of pace from the city’s constant buzz. You can stroll along the waterfront, check out the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, and even spot some historic buildings and landmarks along the way.

34. Go shopping in NYC

Shopping is easily one of the most iconic things to do in NYC, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. If you want that classic, big-city energy, walk down Fifth Avenue in Midtown, where luxury flagships and over-the-top window displays make it feel like a movie set. For trendier boutiques and cool-girl energy, SoHo is perfect for wandering in and out of stores beneath its historic cast-iron buildings. And if you love a traditional department store moment, Macy's Herald Square is one of the largest in the world and worth stepping inside at least once. Even if you leave empty-handed, exploring these neighborhoods is a fun and very New York way to spend an afternoon.

35. The Oculus Transportation Hub

The Oculus Transportation Hub is located on the World Trade Center campus, alongside the One World Trade Center Tower, and the 9/11 memorials and museum. It connects Lower Manhattan with the rest of New York City and New Jersey as it connects the Port Authority with public parks, restaurants and dining, shopping, and other important historical and educational sites. The architecture of the Oculus is truly beautiful and has important symbolism behind it. According to the Oculus website, “The structure's orientation serves as a lasting reminder of the attacks of September 11, 2001. It is in alignment with the sun’s solar angles on each September 11, from 8:46 am, when the first plane struck, until 10:28 am, when the second tower collapsed. Its central skylight fits this alignment and washes the Oculus floor with a beam of light.” It is well worth a visit in this area, and serves as another symbol of resilience and hope in New York City.

36. Visit one of New York City’s many museums

New York City has so many wonderful museums that you could probably fill your entire trip with just visiting them. I recommend starting with either The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or the American Museum of Natural History. You cannot go wrong with either of these. Some museums have days that you “pay-as-you-wish” or where your entrance fee is a donation of your own amount. Check each museum's website for more information, but be prepared to spend your trip with lots of frugally minded travelers on those days too.

Unique NYC Experiences & Culture

37. View the Flat Iron Building & Stroll through the latest art installations

The Flat Iron building is one of the iconic landmarks of New York City and has been in place since 1902. Its name derives from resembling a cast-iron clothes iron. There are plenty more things to see and do in the Flat Iron District. See below. If you are in town for the holidays, make sure you check out the annual art installations across from the Flat Iron building. They are always interactive installations that are great photo opportunities too.

38. Stop by the historic main branch of the New York Public Library

At the New York Public Library, you can meet Patience and Fortitude, the two marble lions that greet you on the steps. Inside the library, you can explore various rooms and exhibitions that will meet your fancy, whether you are a bibliophile, an architect lover or a history buff. Some worthy mentions are the Astor Hall, featuring a grand staircase, the Rose Reading Room, the largest in the library, and the Children’s Center, housing the original stuffed animals that inspired Winnie-the-Pooh.

39. The Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is on the eastern side of Lexington Avenue between 42nd and 43rd streets. There are plenty of places in NYC where you can view this Art Deco skyscraper. If you look closely, you’ll spot gargoyles, 1929 Chrysler radiator caps, and eagles. You can’t really visit the Chrysler Building itself, except for the lobby. The rest of the building is leased to businesses and there are no tours. The lobby is free entrance however, and if you are an Art Deco fan, it is worth a visit

40. Explore the shelves of the Strand Bookstore

Located at 828 Broadway at 12th Street, the Strand Bookstore is one of the best bookstores for New Yorker’s avid readers and bibliophiles. It has also stood the test of time in New York City, having been started in 1927, with just $600 by a Lithuanian immigrant, Benjamin Bass. It has continued to be run by members of the same family over the course of 90 years. The Strand is a literary paradise for readers, boasting rare books, popular best selling titles, lesser known works, new and used books. Get lost in the shelves and pick up a new read while you’re at it.

Have you been to New York? What was your favorite thing to do or see there? What would you do on this list? Do you know of anything I should add? Tell me in the comments below :)

Nov 10 40 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO AND SEE IN NEW YORK CITY