New York City is one of the most exciting cities on Earth, with world-famous landmarks, incredible museums, Broadway shows, and neighborhoods that each feel like a different world. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, there is always something new to discover. Here are the 30 best things to do in New York City, with tips on the best time to go.
Iconic New York Landmarks
1. Central Park
Best time: Spring and fall.
At 843 acres, Central Park is bigger than the country of Monaco. Rent a rowboat on the lake, picnic on the Great Lawn, visit Belvedere Castle and Bethesda Terrace, ride the carousel, or go ice skating in winter.
2. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Best time: Early morning on weekdays.
Take the official ferry to Liberty Island to see the statue up close, and book pedestal or crown tickets well in advance if you want to go inside. Then continue to Ellis Island, where a museum tells the stories of the millions of immigrants who arrived here.
3. Times Square
Best time: After dark.
The bright lights, giant screens, and street performers of Times Square are pure New York. It's busy at any hour, but the neon is at its best at night.
4. The Empire State Building
Best time: Sunset or late evening.
The Art Deco icon has observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. Go at sunset to watch the city lights come on. Fun fact: it has its own zip code, 10118.
5. The Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
Best time: Early morning.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for classic skyline views, then explore DUMBO's cobbled streets, galleries, and waterfront park, with the famous view of the Manhattan Bridge framed between old warehouses.
6. Grand Central Terminal
Best time: Weekday rush hour for the buzz.
Admire the celestial ceiling of the Main Concourse and the four-faced clock, then test the acoustics of the Whispering Gallery outside the Oyster Bar.
7. Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock
Best time: November to early January.
In the festive season, see the giant Christmas tree and skate at the rink. Year-round, the Top of the Rock observation deck has some of the best views in the city, with the Empire State Building and Central Park both in sight.
8. One World Observatory and the 9/11 Memorial
Best time: Weekday mornings.
Ride to the top of One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, for 360-degree views. Below, the reflecting pools of the 9/11 Memorial and the 9/11 Museum are a moving tribute.
9. The High Line
Best time: Spring and summer.
This elevated park, built on an old freight railway, runs along Manhattan's West Side with gardens, art, and city views. Finish at Hudson Yards and the honeycomb-like Vessel.
World-Class Museums
10. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the world's greatest art museums, with collections spanning 5,000 years, from Egyptian temples to European masters. The rooftop garden has great views in summer.
11. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
See Van Gogh's The Starry Night, Monet's Water Lilies, and works by Picasso, Warhol, and Frida Kahlo.
12. The American Museum of Natural History
Dinosaur skeletons, a giant blue whale, and the Hayden Planetarium make this a hit with all ages.
13. The Guggenheim
Frank Lloyd Wright's spiral building is a masterpiece in itself. It sits on Museum Mile, along with several other museums.
14. The Frick Collection
Reopened in 2025 after a major renovation, this Gilded Age mansion displays masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other old masters.
15. The Cloisters
A branch of the Met in Fort Tryon Park, filled with medieval art and architecture, including the famous Unicorn Tapestries.
16. The Whitney Museum of American Art
Modern and contemporary American art, with outdoor terraces overlooking the Hudson River and the High Line.
17. The Intrepid Museum
A former aircraft carrier turned museum, with fighter jets, a submarine, and the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
18. The Tenement Museum
Guided tours of restored apartments on the Lower East Side tell the real stories of immigrant families in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Entertainment and Culture
19. See a Broadway Show
No trip to New York is complete without a show. Book ahead for the biggest hits, or check the TKTS booth in Times Square and digital lotteries for discounted same-day tickets.
20. Radio City Music Hall
Home of the Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular, this Art Deco venue hosts concerts and shows year-round.
21. The Apollo Theater
The legendary Harlem theater has launched stars from Ella Fitzgerald to Lauryn Hill. Catch the famous Amateur Night.
22. The Metropolitan Opera
See world-class opera at Lincoln Center, one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
Neighborhoods, Food, and Hidden Gems
23. The West Village and Greenwich Village
Tree-lined streets, brownstones, cozy cafés, and jazz clubs. Don't miss Washington Square Park and its famous arch.
24. Chinatown and Little Italy
Eat dumplings and dim sum in Chinatown, then walk to Mulberry Street for cannoli and espresso.
25. Chelsea Market
A food hall in the former Nabisco factory, where the Oreo was invented, packed with tacos, seafood, and sweet treats.
26. The New York Public Library
Visit the Beaux-Arts main branch on Fifth Avenue and peek into the grand Rose Main Reading Room.
27. The Staten Island Ferry
The free ferry offers great views of the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline.
28. The Roosevelt Island Tramway
Ride the aerial tram across the East River for skyline views at the price of a subway fare.
29. Coney Island
In summer, ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster, eat a Nathan's hot dog, and stroll the boardwalk.
30. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Visit in spring for the cherry blossoms, or anytime for its Japanese garden and peaceful landscapes.
Tips for Visiting New York City
- Use OMNY. Tap your contactless card or phone at subway turnstiles and on buses. The old MetroCard has been phased out.
- Book ahead for the Statue of Liberty, observation decks, and popular Broadway shows.
- Tip: Around 18 to 20% in restaurants, and a dollar or two per drink at bars.
- Halal food is easy to find, from street carts in Manhattan to restaurants in Queens and Brooklyn.
- Stand right, walk left on escalators, and keep moving on busy sidewalks.
- Stay connected. You'll need maps, tickets, and the subway app. An egoViet USA eSIM gets you online when you land. Compare options in our guide to SIM cards and eSIMs for USA travel.
Plan your trip with our 3-day New York itinerary, find the best time to visit New York City, and read our USA travel guide.
FAQs: Things to Do in New York City
What is the number one thing to do in New York City?
Most visitors put Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and a Broadway show at the top of their list, along with the views from an observation deck.
What can I do in New York for free?
Walk the High Line and the Brooklyn Bridge, explore Central Park, ride the Staten Island Ferry, and visit the 9/11 Memorial and Grand Central Terminal.
How many days do you need in New York City?
Three to five days is enough to see the main sights and explore a few neighborhoods.
Which observation deck is best in New York?
Top of the Rock has views of both the Empire State Building and Central Park. The Empire State Building is the classic, and One World Observatory is the highest.