Things to Do in New York
It’s no secret that New York is the most influential city in the world and with endless things to do in New York, like witnessing the beautiful skyline from the Rockefeller center. Or visiting its massive attractions, like numerous eateries, shopping centers, and more. From exploring its landmarks to learning history at museums, and witnessing the ever-changing skyline, there are so many things to do here. Also, visiting the UNESCO Heritage Site—the Statue of Liberty—is a must when visiting New York.
Other things to do in the Big Apple are to be part of the multiple activities the city provides year-round. Activities to do in New York include fine dining, experiencing the speakeasy magick, visiting the Museum of Modern Art, and more. For thrill-seekers, ice skating at Central Park’s Wollman Rink is a must. You can skate with a view of the city skyline and under the stars here. For all Harry Potter fans, witnessing the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child show is a must. Furthermore, they should also shop at the biggest Harry Potter merchandise store, the Harry Potter Store in New York. After all the sightseeing and shopping at Fifth Avenue, relax at the Metropolitan Opera House with beautiful music and shows.
Located at Broadway, 7th Avenue cornered by 42nd and 47th Streets, Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment hub, and one of the major New York City attractions. Dating back to the 1880s, its original name was Long Acre Square. However, the mayor of New York renamed it Times Square, in 1904, after the popular daily The New York Times took up residence in the building.
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A large complex of several buildings, the World Trade Center is located in the Financial district of Lower Manhattan in New York City. The twin towers of the World Trade Center, the north and south, were devastated to an extent sufficient to shake the nation’s spirit in the 9/11 attack. The buildings were then rebuilt and opened to people in 2014.
High line is a 1.45 mile long elevated linear park on the West Side of Manhattan. It is maintained by Friends of the High line, a non-profit organisation. The organisation is dedicated to reimagining the public spaces and its role to create connections, healthy neighbourhoods and cities. Walk through the garden, explore artworks, experience performances, cherish delicious food, and build connections with friends and neighbours.
Also known as the shopping district, Fifth Avenue is the area between 49th and 60th streets in Manhattan. It does not fail to reserve its name in ‘places to visit in New York City’. Fifth Avenue is one of the most expensive shopping districts on the Earth. It is also one of the most picturesque streets and avenues in Manhattan with museums, hotels, restaurants and luxurious buildings.
An eight-block long street located in the financial district of Lower Manhattan in New York City, the Wall Street is a 800 metre long stretch. The Wall Street extends in the West from Broadway to South Street and the East river in the east. Since ages, Wall Street has been headquarters of some of the largest Brokerages and Investment banks of the United States of America.
Home to 53 million items and spread over 92 locations, the public library is listed as one of the most popular places to visit in New York City. It is also the second largest public library in the United States and the fourth largest in the world. People from anywhere can attend the public programs and access the facilities available in the Library, by showing an ID proof.
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is an art museum that exhibits collections of modern and contemporary art, presenting new ideas on modernism. The museum has housed the art-collecting activities of Solomon R. Guggenheim and is part of UNESCO World Heritage . It’s one of the most famous places to visit in New York City attracting visitors with its unique architecture and collection.
The park is a recreational area with walking paths, cycling paths, artificial lakes, and boat rentals for its visitors. One of the busiest public places in the World, Bryant Park is famous for its winter village theme, with cosy igloos and other winter sports activities. Mecca for arts and culture, the Park has engaging and captivating events, festive, delicious food, and fitness classes to offer its visitors.
A concert venue in Midtown Manhattan, Carnegie Hall is famous for its history, rooted in its acoustics, beautiful interiors, and concert halls.One of the most prestigious facilities in the world, the gallery has been one of the ultimate badges of musical honour. The mission of Carnegie Hall has been to present music and musicians and to transform the power of music.
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1.Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
1.The Statue of Liberty is a copper statue, a gift from France to the US in 1886, is a figure of the Roman goddess of liberty, Libertas.
2.For first-timers, visiting the Statue of Liberty is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in New York.
3.Gaze at the statue holding tabula ansata in her left hand, dated July 4th July, 1776, the US declaration of Independence date.
4.Ellis Island is a symbol of the American dream after welcoming over 12 million immigrants. The Ellis Museum is a must-visit.
5.Combine the statue of liberty and Ellis Island tours for a round trip as both are connected by ferries to Battery Park, Manhattan.
Location: Upper New York Bay; Jersey City, New Jersey, and New York City
Timings: 9 am-5pm
Pricing: $20-25 (adults) and $10-15 (Children)
2.Explore Central Park
1.Central Park is one of the man-made parks spread over 840 acres and is amongst the best New York City things to do.
2.Things to do in Central Park include visiting the central park zoo, Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Carousel, Ramble and Lake, Belvedere Castle, and ice-skating rink.
3.Rent a bike here to tour the entire central park or enjoy a horsecar ride.
4.Soak up the sun at Great Lawn and visit the beautiful strawberry field memorial.
5.If you are in New York during Christmas, visit the winter wonderland attraction at Central Park for an amazing experience.
Location: Manhattan, NY, United States
Timings: 6 am- 1 am (Monday-Sunday)
Pricing: Entry to the park is free. Charges for activities are there.
3.The Empire State Building
1.One of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Empire State Building is amongst the tallest buildings in the world.
2.On the 86th floor of the main deck, witness the iconic view of New York City from the open-air observation deck.
3.Another observation deck on the 102nd floor requires different passes but provides a magnificent view of the city.
4.With special passes, witness a beautiful sunrise from ESB or enjoy delicious coffee at the exclusive Starbucks Reserve at ESB.
Location: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States
Timings: 10 am-10 pm (Monday-Friday); 9 am-10 pm (Saturday–Sunday)
Pricing: $ 35-45
4.Visit Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
1.Rockefeller Center, an iconic building, is a 19-building complex, with 14 of them being Art Deco buildings.
2.It has the best attractions, like the statues of Atlas and Prometheus, the Today Show studios, Rockefeller Plaza, and more.
3.The top of the rock spans over three floors in the Rockefeller Center, on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors, and is the biggest attraction here.
4.Its outdoor and indoor observation decks provide an unobstructed and beautiful view of the city’s skyline.
5.Another popular attraction is the ice rink, a winter special event to skate on the ice under the beautiful Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
Location: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, United States
Timings: Open all hours
Pricing: $34-$40
5.Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral
1.Also known as America’s Parish Church, it is one of the largest cathedrals in New York.
2.The cathedral is truly stunning and is known for the titanic bronze doors, spectacular high altar and rich Neo Gothic architecture which also includes thousands-stained glass windows.
3.It is known as the final burial place for New York’s finest clergymen and humanitarians.
4.The cathedral hosts musical events, like "A city singing at Christmas," during the month of December and many celebrities’ memorial services have taken place here.
Location: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States
Timings: 6: 30 am – 8:45 pm (Monday-Sunday)
Pricing: Free
6.Attend a show at the Metropolitan Opera House
1.The Metropolitan Opera House, or Met, is the largest repertory opera house in the entire world.
2.Watching an opera show is an unforgettable experience, and if you come in the summer months, you can also watch a ballet performance here.
3.During the Met Opera season, visitors can be part of the backstage tours.
4.It includes visits to the carpentry shops, dressing rooms, stage area, rehearsal rooms, and more.
Location: 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States
Timings: 10 am-6 pm (Monday-Friday)
Pricings: $ 90-100
7.Admire the art at The Museum of Modern Art
1.One of the best things to do in New York is to visit the Modern Museum of Art to explore the best works of art.
2.It has a massive art collection from the 18th century until today, like works by Matisse, Picasso, and Monet.
3.Also, witness "Starry Night" by Van Gogh and "The Persistence of Memory" by Dali.
4.MOMA also hosts several seasonal events throughout the year, like Member Early Hour, a gallery experience in December.
Location: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Timings: 10:30 am-5:30 pm (Monday-Friday, Sunday); 10:30 am-7 pm (Sunday)
Pricing: Around $ 25 for adults.
8.Enjoy the sun in Central Park
1.One of the best activities to do in New York is soaking up the sun in the massive Central Park, spread across 843 acres.
2.Here you can read a book, listen to music, or simply lie down on the grass.
3.It has many attractions, but the best one is the Great Lawn for relaxing under the sun.
4.Other activities in the Great Lawns include renting a bike or a horsecar to tour Central Park.
5.Other activities here include visiting the Central Park Zoo, Bethesda Terrace, Conservatory Garden, and more.
Location: New York, NYC
Timings: 6 am-1 am (Monday-Sunday)
9.Have a day out at a NYC beach
1.Things to do in New York during hot weather include going to one of the many beaches here.
2.The most famous beaches in New York City are Coney Island, Cedar Grove Beach, Jacob Riis Park Beach, and more.
3.A few of these beaches are perfect for a long walk, enjoying the sun, or relaxing by the beach.
4.Others are great for water sports activities, like jet skiing, kayaking, swimming, and surfing, and even for playing non-water sports, like volleyball.
5.Explore the hidden gem of Wolfe’s Pond Beach for a more secluded location, perfect for a family trip.
6.Rockaway Beach in Queens, accessible from NYC by ferries or buses, is the cleanest beach and is best for surfing.
10.Catch a Broadway show
1.What to do in New York for theater lovers? Attend a show on Broadway. Here you can catch the classics, like "The Lion King," "Hamilton," "Aladdin," and "& Juliet."
2.For Michael Jackson’s fans, there is a new Broadway musical, MJ, showcasing his life, music, and moves.
3.The Broadway also hosts ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," a story picking up right after the last book.
4.Be part of the Broadway magic through the 2022 Tony Award winners, like "SIX: The Musical" and "Take Me Out."
Location: Manhattan, New York
Timings: 10 am-8 pm (Monday-Friday); 11 am-8 pm (Saturday); 11 am-6 pm (Sunday)
Pricing: Prices ranges between $77 -$600 (as per the show)
11.Enjoy the Harlem Week
1.Harlem Week, an annual celebration of Harlem’s best, works towards promoting African-American, European, Caribbean, Hispanic, and African cultures.
2.The week also promotes culture, religion, business, entertainment, the arts, and sports.
3.Taking place every year in August with a different theme, it is a massive philanthropic and sociocultural festival in NYC.
4.It is a 10-day live and virtual event, celebrating the theme with cultural performances, music, food, and beverages.
5.Throughout the 10 days, look out for charity runs, free health checkups, and a few great performances by top artists.
6.Location: 200A W 136th St, New York, NY 10030, United States
12.Witness the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
1.Wondering what to do in New York in August? Then head over to Meadow Lake, Queens, to witness this famous multicultural and sporting event.
2.The festival is a Chinese tradition celebrating the fifth moon or month of the lunar calendar.
3.The festival hosts over 150 dragon boat teams in one of the largest dragon boat festivals in the US.
4.Witness the fierce competition while enjoying Chinese food and drinks at the festival.
5.Other than the race, enjoy performances, parades, traditional dance and music, and souvenirs.
Location: 141-07 20th Ave, Queens, NY 11357, United States
Timings: 10 am-4 pm.
13.Go sightseeing on a jet ski
1.Taking a jet ski ride on the Hudson River to witness the beautiful attractions in, like ‘The Empire State Building’ is one of the best things to do in New York.
2.The stops on the jet-ski tour are likely to be Ellis Island, the Freedom Tower, Brooklyn, the Manhattan Bridges, Governor’s Island, and more.
3.The tour is one hour long, and you can choose from many options with a guide who will take you to all the spots.
4.To operate the jet-ski, the age limit is 18 years old, while to ride one, the age limit is 14 years old.
Pricing: Price starts from $165 per person.
14.Visit the Museum of the city of New York
1.Visiting the Museum of the city of New York, is one of the best things to do in New York to witness the fantastic neo-Georgian architectural details.
2.Get a chance to explore exhibitions on topics ranging from New York sports teams to activism and architecture.
3.You can also watch an award-winning documentary on the evolution of the city in the Museum of the city of New York.
4.The highlights of the museum include memorabilia from Broadway productions, a collection of graffiti paintings and a trove of historic photographs along with a permanent collection related to the city.
Location: 1220 5th Ave, New York, New York, 10029
Pricing: $ 14-20 per person
Free for people below 20 years of age
15.Shop at Fifth Avenue
1.Shopping on Fifth Avenue, the lifeblood of the New York shopping scene, is one of the best things to do in New York City.
2.Global retailers and high street brands, such as Gucci, have stores here.
3.The high-end jewelry shops here include Bucherer, Cartier, the Aaron Faber Gallery, and A La Vieille Russie.
4.The best bag brands here are Aldo, Gucci, Bergdorf Goodman, Coach, and Chanel.
5.Other brands to look out for are Dolce & Gabbana, Furla, H&M, Louis Vuitton, and Suit Club.
6.Many restaurants, bars, cafes, and other famous landmarks are also nearby for you to enjoy.
Location: Manhattan, New York
Timings: All shops are open until 8pm
Which are the best things to do with kids in New York?
1.One World Observatory: One of the best kids' activities to do in New York is visiting the One World Observatory. Kids will love being in one of the world’s fastest elevators in one of the tallest buildings in the world.
2.Children’s museum of art: A museum designed to please the kids with multiple activities, like art workshops, which will keep them engaged. Here they can check out the many drawings and paintings designed by other kids and draw one themselves.
3.Visit Bryant Park: One of the best things to do in New York for families is go to Bryant Park for ice skating. Reserve a spot for the kids by arriving early to allow them to enjoy their time in Iceland.
4.Harry Potter Store, New York: Give your kids a magical experience by going to the Harry Potter Store in NYC. It has the most unique and largest collection of fantastic beasts and Harry Potter in the US. From collectibles to soft toys to clicking photos in Hogwarts robes, there are endless things to do here.
What are the best water sports activities to do in New York?
1.Kayaking: Kayaking is one of the best water sports activities to do in New York. At the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, you can avail of kayaks on Saturdays or Wednesdays (depending on the month). Rent the kayaks free here and enjoy a ride with beautiful views to keep you company.
2.Kiteboarding: Floating around the city on a kite is one of New York City's things to do. Go to New York Kiteboarding School, offering group and private lessons for everyone.
3.Boating: Wondering what to do in New York with kids for fun? Then, take them boating as New York has 34 islands and is rich in water. Thus, boating is one of the best water activities to do here. Visit the North Brooklyn Boat Club, providing multiple boating options. You can also enjoy canoe trips here according to your skill level.
4.Surfing: With so many islands, surfing is another water activity quite famous in NY. Surfs Up NY offers private and group lessons for adults and kids. You can also take skateboarding and paddleboarding lessons here.
Why is New York so famous?
New York is one of the most marvelous cities with an endless number of things to do. It is famous for its landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire state building, Time square, and more. It is also famous for its pizza, hot dogs and cheesecake.
How to reach New York?
By air: New York has three airports, namely LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport. John F. Kennedy is the busiest airport connecting major countries and cities, like London, Delhi, Mumbai, Paris, Dubai, and more. These airports are also well connected with domestic cities like Chicago, Pennsylvania, and more.
By train: Through multiple train services, New York is connected to cities, like Washington, DC, Chicago, Cleveland, New Jersey, and a few parts of Canada, like Toronto too.
By bus: Visitors can reach New York by bus from across the US, like Boston, Philadelphia, and more. From some parts of Canada, buses connect to New York also.
How many days are enough to visit New York?
Four to five days are enough to visit the main attractions in New York, like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, shop at fifth avenue, and more. The other things to do in New York in 4-5 days should include seeing a Broadway show, exploring the Harry Potter store and more.
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