Things to Do in New York City

Things to Do in New York City, NY - New York City Attractions

Things to Do in New York City

Start with sightseeing NYC’s greatest hits: Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and spend the rest of your time checking out neighborhood gems. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at New York City.

Top Attractions in New York City

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Reflective memorial and museum dedicated to honoring the victims of a national tragedy. Features twin reflecting pools, poignant exhibits, and personal stories, rooted in historical significance.
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Showcase of global art spanning ancient to modern times, with a strong collection of European paintings and the largest array of Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt.
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Iconic landmark with panoramic views, historical exhibits, and an interactive King Kong exhibit. Features multiple observation decks and a recommended express pass for efficient visitation.
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Elevated park on repurposed rail tracks provides a tranquil stroll with art, greenery, and city views, blending nature with the industrial past. Includes a stop at Chelsea Market.
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Observation decks across multiple levels present panoramic views of iconic landmarks and Central Park, with extended evening hours and a tranquil plaza. Ideal for photography enthusiasts.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Lively theater district with a spectrum of plays and musicals that cater to diverse tastes, nestled in a vibrant area known for its pulsating energy and cultural significance.
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Spanning the river, this historic walkway presents panoramic views of iconic landmarks, with educational signage and vendors enlivening the stroll.
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Museum with an extensive collection of dinosaur bones, fossils, and a renowned gem exhibit. Features a planetarium and a diverse array of natural wonders, with a well-stocked gift shop.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
A mini guide to New York City
Risa L
Risa L
Destination Expert
Born in Brooklyn, grew up outside Manhattan
  • What’s one thing visitors shouldn't miss?
    People watching. Too many visitors have long lists of must-see spots. Instead, slow down and feel the heartbeat of the city.
  • What do you wish tourists knew about New York City?
    Central Park is not a series of different sites to see—it's a nature reserve. Don’t worry about your Instagram pics—just get lost in it!
  • Let us in on your favorite restaurants—what makes them great?
    Felice is a small chain of family-owned Tuscan restaurants in several convenient locations. It’s pretty affordable, and has great pasta and wines from the owner's vineyards. The Clam is my favorite seafood restaurant, and there's a nice wine bar right next door, Lela Bar. Balthazar bakery has great croissants, and dining solo at the bar means you'll never eat alone.
  • Are there any activities that are better done on weekends vs. weekdays?
    Bring a book, a latte, and a good bakery muffin to any of the parks. Make yourself comfortable and watch the people go by. Weekday, weekend, any time of day. Your book will just be a prop—the street life is free entertainment.
  • Which top tourist attraction is worth the hype?
    It's New York City! The "hype" doesn't begin to cover it!
  • Why is New York City special to you?
    I have lived in Manhattan for far too long—nothing else compares! My rooftop is my yoga studio and my beach. World-class restaurants are my neighborhood bars. While I love to travel, when I catch sight of the NYC skyline through the plane window, my heart beats faster and I'm thrilled to be home.
  • About
    Risa was born in Brooklyn and grew up outside of Manhattan. After college, Risa moved into "the city" and has never left.

What travelers are saying

  • Cheryl P
    Singapore, Singapore82 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Central Park is unbelievably beautiful. Instead of walking we decided on a bicycle carriage tour - our guide was extremely knowledgeable and we learnt so much.
    Highly recommended.
    Written November 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • S0phie
    54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    After the boat tour to the Statue of Liberty ( not recommended because of a very bad organization) and walking through Wall Street ( where people were queuing to take a picture with the bull), we arrived at the 9/11 memorial.

    It is very confronting. Outside where the 2 towers once stood and where in their place there are now 2 memorial pools and in the wall surrounding it all the names of the people that died are engraved.

    On the inside, it continues, pictures of all those who lost their lives, videos, objects, and part of the original wall of the building. A great memorial to those who died and important to keep the history alive.