10 Top Things To Do in NYC

Looking for things to do in New York City? Whether you are a first-time visitor or a New York native, you will never run out of activities and attractions in the Big Apple. From sightseeing to shopping to savoring world-class cuisine, there is so much to discover in NYC.

Between all the stressors of everyday life, every person deserves a vacation, so let us help you to make this your best one yet. Instead of worrying about keeping your family entertained, prioritize enjoying your time together and use this list of the top things to do in NYC to plan your vacation itinerary with ease.

1. The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. Lady Liberty was originally gifted to the U.S. from France to symbolize the friendship between the two nations. The statue arrived at the New York Harbor on June 17, 1885, standing at 151 feet tall.

The statue, which depicts the Roman goddess of liberty and features an inscription of America’s Independence Day, was constructed with copper sheets. Over time, due to oxidation, the statue’s bronze color evolved to its now iconic shade of green.

All these years later, the Statue of Liberty can still be seen resting on Liberty Island. Guests can travel to Lady Liberty by ferry from Ellis Island, Battery Park, and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

There, they will have the opportunity to take a guided tour led by a National Park Service ranger and learn more about the statue’s unique heritage. When weather permits, the statue itself opens up to guests. They can climb up to the pedestal or crown and take in views of the harbor.

The Statue of Liberty and the Statue of Liberty Museum are must-see landmarks in NYC. Don’t miss it during your next visit!

2. The Empire State Building

Of all the impressive skyscrapers in New York, The Empire State Building is the most famous! Just like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State has been featured in an abundance of films, from King Kong (1933) to Sleepless in Seattle (1993) to Elf (2003). This has contributed to its reputation as one of the most notable buildings across the globe.

The Empire State Building, designed by William F. Lamb, first opened in April 1931. At the time of completion, it was the tallest building in the world, standing at 1,454 feet. Today, guests from all over the world continue to visit this seminal NYC spot.

Purchase tickets and head up to the 86th-floor observation deck or the top deck on the 102nd floor to take in panoramic views of the bustling city down below. Do not miss your chance to see this impressive building in person. It’s an experience you’ll remember forever!

3. Times Square

Times Square was originally called Longacre Square but was renamed in 1904 when the New York Times moved its headquarters into the area. Positioned where Broadway and Seventh Avenue meet, Times Square attracts an average of 330,000 visitors per day and holds the nickname “Crossroads of the World.”

Perhaps the most notable feature of Times Square is the giant advertisements that cover the space. Everywhere you look, there are massive, vibrant neon lights and electric billboards. These eye-catching ads run for 24 hours a day. No wonder NYC is called the city that never sleeps!

Aside from the bright lights, Times Square is also famous for housing the Times Square Ball. Every New Year’s Eve, Americans all over the country tune in to watch the ball descend from One Times Square at midnight, ringing in the new year as confetti rains over the city.

Some of the most popular attractions in Times Square include the M&M’s World Store, Madame Tussauds wax museum, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. Scattered around the square, you will find an abundance of live musicians and street performers entertaining tourists.

With Times Square bustling all day long, it is a great spot to visit if you are interested in experiencing New York nightlife. Popular bars and nightclubs include The Rum House, Bar 54, and Paradise Club.

4. Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge was deemed a National Historic Landmark in 1964. First opened in 1883, the steel-wire suspension bridge took 14 years to construct. As the first of its kind, the bridge remains a popular tourist attraction to this day.

The bridge is 1,595.5 feet long and features two towers that are 276.5 feet tall. Visitors can enter the bridge from the Brooklyn and Manhattan boroughs and are welcome to drive across or use the pedestrian walkways and cycling paths. As you pass over the East River, look out for the Statue of Liberty!

While at the bridge, check out the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Located in Dumbo, Brooklyn, which stands for the Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, the 85-acre waterfront park features playgrounds, piers, movie screenings, and fitness classes.

5. Central Park

Nestled in Manhattan, NYC, Central Park consists of 843 acres of fun. The urban park is famous for its naturalistic landscapes surrounded by city skyscrapers. There are several popular attractions located on the park grounds.

Central Park Zoo

The Central Park Zoo is one of the most notable areas of the park. Located in the southeast corner, the zoo first opened way back in the 1860s. Today, it is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society and features a wide variety of exhibits.

The zoo is an especially popular spot for children who recognize the location from the Madagascar franchise. Catering to its young visitors, the zoo includes a petting zoo called the Tisch Children’s Zoo.

Central Park Carousel

The Central Park Carousel is one of the oldest and most beloved fixtures in the park. The first iteration of the carousel was installed in 1871. Since then, different versions have taken its place.

The current Central Park Carousel is an ornate, hand-carved ride designed by the Stein & Goldstein Company back in 1908. The carousel was located in the iconic Coney Island before being moved to Central Park in 1951.

Heckscher Playground

There are 21 unique playgrounds located all throughout Central Park. The largest of the bunch is the Heckscher Playground, established in 1926. The play area was renovated in the 2000s and acts as an inclusive space for kids of all abilities.

The Heckscher Playground attractions include a large sandbox, natural rock formations for children to climb, slides, swings, and other play equipment. There is also a water-play area featuring sprinklers to cool off during the hotter months of the year.

6. Brooklyn Botanical Garden

The Brooklyn Botanical Garden first welcomed guests in 1910. Located near Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, the garden is open daily, granting New Yorkers a retreat from the chaos of the surrounding city.

There are several different themed gardens and collections to explore, including The Cranford Rose Garden, The Desert Pavilion, and The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. Take a walking tour of the space and see what gorgeous fauna you find.

7. Little Italy

Little Italy is nestled in Lower Manhattan just beside its equally as iconic counterpart, Chinatown. Little Italy became established by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century. Today, it is a wonderful place for tourists to immerse themselves in Italian culture.

Head to Mulberry Street for premier Italian cuisine and pay a visit to the historic St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Then head over to Spring Street for a New York-style slice from Lombardi Pizza. This shop is considered by many to be the first pizzeria built in the United States.

8. Broadway Theater District

Centered around Broadway Avenue, the Broadway Theater District is home to a myriad of world-renowned theater venues, including The Richard Rodgers Theatre, The Majestic Theatre, The Gershwin Theatre, and The New Amsterdam Theatre.

Tourists travel from all over the globe to the Broadway Theatre District to witness what many deem to be the greatest theatrical productions in the world. Iconic, Tony Award-winning Broadway shows include Wicked, Hamilton, and The Phantom of the Opera.

9. Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center is a massive entertainment and commercial complex located in downtown NYC. This Manhattan staple has played an important role for the city of New York since its opening in 1939.

Aside from shopping and dining, other distinctive features of Rockefeller Center include Radio City music Hall, which is home to the Rockettes, NBC studios headquarters, which is where Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show are filmed, and the Top of the Rock observation deck, which is up on the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

10. NYC Museums

New York City is the home of many notable museums and galleries that draw millions of visitors every single year.

The Museum of Modern Art, nicknamed the MoMA, is located in Midtown Manhattan and has a world-renowned collection of modern art created by legendary artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet.

The American Museum of Natural History is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and is one of the most celebrated natural history museums in the world. Popular exhibits include the Dinosaur Hall, Hall of African Peoples, Hall of Minerals and Gems, and Hall of Human Origins.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, typically called The Met, is the single largest art museum in the Americas. The museum’s collection covers 5,000 years of history and is made up of more than two million pieces ranging from paintings to sculptures to fashion to weaponry.

Popular NYC Resorts

During your visit to the Big Apple, you’re going to need a place to stay. And if you already live in NYC, why not have a staycation? Don’t stress out! Lucky for you, there are as many incredible hotels in New York as there are landmarks and entertainment attractions.