New York City is famous for various reasons and, for many people, it’s a dream destination. With its iconic skyline, vast parks, world-class museums, and charming neighbourhoods, there’s always something to do in the city that never sleeps.
However, with such a range of sights and ways to spend your time here, it can be tricky to know what’s worth doing – particularly if you’re short on time. So, if you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, here are nine things to see and do in New York City.
1. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
New York is full of iconic attractions. A few are considered must-sees, and there’s no doubt that Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are two of these. So, the good news is that it’s easy to tick off both in one day.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognisable figures in the world – an icon not only of New York but America as a whole. Symbolising freedom, hope, and inspiration, every year millions of people visit to experience her grandeur in person. The statue was completed in 1886 and stands proudly on Liberty Island, along with the Statue of Liberty Museum, where you can learn more about the remarkable history of Lady Liberty.
Just a short ferry ride away, on Ellis Island, you’ll find the National Immigration Museum. Ellis Island was once the busiest immigration inspection and processing station in America. Nearly 12 million immigrants arrived here by steamship between 1892 and 1954, undergoing legal and medical examinations to allow them entry to the United States. Today, you can learn about their history through various tours and interactive displays.
Liberty Island and Ellis Island are only accessible by ferry. Check out this guide to visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on the same day from Trip Savy for more information.
2. Explore the best of Central Park
Set amongst bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, Central Park is a peaceful haven for New Yorkers.
It was America’s first landscaped public park and, despite starting life as an uneven terrain of swamps and rocky hills, contains a mighty 843 acres of green meadows, open waters, beautiful gardens, performance centres, and cute cafes.
There’s an endless choice of things to do in Central Park year-round – whether you enjoy wandering around at your own pace or doing a planned activity. You can visit famous attractions like Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, and the Central Park Zoo; enjoy free events like Shakespeare in the Park; have fun picnicking, renting bikes and rowing boats; and exploring the park by horse-drawn carriage.
For more ideas, check out this list of best things to do in Central Park for every season from Time Out.
3. Feel the magic on Broadway
New York City offers some of the best live theatre in the world, and Broadway shows are an intrinsic part of its culture. The city’s Theater District, more commonly known as Times Square, is the entertainment centre.
Renowned for its dazzling lights, iconic billboards, and lively atmosphere, this is the place to see the Big Apple in all its glitz and glory. Though, it’s best to prepare for a bit of a sensory overload! Times Square earned its name as the Theater District due to the large concentration of theatres found here. You can enjoy everything from new musicals and plays to long-running classics.
Head over to the Times Square official website to browse current and upcoming broadway shows and get tips on buying tickets.
4. Walk over Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the east river. Aside from providing spectacular views, Brooklyn Bridge is a significant part of New York’s history.
After 14 years of construction, costing $15 million, the Brooklyn Bridge was opened in 1883. It took over 600 workers to transform nearly 7,000 tonnes of material into the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge. At the time it was built, its 1,595-foot span also made it the longest suspension bridge in the world – a record only broken by 4.5 feet when the neighbouring Williamsburg Bridge was built in 1896.
You can cross Brooklyn Bridge for free by foot. Around one mile in length, it takes around 30 minutes to cross (45 minutes with pictures!). Crossing the bridge in either direction (from Brooklyn to Manhattan or from Manhattan to Brooklyn) is enjoyable. However, you’ll have a particularly wonderful skyline view if you head towards Manhattan.
While you’re in the area, the nearby neighbourhoods of Fulton Ferry, DUMBO, and Brooklyn Heights are worth a visit.
5. Enjoy amazing views from an observation deck
Viewing New York from its tallest buildings is one of the city’s most memorable experiences. There’s something magical about looking out across the Manhattan skyline and peering down at the bright yellow taxis below. However, with five different observation decks to choose from, each with their unique draws, deciding which to visit can be tricky.
The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, the Edge, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt are all located in Midtown Manhattan; and, in Downtown Manhattan, you’ll find the One World Observatory. Historically speaking, the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock are undoubtedly the most famous and a top-pick for many first-time visitors.
The Empire State Building is the oldest observation deck and, as the city’s most famous building, a visit here isn’t just about the view, but New York’s history too. The observation deck wraps around the perimeter of the 86th floor, offering 360 degree views of New York. Despite being the lowest observation deck, the Top of the Rock has one of the most iconic views in New York (one you’ll have seen in many photos) – looking out onto the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Central Park.
Edge is the city’s tallest outdoor observation deck, overlooking Midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building; and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is unique for its integration of art, design, technology, and adventure with spectacular views. There are two fully transparent ledges here where guests can hover 1,000ft above Madison Avenue.
One World Observatory observation deck is set in the One World Trade Center – the tallest building in the entire Western Hemisphere. With good weather you can see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan. However, it’s the only observation deck where you can’t go outside.
If you’re struggling to decide, check out Earth Trekker’s guide to the best observation decks in NYC ranked by price, height, and view.
6. Tickle your tastebuds in Little Italy and Chinatown
During the late 1800s, New York’s Little Italy and Chinatown attracted Italian and Chinese immigrants who brought along with them their food, customs, language, and family recipes. Today, they’re two of Manhattan’s most charming neighborhoods and the ideal place to go for authentic Italian and Chinese food.
Taking a guided tour is a great way to learn more about the history, culture, and architecture of the neighborhoods. Or, if you’re in the mood for food only, check out these recommendations for the best places to eat in Little Italy and Chinatown. The neighbourhoods are close together, which makes them easy to visit in one day.
7. Check out New York’s best museums
New York is teeming with culture and its impressive collection of museums have established it as a hub for all things art.
A visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) is top of the list for many visitors. It’s the largest museum in the United States and also one of New York’s most iconic institutions. Home to over two million pieces in its permanent collection, the Met has everything from Egyptian art and European paintings to contemporary American pieces.
New Museum is the only museum in Manhattan dedicated solely to contemporary art, so head here to see its impressive collection of immersive art created by dynamic artists. The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology is the place to go for all things fashion; and at the Tenement Museum, you learn the stories of the refugees, migrants, and immigrants who have made New York their home. For an all-round crowd pleaser, The American Museum of Natural History is your best bet.
But, arguably the most poignant of all New York’s museums is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Inviting visitors to learn about the history of the 9/11 attacks at the site where the Twin Towers once stood, the Memorial Museum is a completely moving and unforgettable encounter with the story of the attacks, their aftermath, and the people who experienced them first-hand.
8. Visit Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is much more than just a train station. It’s one of NYC’s biggest attractions – offering a unique blend of architectural wonder, rich history, excellent dining, and fantastic shopping.
Construction of Grand Central Terminal began in 1903 and it was opened to the public in February 1913.
One of Grand Central’s main attractions is the four-faced opal clock in the Main Concourse. Estimated to be worth around $20 million, it’s a top meeting place for visitors and locals alike; you’ll know you’re a true New Yorker when you’ve told a friend to “meet me at the clock!”
On the Main Concourse, look up and you’ll see Grand Central’s iconic zodiac ceiling, featuring 12 gold-leaf constellations and 2,500 stars – 59 of which are LED-illuminated. This zodiac was painted backwards as Grand Central’s founder Cornelius Vanderbilt claimed this would give viewers the divine perspective.
As you wander around the station, you may also notice that every light bulb is uncovered and exposed. This was intentional as, at a time when electricity was a new invention, the Vanderbilts wanted to show off the electric powered terminal they’d financed. You can also spot the family’s oak leaf architectural marks which adorn the terminal. These represent the Vanderbilt family’s motto: “From an acorn, a mighty oak shall grow.”
Lastly, don’t forget to check out the architectural phenomenon of the Whispering Gallery. Made from Guastavino tiles, if you lean your head into one corner of the gallery, you’ll be able to hear a friend from corners across the room – even amongst Grand Central’s hustle and bustle! Finish your visit with a trip to one of the station’s 70 or so dining and shopping spots.
9. Walk the High Line
The High Line is one of New York’s newer attractions and one not to miss. This public park is built on a historic freight rail line, 30ft above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side.
Opened in 2009, the High Line is a public space where visitors can experience art, nature, and design. Stroll through beautiful gardens, view art, enjoy delicious food and drink, or tune into a performance – all while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.
The High Line is 1.45 miles long and the best way to experience it is to simply walk around. To make sure you don’t miss anything, check out the park’s best features on the High Line website.
Final thoughts…
New York is one of the most famous cities in the world, and taking a trip there is a bucket-list dream for many. From iconic sites to Broadway theatre and world-class museums, there’s always something to do in the city that never sleeps!
For ideas on where to stay, check out our list of 14 of the most stylish hotels in New York. Or, head over to the travel section of our website for more inspiration.
What are your favourite things to see and do in New York? Have you got any other recommendations that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.