New York City is a one of a kind place, and whether you’re someone who’s lived here for years, or are visiting on vacation, we’ve created the ultimate list of things you have to do at least once! From visiting NYC’s most iconic landmarks to eating the best food out there, we’ve got a mix of “touristy” and “local” recommendations that we think everyone should try out during the week or on weekends! Without further ado, here’s our list of the best things to do in NYC right now:
1. See The Great Gatsby on Broadway
The Great Gatsby on Broadway is one of the hottest productions right now, and it’s recent debut has made it one of the hottest Broadway tickets right now! The adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel comes to life as Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada effortlessly star as Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. It’s one of the best Broadways our Secret NYC team has ever seen, and it’s currently running at Broadway Theatre through June 2!
2. Play pickleball at Wollman Rink
Are you a pickleball fan?! Well, Wollman Rink in Central Park is once again turning into 14 pickleball courts this summer where New Yorkers can play to their heart’s content! The courts will open up on May 1 and be available to reserve from 8 am – 9 pm all summer long. Grab your friends and hit the court today, it’s such a good warm weather exercise! Learn more about pickleball at Wollman Rink here!
3. Eat your way through Smorgasburg
Who’s hungry?! One of New York City’s best food festivals, Smorgasburg, is officially open for the 2024 season! With three separate locations around NYC (World Trade Center, Williamsburg, Prospect Park), the market welcomes in over 100 vendors across its locations to serve up delicious one-of-a-kind grub. It happens in FiDi on Fridays, Williamsburg on Saturdays, and Prospect Park on Sundays! Learn more about Smorgasburg and see the full vendor lists here.
4. See the otherworldly Bubble Planet
Bubble Planet is popping up just outside the city next month, and you won’t want to miss it! Explore 10 themed bubble rooms, experience life inside a giant bubble with the VR feature, and much more. Kids under 4 get free admission, while adults can fully unleash their inner child. Don’t miss out—grab your tickets now!
5. Step into the prestigious Whitney Biennial
One of NYC’s longest running art exhibitions is back at The Whitney… and it’s the Whitney Biennial! This year’s theme is Even Better Than The Real Thing, and it features 71 different artists who explore the topic of finding the “the real” in the age of AI, as well as explore the fluidity of identity and form. Learn more about the Whitney Biennial 2024 here.
6. Celebrate Black culture at The Met
Stop by The Met to check out their brand new exhibition, The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism. Its 160 works celebrates and depicts the era of the Harlem Renaissance, when many African Americans were migrating north during the 1920-40s and settling in NYC. Learn more about the exhibit here.
7. Have Korean fried chicken and champagne at COQODAQ
Have dinner at New York City’s trendiest restaurant COQODAQ in Flatiron. It opened just a few months ago, and it’s making its viral rounds on social media thanks to it’s mouth-watering Korean fried chicken, largest champagne list in America, and Instagram-friendly interior.
Where: 12 E 22nd St
8. Admire cherry blossoms in NYC
Spring is nearly here in NYC and that means the flowers are about to bloom! The city’s gorgeous cherry blossoms are a picturesque tell tale sign of the upcoming good weather…and they’re starting to pop up all over the city (with some early sightings already in Central Park!). Check out our favorite places to see cherry blossoms in NYC here.
9. A “The Masked Singer” exhibit at The Paley Museum
Are you fan of the TV show “The Masked Singer?” If so, stop by the Paley Center for Media and check out their new exhibit dedicated to the hit FOX show! You can get up close and personal with fan-favorites like Monster, Flamingo, and Gazelle…plus look at tons of video highlights, memorabilia, and photography from the show! It’s open now through May 19. Learn more about the exhibit here.
10. Catch a Broadway show
From Lion King to Wicked, Broadway helms some of the best actors and actresses from around the globe! Housed in iconic theaters, these jaw-dropping productions are something to truly behold. Plus, you can find any kind of show you want. We’re talking anything from movie adaptations, to musicals, to comedies! There’s always off Broadway shows happening too, so there’s never a lack of entertainment.
11. Search for the best bagel in NYC
We’ll take a B.E.C please! Start your morning off in NYC with one of the most iconic breakfast items the city has to offer. Between the different types of bagels and the fix-ins inside that you can order, the opportunities are truly endless. You’ve got to see why the best bagels in NYC claim is undisputed.
12. Have a drink on a rooftop bar
Pinkies up, because we’re going to a rooftop bar! There’s arguably no better NYC activity than sipping on a signature cocktail from a rooftop bar. You get views, vibes, and great company! From SoHo, to Chelsea, to Williamsburg, and beyond, there’s so many places to sit back, relax, and enjoy a rooftop drink. Check out our favorite places here.
13. Walk through Central Park
NYC’s most iconic park is always full of things to do, especially right now! You can peep cherry blossoms, walk through strawberry fields, Visit the Central Park Zoo, and so much more.
14. Cross over the Brooklyn Bridge
Bask in the 19th century engineering that makes up the Brooklyn Bridge, which connects the borough to Manhattan! The 1.3 mile long bridge is the perfect place to stroll with your significant other, or take in some stunning NYC views (and maybe even catch some street performers along the way). If you start in Manhattan and end up in Brooklyn, you’ll even end up in DUMBO which has a lovely park, restaurants, and markets (like Brooklyn Flea).
15. Stroll through one of NYC’s best museums
NYC boasts some of the most iconic museums in the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, The Met, The Guggenheim, and so many more! You’ll find everything from Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” to Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory” if you look hard enough! Many museums are affordable, and even have free admission days too if you plan it right! Check out even more of our favorite museums to visit below:
- The Museum of Modern Art: 11 W 53 St
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1000 5th Ave
- Brooklyn Museum: 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn
- Whitney Museum of American Art: 99 Gansevoort St
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: 1071 5th Ave
- American Museum of Natural History: 200 Central Park West
16. Pay homage at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Explore the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which documents the tragic events that happened in both 2001 and 1993. A vulnerable part of NYC’s history, this museum “tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts, presenting visitors with personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope.” Be sure to check out the Memorial Pools, as well as the fairly new Oculus Center at the nearby World Trade Center after!
17. Dine at one of NYC’s best restaurants
Humbly we have to admit, we have the best food around. And that means the best restaurants too. From Italian outposts to sushi joints, you can get just about any cuisine you’re craving. We’ve compiled our list of the absolute best restaurants in NYC for your viewing here.
18. Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty
Get up close and personal with Lady Liberty as you explore one of NYC’s most famous landmarks. Spend time walking around the pedestal of the statue, exploring the Statue of Liberty Museum, and investigating her crown (reservations required). Of course, the scenic boat ride out to Liberty Island is to be admired as well!
19. Grab a drink at one of NYC’s best bars
New York City is home to some of the world’s most renowned award-winning bars. We’re talking about everything from sophisticated cocktail bars to dive bars with $5 beers. If you want to drink in style, NYC is the place to do it! From key lime cocktails at Double Chicken Please to pints of Guinness at McSorley’s, check out the best NYC bars right now.
20. Observe the skyline from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Another great sky deck to ascend into is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Here, you’ll find three levels of multi-sensory immersive experiences atop the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. The views of Empire State Building and the Chrysler building are amazing of course, and you’ll truly feel on top of the world.
21. Take in one-of-a-kind art exhibits in NYC
Alongside our great museums comes one-of-a-kind exhibits that showcase anything from immersive experiences to full-blown artist solo showcases. See works that range from paintings of Claude Monet to exclusive photos of Brooklyn rapper Biggie Smalls. Exhibits are constantly visiting the city, and you can check our favorites here.
22. See your favorite artist live in concert
Thanks to NYC’s prestigious music venues there are always so many concerts to be seen! Touring acts from all over the world make NYC feel like home, ranging in genre and size! You never who might be in town! Check out our monthly guide to see our hand-picked concerts happening in the Big Apple.
23. Walk on The High Line
If you’re looking for a nice walking path in NYC, check out this car-free walkway that runs 1.4 miles along Manhattan’s west side. The above ground walkway on old train paths includes all sorts of gardens, public outdoor art installations, cool building views, and more! Plus, there’s always good food and art galleries to see near Chelsea along the way!
24. Get buzzed at brunch
Brunch is the perfect weekend activity, year-round, and is literally the answer to any “What should we do this weekend?”. Some of our favorite places to get brunch include:
- Wicked Willy’s, Greenwich Village
- Mojave, Astoria
- Ainslie, Williamsburg
- Beatstro, Bronx
See more of our favorite spots here.
25. Take in a stunning concert by candlelight
We bet you’ve never seen a concert like this before! Concerts by Candlelight is a series of music events around NYC dedicated to certain themes of music, played in gorgeously candlelit venues. The multi-sensory musical experience brings orchestras into beautiful places…playing out themed-nights that range from Taylor Swift to Frank Sinatra! See all of the events coming up here.
26. Attend a live TV show taping
Who knew that many of TV’s awesome shows are filmed right here in New York City?! And the best part…they’re free! Shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show, Saturday Night Live, and so many more are filmed live right here in NYC, and you can be part of the studio audience! It’s such a great experience and you can learn about how to get tickets here.
27. Laugh the night away at an NYC comedy show
The beauty of NYC’s comedy clubs is having the potential to see famous comedians before they blow up! New York’s most famous spots like Gotham Comedy Club and the Comedy Cellar are institutions by now, but there are so many “underground” places you can stumble into for a laugh as well. It’s a perfect date night or a lovely alternative to dinner or clubbing.
28. Devour an authentic slice of NYC pizza
Attempt to end the longest lasting debate in NYC food scene history: the best slice of pizza. You’ll definitely have to visit the landmark spots like Prince Street Pizza and John’s of Bleecker Street before you get to your final answer, but it’s a great adventure to go on! Divide and conquer by neighborhood, or take our recommendations for a test spin and let us know what you think!
29. Refine your tastebuds at a Michelin-starred restaurant
If you’re a food connoisseur, don’t be shy to dive into NYC’s diverse restaurant scene! Our cuisine is award-winning and Michelin-recognized, ranging from elegant chef tasting menus to suit and tie wait staff. If you’re willing to shell out some money for a world-class dining experience, New York is the place to do it. Check out our favorite Michelin-star restaurants right now here.
30. Lay out on Manhattan’s first ever public beach
This beautiful beachfront only opened in the fall, so New Yorkers didn’t get much time to fully enjoy the sun & sand right on the west side of Manhattan. It’s definitely going to be a hot spot (no pun intended) in summer of 2024. Learn more about the beach here.
31. Go shopping at an NYC street fair
New York City’s street fairs and festivals are just the niche thing we love about the city. Looking to do some shopping? Bored and want something to do? From farmer’s markets to food festivals to the old fashioned street fair, there’s so many pop-up happenings to bookmark. Check out some upcoming fairs here!
32. View Times Square at night
We know this is a little controversial…but we couldn’t make our list complete without the legendary sights of Times Square. The astonishing crampedness of crowds, street performers, and massive billboards makes the illuminating square one of the most recognizable spots in all of NYC! Immerse yourself in the flashing lights, take a seat on the famous steps, and snap a few pictures of the famous strip. Don’t forget about the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop that takes place every year too!
33. Go out dancing at an NYC nightclub
NYC is ranked the 2nd best city in America for nightlife, and it’s all because of the city’s lively night clubs. From aesthetic upscale lounges like Little Sister to house and techno outposts in Brooklyn like Elsewhere, there’s so many great places to dance the night away. Check out our favorite nightclubs in NYC here.
34. Elevate to the Top of the Rock
Might we recommend going to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, because it quite possibly has the best aerial view of NYC! Of course there are a ton of people who choose the Empire State Building’s observation deck as preference, but Top of the Rock is just as good AND you get the ESB view in your skyline shot!
35. See animals at an NYC zoo
Take a step onto the wild side and visit one of NYC’s zoos, including The Bronx Zoo, the world’s largest metropolitan zoo in North America. Each zoo comes complete with a range of animals, exhibits, activities, and more! It’s the perfect way to spend a day with kids, or to just see some animals you wouldn’t normally see!
36. Read a book at a gorgeous NYC library
Read a book and cozy up at the gorgeous New York Public Library in Midtown. It’s the perfect peaceful escape for when you want to just relax and take some self-care time. The stunning corridors are something to behold, and the library of available readings seem endless. Remember, that’s only one of the many beautiful libraries there are in NYC!
37. Admire Grand Central Terminal
No matter whether you’re taking a train from the iconic station, or just want to feel like the main character of a movie, we suggest spending a second at Grand Central. Take a moment to admire the stunning artwork on the ceiling, shop and dine to your heart’s content, and learn the history of one of NYC’s most iconic transit landmarks!
38. Go shopping around SoHo
NYC is home to just about any retail store you can think of, especially in SoHo where the famous streets of Canal St, Prince St, and more reign home to flagships of the world’s most popular brands. For our shopaholics, spending a both shopping and window shopping in SoHo is definitely worth it. Odds are you’ll probably stumble into a few local NYC businesses too.
39. Check out Governors Island
If you’re looking for a little day trip idea, head to Governors Island…a sweet little getaway that has some lovely restaurants, attractions, and view of the Manhattan skyline! The island is maintained by the city, state and the National Park Service, so it’s well-groomed and perfect to explore. You can ride bikes, hit up the QCNY Spa, dine at Gitano Island, and so much more. Learn more here.
40. Admire the skyline from EDGE
Nothing beats viewing the skyline of the Concrete Jungle quite like an observation deck, and EDGE is one of our favorites. Ascend high above skyscrapers and take in the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, NYC waters, and so much more. For our adventurous folks, they even have a “City Climb” program where you can scale the skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above the ground!
🏙️ Buy your tickets to EDGE here!
41. Eat and drink your way through Little Caribbean
If you want to feel like a local, take our secret recommendation of checking out the Little Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn. It’s a Flatbush-based cultural hub that’s full of different restaurants, bars, art, and local businesses. Not only are you supporting local, but you’ll also be treating yourself to some of the most authentic Caribbean cuisine in all of NYC! Check out our favorite things in the area here.
42. Watch a sports game
Feeling sporty?! Check out one of NYC’s sports teams that are in season. In the NFL, the New York Giants and New York Jets are currently playing their football at MetLife Stadium through the new year! Meanwhile, you can check out the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center or the New York Knicks and New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden!
43. Explore Chinatown
Chinatown is one of NYC’s most popular downtown neighborhoods, and for good reason. Stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy authentic Asian cuisine at Chinatown restaurants, with everything you could possibly want, from dim sum to dumplings to noodles. Visiting during Lunar New Year is always an exciting time as well, since it’s decked out in decor and vibes.
44. Go on a cruise around NYC waters
All aboard the (arguably) best means of transportation around NYC! Thanks to our bodies of water, there are so many great cruises happening that you should be capitalizing on! From food tasting tours to standard dinner outings, there’s a little something for everyone. Check out some of our favorites below and grab tickets before it’s too late:
45. Cozy into a hidden speakeasy
Think you might know the password? Test your luck at one of NYC’s hidden speakeasies, which offer dark and intimate sessions away from the hustling backdrop of NYC. These places often have great cocktails, aesthetically pleasing decor, and a sense of mystique around them. We’re talking everything from a secret speakeasy under the subway to a bar designed as a locksmith and shoe repair shop!
46. Have a picnic at an NYC park
Grab a blanket, some food, and friends, and lay out in one of NYC’s parks for a picnic! It’s a lovely activity to do in the warmer months and is a great alternative to going out to eat. We of course suggest Central Park as a main attraction, but there are tons of other parks and secret gardens to cozy into!
47. Take in the West Side Highway
The West Side Highway has become one of our favorite places recently, and that’s because there is always so much happening! For the athletic type, plan your biking or running route alongside the Hudson River Greenway, and for everyone else, plop a seat in the green grass to enjoy some people watching and waterfront views!
48. View street art around NYC
NYC’s street art culture is abundant, and between colorful murals on walls, big bold writing on subway cars, and spray painted words on sidewalks and streets, it’s evident that anything can be a canvas here in New York City! Our insider tip is checking out the Bushwick neighborhood in Brooklyn where much of the art lies, but there are many works scattered around the Big Apple to gaze at.
49. Revel in beautiful architecture at The Met Cloisters
The Met Cloisters is a museum in Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights that specializes in European medieval art and architecture, with a focus on the Romanesque and Gothic periods, and it’s the only museum in the country dedicated to the art of the Middle Ages. Here you’ll feel like you were on a trip to Europe! Read more about it here.
Where: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr.
50. Catch a game at one of NYC’s best sports bars
Hanging out at a sports bar on game day is vital to our society and when game day arrives we need three things: a rowdy place to catch the game at, good food in front of us, and an ice cold drink by our side. No matter what sport you’re into, four of our fav sports bars in NYC are:
- The Irish American, FiDi
- The Whiskey On Grand, Williamsburg
- The Bronx Public, The Bronx
- Smithfield Hall NYC, Chelsea
See six more of our favorites here.
51. Score the best happy hour deals
There’s not much New Yorkers love more than eating and drinking with friends, and considering it’s so expensive to live in New York City we’ll take all the deals we can get. That’s where happy hour comes in! Lido in Harlem offers $5 beers and $7 wine and sangria at their happy hour. And they extend this happy hour to their bites, serving up some $9 items like creamy garlic bread and fried calamari.
52. Have all the fun for free
The one downside to New York City is how expensive it is and how quickly a night out can break the bank. But, even though it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are loads of completely FREE things to do. Here are some free things we think you must take advantage of:
- Join a walking tour, like the ones offered by Central Park Conservancy
- Play tennis at Hudson River Park
- See a live TV show taping
- Tour the Ample Hills ice cream factory/museum in Brooklyn
Our full list of the best free things to do in NYC can be found here.
53. Eat at the brand new Din Tai Fung
This Michelin-starred Taiwanese chain is already hugely popular in other areas of the U.S., and it’s finally coming to the East Coast this spring, taking over part of Paramount’s 48-story office in Midtown. It will be a whopping 26,000 square feet, and will of course feature their Michelin Star-rated Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings and noodles. Learn more about the opening here!
54. Dine at a waterfront restaurant
Only in New York City can you grab a table at a waterfront restaurant with lovely skyline views. We’re talking everything from a floating Mexican restaurant to picnic tables right along the East River. Check out all our favorite waterfront spots here.
55. Partake in family-friendly activities
If you’re looking for something to do with kids, look no further! NYC is chalk full of family-friendly activities that include hands-on museums, pickleball classes, and a whole lot more! Check out our favorite things to do in NYC with kids here!
56. Spend a rainy NYC day the right way
Rainy days often make us want to stay inside and hide under the covers, but when it comes to New York City there’s definitely something romantic about a rainy day. If you’re brave enough to venture out into the rainy streets, here are some suggestions of what you can do:
- Golf at Chelsea Piers
- See a movie
- Head to this indoor adventure park in Brooklyn
Find some more suggestions here.