THE 15 BEST Things to Do in New York City (Updated 2024)
Things to do in New York City

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in New York City

Things to Do in New York City

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What travellers are saying

  • Anthea S
    New York City, NY1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    spent a lazy afternoon lounging on the grass, people-watching, and soaking in the sun. It's a massive green oasis in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. Perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely bike ride!
    Written June 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KMKD00
    Columbia, SC120 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a wonderful but very emotional visit. We did a walking tour and we purchased our tickets directly through the museum, not a third party. I HIGHLY recommend doing this organized tour through the museum.

    We started outside and our guide gave us headsets. His microphone talked directly into our headsets. We had a 10am start time and the place was already busy, so I was thankful I could easily hear the guide. It also enabled me to take the headset off when it was a little too much to remember from that day. We walked around and he shared about the outdoor memorial, the survivor tree, and much more.

    We then skipped the big line and went into the actual museum through a tour entrance with our own security line. This was really nice and much faster than the line we passed! After everyone had time to get through security and take a bathroom break, the tour continued in the museum. We had a fantastic guide and I learned so much that I would not have learned without the guide! The tour took about 2 hours and then we had time to walk through exhibits at the museum as we wished.

    I cried a lot. I read a book once where it said " it takes courage to take a place where something awful happened and make it peaceful" That is how I felt. Something horrendous happened here and it was hard to relieve it, but I think it is tasteful and very well done to teach what happened and remember those that were lost.

    And just my personal opinion.... I do not recommend taking young children. I also don't recommend taking smiling touristy selfies. In my opinion, it is just poor taste to taking big smiling tourist selfies in place that is designed to honor and remember a solemn event- it just seemed disrespectful.
    Written May 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kyra H
    New York City, NY4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spent the day at The Met and felt so cultured! Seriously, this place is huge—you could get lost in there (in a good way). Saw everything from ancient artifacts to modern art. Definitely worth a visit, even if you're not a big art nerd!
    Written June 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Louis C
    New York City, NY3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Paronama views. I recommend going up around sunset hours to enjoy lights. Worth paying for the express ticket to skip the queues both up and down.
    Written June 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • conor c
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great way to walk around New York without worrying about transport. A very pleasurable stroll and places to stop for a coffee or bite to eat
    Written May 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kate L
    San Jose, CA30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely amazing! The talent is unbelievable, and the storytelling is genius! The band, the dancers, and the actor playing Michael were just incredible. This show is amazing.
    Written May 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TeWe
    Helsinki, Finland1,136 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great way to see some spectacular views of New York. Probably the best view over Central Park. There is a new attraction called The Beam but unfortunately it was out of order when we visited.
    Written May 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,383 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brooklyn Bridge was the world's first steel wire suspension bridge; we took a quick trip from North Slope neighborhood and walked across Brooklyn Bridge to New York. Brooklyn Bridge was a good walk, it takes around a mile or so between the two New York boroughs, Brooklyn and Manhattan. There's a hiker-biker path for public use. Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883. There are six lanes for vehicles -- no trucks!
    Written June 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anna Harrison
    London, UK18 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. Standing majestically on Liberty Island, it offers breathtaking views of New York Harbor. The guided tour enriches the experience with its historical insights. A visit to the pedestal and museum is highly recommended. An essential stop for anyone exploring New York City.
    Written June 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stacy G
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Grand Central Terminal is simply amazing. I had visited the main concourse before but was pleasantly suprised to find so much more throughout the terminal corridors, including shopping, dining, and excellent quick bites.
    Written June 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ellie K
    Birmingham, UK361 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Manhattan Skyline is a very impressive view and reminds me of when New York features in films and tv shows. It was great seeing this view for free from the Staten Island Ferry.
    Written May 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sturobbo73
    Warrington, UK90 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Times Square ! I’ll start by saying we first travelled via the metro, having only just arrived.
    Although we later found we could walk from our hotel down 48th Steet within 20 minutes…!
    The place is amazing ! Lights, billboards, attractions, shops and restaurants. It’s so busy, like leaving a football game in the UK all the time…!
    Your head is on a constant swivel, looking at the illuminated signs, crossing the roads, watch out for e-bikes and Electric scooters they go so fast.

    Please bear with me, as I’m not anti drugs, in some form or other.
    However the overwhelming stench of weed gets a little uncomfortable almost immediately.
    We’ve travelled many a place in USA and Europe, including Amsterdam where it has been legal for a long time, however we’ve never experienced the smell we encountered in TS. There aren’t just pockets where you can tell it’s being smoked, say like near a coffee shop in Amsterdam.
    it’s literally everywhere. We visited twice, during the day and evening. It’s more noticeable in the evening.
    We even witnessed workers smoking, some of them wearing construction gear.
    It kinda spoils it.

    No wonder New Yorkers have become so laid back.

    Having said that it is an amazing place to visit and tick off your bucket list. Despite the moan, we”d (not weed) definitely go back again soon.

    If you’re travelling soon, don’t have a good day, have a great day !
    Written June 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • stuart w
    Airdrie, UK10,341 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is only a ferry but it has to be one of the best in the world for the views leaving and approaching Manhattan

    And it is free, lovely way to spend an hour or 2 in NYC
    Written June 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BatchFam
    Yukon, OK1,139 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much to do, to see and to relax! This area is gorgeous and safe. Locals come here to be outside and hang out. It’s my favorite area in the city. We stayed close by, Residence Inn TS.
    Written May 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BatchFam
    Yukon, OK1,139 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You need to go to see it at least once. The Rockettes are around the corner. There’s shopping, food, people watching. Fun to see!
    Written May 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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