Manhattan is New York City’s heart and soul, and the borough that keeps the electric beat running through the city at all times. Home to some of the world’s most renowned skyscrapers, attractions and incredible restaurants…it’s truly the shining gem of NYC. From the serene steps of Central Park to the illuminating billboards of Times Square, this guide will detail all of the best things to do in Manhattan!
1. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of New York City’s most recognizable skyscrapers…and is one of our favorite attractions too. Visitors to the landmark are able to rise up into the NYC skies to the building’s multiple observation decks at the top (86th and 102nd Floor Observatory) and take in jaw-dropping 360° aerial views of the Big Apple. Plus, there are also interactive learning experiences, fine dining restaurants, and much more. Learn all about the Empire State Building here, or you can directly get your tickets here.
Where: 20 W 34th St
2. Central Park
Central Park is Manhattan’s largest and most important park in the city, and there’s so much to do in it! It stretches from 59th and 110th streets between 5th and 8th Avenues, making it more than capable of being explored for a day. The iconic green area is perfect for warm day activities like walks, picnics, bike rides, and visits to landmarks like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and the Central Park Zoo.
Where: 59th – 110th Sts, between 5th and 8th Avenues
3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York City is home to plenty of world-class museums, and that includes the Upper East Side’s The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s been open since 1870, and features thousands of works documenting over 5,000 years of art history. Take a day strolling through the galleries and exploring the endless amount of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, artifacts, and textiles scattered around the halls. And don’t forget to take a photo of you and the famous facade on the staircase leading up to the main entrance!
Where: 1000 5th Ave
4. One World Observatory
Located in NYC’s Financial District, the One World Observatory is the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. It’s located right at the city’s southern most tip and provides gorgeous aerial views of Manhattan and surrounding boroughs from its 100th floor observation deck. You can spot landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge all the way up here! There’s also plenty of immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and floor-to-ceiling windows to bask in. Learn more about the One World Observatory here.
Where: 117 West St
5. Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan is one of NYC’s most popular tourist attractions, as it’s home to shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and iconic landmarks. It’s right in the vicinity of Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios, and during the holiday season, The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Other things to do at Rockefeller Center include the Top of the Rock observation deck, ice skating rink (winter) or roller rink (summer), world-famous Fao Schwarz toy store, plus so much more.
Where: 45 Rockefeller Plaza
6. The High Line
Wander along The High Line in NYC’s Hudson Yards neighborhood, a unique elevated park built on a historic railway line. The 1.45-mile-long linear park and walkway features panoramic views from the West Side, lush gardens, and public art installations! It runs from Gansevoort St. to 34th St and is completely free!
Where: Hudson Yards
7. Chelsea Market
Feeling hungry? Head to Chelsea Market, one of NYC’s best food halls…located in the neighborhood of Chelsea! The bustling marketplace sits inside an old industrial building, and his home to more than 55 vendors selling everything from pastries to international street food.
Where: 75 9th Ave
8. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Station is one of NYC’s largest transportation hubs, and is world famous for its grand architecture and cultural significance. If you’ve ever seen this landmark in a movie, it’s just as beautiful in person…where you can see the spacey celestial ceiling adorned with constellations, elegant chandeliers, and the iconic clock! Plus, there’s also plenty of restaurants and shops to explore too. For added fun, look into Grand Central walking tours which explore the history and secrets of this age-old marvel.
Where: 89 E 42nd St
9. Times Square
Take in the sights and sounds of New York City’s most famous crossroads, Times Square. The bustling tourist and entertainment hub is tons of all sorts of NYC favorites like Broadway shows, flagship stores, world-renowned restaurants, street performers, and so much more! It’s truly a spectacle you have to see to believe.
Where: Junction of Broadway, Seventh Avenue, and 42nd Street
10. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Hop aboard the ferry and head over to Liberty Island and Ellis Island to check out Lady Liberty and the island. These museums and monuments tell the tale of immigration in New York City, and of course have lovely skyline views too.
Where: Liberty Island & Ellis Island
11. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History sits in Manhattan’s Upper West Side neighborhood and is one of the world’s most largest natural history museums. Since being founded in 1869, the museum allows visitors to get more personal with the natural world through one-of-a-kind exhibits, immersive dioramas, interactive displays, and life-size replicas. Be sure to check out highlights like the blue whale model, the fossil halls featuring dinosaur skeletons, The Secret World of Elephants, and the planetarium in the Rose Center for Earth and Space.
Get your tickets to the American Museum of Natural History here.Where: 200 Central Park West
12. SoHo
We may be biased here, but SoHo may just be our favorite neighborhood in all of NYC. It’s full of galleries, boutiques, and designer stores that are ready to be explored! The cast-iron buildings and cobblestone streets give it a signature NYC feel, and the trendy restaurants and bars add to the overall aesthetic of the area. See our favorite things to do in SoHo here!
Where: SoHo, NYC
13. The Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum of American Art in the Meatpacking District is one that explores 20th and 21st century American art…including the likes of Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andy Warhol. There’s plenty to view here, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photographs, and they even host an annual Whitney Biennial exhibition that is renowned as one of the world’s most influential events.
Where: 99 Gansevoort St
14. New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Grab a book and spend some time inside the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. More specifically, the Rose Main Reading Room is one of the most beautiful library rooms you’ll find in the city…thanks to its soaring ceilings and endless shelves of literature. Of course there’s plenty of books and even exhibits to browse too (if you’re not stuck being mesmerized by the building’s marble façade).
Where: 476 5th Ave
15. Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue in Midtown, Manhattan is one of the city’s most iconic streets, and it’s home to some of the best shopping options around! Stroll down the avenue and shop all kids of luxury brands and flagship stores like Nike, Adidas, Gucci, Apple Store, Zara, Bose, Massimo, and more.
Where: 5th Avenue