THE 15 BEST Things to Do in NYC - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Things to Do in New York City

Things to Do in New York City, NY - New York City Attractions

Things to Do in New York City

Start with sightseeing NYC’s greatest hits: Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and spend the rest of your time checking out neighborhood gems.

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See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.

Ways to tour New York City

Book these experiences for a close-up look at New York City.

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
3,836
Bus Tours
from
$99
per adult
Reserve
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket
2,045
Skyscrapers & Towers
from
$47
per adult
Reserve
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options
4,749
Historical Tours
from
$44
per adult
Reserve
Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise
385
Architecture Tours
from
$116
per adult
Reserve
NYC Food Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy
184
Food & Drink
from
$79
per adult
Reserve
Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards Admission Ticket
543
Skyscrapers & Towers
from
$48
per adult
Reserve
Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides in Central Park since 1979 ™
1,990
Historical Tours
from
$125
per group (up to 4)
Reserve
New York City Sightseeing Bus Tour and Boat Ride
175
Bus Tours
from
$219
per adult
Reserve
Skip-the-Line Metropolitan Museum of Art - Exclusive Guided Tour
294
Historical Tours
from
$132
per adult (price varies by group size)
Reserve
Deluxe Manhattan Helicopter Tour
41
Adventure Tours
from
$279
per adult
Reserve

Museum Tickets & Passes

Top Attractions in New York City

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

1. Central Park

Points of Interest & Landmarks

For more than 150 years, visitors have flocked to Central Park's 843 green acres in the heart of Manhattan. Since 1980, the Park has been managed by the Central Park Conservancy, in partnership with the public. Central Park is open 6 am to 1 am daily. Visit the official website of Central Park to learn more about Park happenings and activities and to learn how you to help Central Park!

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2. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Speciality Museums

Admission tickets from $33

Through commemoration, exhibitions and educational programs, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a nonprofit in New York City, remembers and honors the 2,983 people killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, as well as those who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks. 9/11 Memorial, Open Daily, 7-days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9/11 Memorial Museum, Open Thursday–Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thanksgiving and Christmas: Memorial Only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Museum Closed

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3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Points of Interest & Landmarks

At New York City's most visited museum and attraction, you will experience over 5,000 years of art from around the world. The Met is for anyone as a source of inspiration, insight and understanding. You can learn, escape, play, dream, discover, connect.

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4. Empire State Building

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Admission tickets from $48

The Empire State Building is the World's Most Famous Building. It rises 1,454 ft from ground to antenna & features the only 360 degree open-air vantage point of Midtown. The 86th & 102nd Fl Observatories are open daily, see esbnyc.com for hours. On a clear day you can see up to 6 states. The brand-new 2nd floor museum (included in all ticket options) offers guests 10,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits that invite visitors on a journey beginning from the building’s construction to its current place in pop culture. The 102nd Fl Obs features floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass elevator with sound & light experience. It is the jewel of NYC. All signage, audio & exhibits in the building are available in 9 languages. We offer free Wi-Fi. The 34th St Lobby entrance features a grand staircase with a 2-story architectural model of the bldg & a high-tech LED exhibit that celebrates lighting ceremonies performed by famous, celebrity guests. Express guests receive red carpet VIP treatment.

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5. The High Line

Parks

This elevated railway turned public park provides fantastic views of the Hudson River and New York City skyline on Manhattan's West Side. The 1.5-mile High Line draws travelers to its lush horticulture, art installations and community programs. Here, you can have a leisure stroll along the structure and admire colorful murals and installations all around. Other must-sees of the area include the Chelsea Market, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Vessel. Hear the story behind this unique greenway on a free tour led by knowledgeable guides which takes place on some days. – Tripadvisor

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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Midtown Manhattan is home to one of the world's most famous theatre districts, with iconic musicals and well-loved plays staged live at over 40 theatres.

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7. Top of the Rock

Lookouts

Top of the Rock Observation Deck, the newly opened, 3-tiered observation deck on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, is New York City's most amazing attraction! The unforgettable experience includes a panoramic 360-degree, unobstructed view from the 70th floor observatory, 850 feet in the sky! Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM - Midnight, last elevator goes up at 11:00 PM.Main entrance is located on 50th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues.

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8. Brooklyn Bridge

Bridges

Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge provides passage between Brooklyn and Manhattan for motorists, trains, bicycles and pedestrians. One of the primary symbols of New York City, it is a marvel of design and provides spectacular views of the city's skyline.

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9. Statue of Liberty

Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

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10. Grand Central Terminal

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Grand Central Terminal is the most extraordinary public space in New York City. Opened to the public in 1913, this historic train terminal is a world-famous landmark in Midtown. Its rich history is a story of immense wealth and great engineering. Grand Central is one of the busiest train stations in the world, with approximately 750,000 visitors every day. It is the home of Metro-North Railroad, a subway station, iconic restaurants, shops, and the world's most alluring Apple Store. Some of the highlights to see along your tour of Grand Central include the opal-faced clock, valued at $20 million, above the Information Booth, the Largest Tiffany Glass Clock in the World below the 48-foot, 1500-ton Transportation statue overlooking 42nd Street at Park Avenue, and the mystifying acoustics of the Whispering Gallery in front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. Audio and guided tours are available for those with a passion for history. More information regarding tours and ways to plan your visit can be found on the Grand Central Terminal website.

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11. Manhattan Skyline

Points of Interest & Landmarks

From the Chrysler Building to the Empire State Building, this world-famous skyline view of New York's most densely populated borough is a must-see for any traveler.

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12. Times Square

Neighborhoods

Central area in NYC that has many shops, restaurants, office buildings and flashing billboards around it.

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