Things to Do in New York City

Things To Do in the Big Apple: A Tourist’s Guide to NYC

New York City, the vibrant and iconic “Big Apple,” offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, art enthusiast, or just crave the excitement of the city, here’s a taste of what awaits:

Must-See Landmarks:

  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Take the ferry to see this symbol of freedom and hope up close. The climb to the crown is worth it for breathtaking views of the city.
  • Empire State Building: Ascend to the top of this iconic skyscraper and marvel at the panoramic cityscape. The 86th-floor observation deck offers stunning views and photo opportunities.
  • Times Square: Experience the dazzling lights, towering billboards, and bustling energy of this world-famous intersection. Catch a Broadway show, visit a rooftop bar, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
  • Central Park: Escape the city’s chaos in this sprawling green oasis. Stroll through its gardens, rent a bike, have a picnic, or visit one of its many museums and attractions.

Embrace the Culture:

  • Museums: From the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), New York boasts world-renowned institutions showcasing everything from art and history to science and natural wonders. Don’t miss the Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim, or even the quirky Mmuseumm for a glimpse into the city’s diverse artistic landscape.

  • Theater: Immerse yourself in the magic of Broadway. Catch a show in one of the iconic theaters in the Theater District or explore off-Broadway productions for a more intimate experience.

  • Music: Enjoy live music in every genre imaginable. Catch a concert at Madison Square Garden, see a local band in a Greenwich Village jazz club, or wander through the vibrant street art scene and discover hidden musical gems.

  • Art: Visit the iconic MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) for a dose of modern art, or explore smaller galleries in neighborhoods like Chelsea and SoHo.

Explore the City:

  • Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline while walking across this historic bridge.

  • Wander through different boroughs: Experience the unique vibes of each borough - Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island.

  • Visit a museum: NYC is home to over 80 museums! Some popular choices include:

    • The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met): This iconic museum offers a vast collection spanning centuries and cultures, from Egyptian artifacts to modern art.
    • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Explore contemporary and modern art in a building that is a work of art itself.
    • The American Museum of Natural History: A fascinating journey through the natural world with dinosaur skeletons, planetarium shows, and exhibits on human evolution.

  • Explore Central Park: This 843-acre urban oasis provides opportunities for:

    • Picnics: Enjoy a leisurely picnic in Sheep Meadow or on a blanket by the Bethesda Fountain.
    • Bike rides: Rent a bike and explore the park’s many winding paths and scenic spots.
    • Boat rentals: Take a romantic rowboat ride across the Central Park Lake.

  • Experience Times Square: The bright lights, bustling crowds, and iconic billboards are a sensory experience.

Get Lost in the City’s Diverse Neighborhoods:

  • The Bronx: Home to the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, a must-see for nature lovers. Catch a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium or explore the vibrant art scene in the South Bronx.
  • Brooklyn: Discover the unique charm of Williamsburg with its hipster cafes and vintage shops, or enjoy the diverse cultural offerings of the Brooklyn Museum.

Enjoy the Culinary Scene:

  • Pizza: New York City is known for its delicious pizza. Grab a slice at a classic pizzeria like Lombardi’s or Joe’s Pizza.
  • Bagels: Another iconic NYC food! Enjoy a fresh bagel from a local bakery with a schmear of cream cheese and your favorite toppings.

Indulge in the City’s Culinary Delights:

  • Take a culinary tour: Explore the flavors of different neighborhoods, from Little Italy’s renowned pizza joints to Chinatown’s bustling dim sum palaces.
  • Visit diverse restaurants: Experience the global culinary scene by dining at one of the many ethnic eateries across the city.

Explore the City’s Parks and Gardens:

  • High Line: This elevated park in Chelsea offers a serene escape with unique art installations and breathtaking views of the city.
  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden: A peaceful haven for exploring a variety of gardens, from a Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden to a Shakespeare Garden.

Enjoy the City’s Nightlife:

  • Rooftop bars: Sip cocktails with a view at one of NYC’s many rooftop bars.
  • Live music venues: Experience the vibrant live music scene in the Village, Greenwich Village, or at intimate jazz clubs in the Lower East Side.

For the Foodie:

  • Food markets: Explore the culinary diversity and discover new flavors at diverse food markets like Chelsea Market and Smorgasburg.
  • Fine dining experiences: Enjoy a world-class meal with stunning city views (think rooftops!).

Beyond the Pizza & Bagels:

  • Explore Central Park: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the park, from the bustling street performers to the serene beauty of the Conservatory Garden.

  • Visit the Museum of Food and Drink: Learn about the history and science behind food and drink while indulging in interactive exhibits and tasting experiences.

  • Attend a Broadway show: Experience the magic and excitement of live theater on a grand scale.

  • Taste the World: From authentic Italian to innovative fusion cuisine, from classic delis to trendy cafes, New York is a culinary paradise. Explore the diverse flavors available across the city’s different boroughs:

    • Manhattan: Enjoy world-class fine dining in neighborhoods like Tribeca and the Meatpacking District, or experience the vibrant food scene in Harlem, known for its soul food and cultural eateries.

Beyond the usual tourist traps:

  • Take a walk through Central Park: Explore the park’s many hidden paths and gardens, such as the Ramble, the Conservatory Garden, or the Shakespeare Garden.
  • Discover local cuisine: New York is a melting pot of cultures, and that extends to its food scene. Explore diverse food markets and restaurants across the city.

For the Foodie:

  • Sample different cuisines: From pizza in Little Italy to bagels in the Bronx and diverse culinary experiences at the Met.

  • Explore the world of food: Discover unique food items and flavors

  • Food tours: Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of a specific borough or cuisine.

  • Rooftop dining: Enjoy stunning views while savoring delicious meals and drinks.

Beyond the Broadway Buzz:

  • Catch a show in a different borough: Explore the diversity of the city’s arts scene by checking out local theater productions in neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, or Williamsburg.

  • Enjoy a diverse culinary adventure: New York offers more than just bagels and pizza.

  • Explore the vibrant nightlife: New York has bars, clubs, and music venues for all tastes.

For the Foodie:

  • Experience fine dining in the Lower East Side: Explore the unique and diverse culinary options available at the numerous restaurants and cafes.

  • Enjoy a hidden gem: Discover a rooftop bar with a view of the city.

  • Explore the culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s many bars and clubs.

The key to a “real” NYC experience is exploring the diversity of its neighborhoods. Each one has a unique character and history, and you can find something different to do in each neighborhood.

  • Explore the city’s diverse culinary scene:

And don’t forget about the Bronx Museum of Art!

  • Experience world-renowned collections:

    • The Met: Explore the museum’s vast collection of art spanning centuries and cultures.
    • The Cloisters: Immerse yourself in medieval art and architecture at this stunning museum.

  • Enjoy a variety of events:

    • Met: Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s extensive calendar of events, from artist talks to exhibitions.

Explore the vibrant nightlife in different boroughs:

  • Greenwich Village: Enjoy the diverse and lively atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.

  • Brooklyn Bridge Park: Walk across the bridge for a great view of the city skyline.

  • Enjoy a classic NYC experience:

    • The Bronx: Explore the Bronx’s vibrant nightlife scene, from its bustling bars to its quiet coffee shops.

  • Enjoy a unique New York experience:

    • Central Park: Enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature.

  • Find a restaurant that caters to your interests:

  • Brooklyn Museum: Enjoy a variety of events and exhibitions.

Beyond the usual tourist attractions:

  • Explore the history of art at the Brooklyn Museum:

The Met’s collections are vast and diverse, with something for everyone.

These are just a few ideas - the possibilities are endless!

For the foodie:

  • The Bronx Botanical Garden: Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the cafes, or pack a picnic to enjoy in this beautiful setting.
  • The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) PS1: This former schoolhouse in Long Island City is now a contemporary art center with rotating exhibits and events.

For those looking for a unique experience:

  • The Bronx has a rich history of art, music, and theater.
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife in the Bronx: Enjoy a variety of restaurants in the neighborhood.