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The Island of Manhattan, thriving in New York City, is the world’s finest destination for tourism. It garners millions of visitors each year as it boasts an amazing mix of things to do in Manhattan. This borough provides an unmatched urban experience with everything, from iconic architecture to neighborhoods, and the pulsating pace of life that attracts tourists from across countries. Indeed, Manhattan has made its name as the ultimate place to go for art, fashion, business, and entertainment.
10 Things To Do In Manhattan
From iconic landmarks to cultural gems, here are some unforgettable things to do in Manhattan for the perfect New York City experience:
1. Explore Central Park
Photo: Jet Lowe / Wikimedia Commons
Central Park runs through the heart of the city and is more than 840 acres in size, offering a delightful green oasis from the city’s hubbub, and is one of the things to do in Manhattan. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the 19th century, it contains meadows, woodlands, lakes, and cultural landmarks such as the Loeb Boathouse, where visitors rent rowboats, the Delacorte Theater, to catch a performance, or the Central Park Zoo. Parks include Strawberry Fields, the Great Lawn, and the Conservatory Garden.
Timings: 6 AM – 1 AM
Location: New York, NY, United States
Fee: Free
Recommended Duration: 2 – 4 hours
2. Visit The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
Photo: Flickr / Wikimedia Commons
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the world. The museum contains a collection of more than two million artworks. The collections include Egyptian mummies, paintings of Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and the decorative arts of America. Its world-famous architectural masterpieces include the Great Hall and the Cloisters, a separate branch in Fort Tryon Park. You can even enjoy rooftop views of the Manhattan skyline during warm months, making it one of the best things to do in Manhattan.
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM, Closed on Wednesday
Fee: $30 for Adults / ₹2560 for Adults
Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
Recommended Duration: 3 – 5 hours
3. Experience Times Square
Photo: Vlad Alexandru Popa / Pexels
Times Square is made up of a sprawling commercial and entertainment area. Known for its washed-in-light bright digital billboards, large crowds, and a vibrant atmosphere, Times Square is often called the “Crossroads of the World.” Home to attractions such as the TKTS booth selling cheap Broadway tickets, pedestrian plazas have been constructed to encourage safe access to the shops, restaurants, and street performers in the area. Times Square is one of the headquarters for major media companies such as MTV and ABC.
Timings: Open 24*7
Fee: Free
Location: Manhattan, NY 10036, United States
Recommended Duration: 1 – 2 hours
4. Tour The 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Photo: NormanB / Wikimedia Commons
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum officially commemorates the almost 3,000 individuals who died in the September 11, 2001, attacks. This place stands on a proud ground measuring into the ground plan of the erstwhile Twin Towers site, which already houses two large reflecting pools within their footprints. Each pool is bordered by bronze panels engraved with the names of victims. Underground, part of the museum includes artifacts, pictures, and narratives revealing how events unfolded that day. It also includes salvaged items like a fire engine, bent steel girders, and first-responder recordings.
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Fee: $33 adults / ₹2820
Location: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, United States
Recommended Duration: 2 – 3 hours
5. Take In Views From The Empire State Building
Photo: Sracer357 / Wikimedia Commons
The Empire State Building is a world-famous Art Deco high-rise and has remained one of Manhattan’s signature landmarks. Finished in 1931, it was the tallest structure in the world until nearly four decades passed. High-speed elevators will take you to the open-air observation deck on the 86th floor and the enclosed deck on the 102nd floor, where you can see the breathtaking views of New York City and beyond. There are historical exhibitions in the building, covering its history of construction and its influence on popular culture.
Timings: 9 AM – 12 AM
Fee: From $44 for adults / ₹3750
Location: 350 Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets
Recommended Duration: 1 – 2 hours
6. Walk The High Line
Photo: Tdorante10 / Wikimedia Commons
The High Line is an elevated linear park constructed on the footprint of a former New York Central Railroad. It includes landscaped gardens, art installations, public seating, and viewing platforms. Nature, design, and urban renewal meld into one of the most wondrous parks that exhibit only native plants, modern architecture, and attractive city views. This project is a product of a nonprofit, Friends of Highline, which would serve as a model of redeveloping metropolitan infrastructure. Rodent-wise, it’s chock-a-block full of seasonal food vendors, guided tours, and rotating public art displays.
Timings: 7 AM – 10 PM
Fee: Free
Location: New York, NY 10011, United States
Recommended Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
7. Watch A Broadway Show
Photo: DrawWikiped / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Theater in America is concentrated in the epicenter of Broadway. This area boasts 41 professional theaters, presenting world-class musicals, dramas, and comedies to all audiences. The Lyceum, Shubert, and Majestic are notable theaters in this district. Broadway productions feature hits like The Lion King, Chicago, and Hamilton. Performances are scheduled from Tuesday to Sunday, with matinees during the week. You can get tickets by booking or at the TKTS booth located at Times Square, which offers same-day discount prices.
Timings: Varies by show
Fee: $50–$200/ ₹4460 – ₹17000 (Depending on the show)
Location: Manhattan, NY 10036, United States
Recommended Duration: 2 – 3 hours
8. Tour The Museum Of Modern Art (MoMA)
Photo: Cynthia Ortega Espinosa / Pexels
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the most famous modern art museums. It was established in 1929 and now houses a comprehensive collection of modern and contemporary artwork by artists such as Monet, Warhol, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Highlights include Starry Night, Campbell’s Soup Cans, and Marcel Duchamp’s Bicycle Wheel. Painting, sculpture, photography, film, architecture, and design are all included in MoMA’s six levels. In addition to these permanent galleries, MoMA also houses temporary exhibitions, film screenings, and educational programs, adding to a rich experience.
Timings: 10.30 AM – 5.30 PM; Open until 7 PM on Saturdays
Fee: $30 adults; Free Friday evenings / ₹2560
Location:
Recommended Duration: 2 – 3 hours
9. Visit Grand Central Terminal
Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York / Wikimedia Commons
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most iconic transport hubs and architectural landmarks of New York City. Opened in 1913, the terminal has become a perfect example of Beaux-Arts architecture, such as the Main Concourse with its celestial ceiling, the opal-faced clock, and marble staircases. It serves commuters on Metro-North Railroad lines moving toward northern suburbs and connects them with the subway system. Apart from transit, Grand Central has a vibrant food market, restaurants, retail stores, and space for hosting events. This monumental site today stands as a National Historic Landmark.
Timings: Main Concourse open daily, 5.30 AM – 2.00 AM
Fee: Free
Location: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States
Recommended Duration: 30 mins – 1 hour
10. Stroll Through Wall Street And The Financial District
Photo: Daniel Dimitrov / Wikimedia Commons
The Financial District and Wall Street are the historic centres of global finance. It hosts dominant institutions like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. In between, you will find monuments such as the Charging Bull statue, a symbol of market optimism, and Federal Hall, where George Washington took the presidential oath. Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry terminal are nearby, making the Statue of Liberty accessible. The Financial District juxtaposes history and modern commerce into a single setting: contemporary office buildings intermixed with cobblestoned streets and restored public grounds.
Timings: Outdoor areas open 24*7; building access varies
Fee: $8 adults / ₹680
Location: Lower Manhattan
Recommended Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Every culture, tradition, art, and enterprise of city life in Manhattan will ensure you the trip of a lifetime. This area offers artistic museums to celebrated theaters, from legendary sites to serene parks. Stroll along ever-bustling streets, marvel at skyline views, or immerse yourself in art and culture. Book your package with TripXL, as your travel partner for effective planning, and deals that make up for the best adventure.
Cover Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
