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New York City is fondly known as the Big Apple, a full-fledged metropolis where culture, history and innovation all come together. The things to do in New York City are easily recognisable from its skyline, energised streets and a plethora of experiences. The city is full of the melting pots of cuisines, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street eats. These are not only delicious but also picturesque. Nature lovers can retreat into strolling paths and shopaholics can indulge in everything from luxury boutiques in Soho to the marketplace.
10 Best Things To Do In New York
Here are the best things to do in New York to have the best of the experiences during the trip:
1. Visit Times Square
Photo: Terabass / Wikimedia Commons
Times Square is an absolute must-visit among things to see in New York City. Located centrally in Manhattan, it is world-famous for its large neon billboards and streets packed with people. It exudes the electric atmosphere, especially at night, when its lights create a dazzling display. In addition to being one of the world’s best productions, it is a gateway to the Broadway District. The area has live performances and pop-ups throughout the year. Here visitors can delight in street performances, check out interactive art installations and enjoy foreign dishes at nearby restaurants. This square is also recognised for the One Times Square building, which is the place of the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
Location: Midtown Manhattan
Top Experiences: Exploring the vibrant nightlife, catching a Broadway show and experiencing the New Year’s Eve ball drop
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: None
2. Cross Brooklyn Bridge On Foot
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the popular things to do in New York. This classic piece of 19th-century engineering was finished in 1883 when connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn over the East River. It was designed by John Roeblin. Simply walk up the elevated wooden pedestrian walkway above the cars to see spectacular views over the Manhattan skyline. You can also see the Statue of Liberty and the East River. Starting from the Brooklyn side, you can make your way through DUMBO’s quaint cobblestone streets. Once you’re on the Manhattan side, you can spend more time exploring adjacent neighbourhoods such as Chinatown or the Financial District.
Location: Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn
Top Experiences: Sunrise or sunset walk, photography and soaking in panoramic city views
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: None
3. Visit Central Park
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
Central Park, Manhattan’s large green oasis standing at 843 acres, has always been an inspiring retreat. It offers limitless attractions and experiences to people of all ages. Tramlines, scenery and activity hubs make Central Park a must-visit destination. Begin at Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, a local nickname for the heart of the park. It’s an architectural gem of curving relief carvings representing the seasons and celestial themes. Centred in the midst is the gorgeous Angel of the Waters sculpture by Emma Stebbins, a popular movie filming location. Observe your surroundings or street performance artists, who include talented Thoth, on whom there’s even been an Oscar-winning documentary. The Bow Bridge provides enchanting views of the lake and foliage.
Location: Manhattan
Top Experience: Rowing on the lake, ice skating in winter and visiting the Strawberry Fields memorial
Timings: 6 AM – 1 AM
Entry Fee: None (some attractions may have fees)
4. See The Empire State Building
Photo: Dllu / Wikimedia Commons
The 1,454-foot Empire State Building is a classic example of Art Deco architecture. On a clear day, you can see as far as six states from the observation deck on the 86th floor. This is an outdoor deck, and the indoor deck on the 102nd floor. It features floor-to-ceiling glass for an unobstructed panorama. These viewpoints are complemented well by the interactive exhibits, which focus on the history and cultural value of the building. The Empire State Building has other attractions, such as a museum placed within the confines. The new additions include a rooftop movie and dining opportunities at STATE Grill and Bar.
Location: 20 W 34th St, Manhattan
Top Experiences: Viewing NYC’s skyline at night, guided tours and visiting the immersive exhibits
Timings: 9 AM – 12 AM
Entry Fee: Starting at $44 / ₹3770 for adults
5. Find Art At The Metropolitan Museum Of Art (The Met)
Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
NYC’s cultural shrine, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, simply known as The Met, provides visitors with an unparalleled journey across 5,000 years of art history worldwide. Its collection spans more than 2 million works, ranging from ancient relics and sculptures during the classical period to masterpieces of modern times. Ancient, elegant Greek and Roman galleries contain fine vase designs, marble statues and even a few preserved Roman frescoes. This reflects the width of the artistry of previous civilisations. Islamic art is one of its crown jewels, showcased within newly renovated galleries that display intricately worked textiles, calligraphy and architecture from the Arab world, Persia, and Central Asia. The museum also pays tribute to Indigenous Lenape people, whose ancestral lands it now occupies, to ensure that their culture is valued.
Location: 1000 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
Top Experience: Exploring the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, Impressionist art collection and rooftop views
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Suggested donation for NY residents, $30 / ₹2570 for adults
6. Pay Respects At The 9/11 Memorial And Museum
Photo: qwesy qwesy / Wikimedia Commons
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York is dedicated to the victims of 9/11 on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. Located at the site of the World Trade Center, the memorial is provided with two reflecting pools within the footprints of the original Twin Towers. The pools are surrounded by bronze panels that inscribe nearly 3,000 victims’ names. The most excellent exhibit arrangements found within the museum’s exhibits. The presentation of the wreckage of emergency vehicles, personal effects and remains of towers, among many other things, resonates a chord of resilience, loss and heroism.
Location: 180 Greenwich Street, Manhattan
Top Experience: Viewing the Survivor Tree, walking through the exhibits and reflecting at the memorial pools
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: $26 / ₹2229 for adults
7. Explore The Statue Of Liberty And Ellis Island
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia Commons
The things to do in New York City are never complete without going out to see two of the most historical icons, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Symbolising freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty stands on top of Liberty Island, offering spectacular views of New York Harbour and the skyline of Manhattan. Ferries can take visitors out to Liberty Island, where the statue’s pedestal is accessible to tour, or you can climb to the crown. Take the return ferry ride to Ellis Island, the gateway through which millions of immigrants pass to enter America. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is an emotional and educational experience, with exhibits detailing the immigrant journey and the history of the island itself.
Location: Liberty Island
Top Experience: Climbing the pedestal or crown, guided tours, and visiting the Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: Starting at $24.50 / for adults (ferry included)
8. Walk Along The High Line
Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
The High Line is a public park in New York City that gives panoramic views of the city. The elevated structure of 1.45 miles long on the west side of Manhattan was initially a derelict railway track, but now it’s one of the successful parks with walking paths, gardens, and public art installations. The designers’ theme seamlessly blends industrial history and nature with remnants of the old rail system. There are also art exhibits, performances and many cultural events annually. A walk through the High Line is best for a true feel of New York’s vibrant atmosphere.
Location: Gansevoort Street to 34th Street, Manhattan
Top Experience: Walking through gardens, enjoying food vendors and viewing public art
Timings: 7 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: None
9. Enjoy Shopping And Dining In Soho
Photo: imke.sta / Wikimedia Commons
SoHo is the most fashionable neighbourhood of New York, typified by an energetic mix of the most expensive boutiques, unique art galleries and exciting restaurants. The streets lead to shops like Prada and Alexander Wang, as well as one-of-a-kind pieces housed in independent boutiques. It brings together shopping diversity for both luxury shoppers and those looking for something a little more eclectic. SoHo is also a foodie’s paradise. For elegance, head over to Raoul’s and Balthazar to sit under magnificent classic French food in an iconic, bustling environment. For health enthusiasts, plant-based cafés like CHLOE and The Butcher’s Daughter offer refreshing, healthy choices for breakfast, lunch or as a snack.
Location: Lower Manhattan
Top Experiences: Shopping sprees, exploring art galleries and enjoying gourmet meals
Timings: Vary by store and restaurant
Entry Fee: None
10. Visit The American Museum Of Natural History
Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
The American Museum of Natural History boasts an enormously vast collection for visitors. Other sights worth viewing include its dinosaur exhibit, culminating in the most famous Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in the world. Many visitors come in for this mind-blowing model of a blue whale in Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. The museum offers viewing of the Willamette Meteorite, an iron space rock weighing a full 15 tonnes against the cosmos. Outside of dinosaurs and space, the Butterfly Vivarium, with over 80 species fluttering around in a tropical habitat, is a fascinating experience. Other impressive collections include a real fossilised mammoth, ancient Egyptian artefacts, and the famous “Lucy” skeleton, an extremely important early hominid find.
Location: Central Park West at 79th Street, Manhattan
Top Experience: The dinosaur halls, Hayden Planetarium, and the Hall of Ocean Life
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Suggested donation for NY residents, $28 / ₹2400 for adults
New York is an experience that you enjoy after you leave. Spend your mornings visiting famous landmarks, your afternoons exploring vibrant neighbourhoods, and your evenings indulging in dynamic culinary indulgences. Behind all these bright attractions, things to do in New York charm you with its vibes. Experience quiet solitude in parks and enjoy late-night rides in the subway. Plan your visit with TripXL to explore New York.
Cover Photo: Kai Pilger / Pexels
