This post is about the best things to do in New York City today, tonight, tomorrow, or anytime!
As a native New Yorker, I've done just about everything there is to do here, so it was hard to narrow down the recommendations.
I turned to my fellow local tour guides, and together we came up with this extensive list, organized into sections.
Before diving into the long list, watch Katie, my fellow local tour guide at Tours By Foot NYC, highlight the best free things to do in NYC in one day!
- Top NYC Activities
- Free Things to Do
- What to Do at Night
- Family-Friendly Activities
- By Neighborhood + Month
- Top Attractions + Museums
- Suggested Itineraries
TOP 34 ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS IN NYC
As I said above, it was not easy to choose what to include in this section, with so much to do in NYC.
Activities listed toward the top of the list are season-based, so you see what is currently happening, though most of the items can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Throughout the post, you'll find links to our in-depth posts on that activity or attraction. It was just not possible to include all the details here!
1. Explore Central Park
Whatever the season and weather, Central Park is a marvelous place to visit and there is no shortage of things to do in Central Park.
This is a beloved place where we New Yorkers can find refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city.
In the fall, the changing colors of the leaves are enchanting. In winter, discover the park's sentimental beauty.
In the summer, spread out on its spacious green lawns and in the spring see the colorful flowers bloom.
Let a local show you the special sites of this magnificent urban oasis.
We also have a GPS-enabled audio tour so you can explore the park at your own pace.
2. View the Stunning New York Skyline
For incredible panoramic views, visit one of NYC's five observation decks.
One World Observatory (also referred to as the Freedom Tower) is atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade Center.
The jaw-dropping 360-degree mile view stretches for miles. I've been both day and night, and both were great times.
The Empire State Building has been around the longest, since 1931, and screams out "New York City" in a way that the other decks don't.
I think it has a romantic feel about it given the movies filmed here like Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair to Remember, and yes, even King Kong.
While not the tallest in the group, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is absolutely worth visiting.
It's the only observatory deck that has views of the others as well as Central Park.
I found this to be the best one to go to at night (see the picture above), but of course, it's a personal preference.
Summit One Vanderbilt has great views, but also some fun immersive, mirrored features and for this reason,
I think it's the best to go to with kids.
Edge is wild! Besides breathtaking views, the all-glass panels that border the open-air deck make you feel like you are in the air!
My opinions alone shouldn't sway you toward any deck.
Check out our post comparing the five observation decks to help you decide which one to visit.
3. See a Broadway Show
Theater lovers, this is a must-do!
You won't find better productions of musicals and plays than here on Broadway (though London's West End is a near second).
Find out what's playing when you're here and read mini-reviews from my fellow local tour guide, Katherine.
If, like me, you are on the hunt for the least expensive tickets possible, our post on how to save money on Broadway tickets has detailed information on the different ways you can find low prices.
TIP: Twice a year, you can get two tickets for the price of one to top shows during NYC Broadway Week.
During this bi-annual event, you can get two tickets for the price of one to top shows!
It takes place in early September and again from mid-January to February.
4. Attend a Sporting Event
New Yorkers love their sports! So much so that we have at least two teams for each of the major sports!
From August through December/January, you've got football. The New York Giants and the Jets play in nearby New Jersey.
From October through April, you can see the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks shoot hoops.
If they make the playoffs they'll play through June!
Also from October through April, ice hockey is in season. Pick from three teams: the Rangers, the Devils, or the Islanders.
Baseball season is from April to October. See the Mets and the Yankees. Baseball aficionados might like this popular tour of Yankee Stadium.
Besides the popular sports, NYC has some unique sporting events.
From late August until mid-September, the U.S. Open Tennis Championship comes to town (my favorite sporting event, especially free Fan Week).
In early November you can see the NYC Marathon for free--or run in it!
5. Save Big on New York City's Top Cuisine
Restaurant Week is a twice-yearly event when more than 300 of New York City's best restaurants offer a prix-fixe menu at a low price, relative to their regular prices.
Restaurants can offer meals at any or all of these prices: $30, $45 and $60. This may be for lunch, dinner or both.
The event takes place twice every year, from mid-July to early August and from mid-January to early February.
Over the years, I have dined at some of the city's highest-rated restaurants and saved hundreds of dollars along the way.
If you are a foodie like me and are in town when Restaurant Week takes place, do it!
6. Take a Sightseeing Tour
If you are considering taking a sightseeing tour, especially a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, you have many to choose from.
Walking tours are a fantastic way to explore NYC.
We offer approximately 40 different tours. We also have free self-guided tours.
Our GPS-enabled audio tours let you explore NYC's most popular neighborhoods at your own pace.
Our suggested itineraries can help you plan the perfect day (or days) of sightseeing.
7. Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum are located next to each other in Lower Manhattan.
The memorial and its two massive cascading fountains are a beautiful tribute to those who perished on that day in 2001.
The museum covers the tragic events of 9/11 through artifacts, documents, and films.
Before you book tickets to the museum, know that it can be emotionally challenging for some people. That was the case with me.
If you are traveling with children, I recommend you consider whether or not they are up to the challenge of confronting this subject.
While the memorial is free to visit, the National September 11th Museum does charge for tickets.
You can save on admission to the 9/11 Museum as it is included with some 9/11 Memorial tours and some tourist passes.
TIP: It's free to visit the museum on Mondays from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, though reservations are required and they can go fast.
8. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
For some, this is a must-see attraction. You'll have to set aside 4-5 hours to see both islands, but it really is worth the time.
I enjoyed my visit a lot, especially exploring Ellis Island as my grandparents were immigrants who passed through there.
Learn how to get to the Statue of Liberty, where to buy tickets and hours, see our detailed post, Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island National Immigration Museum.
9. Enjoy a Boat Cruise Around Manhattan
Choosing between the many boat rides can be maddening. There are tourist boats, hop-on,hop-off all-day boats, speedboats, and even sailboats.
Then there are nighttime, meals, and live entertainment cruises.
Figure out which boat ride is right for you by reading our post comparing NYC's boat tour options.
If you are on a budget, there are several free boat rides including the free Staten Island Ferry.
10. Eat Iconic New York Foods
Having eaten my way through New York over the decades, I can tell you that there are hundreds of fantastic places to eat here, many of which are fairly inexpensive.
Further down in this post, you can read about where to find the best versions of New York's famous foods.
Want to sample several NYC foods without a full sit-down meal?
Try our two-hour food tours where you'll sample the best of varying cuisines - while learning about the neighborhood you visit!
11. Save Money with a Tourist Discount Pass
Save money on many of NYC's best things to do by buying a tourist discount pass.
While the passes aren't free, if you plan your itineraries well, you will end up getting one or two attractions for free each day.
There are several types of passes so be sure to read our tourist discount comparison post to see which one will save you the most money on your trip.
12. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is beloved by locals, like me, and tourists alike, not just for the incredible views, but because of the sense of freedom one feels when crossing it.
Our guide to walking the Brooklyn Bridge has tips to make your walk unforgettable.
Why not join us on one of our Brooklyn Bridge tours?
We also have GPS-enabled audio Brooklyn Bridge tours in English, Spanish, and German.
Check out the great borough of Brooklyn before or after crossing the bridge.
See our detailed Things to Do in Brooklyn guide.
13. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is one of the most prestigious museums in the world and a highlight of many people's trips to New York City.
For those who love ancient artifacts, sculpture, famous artwork, and even fashion, a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must.
If you do make it to the Met and have some time to spare I suggest exploring some of the Upper East Side where the museum is located.
It's quite different from the neighborhoods that most tourists see.
There is also a bakery where you can find what I think is the best black-and-white cookie in NYC.
14. Hear Gospel Music
For a unique NYC experience, see a gospel choir. You'll feel inspired afterward!
Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to go to Harlem to hear gospel (though some of the best gospel choirs can be found in that neighborhood.)
Find out where to hear gospel music in New York City.
If you are interested in Harlem, consider taking our Harlem Walking Tour.
To discover this great neighborhood on your own, our post on things to do in Harlem has a self-guided map.
15. Take a Movie Location Tour
On Location Tours offers more than 20 amazing movie and TV location tours in New York.
These tours are public, private, or virtual if you can't make it to NYC.
You will see the spots where some of your favorite movies and TV shows are filmed along with behind-the-scenes details by a fun and knowledgeable guide.
Get an exclusive discount of 15% on tickets with the code OLT-FTBF when using this link to book your tour.
The most popular tour offered is the New York TV & Movie Tour.
NYC TV & Movie Tour
This tour covers locations of famous TV shows and movies like Friends, Girls, The Mindy Project, Glee, Someone Great, American Hustle, Ocean’s 8, Ghostbusters, Law & Order and many more.
- Price: Adult $61 | Child $45
- Availability: Daily
- Ages: All ages
- Duration: 2.5 hours, Small private tours are typically 1 hour shorter
- Tour Type: Bus Tour, Public Bus/Vehicle Tour
- Language: English
- To book or to learn more. (15% off using code OLT-FTBF)
On Location: Featured Tours
- Friends Virtual Sites Tour | Adult $15
- Central Park TV & Movie Sites | Adult $36, Child $26
- NYC TV & Movie Tour | Adult $61, Child $45
- Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Sites Tour - Private | $135 Min 3 and Max 22 passengers
- Boston Movie Mile Tour | Adult $36, Child $26
- Sex and the City Hotspots Tour | Adult $66
- Gossip Girl Sites | Adult $66
- Super Tour of NYC: Heroes! Comics! More! | Adult $66, Child $50
- Sopranos Sites | Adult $72
- Click to know more details or to book. (15% off using code OLT-FTBF)
On Location: Private Tours
- Super Tour of NYC: Heroes! Comics! More! - Private Tours | $135/person Min 3, Max 22 person
- Sopranos Sites - Private Tours | $120 per person, semi-private.
- Holiday Lights & Movie Sites - Private Tours | $135/person Min 3-Max 22 people
- Central Park TV & Movie Sites - Private Tour | $65/person when 2 people, $45/person when 3+ people
- NYC TV & Movie Tour - Private Tour | $135/person Min 3-Max 22 people
- Sex and the City Hotspots - Private Tour | $135/person Min 3-Max 22 people
- Gossip Girl Sites - Private Tour | $135/person Min 3-Max 22 people
- New York Classic Movie Tour | $450 up to 3 people, $135/person Min 3-Max 22 people
- When Harry Met Seinfeld Tour | $135/person Min - Max 22 people
- Click to know more details or to book. (15% off using code OLT-FTBF)
16. See New York City from the Sky
While you can get breathtaking views of the skyline throughout the city, there's nothing like an aerial view of NYC.
You may be surprised to know that helicopter tours of New York City are not only for the rich and famous!
Find out about costs, different options, and if it is a good choice of activity for you from our detailed post on NYC helicopter tours.
TIP: For amazing views from the sky, look into which side of your plane to sit on when flying in and out of the three NYC airports. This post from Reddit is helpful.
THE BEST FREE THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY
Some of the best free activities in NYC are covered above.
As far as I am concerned, one can never have enough free things to do here. And oh boy are there a lot!
Here are some more free (or nearly free) activities in New York City!
For hundreds of free things to do, check out our post on free things to do in NYC and our post on free museums and attractions.
17. Ride the Free Staten Island Ferry (day or night!)
Take a free ferry ride from Manhattan to Staten Island and back for spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
It runs 24 hours a day and the view, day and night, is something special.
Check out our guide to riding the Staten Island Ferry to plan your trip.
TIP: I always bring out-of-town friends on the Staten Island Ferry since it's free and the views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty are amazing.
When you depart Manhattan, go to the lower level and stand at the back of the ferry to get the best photos of the skyline.
18. Experience the Splendor of Grand Central Station
From its massive celestial ceiling to its secret 'whispering gallery', there is no train station like it in the world.
The station is actually a terminal that includes local subways as well as dozens of train tracks destined for locations as far as 3 hours out of NYC.
Seeing its beauty is nice, but Grand Central is so much more impressive when you learn about its fascinating history (and secrets).
I never get tired of its beauty and when I am in the area, I walk through just to admire its splendor.
Watch our video guide to this great terminal.
19. Visit the High Line and Chelsea Market
The High Line, a most unusual city park, is built on an abandoned elevated railroad.
The park is more like a long boardwalk, parallel to the Hudson River.
The views of the water are great and the cutting-edge architectural structures that line the High Line are intriguing.
From stories of the Titanic survivors to the changing cultural landscape of this centuries-old neighborhood in Chelsea, there is so much to know about the High Line.
You can walk the High Line for free or take a free tour like one of our pay-what-you-like High Line Park Walking Tours.
We also offer a GPS-enabled audio tour of the High Line narrated by one of our professional guides.
Our downloadable PDF self-guided tour is useful as is our post on things to do on the High Line.
TIP: When I go to the High Line, I like to grab some food at the nearby Chelsea Market to enjoy from the benches in the park.
20. Check out Street Art in Bushwick
New York has some of the finest street art in the world and much of it can be found in Bushwick in Brooklyn.
Visiting the Bushwick Collective Street Art Gallery is easy to do and makes for an off-the-beat activity during your stay.
You can use our self-guided tour or join us on any of our pay-what-you-like Street Art Tours including our Bushwick Street Art Tour.
As a big fan of street art, I am always keeping my eye open for new murals.
But I think some of the city's coolest street art is the clever, creative 'sticker art' you'll see all over, especially on crosswalk posts at street intersections in the Lower East Side.
21. Attend a Free TV Show Taping
I've done this loads of times, as have some of my fellow local tour guides, and we all agree that it was totally fun!
It's even better because it's free!
Some shows, like Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert require advanced planning.
Luckily, many shows allow you to apply for tickets just a few days before taping.
Our list of all the New York TV Show Tapings explains how to get free tickets.
22. Stroll Along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Located in historic Brooklyn Heights, the promenade offers unbelievable views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, especially at night.
Read more about the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, how to get there, and what you can do nearby.
Having lived in Brooklyn for nearly 15 years, I have had the pleasure of walking the promenade many, many times.
I like to go in the morning, grab a bagel and coffee in the morning from nearby Montague Street and relax on a bench. You can't beat this classic NY experience.
23. Discover the Many Neighborhoods of NYC
New York is a city that is a sum of its parts. It's made up of an astounding 339 neighborhoods spread across five boroughs.
If you want to get a deeper feel for New York City, set aside some time in your sightseeing schedule to explore some of NYC's most interesting neighborhoods.
The map below includes just a few of the neighborhoods you might like to visit.
Click on the map to be taken to in-depth posts on each neighborhood.
Below you'll find brief descriptions of these neighborhoods and others.
See our post on 20+ NYC neighborhoods with details of each, including the main sights to see and where to stay.
24. Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram
The Roosevelt Island Tram, which some might refer to as a cable car or gondola, provides a skyline view of the city like no other.
It's not quite free - it's $2.90, the same as a subway ride. But it's possibly the best $2.90 you'll spend while you are in New York City!
Read about the Roosevelt Island Tram and the best times to go, where you can find the tram station, how to get tickets and other tips.
Just like the Staten Island Ferry, I always bring my out-of-town guests on the tram.
They can't stop taking pictures - though I suggest taking a video.
I also like to spend a bit of time on Roosevelt Island since there are some interesting old buildings with fascinating stories and the views of Midtown Manhattan are unbelievable!
25. Enjoy a Free Museum
NYC has more museums than you can count, and while most have a cost, a lot of museums and institutions are always free or have a pay-what-you-like model (just like our tours).
One of these is the gorgeous and historic New York Public Library in Midtown Manhattan (in the picture below).
There's a lot more to see there than books!
The post also includes museums that have free hours or days like the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim Museum, and the National September 11th Museum.
As someone who loves history, and in particular the history of NYC, one of my favorite free museums is the Museum of the City of New York.
Entry is by suggested donation but there is no obligation to pay anything.
I usually give a buck -- it's the least I can do for my city!
26. Visit Little Island
This unique small public park is not like anything you've seen before!
Little Island is a 'floating' park built on concrete piles rising from the river and culminating into what resemble tulip pots!
A visit to Little Island is free and won't take up too much of your schedule since it is not large.
The skyline views of Lower Manhattan are pretty good.
TIP: To get a picture of Little Island as part of the skyline view like the one above, go to the rooftop of Pier 57 at W. 15th St. and 11th Avenue, two blocks north of Little Island.
It's free to go and there are public bathrooms, a rarity in NYC!
27. Go Play at Coney Island
Coney Island is one of New York City's iconic places.
For just the cost of a subway ride, you can stroll the historic boardwalk or take a dip in the ocean if the weather’s nice.
It’s a photographer's dream - -with a mix of old structures and a colorful cast of characters who hang out on the boardwalk.
There’s an amusement park with a nearly 100-year-old roller coaster, the Cyclone and the New York Aquarium, which charges admission but is free after 3 p.m. every Wednesday.
I won't say you should visit if you are in NYC for a few days since it takes about 45 minutes by subway to get there.
But if you have time to spare and are looking to do something off the tourist track, head to Coney Island.
If you get there, try a Nathan’s hot dog and their famous crinkle-cut fries! So good!
Read more about Coney Island here.
28. Take a Free, Self-Guided Tour
While we hope you will take many of our guided walking tours, we also have over 30 self-guided walks that are free to use
Tours come with details about the sites, step-by-step directions between each site and other neighborhood information. Some have interactive maps like the one below.
We also offer audio tours, some that are free, and others that cost just $1.99.
Some of our most popular audio tours are:
- Central Park
- Greenwich Village
- The High Line
- Harlem
- Grand Central Station
- and so many more.
29. See the Vessel at Hudson Yards
Located at Hudson Yards in Chelsea, the Vessel is likely the most unusual staircase you have ever seen.
Part structure, part sculpture, the concrete, and bronzed steel Vessel is 150 feet tall (47 m), with 154 interconnecting flights of stairs with 80 landings that you can stop at along the way.
Currently, the Vessel is not open to the public, but that may change in the future, so keep checking our post about the Vessel.
Sadly, I didn't have a chance to go in The Vessel when it was open, but it is one of the coolest things to see in New York City. The photo ops are endless!
30. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
One of the most fun days of the year in NYC is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade when the famous giant balloons of popular cartoon characters take over 5th Avenue!
No tickets are required to attend as it is free to go.
Read about the parade and the best viewing locations from our post about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
31. Celebrate the Holidays in New York City
Starting in mid-November through New Year, NYC is transformed into a colorful, bright wonderland.
If you are in town this time of year, you'll be dazzled by the Holiday lights all over the city. See the best of them on a Holiday Lights Tour.
Visit recognizable holiday movie locations like Elf, Home Alone 2, and Serendipity on a Christmas Movie Tour.
See the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and check out the incredible holiday window displays at the city's best department stores like Macy's and Saks.
Go to the one and only Radio City Christmas Spectacular or enjoy a different holiday performance.
For details on these events and others, read our Christmas in New York City guide.
Tip: To see the most outlandish holiday lights display imaginable, visit Dyker Heights in Brooklyn.
I head out there every couple of years and never fail to be amazed and amused by the lawn displays created by the competitive homeowners!
You can explore on foot and get there via subway, but you might want to consider our Dyker Heights Lights bus tour.
32. Shop at a Holiday Market
From mid-November through the New Year, you can shop at NYC's enchanting holiday markets.
There's more to do than just shop!
Enjoy scrumptious seasonal food from food stalls, stroll through, and feel the warmth and joy found in New York City this season.
My (and many of my fellow local tour guides) are fond of the market at Winter Village at Bryant Park.
Not only can you shop, you can ice skate, and even rent an "igloo" (a clear dome with indoor heaters) to enjoy food and drinks.
33. Ice Skating
The Rink at Rockefeller Center opens in the third week of October and many more NYC ice skating rinks open up as well.
Ice skating at Bryant Park's Winter Village is hands down one of our favorite free things to do in NYC between late October and March.
If you are here in late November, you can skate with the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree as a backdrop.
34. Ring in The New Year in Times Square
Perhaps the ultimate NYC experience is seeing the ball drop in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
It's the ultimate way to bring in the New Year like nowhere else in the world.
Our guide to New Year's Eve in Times Square has all the details for the event and tips on where to find the best views, what time to go, and how to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime moment!
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I have celebrated here once. That was enough for me.
It was amazing but required a lot of planning ahead.
Our NYE guide also includes other fun ways to spend December 31 in New York City!
For hundreds of other free things to do, check out our post on free things to do in NYC and our post on free museums.
NYC MUSEUMS AND ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS
I think that the activities above should keep you pretty busy, but here are more NYC attractions, historic sights, cultural institutions, botanical gardens and more that are not mentioned in this post.
Beneath this section is a list of top NYC art and history museums.
Just click on the attraction's name to be taken to a detailed post that includes:
- ticket prices and ways to find discounts or visit for free.
- open/closed days and hours
- directions on how to get there
- tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your visit.
- and in many cases, reviews of tour companies that offer tours of the attraction as well as self-guided tours.
As you plan your trip, you might also decide to consider purchasing a tourist discount pass.
These passes can help you save money by bundling attractions together for one flat price.
Many of the attractions and activities in this post are included in many tourist discount passes.
I encourage you to read our in-depth post comparing New York City Attraction Passes.
These passes are great deals for some and not for others. In that post, I explain how my friend from out of town saved more than $200!
NYC ATTRACTIONS, HISTORIC SIGHTS, AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
Here are some attractions, organized by type, that are worth visiting, granted if they suit your interests.
This list isn't exhaustive though. Lots of places you might like to visit are mentioned throughout this post so be sure to go over it all.
Botanical Gardens
New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)
This 50-acre botanical garden in the Bronx was established in 1891. The landscape has over one million living plants.
During the Christmas holidays, the NYBG has a fantastic holiday train show!
I love the Brooklyn Botanic Garden which has a lovely Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. In the spring the Cherry Blossom is lovely.
Other Botanical Gardens
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens
- Wave Hill Cultural Center
- Queens Botanical Gardens
Monuments and Memorials
Castle Clinton National Monument
This fort at the tip of Manhattan was built in 1808 as a fortification against a possible British invasion.
Though the British did invade the US in 1812, they did not reach New York, and the fort wasn't needed. Read more here.
Tip: Castle Clinton is where the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island departs and since it is free to explore, spend 10 minutes walking around.
It's a cool place if you like history. Kids like climbing on the cannons!
Other Monuments and Memorials
- African Burial Ground National Museum
- Irish Hunger Memorial
- Soldiers and Sailors Monument
- Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
- General Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial (Grant’s Tomb)
Famous and/or Historic Buildings
Trinity Church
Trinity Church has had three different buildings on the site.
The first was built in 1698 and was destroyed in a fire during the Revolutionary War.
The second Trinity was completed in 1790 but was destroyed by heavy snow so a third church (the current) was built and completed in 1847.
Trinity Church is an exceptional example of Neo-gothic design by Richard Upjohn.
TIP: It doesn't take long to step in and see the magnificent stained glass windows. If you are nearby, I say do it!
Other Famous and/or Historic Buildings
- Chrysler Building
- Flatiron Building
- Woolworth Building
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- New York Stock Exchange
- Dakota Apartments
- City Hall
TOP ART AND HISTORY MUSEUMS
Here are the top art and history museums in NY, except the Metropolitan Museum of Art covered above).
Many of these museums are included for free in tourist discount passes.
Even better, some have free hours or are always free. See a complete list in our post, Free Museums in New York City.
Guggenheim Museum
This museum is known just as much for its modern art collection as it is for the museum building itself, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
See works by Kandinsky, Magritte, Koons, Klee, Chagall, and more.
TIP: The Guggenheim has pay-what-you-wish hours on Monday and Saturday, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm (a $1 required fee).
You've got to book in advance though as it books up fast. You can do so here.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
One of the most impressive modern art museums in the world with over 150,000 paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculptures, architectural models and drawings, and design objects.
See masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Matise, Monet, Dali, Basquiat, Warhol, and so many others.
Art lover or not, this museum is a must-see.
It is a bit pricey though, but you can save money if you get a tourist discount pass since MoMA is included in many of them
American Museum of Natural History and Rose Space Center
Five floors with 45 permanent installations and special exhibitions.
See the skeletons of giant dinosaurs, the Hall of Gems, the Wall of Biodiversity and so much more.
The Rose Center for Earth and Space has the Big Bang Theater and Hayden Planetarium.
This museum is included for free with most tourist discount passes.
A big hit with the kids!
Whitney Museum of American Art
Contemporary American art from 20th and 21st-century artists like Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Georgia O'Keefe, and Mark Rothko among others.
Here's a bonus: from its terraces, you'll get views of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and more!
The Whitney has a pay-what-you-wish policy every Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm and on the second Sunday of every month.
Book in advance if you want to get in!
TIP: The museum is located at the entrance to High Line Park, and I usually combine my museum visit with a nice stroll in the park. It's really pretty (and less crowded) at night.
Other museums of interest:
- Tenement Museum
- Federal Reserve Bank of New York
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Museum of Broadway
- El Museo del Barrio
- Museum of Chinese in America (MoCA)
- Museum of the City of New York
- International Center of Photography
- The Jewish Museum
- The Frick Collection
- New-York Historical Society Museum
For more, see our post on the 35 best museums in NYC.
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN NYC
Our top things to do with kids in NYC post includes many of the best activities, the best times to go, and alternatives depending on the age of your children.
Take a look at our map of 25 Things To Do with Kids in Midtown Manhattan. The fun never ends for kids in NYC!
Kid-Friendly Attractions and Museums
Here are activities that your kids and the whole family may enjoy.
Click on the links to be taken to our in-depth posts on that attraction which have useful information including prices and hours, discounts, best times to go, and things to do nearby.
- American Museum of Natural History
- Bronx Zoo
- Madame Tussauds
- Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
- The New York Aquarium
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum
- Children’s Museum of Manhattan
- South Street Seaport Museum
- New York Transit Museum
My favorite (both when I was a kid and now as an adult) is the American Museum of Natural History.
Who doesn't love dinosaurs!
The Transit Museum is a very cool museum for both grown-ups and kids.
Hop on board vintage subway cars and buses. It's a fantastic time-travel experience.
Take a Food Tour
What makes kids happier than an amazing cupcake or a cheesy slice of pizza? (Grown-ups won't complain about these either!)
Our most popular food tours for families are:
TIP: Some of our non-food tours are suitable for kids, our Central Park Tours (video), our High Line Tours (video), and for the courageous kids, our New York Ghost Tours.
Take a Bus Tour or Boat Ride
Bus Tours
Give the little ones a chance to rest their legs on your day of sightseeing.
Since hop-on, hop-off bus tours generally stop at popular attractions, you can use the bus to travel from destination to destination.
Read our post, The Best Hop-On, Hop-Off NYC Bus Tours, to see which your family might like.
Boat Rides
If you are traveling with tweens or teens, take a ride on one of NYC's speedboats, The Shark, The Beast, and The Sea Wolf.
Parks and Playgrounds
When you and your child are tired of concrete sidewalks and noisy cars, head off to one of these green spaces where you can romp and play in New York style.
Visit Governors Island 
Governors Island is a small recreational vehicle-free island just 7 minutes by ferry from Lower Manhattan.
You can rent bikes, kayak for free, picnic, visit the various playgrounds, and try out the longest slide in NYC - three stories high and 57 feet long!
Lots of New Yorkers, including myself, love picnicking and frolicking here.
Read our post on Governors Island for directions, hours, and activities.
Romp, Ride, and Roll in Central Park
Central Park is filled with activities which we list in our post Things to Do in Central Park.
You can go roller-skating in the summer, ice-skating in the winter or take a bike ride whenever you want!
Climb, Kayak, and Ride a Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Located near Brooklyn Heights, the enormous Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO has all sorts of athletic activities from rock climbing, roller skating, kayaking, and more.
The little ones will love the historic Jane's Carousel. It's just $2 a ride
There are basketball and handball courts, multiple playgrounds, and even a seasonal pop-up pool.
Stop into the Time Out food market which has 21 eateries and decks with waterfront views!
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT
There is no lack of things to do at night in NYC. Below are a handful of great things to do at night in the city that never sleeps.
Keep in mind that many of the activities listed in other sections of this post can be enjoyed at night as well.
For even more ideas, check out our in-depth post on things to do at night in NYC.
Go to the Theater
An unforgettable way to spend an evening in New York City is to see a Broadway show or play.
You don't have to pay full price for tickets if you are flexible with your choice of shows.
Read our post on how to get discount Broadway tickets.
See a Stand-up Comedy Performance
No matter when you come to New York City, chances are there will be a few top comedians in town. You can see who's playing here.
There are also plenty of up-and-coming comedians playing in clubs and bars.
See our post on affordable comedy shows. There is also quite a lot of Free Stand Up in NYC.
Take a Nighttime Sightseeing Tour
Seeing New York City at night on a guided walking tour can make for an entertaining and inexpensive way to spend an evening.
We have several night tours of different neighborhoods, each beautiful at night in its own way.
We offer a Midtown Manhattan Night Tour, 911 Memorial and Brooklyn Bridge Night Tour, Ghost Tours, and a Dark Side of the High Line Tour.
If you want to start your evening early and get some beautiful photos of New York City, try a sunset tour.
We have a Sunset on the High Line as well as Central Park.
See a Concert, Opera, or Ballet
Spend an evening at one of New York City's renowned performance venues.
Lincoln Center has it all -- ballet, opera, jazz, film, modern dance, and more!
Carnegie Hall has a nice variety of musical genres.
The Apollo Theater has the famous Amateur Night, where stars like Michael Jackson got his start.
For pop and rock, see who's playing at Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall.
ENJOY NEW YORK FOOD
There are plenty of great places to eat in New York City and you don't have to spend a lot of money to do so.
Below are our suggestions of where to find the best versions of famous New York foods, as well as restaurants that will suit your mood, budget, and location.
The suggestions from me and my fellow local tour guides are tried and true!
You can taste several New York iconic foods on one of our popular (and delicious!) food tours of NYC.
New York Pizza
I highly recommend you have a meal at a pizzeria. Slices to go are great, but some of the best don't sell by the slice, so you must order order a pie.
These places are thin-crust, coal or brick over pies and I promise you will fall in love after the first bite.
Here are the best pizza places in New York City, organized by neighborhood so no matter where you are, you can find a great pizzeria.
New York Bagels
You haven't really had a bagel until you have had a New York bagel.
Here's our list of the 15 Best Bagels in New York City.
Italian
While it is a bit touristy, dining al fresco on Mulberry Street is a nice option. Read about Little Italy's restaurants.
New York Delicatessen
There are very few real delicatessens left in NYC. Fortunately, we still have Katz’s (yes, the very same one where Harry Met Sally.
Soul Food
A Harlem institution is Sylvia’s but there are lots of excellent places where you can find some of the best Harlem Soul Food.
Chinatown
For inexpensive, tasty food, head to Chinatown.
Other Great Eats
Our list of Greenwich Village restaurants has a nice variety of ethnic foods as well as kid-friendly food, cheap street food, and restaurants that are good for groups.
We have a Greenwich Village Food Tour but if you are unable to join us or want to explore the area and food on your own, use our Greenwich Village Snack Food with a self-guided tour.
We also have Lower East Side restaurant recommendations.
If you want to get a sampling of the foods typical of the neighborhood, try our Lower East Side Food Tour.
Grab a drink
Start off with our Guide to Bars in New York City. If you want to save some money, find a bar with Happy Hours.
To mix your drink with some New York history, visit one of several historic New York City Bars, like McSorley’s Old Ale House.
If you want some guidance, or maybe you are traveling solo and want some drinking buddies, Pub Crawl, Cocktail Tour or Bar Tour.
You can also take a Free New York Brewery Tour.
BY NEIGHBORHOOD
I think that visting New York City's diverse neighborhoods is one way to get a sense of what life is like here.
Using our 40+ self-guided tours as well as several GPS audio tours makes it easy!
Of course, you can join us for one of our many walking tours for deeper insight provided by our knowledgeable and personable guides.
Whether you are new to the city, or here for your second, third, or umpteenth time, here are some neighborhoods to explore.
Read about even more from our post, New York City Neighborhoods to Visit.
Lower Manhattan
At the tip of Manhattan, this neighborhood is where New York City was born (as New Amsterdam in 1624!)
The Financial District and Wall Street are in Lower Manhattan. Be sure to get a picture with the iconic Charging Bull!
National historic landmarks like Federal Hall sit side-by-side with skyscrapers, like One World Trade Center, with the One World Observatory atop.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum are here as are the terminals for the Statue of Liberty ferries and the free Staten Island Ferry.
Midtown Manhattan
Midtown is the center of New York City. It's so huge that there are numerous sub-neighborhoods, most notably, Times Square and the Theater District with its Broadway shows.
Some of NYC’s most beautiful structures are here: Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, and the Chrysler Building.
It’s where you’ll find three observation decks, the Empire State Building, SUMMIT, and Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.
Harlem
Located just north of Central Park, Harlem’s African-American roots go back to the 1880s.
Harlem has a rich cultural scene, with several small museums, jazz and live music clubs, and innovative restaurants.
There are some famous attractions like the Apollo Theater and Sylvia's Soul Food Restaurant, but Harlem has much more to offer.
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is both a charming and historic neighborhood with many quiet and leafy streets.
The hub is Washington Square Park with the Washington Square Arch as a centerpiece.
Some parts of the Village are lively 24 hours a day, especially at night when people are dining out, enjoying music and comedy clubs.
Some sights are the Friends' building, the Stonewall Inn, and Carrie Bradshaw’s Stoop (Sex and the City).
SoHo
If you love architecture, art, and great shopping, SoHo is for you!
Its narrow streets are lined with majestic cast-iron buildings from the late 1800s.
With over two dozen art galleries, you could spend an afternoon seeing all kinds of artwork.
There’s shopping for all budgets and plenty of dining options.
Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the oldest and most fascinating neighborhoods in NYC.
Wandering its old, narrow streets lined with Chinese signs transports you to another time and place.
Its storefronts are colorful, some selling vegetables and dried goods, others selling souvenirs.
Perhaps the best thing about Chinatown is the food. It’s just fantastic and pretty cheap.
Read about where to eat in Chinatown.
Little Italy
Little Italy, a popular tourist destination, really is little. It’s now just a few blocks centered around Mulberry Street.
Chinatown has taken over what was historically a much larger Little Italy.
To the north, the neighborhood was transformed into NoLita (north of Little Italy), a trendy area with boutiques, bars, and restaurants of all cuisines.
Fortunately, what's left of Little Italy still has its old New York charm with restaurants and cafes lining the streets.
The annual Feast of San Gennaro Festival is still going strong after
Lombardi's is the oldest pizzeria in the US, opened in 1908.
Food shops like Alleva sell freshly made cheeses, meats, and Italian snacks.
East Village
This ultra-cool neighborhood has a fascinating past stretching from its Dutch roots of the 1600s to its punk rock scene of the 1970s.
It’s one of the best places to see street art in Manhattan.
There’s lots of great shopping in small boutiques and vintage clothing stores.
Whatever kind of food you are in the mood for, you’ll find it in the East Village. The bar scene is the best in the city!
Chelsea
Chelsea is a lively neighborhood on the west side of Manhattan, north of Greenwich Village and south of Midtown.
Its biggest attractions are the High Line, Chelsea Market, and Little Island.
Chelsea has lots of trendy restaurants, some very charming streets with historic homes, and the highest concentration of art galleries in NYC.
Upper West Side (UWS)
This is one of the most popular (and expensive) residential neighborhoods in NYC, especially among families.
It’s adjacent to Central Park, has quiet side streets, and its avenues are filled with shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.
The main sites on the UWS that visitors are interested in are the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center.
Upper East Side (UES)
Located above 59th Street to 96th Street, this affluent neighborhood is on the east side of Central Park.
It is best known for being home to several world-class museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim.
The UES is a combination of residential high-rises and brownstones. There are lots of shopping and dining options for all budgets.
Brooklyn Heights
Located near the Brooklyn Bridge, this is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in New York City, and also one of its oldest.
Its origins date back to 1646 as it was a Dutch Village. In 1776 it was the site of the Battle of Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Heights’ history is rich, but it also has a wealth of beautiful streets and brownstones, as well as striking buildings representing several architectural styles.
Last - but not least - is the breathtaking view from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
DUMBO
First things first. The silly acronym stands for the District Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass!
Just north of Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO is a waterfront neighborhood between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.
Head to DUMBO to snap a picture of this iconic NYC view.
Dumbo is a mix of residential buildings, some shopping and restaurants, and lots of green space with incredible views of Lower Manhattan.
The most popular reasons to visit DUMBO are the views and the famous Grimaldi’s pizza!
THINGS TO DO BY MONTH AND SEASON
Here we provide links to our detailed posts on what to do each month in NYC. Once you know your travel dates, you can check to see what will be going on when you are here.
Beneath the list of months, you'll find short lists of some of the top seasonal events.
TIP: Not sure when to come? Our post about the best time to visit NYC has tips for each season.
Also, you can see the typical yearly weather in New York City here.
By Month
- January (weather)
- February (weather)
- March (weather)
- April (weather)
- May (weather)
- June (weather)
- July (weather)
- August (weather)
- September (weather)
- October (weather)
- November (weather)
- December (weather)
Seasonal Events
Winter Holiday Season (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb)
- Christmas in New York City
- Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting
- New York Holiday Lights Tour
- Holiday Shows in NYC
- NYC Christmas Movie Tour
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- New Year's Eve in Times Square
- NYC Broadway Week (Mid-January to Mid-February)
- Restaurant Week in January
- Veterans Day
- New York Comedy Festival
Springtime (March, April, May)
- Our tour schedule is blooming with more than 8 free, guided tours offered every day
- Tribeca Film Festival
- Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival
- Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Summer in the City (June July, Aug)
- New York City Summer Guide
- Shakespeare in the Park
- Things to Do on Governors Island
- Free concerts in Central Park at Summerstage
- New York City Beaches
- Restaurant Week in late July
- 4th of July Fireworks
Fall (Sept, Oct)
- Little Italy's San Gennaro Festival
- New York Caribbean Carnival Parade
- Village Halloween Parade
- Columbus Day Parade
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
For those looking for some structure for a short stay in New York City, we've created several itineraries so that you can hit the road running.
If you want to learn more about the sites you'll visit, enhance the itineraries with one of our two-hour guided walking tours, self-guided tours or our GPS-enabled audio Tours.
One Day in New York City
When planned well, you can see an awful lot of New York City in just one day.
Our One Day in NYC tour is a lot like the 1890s song "Sidewalks of New York!"
The theme: "East Side, West Side, all around the town"! How's this for one day?
- Morning: A stroll in Central Park, seeing the world-famous Rockefeller Center followed by lunch in Grand Central Terminal.
- Afternoon: Catch your breath and gear up for a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, exploring Wall Street and the oldest streets of New York City, a free ferry ride with amazing views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, finished with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial Plaza.
- Evening: Dinner at one of the many eateries in the Oculus, the newest part of the World Trade Center. Or see a Broadway show instead. You can also take one of our New York Night Tours.
3 Days in New York City
Day 1 "Bright Lights, Big City"
Throw yourself right into the heart of the city in Midtown Manhattan starting at Times Square, the gorgeous and historic New York Public Library, and the stunning Grand Central Terminal.
You'll visit Rockefeller Center and visit the Top of the Rock, one of the city's three observatories. The 360-degree views will take your breath away.
After looking down on Central Park from above, you'll then spend some time exploring its most well-known parts.
Afterward, if you can muster the energy, see a Broadway show!
Day 2 "Historical New York"
Find out where it all began by strolling some of the oldest streets of the city.
Start off at Trinity Church, built in 1846 but with a congregation that dates back to colonial days.
Head over to Wall Street with the world-famous New York Stock Exchange Building and Federal Hall, where George Washington was sworn in as the first president.
Walk down to Battery Park, where the Dutch colonized 'New Amsterdam" in 1624.
Ride the free Staten Island Ferry for fantastic vistas, see the solemn and moving 9/11 Memorial, and go to the top of One World Observatory and be blown away by just how much and far you can see.
End your day with a relaxing walk along High Line Park.
Day 3 "Live Like A Local"
It's time to relax and spend the day doing what New Yorkers do on their days off: walk, shop, and eat.
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is a great way to start your day and you will certainly work up an appetite.
Lunch in Chinatown fits right in. After your meal, you can explore the old streets and shop for souvenirs or knock-off bags.
Wander up through Little Italy and over into SoHo. Round out your day in Greenwich Village with an inexpensive meal and people-watching that is priceless.
Just click here to get all the details on this itinerary.
3 Days with Kids in New York City
This itinerary is a variation of the above, with emphasis on places kids will like such as the American Museum of Natural History and the Bronx Zoo.
It's not so overly child-focused so the whole family will be entertained.
Because some of the most popular sites among the young ones (and adults too) are a bit pricey, we include tips and advice on how to get discounts or even pay nothing at all!
Click here to see this family-friendly itinerary.
A Few Hours in New York City - a Layover Itinerary
There's no reason you can't see a heck of a lot in a few hours.
This post recommends different tours and activities that won't take all day and won't take a bite out of your wallet.
The post also includes details on the quickest ways to get to and from the major airports and where to store luggage.
Itineraries Using a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
Two top passes, the New York Pass and the Sightseeing Pass have suggested itineraries that show you how much you can save. The itineraries are just examples.
You'll have hundreds of attractions and activities to choose from to create your own itinerary.
TIP: For an in-depth explanation of tourist passes, which ones are available and how to maximize your savings if you get one, read our post, New York City Attraction Passes: Which One Is the Best to Buy?
Here is a 3 Day suggested itinerary from the New York Pass.
- Day 1: Start the morning off with a Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour. Get oriented to the city while seeing major sights from an open-top bus. Then midday, visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. In the late afternoon, spend some contemplative time at the 9/11 Memorial. Then step inside the 9/11 Museum to learn about the events of that day through pictures, videos, and artifacts.
- Day 2: Wake up and head up to the Empire State Building to admire the 360-degree views of the city. A great way to start your day. Then take a relaxing Circle Line Cruise and see the city from an entirely different perspective. Finish your day with an easy bicycle tour in leafy Central Park.
- Day 3: Begin your last day with a voyage on the unique bus tour called The Ride. You’ll see some major sights and get some surprises too. Then go see your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds wax figure museum. Afterward, go to the Top of the Rock observation deck for panoramic views of the city. Finally, spend your evening enjoying a taste of New York on a food tour.
If you were to visit all these places without a New York Pass, you'd pay $400. With a 3-Day New York Pass, you would save $141!
See their 5-day Itinerary and a 7-day Itinerary. It may inspire you to consider buying a pass to create an itinerary.
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