Looking for things to do in New York? Check out our 30 tips for the best places to visit in New York City.
The detailed overview of things to do in New York also includes practical information – admission fees, prices, opening hours and an interactive map that you can download to your mobile phone.
You’ll never be bored in New York. It is a city that is ready for visitors 365 days a year. In the cold and gloomy winter and the humid and warm summer, there are so many activities to choose from that you won’t even need a few visits.
Today, we’re going to show you the best places to visit and the best things to do in New York City.
- Things to do in New York City: Best places to visit
- 1. Empire State Building
- 2. Central Park – things to do in New York
- 3. Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock
- 4. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- 5. Oculus
- 6. One World Observatory
- 7. Statue of Liberty
- 8. Boating
- 9. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
- 10. High Line
- 11. Chelsea Market – things to do in New York
- 12. Brooklyn Bridge
- 13. Times Square – things to do in New York
- 14. Metropolitan Museum of Art – The MET
- 15. Hudson Yards
- 16. Edge – things to do in New York
- 17. St. Patrick's Cathedral
- 18. Battery Park
- 19. 5th Avenue
- 20. Bronx Zoo
- 21. Wax Museum – Madame Tussauds Museum
- 22. Coney Island
- 23. Grand Central Station
- 24. Wall Street – things to do in New York
- 25. Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park
- 26. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- 27. American Museum of Natural History
- 28. The MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art)
- 29. Guggenheim Museum – Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- 30. Broadway
- Best things to do in New York – Map
- Where to stay in New York?
- How to save in New York?
- More information about New York
- Summary: Things to do in New York City
Things to do in New York City: Best places to visit
There are so many great things to do in New York. Check out our list of the best places to visit in New York City.
Using the list and map, you can easily create an itinerary of what to see in New York in one, two, three or more days.
Tip: Would you like to save on admission to attractions and sights in New York? See the review and comparison of tourist cards in New York (link opens in a new window) to help you save big on your trip to New York.
1. Empire State Building
Empire State Building is the iconic New York City building that dominates most photographs. This Art Deco skyscraper is 381 m tall (443 m with an antenna) and was the first building to have more than 100 floors (102 in total).
It is 2nd the tallest building in New York after One World Trade Center, 5th the highest in America and 30th in the world. Empire State Buiding is struck by lightning an average of 25 times a year. In one storm it was 8 times in 24 minutes.
☞ Book tickets for Empire State Building (reservation required).
More than 4 million visitors a year come here to enjoy the view.
The Empire State Building has two observation decks:
- viewpoint in 86th floors, which is the highest open-air observation deck in New York City, and it’s exactly the kind of observation deck we know from most movies;
- viewpoint in 102th floors which is closed, and from which you can see as far as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts under favorable conditions.
Admission and opening hours Empire State Building
Full admission to the Empire State Building is $44 for everyone over 13, reduced admission is $38 for children, and reduced admission is $42 for seniors over 62.
☞ Reservations for the Empire State Building are required – book your tickets here.
The lookout is open daily from 9:00-00:00.
Getting to the Empire State Building: subway lines B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W – 34 St – Herald Sq Subway Station
2. Central Park – things to do in New York
Central Park is an oasis of green in the middle of the concrete jungle of Manhattan. The park covers 40 blocks, is 800 metres wide and 4 kilometres long. Walking trails in the park reach 92.8 kilometres in length.
Central Park is the most visited city park in the United States and one of the best maintained parks in the world. People flee here from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are so many activities that you can spend your entire holiday here and still have something to do. Just take a walk, have a picnic in the grass, take a rowboat ride on the lake, visit the local zoo, see the Belvedere Castle or the Alice in Wonderland statue and much more.
You can pick up a map of the park at the visitor centre and plan your route accordingly. Visitor centres are usually small kiosks or can be found in Belvedere Castle, for example.
Central Park in numbers? 7 artificial lakes and ponds, 51 statues, 36 bridges and arches, 7 decorative fountains and 125 drinking fountains, more than 9,000 benches. More than 200 movies have been filmed here, making it the most filmed place in the world.
From late spring to early fall, join a free tour of Central Park every Saturday at 11am.
- Admission: free
- Opening hours: 6:00-01:00
- Metro: lines 1, 2, 3, A, C, D
Tickets to the most popular attractions in New York City where reservations are required or long lines form:
3. Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock
Rockefeller Center is the largest complex of private Art Deco buildings built in the modern era. The entertainment and shopping centre consists of more than 100 shops, restaurants and cafes.
The complex also includes NBC Television and Radio City Music Hall. From mid-October to mid-March there is a famous ice rink with a giant Christmas tree by the Prometheus statue.
From the Top of the Rock observation deck, which stretches 67th, 69. and the 70th floor, you’ll enjoy great views of the Empire State Building and all of New York City.
Admission and opening hours Top of the Rock
Full admission starts at $40 for everyone over 13, reduced admission is $34 for children 6-12 and reduced admission is $38 for seniors 62+. The final price is based on the day and time you visit Top of the Rock.
The lookout is open daily from 9:00-00:00 (opening hours may be shorter in winter) – you can choose the specific time when booking.
How to get to Top of the Rock: subway lines B, D, F, M – station 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr
☞ How to skip the lines at Top of the Rock: Top of the Rock is one of the most visited attractions in New York City and the lines start forming in the morning. Skip the lines by booking tickets in advance. Simply show your ticket on your mobile phone, or you can print it out.
4. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The two 110-storey towers of the World Trade Center (Twin Towers) once dominated the Manhattan skyline, but were destroyed by suicide planes on 9/11/2001. The attack took a huge toll of lives and made an indelible mark on the black history of New York.
You can commemorate the tragic event at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
In place of the two towers, there are now two mirror pools where the water flows down the sides. The pools are flanked by bronze panels with the names of nearly 3,000 victims of the 11th September and 6 victims from the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The deciduous trees around symbolize peace. One of the trees is even original and survived the tragedy.
Between the pools lies a museum in a curved glass building, where you can find out all the information related to the 11th September. Underground you will see the remains of the foundations of the Twin Towers.
The museum grounds are littered with sad reminders, such as twisted steel columns, a broken fire truck and the “Survivors’ Staircase”, which miraculously survived the building’s collapse and was the only escape route.
☞ Book tickets to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Admission and Opening Hours 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The memorial is open for free 7 days a week.
Full museum admission is $33, reduced admission is $27 for youth 13-17 and seniors 65+, and reduced admission is $21 for children 6-12. Children up to 6 years of age are admitted free of charge.
Every Monday from 17:30-19:00 is free of charge. However, you still need to book tickets in advance and only a limited number of tickets are available. Free tickets go on sale at 7:00 that morning.
Opening hours vary by season. Normally open 9:00-19:00, closed on Tuesdays. Opening hours are extended on selected days during the holidays and shortened in winter. The last entry is always 90 minutes before the end of opening hours. Please check the current opening hours when booking your tickets.
How to get in: Subway line 1 – WTC Cortlandt station, lines N, R, W – WTC Cortlandt St station, line E – World Trade Center station
☞ How to skip the lines at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum: 9/11 Museum is one of the most visited landmarks in New York City. A limited number of people are always allowed inside – by booking tickets in advance you can secure your entry for the time you want. I recommend to set aside at least 2 hours for the visit itself – the museum is divided into smaller parts and you can adapt the tour to your own needs.
5. Oculus
Right across the street from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is the Oculus Shopping Center. It was built here as part of the reclamation of the area after the terrorist attack as a strong reminder of that day.
The building with white fins reminiscent of a spaceship impresses at first sight both from the outside and the magnificent interior.
6. One World Observatory
One World Observatory is another skyscraper and one of the most popular places in New York to experience fantastic views of the city. The elevator takes you to the 102nd floor in 47 seconds with a glass-enclosed view and bar.
The experience includes a section of the glass floor where you can actually see 100 floors down to the street or a multimedia grid with 145 screens showing the best of New York.
Admission and opening hours One World Observatory
Full admission for everyone over 13 is $44, reduced admission for children ages 6-12 is $38 and for seniors over 65 is $42.
It is open 7 days a week from 09:00-22:00.
How to get: One World Observatory is located next to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. It’s also easy to get here by subway: line 1 – WTC Cortlandt station, lines 2 and 3 – Park Place station.
☞ How to skip the lines at One World Observatory: One World Observatory is one of the most visited attractions in New York City. Skip the lines by booking tickets in advance. Just show your ticket on your mobile phone at the venue, or you can print it out.
7. Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty, the world’s most famous statue, dating from 1886, symbolizes the independence of the United States under the American Declaration of Independence of 1776. The date of the declaration is engraved on a tablet which the statue holds in its left hand. The right hand towers overhead the flood that made Americans find the light and leave the dark days of slavery behind.
At the feet of the statue lies a broken chain in recognition of the abolition of slavery in the United States. The Statue of Liberty is strategically placed to welcome immigrants to the shores.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people to the people of the United States as a symbol of friendship. The statue was shipped in 350 pieces in 214 crates and took a total of 4 months to assemble. The right hand arrived first, which the Americans displayed in Philadelphia until the rest arrived.
The ferry will also take you to Ellis Island. Island, which is part of the National Monument of the Statue of Liberty. At the local Immigrant Museum, you can learn about the experiences and stories of people who have gone through the immigration process on their way to the United States.
☞ Book tickets for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.
Tip: If you don’t need to see the statue up close, hop on the Staten Island Ferry (free) that passes by on its way to Staten Island. I recommend avoiding the afternoon rush hour to avoid waiting. The second way to see the statue in its full glory from afar is in Battery Park.
Admission and opening hours of the Statue of Liberty
Full ferry admission to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is $25.30 for everyone over 13, $16.30 for children 4-12 and $22.30 for seniors 62 and older.
The price includes:
- Ferry to Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty and a museum with interesting exhibits focusing on the Statue of Liberty (free admission)
- Ferry from Liberty Island to neighboring Ellis Island, where you can visit the Immigrant Museum (free admission)
- Ferry ride back to Manhattan to Battery Park or New Jersey, depending on where you sailed from
Both islands have landscaped promenades and there are refreshments and plenty of benches in the shade of the trees. Plus, it has a beautiful view of lower Manhattan.
Ferries to the Statue of Liberty
Ferries depart daily between the hours of 9:00-17:45 (may vary depending on the season – please select a specific time when booking). They are white and have the Statue Cruises markings.
If you’re in Manhattan, ferries depart from Battery Park in South Downtown (New Jersey is another option). The ticket offices are located directly in front of Clinton Castle.
This is the standard and most popular ticket type. Then there are also special tickets that include entry to the base of the statue or directly into its crown. However, tickets to the Crown are rarely available here – you can check here.
Book your tickets for the Statue of Liberty here. Before boarding the ferry, you will be subject to a security check.
8. Boating
Want to get a unique view of the iconic Big Apple skyline? Cruise down the Hudson River or cruise around Manhattan Island for fantastic views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and the tall skyscrapers that define the city.
Enjoy a different perspective or end your day with a cruise – the view of a lit-up New York is worth it. Book a Manhattan cruise here .
9. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is one of New York City’s newest and most popular attractions. And it is not just any observation deck.
You’ll find two floors of floor-to-ceiling mirrors, glass ledges high above Madison Avenue, multimedia screens and endless views from 93. floors (from the outdoor terrace and the indoor lounge).
Admission and Opening Hours SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Full admission is $43 for ages 13+ and $37 for children 6-12. Children up to 6 years of age are admitted free of charge.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is open 9:00-00:00 and until 22:30 in winter. Closed on Tuesdays.
How to get to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: The skyscraper is located downtown, a short walk from the Empire State Building, next to Grand Central Station. To get here, take the 7 subway line – 5th Avenue station.
☞ How to skip the lines: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has been one of the most visited attractions in New York in recent years. Skip the line by booking tickets in advance, which the operator itself recommends. Just show your ticket on your mobile phone at the venue, or you can print it out.
10. High Line
How to use the former elevated railway? How about creating a linear urban park called the High Line that runs through 8 blocks and is 2.33 km long?
One of New York City’s most popular city parks, it offers views of the city’s surroundings from 10 metres up, manicured gardens and plenty of greenery and refreshment stands. The park is accessible at several points by stairs or elevator.
- Admission: free
- Opening hours: 7:00-19:00 in winter, 7:00-22:00 in spring and autumn (until 20:00 on Sundays), 7:00-23:00 in summer
Hotels in New York 😴
11. Chelsea Market – things to do in New York
If you’re spending time on the High Line, you can’t miss the popular Chelsea Market in the Old Factory. A variety of shops and delicious food under one roof. And a lot of people too, but that counts everywhere in New York :).
Chelsea Market is open daily from 8:00-21:00.
12. Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge is a 486.3 m long steel suspension bridge with Gothic arches, which was the first bridge of its kind in the world. It connects Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River.
More than 120,000 vehicles and 3,100 cyclists and 4,000 pedestrians cross the bridge every day. If you want to take a photo without people, you have to come early in the morning.
Interestingly, the peregrine falcon regularly nests on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Want to experience that iconic view of the Brooklyn Bridge? Look for the Dumbo – Manhattan Bridge View on Washington Street.
On either side of the Brooklyn Bridge is a park with views of Manhattan across the street.
13. Times Square – things to do in New York
A visit to New York would not be complete without a visit to Times Square, the most famous transportation hub in the world, where 400,000 pedestrians pass through every day.
The square is so illuminated that even astronauts can see it from space and can pinpoint its exact location. That’s why it’s called the “Centre of the Universe”.
The square is named after the New York Times, which moved here in 1904.
Times Square is shaped like two triangles, with Broadway running through the grid. It used to be one of the most dangerous areas – prostitution, drugs, etc.
Please note: Times Square has a strict no smoking policy. You can be fined up to $50 in the event of a violation.
14. Metropolitan Museum of Art – The MET
Remember the episode of Friends where Charlie, who’s dating Joey, wants to go to the MET? Joey enthusiastically agrees with her because he thinks she’s talking about the New York Mets baseball team :). But we are talking about this museum, which is one of the most important in the United States.
The MET is a premier art gallery where you’ll be treated to paintings by American artists, historical armor from around the world, Egyptian artifacts, Parisian rooms that were all relocated from France, and more.
The permanent collection comprises more than 2 million objects spanning 5,000 years and is so visual and extensive that you can easily spend a whole day here.
The museum is located in 3 places. The main office is located on the east side of Central Park on 5th Avenue.
Admission and opening hours of The MET
Full admission to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is $30, reduced $22 for seniors 65+ and reduced $17 for students. Children up to 12 years of age and disabled persons with an escort are admitted free of charge. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
The museum is open every day except Wednesday at the following times: from Sunday to Thursday 10:00-17:00 and on Friday and Saturday 10:00-21:00.
How to get there: subway line 4, 5, 6, 86th Street station
15. Hudson Yards
Do you enjoy interesting architecture? Check out The Shed and The Vessel at Hudson Yards at the north end of the High Line. The Shed is a relatively new art centre with a movable roof that is worth seeing at least from the outside.
The Vessel is a spiral staircase in the shape of a honeycomb, which you can use to climb up to 16th floor. Admission is $10 (currently under renovation as of 2023 – also valid for 2024). You’ll find better views in New York, but the building itself is interesting and the views are again new and fresh.
16. Edge – things to do in New York
We’ll stay in Hudson Yards, where the Edge observation deck with a partially transparent floor is located. Nothing for the faint of heart, but it’s a unique experience with a great view.
Admission and opening hours
Full admission to the Edge observation deck is $36 for everyone ages 13-61, reduced admission is $31 for children ages 6-12, and reduced admission for seniors is $34. Skip the lines and reserve your tickets in advance.
It is open daily from 09:00-22:00, in winter from 10:00.
How to get here: subway line 7 – 34 Street-Hudson Yards station
17. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The neo-Gothic St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most impressive religious buildings in New York City, which is even more striking on a bustling, modern avenue among the skyscrapers.
The cathedral is regularly restored. The most recent $200 million renovation took place in 2016.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is open free of charge from 6:30-20:45. It’s right on 5th Avenue, accessible by the E or M subway lines.
☞ Read more: Here is a detailed itinerary including a map of what to see in New York in 5 days.
18. Battery Park
Battery Park is a waterfront park near Wall Street or the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
You can just sit in the grass and watch the birds and street performers, or listen to the sound of the water or musical performances. The park offers a great view of the Statue of Liberty and other parts of New York City.
19. 5th Avenue
5th Avenue is a prime shopping area where many top designers have stores – Cartier, Bergdorf-Goodman, Apple Store, Saks and Tiffany & Co. If you’re wondering where to go shopping in New York, 5th Avenue is the place to go.
As well as luxury brands, you’ll also find more affordable brands such as H&M. 5th Avenue is also home to the famous triangular Flatiron skyscraper.
20. Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is simply an experience. One of the oldest and largest zoos in the United States, it’s a must if you’re coming to New York with kids. On 265 acres you will see more than 8,000 animals.
Admission to the Bronx Zoo starts at $26.95 for anyone over 13, $18.95 for children 3-12 and $24.95 for seniors. Advance reservations are required . Wednesdays are free, but you still need to book in advance here.
The opening hours of the ZOO vary according to the season: November-March 10:00-16:30, April-October during the week 10:00-17:00 and on weekends and holidays 10:00-17:30.
Hotels in New York 😴
21. Wax Museum – Madame Tussauds Museum
Madame Tussauds Museum can also be found in other cities such as Barcelona, Berlin and London. The New York Wax Museum is spread over 5 floors near Times Square, and in addition to famous celebrities, you’ll also see a Broadway set.
Full admission to Madame Tussauds Museum is $44 for everyone over the age of 3 (children under 2 are free).
It is open daily from 10:00-20:00.
Tip: Would you like to save on admission to attractions and sights in New York? See the review and comparison of tourist cards in New York (link opens in a new window) to help you save big on your trip to New York.
22. Coney Island
Coney Island is a famous fun-filled peninsula with a sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean. The Luna Park amusement park or Deno’s Wonder Wheel is a favourite, and you’ll have NY in the palm of your hand. The attractions are closed in winter.
23. Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station has been featured in a number of films and TV shows. Its spectacular Beaux Arts interior with turquoise ceiling is breathtaking. The best view is from the grand staircase.
24. Wall Street – things to do in New York
Wall Street is the home of the stock market and the financial world in New York. Actually, there’s not that much to see here, it’s more about the atmosphere.
While you’re here, visit the three-ton Charging Bull statue that stands nearby on Broadway. The sculpture symbolizes the courage and fortitude of New Yorkers and the defense against greed and excesses in the wake of the 1987 Wall Street crash.
25. Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park
Greenwich Village is a popular neighbourhood full of restaurants, bars, jazz clubs and stand-up comedy shows. Its centerpiece is Washington Square Park with its large arch.
If you weave your way through the surrounding streets, you might find the Friends house or Carrie’s house from Sex and the City.
26. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Take a journey through American military and naval history at the museum Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
The museum, which is moored along the Hudson River in New York City, houses the aircraft carrier Intrepid, which served in World War II, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. You can see its decks, its impressive collection of aircraft and even walk through the Shuttle Pavilion, which houses the Enterprise.
Admission and opening hours Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Full admission is $36 for everyone ages 13-64, reduced admission is $26 for children ages 5-12, and reduced admission is $34 for seniors. Book your tickets by clicking here.
It is open daily from 10:00-17:00.
How to get here: The museum is about a 20-minute walk from the subway station or within walking distance of Hudson Yards.
Tickets to the most popular attractions in New York, where long lines form:
27. American Museum of Natural History
If you liked the Natural History Museum in London or Vienna, you’ll like the American Museum of Natural History too.
The huge museum, located near Central Park, features everything from the universe and dinosaurs to the evolution of mankind – information on the cultures of peoples in Asia, the Pacific and Africa, the life of American Indians, a collection of gems, ocean life and butterflies, a planetarium and nature films on a giant IMAX screen. This is complemented by ever-changing temporary exhibitions.
Admission and opening hours
Full admission is $28, reduced admission is $16 for children ages 3-12 and reduced admission is $22 for seniors. Advance reservations are required – click here to reserve your tickets .
The museum is open daily from 10:00-17:30.
How to get in: Metro lines A, B, C – 81 Street Station – Museum of Natural History
28. The MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art)
Do you enjoy modern and contemporary art? At MoMA, you’ll find something for everyone. Here you can enjoy works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock or Starry Night by Van Gogh, among others.
Admission and opening hours of MoMA
Full admission is $28, reduced admission is $20 for seniors and disabled (free for accompanying person), $15 for students. Children up to 16 years of age are admitted free of charge. Get your tickets by clicking here.
The museum is open from Sunday to Friday from 10:30-17:30 and on Saturdays until 19:00.
How to get in: Metro lines E, M – 5th Avenue-53 St Station
29. Guggenheim Museum – Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum is one of the most famous modern art galleries, where you can enjoy works by Kandinsky, Miró, Chagall, but also paintings by Picasso, Cezanne, Manet, Degas and others.
The museum is located on the east side of Central Park, a short walk from the MET. From the outside, the museum’s building impresses with its shape, which resembles a snail’s shell or a giant corkscrew.
Admission and opening hours of the Guggenheim Museum
Full admission is $30 and reduced admission is $19 for seniors, students and disabled (free for caregiver). Children up to 12 years of age are admitted free of charge. Get your ticket by clicking here.
The Guggenheim Museum is open 10:30-17:30.
How to get here: The museum is right on 5th Avenue – subway lines 4, 5, 6, Q – 86th Street station.
30. Broadway
Broadway is a network of 41 theatres that crisscrosses Times Square. The most famous, longest-running and highest-grossing play on Broadway is The Phantom of the Opera. Broadway is 33 miles long, and 15 of those miles are in New York City. It is the longest street in the city.
Admission to the show: Tickets for the show normally run around $120-160. You can get them for half price at TKTS stands.
Best things to do in New York – Map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you’ll find a detailed map of things to do in New York City. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the New York travel guide. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
Where to stay in New York?
- OUR CHOICE: Hyatt Place NYC Chelsea: Fantastic hotel in downtown Manhattan, great views of Manhattan and subway 5 minutes away.
- Washington by LuxUrban: Four star hotel in Downtown, great views, great access to JFK airport.
- Hotel Under Times Square: Modern and design hotel 2 minutes from Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. Great access to the sights and the Port Authority bus station.
- LIC Hotel: Three-star hotel in Queens at a good price. Strategically located halfway between Manhattan and JFK Airport.
- West Side YMCA: Cheap accommodation near Central Park in simply furnished private or shared rooms. There is a swimming pool, sauna, fitness.
Hotels in New York 😴
How to save in New York?
Tourist passes are the best way to save money in New York. They will help you save significantly on admission fees for attractions and transport in the city. There are several types of tourist cards to choose from – here’s a brief overview of the most popular ones:
New York Pass is a tourist card that gives you free admission to over 100 sites in New York City – the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, the Edge, the Memorial and the 11th Street Museum. September, One World Observatory, Statue of Liberty, MET, MoMA, cruise and more.
You can purchase a New York Pass for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days (valid for calendar days). The price is then based on this.
New York Explorer Pass is a tourist pass that buys you a number of attractions, not a number of days. You can choose between 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 places to go in New York (you have 60 days from activation).
New York CityPASS is ideal for those planning to visit fewer attractions in New York City. With the card you get access to 5 attractions:
- 2 entrances are included automatically and you can’t change them – the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History,
- 3 additional attractions to choose from – Top of the Rock, Ferry to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Manhattan Sightseeing Cruise, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Guggenheim Museum.
☞ See a detailed comparison and review of tourist cards in New York.
These were our picks for the best things to do in New York City. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about New York
NEW YORK ITINERARY: To help you plan your trip, take inspiration from our 5 days New York itinerary.
NEW YORK GUIDE: Here’s our New York Travel Guide (transport, hotels, prices, map etc.) Here you will find tips on how to save in New York.
You can save a lot on entrance fees with tourist cards – check out our comparison and review.
LONDON: London is the European equivalent of New York. Check out the best places to visit in London or get inspired by our itinerary for visiting London in 3 days.
Summary: Things to do in New York City
New York is famous for its architecture and interesting places. Iconic places in New York include the Empire State Building, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and the Statue of Liberty. See the article for more tips, including admission, opening times and photos.
Travelling on a budget? New York has lots of beautiful places that you can visit completely free of charge. For example, Central Park, Times Square, Grand Central Station, Wall Street, Battery Park, Greenwich Village and the New York Times building.
For each venue in the article, you’ll find detailed information on admission fees, opening times, where to buy tickets and how to get there.