40 Best Things to Do in New York City, According to Local Experts

Attend a Broadway show.

One of the few places you can spot native New Yorkers and tourists from all over the world mingling together is at a Broadway show. People flock to the city’s Theater District to catch one (or more) of its two-dozen-plus performances, ranging from classics like Chicago and Wicked to newer titles like The Notebook and Death Becomes Her. Seeing a Broadway show is both energizing and a good way to escape bad weather. And, if you're traveling with kids, tickets to The Lion King will make everyone happy.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge.

“I love walking or jogging across the Brooklyn Bridge,” says Vazquez, who adds that “everyone should do it at least once.” The iconic landmark offers some of the best views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, making it one of the top (and most popular) things to do in New York City and the number one attraction in Brooklyn.

To avoid crowds, visit as early in the morning as possible, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes; the walk takes about 30 minutes (1.3 miles) each way, but add on 15 to stop for photos and stroll at a leisurely pace. You can start either in DUMBO on the Brooklyn side or in Manhattan, just across from City Hall. Note that you can also cycle across the bridge in the protected bike lane, separated from pedestrians and cars.

Hop on the ferry.

Some say that New York is best explored on foot, but we’d argue the city is even more magical when viewed from the water. The best way is also a bargain: a ride on the NYC Ferry costs just $4 (a 10-pack of tickets is $27.50) and will take you up and down the East River, past the Empire State Building, and right under the Brooklyn Bridge. You can sit outdoors or in, and there's even a little bar inside. “Embark on a captivating boat ride through New York Harbor to bask in breathtaking views of the city's skyline,” says Alfonso. “This experience allows you to appreciate the city from a different perspective.”

Pack a picnic and head to Central Park.

Central Park is Manhattanites' backyard. It offers plenty to see and do within its 800-plus acres, which include grassy lawns, eight lakes and ponds, and even a zoo. But the best way to experience the park and its vast natural beauty — an oasis amidst towering skyscrapers — is to simply enjoy lunch on a park bench or set a picnic basket down on the grass. Eat as you enjoy some prime people-watching. To make your picnic even more memorable, consider working with Perfect Picnic NYC, one of several luxury picnic companies that transform basic spreads into gourmet lunches.

See the stunning view from observation deck the Edge.

Located in Hudson Yards on the western edge of Manhattan, the Edge prides itself on being the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. The thrilling attraction is perched more than 1,000 feet above the sidewalk, and its glass-bottom floors take the adrenaline-pumping experience to an entirely new level. The outdoor viewing area spans 7,500 square feet and is accessible via a 52-second elevator ride. The view itself is simply breathtaking: the entire city, the Hudson River, and New Jersey are laid out before you.

Go for a swim at Rockaway Beach.

Just an hour-long ferry ride from Pier 11 in downtown Manhattan, Rockaway Beach in Queens attracts locals and travelers alike with its sandy shorelines and surf. “It’s closer than the Hamptons and far more affordable," Vazquez says.

If you plan on staying the night, Vazquez recommends booking a room at the chic Rockaway Hotel, which offers stylish rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and free bikes so you can cruise the boardwalk in style. 

Check out Little Island.

Part of waterfront Hudson River Park and a quick walk from the High Line and the Whitney Museum is the two-and-a-half acre Little Island. Despite its small size, this magnificent floating structure — made up of 280 tulip-like concrete structures — is home to more than 350 species of flora. Little Island hosts a slew of events throughout spring and summer, including DJ sets, dance parties, and live musical performances.

Wander around The Met Cloisters.

Make your way to Washington Heights in upper Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park to check out The Met Cloisters. The museum, part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, is the only such venue in the U.S. dedicated specifically to medieval architecture and art, much of which is displayed in old French monasteries and abbeys. You can easily spend an entire afternoon wandering its indoor and outdoor spaces, and Fort Tryon Park is a lovely place for a picnic.

Smell the flowers at New York Botanical Garden.

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) in the Bronx feels worlds away from the bustling city, and the 250-acre site boasts more than one million plants. The blooms vary depending on the time of year. We recommend visiting in the spring, when peonies, daffodils, magnolias, and lilacs are all in season. Other highlights include the cherry blossoms in late March-mid April (there are 543 flowering cherry trees), the rose garden (May through October), the azalea garden (year-round), and the extensive orchid collection (also open year-round).

And see animals galore next door at the Bronx Zoo.

See masterpieces at some of the country's best art museums.

It’s no secret that New York City is home to incredible art museums. In Manhattan, this includes The Whitney (known for its collection of 20th-century American works) and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which boasts nearly 200,000 works from across the world. Other must-visit museums include the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, an oasis for contemporary art lovers, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s largest fine art museums. The Met is home to an impressive collection of works, some of which date back thousands of years.

Brooklyn Museum, at the top of Prospect Park, has a collection that includes everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Judy Chicago's seminal feminist art installation "The Dinner Party", and they regularly host special exhibitions like a Christian Dior retrospective. In Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image takes visitors inside the world of film and TV production.

Stroll through Socrates Sculpture Park.

Take the ferry to the Astoria stop and then wander through Socrates Sculpture Park on the waterfront in Queens. This is a favorite of Vazquez’s for its tranquil riverfront locale and great installations. These have included Suchitra Mattai's "We are nomads, we are dreamers", which, the park says, "celebrates the migratory oceanic journeys of... diasporic communities." It's fitting for Queens, where as many as 700 languages are spoken. Once an abandoned landfill, this outdoor museum hosts year-round events, including yoga and meditation sessions, kids dance classes, and even kayaking in nearby Hallet’s Cove.

Retreat to Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

Staten Island is the city’s least populous borough, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. The Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is, by far, its best attraction. You can walk here in 30 minutes from the Staten Island Ferry stop at St George. The waterfront site, set within an 83-acre park, is comprised of 28 historic buildings, 14 botanic gardens, a two-acre farm, and plenty of picturesque scenery. Staten Island is home to a number of New York's best Sri Lankan restaurants, including New Asha.

Walk down Arthur Ave.

Arthur Avenue has gained a reputation as being the city’s lesser-known but far more authentic Little Italy, and Vazquez calls it “the real deal” for its abundance of “Italian bakeries and red sauce restaurants.” A few can’t-miss spots include Funici A Pizza for pies, Tino’s Delicatessen for stuffed heroes, Casa Della Mozzarella for fresh mozz, Dominick’s for large plates of pasta, Tony & Tina’s for burek, and Madonia Bakery for cannoli.

Sit down for afternoon tea.

Put those pinkies up for afternoon tea at splurge-worthy NYC staples like Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel, The Whitby Bar at the Whitby (an especially fitting spot, given the hotel’s British roots), or the Grand Salon at the Baccarat Hotel. For a more budget-friendly experience that's still quite special, check out Alice’s Tea Cup, Brooklyn High Low, or Kings’ Carriage House.

Have dim sum and more in Flushing's Chinatown.

Though it's often overlooked in favor of the admittedly more convenient Manhattan Chinatown, Flushing is even more vibrant. Venture here to feast on delicious noodle soups, dim sum favorites like shumai and pork buns, dumplings of all kinds, chicken feet, and barbecue spare ribs, to name a few. While you can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants in this neighborhood, we especially love Asian Jewel, Shanghai You Garden, and Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao.

Explore Governor’s Island.

This 172-acre car-free island is an eight-minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan and a five-minute ferry ride from Brooklyn Bridge Park, making it an excellent day-trip destination. Travelers will find plenty to do year-round on Governor's Island, including biking its perimeter without any honking cars, relaxing at Italian-style QC Spa, and seeing a centuries-old fort. The island also boasts a handful of eclectic drinking and dining venues, a lavender field (open seasonally), and New York City’s only glamping property (also seasonal).

Ride the Ferris wheel at Coney Island.

Coney Island is an easy outing for families who come for its abundance of nostalgia-inducing amusement park rides, including the 150-foot-tall Deno's Wonder Wheel. Add in a charmingly old-school 2.7-mile-long boardwalk and wide sandy beaches and you've got a fun day out no matter the age of your group. If you have time, pay a visit to the New York Aquarium, home to sharks, rays, otters, octopus, and more, followed by a hot dog and fries at the flagship Nathan’s Famous.

Have a drink at a few rooftop bars.

“Indulge in the chic and enchanting atmosphere of New York City's rooftop bars, offering stunning views of iconic landmarks like Times Square or the Empire State Building,” says Alfonso, who especially loves Magic Hour Rooftop in midtown. Other year-round options abound, including Daintree, which has ESB views and a martini menu, Westlight at The William Vale in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood, the rooftop at Royalton Park Avenue, and Panorama Room at the Graduate New York on Roosevelt Island (the views alone are worth the fun tram ride here).

Visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

These two New York City landmarks are only accessible via ferry and require tickets. The Statue of Liberty represents freedom and hope, and visitors can climb to its crown, so as long as they don’t mind trekking 160-plus steps. Ellis Island, which welcomed 12 million immigrants into the country, is equally fascinating; today, it’s home to the National Immigration Museum, which houses historical artifacts and exhibits.

Sip vino at an urban winery.

You don’t have to travel to the Finger Lakes or the North Fork of Long Island to sip and savor some of the Empire State’s best wines. Instead, head to one of NYC’s innovative urban wineries. A few of our favorite spots include Rooftop Reds (set on a rooftop in the Brooklyn Navy Yard), Brooklyn Winery (which offers tours and tastings three days a week), The Redhook Winery (a warehouse-turned-winery that uses locally grown grapes), and City Winery, which is a restaurant, winery, and live music and entertainment venue rolled into one.

Stroll the High Line.

The High Line, which stretches through the Meatpacking District and Chelsea in Manhattan, is one of the city’s most unique public parks; it's an elevated rail track that's been transformed into a greenery-filled walkway spanning 1.45 miles. The park boasts 500 species of plants and trees, as well as several striking pieces of art. You’ll find plenty of places to sit and lounge, good people-watching, and great vantage points for snapping skyline photos.

Shop in SoHo.

SoHo, which stands for “South of Houston Street," is among New York City’s busiest neighborhoods. With chic boutiques, eclectic galleries, and hip eateries galore, you can spend hours wandering the streets here and popping in and out of shops. If you're after some wardrobe additions, your options abound, from Patagonia and Anine Bing to Kirna Zabête and Henrik Vibskov Boutique NYC.

Taste your way through the Tin Building.

The Tin Building by Jean-Georges is a giant food hall located in lower Manhattan near the East River. The 53,000-square-foot oasis is a haven for culinary connoisseurs. Expect a handful of stylish sit-down restaurants, bars, and fast-casual spots serving everything from crêpes and dosas (at, well, Crêpes & Dosas) to Chinese-leaning seafood (House of the Red Pearl) and French fare (T. Brasserie).

Visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Located in the World Trade Center, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum aims to educate visitors on the impact and significance of 9/11 through a combination of media and artifacts, plus personal stories of loss and tragedy coupled with those of unwavering hope and resilience. While the outdoor memorial is free and open to the public, you’ll need to purchase tickets to enter the museum. Guided tours are also available.

Visit the American Museum of Natural History.

The American Museum of Natural History on Manhattan’s Upper West Side captivates visitors of all ages with its impressive collection of 32 million specimens and cultural artifacts. Prepare to be dazzled by the now-iconic blue whale model, enchanting dinosaur exhibits, and the fascinating display of extinct mammals. In May 2023, the museum debuted the Richard Gilder Center, which boasts striking architecture and features such as an insectarium and butterfly vivarium.

Take in the city views from One World Observatory.

Travelers can experience the city from new heights by visiting One World Observatory, which is the city’s highest indoor vantage point. In addition to panoramic city views, you’ll find a handful of shops, exhibits, and restaurants. Even the 47-second elevator ride to the 1,268-foot summit is thrilling, as it features a CGI timelapse of Manhattan from the 16th century to the present day.

Visit the Empire State Building.

No trip to NYC would be complete without a visit to The Empire State Building, still the city’s most recognizable landmark since its 1930 construction. Take the elevators up to the 86th-floor, open-air observatory deck which has been featured in so many shows and movies, including "Sleepless in Seattle," "How I Met Your Mother," and "Broad City." There's also the 102nd-floor observation deck, where floor-to-ceiling views (and on a clear day, up to 80 miles of visibility) await.

Explore DUMBO.

Brooklyn already takes the cake for being the city’s coolest borough, and DUMBO (a.k.a., Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) may just be its coolest neighborhood. The historic waterfront area is teeming with high-end eats — snag a seat outside at Cecconi’s to feast on handmade pasta in style — and shopping — the Brooklyn Flea, which takes place here each Sunday, is perfect for picking up hidden treasures.

You'll also find myriad galleries, including Klompching, which showcases incredible contemporary photography, and coffee shops galore (we love Zaruma Gold Coffee, which serves excellent Ecuadorian coffee). Brooklyn Bridge Park is a prime place for people-watching, and it’s also where you’ll find Jane’s Carousel, a must for little ones. 

Venture to Astoria.

An easy subway or ferry ride from Manhattan, Astoria is chock-full of unique restaurants and attractions. Film buffs shouldn't miss the Museum of the Moving Image, a temple to the art, history, and technology of movies. From there, grab a bite at one of many Greek eateries — Astoria has one of the highest populations of Greeks in the U.S. — including the always-buzzing, seafood-forward Taverna Kyclades. Other neighborhood hotspots include Astoria Park (which spans almost 60 acres along the East River), The Bonnie for creative cocktails and bar bites, and a killer slice of white pizza at Astoria Pizzeria.

Eat breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Channel your inner Holly Golightly and splurge on breakfast (or lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner) at Tiffany’s — seriously. Inside the jewelry brand’s flagship Fifth Avenue location is The Blue Box Café by Daniel Boulud, where the elegant, Tiffany Blue-hued interior sets the scene for a swanky meal. Menu offerings include Holly’s Favorites (a croissant, butter and jam, juice, coffee, or hot chocolate) and the trademark Blue Box Celebration Cake, an Instagram-worthy treat shaped like the brand’s iconic blue box.

Enjoy a Michelin-starred meal.

As of 2024, there are 67 Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City, which means many mouthwatering meals await. The now-vegan Eleven Madison Park is a favorite among foodies and celebrities alike, while Eric Ripert’s French-leaning Le Bernardin dishes out spectacular seafood. In Brooklyn, there's Modern American restaurant Clover Hill (Cobble Hill) and Aska in Williamsburg, which serves seasonal Scandinavian fare. In Long Island City, Queens, is Meju, a chic traditional Korean fermentation restaurant.

Catch a comedy show.

If you love to laugh — and who doesn't? — be sure to catch at least one stand-up or improv performance when in town. The city is home to dozens of venues, ranging from nationally renowned staples like the Comedy Cellar, Stand Up NY, and Gotham Comedy Club — all of which are in Manhattan — to hidden gems like The Tiny Cupboard in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

Take a helicopter ride over NYC icons.

While the Big Apple is beautiful from every angle, seeing it from up above is an experience like no other. Catch a birds-eye view of your favorite NYC landmarks by embarking on a helicopter ride. This is a short, sweet, and fairly expensive experience: HeliNY's helicopter tours start from $259 and Liberty Helicopter's from $249, both for 12-15-minute rides; these exclude the heliport fee which is around $40.

Indulge in a bathhouse visit.

When you need a break from the city’s bustle, retreat to one of a handful of uber-sleek bathhouses for a rejuvenating soak. The aptly named Bathhouse in Williamsburg is housed in a 1930s-era former factory. Today, it’s a sleek space with amenities like thermal pools, heated marble hammams, saunas, a steam room, and treatments like massages and body scrubs — not to mention a stylish on-site bar and restaurant. AIRE Ancient Baths in Tribeca, which, like Bathhouse, occupies a restored textile factory, is another favorite for its wellness-centric offerings and chic ambiance. Way down in South Brooklyn (right next to a subway stop) is World Spa, the place to go for a full spa day in NYC. Its 50,000 square feet is filled with saunas (including infrared), Moroccan and Turkish hammams, four pools (among them an onsen and a hydrotherapy pool), and serene rooms for massages, facials, and scrubs.

Fill your stomach on a pizza crawl.

No food is more emblematic of New York than a slice of pizza. These are a few standout slice shops: L'Industrie, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and the West Village, does a killer fig jam and bacon slice with mozzarella and ricotta. Lucia (in Soho and Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn) is a favorite for its vodka and pepperoni slices. On the Lower East Side, Scarr's has a perfectly retro interior and pleases with vegan slices and specials like the Hotboi (pepperoni, jalapeños, and extra hot honey). Near the southwest corner of Central Park is Pop's Pizza, with its excellent grandma slices (square) and equally delicious white slice with ricotta and clouds of marinara sauce. One of the best white slices is at F&F in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn — with clams, mozzarella, parmesan, and bread crumbs, plus lemon, parsley, and red chili flakes.

Take in a live performance.

If you've seen a Broadway show and want more, New York's theaters deliver with ballet and modern dance, musicians of every stripe, opera, and even kids' events. The historic Apollo Theater in Harlem has become an institution since it opened in 1914 and is best known for its weekly Amateur Night, a performance/talent competition that helped launch the careers of Lauryn Hill and Ella Fitzgerald. New York City Center, an early 20th-century theater in Moorish Revival style, hosts modern dance troupe Alvin Ailey each December. Lincoln Center has a huge roster of events for adults and kids, ranging from New York City Ballet performances to New York Philharmonic concerts and jazz nights. The Metropolitan Opera, also at Lincoln Center, puts on both classical and contemporary operas.

Take the kids to run around at a playground.

Younger visitors will appreciate the city's unique playgrounds. Down in Tribeca, Hudson River Park's Pier 25 has tons of climbing structures — including a rock-climbing wall — splash areas for cooling off in summer, and swings and slides. The pier also has a historic steamship that's free to visit and an 18-hole mini golf course. Just next door on Pier 26 is the Science Playground, where kids can roam inside enormous fish-shaped play structures (representing the sturgeon native to the river), which have slides and climbing walls and nets. After visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, head to the Ancient Playground right behind the museum. Inspired by the Met's Egyptian collection, the playground has its own mini pyramids, a sundial, and an obelisk, plus swings, a sandbox, and water features.

Cheer on a professional sports team.

Between the five boroughs, New Jersey, and Long Island, the greater NYC area has more than a dozen professional sports teams playing soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and hockey. Within the city itself, you can watch the Yankees and Mets play baseball; see a basketball game featuring the Knicks, the Nets, or the Liberty; root for hockey team the Rangers, and watch the fast footwork of soccer team New York City FC. The club currently plays at Yankee Stadium but will have their own stadium in Willets Point, Queens in 2027, next door to Citi Field, where the Mets play, and Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the U.S. Open is held each summer.

Hang out in Bryant Park no matter the season.

Bryant Park is a year-round green oasis in the middle of Midtown, a short walk from Times Square and right behind the main branch of the New York Public Library. In summer, its lawn becomes an open-air movie theater, with films screened every Monday in June, July, and August. From late October to March, the Winter Village sets up, with a holiday market, ice skating, curling, igloo-style bubbles in which to cozy up with hot drinks, and an open-air restaurant/bar. In spring and fall, the park has a packed calendar of free activities, including ping pong, exercise classes, orchestra performances, and kids' programming.