New York is such a big and diverse city that it is impossible to experience all the amazing things that the city has even in four lifetimes. Even deciding where to start your NYC trip itself is a challenging task. But we are here to help you with a list of the best things to do in NYC. Whether you are a local who wants to explore the city’s history and parks or someone who does not know the Met from the MoMA as it is your first time, these quintessential stopovers will help you to catch a glimpse of the city’s beating heart.
If it is your first, second, or 3rd visit to NYC, we have rounded up a list of things to do in NYC and some hidden gems. Also, we are sharing some can’t-miss NYC food drinks and where you should try them because food is life! Plus, we are including the expenses of each activity because, well, the Big Apple is not cheap, and it is good to know how much money to expect to budget. Whether you are traveling on a budget or with luxurious taste, here is a list of things to do in NYC.
List of Best Things to do in NYC
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge- This is one of the must-do things in NYC. A famous NYC landmark and the most celebrated bridge of the city, traversing the neo-Gothic span of the Brooklyn Bridge on foot has marked a New York rite of passage since its first debuted in the year 1883. Architecturally beautiful, with twin arched towers and a web of suspension cables, the bridge not just proposes a practical means of connecting pedestrian traffic between Brooklyn and Downtown Manhattan, but it also offers exciting panoramas over both the New York Harbor and the East River.
The High Line- This is the perfect example of what New York City does best: smartly rehabs old spaces into just like what you want them to be. When a 1.45-mile-long abandoned freight rail on Manhattan’s West End was changed into a high, mixed-use public park in 2009, people of New York came running. Towering 30 feet above the bustling 11th Avenue, the 0 High Line is a great feat of landscape architecture that melds benches, walkways, and chaise lounges with perennials, grass, bushes, and trees in ideal shabby-kempt harmony.
Visit the MoMA- Manhattan’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a mecca for modern art lovers, boasting one of the most impressive and vast collections of contemporary art of the world, spanning paintings, installations, sculptures, and much more. Works from big names like Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and a busy schedule of special exhibitions, educations programs, movies, and cultural events make sure the museum is always a buzz with something new for the art enthusiasts.
Enjoy the Sky-High Views of Manhattan- The Manhattan skyline is popular in the world and it is an incredible sight to enjoy. It might be even more wonderful, however, to view Manhattan from the top in three beautiful observatories. All three of these viewing platforms provide beautiful views of Manhattan and across both the rivers and are among the major attractions in NYC that every traveler must visit.
Sail into New York Harbor- Another one in the list of best things to do in NYC is to sail into New York Harbor. It is simple to forget, while amid Manhattan’s rambling concrete jungle, that you are on an island. Indeed, New York owes much of its success to the island setting, situated at the mouth of New York Harbor, and bordered by the Hudson and East River on both sides. Sailing Manhattan Island’s waterway perimeters is an amazing way to gain insight into its unique geography and astounding architectural proportions- not to refer to the chance to wave at Lady Liberty from your boat. You can take any of the classic tourist-oriented sightseeing boats or get creative with NYC boat trips that even the local people love.
Float your boat- If you are looking for some fun things to do in NYC, then this is the best thing to do. Nothing beats floating a sailboat into the New York Harbor, so move on one of the sail-powered schooners of the Classic Harbor Line at the Chelsea Piers.
After you know the ropes and built up a sailor’s appetite, tuck into some oysters at the Tribeca’s Grand Banks, i.e., a docked schooner boat. If you find that lobsters are speedier than your speed, hit a free mini cruise with the North River Lobster Company at Pier 81 on 41st Street.
Another best option is to purchase tickers to spend a day on the Honorable William Wall, the floating clubhouse of the Manhattan Yacht Club in the middle of the Hudson River. You can have drinks on board, but it is better to carry your food. You might see even sailboats running around you.
Listen to Opera Under the Stars- Pull up a chair in Lincoln Center Plaza for the Metropolitan Opera’s free Summer HD festival for programs of opera productions every night from 23rd August 2019, through Labor Day. The plaza comes equipped with over 3,000 seats, but you must reach the venue early to secure your seat. Summer HD Festival screenings will run as scheduled. In case of rain, thunder, or lightning, the program will be canceled. Most of the screenings start at 8 p.m.
A visit to Times Square at Night- As one of the most popular places in the world, Times Square, where the New Year’s Eve ball drops, is a must-visit. It looks beautiful, especially during the night. You will be hit by the neon signs, glowing billboards, and gridlock traffic 24 hours every day. You will not see much of a difference at 11 a.m. compared to 11 p.m. While there are a lot of stores for restaurants and shopping, simply walking around a few block ranges will be interesting.
Visit the Coney Island, Boardwalk- The famous Coney Island Boardwalk is best visited in the summer, spring, or early fall when you can sit along the beach with a margarita or beer in hand. At any time of the year, you can ride the famous rollercoaster and thrill rides at Luna Park, have a hot dog at the renowned Nathan’s, or visit the Coney Island Aquarium. In June, Coney Island holds its special Mermaid Parade- a must-visit festival if you are in the city during the summer.
Visit 9/11 Memorial and Museum- Visiting Ground Zero is, in our opinion, a must when you visit New York City. The museum is extremely well-constructed and powerful. It gets busy, so it is recommended to visit as early as possible so that you can avoid the crowd. Oh, while going there, make sure you stop inside the Oculus, the train station which is adjacent to Ground Zero. It looks like a dove taking flight.
Dover Street Market New York- A trip to New York City is incomplete without shopping. There is no better place for shopping than the Dover Street Market. When Dover Street Market debuted its New York outpost in 2013, multitudes of accessorized fashionistas stepped out for days outside its Lexington Avenue entrance. Dover Street is something more than a luxury department store; it is a space where fashion meets art exhibition. Popular designers configure their display areas, letting the shopper communicate with the clothes in a holistic way that takes you inside the world of designers- as opposed to just choosing through dresses hanging on a rack. Also, do not miss the Rose Bakery cafe on the ground floor.