The 10 Best Things to do in New York City, New York (NY)

January 14, 2022 Chanda Heide

Conquering New York in one visit is impossible. Instead, hit the must-sees – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and then explore off the beaten path with visits to The Cloisters or one of the city’s libraries. Indulge in the bohemian shops of the West Village or the fine dining of the Upper West Side. The bustling marketplace inside of Grand Central Station gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
Restaurants in New York City

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 5th Ave, New York City, NY 10028-0198 +1 212-535-7710 [email protected] http://www.metmuseum.org
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 54,604 reviews

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

At New York City's most visited museum and attraction, you will experience over 5,000 years of art from around the world. The Met is for anyone as a source of inspiration, insight and understanding. You can learn, escape, play, dream, discover, connect.

Reviewed By cmasb - Rickmansworth, United Kingdom

We have wanted to visit here for ages and finally made it. It did not disappoint. There is no way you can see everything in any museum of any stature such as the Met. Choose what you are interested in and focus on just a few items. Our passions include European paintings from the 15th to early 19th centuries and we were indulged: incredible works by Velasquez, Goya, David, Brueghel, Rembrandt, Hals, Vermeer etc etc. You cannot be disappointed. We also visited the Graeco-Roman and Egyptian galleries, which were also fascinating. It was busy even on a Monday in schooltime. We booked tickets ahead, which saved us time queuing, so it might be worth your time doing the same thing. We had a nice but rather expensive lunch in the cafeteria in the basement. Sandwiches at $15? They didn’t even have caviar in them (but were tasty).

2. Manhattan Skyline

New York City, NY
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
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5.0 based on 21,260 reviews

Manhattan Skyline

Reviewed By 91JC - London, United Kingdom

You can get an amazing view of the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn or if you jump on the free Staten Island ferry the view is brilliant, it will also go past the Statue of Liberty so you can get some great photos. The ferry runs 24 hours a day and leaves about every 30 mins. The night time or sunset view is fantastic too.

3. Brooklyn Bridge

New York City, NY 10038 http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bridges/bridges.shtml#brooklyn
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25,207 reviews

Brooklyn Bridge

Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge provides passage between Brooklyn and Manhattan for motorists, trains, bicycles and pedestrians. One of the primary symbols of New York City, it is a marvel of design and provides spectacular views of the city's skyline.

Reviewed By PAVMAN70 - Ashford, United Kingdom

Great walk across the epic/iconic bridge great views of the sky line also Ellis island n Statue of Liberty about 30 minute walk each way dress warmly as the wind can be very “biting”

4. Statue of Liberty

Liberty Island, New York City, NY 10004 +1 212-363-3200 http://www.nps.gov/stli
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43,439 reviews

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

Reviewed By TinaH73 - Cambridge, United Kingdom

We have been up to the Statue of Liberty on a previous visit but only sailed by on a boat. The island visit is definitely worth it, we went across from Battery Park on the ferry and went on to Liberty Island, the views of Manhatten are fantastic and seeing the Statue of Liberty so close up is amazing. Definitely worth a trip.

5. Empire State Building

20 West 34th Street, New York City, NY 10001 +1 212-736-3100 http://www.esbnyc.com/buy-tickets
Excellent
65%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91,562 reviews

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is the World's Most Famous Building. It rises 1,454 feet from ground to antenna & features the only 360 degree open-air vantage point of Midtown Manhattan. The 86th & 102nd Floor Observatories are open daily from 12PM-9PM. On a clear day you can see up to 6 states. The brand-new 2nd floor museum (included in all ticket options) offers guests 10,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits that invite visitors on a journey beginning from the building’s construction to its current place in pop culture. The 102nd Fl Obs features floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass elevator with sound & light experience. It is the jewel of NYC. All signage, audio & exhibits in the building are available in 9 languages. We offer free Wi-Fi. The 34th St Lobby entrance features a grand staircase with a 2-story architectural model of the bldg & a high-tech LED exhibit that celebrates lighting ceremonies performed by famous, celebrity guests. Express guests receive red carpet VIP treatment.

Reviewed By PictureThisNYC - New York City, United States

Amazing experience to visit the Empire State Building for sunrise with a very small group of people for a safe & unsurpassed experience, Well worth the money, amazing views & tons of space on the observation deck that is usually very crowded. Friendly, helpful & welcoming staff made for a wonderful experience and so may great photos! Highly recommended.

6. Central Park

59th to 110th Street Manhattan Borough, from Central Park West to 5th Avenue, New York City, NY 10022 (212) 310-6600 [email protected] https://www.centralparknyc.org/
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
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4.5 based on 132,882 reviews

Central Park

For more than 150 years, visitors have flocked to Central Park's 843 green acres in the heart of Manhattan. Since 1980, the Park has been managed by the Central Park Conservancy, in partnership with the public. Central Park is open 6 am to 1 am daily. Visit the official website of Central Park to learn more about Park happenings and activities and to learn how you to help Central Park!

Reviewed By 242SharonC - Mississauga, Canada

This is such a great way to spend the afternoon- it’s huge, so lots of walking but also lots of benches to rest and enjoy. You can rent a bike, row a boat, ride in a horse drawn carriage, visit the zoo, stop for ice cream or lunch, or just wander and take in the various sculptures like Alice in Wonderland, Nathaniel Hawthorne, John Lennon’s Imagine mosaic. You cannot visit Manhattan without doing Central Park. Short walk to a lot of hotels and shopping as well.

7. The High Line

New York City, NY 10014 +1 212-206-9922 [email protected] http://www.thehighline.org
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 62,319 reviews

The High Line

The High Line is an elevated railway transformed into a public park on Manhattan's West Side. The park features lush horticulture, artworks, seasonal food vendors, community programming, and unique views of the Hudson River and New York City skyline. The High Line runs between Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues. Friends of the High Line raises 98% of the High Line’s annual budget. Owned by the City of New York, the High Line is a public park maintained, operated, and programmed by Friends of the High Line, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Please note that the High Line's hours vary by season: Dec 1 to Mar 31: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Apr 1 to May 31: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM June 1 to Sept 30: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Oct 1 to Nov 30: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Reviewed By petersP505YD - London, United Kingdom

A unique experience walking through NY via a disused railway Very nice walk through skyscrapers Very cool and a great way to walk of the best brunch ever at Bubbys which is opposite the start of the Highline

8. Top of the Rock

30 Rockfeller Plaza Enter on West 50th Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues, New York City, NY 10111 +1 212-698-2000 [email protected] http://www.topoftherocknyc.com
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79,068 reviews

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock Observation Deck, the newly opened, 3-tiered observation deck on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, is New York City's most amazing attraction! The unforgettable experience includes a panoramic 360-degree, unobstructed view from the 70th floor observatory, 850 feet in the sky! Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM - Midnight, last elevator goes up at 11:00 PM.Main entrance is located on 50th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues.

Reviewed By cyprusjack - Sale, Australia

'The Observation Deck has breathtaking 360-degree view of New York City, with three levels of indoor and outdoor viewing access to stunning views of the skyline, Central Park, and Midtown, as well as landmarks and skyscrapers Great place to get great photos level makes your photos ,an experience unlike anywhere else in the city.'

9. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

180 Greenwich St World Trade Center, New York City, NY 10007-0089 +1 212-312-8800 [email protected] http://www.911memorial.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 95,292 reviews

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Through commemoration, exhibitions and educational programs, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a nonprofit in New York City, remembers and honors the 2,983 people killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, as well as those who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks. 9/11 Memorial, Open Daily, 7-days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9/11 Memorial Museum, Open Thursday–Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thanksgiving and Christmas: Memorial Only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Museum Closed

Reviewed By Travelaround86 - Nottingham, United Kingdom

The museum and tour is definatly a must do for anyone visiting NYC, even if it's just out of respect for all of the people that died and were effected during the 9/11 disaster. Ground Zero is free to visit(The outdoor area where the two towers stood) and is so beautifuly and respectfully designed with waterfalls and all of the names of the victims displayed. The memorial museum is actualy underground within the foundations of the twin towers and is both a haunting yet beautiful tribute to everyone and everything lost. There are hundreds of artefacts and many videos and sound clips on display and the devestation caused cannot be understood until you see it with your own eyes. Ticket price is very reasonable and guides very knowledgeable, however we chose to just walk around the memorial ourselves without a tour. This was a very emotional museum and I have no shame in admitting that I shed a tear or two myself. Would definatley reccomend a visit here.

10. One World Observatory

285 Fulton St One World Trade Center, New York City, NY 10007-0089 +1 212-602-4000 [email protected] https://oneworldobservatory.com/en-US
Excellent
70%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28,132 reviews

One World Observatory

There are a million things to experience in New York City, but there’s only one way to see them all at once. You can start by hopping a Sky Pod to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. There, 102 stories up, find yourself face-to-face with New York’s iconic skyline. Maybe you’ve seen views of the city before, but never quite like this. Walk the three sprawling levels of the Observatory and discover surprises along the way. Drop into the café and grab a bite to eat. Step onto the Sky Portal and stroll high above the crowded streets. Take an interactive guided tour of the city with the help of our Skyline Concierges, available to answer any questions you might have about New York’s long and storied history. And don’t leave without stopping by the One Mix bar for a glass of celebratory prosecco and one last look toward the horizon. See for yourself why One World Observatory is truly An Experience Above.

Reviewed By MoonBaby69 - Maidstone, United Kingdom

Amazing experience! Plenty of ‘wow’ moments too! 360 degree view of New York; beautiful views of Empire State, Statue of Liberty, the beautiful bridges and even the Chrysler Building!

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