Things to do in New York

Activities, attractions and tours

A red boat on a river with a bridge and a city skyline in the background.
A bridge with a large arch and a building with a 'Santander' sign.
The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor with sailboats in the foreground and a cruise ship in the background.
A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and a calm river with wooden posts in the foreground.
A spacious indoor area with a high ceiling and rows of white columns.

Things to do

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

S$63
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets
Go City: New York Explorer Pass - Entry to 2 to 10 Top Attractions

New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent

S$109
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent
Tyrannosaurs rex skeleton in the American Museum of Natural History in New York

American Museum of Natural History Tickets

S$48
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
American Museum of Natural History Tickets
Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards

Edge Immersive Observation Deck Ticket

S$56
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Edge Immersive Observation Deck Ticket
Top of the Rock Timed Admission

Top of the Rock Timed Admission

S$65
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Top of the Rock Timed Admission
American Dream: SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium

American Dream: SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium

S$48
per traveller
88% of travellers recommend
American Dream: SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium
The Lion King On Broadway

The Lion King On Broadway

S$190
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
The Lion King On Broadway
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Top places to visit

1. Times Square

The flashing neon signs and oversized billboards of Times Square are larger and louder than life, rather like New York itself. Overflowing with noise and activity, it is the very soul of the city that never sleeps.
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Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

2. Central Park

For an afternoon away from the swarming streets of New York City, why not follow the example of the locals and make a bee-line for the expansive lawns of Central Park. Designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, the park opened in 1857 and has been a treasured gem in the heart of the urban sprawl ever since.
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A tree-lined road with blooming pink flowers, a cyclist, and a historic building in the background.

3. Madison Square Garden

Midtown Manhattan has one of the world’s most famous indoor arenas: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Watch the NBA New York Knicks, NHL New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty or your favorite big-name concert performers at this huge venue.
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A cityscape with prominent skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, and a large circular building with a dome.

4. Rockefeller Center

Constructed during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Rockefeller Center was a sign of confidence in the face of an uncertain future for many Americans. The complex was financed in its entirety by the tycoon and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, and remains a commanding presence to this day in midtown Manhattan.
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A tall, beige skyscraper with many windows, surrounded by palm trees and other buildings.

5. Grand Central Terminal

Just one glance at the imposing neo-classical façade of Grand Central Terminal evokes the spirit of adventure and romance. A priceless Tiffany clock made from opulent stained glass sits above the entrance, crowned by the classical figures of Mercury, Hercules and Minerva. When it was built, this was the largest sculptural group in the world – an apt frontispiece for such a grand building.
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A historic building with ornate architecture and a modern glass skyscraper in the background.

6. Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium has been one of New York City’s iconic destinations for almost a hundred years, ever since the original was built in 1923. The team’s new home, constructed at a cost of $2.3 billion, is the most expensive stadium ever built, but manages to include both deluxe amenities and many references to the Yankees’ long history. Enjoy a typical New York experience by hopping on the subway northward, ready to spend an afternoon watching America’s pastime.
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Yankee Stadium with a crowd of people in front.

7. Broadway

Broadway is called the “Great White Way” for the dazzling lights surrounding the popular Times Square portion of this avenue. Take a moment to look in all directions from your spot at the center of Times Square. Every December 31, about 1 million people crowd into this space to watch the 12-foot (3.6-meter) ball drop from One Times Square in celebration of the New Year.
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A busy urban street with yellow taxis, pedestrians, and tall buildings with illuminated signs.

8. Statue of Liberty

Gifted to the United States of America by the people of France in 1886, the Statue of Liberty marked the friendship between the two countries and memorialised over a hundred years of American independence. It has stood in New York Harbor ever since, the first thing new immigrants fleeing famine and persecution would see as they arrived in search of a new life in the land of the free.
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The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island with a clear sky.

9. Empire State Building

When it was completed in 1931, the Empire State Building was the tallest in the world – a title it held for 40 years. An icon in the New York skyline, it is recognised the world over thanks to celebrated films such as King Kong and West Side Story. Rising to a remarkable 442 metres high, this instantly identifiable art-deco skyscraper has come to represent the city’s stature and ambition.
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The Empire State Building surrounded by other skyscrapers in New York City.

What to do in New York

Stay near popular New York attractions

Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

Times Square

8.8/10 (110,704 reviews)
Pulsing with neon hoardings and Broadway marquees, Times Square electrifies visitors as the world's most famous crossroads. Explore after sunset when illuminated advertisements create a dazzling spectacle.
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Where to stay in New York

Find the best New York areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about New York
Learn more about New York
A city skyline with various high-rise buildings, including a distinctive skyscraper under construction, and a body of water in the foreground.

Midtown

Times Square and Rockefeller Center are a few top attractions in Midtown. Hop around the city on the metro at 42 St. - Bryant Pk. Station or Times Sq. - 42 St. Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, soaring skyscrapers and acclaimed art galleries.

A cityscape with high-rise buildings and a park with autumn foliage.

Upper West Side

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Upper West Side. Check out top attractions like Lincoln Center and New York Historical Society, and jump on the metro at 86 St. Station (Broadway) or 79 St. Station to see more of the city.

A historic building with classical architecture, a flagpole with the European Union flag and the French flag, and a person walking by.

Upper East Side

Known for its interesting museums and stunning river views, there's plenty to explore in Upper East Side. Top attractions like 5th Avenue and Frick Collection are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 77 St. Station (Lexington Av.) or 72nd Street Station to see more of the city.

A rooftop garden with various plants and a view of historic buildings in the background.

Chelsea

Chelsea is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Madison Square Garden and Joyce Theater. See more of New York by jumping on the metro at 23 St. Station (8th Av.) or 23 St. Station (7th Av.).

A fountain surrounded by trees and historic buildings.

Greenwich Village

Spend some time visiting places like 5th Avenue while getting to know Greenwich Village, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Christopher St. - Sheridan Sq. Station or W 4 St. Station to see more of the area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

A park with blooming pink trees and a paved walkway.

Floral Park

A city skyline with a prominent skyscraper reflecting on the water.

Jersey City

A waterfront promenade with a city skyline in the background, including the Empire State Building.

Hoboken

A suspension bridge spanning a river with a city skyline in the background.

North Bergen

A large brick building with arched windows and a green awning.

Staten Island

A street with Arthur Avenue storefronts, including Arthur's Candies and Fiasco.

Bronx

A waterfront promenade with benches and a city skyline in the background.

Long Island City

A coastal city with a large body of water, numerous sailboats, and a prominent bridge connecting two land masses.

Perth Amboy

Frequently asked questions

Is New York worth visiting?
With a mix of views and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in New York. When you're here, head to Times Square, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in New York?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Times Square and Rockefeller Centre, spend the rest of your day enjoying New York's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in New York?
Times Square is one of the top tourist attractions in New York and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in New York?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city sights, like Times Square, Rockefeller Centre and 5th Avenue. The average stay in New York is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Newark isn't far away.
Is New York a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in New York. Several key sights, such as Times Square and Rockefeller Centre, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of New York's neighbourhoods, Manhattan is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Midtown is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in New York with kids?
Deciding what to do in New York with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly tours and activities to keep them entertained here.
What to do in New York for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in New York, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Brooklyn Brewery or New York Distilling Co..
Are there free things to do in New York?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in New York. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Times Square is a must for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.

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