Things to do in New York

Activities, attractions and tours

New York
Downtown Brooklyn featuring a bridge and heritage elements
New York
Brooklyn Bridge Park showing a city, a skyscraper and a sunset
The Oculus featuring interior views as well as a small group of people
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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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Brash, bold and flashy – there is something truly captivating about the bright lights and hypnotic hubbub of Times Square.

2. 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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Ed Sullivan Theater which includes a city and signage as well as a large group of people

3. 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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Central Park which includes a pond, a park and flowers

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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Rockefeller Center

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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Grand Central Terminal

6. 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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Statue of Liberty showing a monument, a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

7. 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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Empire State Building showing views, a city and a skyscraper

8. One World Trade Center

Standing well above its skyscraping neighbors, One World Trade Center is a building that is easily identifiable from New Jersey and from most parts of the boroughs surrounding Manhattan. The reflective sheen of the structure’s glass is easy to mistake for metal, and its isosceles triangular façades give it the appearance of having a twisting motion toward the sky.
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One World Trade Center showing skyline, a sunset and a city

9. 5th Avenue

Regularly referred to as the most expensive street in the world, Manhattan’s 5th Avenue runs down the center of Midtown Manhattan. Between 49th and 60th streets, 5th Avenue plays host to many of the world’s most prestigious retail outlets, and is a destination for shoppers from around the world. While it’s best known for its shopping, tourists wanting to see the sights visit the street more than shoppers, and there are a number of attractions on the street.
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5th Avenue showing signage

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What to do in New York

Popular places to visit

Times Square

Times Square

Brash, bold and flashy – there is something truly captivating about the bright lights and hypnotic hubbub of Times Square.

Times Square
Ed Sullivan Theater which includes a city and signage as well as a large group of people

Broadway

Visit the dazzling theater district of one of the world’s most exciting cities. Enjoy the shopping, dining and street entertainment as well.

Broadway
Central Park which includes a pond, a park and flowers

Central Park

Escape the shadow of the crowded skyscrapers for an all-American afternoon enjoying the sights and sounds of Central Park.

Central Park
Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden

Whether you’re performing here, watching your favorite sports team or entertainer or touring the venue, you’re in for an exciting event.

Madison Square Garden
Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center

Nothing epitomises the American dream like the Rockefeller Center, a gleaming complex that effortlessly mixes business and pleasure.

Rockefeller Center
Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal

With sweeping marble staircases, world-renowned artworks and chandeliers gracing its elegant colonnades, Grand Central Terminal is more than just a train station.

Grand Central Terminal
Statue of Liberty showing a monument, a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

Statue of Liberty

A welcome sight for generations of immigrants as they arrived in New York Harbor, Lady Liberty stands as a beacon of hope and freedom to all who lay eyes on her.

Statue of Liberty
Empire State Building showing views, a city and a skyscraper

Empire State Building

Rising regally above the city, the Empire State Building is the ultimate symbol of New York glitz and glamour.

Empire State Building
One World Trade Center showing skyline, a sunset and a city

One World Trade Center

Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation platform of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, near to where the Twin Towers once stood.

One World Trade Center

Areas of New York

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Manhattan

4.5/5(1,983 area reviews)

Power and wealth and breathtaking scenery are concentrated on this very small island. Immerse yourself for a few days or a lifetime.

Manhattan
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Midtown

4.5/5(437 area reviews)

One of the most recognizable areas in the world also has enough tourist attractions to fill several visits.

Midtown
New York which includes street scenes, city views and a city

Central New York City

Known for its soaring skyscrapers and eye-catching views, there's plenty to explore in Central New York City. Check out top attractions like Broadway and Times Square, and jump on the metro at 49th St. Station or 50 St. Station (Broadway) to see more of the city.

Central New York City
Corona featuring a sporting event

Queens

3/5(186 area reviews)

Aqueduct Racetrack and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park are top sights in Queens, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Briarwood Van Wyck Blvd. Station or Jamaica Van Wyck Station to see more sights in the area.

Queens
The High Line Park which includes a garden, street scenes and a city

Chelsea

4/5(111 area reviews)

Manhattan’s prized arts district is a success story of urban renewal. Tour the area to see some of Downtown’s hippest attractions.

Chelsea
Times Square featuring a city, a statue or sculpture and city views

Theater District

From Times Square to Broadway theaters, experience New York at the height of its showmanship in this revitalized Midtown area.

Theater District

 

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.

 

 

Liberty State Park featuring night scenes, a city and general coastal views

Jersey City

Pier A Park featuring a city, a river or creek and a skyscraper

Hoboken

Photo by Meenu

North Bergen

Staten Island

Staten Island

Bronx

Bronx

MoMA PS1 which includes outdoor art

Long Island City

Brooklyn Bridge Park which includes a bridge, a city and skyline

Brooklyn

Photo by Jack L

Elmhurst

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.