Get The Best Out Of New York
Craving that big-city buzz without hopping on an international flight? Look no further than New York City. It's iconic, electric, and full of surprises.
Whether you're ticking off bucket-list landmarks or uncovering hidden gems only locals know about, here are 25 of the absolute best things to do in New York.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building isn’t just one of the most famous buildings in the world, it’s a true symbol of New York City’s skyline and spirit. Soaring 102 stories (that’s 1,250 feet!) into the sky, this iconic skyscraper has room for tens of thousands of visitors and offers jaw-dropping views that stretch for miles.
Features: observation decks, tours, exhibits, shops, restaurants, theater
Old City Hall Subway Station
Old City Hall Subway Station is one of the prettiest subway stations in New York. It was closed in the early 20th century but the stained class windows and stunning arches are a remnant of historic New York.
Features: Historic architecture
Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Central Park
Central Park is an urban oasis right in the heart of the city. It is known as one of the most famous parks in the world and it welcomes about 40 million visitors each year.
Features: playgrounds, lakes, ponds, trails/tracks, fountains, monuments, nature sanctuaries, amusement attractions, shopping, theater, and more.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is often the first thing that catches your eye as you sail into New York Harbor—and for good reason. Standing a towering 305 feet tall on Liberty Island, this colossal monument is more than just a postcard icon.
A gift from France and one of America’s most cherished historical landmarks, Lady Liberty is a powerful symbol of freedom, hope, and the unshakable spirit of the nation. Seeing her up close is one of those goosebumps-worthy moments you’ll never forget.
Features: Statue City cruises, museums, tours, park
I, Laslovarga, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed suspension bridge in New York City. It spans across the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn, and supports 6 lanes of vehicles and a pedestrian/bike path.
It is known as the world’s first suspension bridge, and it was the longest when it opened in 1883.
Visitors report walking across the Brookyn Bridge at night to be a “magical experience”. The city skyline from the bridge is a view like no other.
Features: Walking path
New York’s Glass Waterfall Tunnel
New York’s Glass Waterfall is nestled onto one side of the McGraw-Hill building in New York—not far from Times Square.
Stand inside the glass tunnel and watch the waterfall flow over you—while staying dry.
Features: Tourist photo-op
Times Square
Times Square is the beating heart of Manhattan and one of the most iconic gathering spots in the world. With its blazing billboards, buzzing energy, and 24/7 action, this electrifying intersection is where New York truly feels alive.
From Broadway shows and street performers to world-famous shops and once-in-a-lifetime photo ops, Times Square has a little bit of everything. Whether you’re here to catch a show or just soak in the chaos, it’s an unforgettable slice of the city.
Features: Museums, restaurants, shopping, theaters, music halls, upscale hotels, and more.
Terabass, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fifth Avenue
If you’re looking for a swanky shopping district in NY, this it is.
Fifth Avenue is the top shopping destination for high-end shops and department stores. In fact, it is known as the world’s most expensive retail destination.
It also boasts Millionaire’s Row—a stretch of late 19th century mansions overlooking Central Park.
Features: Shopping, museums, mansions
Wall Street
Another popular street in America is Wall Street, located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan. It has been called the world’s leading financial and fintech center as it consists of the largest stock exchanges and financial firms.
Aside from finance, Wall Street has a huge historical component as Manhattan’s original neighborhood.
Features: Tours, Historical guides, Trinity Church, The New York Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull sculpture, Federal Hall, and more.
GoginkLobabi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The United Nations Building Meditation Room
Tucked inside the iconic United Nations Headquarters is a hidden gem most visitors don’t know about: the UN Meditation Room. It’s totally free, open to the public, and offers a rare moment of stillness in the middle of the city that never sleeps.
Even cooler? While you’re inside the UN building, you’re technically not in the United States—this is considered International Territory, making it one of the most unique spots you can visit in NYC. It’s peaceful, powerful, and a fascinating glimpse into global diplomacy.
Features: Meditation room, cultural experience
Broadway
New York City’s Theatre District is an area in Midtown Manhattan where most Broadway theaters are located. It is widely known as the heart of the entertainment industry.
Features: Theaters, restaurants, hotels, entertainment
Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is a must-see attraction in NYC. Not only is it a tourist hot-spot for many different activities, it is also home to many American traditional events, such as the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
Features: Top of the Rock (observation decks), Ice Rink, Rainbow Room, Tours, Food & Drink, Events and Celebrations
Rob Young, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal isn’t just a train station, it’s a full-blown New York City icon. Every day, thousands of commuters rush through its grand halls, but for visitors, it’s a destination in itself.
With its soaring celestial ceiling, Beaux-Arts architecture, and rich history, Grand Central is a feast for the eyes. But there’s more—inside you’ll find a surprising array of shops, restaurants, and hidden corners that make this landmark just as fun to explore as it is functional.
Features: Concourse Ceiling, Booth Clock, Whispering Gallery, Park Avenue Viaduct, Vanderbilt Tennis Club, Grand Central Market, shops, restaurants, cafes, and more.
Pomander Walk
Pomander Walk is a quaint little tidbit that resembles Olde England right in the heart of NYC. It is a stark contrast from the concrete and glass world of New York.
Take a stroll down Pomander Walk and enjoy the English countryside hidden in the busy city.
Features: English-style homes and neighborhood buildings
Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is a zoo within Bronx Park in the Bronx, New York. It is one of the largest zoos in the United States, with more than 700 different animal species spread across 265 acres of parkland.
Features: Outdoor and Indoor exhibits, rides, animal feedings, events, and more.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
If you’re even slightly into art, you can’t miss The Metropolitan Museum of Art—better known as The Met. As part of a legendary museum trio, The Met houses one of the largest and most diverse collections of art in the entire country.
Step inside and take a journey through over 5,000 years of creativity, culture, and history from around the world. From ancient Egyptian temples to iconic modern masterpieces, every corner of The Met is a chance to get inspired.
Features: Exhibitions, events, food & drink, and more.
Jazz in Harlem
Harlem is best known for appealing to music lovers. The vibrant neighborhood has an extensive collection of jazz clubs playing sing, Latin, Bebop, and cool jazz all year round.
Features: Jazz clubs, free museum, weekly talks and concerts
Yankee Stadium
The Yankee Stadium is the new home of baseball in New York City. It sits in the Bronx neighborhood and can fit more than 46,000 people.
This world-class stadium is a must-see for sports fanatics.
Features: Baseball games, soccer matches, museum, batting practice, food & drink
cdelo9032, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
One World Trade Center
Soaring above the skyline at a breathtaking 1,776 feet, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the United States—and one of the most powerful symbols of resilience in New York City. Built on the site of the original World Trade Center, this stunning skyscraper stands as both a tribute and a triumph.
Head up to the One World Observatory and you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the city like you’ve never seen before. It’s a must-visit for those unforgettable, sky-high moments.
Features: Observatory, fine dining, shopping, events
National September 11 Memorial
The National September 11 Memorial was built to commemorate those who lost their lives in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.
One of the best features is the twin reflecting pools, which were built to symbolize the fallen Twin Towers. Names of the fallen are inscribed around the bronze edges of the pools.
Features: Exhibits, memorial, museum, shopping
Chinatown
Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood in Lower Manhattan. It offers a culinary trip to a different continent, with dozens of restaurants representing the cuisine of Southeast Asia, mainland China, and Hong Kong.
Features: Temple Mahayana, Columbus Park, MoCa, Ice Cream Factory, restaurants, street vendors, and more.
Giuseppe Milo, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Coney Island
Coney Island is the ultimate mix of thrills, nostalgia, and pure New York energy. Nestled in the heart of South Brooklyn’s iconic amusement district, this seaside playground is a bucket-list destination for anyone looking to experience a little bit of everything.
From wild roller coasters to classic boardwalk games, Coney Island offers endless fun for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re here for the rides, the food, or the beach, there’s something about the vibrant energy of this place that makes it unforgettable.
Features: Rides, restaurants, shops, roller-coasters, go-karting, live entertainment, boardwalk games, beachfront activities, and so much more.
The Strong National Museum of Play
The Strong National Museum of Play is the ultimate play destination in NYC. It is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play.
Features: Exhibits, museum, Play Lab, Butterfly Museum, Skyline Climb, Videogame Hall of Fame, Toy Hall of Fame, Carousel, Train, and so much more.
Ruhrfisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Berlin Wall
After the fall of the Berlin Wall a generation ago, parts of the wall were distributed all across the globe, with five pieces ending up across the city of New York.
Located at 520 Madison Avenue, you’ll find a section of this wall that makes a great photo backdrop of history buffs. Visitors can walk right up to the wall and touch it.
Features: Physical piece of the Berlin Wall
New York Food Favorites
Aside from countless tourist attractions, New York is also known for a number of delicious culinary creations:
- New York Cheesecake
- Street hot dogs
- The Lox Bagel (Bagel with Cream Cheese and Lox)
- Cronut (cross between a croissant and a donut)
Brian Luster, Flickr
New York Transportation
There are countless ways to get around the busy state of New York. These are the most common touristy transportation services for the ultimate tourist experience:
- Iconic yellow taxis
- The Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Big Bus New York
- NYC Subway System
- Rail Alex Proimos, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Where to Stay
Considering the sheer size of New York state, and the endless opportunities for tourism, choosing where you stay will have a great impact on your trip. These are the most common places to stay in New York:
Upper East Side: Best for luxury shopping and culture; close to Central Park.
Midtown Manhattan: Best for first-time visitors; easy walking and close to Times Square, Central Park, Broadway, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center
Lower East Side: Further from the main tourist area; close to Chinatown and Little Italy
Harlem: Best for Black history and culture; close to the Apollo Theater
Final Thoughts
New York State isn’t just a destination, it’s a cultural playground. From world-class shopping and gourmet dining to mesmerizing theater and rich historical landmarks, the Empire State has something to captivate every kind of traveler.
No matter what you're into—whether it’s arts, adventure, or just indulging in the best food and shopping—you’ll find endless opportunities to dive into new experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
