Things to do in New York City
New York City is a place where the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, but the real challenge is choosing what to do first.
Boroughs
Neighborhoods
New York City is a place where the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, but the real challenge is choosing what to do first. While this guide focuses on the city itself, it is worth noting that the available listings here are limited, so the emphasis is on the experiences that define the five boroughs.
With so much to see, a practical approach is to pick a borough and a theme. You can spend a day exploring world-class museums, catching a Broadway show, or wandering through Central Park. The city's neighborhoods each have their own character, from the historic streets of Lower Manhattan to the vibrant cultural hubs in Queens and the Bronx. Food is a major draw, with everything from street carts to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Frequently asked questions about New York City
What are the best outdoor things to do in New York City?▾
Central Park is the obvious starting point for a walk, a bike ride, or a picnic. The High Line offers a unique elevated park experience on the West Side. For waterfront views, the Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Hudson River Greenway are popular. Check the weather and plan for crowds, especially on weekends.
What can families do in New York City?▾
The American Museum of Natural History is a classic choice, with its dinosaur fossils and planetarium. The Bronx Zoo is another favorite, and the Staten Island Ferry offers a free ride with skyline views. Many museums have interactive exhibits designed for kids, so look for those when planning your visit.
Where can I see a show or performance in New York City?▾
Broadway is the main draw for theater, with dozens of musicals and plays running at any given time. For a different experience, check out off-Broadway venues or the Lincoln Center for dance, opera, and orchestral performances. Prices vary widely, so it is worth booking in advance.
What are some good neighborhoods to explore in New York City?▾
SoHo is known for its cast-iron architecture and upscale shopping. The East Village offers a more bohemian vibe with eclectic restaurants and bars. For a taste of old New York, walk through Greenwich Village and its historic townhouses. Each neighborhood has its own feel, so it is easy to spend a day just wandering.
Are there free things to do in New York City?▾
Yes. The Staten Island Ferry is free and gives you a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge costs nothing. Many museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, suggest a donation, though you can pay what you wish. Central Park is also free to enter.
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Things to do in New York City
Nearby
via Google MapsNew Amsterdam Theatre
Storied 1903 stage & film venue still operating amid art nouveau decor & theatrical memorabilia.
via Google MapsWhitney Museum of American Art
Museum exclusively featuring 20th-century & contemporary art by American artists, most still living.
Museum of Illusions - New York
Exhibits to deceive the eye including kaleidoscopes & holograms, plus tilted & reverse rooms.
Escape the Room NYC
Astoria Park
Amenities at this nearly 60-acre park include a large pool, bocce courts, trails, & playgrounds.
Staten Island Mall
Large indoor mall featuring a variety of stores, plus eateries, a mall-walking program & free Wi-Fi.
Eataly - Flatiron
Branch of the famed Italian market, offering counters, restaurants & cooking demos.
Hershey's Chocolate World
Brand-name candy store stocking a huge selection of chocolate, sweets, collectibles & gifts.
Dave & Buster's New York City - Times Square
Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.
via Google MapsAMC Empire 25
Cinema complex just off Times Square showing mainstream, independent and IMAX films on 25 screens.
via Google MapsBethesda Terrace
Bi-level, lakeside terrace with a large fountain & carvings representing the seasons & times of day.
via Google MapsRainhas Churrascaria
Besides all-you-can-eat meat, this airy Brazilian steakhouse offers a buffet, salad bar & cocktails.
Inwood Bar & Grill
Sports bar and restaurant serving American fare in a sizable, modern-rustic space with a beer garden.
Riverside Park
Storied multilevel park with elms & rocky outcrops, plus a long boulevard & multiple playgrounds.
New York Botanical Garden
Sprawling spot of 50 gardens, 30,000 trees & landmark glasshouse with rain forest & cactus displays.
OLIO E PIÙ
Naples meets NYC at this trattoria with thin-crust pizza, Italian wines & ample sidewalk seating.
Sammy's Fish Box
Bustling, spacious family seafood spot, with big portions, booth seating & stained-glass decor.
Pier 17
MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM
Pink, interactive ice cream-themed museum with a sprinkles pool, subway, 3-floor slide & café.
The Shops at Skyview
Multilevel retail center with a supermarket & midrange, chain retailers, plus casual eateries.