Top 10 things to do in New York City
Here's our take on the must-see and must-do attractions of New York City.
This list of Top 10 things to do in New York City has something for everyone. It includes iconic sights, such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Yankee Stadium. It also features one-of-a-kind free activities, like the walk along the High Line and visiting Grand Central Terminal.
As far as accommodation goes, there are hotels everywhere in New York City. You'll find plenty clustered in central and lower Manhattan, while cheaper options are available in nearby Jersey and Brooklyn. Public transport is super-efficient, so NYC sightseeing is streamlined and easy.
1. See the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Sighting the Statue of Liberty signalled the start of a new life for millions of immigrants entering the USA between 1892 and 1954. Today the statue's story is told on Liberty Island through the new interactive museum which opened mid-2019. Nearby Ellis Island has an immigration museum that does a superb job of retelling the immigrants' stories. Statue City Cruises operates the only ferry service to the islands. There are no extra tickets required for the museums, but advance bookings are necessary if you want to climb to the crown. As a free-of-charge alternative, the Staten Island ferry goes right past the statue and also offers great views of the Manhattan skyline.
2. Visit Central Park
Covering 843 acres of Manhattan Central Park is the lungs of New York. It makes life in the world's most exciting city more liveable, just as it'll make your NYC holiday more refreshing. You can hike it, bike it, scooter it or ride through it in a horse-drawn buggy. In summer, Sheep Meadow is a place for sunbathing, kite flying and more. During winter, there are ice rinks for skating and watching ice hockey.
3. See NYC from an observation deck
Seeing NYC from an observation deck is a mind-blowing and heart-stirring experience. The Edge offers sweeping views of Manhattan, the Hudson River, New Jersey and beyond. Summit at One Vanderbilt is a three-level experience that includes contemporary art, as well as huge views. The One World Observatory is a 360°must-see that commemorates 9/11. Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center delivers spectacular views of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Last, but never least, the Empire State Building's observation tower is the original place for a bird's eye view of NYC.
4. Feed your mind at the Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is included in the New York Explorer Pass, which delivers great value for money if you're pursuing New York City activities for a week or more. The reimagined museum has expanded galleries, performance spaces and a creativity lab that lets you engage with artists, make art and dive into deeply arty conversations.
5. Walk the High Line
Over on the west side of Manhattan, a historic elevated railway has been transformed into a remarkable free park. Positioned nine metres above the streets, a boardwalk leads you past gardens, trees, wild flowers amongst the rails, artworks, seating areas and unique views of the Hudson River and city skyline. At just over 2.3km long, you could walk the High Line one-way in 30 minutes but with so much to enjoy most people take an hour or two. With numerous access points along the way, this uplifting experience is great way to explore west side attractions, like the Chelsea Markets and Little Island.
6. Catch a Broadway show
Running the full length of Manhattan, Broadway is the home of American live theatre. The 40+ venues host a parade of productions, one of which is certain to grab you. Even just walking around the area is a great way to soak up the atmosphere. Other perennial Broadway shows include Chicago and The Book of Mormon. If you're not fussy about what you see, get some seriously discounted tickets at TDF's TKTS Booth in Duffy Square for the night's shows, but it is best to pre-book the show so you don't miss out. For a free experience, line up outside NBC in Rockefeller Plaza to see if you can be part of the studio audience for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
7. Explore the Bronx and catch a game at Yankee Stadium
A quick subway ride from Manhattan gets you to the Bronx, an area that's brimming with history, hip-hop, art and baseball. For a dose of culture and nature, check out the Bronx Museum of The Arts and the New York Botanical Garden. For a more contemporary experience, take yourself around the street art murals of South Bronx, the original home of hip-hop. And make sure you save time for authentic Italian food in Belmont, the Bronx's own Little Italy. To cap it all off, catch an evening baseball game at Yankee Stadium (April to October). Get yourself a Nathan's Famous hot dog!
8. Eat New York pizza at a legendary pizzeria
Real New York Pizza relies on the city's uniquely-flavoured tap water, which apparently makes an impact on the taste and texture of pizza dough. It also demands cooking in the real-deal NYC coal or wood-burning oven. The end result must be foldable - so crisp around the edge and flexible in the middle. Some of the places to eat the genuine thing are Paulie Gee's, Joe & Pat's, Rose & Joe's Italian Bakery, Di Fara and Mario's Restaurant in the Bronx (once used as a backdrop for a scene in The Sopranos).
9. Walk across Brooklyn Bridge
Linking Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge is a NYC icon that you can really connect with. There's a wide central pedestrian and bike pathway that's above the traffic, so you can enjoy your stroll without the close-up whoosh-whoosh of passing vehicles. The Brooklyn Bridge walk, which is more than 1.5km long, leads you to Brooklyn's amazing food scene - some of the best burgers, BBQ, lobster, bagels and noodles you'll ever eat. While you're in Brooklyn, visit the historic navy yard, which is now a thriving hub for business and fun.
10. Visit the trendy neighbourhood of Williamsburg
Escape from the most touristy bits of NYC and explore the cool, creative neighbourhood of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. It's a place to discover street art, out-of-the-ordinary shopping and food that's 100% NYC, but with a fashionable twist (like ramen burgers, malted pancakes, fried chicken sandwiches or oysters and absinthe). The waterfront comes with huge views of Manhattan, you can go bowling or catch live music at Brooklyn Bowl, and there are weekend flea markets for unique mementos to take home.