Things to do in New York

Activities, attractions and tours

New York
Downtown Brooklyn which includes a bridge and heritage elements
New York
Brooklyn Bridge Park which includes a sunset, a river or creek and a city
The Oculus showing interior views as well as a small group of people
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Top places to visit

1. Times Square

Locals might bemoan Times Square’s touristy hustle and bustle, but the neon wonderland is undeniably New York City's beating heart. Loud and chaotic, the crowded epicenter is one of the world’s most visited and recognizable tourist attractions.
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New York’s infamous neon wonderland is hustle and bustle at its best, and an essential stop for all tourists.

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 showing a city and signage as well as a large group of people

3. Central Park

When it comes to film credits, no green space in the world can match New York City's Central Park. “When Harry Met Sally,” “Annie Hall,” “Home Alone 2,” and “Sex and the City: The Movie” all feature scenes shot in Manhattan’s iconic park, which opened in 1857 and is renowned as one of the city’s most precious outdoor areas.
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Central Park showing a garden, flowers and a pond

4. Rockefeller Center

An ode to 1930s New York, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan fuses the old and the new, and is at the heart of the city’s annual holiday celebrations.
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Rockefeller Center featuring heritage architecture, a city and a skyscraper

5. Statue of Liberty

Few buildings conjure up as many emotions as New York’s iconic Statue of Liberty, an awe-inspiring symbol of freedom, hope and democracy standing proud on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
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Statue of Liberty which includes a statue or sculpture, a monument and heritage elements

6. Grand Central Terminal

Stand aside from the 750,000 daily visitors rushing to and from their trains and admire the architectural beauty of the majestic Grand Central Terminal. It’s also home to shops and dining options, making it an entertaining one-stop destination.
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Grand Central Terminal showing a city, heritage elements and a bridge

7. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a world-famous landmark, synonymous with New York. It’s renowned as a backdrop in films such as “An Affair to Remember,” “King Kong,” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” In fact, it’s one of the city’s most significant and romantic skyscrapers.
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Empire State Building which includes a high-rise building, a city and views

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 city and a sunset

9. Bryant Park

With a storied past, midtown Manhattan’s Bryant Park has become very popular with tourists and residents for relaxing or getting active. Walk around the grounds or engage in one of the park’s many games and activities.
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Bryant Park showing a city, a park and a high-rise building

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What to do in New York

Popular places to visit

Times Square

Times Square

4/5(1,706 reviews)

New York’s infamous neon wonderland is hustle and bustle at its best, and an essential stop for all tourists.

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

Broadway

4.5/5(1,388 reviews)

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 showing a garden, flowers and a pond

Central Park

4.5/5(1,405 reviews)

Offering blissful respite from Manhattan’s concrete jungle, this is the perfect spot to rest weary feet or enjoy a picnic.

Central Park
Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden

4.5/5(347 reviews)

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 featuring heritage architecture, a city and a skyscraper

Rockefeller Center

4.5/5(1,323 reviews)

One of Manhattan’s most iconic developments, this hub of business and entertainment was considered a remarkable feat when it was completed in the late 1930s.

Rockefeller Center
Statue of Liberty which includes a statue or sculpture, a monument and heritage elements

Statue of Liberty

4.5/5(1,228 reviews)

This symbol of freedom, democracy and hope is one of the most famous statues in the world.

Statue of Liberty
Grand Central Terminal showing a city, heritage elements and a bridge

Grand Central Terminal

4.5/5(1,554 reviews)

This majestic, lively hub for commuters is a must-see for architecture buffs.

Grand Central Terminal
Empire State Building which includes a high-rise building, a city and views

Empire State Building

4.5/5(1,225 reviews)

No trip to New York is complete without zooming up the top of this iconic building, where the views of Manhattan are unmatchable.

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

One World Trade Center

4.5/5(1,251 reviews)

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 featuring a city, a high-rise building and street scenes

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 which includes 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 featuring street scenes, a city and a park

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 showing central business district, a city and a statue or sculpture

Theater District

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

Theater District
Bayonne

Bayonne

Photo by Kirsten Christiansen

Yonkers

Liberty State Park showing city views, general coastal views and night scenes

Jersey City

Staten Island

Staten Island

Bronx

Bronx

MoMA PS1 showing outdoor art

Long Island City

Brooklyn Bridge Park which includes a city, a river or creek and skyline

Brooklyn

Downtown Newark featuring a city, outdoor art and a square or plaza

Newark

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.