Things to do in New York

Activities, attractions and tours

A red boat on a river with a bridge and a city skyline in the background.
A bridge with a large arch and a building with a 'Santander' sign.
The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor with sailboats in the foreground and a cruise ship in the background.
A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and a calm river with wooden posts in the foreground.
A spacious indoor area with a high ceiling and rows of white columns.

Things to do

Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards

Edge Immersive Observation Deck Ticket

HK$323
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Edge Immersive Observation Deck Ticket
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

HK$375
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets
Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway

Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway

HK$717
per adult
Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway
Empire State Building Observation Deck & Museum Ticket

Empire State Building Observation Deck & Museum Ticket

HK$324
per child
90% of travellers recommend
Empire State Building Observation Deck & Museum Ticket
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour + Pedestal Access

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options

HK$580
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options
Deluxe Helicopter Tour

Ultimate Manhattan Highlights Helicopter Tours

HK$2,030
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ultimate Manhattan Highlights Helicopter Tours
One World Observatory: Skip-the-Line Ticket

One World Observatory Tickets

HK$338
per adult
One World Observatory Tickets
See all activities in New York
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

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.
Learn more
Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

2. 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.
Learn more
A tree-lined road with blooming pink flowers, a cyclist, and a historic building in the background.

3. Madison Square Garden

Midtown Manhattan has one of the world’s most famous indoor arenas: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Watch the NBA New York Knicks, NHL New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty or your favorite big-name concert performers at this huge venue.
Learn more
A cityscape with prominent skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, and a large circular building with a dome.

4. 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.
Learn more
A historic building with ornate architecture and a modern glass skyscraper in the background.

5. 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.
Learn more
A tall, beige skyscraper with many windows, surrounded by palm trees and other buildings.

6. 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.
Learn more
The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island with a clear sky.

7. 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.
Learn more
A busy urban street with yellow taxis, pedestrians, and tall buildings with illuminated signs.

8. Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium has been one of New York City’s iconic destinations for almost a hundred years, ever since the original was built in 1923. The team’s new home, constructed at a cost of $2.3 billion, is the most expensive stadium ever built, but manages to include both deluxe amenities and many references to the Yankees’ long history. Enjoy a typical New York experience by hopping on the subway northward, ready to spend an afternoon watching America’s pastime.
Learn more
Yankee Stadium with a crowd of people in front.

9. 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.
Learn more
The Empire State Building surrounded by other skyscrapers in New York City.

10. 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.
Learn more
A cityscape with a prominent skyscraper, dense urban buildings, and a waterfront.

What to do in New York

Stay near popular New York attractions

Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

Times Square

8.8/5 (110,704 reviews)
Pulsing with neon hoardings and Broadway marquees, Times Square electrifies visitors as the world's most famous crossroads. Explore after sunset when illuminated advertisements create a dazzling spectacle.
See properties

Where to stay in New York

Find the best New York areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about New York
Learn more about New York
A city skyline with various high-rise buildings, including a distinctive skyscraper under construction, and a body of water in the foreground.

Midtown

Times Square and Rockefeller Center are a few top attractions in Midtown. Hop around the city on the metro at 42 St. - Bryant Pk. Station or Times Sq. - 42 St. Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, soaring skyscrapers and acclaimed art galleries.

A cityscape with high-rise buildings and a park with autumn foliage.

Upper West Side

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Upper West Side. Check out top attractions like Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle, and jump on the metro at 86 St. Station (Broadway) or 79 St. Station to see more of the city.

A historic building with classical architecture, a flagpole with the European Union flag and the French flag, and a person walking by.

Upper East Side

Known for its interesting museums and stunning river views, there's plenty to explore in Upper East Side. Top attractions like 5th Avenue and Gagosian Uptown are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 77 St. Station (Lexington Av.) or 72nd Street Station to see more of the city.

A rooftop garden with various plants and a view of historic buildings in the background.

Chelsea

Chelsea is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Madison Square Garden and Joyce Theater. See more of New York by jumping on the metro at 23 St. Station (8th Av.) or 23 St. Station (7th Av.).

A fountain surrounded by trees and historic buildings.

Greenwich Village

Spend some time visiting places like 5th Avenue while getting to know Greenwich Village, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Christopher St. - Sheridan Sq. Station or W 4 St. Station to see more of the area.

A large steel bridge spanning a wide river, with a city skyline in the background.

Bayonne

A lit bridge at night with a river in the foreground and a cloudy sky.

Yonkers

A city skyline with a prominent skyscraper reflecting on the water.

Jersey City

A large brick building with arched windows and a green awning.

Staten Island

A street with Arthur Avenue storefronts, including Arthur's Candies and Fiasco.

Bronx

A waterfront promenade with benches and a city skyline in the background.

Long Island City

A coastal city with a large body of water, numerous sailboats, and a prominent bridge connecting two land masses.

Perth Amboy

A bridge with an American flag, a city skyline, and a waterfront park.

Brooklyn

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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia