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The top things to do in New York City include marveling at the Empire State Building or exploring Central Park. With so much history, culture, and dramatic scenery, it’s hard not to love The Big Apple.
New York City is one of the world’s largest cities. It’s a stock market hub full of adventurous entrepreneurs and influential businesses. It’s also the home to some of the world’s most famous art, music, and architecture.
Over 60 million tourists visit the city annually to experience epic events such as Times Square’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. Even with all its sights and experiences, the city’s true gems are hidden within its neighborhoods and boroughs.
I put together a collection of my favorite sights for first-time visitors, including local recommendations. These destinations are also highly rated on Google and travel sites like TripAdvisor. Below are the 12 best things to do and see in New York City.
Luxury Hotel in New York City:Hilton Club The Quin New York is a hotel in Midtown Manhattan with convenient access to Central Park, iconic attractions like MOMA, and nearby subway connections.
Budget Hotel in New York City:The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad offers upscale accommodations near landmarks like the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden, with dining options featuring American, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Visit Ellis Island
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
See Central Park
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Visit Ellis Island
From 1892 to 1924, Ellis Island functioned as the main port of entry for immigrants arriving in the US. Around 12 million people walked through its gates to become citizens of the young country.
Today, the island is a fantastic museum dedicated to the legacy of US immigration. It houses the original documents, books, and artifacts of the era.
Explore the names of the people who arrived and learn about their stories. Watch as other visitors trace their family’s lineage. On top of all the history are the unparalleled views of the New York skyline and Statue of Liberty.
Tickets: Purchase a combination ticket for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, which starts at $25.50 for adults. Book early to avoid sold-out ferries.
Ferry Departure: Ferries leave from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Arrive 30 minutes early to navigate security.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the world’s most iconic monuments. It was shipped to the US as a gift from the French Government in 1885. In 1886, it was fully assembled to stand over the entrance of the city.
You can visit the statue along with Ellis Island by taking the Statue City Cruises ferry. Don’t miss the chance to walk under the base of the statue and enter the museum. You’ll learn about the construction of the monument and see old photographs and artifacts.
Take the stairs into the monument and gaze out over New York’s iconic skyline. Visit in the morning to miss the crowds and catch the best sunlight for photos.
Crown Access: If you want to visit the crown, book tickets months in advance. It’s a unique view but involves climbing 162 narrow steps.
Nearby Café: Visit the Statue of Liberty Crown Cafe for a convenient meal right on Liberty Island. They offer classic American dishes with vegetarian options available.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s great art museums. Inside is an iconic collection of ancient art from Egypt and Mesopotamia to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It also has an extensive collection of modern and European art.
There are almost 500,000 works of art shown on permanent and rotating exhibits. Enjoy everything from iconic Japanese woodblocks to European masterpiece paintings. You see work by artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, and Claude Monet.
Visit the museum early to avoid the crowds. Even if you’re not an art lover, you’ll still want to set aside several hours to explore this amazing space.
Hours and Entry: The museum is open Sunday–Tuesday and Thursday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Friday–Saturday until 9 PM. Tickets are $30 for adults; pay-as-you-wish for NY residents.
Nearby Cafe: Stop by Via Quadronno for authentic Italian coffee and paninis. It’s a 10-minute walk from the museum.
Central Park is New York City’s famous green space. It’s famous for its romantic forest paths, ice rinks, and annual events.
Locals come here to relax and get away from the stresses of the city. You’ll rub shoulders with New Yorkers from all walks of life. Bring your camera and your walking shoes—or ice skates, because you’ll want to spend the entire day here.
See historical monuments such as Belvedere Castle and the Strawberry Fields tribute to John Lennon. Visit the Conservatory Garden and the historical Central Park Zoo or go ice skating in winter. No matter what season you visit, you’ll enjoy endless experiences.
Bike Rentals:Rent a bike for $18 per day to see more of the park quickly. Multiple rental stations are available near the park entrances.
Ice Skating: In winter, skate at Wollman Rink, open daily from October to March. Tickets start $15 off-peak, $27 peak, $38 holidays for adults.
The 9/11 Museum and Memorial is a must-see monument dedicated to the tragedy of 9/11. The space was built around ground zero, where the two World Trade Center towers fell. Almost 3,000 people died in the tragic event.
Step near the walls of the fountains and read the names of the victims. Then, visit the museum to learn about the tragic event.
The museum and memorial were designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker. Nearby, you’ll see New York’s tallest building, One World Trade Center.
New York’s Chinatown has a very long and important history. Chinese immigrants formed the neighborhood in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Since its founding, the neighborhood has been ground zero for amazing food, entertainment, and cultural attractions. The neighborhood is home to many famous people, including writer Amy Tan and Fast & Furious Director Justin Lin.
When you visit, you must try the popular dim sum restaurants and locally run cafes. Look for places filled to the brim with locals. Restaurants such as Jing Fong and Joe’s Shanghai are all worth trying. When you’re done eating, visit the Museum of Chinese in America.
Dim Sum Recommendation: Visit Dim Sum Go Go for modern takes on classic dim sum dishes.
The Staten Island Ferry is how residents of the Staten Island borough get to and from Manhattan. It’s also where famous movies were filmed and Hip Hop legends like Wu-Tang Clan battled.
From The Dark Knight to Spider-Man: Hoxmecoming, you’ll recognize several important movie moments from the ferry. On top of this are the views. The ferry is one of the best places to observe the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Take the ferry at odd times of the day to avoid rush hour. If you have time, stop off in Staten Island to see the often-overlooked borough.
Schedule: The Staten Island Ferry runs every 30 minutes, 24/7, and it’s free.
Attraction Nearby: Visit the Staten Island Greenbelt, a nature preserve with hiking trails and wildlife.
Katz’s Deli is New York’s oldest deli. It’s been around since 1888 and is one of the city’s most beloved places for sandwiches. Although expensive, the amount of food you get per sandwich is nothing but impressive.
Besides its sandwiches, it’s been the backdrop of many famous films and TV shows such as When Harry Met Sally. You’ll see all kinds of memorabilia and photos on its walls.
Expect long lines, so try visiting at odd hours. The restaurant has a ton of other options besides sandwiches, so come hungry.
Signature Dish: Order the pastrami on rye—a classic that’s worth the hype. Each sandwich is piled high with hand-carved meat.
Location: Katz’s Deli is at 205 E Houston St, New York, NY.
Travel Back in Time at the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a must-see museum that tells the story of the planet. You’ll step into a massive space and see towering dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits.
The museum has permanent and temporary exhibits. Learn about the evolution of Hip Hop Jewelry or the Native American heritage of New York. Or, step inside a giant theater to discover the evolution of the Earth.
Time your visit with lectures from some of the world’s top scientists, writers, and speakers. Set aside the day because there’s fantastic food options at the Restaurant at Gilder and several cafes.
Tickets: General admission starts at $25 for New York State Residents and $30 for standard pricing. Special exhibits may cost extra. Reserve tickets online to skip the line.
The Empire State Building is world famous for being the world’s tallest building from 1931 to 1971. It’s also famous for attracting giant apes to climb it for photo shoots.
The massive tower stands 1,250 ft (381m) above Central Manhattan. From the top, you’ll get an unparalleled view of the city and other landmarks. You’ll even see up to six states if the weather’s decent.
After climbing to the top, take time to see the shops inside. There are incredible pieces of memorabilia from New York’s history.
Observation Decks: Visit the 86th-floor deck for open-air views. Tickets start at $44 for adults. A $5 booking charge is added to each transaction.
Best Time: Go at night for dazzling city lights or sunrise for a serene experience.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a brand new experience that takes observation decks to new heights—literally! It features interactive shows and outdoor glass bottomed elevators that take you to the top of the skyscraper.
Throughout the tour, you’ll witness art by Kenzo Digital and other interactive displays. You’ll step inside rooms full of mirrors that completely distort your sense of space. When you come out, you’ll be surrounded by the city and its landmarks like the Empire State Building.
One of the highlights is looking down at 30,375 square feet of reflective mirrors. This optical illusion is truly breathtaking.
Tickets:General admission starts at $43, with a $3 online processing fee added to each order. Reserve online for timed entry to avoid long lines.
What to Wear: Avoid skirts or dresses due to reflective surfaces and glass floors.
The Highline is a unique walking path built above the city on a former elevated rail line. The non-profit Highline organization built it as a park that reimagines public spaces.
Walk along its green spaces and gardens and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll see historical buildings and enjoy artwork on display on the path. Native plants cover the entire space as well as herbs and perennials.
Enjoy live music, nearby restaurants, and annual events. Visit in the early morning or evening to catch the most beautiful light and views.
Entry: The Highline is free and varies by season: December 1 – March 31: 7:00AM to 8:00PM. April 1 – November 30: 7:00AM to 10:00PM.
Nearby Dining: Stop by Chelsea Market for a variety of food options, from tacos to artisanal baked goods.
Matt Dursum is a writer from Michigan. His work has appeared in dozens of magazines and blogs, such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel Off Path, and The Collector. He has traveled to over 46 countries and loves to share his passion for travel with others.
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