The Big Apple. The great New York City, NY. If you haven’t already been, this is your sign to go now. Seriously, go look at flights right now. This city has something for everyone. You can’t visit NYC and not find something you love about it.
From New York pizza to rainbow bagels, Chinatown to Little Italy, Broadway shows to biking in Central Park. New York City is bustling 24/7, and while it’s busy, it’s also charming.
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There is an endless list of fun things to do in New York City, from winter activities to summer outings. I’ve curated a list of unique and fun things to do in NYC year-round that will guarantee you fall in love with this city.
If you’ve never visited the great city of NYC, there are several things every first-timer must do; we’ll list those first! It’s hard to visit New York City and not enjoy it.
This city is full of life and energy and food and activities and countless sights. Keep reading to learn about the most fun things to do in New York City.
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30 Fun Things to Do in New York City
1. Times Square
Did you even go to New York City if you didn’t stroll around Times Square? This iconic location is known for its vibrant, electronic billboards, shops, and restaurants galore, like Mia’s Bakery, street performers, and Broadway! This bustling block is well worth a visit so you can experience the full energy of this city.
2. Central Park
Located in, well, the center of Manhattan is Central Park. This 2.5-mile-long park houses beautiful nature and walking paths, playgrounds, and monuments.
Make sure you visit the iconic Bethesda Terrace and Umpire Rock. You’ll also find the Belvedere Castle, Shakespeare Garden, and Cherry Hill Fountain, otherwise known as the “Friends” intro song fountain.
You must walk through at least a portion of Central Park when visiting the Big Apple. Not only is it one of the best things to do in New York City, it is one of the prettiest urban green spaces; compare it to those parks in Seattle!
One of the best ways to explore Central Park is on a bike. You can rent bikes and tour yourself or you can join a guided bike tour of the park.
→ Book your own bike rentals (click here) or join a guided bike tour of Central Park (click here)!
3. Watch a Broadway Show...or Three
Even if you’re not the biggest live theater fan, you must see at least one show on Broadway. No one does theater and musicals like Broadway does. And the best part, there are always many different shows to choose from.
You have classics like “The Lion King” and “The Book of Mormon,” as well as those that show for a limited time, like “Some Like It Hot.” Find one that suits your taste!
4. Statue of Liberty
This is another must while visiting NYC. There are several different tickets available for the Statue of Liberty. You can get a general admission ticket, which includes a roundtrip ferry ride, but you can also purchase additional tickets to access the statue’s pedestal, crown, and more!
Book a Statue of Liberty tour!
- Statue of Liberty Express Cruise (click to book) | 50 min, from $24
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Museums w/ Ferry (click to book) | 5 hrs, from $28
- Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise (click to book) | 1.5 hours, from $26
5. Get a Rainbow Bagel
You can’t visit New York City without getting some bagels to eat! Head to Liberty Bagels for incredible NYC bagels.
They have a huge selection of breakfast sandwiches and more. If you have a sweet tooth, you have to try the Birthday Cake bagel; it’s a rainbow bagel with frosting and sprinkle cream cheese!
Or go for a classic NYC breakfast bagel with egg, meat, and cheese. They’re filling, delicious, and a classic!
6. Chelsea Market
A classic Manhattan activity is spending an hour or two exploring Chelsea Market. This food hall and shopping market in one holds a fun array of stores and lots of incredible restaurant options.
Wander through the stores leisurely and then stay and grab some lunch. We recommend Chote Miya or Takumi Tacos, but you really can’t go wrong here!
7. Movie Tour in Central Park 
If you’re looking for fun things to do in New York City in the winter, then this movie tour of Central Park is the perfect way to explore the city and get into the holiday spirit.
Visit filming locations from the beloved “Elf” movie as well as “Home Alone 2.” Central Park is gorgeous in summer, but the iconic holiday movies give it a whole new character in the winter months.
This tour is about one hour long, and tickets start at $42 per person.
→ Book your movie tour in Central Park here! | 1 hour, from $42
Save with the NYC CityPass!
Visit several main attractions at a discounted price with the New York CityPass.
Includes admission to:
• Empire State Building Observatory
• American Museum of Natural History
Plus, 3 of the following of your choice:
• Top of The Rock® Observation Deck
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Ferry Access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
• Intrepid Museum
• Guggenheim Museum
8. The Met
As one of the largest art museums in the world, The Met is an incredible place to visit. The works here span over 5,000 years of human history from all over the world. Learn more about visiting this famous art museum here.
→ Book a guided tour of the Met here! | 2 hours, from $65
9. Walk the High Line
Another New York City must-do is the High Line along the lower west coast of Manhattan.
This elevated walkway is 1.45 miles long. It’s like walking through a park above the streets of NYC; there are so many pretty views of the surrounding city. I recommend visiting at sunset, just after, or for sunrise!
10. Joe’s Pizza
If you’re in NYC, pizza is one hundred percent a must. Stop by Joe’s Pizza for a fresh and filling meal. There are several choices, and you can buy a slice or a whole pizza. I recommend trying the white pizza, it’s super cheesy and delicious. This is the pizza shop Peter Parker works at in Spider-Man 2.
11. Empire State Building
If you want a killer view of NYC from above, stop by the Empire State Building and buy tickets to go to the 102nd deck. You have to buy tickets and make reservations in advance so make sure you plan this out. You can even visit during sunrise for a very fun, unique experience.
12. Dumbo
Hop on the subway in Brooklyn and head to Dumbo for some beautiful city views. This is a beloved photo spot, but for very good reason!
Dumbo stands for “Down under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass” and is a must-see in NYC. It is NYC’s photo frame, with the bridge perfectly between buildings. Plus there is shopping and dining all around you here.
13. Brooklyn Graffiti Workshop
Join a local artist in this small group graffiti workshop and dive into the world of NYC graffiti. Learn about the techniques of this art style in this hands-on activity.
Paint your own masterpiece on the studio walls, or opt to paint on canvas to create your very own souvenir to bring home.
Not only is this a fun, creative workshop, but it’s informational as well. You’ll learn about New York City’s graffiti culture from a local artist with firsthand knowledge. And get a cool souvenir!
→ Click here to book the Brooklyn Graffiti Workshop! | From $45
14. Ghostbusters Building
Who you gonna call? If you’re a Ghostbusters fan, or even if you’re not, head over to the Ghostbusters Headquarters located in lower Manhattan. It’s a fun photoshoot opportunity and it’s within walking distance of Soho, Little Italy, and the western Manhattan coastline.
15. Chinatown
Explore the bustling streets, shop in all the little stores, and eat delicious food in Chinatown. Make sure you also stop at a bakery and try some yummy sweets!
Chinatown is so fun to walk around, and you can go from here to Little Italy very quickly. Head to Mott Street for the best shops and dining!
→ Book a Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour (click here to book) | 2 hours, from $81
16. The FRIENDS™ Experience
Her fans of Friends, this is a must while in New York City! Dive headfirst into the world of Friends and transport yourself into this iconic television show!
Wander through two floors of exhibits, from the famous orange couch to Monica and Rachel’s kitchen. Take plenty of photos and enjoy the Friends show from a whole new perspective!
Tickets to this experience are limited, so you won’t be fighting big crowds. It takes about 1 hour and tickets start at $55 per person.
→ Book the FRIENDS Experience (click here to book) | 1 hour, from $55
17. Museum of Modern Art | MoMA
Where are my art lovers? My museum fans? Admire and learn about all kinds of modern art at the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA. With thousands of pieces spread throughout 5 floors, this is a must-visit in NYC.
Head to the fifth floor for classics such as Van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Monet. They have permanent exhibits as well as rotating ones, so you can return for a new experience! Make sure you leave about 3 hours free to truly explore MoMA.
→ Buy tickets in advance for MoMA (click here!) | From $30
18. Try Junior’s Cheesecake
You can’t go to New York City without getting some cheesecake, and the best place to get it is at Junior’s. This New York restaurant started in Brooklyn and added a few locations throughout the city.
It is a full-on restaurant with tons of yummy things to eat, but you have to at least try their cheesecake. We highly recommend the carrot cake cheesecake! Stop by Junior’s on 45th before or after a Broadway show!
19. Visit Pebble Beach
Want to get pretty pictures of Manhattan? Head to Pebble Beach in Brooklyn and you’ll have a great view of Manhattan from across the bay!
This is close to Dumbo, so visit the two on the same day for a great little jaunt around the area. If the weather is nice, you won’t want to go inside, this is such a pretty area with great city views!
20. Wander Through Little Italy
Another must-visit neighborhood is Little Italy. It feels like you’ve been transported to the streets of Florence when you’re walking around Little Italy. Grab an authentic Italian meal here, or stop for a cappuccino while you relax from exploring.
→ Book a Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour (click here to book) | 2 hours, from $81
21. Ground Zero
A beautiful and moving monument, Ground Zero is a memorial for the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers. There are two huge “pools” where the two towers once stood.
This is free to walk around; you can read the names of victims on the rim of the pools. There are often roses placed in names. After you’ve made your way through Ground Zero, head to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
→ Buy Tickets to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum here | From $25
22. Artechouse
An immersive art experience, Artechouse is located right next to Chelsea Market. The focus is on connecting art, science, and technology in one incredible display.
The exhibit changes frequently and will take about 30 minutes to one hour. Stop by while you’re exploring Chelsea Market; the entrance door to Artechouse is on 15th St. outside of the market.
23. Magnolia Bakery
Known for its banana pudding and cupcakes, you have to stop at a Magnolia Bakery for a sweet treat! This NYC chain is much loved and offers an array of sweets.
I recommend grabbing a vanilla cupcake and a magic cookie bar. Stop by the one on 6th Avenue for a pick-me-up after wandering through MoMA; it’s only a couple of blocks away!
24. Little Island
A super fun place to get a view of New Jersey across the bay and a tiny Statue of Liberty in the distance is Little Island. This pier-type structure is made up of tiny “little islands,” and there are interactive parts to have fun with too.
You can make music by jumping on squares, hula hoop if the weather is nice, or climb to the highest viewpoint for a picturesque bay.
25. TimeOut Market
Where are my fellow foodies at? If you’re like us and enjoy trying all different kinds of food, another must-visit food hall is TimeOut Market. Located within walking distance of Dumbo, is the perfect place to grab some lunch after a morning of exploring.
There are so many delicious options in this indoor dining hall; from ramen to Indian to vegan, there is something for everyone!
26. Take an NYC Food Tour
Explore New York City from a different angle on a walking food tour. Enjoy the culinary scene of this diverse city, and try some of the best foods NYC has to offer.
There are so many food tours you can choose from here, but below are the top three that I highly recommend. Taste your way through New York City and fall in love with the culinary world here.
The following are the best food tours in New York:
- Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour (click here to book) | 2 hours, from $81
- Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Food Tour (click here to book) | 3 hours, from $72
- Flavor of the Lower East Side Foodie Tour (click here to book) | 3 hours, from $64
27. Oculus Center
When in New York, shopping is a must. There is a store for absolutely everything in this city, and one of the best malls is the Oculus Center. It is located right next to Ground Zero and is nearly impossible to miss.
It is the “whale tail” shaped building. The architecture is very unique, inside and out. There are tons of shops and dining options, as well as a huge train station inside.
28. The Morgan Library & Museum
This is another great option for you museum lovers. Tour the historic Morgan Library and admire the current art exhibits. These rotate out every few months or so.
Once the personal library of Pierpont Morgan, this museum holds so much interesting history and charm.
29. Take a Helicopter Tour of Manhattan
See New York City from a bird’s eye perspective and gain a new admiration for this sprawling urban center by going on a helicopter tour over Manhattan.
While there are many fun things to do in New York City, how many times will you get to go above the city? Book you and your travel group a unique experience and learn about NYC from the sky.
You’ll get to fly over Manhattan’s skyscrapers, view the Statue of Liberty from a different perspective, and fly past the vast Central Park. This tour lasts up to 30 minutes and tickets start at $275 per person.
→ Book a helicopter tour over Manhattan here | 30 minutes, from $275
30. Bronx Zoo
Looking for a family-friendly option? The Bronx Zoo is the perfect option! Sitting at over 250 acres with 10,000 animals, this is a great place to explore for any age.
It is the largest metropolitan zoo in the US and will take 4 to 5 hours to see all of it. Or make your own path through the zoo to check out your favorite animals at your own pace.
31. Intrepid Sea, Space, & Air Museum
Included in the New York Go City Pass, the Intrepid Sea, Space, & Air Museum is full of history and science. Learn about space shuttles, submarines, and more. This is fun for all ages, and is even great for those with kiddos!
→ Buy tickets to the Intrepid Museum here | From $35
32. Grand Central Terminal
Who knew a train station could be so pretty and popular? Grand Central Terminal is the largest train station in the world and holds so much history and art, like the magnificent ceiling mural in the main concourse.
This free sight is fun to visit and doesn’t take very long to explore. There are also dining options inside. Check out the Whispering Gallery while you’re here!
Learn about the history and unique nature of Grand Central Station through the eyes of a local guide.
→ Join the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal guided tour (click here)! | 1.5 hours, from $39
33. Summit One Vanderbilt
A one-of-a-kind observation deck and museum in one, the Summit One Vanderbilt is the place to get one of the best views of New York City while immersed in a unique environment.
This is located right next door to Grand Central Terminal; check the rules before you go as certain shoes are not allowed and pants are recommended due to lots of reflective floors.
→ Book your SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket here! | 2 hours, from $48
The list of fun things to do in New York City could go on for miles, this city is filled to the brim with views, activities, and restaurants. But these sights and activities are some of the best that NYC has to offer!
Make sure you eat your weight in food and try everything you can while you’re in New York City. If you have the time, take a few hours to just stroll around a neighborhood. There is so much to find, and it’s a fun way to see different parts of NYC.
New York City is a popular travel destination, but it is for a very good reason. The city is buzzing with life and waiting to be explored by you. Where will you be heading first when you arrive in NYC?
