Best Things to Do in New York City NY

With some of the most spectacular views in the Western hemisphere, the Big Apple, New York City, NY, is one of the most iconic destinations in North America. 

It may be a little overwhelming trying to decide what you are going to do when it’s your first time visiting NYC or if you have just moved. Do you catch one of the many sports teams in NYC? Check out the clubs and rooftop bars New York City nightlife is famous for? Maybe have a picnic at the Brooklyn Bridge Park along the East River, or go on a guided tour? How about brunch at one of the amazing eateries in Williamsburg?

Do not worry. From Chinatown to the High Line, to the New York public library, there’s no shortage of day trips available. We’ve compiled a travel guide of the very best things to do in New York City, so all you have to do is focus on sightseeing. Let’s look at the best things to do in “The City That Never Sleeps.”

New York City New York Skyline

About New York City New York

New York City New York is the most populated city in the United States, with 8.8 million people distributed over approximately 300 square miles. NYC also welcomes 66 million tourists every year.

New York City has five boroughs: Manhattan, Staten Island, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, the latter two making up part of the Long Island mainland. We buy homes on Long Island and know everything about every NY neighborhood – It is one of the most diverse cities in the world, where you can hear up to 800 different languages spoken. New York City New York is also home to more than 3 million people born in a country outside of the USA.

What Makes New York City New York a Great Place to Live

There are so many things to do when visiting a place like New York City, New York. But what is it like living in New York City? What makes New York City a great place to live? Is it safe to live in NY state?

New York City living must be pretty good if close to 9 million people have chosen to make the Big Apple their home. Families can enjoy more than 1,700 parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities across the five boroughs of New York City. 

There are more than 80 world-class museums in New York City. Like sports? Two major league baseball teams, two basketball teams, a couple of pro soccer teams, and a hockey franchise all call New York City home. Not to mention the year-round calendar of concerts and special events.

New York City is not only about world-class entertainment. The city’s education system includes more than 120 colleges and universities. You can soak in the history of NYC by exploring the many famous monuments, landmarks, and architecture. 

Thinking about moving to New York City? You can spend a lifetime exploring the many different neighborhoods and cultures. There is something for everyone. When you make your decision, “I’ll look for someone who can buy my house in New York!” you will know one thing: with NYC life, you will never be bored.

Things To Do in New York City New York 

With so many fun things to do in NY, where do you begin? Our list only scratches the surface of what NYC has to offer. But it is a place to start.

Here are 15 of the best things to do in New York City, New York, when exploring one of the most dynamic cities in the world. 

Statue of Liberty

One of the most iconic monuments associated with New York City is the Statue of Liberty. Holding her torch aloft on Liberty Island on the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty has been welcoming immigrants into New York Harbor with the promise of opportunity and a better life for more than a century. 

Empire State Building

One of the first things to do when in New York City is to visit the iconic Empire State Building. It was the tallest building in the world until the World Trade Center opened in 1970. 

The 102-story Art-Deco skyscraper in midtown Manhattan attracts millions of tourists per year who enjoy panoramic views of New York City from one of three observation decks. And who can forget the famous scene of King Kong climbing to the top of the Empire State Building in the 1933 film?

Just near the Grand Central Terminal, the Empire State is a great way to kick off a full-day trip.

Visit a World-Class Museum

There are over 80 museums to choose from in New York City, including several that are considered to be the best in the world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and the American Museum of Natural History are all important museums worthy of a tour.

Central Park

One of the most famous parks in the world, Central Park gets over 25 million guests per year. It is an 843-acre green space located in the middle of Manhattan. When contemplating things to do in New York City, you can have your very own walking tour through Central Park and enjoy the many art exhibits, monuments, and fountains. Don’t forget to grab some ice cream for the trip!

Times Square

You will want to be one of the nearly half a million people who pass through Times Square every day. It is a spectacle to behold with electronic billboards and street performers. At the center of Broadway’s theater district, Times Square is world-famous for watching the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, a tradition dating back to 1907. 

Broadway Theatre 

One of the most popular things to do while in New York City is to take in a play or musical in the city’s famous Broadway theater district, the home of a much-loved American art form. There are more than forty 500-seat venues along Broadway within walking distance of Times Square. 

There’s just nothing quite as iconic as watching a Broadway show of one of the long-running productions like Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, or Chicago. 

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is made up of a number of buildings and attractions worth putting on your list of fun things to do in New York City. The Top of the Rock is an observation deck with some of the best views of the city’s skyscrapers and Central Park. You may recognize parts of Rockefeller Center from movies and television, including the memorable Christmas tree and ice skating rink.

Greenwich Village

In Lower Manhattan, you’ll find the NYC area with a rich cultural history known as Greenwich Village. It was the birthplace of the 1960’s bohemian movement, home to artists and musicians, and more recently, the LGBTQ movement. 

Madison Square Garden

Home to the NBA’s New York Knicks and the NHL’s New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden has also been the venue for many historic boxing matches and concerts. MSG is regarded as the world’s most famous arena and is still one of the busiest venues in terms of concert sales.

If you are not lucky enough to catch a game or concert, be sure to add a tour of Madison Square Garden to your list of things to do in New York City. 

Yankee Stadium

Another sports venue not to be missed is Yankee Stadium. Home of the New York Yankees, the stadium was rebuilt in 2009 for $2.3 billion. Much of the tradition and history have been preserved from the old ballpark, including Monument Park, where you can experience the legends of Yankee greats like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Joe DiMaggio.

Mother, son and daughter enjoying the Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is the United States’ largest urban zoo, with over 5,000 animals housed on over 265 acres. Opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo is an integral part of animal conservation. If you are looking for a fun thing to do in New York City, spend a day exploring exhibits like the Congo Gorilla Forest, Tiger Mountain, and the Butterfly Garden. 

Metropolitan Opera House

Another one of New York City’s iconic entertainment venues is the Metropolitan Opera House, the largest repertory opera house in the world. Located at Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the Met has been home to many of the world’s most loved operas and concerts by the likes of Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, and The Who. 

Radio City Music Hall

Home of The Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall has been nicknamed “The Showplace of the Nation” for hosting numerous significant awards ceremonies, concerts, and live television broadcasts. Part of Rockefeller Center, it is worth putting on your list of things to do in New York City just to stand outside and take in the marquee and signage on 6th Avenue.

Coney Island

Definitely visit Coney Island if you’re looking for fun things to do in New York City. Check out the amusement park and ride carousels the Wonder Wheel for a magnificent view of the Manhattan skyline. 

Experience one of the world’s oldest wooden roller coasters, climbing 26 meters before hitting speeds of 60 mph. Since 1927, Coney Island has been a favorite escape for New Yorkers and tourists alike. 

Staten Island Ferry

When you’re next in NYC, be sure to take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry operates 24/7 and is fare-free. The 25-minute trip will take you through New York Harbor between the boroughs of Staten Island and Manhattan, offering incredible views of the One World Observatory, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and the impressive skyscrapers that New York City is famous for. 

Final Thoughts on Things To Do in NYC 

You know a city is the real deal when even its train station has made a name for itself. New York City New York is one of the world’s sightseeing capitals. Whether you are thinking about moving to New York City New York or planning a vacation, there are limitless fun things to do in the city that never sleeps. 

The city’s diversity, history, culture, and entertainment attract millions of visitors annually. There are so many neighborhoods you can plan day trips for, from Little Italy, SoHo, and Harlem, to the lower east side. Find your new home through cash home buyers in Brooklyn or in any NY area, and let the city enchant you.

There is little wonder that New York City has attracted more people from other places around the globe that now call the Big Apple home.