75 Best Things To Do in NYC [updated 2025]

Discover the best of New York: iconic tours, Broadway shows and hidden gems - experience the Big Apple to the fullest!

75 Best Things To Do in NYC [updated 2025]

More about: 75 Best Things To Do in NYC [updated 2025]

The Big Apple is where great artists have dreamed of achieving success, where many European immigrants found a way to change their destiny, and where every visitor has found a reason not to leave.

We are, of course, talking about New York: a city where it is practically impossible to close your eyes. There is so much to see and do that it is important to know what is worth your time and what is not, so you don't get overwhelmed. That's why we have put together a list of the most amazing experiences for your trip to New York.

1. Fly over New York on a helicopter tour

Views of Manhattan from a helicopter| ©Hellotickets
Views of Manhattan from a helicopter| ©Hellotickets

Taking a helicopter ride over New York will show you the city as few people ever see it. The bird's-eye view will allow you to see New York as if you had it in the palm of your hand, and it's an experience you'll definitely want to talk about when you get back from your trip. What's more, there are many helicopter tour options available.

The city skyline is a spectacle in itself, even more so from a helicopter flight over New York. Most flights last around 15 minutes, taking you on a journey where the wonderful views are combined with the adrenaline rush of flying over New York in a helicopter at over 200 kilometers per hour.

Compare the best helicopter tours

2. The best basketball in the world live

Madison Square Garden| ©Hellotickets
Madison Square Garden| ©Hellotickets

Whether you're a basketball fan or not, going to an NBA game is an unforgettable experience. The iconic Madison Square Garden is home to the New York Knicks, the local team, and it's in this stadium where you can see NBA stars give their all on the court. It's definitely an experience that will add a lot to your trip and a must-see if you're passionate about basketball. If you've already decided you're not going to miss it, buy your tickets for NBA games here.

If you want to read a little more about the experience, understand what you'll find there, or discover why it's one of the top experiences you can have in New York, let me convince you in my article about New York NBA Basketball 2025-2026: Tickets and Best Prices.

Discover the legendary Madison Square Garden

You may not be that into the NBA itself, but you'll be dying to discover this venue where so many artists and sports teams have made history. There are guided tours of the venue, you can attend concerts and, of course, you can watch the Knicks play at home. I'll tell you how to buy tickets for Madison Square Garden.

Don't miss the Brooklyn Nets stadium

The Brooklyn Nets' stadium may not be as well known as Madison Square Garden, but that doesn't make the Barclays Center any less interesting. This venue hosts concerts and events in addition to NBA games and is well worth a visit during your stroll through Brooklyn. Here's everything you need to know about the Brooklyn Nets' stadium.

Book your NBA tickets

3. Enjoy a Broadway show

The intersection of Times Square and Broadway Avenue| ©Hellotickets
The intersection of Times Square and Broadway Avenue| ©Hellotickets

New York is a city entirely dedicated to entertainment. It's no coincidence that Broadway musicals and theater performances are famous around the world and a draw for visitors, so if you want to enjoy a truly unique experience, I recommend buying your tickets in advance and adding a special touch to your visit to New York.

Both The Lion King and Aladdin are undoubtedly two of the most popular musicals, so try to get your tickets as soon as possible to secure the best seats at the best price. But if you're still not sure which one you want to see, here's a list of what I consider to be the best Broadway musicals.

Other Broadway musicals

Compare the best Broadway musicals

4. Explore New York's multiculturalism on the most popular guided tours

During one of the guided tours| ©Hellotickets
During one of the guided tours| ©Hellotickets

The contrasts tour

New York is undoubtedly a city where contrasts follow one another at such a pace that it is difficult to keep up. If you book the contrasts tour, you will be taken to four very different neighborhoods of the city: Queens, Harlem, the Bronx, and Brooklyn.

You will see the industrial part of the city, the Jewish quarter, the history-filled streets of Harlem, and iconic buildings of the city. In just one day, you will have toured the city and gotten to know it like a local.

The Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour

If the contrasts tour is a must for getting to know the different areas of New York and understanding how its different cultures fit together, the Upper and Lower Manhattan tour will delve much deeper into those contrasts and corners of the island of Manhattan that you can't miss. Whether it's your first time in New York or you're a regular visitor to the city, this expert guide will reveal many key places in the city that I bet you didn't know about.

If you want to be surprised by another of Lower Manhattan's neighborhoods, treat yourself to a tour of Greenwich Village. You'll find the best tours of this fantastic neighborhood and breathe in the bohemian air of the 20th-century bourgeois houses, all led by guides who will tell you the most interesting stories about the famous people who lived there.

Other tours

For better or worse, New York is a tourist mecca for millions of travelers who make the pilgrimage to the city that never sleeps every year. That's why there are dozens of options for exploring the city (on foot, by bus, in more or less depth, etc.), and sometimes choosing the one that best suits your travel itinerary can seem overwhelming. That's why I've made this selection of 13 Best New York City Tours so you can choose the one you like best.

One of the tours that may be of particular interest to you if you want to see the inner workings of the financial world firsthand is the best Wall Street tours. If you book a tour with a Wall Street professional, they will tell you the juiciest stories about the latest financial crises.

And if mystery is your thing, I recommend booking a guided tour of the catacombs of New York.

Discover the city's secrets

If you're not a big fan of guided tours and prefer to explore the city at your own pace without a guide, I recommend planning your own itinerary to make sure you don't miss a thing. If this isn't your first time in the city and you want to discover alternative or hidden places that are less visited by tourists, don't miss my guide to the city's secret places.

Compare the best tours of New York

5. Tour Harlem and attend a gospel mass

Streets of Harlem| ©Nicole Y. C.
Streets of Harlem| ©Nicole Y. C.

Exploring Harlem with a guide is one of the best experiences you can have in New York, as you'll discover everything that many tourists miss by only seeing Manhattan during their trip. You can also attend an authentic gospel mass and feel the enormous spirituality that permeates the neighborhood's churches, with services so intense that they are a spectacle in themselves.

If you want to explore this neighborhood on your own, I recommend taking note of the essential things to see and do in Harlem to make sure you don't miss a thing. Oh, and take advantage of this list of the best places to eat in Harlem and this other list of the best places to listen to music in Harlem. But I recommend booking a tour of Harlem with a gospel mass at

.

Book a tour of Harlem with a gospel mass

6. Take a trip to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls| ©Tim Gouw
Niagara Falls| ©Tim Gouw

Although it's not something to do in New York, it's a great way to make the most of your trip to the East Coast of the United States and tick one of the world's most impressive natural wonders off your bucket list.

Excursions to Niagara Falls are a great way to round off your trip to the Big Apple with a healthy dose of pure nature. Accompanied by an expert guide and with transportation to and from Manhattan included, they are the best option for exploring one of the most spectacular national parks in the United States.

But is it worth the visit? If you're traveling to New York for two days or if your trip to New York is three days long, it's best to spend your time in the Big Apple and not leave, but if you're taking a 10-day trip to New York or you're going to be in New York for 15 days or more, booking a trip to Niagara Falls is an option you should consider.

Compare the best excursions to Niagara Falls

7. Tour Central Park

Strolling through Central Park| ©Hellotickets
Strolling through Central Park| ©Hellotickets

You're sure to have Central Park on your list of things to do in New York, but do you know what not to miss once you get there? Stroll through the Conservatory Gardens, a European-style garden with beautiful fountains and statues; Belvedere Castle, a small castle located at the highest point of the park with beautiful views; and Bethesda Terrace and its fountain, an architectural marvel where you can take spectacular photos.

It is huge, so to help you find your way around, I have put together this guide on 17 Things to Do in Central Park. There are many ways to explore this wonderful park, but one very special option is to take a carriage ride through Central Park. You can also rent a bike in Central Park and explore it that way.

In general, I recommend renting a bike (if the snow allows it) and spending a few hours getting lost in the green lung of Manhattan. Let's ride! But if you're traveling with children, don't miss the Central Park Zoo, a place where you can see the most exotic species, both domestic and wild. With your tickets to the Central Park Zoo, you'll have access to the main zoo, another zoo especially for children, and the 4-D theater.

Rent a bike in Central Park

8. Check out SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, the newest observatory in Midtown

One Vanderbilt| ©SUMMIT
One Vanderbilt| ©SUMMIT

Yes, you read that right. You can book tickets for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Just a few months after New York opened the glass-enclosed observation deck The Edge, we're once again faced with an opening that has left everyone speechless: SUMMIT is a spectacular observation deck that you can't miss, both for the views it offers of Manhattan and for the incredible architecture of the building itself.

Everything here is designed for the enjoyment of visitors: mirrored and glassed-in perspectives for taking the best photos, glass-enclosed observation decks for experiencing vertigo firsthand, ultra-modern elevators for feeling the adrenaline rush... I won't give away any more. If you want to plan your visit, check out this article on how to get to the new SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck.

Go up to the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck

9. Explore the floating park of the High Line

Strolling along the High Line| ©Hellotickets
Strolling along the High Line| ©Hellotickets

This linear park, built on old train tracks, crosses the Chelsea neighborhood with a walkway flanked by floral arrangements and views of the surrounding buildings and the Hudson River to the south. Walking along it is a different way to explore New York, and I recommend including it in a tour of Chelsea.

In this article about Guide to the High Line in New York City I'll give you some tips on how to explore it, where to stop for lunch or to take in the best views, and I'll suggest an itinerary so you don't miss the most important sights.

Book a tour of the High Line

10. Be amazed by Times Square

Posing in front of the illuminated flag in Times Square| ©Hellotickets
Posing in front of the illuminated flag in Times Square| ©Hellotickets

Times Square needs no introduction: neon lights, giant screens, and crowds of people. It can be overwhelming and wonderful in equal measure, but it's sure to leave an impression. It's definitely a place to get lost in during your visit to New York, especially at night, when the buildings shine with their own light and you begin to feel the magic of New York.

What else can you see and do in Manhattan?

Although it may seem like I'm resorting to clichés, Times Square is undoubtedly one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Fortunately, Manhattan has many other hidden gems (some surprising, others we've seen a thousand times in the movies) that will leave you in awe. If you don't know where to start, here's a practical guide to the top things to do and see in Manhattan to help you plan your visit.

Book a horse-drawn carriage tour of Times Square

11. Go shopping

Shopping at Macy's| ©Hellotickets
Shopping at Macy's| ©Hellotickets

Through SoHo

SoHo ("South of Houston Street") used to be an industrial area full of factories, and long before the concept of gentrification existed, the neighborhood's charm attracted the wealthy, who converted its buildings and streets into the birthplace of "industrial chic."

Today, it's an area full of bars, restaurants, and shops in the place where factories once stood. Visit if you love exposed brick walls, exposed pipes, and iron architecture.

I recommend checking out the best tours of SoHo to experience the glamour of this unique neighborhood firsthand.

Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is New York's luxury street, where you'll see the city's most opulent residential buildings, the headquarters of some of the world's most prestigious jewelry and fashion brands, and a string of museums, including the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Visit the best outlet mall in New York

If you love shopping but are looking for the best deals, you're in luck in New York, because you can visit the Premium Outlets, where you'll find dozens of luxury brand stores at greatly reduced prices.

As it's a little far from Manhattan, there are organized tours so you can go shopping without having to worry about how to get there. I'll tell you how I did it and give you some tips for organizing your shopping day here: Woodbury Commons and Other Outlet Malls in New York.

What to buy

You're probably going to New York with a "bargain" in mind that you want to get. And you're not wrong: American brands (both clothing and electronics) are undoubtedly the best value for money. In New York, you'll be able to find certain products at very good prices, but you'll have to know where to look. To do this, it's highly recommended to book a shopping trip to New York's outlets.

In addition, here's a practical guide to help you get your bearings when shopping: 10 Things to Buy in New York Remember to leave enough space in your suitcase!

Visit New York's outlet stores

12. Discover New York's great attractions that go unnoticed

Bronx Zoo| ©Joaquín Montaño - midjourney
Bronx Zoo| ©Joaquín Montaño - midjourney

The New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is a lush 100-hectare park where more than a million species are cultivated in 50 different spaces and environments. One of its main attractions is that it includes part of the ancient forest that covered New York before it was colonized in the 17th century, where you can find beautiful specimens of white ash, birch, tulip, cherry, and beech trees. I recommend visiting it, especially if you travel to New York in the spring.

The New York Aquarium

This is one of the most enjoyable experiences if you are visiting New York with your family. Located on the Coney Island boardwalk, the New York Aquarium is home to more than 500 marine species. The visit is organized in an entertaining way through exhibits and games focused on teaching children values related to nature. You can find all the information you need in this guide to the New York Aquarium.

The Bronx Zoo

One of New York's great attractions, which unfortunately (or fortunately for you) goes unnoticed by the millions of tourists who visit the city, is the Bronx Zoo.

If you book tickets to the Bronx Zoo, you'll have the opportunity to see hundreds of species living in semi-freedom in this gigantic zoo, making it a perfect place to visit. Especially if you are traveling with children, a visit to the animals at the Bronx Zoo will be well worth it. Here are several articles with everything you need to know about how to get tickets to the Bronx Zoo, the zoo's hours, and the Bronx Zoo's prices.

Book tickets to the Bronx Zoo

13. Explore Chinatown

Typical streets of Chinatown| ©Hellotickets
Typical streets of Chinatown| ©Hellotickets

Manhattan's Chinatown, surrounded by TriBeCa, the old Little Italy, and the Lower East Side, is a place where you could easily imagine yourself on the Asian continent, with the comings and goings of phrases and signs in Cantonese and the constant market atmosphere, with fishmongers, butchers, and greengrocers in constant activity. Chinatown isn't the prettiest neighborhood in the country, but it's certainly one of the most authentic, and it's well worth booking a tour of Chinatown.

So you don't get lost wandering aimlessly through its streets (although wandering is always highly recommended), here's a practical guide with 10 Things to Do in Chinatown NYC with tips and a list of things you can't miss there. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the most authentic Chinese food in the city: here's a guide to the best places to eat in Chinatown.

Book a tour of Chinatown

Take a tour of Chinatown

14. Stroll through Hudson Yards

The Vessel, one of the biggest attractions in Hudson Yards

The Vessel, one of the biggest attractions in Hudson Yards| ©Hellotickets
The Vessel, one of the biggest attractions in Hudson Yards| ©Hellotickets

This is New York's new trendy neighborhood. In just a few years, it has gone from being a completely abandoned area to the new golden mile for luxury residences, ultra-modern Manhattan skyscrapers, and the trendiest restaurants and shops. In addition to The Vessel and The Edge (I'll tell you more about them later, but I can already tell you that you can't miss them), it is home to the famous High Line, the city's new park that I've already told you about.

In this neighborhood, you can eat like a king, admire the new wonders of New York architecture, and go shopping at its new luxury mall. I'll also leave you with a practical guide to the neighborhood 6 Things to Do at Hudson Yards in NYC, whether you're visiting on your own or booking a tour of Hudson Yards and The High Line.

Book a tour of Hudson Yards and The High Line

15. Say hello to the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty at sunset, from the ferry| ©Hellotickets
The Statue of Liberty at sunset, from the ferry| ©Hellotickets

If you had to choose just one icon to represent the City That Never Sleeps, it would be the Statue of Liberty. The famous Lady Liberty stands on Liberty Island, a short ferry ride from the piers south of Manhattan, and visiting her is one of the must-do activities on any trip to New York.

By the way, if you take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park, don't miss all the things to see and do in Battery Park before boarding or on your return from visiting the Statue.

If you book tickets to the Statue of Liberty, you have the option of going inside and visiting the pedestal of the Statue or even climbing up to the Crown. You can also explore the museum and enjoy the views from the Statue of Liberty's observation deck, which offers unbeatable panoramic views of Manhattan. If you choose a guided tour, some tours complete the experience with a visit to Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum.

Book tickets to the Statue of Liberty

16. Go in search of movie scenes

The apartment from *Friends*| ©Hellotickets
The apartment from *Friends*| ©Hellotickets

And my favorite option is to book a movie tour of New York. It's clear that the city hides thousands of legendary movie and TV series locations in its streets and squares.

If you want to know exactly where the apartment where Monica and Rachel had Chandler and Joey as neighbors in Friends is located, or if you want to discover the legendary fire station from Ghostbusters, this article will help you. 10 TV & Movie Locations in New York City will help you. Whether you join one of the guided tours or explore the locations on your own, don't miss out on finding them!

Book a movie tour of New York

Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

17. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The tribute to the victims of September 11 at Ground Zero| ©Hellotickets
The tribute to the victims of September 11 at Ground Zero| ©Hellotickets

The Memorial and Museum dedicated to the September 11 terrorist attacks are located on the site where the Twin Towers once stood, also known as Ground Zero. In their place, you will find fountains engraved with the names of the victims and a memorial museum that tells the story of the attacks and how New York was gradually rebuilt in the days that followed.

Although visiting the 9/11 Museum exhibition is an emotionally overwhelming experience, I recommend it as it will give you an alternative context to your trip and you will see New York through different eyes after your visit.

Don't hesitate, book a tour to visit the 9/11 Museum and if you want to evaluate the different options for learning about what happened on September 11, check out this post with 5 Best 9/11 Tours in New York.

Book your visit to the 9/11 Museum

18. The One World Observatory: a tribute looking to the future

The One World Observatory| ©Hellotickets
The One World Observatory| ©Hellotickets

If you're in the area and want to visit the 9/11 Memorial or Museum, you might want to book your ticket to the One World Observatory and go up to admire New York from above. At the top of One World Trade Center, the skyscraper built on the site of the World Trade Center destroyed in the 9/11 attacks, you'll find a glass-enclosed observation deck offering crystal-clear views of southern Manhattan, the Hudson River, and Brooklyn.

If you're afraid of heights, you don't have to miss out on the views from the One World Observatory, as this is the best viewpoint in the city. Being enclosed in glass, it offers a feeling of protection that other open observatories don't have. You can read all the details here: One World Observatory in New York: Tickets and Tours and take note of how to get to the One World Observatory in this other article.

Book your ticket to the One World Observatory

19. Discover everything Rockefeller Center has to offer

Views from the Top of the Rock| ©Hellotickets
Views from the Top of the Rock| ©Hellotickets

Climb to the Top of the Rock

And while you're there, why not book your ticket to the Top of the Rock, one of the city's most popular observation decks? Don't miss the New York skyline and the views from the Top of the Rock, at the top of Rockefeller Center, including the night views...

Here are the details so you can plan your visit: Top of the Rock in New York: Tickets and Tours and decide whether you'd rather go up to the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building. Keep in mind that there are plenty of places to eat at Rockefeller Center, so it's worth a visit even if you don't go up to the observation deck.

At Christmas

If you visit the city during the Christmas season, Rockefeller Center is a must-see, both for its famous tree (one of the best Christmas trees in New York) and its skating rink. The city wouldn't be the same at Christmas without this little corner, where you can take the typical photo and even lace up your skates and hit the rink. In general, I won't deny that Christmas in New York deserves a special mention.

That's why I've put together this guide so 15 Christmas Things to Do in New York City so you don't miss a single Christmas tree, shop window or, of course, ice rink. Oh! And if you're lucky enough to visit New York at Christmas, don't miss the spectacular decorations that the residents of Brooklyn put up every year on their houses in Dyker Heights. An ideal way to enjoy this experience is to book a Christmas lights tour of Dyker Heights. Also, if you're into lighting, don't miss the Christmas lights at the Bronx Zoo. Christmas lovers, this is paradise!

Another option is to take one of the guided tours to discover the city's lights. You'll be amazed by the Big Apple decked out for the Christmas holidays!

Book your ticket to the Top of the Rock

20. Get your culture fix at New York's best museums

Natural History Museum| ©Aditya Vyas
Natural History Museum| ©Aditya Vyas

Whether you want to devour all the museums the city has to offer or prefer to select one or two museums to visit during your trip, I've prepared this list of 14 Best Museums in New York City. Here you can read the most important information about each one so you can see all the options available, what you'll see at each one, and how to get tickets at the best price.

The MoMa

It's impossible not to mention the MoMa, or Museum of Modern Art, among the must-sees in New York. Among the best works at the MoMa are Van Gogh's Starry Night, Dalí's The Persistence of Memory, Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans, and many other works of modern art that are worth seeing in person at least once in your life.

Take note of the MoMa prices and opening hours so you don't miss the opportunity to visit this fantastic museum.

The MET

The majestic museum on Fifth Avenue, the MET (whose staircase you'll recognize instantly if you've seen Gossip Girl) houses works of art and artifacts such as Chinese calligraphy books, cuneiform writing tablets, Egyptian mummies, European royal armor, musical instruments, and a collection of paintings that will leave you speechless, with works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Raphael among the most important.

Madame Tussauds

If you're curious to visit a wax museum to see your idols or the most popular characters from today and throughout history up close, Madame Tussauds and its wax figures are a great option. In addition to being a fun visit, you'll leave with endless photos and stories that are worth sharing. If you're going to New York with children or friends, be sure to book tickets for Madame Tussauds. Here's all the information you need Madame Tussauds in New York Tickets

A day at the museum from "Night at the Museum"

Although it was the movie "Night at the Museum" that made it famous, one of the museums that has impressed visitors for decades with the large number of curiosities and objects that can be seen (and learned about) inside is located near Central Park: the Museum of Natural History.

Today, it remains one of the city's most important scientific and research centers, and its collection includes thousands of fossils, meteorites, and minerals that you won't see anywhere else. If you're visiting New York with children, don't miss this visit that will leave them speechless.

The Guggenheim in New York

This incredible museum will steal your heart, not only for the amazing works it houses but also for its design and structure, which are unique in the world. Step onto its majestic staircase and lose track of time in the heart of Manhattan inside the Guggenheim Museum in New York. You won't regret it!

Other interesting museums in the city

As with practically everything in New York, this city has a cultural offering that surpasses that of any other city in the world. It's difficult to estimate how much time you would need to visit all of its incredible museums, but if you have time or are passionate about art and culture, check out these other museums that will not leave you indifferent:

Read more about Fotografiska New York, venture into the Brooklyn Museum, discover the history of the city at the Museum of the City of New York, delve into the Whitney Museum of American Art, explore the Intrepid aircraft carrier with a visit to the Museum of the Sea, Air and Space, or feel like a spy at the KGB Spy Museum.

Buy tickets for the best museums in New York

21. Defy vertigo from the top of the Empire State Building

Views from the Empire State Building at night| ©Hellotickets
Views from the Empire State Building at night| ©Hellotickets

The Empire State Building is New York's most iconic building, and from its observation deck you can enjoy wonderful views of the Big Apple. You can go up at sunrise, just before sunset, or even go up at night: whatever you choose, it will be an experience you will remember fondly for many years to come.

To do so, I definitely recommend buying your tickets online for the Empire State Building in advance to avoid the queues at the ticket office, choose the best time to go up the Empire State Building, and avoid the large crowds of tourists who, naturally, have this visit among their priorities when visiting New York.

Book tickets to the Empire State Building

22. For the brave, The Edge

The Edge| ©Hellotickets
The Edge| ©Hellotickets

One of the most amazing viewpoints in the world has recently opened its doors in New York: The Edge. With a glass floor (yes, you read that right), if you book your tickets for The Edge, you can fly over the New York skyline with your own feet.

The structure of the building (it is literally an "edge," as its name suggests) is designed so that you can feel the wind (and vertigo) on your skin when you lean out from the top. Ready to test your adrenaline with the views from The Edge?

Book tickets for The Edge

23. Visit Harvard University in Boston

The Harvard University campus| ©Benjamin Rascoe
The Harvard University campus| ©Benjamin Rascoe

That's right: you can visit Harvard, and you don't have to be an intellectual (or a student) to do so. One of the world's most famous universities opens its doors to travelers on a guided tour.

On a trip to Boston from New York, you can also explore the historic center of Boston, where one of the most important episodes in American history took place: the War of Independence.

If you book the Boston excursion, you'll also get to see MIT and learn everything you need to know about the city and its customs, which contrast with the hustle and bustle of New York. Best of all? By nightfall, you'll be back at your hotel in the Big Apple, ready to continue your journey.

Book your excursion to Boston and Harvard

24. The city lights, best seen from the tourist bus

A night tour on the sightseeing bus| ©Hellotickets
A night tour on the sightseeing bus| ©Hellotickets

Whether you're visiting New York in winter, when the cold will be biting, or you're short on time, the tourist bus will shelter you from the low temperatures and allow you to explore the city in the easiest way possible.

Although it may seem like an inauthentic experience at first, the truth is that New York's tourist bus routes are designed to take you from one attraction to another as quickly as possible (and without having to fight with the subway map!).

What I like most about this experience is that you can do it both during the day and take the New York night tour bus when you've finished your marathon day of sightseeing and just want to relax while continuing to enjoy the panoramic views.

Book your tourist bus ticket

25. What's new, New York?: The Vessel

The structure of The Vessel| ©Hellotickets
The structure of The Vessel| ©Hellotickets

Even if it's not your first time in the city, this area will be completely new to you: after decades of being a semi-abandoned industrial area, Hudson Yards has emerged in Midtown Manhattan in recent years (and is still under construction) to house shopping centers and luxury housing.

And much of the limelight in this futuristic new area of Manhattan is taken by The Vessel (or the beehive, as many call it).

Halfway between an architectural gem and a tourist attraction or viewpoint, this building stands out for its external appearance, but also for the optical illusions and views it offers visitors. I encourage you to go inside, climb its four flights of stairs, and draw your own conclusions.

Book a tour of Hudson Yards

26. Enjoy a delicious cocktail at the best rooftop bars in New York

The Harriet Rooftop| ©Time Out
The Harriet Rooftop| ©Time Out

If the views from one of the city's observatories weren't enough for you, you can continue to admire them from one of the wonderful rooftops or terraces that Manhattan has to offer.

Although the views won't be as impressive (almost none offer 360-degree views of the city, because other skyscrapers opposite can block the view), they usually have live music and a very New York atmosphere, which I always think is a great way to end a busy day of sightseeing in the city.

Sometimes, finding these little bars or rooftops can be tricky, so I've put together a list of what I think are the best rooftops in New York.

Book tickets for the Empire State Building

27. Leave Manhattan and explore the rest of New York City

Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge| ©Hellotickets
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge| ©Hellotickets

Sorry, but... New York is much more than Manhattan, and although it's tempting to stay and explore the island's most iconic spots, New York has so much more to offer. In fact, the city is made up of five boroughs where New Yorkers live, go out to dinner, shop, dance... Don't let laziness get the better of you and explore what Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island have to offer besides Manhattan. Here's what you can't miss on your visit to the city: 5 Best New York City Neighborhoods.

What to do and see in Brooklyn

I won't hide or deny that Brooklyn is one of my favorite parts of the city, so I encourage you (because I can't force you) to hit the streets and explore every corner of this area. You'll love its cafés, vintage markets, alternative shops, and food markets. Also, take note of the best places to eat in Brooklyn, where you can try authentic dishes at lower prices than in Manhattan. Here are my recommendations: 13 Things to Do in Brooklyn NYC.

Visit Williamsburg

Also, within Brooklyn, you can visit Williamsburg and New York's Jewish neighborhood, a real world apart that blew me away the first time I walked through it. Here are some tips for organizing your visit in this practical guide on 15 Things to Do in Williamsburg

Book a tour of New York

28. Go all American at an American football or baseball game

American football| © Midjourney - Joaquín Montaño
American football| © Midjourney - Joaquín Montaño

If there's one thing that will make you feel like you're truly in the heart of the United States, it's enjoying its most popular sports. While in New York, you'll have the chance to see the legendary New York Yankees in a baseball game, which was a real experience for me (I didn't even know the rules of the game, but I found the atmosphere surrounding these events spectacular).

Don't hesitate, book tickets for the NFL. And if you're not traveling to New York during MLB season, you can always take a tour of the stadium or visit the surrounding area. After all, it's a legendary place that marks the cultural, sporting, and leisure calendar of New Yorkers. Here's an article to help you discover how to visit Yankee Stadium.

If, on the other hand, you'd rather see an NFL (National Football League) game, the New York Giants play at MetLife Stadium, and seeing them live is quite a spectacle.

Book tickets for the NFL

29. Disconnect from tourist life on a cruise along the Hudson River

The Manhattan skyline from the boat| ©Hellotickets
The Manhattan skyline from the boat| ©Hellotickets

Book a cruise on the Hudson and sail the waters of the Hudson River to take a break from long walks while you admire the views of the Manhattan skyline, pass under the Brooklyn Bridge, and get up close to the Statue of Liberty.

Best of all, there are routes and itineraries to suit all budgets (from a short one-hour route to a luxurious cruise with dinner and live music) and even Hudson River cruises for children. Give it a try, and even if it's cold, wrap up warm and go out on deck to take the best photos.

Here's an article I've written about New York Cruises and Boat Tours with my favorite options, but I'll give you a hint: a dinner cruise on the Hudson could be the most incredible experience of your trip. If you want more details, there's an article on the best time to take a cruise on the Hudson, another on how much Hudson cruises cost, and this last one on tips for enjoying a cruise in Manhattan.

Get around using the ferry

The Hudson is one of the city's main attractions, and if you want to leave Manhattan, you'll have to cross it by subway, train, or ferry. I think the ferry is a great way to get around the city while enjoying the views of the skyline, so even though the boat isn't as comfortable as the cruise ships, don't hesitate to use the ferry during your trip. Here's all the information you need about the New York ferry.

Book a cruise on the Hudson River

30. Enjoy the best international cuisine

Neon sign at one of Manhattan's cafés| ©Hellotickets
Neon sign at one of Manhattan's cafés| ©Hellotickets

Yes, I know, hamburgers aren't exactly what comes to mind when you think of "fine dining," but the great thing about New York is that you can literally eat anything. From the cheapest street food to the best pasta, seafood, sushi, and pizza you can imagine.

Of course, hot dogs, legendary hamburgers, and cheesecakes are a must on your trip. Go for a picnic in one of the parks, save money at fast food chains, and sit down for dinner at one of the cozy candlelit restaurants in the West Village or SoHo. I'll tell you all about it here: 10 Places to Eat in New York City.

Visit Chelsea Market

If you're planning to book a tour of Chelsea, eating at Chelsea Market before or after your tour is a great option. In this food market, you'll find shops where you can buy high-quality food, as well as several stalls where you can stop for a bite to eat. If you're looking for desserts, breakfast or snacks, you're also in luck: there are bakeries, cupcake shops, pastry shops...

Book a tour of Chelsea

31. Take the opportunity to visit other cities such as Washington or Philadelphia

The Capitol, Washington, D.C.| ©Caleb Pérez
The Capitol, Washington, D.C.| ©Caleb Pérez

New York itself is a world apart, but the United States has so much to offer that it would be a shame to miss out on a trip to other nearby cities. This is the case if you book a trip to Washington or Philadelphia from New York. If you take a guided tour to the cradle of this country's history, you will learn much more about its culture and idiosyncrasies. I found Washington in particular to be an incredible place, full of monuments and with many corners, landmarks, and iconic places to discover.

What's more, its order, cleanliness, and majesty contrast sharply with the chaos of the Big Apple, so you'll complete your trip by adding this counterpoint that won't leave you indifferent. Best of all, there are several options for discovering the surrounding area in addition to visiting Washington, especially if you take a two-day trip to Washington, so I've compiled the most interesting ones here: 3 Best Day Trips to Washington DC from New York.

Other excursions

If you feel like exploring the surroundings of New York but are not yet sure where you would like to go, I have written a guide on 17 Day Trips from New York where I've compiled the best places to discover and how to join a guided tour so you don't have to worry about the logistics of getting there by public transportation or renting a car. Let's go traveling!

Book a trip to Washington

32. Feel the excitement of an American hockey game

Hockey game| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Hockey game| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

Madison Square Garden isn't just home to the NBA's best three-point shots and big shows and concerts, you can also experience the atmosphere of the New York Rangers, New York's ice hockey team.

Watching a game in the NHL, the American hockey league, is an experience that comes highly recommended. The fast pace and the "battles" between the players as they skate around the rink will get your adrenaline pumping. If you want to find out more about the fourth national sport, read our post on how to get tickets for hockey in New York and grab yourself a pair.

Book tickets for hockey in New York

33. Visit Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall| ©flickr4jazz
Radio City Music Hall| ©flickr4jazz

At Rockefeller Center, you have a date with what is considered the most important theater in the US, Radio City Music Hall. Its facilities have witnessed the most spectacular shows in the country for decades, and now you can tour it with a guided tour that will reveal the best secrets behind the scenes. You can also talk to a Rockette dancer, a true institution on this stage.

If you're visiting New York at Christmas, don't miss the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a Christmas classic that has been performed in this theater since the 1930s and can be enjoyed by the whole family. In fact, I recommend booking your visit to Radio City Music Hall in advance to get the full experience.

Book a visit to Radio City Music Hall

34. Cycle across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge

Bike tour| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Bike tour| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

There are many ways to explore Brooklyn, but don't miss the iconic bridge that connects this neighborhood to Manhattan. You can walk across it, which takes about 45 minutes, but a very interesting way to see it is by booking a bike tour of the Brooklyn Bridge. There are guided tours where you can learn about the history of the bridge while enjoying spectacular views from the bridge itself.

As you cycle along the route, you'll see other popular tourist attractions such as Brooklyn Heights, Wall Street, and Dumbo. The guide will tell you all about each of them.

Book a bike tour of the Brooklyn Bridge

35. Practice yoga in Central Park

Yoga in Central Park| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Yoga in Central Park| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

If you're a yogi and can't go another day without meditating, book a yoga class in Central Park. There's plenty to see in this huge park, including strolling through almost 3.5 kilometers of nature. But if you want to add something extra to your visit, you can take advantage of a yoga and meditation tour.

Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of New York Citystreets and treat yourself to some relaxation and well-being for your body and mind. Thanks to the yoga exercises taught by a specialized instructor, you can take a break while exercising in New York's great green lung.

Book a yoga class in Central Park

36. Descend into the depths of St. Patrick's Cathedral

Entrance to the Catacombs| ©Meander
Entrance to the Catacombs| ©Meander

Beneath the city of New York, specifically in the underground floors of the old St. Patrick's Basilica, are the catacombs where the remains of bishops and other illustrious figures from the city's Catholic world are hidden.

Along the cathedral's corridors are numerous crypts that you can see by candlelight. In fact, you can book a tour of the catacombs of New York, which will take you through the cemeteries housed in this temple and reveal their greatest secrets. If mystery is your thing, I recommend finding out how to visit the catacombs of New York.

Book tickets for St. Patrick's Cathedral

37. For those with a sweet tooth, the Ice Cream Museum

Ice Cream Museum| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Ice Cream Museum| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

Want to try the juiciest and most unimaginable ice creams? Book tickets for the Ice Cream Museum in New York and have a fun and tasty time. If you're a fan of this product, whatever the season, don't miss this interactive museum where you can let your imagination run wild experimenting with unique flavors and colors.

Of course, you can taste sweets, slide down a snail-shaped slide, bathe in a pool of chocolate chips, and much more. Get your Instagram ready because you'll take lots of photos that you'll want to share on all your social media.

Book tickets for the Ice Cream Museum in New York

38. Recreate the best scenes from the series Sex and the City

Enjoying a cocktail| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Enjoying a cocktail| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

Touring the Big Apple locations where scenes from the legendary series Sex and the City were filmed is a great thing to do in the city. You can relive the best moments of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte by booking a Sex and the City location tour.

The Meatpacking District where they used to shop, the Plaza Hotel, the Buddakan restaurant, and the Scout bar, where they used to drink their cosmopolitans, are some of the places you can visit during a 3.5-hour tour with a professional guide who will tell you all the secrets of the series.

Book a Sex and the City location tour

39. Spend a spooky afternoon with the ghosts of Greenwich

Ghost tour| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Ghost tour| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

If you love horror and want to hear the most spine-chilling stories in one of New York's most iconic neighborhoods, you should book the Greenwich Village Ghost Tour. A route through places steeped in legends and terrifying stories.

Visit haunted buildings such as New York University, Washington Square Park, and the Jefferson Market Library, all of which have stories of spirits and ghosts that will make you remember this day forever. Only the most squeamish will regret it!

Book the Greenwich Village ghost tour

40. Discover legendary New York neighborhoods

Graffiti in the Bronx| ©Montserrat Boix
Graffiti in the Bronx| ©Montserrat Boix

Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn... Do you know New York's most authentic neighborhoods? Visit some of them and mix with the locals and their culture. You'll recognize New York's characteristic diversity as soon as you set foot in the city, but there's nothing like booking a tour of the boroughs from Manhattan and exploring the streets of the neighborhoods that surround the Big Apple.

There are bus tours with a local guide who will show you the most unusual places in districts such as Coney Island, a place to escape the busy streets of downtown. You can also discover the birthplace of hip hop and the true street art of graffiti in the Bronx. Or visit Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. Delve deep into the heart of America and get to know New York's neighborhoods.

Book the Boroughs Tour from Manhattan

41. Enjoy the show on the move with The Ride

Broadway Tour| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Broadway Tour| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

The Ride is a unique show that you can experience from a stage you've never seen before: a bus. This experience of enjoying a Broadway-style show on a bus is undoubtedly a highly recommended activity in New York.

If you book tickets for The Ride experience, you can enjoy a magnificent production from the comfort of your seats in the tiered vehicle. You'll see the performers sing and dance as the bus travels through the city. Whether with family or friends, The Ride will leave you completely amazed.

Book tickets for The Ride experience

42. Enjoy an American menu at the authentic Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square| ©Eden, Janine and Jim
Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square| ©Eden, Janine and Jim

Fancy a delicious cheeseburger, ribs or a Texas sandwich? Play it safe by booking a menu at the Hard Rock Cafe, a three-course menu with a drink and dessert at the legendary restaurant in Times Square.

Enjoy American cuisine at this franchise bar that started in London over 50 years ago and has now spread to more than 63 countries. Take a break from your trip to New York and check out the largest exhibition of musical memorabilia at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. The hard part will be choosing from the wide variety of dishes on the menu.

Book a menu at the Hard Rock Cafe

43. Discover the history of slavery on the Underground Railroad

African American National Cemetery| ©Ken Lund
African American National Cemetery| ©Ken Lund

There are two key landmarks in New York that you can visit to learn about the history of slavery. On the one hand, the African National Cemetery, which houses the remains of African-American slaves from the 17th and 18th centuries. And on the other, the Underground Railroad, where you can travel back in time as you explore the network that thousands of slaves built to escape the country, with the help of some Americans of the time.

If you book the historical tour on slavery, you will be taken to these and other places representative of this dark period in American history, and you will learn more about the daily life of slaves and their liberation.

Book the historical tour on slavery

44. Become a graffiti artist in Brooklyn

Graffiti workshop| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Graffiti workshop| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

If you've always wanted to be part of street art by creating your own graffiti but never dared to try, there's no better time than your trip to New York to learn the real aerosol technique.

Book a graffiti workshop in New York with an expert graffiti artist and learn how to paint murals with spray cans in a key location on the New York art scene, the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. You'll have the opportunity to try your hand at your own creation and take it home as a souvenir. The perfect plan for all ages and skill levels.

Book your graffiti workshop in New York

45. Bring out your inner spy at the Spyscape Museum in New York

Spyscape Museum| ©FHKJ
Spyscape Museum| ©FHKJ

The Spyscape Museum is a place where you can experiment and unleash your inner daredevil. It's an interactive adventure that challenges your intelligence and lets you discover what kind of spy you would be.

Designed by a former head of the Secret Service, the challenges offered by this immersive museum will keep you entertained for an afternoon as you try to decipher codes and explore hidden worlds. Test your skills by booking tickets to the Spyscape Museum and feel like a real CIA agent for a day.

Book tickets for the Spyscape Museum

46. Celebrate diversity with the Gay Pride Tour

Gay Pride Tour| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Gay Pride Tour| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

The LGBTQ community is very large in the US, and booking the Gay Pride Tour of New York City's historic sites can help you recognize and learn about their struggle over the years. Part of the proceeds from the tour will be donated to Heritage of Pride, an organization that promotes pride marches in the city.

The Gay Liberation Monument, the Axis Theatre Center, and the Stonewall Inn are just some of the buildings you'll visit on this tour, where a guide will tell you all about the history of each place. For example, the Stonewall Inn is the bar where the riots took place on June 28, 1969, which led to the rise of the LGBTQ community in the country.

Book the Gay Pride tour in New York

47. Visit Central Park and its monuments on an electric scooter

Tour of Central Park| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Tour of Central Park| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

There are many ways to explore the great Central Park, but if you want a comfortable and fun way to do so, book an electric scooter tour of Central Park. On this scooter, you can visit many of the park's hidden corners and places of interest without getting tired.

There are guided tours throughout the park that will also give you details about each monument. And I can assure you that a guide accompanying you along the way will be very useful, as otherwise you could get lost among its thousands of nooks and crannies. What's more, the electric scooter will allow you to reach many more places in this large urban park, which is over 4 kilometers long.

Book an electric scooter tour of Central Park

48. Have a photo shoot in Brooklyn

Photo shoot in Times Square| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Photo shoot in Times Square| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

If you love photography, booking a photo shoot in Brooklyn is for you. Thanks to a session with a professional photographer in the Brooklyn neighborhood, you'll take home a great souvenir of New York. This experience will take you to iconic locations perfect for spectacular photos, such as Dumbo, Rockefeller Center, Manhattan Borough, and Times Square.

You can choose your route and the duration of the session, and after a few days, your photos will be ready to download. Sounds like a great plan, doesn't it? The hard part will be choosing which ones to share on your social media...

Book a photo shoot in Brooklyn

49. Go to a jazz concert in Harlem

Jazz session in Harlem| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Jazz session in Harlem| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

Harlem is one of New York's most culturally vibrant neighborhoods, and you can feel it in the nightlife. The best jazz clubs are there, and booking a tour of Harlem's jazz venues, whether you're passionate about this style of music or not, will make you feel like a true American.

Some tours of this legendary neighborhood can give you an insight into the Harlem art scene, considered by some to be the birthplace of jazz. You can also stroll through its streets, discover its gospel churches, and visit the most famous venues for a fantastic night out.

Book a tour of Harlem's jazz clubs

50. Travel to the future with the Artechouse Museum

Artechouse Museum| ©Elvert Barnes
Artechouse Museum| ©Elvert Barnes

Art and technology come together in a futuristic museum in New York City, the Artechouse. We're talking about science and innovation applied to the art scene, where you can see unique exhibitions with light and sound. An immersive experience of avant-garde art for those who have already visited the more traditional museums and want to see something new in New York.

There are multisensory exhibitions, some temporary and others permanent, all of which are highly recommended. Don't miss out!

Book tickets for Artechouse

51. Party hard in Brooklyn Mirage

Concert at Brooklyn Mirage| ©Legoktm
Concert at Brooklyn Mirage| ©Legoktm

Want to experience a night out in the city that never sleeps? Book a Brooklyn food tour to make sure you eat well, then head to one of New York's most impressive hotspots, Brooklyn Mirage, an outdoor party temple dedicated to music, sound, and spectacle that you'll never forget.

The special sound system, the shape of the room, the catwalk, and the walls completely covered with plants and LED lights, among many other things, will make you feel like you're in a dream. Take your friends for an unforgettable night at this incredible summer club, a paradise for party lovers.

Book a food tour of Brooklyn

52. Devour a delicious American burger at JG Melons

JG Melons| ©Jim.henderson
JG Melons| ©Jim.henderson

Are you leaving the US without trying a real American burger? If you want a recommendation for some of the best in New York, head to the Upper East Side and ask for a table at JG Melons. This unique place immerses you in a quintessentially American atmosphere, where you can enjoy juicy burgers accompanied by a Bloody Mary.

If that's not enough, I recommend the roast beef sandwiches or the authentic steak tartare. Is your mouth watering yet? Another option if you want to try other dishes and delve into the culinary tradition is to book a food tour of Manhattan.

Book a food tour of Manhattan

53. Relive your favorite TV show with the Friends Experience

Friends apartment| ©Rob Young
Friends apartment| ©Rob Young

The world of the legendary series Friends awaits you in this unmissable experience where you'll feel like one of the characters. Step into Monica and Rachel's apartment and sit on their orange sofa or attend Ross and Rachel's wedding.

Friends Experience recreates the best scenes in an immersive journey perfectly set in the world of this group of friends from Manhattan who gave us so many good times in the 90s.

54. Discover the Museum of Sex in New York

New York Museum of Sex| ©Beyond My Ken
New York Museum of Sex| ©Beyond My Ken

Take a break from your tour of New York and step inside the Museum of Sex. Here you'll find various art exhibitions, secret photographs, galleries of objects and works on sexuality and eroticism.

Learn about the science, history and sexual culture of mankind at this museum. A unique place that you can't miss on your trip to the US capital.

Book your ticket to the Museum of Sex in New York

Make the most of summer in the Big Apple...

55. Make the most of summer in the Big Apple

A nap under the Brooklyn Bridge| ©Hellotickets
A nap under the Brooklyn Bridge| ©Hellotickets

If there's one time of year when you can enjoy more hours of daylight to explore the city outdoors, it's summer in New York. It's true that the temperatures are very high (sometimes too high) and you'll be grateful for the air conditioning in shops and buildings, but the cool evenings on the terraces and endless walks through Manhattan, along the banks of the Hudson and bike rides through Central Park make up for it all.

I recommend checking out the best bike tours in New York for this summer season and discovering the city in a healthier and more sustainable way. Another option if you prefer to go at your own pace is to rent a bike in Manhattan.

Starting with the Fourth of July fireworks and considering that baseball season takes place in the summer, I suggest a host of activities that will make you never want to leave the city despite the heat: what to do and see in New York in the summer.

Rent a bike in Manhattan

56. Take a hot air balloon ride

Hot air balloon flight over New York| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Hot air balloon flight over New York| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

If you want to experience a different kind of adventure, book a hot air balloon flight and admire the New York skyline. Fly over the Hudson River and get the best views of New Jersey. It's a relaxing 45- to 60-minute ride through the clouds at sunrise or sunset that will leave you with a great taste in your mouth.

Some of these flights include champagne, if you want to celebrate a special event with your partner, but they also allow children over the age of 10 to come on board if you are traveling with your family. Just make sure you choose a clear day to enjoy this fascinating adventure through the skies of New York to the fullest.

57. Rescue a work of art at The Escape Game

Escape Game| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Escape Game| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

Escape rooms are always a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or family. Here's one that will bring out your inner detective. In 'The Heist', you have to recover a valuable Monet painting that has been stolen from a museum. You have 60 minutes to find it. Are you up for the challenge?

The Escape Game is an escape room center in New York with five games of varying difficulty. The most difficult one to solve is the one where you have to try to escape from prison, but there are also easier ones like 'Playground', where you spend a day at school working as a team.

58. Take a trip to the center of the earth with Arcadia Earth

Arcadia Earth| ©Terry Ballard
Arcadia Earth| ©Terry Ballard

Arcadia Earth is an immersive journey that combines science and technology to allow you and your children to explore the inner workings of the planet. On this virtual reality platform, you can interact with the underwater world, see the earth from within, and feel every element of nature come to life.

Don't miss this multisensory experience at 705 Broadway—you'll love it!

59. Enjoy a night of burlesque at The Rose Room

Burlesque show at The Rose Room| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Burlesque show at The Rose Room| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

New York's nightlife is endless, with thousands of things to do. But if you fancy something different, check out a burlesque, circus or magic show at The Rose Room.

This variety theater in Midtown will give you a magical night out. You can relax with a cocktail while watching a cabaret show. Don't miss one of the most acclaimed venues on the New York night scene.

60. Sign up for a treasure hunt through the streets of New York

Looking for clues on your phone| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Looking for clues on your phone| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

The great metropolis of New York hides many hidden treasures. That's why I suggest this super fun plan where you can discover hidden corners, sculptures, and secluded places while exploring the city.

Venture into the great Central Park and locate its hidden monuments, take a stroll through Greenwich Village and find the traces left behind by legendary celebrities such as Jimmy Hendrix, or discover the hidden secrets of Times Square and Rockefeller Center. There are many exploration and adventure games to enjoy a fun day in New York, so why not try some of them?

61. Enjoy the views from the Roosevelt Island tramway

Views from the cable car| ©Dan Gold
Views from the cable car| ©Dan Gold

You may not have even heard of this small island east of Manhattan, but if you have time and feel like discovering something different, it's a great option for spending an afternoon. The best way to get there is to take the cable car (which departs from Second Avenue and 60th Street) and enjoy the views along the way.

You'll see some of Manhattan's most iconic buildings and land on the other side, on Roosevelt Island, where you can enjoy a stroll along the pier. If you're thinking of crossing the river on this cable car, you can read more about the experience in my article on Roosevelt Island Tramway NYC.

Other unique experiences in New York

If, in addition to the cable car, you want to discover other unique activities to do in the city, I've put together a list of the best experiences in New York to make your trip truly special. I highly recommend it, especially if it's not your first time in the city or if you want to get off the beaten track and take home a unique souvenir of your stay in New York.

62. Have a picnic in one of Manhattan's other parks: Bryant Park

Bryant Park in summer| ©Istock
Bryant Park in summer| ©Istock

If you thought that there were no green spaces in New York beyond Central Park, you were wrong. Along its long streets and avenues, you'll find small squares and parks where you'll see crowds of New Yorkers strolling, playing sports, or enjoying a picnic during their break from work.

If I had to choose my favorite among the best parks in New York (after the obligatory visit to Central Park, of course), it would be Bryant Park.

I recommend grabbing one of the tables (they put them out when the weather is nice) for a picnic with a view, but I'll tell you more in my article about 10 Things to Do in Bryant Park NYC.

63. Have fun in the pubs on Stone Street

Stone Street| ©spurekar
Stone Street| ©spurekar

For a fun time in New York, just sign up for one of the tours that take you down Stone Street, where you'll experience the real American party by having a few beers while listening to the best stories of Colonial America.

While the local guide tells you about the battles of the American Revolutionary War, you can enjoy draft beer or cider in the best taverns in the city. Meet people while sharing an afternoon of fun and learning about American culture.

64. Relax in New York's Arab baths

Massage in the Arab baths| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Massage in the Arab baths| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

Need a break from your trip to the US capital? If you're tired of tours, skyscrapers, and sightseeing, I recommend this experience where you can relax for a few hours in authentic Arab baths. The AIRE Ancient Baths in New York are located in a renovated building dating back to 1883.

There you can enjoy relaxing baths at different temperatures or get a massage in a unique atmosphere that will transport you back to Roman and Greek times.

65. Take home a souvenir tattoo from Bang Bang

Tattoo| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Tattoo| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

Bang Bang is the tattoo studio in New York chosen by celebrities. It is run by Keith McCordy, a renowned figure in the world of ink, who devotes practically all his work to tattooing famous people. But don't worry, he has a whole team of professionals behind him who can ensure you take home the best souvenir of your trip to the US.

Be bold and go for a hyper-realistic tattoo, a mini tattoo, or get the symbol you've always wanted to tattoo that means so much to you. If you're not sure about the design, don't worry, the tattoo artists will give you some great ideas. So make an appointment with Bang Bang and surprise everyone with your New York tattoo.

66. Spend a fun afternoon playing pinball

Avengers pinball| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Avengers pinball| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

Paintball games are a great way to spend an afternoon with your kids in New York. If they're young, they've probably never seen a pinball machine, but I guarantee they'll love it. Modern Pinball NYC has a wide variety of arcade and themed machines that you can try out and enjoy.

It also has the Museum of Modern Pinball, where you can see an exhibition of vintage machines and those with the latest technology, watch live demonstrations by experts, and participate in an educational game program for children and adults.

67. Defy gravity with indoor skydiving

Indoor skydiving| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Indoor skydiving| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

If you've ever dreamed of jumping out of a plane but want to try it indoors for a safer experience, sign up for an indoor skydiving session at iFLY. Avoid any danger with wind tunnels that recreate the real sensation of flying.

They have experiences for all ages and levels. Instructors will teach you all the techniques you need to learn with this unique safe skydiving experience. Take the plunge and spend a day with a difference.

68. Climb aboard La Bestia

The Beast| ©Paul VanDerWerf
The Beast| ©Paul VanDerWerf

Let the adrenaline rush with a speedboat ride on the Hudson River. Its name, 'The Beast', is representative of the energy boost you'll get. It's a high-speed trip down the river with rock music blaring and captained by two comedians who will make sure you have an unforgettable time with their funny commentary.

There are 30-minute tours that take you close to the Statue of Liberty, where you can take a selfie before heading back.

69. Go to a New York Philharmonic concert

New York Philharmonic Orchestra| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
New York Philharmonic Orchestra| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the world, founded in 1842. It performs at David Geffen Hall and on Broadway on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

If you don't want to miss out on some great classical composers, I recommend getting tickets for one of their concerts. Here is their official website so you can check out their entire program.

70. Drive a Tesla through the streets of New York

Tesla car in New York| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Tesla car in New York| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

Have you ever thought about trying a real luxury electric car? Book a Tesla and drive through the streets of New York in the vehicles of the future. You can choose from luxury cars to super easy-to-drive models.

Respect for the environment and a commitment to sustainable energy is the mission of Elon Musk's company, and can you think of a better plan than trying one of these fantastic cars in the Big Apple?

71. Explore the world of "The Upside Down" with the Stranger Things experience

Stranger Things Experience| ©Martin Lewison
Stranger Things Experience| ©Martin Lewison

For fans of the Stranger Things series, there is an interactive experience that brings you closer to the Hawkins laboratory. Go back to the 1980s and help save the town from the Demogorgon, become a hero by discovering the mysteries surrounding the famous Netflix series while exploring the world of the 'Upside Down'.

At this exhibition, you can visit the Family Video store, sample food and cocktails inspired by the series, take thousands of photos with your favorite characters, play arcade games, or buy exclusive merchandise from stores based on the popular series.

72. Find your waffle truck and treat yourself

Waffle truck| ©City Foodsters
Waffle truck| ©City Foodsters

Wafels & Dinges waffles are not just any waffles. That's why I encourage you to find one of their traveling trucks stopping in New York and try one of their delicious Belgian waffles. You can choose from classic chocolate and other toppings to almonds, minis, gluten-free, or vegan.

Look for the yellow truck and grab a box of waffles and enjoy this delicious baked treat that will transport you to Belgium. Here's a link to the locations and hours of Wafels & Dinges.

73. Visit the Museum of the Moving Image

Jim Henson Exhibition| ©Mig Gilbert
Jim Henson Exhibition| ©Mig Gilbert

If you're a film lover, don't miss this museum dedicated to the performing arts, where you'll find exhibitions, screenings, and educational programs dedicated to the seventh art and the digital world.

Located in the historic Astoria studio in Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image offers film clips and series of all genres, from science fiction to drama and animation.

74. Laugh at the Comedy Cellar, the best comedy club

Stand-up comedy| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney
Stand-up comedy| ©Joaquín Montaño - Midjourney

If there's one fun thing to do in New York, it's buying tickets to a show at the Comedy Cellar, considered the best comedy club in the city and a place where you're guaranteed a good laugh. You'll get to see small shows where great American comedians will give you an unforgettable experience.

The Comedy Cellar is located in Greenwich Village, so you can take advantage of the opportunity to take a tour of the neighborhood afterwards, such as the food tour. With both activities, you'll have a fantastic day of fun and culinary delights in Greenwich Village.

75. Try the delicious pastrami at Katz's.

Pastrami sandwich| ©City Foodsters
Pastrami sandwich| ©City Foodsters

Pastrami is a typical Jewish dish consisting of red beef that has been cured and salted. If you've never tried it, the best place to do so is undoubtedly Katz's Delicatessen.

Be careful, they're addictive, and it's no surprise that this century-old shop specializing in Jewish food sells thousands of sandwiches every day. Stop by their shop at 205 East Houston Street and you'll thank me later. Enjoy!

Make the most of summer in the Big Apple

A nap under the Brooklyn Bridge| ©Hellotickets
A nap under the Brooklyn Bridge| ©Hellotickets

If there's one time of year when you can enjoy more hours of daylight to explore the city outdoors, it's summer in New York. It's true that the temperatures are very high (sometimes too high) and you'll appreciate the air conditioning in shops and buildings, but the cool evenings on the terraces and endless walks through Manhattan, along the banks of the Hudson River, and bike rides through Central Park make up for it all.

I recommend checking out the best bike tours in New York for this summer season and discovering the city in a healthier and more sustainable way.

Starting with the Fourth of July fireworks and bearing in mind that baseball season takes place in summer, I can suggest endless activities that will make you never want to leave the city despite the heat: what to do and see in New York in summer.

And brave the cold in winter

Ice skating in Central Park| ©Hellotickets
Ice skating in Central Park| ©Hellotickets

If, on the other hand, you decide to visit the city in winter, in addition to the great attraction of Christmas, I can assure you that the cold won't stop you from enjoying the city, as it is more than prepared for low temperatures. If you're lucky, it might even snow and you'll get some Christmas card-worthy photos.

In addition to enjoying NBA games, you'll appreciate having a hot drink in the city's coziest cafés. My advice is to combine indoor activities in the afternoons (such as visiting viewpoints or observatories, going to a Broadway musical, or shopping) with outdoor activities (city walks, a cruise on the Hudson River, or crossing Central Park) during the middle of the day when the sun warms things up a bit.

If you feel the cold, don't worry, because I've put together a guide with everything you can see and do in New York in winter and what you need to take with you, what clothes to wear, etc. to make your stay there more than pleasant: what to do and see in New York in winter. In any case, whenever you travel, you'll find a thousand things to do. Of course, if you haven't booked your tickets yet, you can check out this article with all the information on the best time to travel to New York.

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Follow these tips to organize your trip to New York

On the New York subway| ©Hellotickets
On the New York subway| ©Hellotickets

Perhaps less romantic, but just as practical as any other advice I can give you about your trip to New York, here are a few tips to help you avoid blowing your travel budget as soon as you arrive (if you're traveling on an unlimited budget, this part may be of less interest to you, but allow me to address the rest of us mere mortals).

Get a tourist card

If you're thinking of visiting several attractions or taking a tour (viewpoints, museums, tourist bus routes, cruises, etc.), the amount you spend on tickets could be quite significant. To avoid this, there are city tourist cards that allow you to access the most iconic sights for a reduced fixed price.

There are three main options:

I know: choosing one of these four can seem like an impossible task, so in addition to the detailed explanation of each one, I recommend that you read this comparison of New York tourist passes to be sure which one to choose before making the investment.

Book a transfer between the airport and your hotel in Manhattan

If you're looking for a comfortable way to get to your hotel from the airport without spending a fortune, I recommend booking a transfer (which you can use exclusively or share with other travelers) to the door of your accommodation. I'll tell you how to do it in this article on New York Airport Transfers and I'll also leave you this other one on how to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan, where you'll find more options.

Use public transportation

Not only is the New York subway an attraction in itself (if you like taking photos, there are some iconic stations you'll enjoy underground), it's also the fastest way to get from one point to another in the city. Don't be overwhelmed by the large number of lines and stops you'll see on the maps: jump on the subway and get around like a local. Here's a practical guide to getting around the New York subway with ease.

Follow these basic tips

If this is your first time in New York, don't worry. You probably have hundreds of questions, just like all of us travelers did when we were there for the first time. Likewise, we've all fallen into the tourist traps that the city has set up for its visitors. That's why I've decided to compile the best 15 Travel Tips for New York in this article. I'm sure they'll come in handy when you start planning your trip.

Plan your itinerary

To avoid wasting time (and money) on unnecessary trips, I recommend that you organize a rough itinerary based on the days you have available or the things you want to see. Here are some practical guides that I think will help you organize your time as efficiently as possible: 10 Things to Do in New York City in the Fall and 7-Days New York Itinerary.

Take out travel insurance

Although it may seem like an extra expense at first, I assure you that travel insurance is essential when traveling to New York (or anywhere in the United States). Medical costs there are extremely high, and it never hurts to have good insurance that covers any unforeseen events. If you don't know which one to choose, what you need to cover, or how to do it, here is an article with all the details about Health Insurance to Travel to New York.

Remember to have your visa ready

To enter New York as a tourist, you will most likely need an ESTA visa. You can fill it out online and pay the fee online as well, which makes the process much easier. If you have questions about how to do this because you've never done it before, you can check out my article on how to get an ESTA visa to travel to New York.

Follow these guides so you don't miss out on the highlights of each month

  • New York in January: don't let the cold stop you. The year has just begun and it's a great time to finish enjoying the Christmas lights.
  • New York in February: take advantage of the low season prices. The best hotels are much cheaper! Plus, celebrating Valentine's Day in the Big Apple is an American experience you can't miss.
  • New York in March: welcome spring when the days start to get longer, the temperatures soften, and it's a pleasure to walk along the endless avenues of Manhattan.
  • New York in April: Easter or Holy Week is sure to kick off New York's high season with thousands of tourists. Book your tickets and activities in advance to secure a spot at the most popular attractions.
  • New York in May: the city's parks are now in full bloom: explore them on foot or by bike and don't miss a single green space. How about a picnic in Bryant Park or a sunny morning at the lake in Central Park?
  • New York in June: the heat is starting to kick in, but the days are long and you'll have time for everything. This is probably the best time of year to enjoy the views of Manhattan from the top of one of its skyscrapers.
  • New York in July: This is an important month for Americans. If you're there for the July 4th celebrations, Independence Day, don't miss the fireworks display.
  • New York in August: the heat is intense, but it's a great time to discover the city at night, when the sun takes a break and Manhattan's parks set up incredible outdoor summer cinemas. Take the opportunity to visit the beaches of Brooklyn or Coney Island and even Luna Park, where you'll have fun like a kid.
  • New York in September: Back to school is a very special time in New York. Offices are bustling with life again, and New Yorkers return to the city eager to enjoy its restaurants, rooftops, and theaters. Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the city's nightlife like a local!
  • New York in October: In October, New York is painted pumpkin orange. The Halloween decorations in homes, shop windows, and streets are incredible (probably some of the best in the world), so don't miss this time of year in the city.
  • New York in November: Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. What more could you ask for? If you visit the city in the last quarter of the year, you'll find all the Christmas preparations in full swing.
  • New York in December: You'll feel like you're in the famous movie Home Alone: skating rinks throughout the city, shop windows decked out with Christmas lights, and giant Christmas trees decorating the city. Don't miss the Manhattan Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony or the incredible Dyker Heights neighborhood with dozens of houses showing off their decorations and lights. Oh, and Happy New Year!

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