Things to Do in New York City
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in New York City

50 curated spots from New York City itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Central Park
Do
morning

Central Park

Stroll Bethesda Terrace, The Mall, and Boathouse; rent rowboat if desired. Free explore: Bow Bridge, Sheep Meadow.

2h · $0-20 or Free
Times Square
Do
morning

Times Square

Walk through the bright billboards, pedestrian plazas, and street performers around Broadway and 7th Avenue.

45m · Free
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Do
afternoon

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Reflect at the twin reflecting pools and explore powerful exhibits documenting the events and impact of 9/11.

2h 30m · $33
American Museum of Natural History
Do
morning

American Museum of Natural History

Dinosaurs, planetarium, gems; architecture outside too.

2h · $28
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Do
morning

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Van Gogh, Picasso; advance tickets advised.

2h 30m · $30
Staten Island Ferry
Do
evening

Staten Island Ferry

Sunset ride for Statue views. Subway: 40 min from Bushwick.

1h 30m · Free
The High Line
Do
morning

The High Line

Elevated park built on a historic rail line with gardens, public art, and city views.

1h 30m · Free
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Do
morning

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Egyptian wing, European masters; pay-what-you-wish for NY residents but suggested $30.

3h · $30
Whitney Museum of American Art
Do
afternoon

Whitney Museum of American Art

Modern art, Hopper works; riverside views. 5 min walk.

2h · $30
9/11 Memorial
Do
morning

9/11 Memorial

Twin reflecting pools, museum exhibits on history.

1h 30m · Free outdoor/$30 museum
Apollo Theater & 125th Street
Do
evening

Apollo Theater & 125th Street

Exterior views, street vibe, shops; free explore.

1h · Free
Battery Park
Do
evening

Battery Park

Statue views, sea glass carousel, waterfront paths.

45m · Free
Broadway Show (Theater District)
Do
evening

Broadway Show (Theater District)

See a Broadway musical or play in one of the historic theaters around 44th–50th Streets.

2h 30m · $80-200
Brooklyn Bridge
Do
morning

Brooklyn Bridge

Pedestrian path to Brooklyn side for views.

1h 30m · Free
Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Bridge Park
Do
late afternoon

Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Bridge Park

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore the waterfront park with postcard views of the Manhattan skyline.

2h · Free
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Do
afternoon

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Manhattan skyline views, quiet paths.

45m · Free
Brooklyn Museum & Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Do
afternoon

Brooklyn Museum & Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Visit the Brooklyn Museum’s varied collections then stroll the adjoining Botanic Garden (separate admission).

2h 30m · $25-35 (combined)
Bushwick Collective Street Art
Do
morning

Bushwick Collective Street Art

Murals on Troutman St; photo hunt. Free explore.

1h 30m · Free
Chelsea Market & High Line
Do
morning

Chelsea Market & High Line

Market bustle, elevated park walk with art and views.

2h · Free
Chinatown & Little Italy
Do
afternoon

Chinatown & Little Italy

Street markets, architecture, vibes. 10 min walk.

1h 30m · Free
Empire State Building
Do
afternoon

Empire State Building

Observatory views; go late afternoon for sunset. 10 min walk from Grand Central.

1h 30m · $44
Empire State Building Observatory
Do
morning

Empire State Building Observatory

Visit the observatories on the 86th (and optionally 102nd) floor of this Art Deco icon.

1h 30m · $44-80
Fifth Avenue Shopping
Do
evening

Fifth Avenue Shopping

Window shop luxury stores, flagship spots like Saks. Free explore.

1h 30m · Varies or Free
Grand Central Terminal
Do
morning

Grand Central Terminal

Admire celestial ceiling, whispering gallery, architecture.

45m · Free
High Line & Little Island
Do
afternoon

High Line & Little Island

Walk the 1.45-mile elevated park with gardens and views, then relax at the free floating park; benches throughout.

2h · Free
Hudson River Park & Little Island
Do
afternoon

Hudson River Park & Little Island

Walk the waterfront piers and explore Little Island’s landscaped paths and viewpoints over the Hudson River.

2h · Free
Hudson Yards & The Vessel
Do
late afternoon

Hudson Yards & The Vessel

Admire modern architecture at Edge observation or stroll shops; 10-min walk north from High Line; free explore time.

1h 30m · $XX for Edge or Free
Lincoln Center
Do
afternoon

Lincoln Center

Fountains, architecture; check for free tours.

1h · Free
Riverside Park
Do
afternoon

Riverside Park

Hudson River paths, gardens; free explore paths. 10 min walk.

1h 30m · Free
Roosevelt Island Tramway
Do
afternoon

Roosevelt Island Tramway

Aerial ride over Queensboro Bridge.

45m · $3 metro fare

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Cookshop
Eat
evening

Cookshop

Farm-to-table American: steak, salads. 5 min walk.

1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Absolute Bagels
Eat
morning

Absolute Bagels

Chewy bagels with scallion cream cheese, fresh juices.

45m · $10-20 per person
Clinton St. Baking Company
Eat
morning

Clinton St. Baking Company

Fluffy pancakes, omelets; popular spot.

1h · $18-30 per person
Ess-a-Bagel
Eat
morning

Ess-a-Bagel

Legendary bagels with lox, cream cheese, coffee.

45m · $12-22 per person
Le Pain Quotidien
Eat
morning

Le Pain Quotidien

Artisan bakery with avocado toast, croissants, and coffee.

45m · $15-25 per person
Los Tacos No. 1
Eat
midday

Los Tacos No. 1

Fresh tacos al pastor or carnitas in a bustling market hall; grab picnic supplies for High Line benches.

45m · $15-25 per person
Abraco
Eat
morning

Abraco

Tiny café serving strong espresso and excellent baked goods with a neighborhood feel.

30m · $8-15 per person
Amy’s Bread (Chelsea Market)
Eat
afternoon

Amy’s Bread (Chelsea Market)

Sandwiches, pastries amid market vibe.

45m · $15-25 per person
Balthazar
Eat
evening

Balthazar

French brasserie: onion soup, steak frites.

2h · $30-40 per person
Breads Bakery - Lincoln Center
Eat
morning

Breads Bakery - Lincoln Center

Israeli-influenced bakery famous for chocolate babka, pastries, and excellent coffee near Lincoln Center.

45m · $10-20 per person
Carmine's
Eat
evening

Carmine's

Family-style Italian: huge portions of pasta, veal parm.

1h 30m · $30-40 per person
Carmine’s
Eat
evening

Carmine’s

Family-style Italian: huge portions of pasta, chicken parm.

1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Culture Espresso
Eat
morning

Culture Espresso

Independent coffee shop known for excellent espresso and chocolate chip cookies.

30m · $8-15 per person
Daily Provisions - Union Square
Eat
morning

Daily Provisions - Union Square

Casual café for coffee, crullers, and excellent breakfast sandwiches near Union Square Park.

30m · $10-18 per person
Dekalb Market Hall
Eat
evening

Dekalb Market Hall

Global stalls: dumplings, burgers, live music. 10 min walk.

1h 15m · $20-40 per person
Eataly
Eat
afternoon

Eataly

Italian market hall: pasta, pizza, gelato from multiple vendors.

1h · $20-40 per person
Eataly NYC Downtown
Eat
afternoon

Eataly NYC Downtown

Italian market hall with multiple counters for pasta, pizza, and gelato inside the World Trade Center complex.

1h · $25-45 per person
Ferrara Bakery
Eat
evening

Ferrara Bakery

Cannoli, sfogliatelle, espresso.

1h · $15-30 per person
Gray’s Papaya
Eat
afternoon

Gray’s Papaya

Iconic hot dogs with tropical drinks; quick stand.

30m · $10-15 per person
Jacob's Pickles
Eat
afternoon

Jacob's Pickles

Southern comfort: pickle plates, chicken & waffles.

1h · $20-35 per person

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