25 Best Things To Do in NYC (Across all Five Boroughs)

From its iconic skyline dominated by the Empire State Building to the hundreds of major attractions, restaurants, shops, museums, boutiques, and of course, Central Park, it’s hard to find a city with more things to do than New York.

The city is so influential that it is even referred to as “the center of the universe”.

Even after visiting NYC for the first time, you could visit time and time again and still find more places to see. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve broken down the best of NYC’s things to do by borough. From exploring Central Park and visiting the Statue of Liberty to foodie markets and the city’s best art museums, these are the best things to do in NYC.

A guide to NYC’s Boroughs

Each of New York’s boroughs is like its own city.

You’ve got lively Manhattan — full of big attractions like 5th Avenue, the Empire State Building, and the Guggenheim.

Brooklyn is more laid back. It’s home to hipsters and some of the coolest things to do in the city, plus the Brooklyn Bridge, of course.

The Bronx holds its own as well, with historic homes sitting next to hip-hop history, acres of parkland, and Yankee Stadium.

Queens is the place for foodies. Its immigrant history and diverse community mean you’ll find Asian noodles next to Greek feasts. Plus, it’s home to diverse attractions — from sports stadiums to modern art museums.

Last but not least is Staten Island. Grab the ferry and take in the New York skyline before exploring the colonial village and maritime history of New York’s greenest borough.

Best Things to do in NYC — Manhattan

1. Browse the shops, sights, and museums on 5th Avenue

Overview

5th Avenue is one of the most famous shopping streets in the US, if not the world. It’s 6 miles long and full of so many notable landmarks you could easily spend an entire day browsing its collection of NYC’s top tourist attractions, shops, sights, and museums.

Highlights & key things to do

Start at Museum Mile on the Upper East Side, a mile-long stretch hugging Central Park and offering 9 museums and galleries. The highlights are the American Museum of Natural History, which features over 34 million specimens, from dinosaurs to diamonds, and the UNESCO-listed Guggenheim art museum.

Venture further south to 59th Street for instantly recognizable designer storefronts like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co. and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Walk further along 5th Avenue to visit St Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center, with its observation deck Top of the Rock, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of NYC. Finish up with a visit to the New York Public Library, and the Empire State Building at 33rd Street.

Recommended time:

At least 4 hours to fully experience the highlights.

2. Explore the hidden gems and celebrated landmarks of Central Park

Overview

Central Park might just be the most famous park in the world. It’s the most visited urban park in the US, and an excellent option if you’re looking for free activities in New York.

It’s such a big park, it’s tricky to get around it all on foot — especially if you’re hoping to fit in lots of things to do on your NYC trip. Instead, book an electric scooter tour and you can zip around its expansive 843 acres, stopping by the most popular sights.

Highlights & key things to do

• Bethesda Terrace and Fountain with its “Angel of the Waters” statue.
• Cleopatra’s Needle (also known as the Obelisk) — originally built in 1425 BC in Egypt and moved to Central Park over 130 years ago.
• Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir — covering 106 acres it provides magnificent views of New York’s skyline from its banks.
• North Woods — located in the northwest area of Central Park, this is the largest of the Park’s three woodland landscapes.

• If you happen to be visiting New York in the winter, check out the Winter Lights, a half-mile walk through Central Park decorated with Christmas lights, as well as the Wollman Rink (open from late October to early April) where you can hit the ice with NYC’s skyscrapers as your backdrop.
• In the spring and summer, rent a paddleboat from Loeb boathouse, or hitch a ride on a romantic gondola.

Recommended time:

Spend around 4 hours to see key attractions and relax.

3. See a Broadway show and stay for the Times Square “Midnight Moment”

Overview

You can’t leave New York without seeing a Broadway show and visiting Times Square — one of the top NYC activities for first-timers.

It's known for its flashy lights and electronic billboards that can even be seen from outer space. Times Square is also home to the longest-running digital art exhibition, “Midnight Moment”, as well as being the heartbeat of New York's thriving theater scene — Broadway.

Highlights & key things to do

• Start by catching a classic Broadway show, like “The Phantom of the Opera” or “The Lion King”. If those aren’t quite your thing, there are 40 theaters and a lot of different shows to choose from.
• After watching a show, stay for the Times Square “Midnight Moment”. For 3 minutes every night, the billboard screens synchronize to present a single work of unique and experimental art. The show is free of charge but be sure to arrive on time, as it begins at exactly 11:57 PM.

Recommended time:

Plan for at least 4 hours, including a show and sightseeing.

4. Uncover the secrets of Grand Central Terminal

Overview

Open since 1913, Grand Central Station is a Beaux-Arts architectural marvel and glorious NYC landmark. It’s also the second most visited tourist attraction in New York — after Times Square — serving 750,000 visitors and commuters who dine, shop and catch their trains here.

The terminal houses a maze of hidden wonders across its 48 acres of halls and passageways. Discover them all on a secrets of Grand Central Terminal tour, led by a New York local. Learn more about its history during the booming age of the railroad.

Highlights & key things to do

• The Celestial Ceiling above the Main Concourse, featuring the 12 zodiac constellations
• Hidden tennis courts
• The world’s largest Tiffany clock
• The Whispering Gallery where you can whisper secrets to a special someone from across the gallery. It’s a favorite for marriage proposals.
• A multi-million dollar jewel hidden in plain sight
• The hidden speakeasy (once the office of a 1920s financial tycoon)
• Take your own tour of Grand Central’s restaurants. Grab a slice at Prova Pizzabar, or taste oysters at Grand Central Oyster Bar. For a wider selection, head to Grand Central Market, which has everything from sushi to candy.

Recommended time:

Allocate 1.5 hours to explore the station’s hidden wonders.

5. Pay tribute at the National 9/11 Memorial Museum

Overview

A must on your list of the best things to do in NYC is a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, located in downtown Manhattan. Here you can pay tribute to the lives lost during the September 11 terrorist attacks.

For a memorable visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum, book a certified tour of Ground Zero led by a New Yorker who has a personal connection to the tragic events. Take in all of the top sights, while hearing stories of bravery and heroism from the day before finishing at the 9/11 Museum, where you can explore the exhibits on your own.

Highlights & key things to do

• Explore the 9/11 Museum and see exhibitions which tell the story through artifacts, imagery, personal stories, and interactive technology.
• Take in the reflecting pools, where you’ll see the largest man-made waterfall in the US. They’re surrounded by bronze prophets that list the names of the victims of the attacks, and sit at the exact site of the former Twin Towers.
• Visit the 102nd floor at One World Observatory for beautiful views of New York from this poignant place.
• Admire the celebrated architecture of oculus, a plaza full of shops and restaurants, which celebrates the city’s rebirth after the tragic events.

• See nearby St. Paul’s Chapel, a makeshift rescue center and tribute to the victims of one of history’s darkest days.
• Visit the Engine and Ladder Company 10/10, the Ground Zero fire station.

Recommended time:

Allow at least 2 hours for a meaningful visit.

6. Discover Chelsea, walk The High Line, and visit Hudson Yards

Overview

Between downtown and midtown on the west side of Manhattan is a NYC neighborhood you can’t miss — Chelsea. The area is known for its chic, trendy and arty vibe today, but this wasn’t always the case, as you’ll find out on a guided tour of the neighborhood, where you’ll learn about the area’s tough, industrial history.

Highlights & key things to do

• Spend an hour or two exploring lively Chelsea Market, a sprawling multi-floor food and shopping center offering an unforgettable dining and shopping experience. This is where the oreo cookie was invented.
• Climb a few flights of stairs to The High Line, a section of the former elevated New York Central Railroad turned 1.45 mile-long park, offering stunning views of the city.
• End the tour in Hudson Yards, NYC’s newest and hottest neighborhood. Explore 100 diverse shops and dining experiences, public plazas and gardens, as well as The Shed — a dynamic arts center.

Recommended time:

Spend around 2 hours exploring the area.

7. Take a guided walk through 3 well-known neighborhoods: SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown

Overview

Manhattan is made up of different neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Trendy SoHo, colorful Little Italy and vibrant Chinatown are 3 of the most popular — and it’s easy to see why. Explore these well-known neighborhoods with a walking tour, and learn more about their fascinating history and architecture.

Highlights & key things to do

• Discover SoHo’s classic NYC architecture, full of red brick and wrought-iron. Visit its high-end shops, and be sure to look out for celebrities, fashionistas, and movie stars.
• Explore Little Italy, which will transport you back through New York’s rich immigrant history. Don’t forget to shop for delicious pastries, sweets and souvenirs in the colorful streets.
• Wander among the neon signs of bustling Chinatown. Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the neighborhood’s famed dim sum shops.

Recommended time:

Plan for 2 hours to explore these vibrant neighborhoods.

8. Take in the view from the Empire State Building

Overview

Thanks to its quintessential Art Deco structure, the Empire State Building is one of the most famous buildings in the world, and an essential thing to do in New York.

For 40 years, the Empire State Building was the tallest in the world (dethroned by the Burj Khalifa in 2010) but to this day it gives you incredible views of the city skyline from the 86th or 102nd floors. You can see for miles during the day, or watch the city lights turn on one by one at night. While sunset is the best time to take in the 360-degree view from the 86th floor, it can get quite crowded. Purchase a skip-the-line ticket ahead of time to secure your spot and arrive a few hours before sunset, when crowds are typically smaller.

Highlights & key things to do

• Marvel at the Empire State Building’s newly designed Art Deco lobby.
• Explore 10,000 square feet of sprawling interactive exhibits on the 2nd floor.
• Look out for the Otis Elevator exhibit, offering a peek inside the building’s first elevators.
• Take in awe-inspiring views of the city’s skyline.

Recommended time:

Spend 3 hours discovering this iconic building.

9. Meet Lady Liberty and explore Ellis Island

Overview

The Statue of Liberty is the ultimate symbol of freedom and justice, and it’s also a must-visit attraction in NYC. There are many ways to see the statue, but it’s best to get up close and personal, pairing a visit to Liberty Island, the home of the statue, with a visit to Ellis Island, America’s busiest immigration station for over 62 years.

While many visitors opt to depart from the Manhattan side, the best experience starts in New Jersey, where you can board the ferry to Ellis Island and take in stunning views of Manhattan from across the river.

Highlights & key things to do

• Explore Ellis Island and visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Take a tour and hear stories from the 12 million immigrants to New York City, who were cleared for entry into the US here between 1892 and 1954.
• Visit neighboring Liberty Island, which is home to the famous Statue of Liberty. You’ll need a ticket, but you can climb to the top of the pedestal for the views (the crown is closed until further notice).
• Enjoy the ferry rides to and from the islands. They’re an attraction in themselves, offering views of the NYC skyline from the water.

Recommended time:

Allocate 2-3 hours to spend at this island.

10. Take in the largest collection of modern art in the world at The Museum of Modern Art

Overview

For art lovers visiting New York City, an afternoon at the Museum of Modern Art — or the MoMA — is a must. Highly regarded as one of the finest modern art institutions in the world, it houses hundreds of thousands of works from some of the most influential artists of all time, including Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, Vincent van Gogh, and many more.

Highlights & key things to do

Book a timed entry ticket to skip the line and save time, which you’ll need as you move through 6 floors of extensive art galleries, from paintings and sculptures to photographs, drawings, and more.

• Explore the incredible private collection, boasting over 200,000 works of art.
• Take in the architecture as you admire both classic and contemporary works of art. The immense, multi-floor gallery spaces are a work of art in themselves.
• Renowned works to see include Monet’s “Water Lilies”, van Gogh’s “The Starry Night”, Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”, Matisse’s “Dance (I)”, and Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans”.

Recommended time:

Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours at this modern art museum.

Top Things to do in Brooklyn, NYC

11. Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO

Overview

New York City is teeming with iconic bridges — Manhattan alone is connected to the rest of the city through 21 bridges and 25 tunnels — but one of the most noteworthy is the Brooklyn Bridge.

A busy pedestrian walkway and a popular tourist attraction, Brooklyn Bridge offers unbeatable views and plenty of photo ops. Instead of walking the bridge yourself, take a guided tour to discover its history.

On the other side of the bridge, you’ll come out in DUMBO, which stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”, where cobblestone streets are lined with chic restaurants, luxury apartment buildings, and beautiful boutiques. Explore the neighborhood with your guide or venture off on your own.

Highlights & key things to do

• Visit Grimaldi’s, the acclaimed New York pizza restaurant located under the Brooklyn Bridge.
• Head to Butler at DUMBO for some of NYC’s finest pastries and coffee.
• Take the perfect photo at the intersection of Washington and Water Street with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
• Catch a wooden pony ride on the beautifully restored Jane’s Carousel, which overlooks the east river.
• Eat and drink to your heart’s content at the Time Out Market, where you can try 21 different food concepts. Make it an evening by heading to the 5th floor for DJ sets and occasional pop-up performances.
• Take the time to admire the views from Brooklyn Bridge Park for incredible waterfront views of NYC.

Recommended time:

Plan for at least 2 hours of sightseeing at this iconic bridge.

12. Explore Prospect Park and eat your way through Smorgasburg

Overview

With more than 1,700 parks in New York City, it’s safe to say you won’t be able to visit them all. But make sure that Brooklyn’s Prospect Park is on your list of the best things to do in NYC. The park was designed over 150 years ago by Central Park designers Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmstead and has since become a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

Highlights & key things to do

Get a feel for the park with a bike tour, which gives you the opportunity to cover the most ground in limited time.

• Feel miles away from the city as you explore the Long Meadow, the Ravine, and Prospect Park’s sparkling lakes and streams.
• Wander the Cherry Esplanade at the botanical gardens and watch these delicate blooms in the spring (the trees usually blossom at the end of April).
• From April through October, end your Prospect Park day with a visit to Smorgasburg at Breeze Hill, the largest weekly open-air food market in America. It’s held every Sunday and allows you to browse through stalls selling everything from authentic dumplings to chili-spiced mango to local craft beer.
• If you’re visiting in summer, check out the movie screenings and concerts held in this beautiful setting.

Recommended time:

Plan for at least 3 to 4 hours at Brooklyn's Prospect park.

13. Find Egyptian and African art at the Brooklyn Museum

Overview

The Brooklyn Museum is the third-largest museum in the city. It was opened in 1897 and located at the edge of Prospect Park on part of the ancestral homeland of the Lenape (Delaware) people. It’s home to fascinating exhibits and art from Egypt and the rest of Africa.

Highlights & key things to do

• Explore the first museum in the United States to exhibit African cast metal and other objects as art rather than ethnological artifacts.
• Admire its extensive collection of Egyptian and African art, as well as a spectacular collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 17th- to 20th-centuries.
• Learn more about Brooklyn Museum’s community impact: many of its partnerships and programs work to amplify the voices of those who have been historically marginalized and aim to inspire action and impact.
• Don’t miss the 3rd floor, where you’ll find a fascinating exhibit about the Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.

Recommended time:

Spend around 3 hours exploring this museum.

14. Walk among the resting at the Green-Wood Cemetery

Overview

Founded in 1838 as one of America’s first rural cemeteries, Green-Wood Cemetery is one of the most fascinating and ecologically diverse parts of Brooklyn.

Highlights & key things to do

• Explore the cemetery’s stunning grounds — an expansive park full of hills, glacial ponds, walking paths, and little valleys that sit alongside gravestones, statuaries, and mausoleums. The flora in the cemetery is so abundant that it is considered an arboretum.
• Take in the cemetery’s diverse stories. Green-Wood was the site of a major Revolutionary War battle and a popular picnicking spot for first-generation Americans in the late 1800s, inspiring the city to create other public parks.
• Entry is free and you can book concerts, visual art exhibits, and other cultural programming, including concerts in the catacombs.

Recommended time:

Spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the area.

15. See world-class street art at The Bushwick Collective

Overview

While many Brooklyn neighborhoods have become entirely gentrified over the years, Buschwick is one of the few areas that still has a local, underground feel.

Visit this hip, historically Hispanic neighborhood, now known as an artistic enclave for cool kids thanks to its affordable industrial art spaces.

Highlights & key things to do

• Visit the Bushwick Collective, an ever-evolving open-air gallery of street art, graffiti, and murals painted by both local and renowned artists.

• Grab a coffee at one of the trendy cafes in the neighborhood, like Dweebs or Nook.
• If you happen to be around in June, join the summer block party hosted by Bushwick Collective, an annual art event celebrating the local community with craft markets and world-famous artist showcases.

Recommended time:

Spend around 2 hours exploring the area.

16. Eat your way through DeKalb Market Hall

Overview

With so many different food halls in New York — from the Time Out Market in DUMBO to Chelsea Market and the Gotham West Market in Hell’s Kitchen — it can be hard to decide which one to visit.

While in Brooklyn, the DeKalb Market Hall should be top of your list of fun things to do in NYC. It’s the largest food hall in the borough and located in downtown Brooklyn. The 27,000 square foot subterranean market has a pulsing energy, cool underground vibe and a collection of exciting dining and drinking options.

Highlights & key things to do

• Explore the many food stalls on offer. DeKalb Market Hall’s extensive roster of restaurants and food stands was intentionally curated to reflect the ethnic diversity of NYC — French, Thai, Polish, Chinese, English, American, and Middle Eastern, it’s all available here.
• If you’re looking for dinner and a show, check out one of the live performances at the DeKalb Stage. Tickets are not expensive, but make sure you book online to save your spot.

Recommended time:

Spend at least 1 to 2 hours exploring the food stalls at this market.

17. Bring out the child in you at Coney Island

Overview

Coney Island, the Brooklyn neighborhood located on a peninsula shared with Brighton Beach and Manhattan Beach, has been a hotspot for tourists since the late 1800s. It originally opened as a seaside resort in 1824, and as the number of visitors grew, so did the attractions.

Highlights & key things to do

• Take a walk along the 2.7 mile boardwalk, known as the “5th Avenue of Coney Island”.
• Enjoy a choice of 2 different amusement parks, which typically operate between Easter and Halloween.
• Catch seasonal events like the Mermaid Parade for its incredible outfits, or the celebrated annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest held on July 4.
• Spend an hour or two relaxing on the beach on Coney Island. It’s ranked in the top beaches in New York and is open year-round.

Recommended time:

Plan to spend around 4 hours exploring the area.

Best Things to do in The Bronx, NYC

18. See a baseball game at Yankee Stadium

Overview

One of the most polarizing topics for New Yorkers is which baseball team you support — the Yankees or the Giants. No matter which side you fall on, there’s no denying that a visit to Yankee Stadium is one of the most fun activities in NYC.

Highlights & key things to do

• If you’re visiting during baseball season (from April to October) gear up for a game by grabbing an instantly recognizable baseball cap from a street vendor, as well as a hot dog, and rooting for the home team — the Yankees.
• Listen out for Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York”, which is played over the stadium loudspeakers at the end of every game.
• If you can’t make it for a game but still want to check out this historic venue, guided tours of the stadium are available during the off-season.

Recommended time:

Plan to spend around 2 hours here.

19. Get in touch with wildlife at the Bronx Zoo

Overview

The Bronx Zoo has been a hallmark of the city since it opened in 1899. At 265 acres, it is considered the largest metropolitan zoo and one of the largest wildlife conservation parks in the US, housing more than 4,000 animals and 650 species.

Highlights & key things to do

• With so many different animals to see, customize your visit to suit your interests, whether you want to watch the bison graze, see the gorillas play, or hear from the experts during a zookeeper chat.
• Book an up close and personal Wildlife Encounter, which allows visitors to hear directly from the experts before meeting some of the animals.
• Finish your visit at nearby Arthur Avenue, just a 10 minute walk away, for an authentic Italian meal to cap off the day.

Recommended time:

Spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the area.

20. Become one with nature at the New York Botanical Garden

Overview

Neighbors with the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden is a plant-lover’s paradise. A visit to its lush grounds is such a transporting experience that you might just forget you’re in one of the world’s biggest cities. The 250-acre garden is considered a National Historic Landmark, encompassing 50 specialty gardens housing more than 1 million plants.

Highlights & key things to do

• Stroll down the winding walkways, taking in native plants, conifer arboretums, azalea and orchid gardens, daffodil hills, a large forest, and more.

• Take in the award-winning Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden.
• See the Native Plant Garden, which celebrates the diversity of North American plants.
• Take in as many of the 30,000 distinguished trees as you can. Many are more than 200 years old.
• Admire the greenhouse, conservatory and the nation’s finest Victorian-style glasshouse.
• Purchase your ticket in advance, and check out the special rotating exhibits that happen at the garden each year.

Recommended time:

Plan for 2 hours to explore this botanical garden.

30 Best Things to do in NYC — Queens

21. Immerse yourself in diversity in Jackson Heights

Overview

New York City is known for many things, but its incredible food and rich cultural diversity top the list. Experience the best of both of these worlds with a visit to Jackson Heights and feel the buzzing energy in this north-central Queens area the moment you arrive.

Jackson Heights is known as the epicenter of gay culture in Queens, and is also one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in NYC.

Highlights & key things to do

• Check out the vast array of shops, including Indian boutiques, Korean supermarkets and Hispanic dancing halls.
• Visit Roosevelt Avenue at night, where food vendors hailing from Mexico, Ecuador, El Salvador, Columbia, and the Dominican Republic line up for blocks, serving delicious meals.
• Unwind at Terraza 7, a bar that doubles as a nightly hotspot featuring poetry slams, DJs, film screenings, jam sessions and more.
• Don’t miss the Queens Pride Parade over the summer — a celebration of inclusivity and love that takes place every June.

Recommended time:

Plan for 2 hours to explore this vibrant neighborhood.

22. Check out some contemporary art at MoMA PS1

Overview

Long Island City is one of the coolest and most up-and-coming neighborhoods in Queens. It’s worth exploring on its own, but especially worth a visit for contemporary art lovers thanks to MoMA PS1, one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the US.

Highlights & key things to do

• Admire MoMA PS1’s architecture — inside and out. It’s housed in a once-abandoned Romanesque Revival public school. Its first exhibition, Rooms, invited local artists to transform the building’s unique spaces; a tradition that continues today.
• See Warm Up — an outdoor concert series that runs every Saturday during the summer. It seeks to elevate innovative and underrepresented voices.
• Purchase a timed-entry ticket in advance (keep in mind the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Recommended time:

Plan for 2 to 3 hours to explore contemporary art here.

23. Take in the view from Gantry Plaza State Park

Overview

Directly across the East River, adjacent to the United Nations Headquarters, you’ll find the Gantry Plaza State Park. This 12-acre riverside oasis is a must-visit NYC attraction in Queens. The area was a former manufacturing district and the park was originally built as a dockyard.

Highlights & key things to do

• Take in the breathtaking views of the east side of Manhattan, which you can see from any of the park’s 4 piers.
• Make your way from the 50-foot tall Pepsi-Cola sign down to Hunter’s Point, a paved, half-mile walk along the East River.
• Sit in one of the park’s many chairs or benches while you take in the magnificent views, or watch dogs run free around Hunter’s Point.
• Pack a picnic and head over to the park just before sunset as you watch the city’s skyline transform from day to night.

Recommended time:

Plan for 1 hour to explore this area.

Best Things to do in Staten Island, New York

24. Ride the Staten Island Ferry

Overview

The Staten Island Ferry is one of the last remaining vestiges of New York City’s ferry system. It transported people between Manhattan and its future boroughs long before any bridges were built.

Though the ferry was originally intended purely for transportation services, it has become something of an unofficial tourist activity thanks to the incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan you can see while aboard.

Highlights & key things to do

• Take the ferry between St George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in Lower Manhattan on the free, 24/7 service for incredible views of NYC from the water.
• If you’re short on time, you don’t actually have to get off and explore Staten Island. You can simply disembark and wait to hop back on board and complete the loop back to Manhattan.

Recommended time:

Plan for 1 hour to ride the ferry.

25. Discover Historic Richmond Town

Overview

If you get off the Staten Island Ferry at St George, take a 30-minute bus ride directly to Historic Richmond Town. This quaint, open-air museum complex is operated by the Staten Island Historical Society. It’s one of the less explored attractions in NYC, but worth a visit all the same.

Highlights & key things to do

• Transport yourself into the past with sprawling hills, family farms, working shops, and original 17th-century homes.
• Discover its near-failure in the 20th-century, when the Staten Island Historical Society came to the rescue and preserved the town.
• Walk around on your own or book a tour for the chance to go inside Richmond’s oldest buildings.
• Swing by Main Street Coffee, a family-owned coffee shop, or get a scoop at Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor, a classic 1920s American diner.
• Take part in the county fair in September, or “Uncorked!”, a 1-day food and wine festival held in June.

Recommended time:

Plan for 2 hours to explore this historic area.

FAQs

What should you not miss when visiting New York City?

New York City offers several iconic attractions that are must-sees. Start with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for a dose of history. Catch a Broadway show, and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views. Don't miss the observation decks like the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock. Stroll through Central Park, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Little Italy and Chinatown, and visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lastly, Grand Central Terminal is a marvel not to be overlooked.

How do I spend a perfect day in NYC?

Start your day at 8:00 AM by arriving in New York City. Head to the Empire State Building at 9:00 AM, followed by the Top of the Rock at 10:30 AM. Explore Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral at 11:30 AM. Enjoy a stroll through Central Park at noon before visiting Museum Mile at 12:30 PM. Take a break for lunch at 1:30 PM and wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the bustling Times Square at 2:30 PM.

What should I do in New York for the first time?

First-time visitors to New York City should explore iconic attractions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Guggenheim. Pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and enjoy the natural beauty of Central Park. Walk along the High Line for unique views of the city, and visit the innovative Little Island. Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers a peaceful retreat, while DUMBO provides stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

What activities can be done in New York City?

New York City offers a wide range of attractions and experiences. Visit iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building Observatory, Top of the Rock, and One World Observatory for breathtaking views. Explore cultural sites such as the American Museum of Natural History and the Statue of Liberty with Ellis Island. For a flexible sightseeing experience, consider a hop-on hop-off bus tour. The New York Pass® provides access to over 105 attractions, making it a convenient option for exploring the city's highlights.

What can I do in NYC if I don't drink?

New York City offers countless activities that don't involve alcohol. You can enjoy Broadway shows, attend outdoor concerts like SummerStage, or watch outdoor movies. Explore the city's numerous thrift and farmers markets, take a stroll through lower Manhattan, or join a parade or block party. Art enthusiasts can visit galleries or the botanic garden, and there are plenty of museums to explore, each offering unique exhibits.

Is it worth visiting New York City for just one day?

Yes, visiting NYC for a day is worthwhile. You can explore iconic landmarks, feel the city's vibrant energy, and soak in its diverse culture. Plan your itinerary, book attractions ahead, and enjoy the whirlwind experience.

What unique experiences are exclusive to New York City?

In NYC, you can enjoy a drink at the historic bar once visited by George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Explore the vast collections of the largest art museum in the U.S. Experience the cultural diversity by hearing hundreds of languages in a single neighborhood. Savor a hot dog from one of the first-ever stands. Visit the original Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animals. And, of course, attend an authentic Broadway show.

What are some non-touristy activities to do in New York City?

Discover hidden gems in NYC by visiting the Tenement Museum or the Museum of the Moving Image. Delve into magic history at the Conjuring Arts Research Center or explore Jewish culture at the Derfner Judaica Museum. Wander through NYC's unique neighborhoods, dine at local favorites, and shop at secret boutiques. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts scene for an authentic experience.