Top 30 Things to Do in New York City

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There are so many things to do in New York it can be tricky to know where to start.

If you are planning a trip to the big apple, no doubt you are wondering and worrying about how you will determine your itinerary.

In this blog, we are going to help you out by listing the very top 30 Things to Do in New York City during any visit.

Things to Do in New York City

1. Visit Central Park

There is nothing more quintessentially New York than Central Park . Featured i n movies and TV shows all across the world, everyone knows this iconic park location.

For some time in nature amid the hustle and bustle of the city, you need to check out the park for a truly New Yorker experience.

2. See the Empire State Building

A building with a name as strongly associated with New York as names can be, you can't visit New York without seeing the Empire State Building .

You can buy tickets for the 86th-floor observatory, but you can also see the 102-floor building from pretty much anywhere in the city.

3. Take a Tour of the Natural History Museum

The American Natural History Museum is one of the most impressive museums in the world. With 26 connected buildings, the museum literally has something for everyone.

4. Explore the New York Harbor

Explore the New York Harbor

The NY Harbor is one o f the biggest natural harbors in the world. It offers the concrete jungle a peaceful aquatic respite. You can take a boat trip to enjoy the harbor to the max or you can simply take in the view.

5. Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is an impressi ve steel-wire suspension bridge that spans the East River of New York. It can take up to an hour to make the walk across it, but the experience is definitely worth it.

6. See a Show at Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is a vital part of N YC history. Want to really take it in? Then we recommend seeing any show you can there.

7. Walk Through the Central Park Mall

The name might mislead you, but the Central Park Mall is a beautiful n atural walking trail through the iconic park, also known as the Literary Walk. Here you can see statues of Shakespeare and other literary greats.

8. Tour the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The "Met" is the largest art museum in the States and it is absolutely worth a visit on any trip to NYC. It is a cultural giant that has so much to offer you certainly won't see it all in one day.

9. Take a Trip to the World Trade Center Site

Visiting the World Trade Center Site and the One World Obse rvatory attached is a great way to appreciate a very challenging part of NYC's history. A respectful visit to this site can help you learn a lot about 911 and its victims.

10. Have an Afternoon in Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is a public park situ ated in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. It is a vibrant park filled with people and culture. If you want a true NYC experience, you can get it here.

11. Spend a Day in the Central Park Zoo

Who doesn't love a trip to the zoo? Central Park Zoo is one of the m ost well-known in the States. Check it out for some family-friendly furry fun.

12. Take a Bus Tour

Take a Bus Tour

One of the most efficient ways to see a lot of NYC very quickly is to take a bus tour . These are specifically designed for tourists and you will find them everywhere.

13. Visit the New York Public Library

The New York Public Library contains more than 50 million items. If you love reading and library architecture, make sure to add this one to your list.

14. Check out Madison Square Garden

The home of iconic NYE celebrations, Madison Square Garden is an integral part of NYC history. You never know who you might see there.

15. Catch a Show of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra

If you are more a fan of classical music than pop icons, you will love a show by the NY Philharmonic Orchestra .

16. Head to the Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is a key part of NYC's performing arts scene and its history. Catch a show here if you can.

17. Spend a Night at the Yankee Stadium

For lovers of sports, hot dogs, and big crowds, the Yankee stadium will surprise and delight.

18. Get Something to Eat in the Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market in Manhattan offers global eats for tourists and locals alike. If you want something fresh to eat or to take home, make sure to stop by.

19. Get Some More to Eat in Little Italy

Who doesn't love Italian food? Add this iconic area to your list for any successful trip.

20. Make the Most of the Upper West Side

Upper West Side

If you love photography and beautiful, classic NYC architecture, you will adore the Upper West Side of New York. On any visit, make sure you leave time to visit this borough.

21. Stroll around Fort Tryon Park

Back to more iconic parks, check out Fort Tyron if you are in the Manhattan area for more inner-city greenery,

22. Take a Trip to Staten Island

Just a short ferry ride away, Staten Island is a famous borough of New York with lots to see and do. It is also the home of many notable celebrities.

23. Visit Liberty Island and Take in the Statue of Liberty

Come on, who doesn't go to New York and see the Statue of Liberty ?

24. Get Some Photographs at Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal in New York is a stun ning train station that has laid the background for many memorable scenes in TV and film. Get a piece of the action with your own photoshoot at the spot.

25. See the Stonewall Inn Bar in the West Village

New York is all about diversity and its unique history. You can truly appreciate both of these factors by visiting the Stonewall Inn .

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26. Take in the Sights of the New York Botanical Garden

With 250 acres of land and over 1 million living creatures within, visiting the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is always a treat for the senses.

27. Go to Ellis Island

Ellis Island might seem like an unusual place for a tourist list, but the Museum of Immigration is a powerful location to visit and respect in the city's history.

28. Check out Views of the Hudson River

the Hudson River

If you have seen movies, you have seen the Hudson River . Seeing it for yourself is a different experience, especially at sunrise or sunset.

29. Stay Busy in Midtown Manhattan

If you are looking for the right area to be in during your time in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is it. That is where everything is happening and everyone should be.

30. Push Yourself with the New York City Climb

Want something exciting to finish any NYC trip? Check out the City Climb . That will get your heart racing.

Conclusion

New York City is an amazing city that never fails to disappoint. Whether you’re looking for a big night out, culture, entertainment or just simple relaxation - there’s something for everyone in the Big Apple!

We hope our top 30 list of things to do in New York will help you plan your time in this incredible city and get the most out of it.

There’s no doubt that New York City is at its best when you explore it inside and out, so go forth and discover all it has to offer! Afterall, they say if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere!

So, what do you think? What will your next NYC destination be? Visit the attractions below for more information on what to see in NYC!

Ryan S. Mills
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