50 Fun Things to do New York City Today
Aptly named The City That Never Sleeps, this skyscraper-filled, fast-paced metropolis is a source of cultural pride for locals and visitors alike — not to mention one of the most bucket-list destinations on the planet.
Always buzzing with events, New York City offers an unparalleled array of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages, from checking out iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge to exploring historic neighborhoods like Harlem, Chinatown, and Tribeca, this mega-city There will always be something new and exciting to offer.
Spread across five diverse, eclectic boroughs — Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island — New York has something for everyone. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, art lover (don't miss the Met and MOMA) or a foodie (Little Italy awaits), the Big Apple will deliver an incredible feeling… every, single, time.
Throw in world-class museums, first-class sporting events, old-school Coney Island, ghost tours, Broadway theaters and an array of rooftop bars, and you'll soon discover why more than 8.5 million people call this bustling city home.
1 – Try indoor skydiving at iFLY Westchester
Experience the thrill of skydiving without any danger. iFly Westchester is a themed wind tunnel for indoor skydiving. So no jumping, no bad weather, no danger, just an enjoyable good time to spend with your friends or family!
2 - Fly in a helicopter and marvel at the views of NYC
Helicopter tours are one of the most famous and fun things to do in NYC, especially for first-time visitors. It's the most thrilling way to see NYC's top spots, the Hudson River and its bay. Soar high above the New York City skyline and enjoy the panorama.
3 - Explore the Catacombs of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral
Ready for a spooky night? Go behind the scenes at St. Patrick's Old Cathedral Basilica. Gain access to off-limits and hidden areas of the Basilica grounds and enter New York City's only active catacombs.
4 - Take a spin on The Beast
Hold on to your hat as you blast across New York Bay on the ride of your life. The Beast is a luxury jet boat and one of the fun things to do in NYC for adrenaline junkies.
Take in panoramic views of Midtown and Lower Manhattan and bounce along to live music on this watery roller coaster ride. Keep your camera handy for the Statue of Liberty!
5 – Restore a priceless painting in 60 minutes or less!
One of five adventures available in The Escape Game, The Heist will immerse you and your friends in a one-of-a-kind adventure where you must steal a priceless Monet painting before the art curator returns.
You have to work with your team to solve clues and overcome challenges to complete your mission.
6 - See a famous Broadway show
Broadway is the bright beating heart of NYC's performing arts scene. Seeing a Broadway show is one of the funnest things to do at night in New York City, guaranteed to be an experience like no other.
There is no better place on earth to see world famous musicals like The Lion King, Aladdin, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Hamilton, Chicago and many more!
7 – Admire spectacular views of Manhattan over the Hudson
From street level, Manhattan is a bustling, vibrant city with towering skyscrapers, bustling avenues and people in every direction. But from above, from several jaw-dropping observation decks around the city, the Big Apple truly shows its majestic beauty.
The observation deck of One World Observatory – part of the 541-meter tall Freedom Tower that stands on the site of the former World Trade Center – offers dramatic city views that become magical at sunset. Located high on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors, this observation deck offers incredible views of Midtown and Lower Manhattan.
The 443-meter-tall Empire State Building is another great choice for a bird's-eye view of the city. Located in Midtown, its observation deck stands on the 86th floor of this nearly century-old building—a must-see for first-time visitors to the Big Apple and a great place to take in the magnificent views of Central Park.
Thanks to its location in Lower Manhattan near the 9/11 Memorial, One World Observatory also offers fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the harbor.
But if panoramic views of the Empire State Building are what you're after, you can't beat Top of the Rock. Located on the 70th floor above Rockefeller Plaza, the observation deck of this Art Deco-style skyscraper offers visitors an unobstructed view that stretches for miles.
But there is more. Located at Hudson Yards, the Edge Observation Deck holds the title of the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, at 345 meters and 100 stories high in the open air. Meanwhile, the ultra-modern SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, which opens in 2020, offers an immersive art-meets-technology experience to complement the impressive views of Midtown and Lower Manhattan from atop its tower.
Whichever observation deck you end up choosing, these unique views of New York's iconic skyline will fill your camera roll for days!
8 - Visit famous filming locations
All the best movies and TV shows are shot in New York, and this is your chance to see some of the sights on the big screen.
Ride a comfortable coach and cruise ship around Manhattan, stopping at iconic locations from Gossip Girl, Sex and the City and The Sopranos.
Relive the glory days outside the Friends apartment and pose next to the iconic Ghostbusters fire station.
9 – Cheer for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden
Sports fans, listen up. While some may associate the Big Apple with baseball (the Yankees), and hockey (the Rangers) and football (the Jets), its basketball heritage runs the deepest – and a visit to the legendary Madison Square Garden will make that even clearer.
Here, you'll find the infamous New York Knicks — one of the NBA's original teams that has played in New York City since 1946 — gracing the court in one of the most iconic venues in modern sports and entertainment.
And when it's not game day or concert night, you can join an exclusive Madison Square Garden tour and explore the arena inside and out, checking out areas like the locker rooms, the Garden's TV studio and the courts. Either way, when the stadium is packed with 20,000+ diehard fans, you'll see (and hear) why this is considered one of the best things for sports nuts to do in NYC.
10 – Balance your mind and body at Aire Ancient Baths
Housed in an industrial building since 1808, AIRE is a sensory experience that runs through various thermal baths, massages as well as other experiences that you will find absolutely delightful!
An engrossing scavenger hunt on the streets of New York City. Solve location-based clues that lead you to secret locations, fantastic pub/cafe stops and make you smile from ear to ear! Like an escape room, but outside!
A train line turned picturesque park, a buried bank vault, an 18th-century tavern, and one of NYC's best modern markets. CityDays hunts transform highlights and hidden gems into urban playgrounds full of puzzles with things to see, events to thrill and fascinating stories to explore.
Compete in teams to top the leaderboards or take your time soaking in all the wonderful places you'll explore. Perfect for friends, family, colleagues, visitors and locals!
11 – Unleash your inner Jedi in The Empire Strikes Back!
Get ready for an out-of-this-world burlesque show that will transport you to a galaxy far, far away! The Empire Strikes Back combines the allure of burlesque with the excitement of sci-fi, bringing your favorite Star Wars characters to life in a whole new way.
From adorable stormtroopers to adorable Boba Fett, this intergalactic journey will make you laugh and gasp in equal measure. Whether you're a devoted fan or just looking for a fun night out, don't miss this spicy twist on a favorite tale!
12 – Listen to a unique concert by candlelight
Enjoy music concerts in a unique candle light environment. Live Vivaldi, The Queen or jazz music notes while sipping a glass of wine or eating dinner. Candlelight creates a magical atmosphere that allows you to appreciate the magnificent concert even more.
13 - Have fun in Central Park
No visit to New York is complete without visiting Central Park, the iconic green hub in the middle of Manhattan. The grounds are a great place for a picnic or a horse-drawn carriage ride, and the wild inhabitants of the Central Park Zoo are a family favorite.
Feeling energetic? Then jump into the saddle for a guided bike tour around the park and surrounding sights, or join one of the scooter tours that wind through the park's winding paths and impressive bridges.
Throw in walking tours, moonlight ghost tours, and a plethora of food and drink options, and you've got an unbeatable day out – it's no wonder the 843-acre park attracts more than 40 million visitors each year and is one of the best things to do. Do it in New York City with kids!
Be sure to also visit the iconic Bethesda Terrace — walk along the terrace's grand walkway and admire its ornate arches and carvings that have graced the park since the 1860s.
And if you're ready for some culture, head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the east side of the park - where you can admire over 5,000 years of history! With so much to do and see, it's clear you'll never run out of things to do in Central Park.
14 – Visit the Statue of Liberty
A must-see tourist attraction in New York City, a landmark as iconic as the city itself, The 305-foot-tall Statue of Liberty stands proudly on Liberty Island, a symbol of freedom and hope to the millions of immigrants who have come through New York harbor.
Go on a ferry tour around the Statue and explore its grounds, or take in spectacular views from The Crown or pedestal – it’s one attraction you won’t want to miss!
Most Lady Liberty tours are combined with Ellis Island and its museum. Here, you’ll learn all about the fascinating history of immigration to the United States — a see first-hand how New York because a cultural melting pot.
15 – Time-travel to a night of romance and elegance at The Queen’s Ball
Immerse yourself in the opulent world of Bridgerton at The Queen’s Ball. With period costumes, live music, and immersive experiences, you’ll be transported back to the 19th century for an unforgettable night of romance and intrigue.
Learn the latest Regency dance steps, sip on Bridgerton-inspired cocktails, and witness a love story unfold before your eyes. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this enchanting ball where the Queen herself is searching for her Diamond of the Evening.
16 – Step inside the hilarious world of ‘FRIENDS’
Experience being a part of the gang in this popular American television series, as you explore interactive displays in this two-floor venue in NYC.
Take a selfie on the iconic orange couch, sit at Monica and Rachel’s kitchen table, and see dozens more props and costumes from this comedy show in the ’90s.
Want to bring your crew and have the place all to yourself for a few minutes? Choose Private Access Tickets to come early in the morning before the schedule for general admissions.
17 – Embrace the outdoors
New York is a surprising hub for several outdoor experiences. For ultimate thrills, ride a jet ski along the Hudson River and see the city skyline from the water.
Outside town, you can take to the skies by hot air balloon for scenic New Jersey and Pennsylvania views. Or join a Sunday kayaking tour down the Delaware River – wine tasting and downtown transfers included!
18 – Experience the city from a unique vantage point
The waters of the Hudson River are not just perfect counterpoints to Manhattan’s bustling streets but also offer stunning views of NYC’s most famous landmarks. Boat tours take you sightseeing at remarkable points in American history, engineering, and architecture.
The Circle Line around Manhattan or the Harbor Lights Cruise are the most popular experiences on the water in New York City.
19 – Wander around the Guggenheim Museum
Tucked away in the Upper East Side, the Guggenheim Museum somehow still flies under the radar. While it may not be as immediately recognizable as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the modernist building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is a landmark in its own right – and well worth a visit.
Inside, you’ll find a wealth of modern art — from iconic works by 20th-century masters like Picasso, Pollock and Kandinsky to more contemporary exhibitions such as ‘Young Picasso in Paris’ and ‘Experimental Art in South Korea’.
With its rotating collections, unique architecture and vast variety of artwork, it’s considered a terrific rainy-day activity for art lovers and culture vultures alike.
20 – Watch New York’s famous nightclub acts at Rose Room
Featuring the city’s underground circus scene and some of its best nightclubs acts such as Cirque Du Soleil and Broadway, the Rose Room at Triad Triangle is the right place to absorb New York’s nightlife.
This circus and variety nightclub also serves award-winning cuisines from across the globe and premium cocktails, as you enjoy magic acts, burlesque and more.
21 – Meet a Tyrannosaurus Rex at the Museum of Natural History
Come face to face with dinosaurs at the American Natural History Museum – one of the most fun things to do in NYC. See real Night at the Museum exhibits and size up to an enormous blue whale.
It is not often you can travel to the depths of the Pacific Ocean and visit far-off galaxies all in the same building!
22 – Find peace and quiet in the New York Botanical Garden
Hidden away up in Bronx Park, the New York Botanical Garden offers a welcomed change of pace from the hustle and bustle of downtown Manhattan.
With about 12,000 species of colorful flora and fauna on display, this 250-acre green space is paradise for nature lovers — with themed gardens (such as the Native Plant Garden and Conifer Arboretum), workshops, guided tours and special events seven days a week.
Stroll through the sprawling grounds and take in the beauty of its monuments and lesser-known areas too – from the Twin Lakes to the Blue Oak collection or Herb Gaden. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and the Tram Tour are both must-sees, while the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden is justifiably popular for families.
If you’re staying in Brooklyn, the 52-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts 12,000 species of its own – tucked away in the sprawling Prospect Park.
23 – Unleash your inner wizard at The Cauldron NYC
Join The Cauldron and unleash your inner wizard with Potion Making – an immersive cocktail class that’ll take you back to your childhood dreams! Put on your cloak, grab your wand, and get ready for some molecular mixology!
Cast spells, interact with magical creatures and brew your own elixirs at a high-tech, magic wand-interactive work station. With a selection of different potions, each with unique properties and effects, there’s something for every taste. Don’t miss out on this enchanting experience!
24 – Have an unforgettable baseball experience at the NYC Yankee Stadium
An emblematic baseball team, the NYC Yankees will show you the soul of the American sports culture as well as the enjoyment it creates all around it!
25 – See the roaring Niagara Falls on a day trip
Where over six million cubic feet of water fall every minute, Niagara Falls is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in North America.
Sitting on the international border between the United States and Canada, this thunderous beauty has evolved into much more than just a waterfall over the years — it’s now an adventure playground and entertainment Mecca, home to all sorts of activities, museums, restaurants and attractions.
On a day trip to Niagara Falls, you’ll get to experience a mixture of outdoor adventure and sightseeing — from taking an exhilarating journey on the Maid of the Mist boat cruise to exploring the fascinating nature trails along the Niagara River.
Hot tip; Make sure to check out our selection of the best things to do in Niagara Falls.
Since it’s located close to 7 hours drive away, you can either join a tour that flies you there in a helicopter/plane, or drive in a comfortable luxury coach (for a multi-day trip). Either way, don’t leave this marvel off of your list of things to do in the Big Apple.
Wonderland Dreams by artist Alexa Meade covers 26,000 square feet from the floor to the ceiling and is the only hand-painted immersive exhibit in NYC. This mind-bending experience feels like stepping into a 2D world where you can wander and even pick up a paintbrush to leave your own mark.
26 – Hit the rink and join the Roller Wave
Roller skating is not just something out of the 1980s disco scene — it’s as cool, fun and expressive as ever!
Lace up your skates, hit the rink and join The Roller Wave in Brooklyn for an invigorating time out.
If you’re new to the sport, you can even sign up for classes and find your balance before spinning circles around your friends.
27 – Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour
See the city on your own terms on a fun hop-on hop-off bus tour around New York. You can choose when and where to get off, giving you the time you need at your favorite sights.
Visiting iconic locations like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building has never been so easy. For the best views choose seats on the top deck.
28 – Explore extraordinary photographs in an immersive exhibition at Fotografiska
Discover photography from a new perspective in this unique museum and gallery space.
New York's groundbreaking photography museum, Fotografiska showcases eclectic and impressive exhibitions, including some of the most interesting contemporary artists and photographers.
It has three floors of galleries, displaying everything from landscapes and intimate portraits to documentary exhibitions and abstract works.
After an immersive gallery experience with expertly curated collections, visit the museum's café and bar for delightful food and drinks.
29 - Walking along the High Line
Stretching from Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District to Vessel in Hudson Yards, the High Line is a 1.45-mile elevated walkway built over abandoned railroad tracks.
Once a hub of art, the urban park is now a popular destination for locals and tourists alike – an oasis of green in Manhattan's concrete jungle.
Best of all, the path is completely free to wander around, which is lined with carefully landscaped gardens and installations. On a sunny day, it's a great place to people watch or just relax on one of its benches; At dusk, you'll get some of the most breathtaking views of the NYC skyline.
30 - Visit the Selfless Sea, Air and Space Museum
Have you ever been on a submarine? You can do that at this museum, which proudly charts America's military and naval history from World War II to the space race.
Explore the Space Shuttle Pavilion and marvel at original artifacts from the Marine Corps and NASA. There's also an aircraft carrier and a supersonic reconnaissance plane to check out.
31 - Improve your secret agent skills in Spyscape
Channel your inner supersleuth and dive into the mysterious world of spies at this interactive museum. 007 fans love the James Bond exhibit which includes an original car.
Uncover the truth about codebreaking and discover real-life gadgets used in the field You will be tasked with several skyscape challenges, so get ready to crack the clues and tackle the laser rooms.
32 - Marvel at the chaos of Times Square
The heart of Manhattan, Times Square is a must-see for any first-time visitor. From naked cowboys to international tourists taking selfies in the flashing neon lights of Broadway, this iconic intersection attracts millions of visitors from around the world.
With so much to do in Times Square, you could spend an entire day within a 5-block radius and still barely scratch the surface. Some of the major attractions in the area include Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not; Marvel at the giant billboards and colorful street performers.
Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at one of the area's many restaurants, catch a Broadway show, or head up to the rooftop of the iconic Marriott Marquis for some stunning views of Midtown.
33 - Meet your heroes at Madame Tussauds
Rub shoulders with the Hulk and take photos with George Washington as you explore the world of this mind-blowing wax work work work. Nowhere else would politicians and popstars side with Spiderman and the Kardashians.
Walk the runway during fashion week and take center stage at a Broadway show - just a day's work at Madame Tussauds.
34 – Take the first virtual reality journey through the world
Learn more about the globe we call home and how our small actions can impact its future on the first multi-sensory and augmented reality journey through Earth.
With AR, VR, project mapping and interactive art installations, Arcadia Earth will take you on a journey to see the world from your own perspective.
35 - Encounter the inhabitants of the Sea Kingdom
For one of the funnest things to do in NYC, visit the famous New York Aquarium on Coney Island and come face-to-face with sea lions, sharks, and even a giant octopus. Or let your imagination run wild at the Lost City of Atlantis-themed Long Island Aquarium.
36 – Go to Greenwich Village
Foodies, this one is for you. Sandwiched between the West Village and Soho is the vibrant neighborhood of Greenwich Village – filled with cobblestone streets, historic brownstones and cozy cafes.
To get a true taste of NLC-style cuisine, take a food tour and get an inside look at local eateries — from classic pizzerias to hidden speakeasies.
You'll learn all about the neighborhood's history and culinary scene as you make your way to a handful of famous eateries (like Minetta Tavern, Olio e Pew and Don Angie), as well as hidden bars and hole-in-the-wall pizza joints.
Besides food, be sure to visit Washington Square Park – a hangout for local NYU students and a hotbed for street performers.
37 - Appreciate international art
Enjoy traveling around the world at some of New York's top art museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest in the country, with everything from Rembrandt paintings to an ancient Roman bedroom excavated after the eruption of Vesuvius.
For something more contemporary, visit the Museum of Modern Art or the Guggenheim, and choose the Whitney Museum to learn about American art.
38 - Head to the Hamptons for a day trip
Need a slow escape from the city? Pack your bags and take a day trip to Hamptons, New York's favorite seaside getaway. From the quaint boutique-lined streets and rolling vineyards of Riverhead to the golden sand beaches of The Peconics, touring the area is one of the best things to do on Long Island, with something for everyone.
On a guided tour of the Hamptons, you can visit small historic towns like Southampton and Sag Harbor, sample local wines at numerous wineries, take a boat cruise on Peconic Bay or explore scenic nature trails. You can shop till you drop at one of the outlet malls dotting the area, like the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead.
39 - Join a scavenger hunt
Explore a whole new side of New York City during a scavenger hunt. Visit many iconic landmarks and have fun with your friends. Find the best scavenger hunts!
40 - Bicycle over the Brooklyn Bridge
Pedal across New York's most famous bridge and take in the skyscrapers across the East River on a fun bike tour.
Connecting the vibrant borough of Brooklyn to the island of Manhattan, the bridge is one of the best places to visit in New York City and offers an epic way to see the sights.
See if you can spot movie filming locations in Brooklyn Bridge Park and marvel at the engineering of the world's first steel-wire suspension bridge.
41 – Support the Giants at MetLife Stadium
If you want to enjoy an American football game, visit MetLife Stadium - home of the New York Jets and New York Football Giants.
Located in East Rutherford (New Jersey), you will be amazed by the size of the stadium, 82,500 seats.
42 - Uncover NYC's new visual vision in a futuristic exhibition
Visit an alternative museum to experience art and technology in a new immersive way. Artekhaus is a futuristic museum where exhibits cover the relationship between art and science and the role of the individual observer.
The ongoing exhibition, Machine Hallucinations: NYC, aims to change our perception of this ever-changing iconic city through new forms of visual representation.
43 - Ghostbusters Firehouse Ghost Hunting
Are you a fan of the legendary Ghostbusters story? You might want to check out the Ghostbusters headquarters then. Hook and Ladder 8, the building used for exterior shots, is a working firehouse that has been around for over a century.
The firehouse is located at 14 North Moore Street in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan at the intersection of Varick Street.
44 – Satisfy your cravings at the Museum of Ice Cream
A sweet tooth paradise, New York City's Museum of Ice Cream is a fun, interactive and highly Instagrammable experience designed for the whole family.
From an immersive sprinkle pool to a flying pink ice cream subway train — not to mention unlimited ice cream — this museum is as delicious as a museum.
All in all, the SOHO museum has 13 magical installations, each one more photo-worthy than the last. You can sample their signature soft serve flavors, then build your own dream cone before the day is over.
45 – Watch a movie on a Manhattan rooftop
For a different cinema experience, visit the Rooftop Cinema Club! Located atop the Skylawn Embassy Suites, this outdoor theater features a large LED screen, comfortable chairs and personal headsets.
Better yet, you can sip drinks and food from the hotel bar while watching your favorite film against the Manhattan skyline.
46 - Travel to the opposite neighborhood
The best way to get to know the real New York is to visit its different districts. The Bronx is a chic but trendy place, with strong street art and a rich cross-cultural heart.
Visit Yankee Stadium and stop at the "Joker Steps" for photos.
Visit up-and-coming Queens and visit Flushing Meadows Corona Park – Tennis Championships and the Unisphere Globe.
47 – Laugh out loud at the iconic Comedy Cellar
Founded in 1982, Comedy Cellar is a comedy club located in Manhattan (in the heart of Greenwich Village) that features many of New York's top comedians.
Discover the best stand-up comedians (and underground talent) and have a great night
48 - Discover Harlem and attend a gospel mass
Harlem is an area where religious life is very strong, especially in the black community.
The Gospel Mass and the energetic singing of its singers have become famous worldwide.
49 – See the ridiculous drunken Shakespeare
A New York Times Critic's Pick, Matal Shakespeare brings Comedy Central's 'Drunk History' to the stage. Join five professional actors from New York, one of whom had at least 5 shots of whiskey.
50 - See who's playing at Barclays Center
Catch a show or a game at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, one of New York City's most iconic sports and performing venues, regularly hosting some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Anytime you're here, you can expect to find a variety of events — from basketball games featuring the Brooklyn Nets to concerts by legends like Jay-Z and Justin Bieber.
Just check the event schedule for the latest line-up and buy your tickets online. The center is also a stone's throw from the Atlantic Terminal Mall - with its huge range of restaurants and shops, it's a great way to while away the time before the show starts.
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