Top 10 Best Things To Do in NYC: Video Guide

Top 10 Best Things to Do in NYC: The Ultimate Big Apple Adventure

New York City, the city that never sleeps, is a vibrant metropolis teeming with iconic landmarks, cultural treasures, and hidden gems. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our list of the top 10 best things to do in NYC will ensure you experience the best of the Big Apple. Let’s dive in!

1. Embrace the Energy of Times Square

No trip to New York is complete without experiencing the electric atmosphere of Times Square. This dazzling intersection, known as “The Crossroads of the World,” is a sensory overload of bright lights, larger-than-life billboards, and street performers.

Insider Tip: Visit during the evening to see Times Square in all its illuminated glory, but also consider an early morning visit to experience a surprisingly serene side of this usually bustling location.

2. Reflect and Remember at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum Complex

One World Observatory

Start your visit at the One World Observatory, located atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The breathtaking views offer a new perspective on the city’s skyline.

9/11 Memorial

Pay your respects at the twin reflecting pools, each nearly an acre in size, that sit in the footprints of the Twin Towers.

The Oculus

Conclude with a visit to The Oculus, a striking transportation hub and shopping center designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its unique architecture symbolizes a dove released from a child’s hand.

3. Escape to Urban Oases: NYC’s Famous Parks

Central Park

This 843-acre park is a green haven in the heart of Manhattan. Don’t miss the Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo.

The High Line

For a unique park experience, stroll along the High Line, an elevated linear park built on a former New York Central Railroad spur.

4. Marvel at Iconic Architecture

New York’s skyline is studded with architectural wonders. Don’t miss:

• Empire State Building: An Art Deco masterpiece offering stunning city views.
• Chrysler Building: Admire its gleaming spire and distinctive gargoyles.
• Flatiron Building: This triangular 22-story building is a symbol of New York City.
• New York Public Library: A Beaux-Arts landmark guarded by its famous stone lions.

5. Savor Flavors in Little Italy and Chinatown

Embark on a culinary journey through these vibrant neighborhoods:

• Little Italy: Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine and pastries on Mulberry Street.
• Chinatown: Explore dim sum restaurants, bubble tea shops, and bustling markets.

Off the Beaten Path: Visit during the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy or the Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown for an immersive cultural experience.

6. Dive into Culture at World-Class Museums

New York boasts some of the world’s finest museums:

• Metropolitan Museum of Art: Home to over 2 million works spanning 5,000 years.
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): A showcase of contemporary and modern masterpieces.
• American Museum of Natural History: Perfect for dinosaur enthusiasts and space lovers.

Quirky Alternative: Visit the City Reliquary in Brooklyn, a tiny museum showcasing New York City artifacts and ephemera.

7. Travel Through Time at Grand Central Terminal

This historic Beaux-Arts terminal is more than just a transit hub. Admire the celestial ceiling mural, visit the Whispering Gallery, and explore the hidden Campbell Apartment bar.

Fun Fact: Look for the small dark patch on the ceiling near the Pisces constellation. It was left uncleaned during renovations to show the effects of decades of tobacco smoke.

8. Walk Across the Iconic Brooklyn Bridge

Stroll across this engineering marvel for breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Afterward, explore DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) for trendy shops and restaurants.

Local Secret: Visit Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park, a restored 1922 carousel housed in a glass pavilion with stunning Manhattan views.

9. Experience the Financial Heart at Wall Street

Feel the pulse of global finance on Wall Street. Take a photo with the Charging Bull statue, visit Federal Hall where George Washington took his presidential oath, and see the New York Stock Exchange building.

Unusual Activity: Join a Wall Street ghost tour to learn about the area’s spooky legends and hidden history.

10. Salute Lady Liberty and Ellis Island

Take a ferry to visit these symbols of American history and immigration. Climb to the Statue of Liberty’s crown for panoramic harbor views, then explore the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

Alternative View: For a free option, take the Staten Island Ferry. It offers excellent views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

Interesting Facts About New York City

• Over 800 languages are spoken in New York City, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world.
• The New York Public Library has over 50 million items in its collection, including a Gutenberg Bible and a copy of the Declaration of Independence.
• The first pizzeria in the United States opened in New York City in 1905 – Lombardi’s Pizza, which still operates today.
• Central Park was the first large-scale landscaped public park in the United States.
• The borough of Brooklyn would be the fourth largest city in the United States if it were an independent city.
• More than 10 million bricks were used in the construction of the Empire State Building.
• New York City’s Federal Reserve Bank has the largest gold storage in the world. The vault is 80 feet below street level and contains $90 billion in gold.
• The New York City subway system has 34 lines, 469 stations, and is one of the world’s oldest public transit systems.
• Movie Connection: “King Kong” (1933) famously featured the Empire State Building, solidifying its place in pop culture. More recently, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021) showcased various NYC landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty.
• Celebrity Fact: Many celebrities call New York home, including Robert De Niro, who co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival to revitalize lower Manhattan after 9/11.

Find great deals on cheap flights to NYC

Looking for a place to stay in NYC?