New York City hides exciting opportunities on every corner. It has landmarks, attractions, a market, and activities that can give you a unique experience. For the first time, travelers who are planning to take their vacation in New York, this post is very special. We are highlighting 20 best things to do in New York that you might not have tried before!
Table of content
- Budgets hacks for New York travel
- Stay connected with Airhub in NYC
- Fly to New York to spend the time!
- FAQs
Liberty’s Light
Have you ever taken ferries to the Statue of Liberty and climbed to the crown for the view? If not, it is one of the best things to do in NYC this weekend! The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in 1886, and since then, millions have visited it every year. Its spirit of freedom and great view always shine in front of the travelers. So it’s your time to try it out.
Island of Hope
Ellis Island, across the harbor from Lady Liberty, is the historic gateway for millions of immigrants and another one of the best things to do in New York. From 1892–1954, over 12 million newcomers entered the U.S. here. Today, Ellis Island’s museum and restored registry hall let visitors explore immigrant stories and see old passenger manifests. It’s a moving experience and is often combined with the Statue in harbor cruises.
Neon Nightlife
Times Square dazzles day and night. Often called “the Crossroads of the World,” it’s ablaze with neon ads, giant screens, and a nonstop crowd. An estimated 200,000–250,000 people pass through Times Square each day (and up to 330,000 on the busiest days), making it one of NYC’s busiest public spaces. If you haven’t taken a stroll here in winter, it is one of the must-do things to do in NYC in December.
Urban Oasis
Central Park is one of the free things to do in NYC this weekend. You will be amazed to visit these leafy retreats in the middle of Manhattan skyscrapers. It is one of the world’s most visited parks with scenic picnic spots on every corner. You can also enjoy free concerts or visit zoo for a great experience.
Skyline Icon
The Empire State Building is the classic NYC skyscraper. Soaring 443 meters high (including its antenna), it was once the world’s tallest building. Today, its 86th-floor and 102nd-floor observatories draw over 2.5 million visitors each year. From up there, you get sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s especially lovely at sunset. Hint: if you want city vistas, consider buying a CityPass or comparing it to the Top of the Rock to save money and time.
Historic Span
The Brooklyn Bridge (completed in 1883) is a living piece of history. It was the first permanent link between Manhattan and Brooklyn and the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time. Today, you can stroll or bike its 1.8 km length, admiring the Gothic-style towers and phenomenal skyline views, making it one of the best free things to do in NYC.
Art Treasure
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) houses an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of world art. It’s the largest art museum in the U.S. and welcomed about 5.7 million visitors last year. You can spend hours browsing European masters, ancient Egyptian artifacts, Impressionist paintings, and more.
Freedom Tower
One World Observatory sits atop One World Trade Center, the skyscraper built where the Twin Towers once stood. It’s 1,776 feet tall (a symbolic number). From the observation deck (100 floors up), you get a 360° panorama of the city and harbor. Below, the adjacent 9/11 Memorial and Museum create a solemn park with twin reflecting pools honoring the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001. Paying respect here is powerful: it is one of the things to do in NYC for free (the outdoor Memorial) or see the Museum exhibits (paid).
Art Deco Hub
Rockefeller Center is a famous complex of Art Deco buildings in Midtown. Its centerpiece is 30 Rockefeller Plaza (known as 30 Rock), a 66-story tower completed in 1933. The Center is home to the NBC studios and shops and hosts events like the annual ice-skating rink and Christmas tree lighting.
Skyline Perch
For one of the best city views, head to Top of the Rock (the 70th-floor deck at 30 Rock). When it opened to the public in 1933, it was instantly iconic; today, it draws about 2.5 million visitors per year. From here, you can see all of Central Park to the north and downtown Manhattan stretching south. It’s especially nice at dusk. Tickets can be combined with an NBC Studio tour if you’re interested in TV history.
Railroad Grandness
Grand Central Terminal is a beautiful Beaux-Arts train station and one of the world’s busiest transit hubs. The main concourse has a celestial ceiling mural and a famous clock under the four-faced opal. In fact, Grand Central is consistently ranked among the world’s top tourist sites, with about 21.6 million people passing through in 2018. It also has 44 platforms, more than any other train station in the world.
Broadway Lights
Broadway theatres are the heart of NYC’s entertainment scene. Catching a Broadway show (a musical or play) is a classic New York experience. The Theater District around Times Square has dozens of venues and shows running year-round. For example, Broadway’s 2022–23 season sold about $1.54 billion in tickets with 12.3 million attendees. Shows range from family-friendly musicals to long-running dramas.
Luxury Avenue
Fifth Avenue in Midtown is famous for shopping and luxury. This stretch includes designer flagship stores (Saks, Tiffany’s, Cartier, Gucci, and more) and impressive landmark buildings. In fact, Fifth Avenue is consistently ranked one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets. Even window-shopping here is fun. Beyond shopping, Fifth Avenue leads you past landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the New York Public Library.
Skyline Park
The High Line is a 1.45-mile elevated park built on an old freight rail viaduct on Manhattan’s West Side. Opened starting in 2009, it transformed an industrial relic into green space. It drew about 8 million visitors per year by 2019. Walking the High Line is a unique way to see the city; you’ll pass gardens, art installations, and views of the Hudson River and skyline. It’s one of the best free things in NYC.
Foodie Market
Chelsea Market (in the Meatpacking District, under the High Line) is a must for food lovers and one of the fun places to go to in NYC. Housed in a converted Nabisco factory (where the Oreo cookie was invented!), It’s a multi-level indoor market of eateries, bakeries, and shops. Think artisanal cheese, fresh seafood, international street food, and gourmet groceries.
Modern Art Haven
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in Midtown holds one of the world’s great modern art collections. Works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, and countless others are on display. MoMA consistently ranks as one of the most-visited art museums globally. In 2023, it welcomed nearly 2.7 million visitors. It’s free for children and has pay-what-you-wish evenings on certain days.
Financial Symbols
Wall Street and the Financial District symbolize New York’s money power. You can see the New York Stock Exchange building on Broad Street, and the famous 7,100-pound Charging Bull bronze sculpture (at Bowling Green) is a popular photo stop. The Bull embodies “bull market” optimism and brings many tourists. It’s free to visit the area.
Bryant’s Oasis
Bryant Park is a popular green space in Midtown. In winter it hosts a skating rink and holiday market, while summer brings movies, dance classes, and free public events.
Cultural Bites
Finally, don’t miss Manhattan’s ethnic neighborhoods. In Chinatown, you will find markets, dim sum houses, and Chinese bakeries, while nearby Little Italy is known for pasta, cannoli, and espresso.
Budget Hacks for New York Travel
If you are going to New York City for the first time, these tips can help save money:
- Free attractions: Stroll Central Park, walk the High Line, or ride the Staten Island Ferry for skyline views.
- Off-season travel: The best time to visit New York is often spring or fall when weather is mild and crowds are lighter.
- Buy eSIM: eSIM USA can reduce roaming costs and hidden travel connectivity charges.
Stay Connected with Airhub in NYC
Find the best time to visit New York and explore with a good travel data plan. Consider using an eSIM USA so you have instant 4G/5G service without swapping SIM cards. Airhub offers affordable eSIM plans for the US. You can buy eSIM data online before your trip and activate it on arrival. Staying connected means you can use maps, translation apps, and find local deals on the go (plus share all your NYC selfies in real time!).
Fly to New York to Spend the Best Time!
Now that you have so many things to do in New York, it’s time to fly. Pack your bags and create your itinerary consisting of the best places to visit in New York, along with the activities that you want to do. New York is the best place that represents the view of nature on the mountain edge. All you need to do is book your tickets and an eSIM New York to do things you have never imagined before!
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