Struggling to pinpoint the best things to do in New York City often overwhelms first-time visitors. Recent searches show that many people seek tips on top attractions, free activities, and skyline views. This guide gives a complete overview of the 10 best things to do in New York City, covering museums, parks, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. You get a mix of free things like Central Park and the New York Public Library, plus premium viewpoints and cultural highlights. The complete guide walks you through every section of the article.
10 Best Things to Do in New York City
New York City never runs out of surprises for travelers seeking adventure, art, and inspiration. From world-class museums and hidden cultural gems to lively markets and scenic waterfronts, every corner of the city tells a different story. Visitors can explore places that capture resilience, creativity, and history all in one vibrant landscape. Whether you’re looking to experience iconic performances, wander through remarkable architecture, or enjoy free attractions that define the local spirit, New York offers countless unforgettable moments.
This guide reveals some of the most meaningful places and experiences that truly showcase the soul of the city. Before you start exploring the city, make sure your navigation is set up just the way you like it. Here’s how you can change the voice on Google Maps for a more personalized travel experience.
1. National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum provides visitors with a solemn reminder of resilience and loss. The outdoor memorial features two reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood. Names of victims are inscribed around, offering a heartfelt tribute. Inside, the museum displays artifacts, multimedia exhibits, and survivor accounts. While the memorial area is always free to access, the museum requires a ticket. Additionally, museum entry is free on Mondays between 5 PM and 8 PM. For more information, visit 9/11 Memorial.org.
Free/Paid: Memorial Free, Museum Paid (Free Mondays 5–8 PM)
2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, located along Fifth Avenue, is one of Manhattan’s cultural highlights. Visitors encounter collections spanning thousands of years, from Egyptian artifacts to European masterpieces. The museum also features rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and unique performances. Its rooftop garden provides a remarkable view of the city skyline. Although standard tickets apply, residents of New York State and students from nearby states pay what they wish. Consequently, it remains one of the best places for art lovers worldwide. For more information, visit metmuseum.org.
Free/Paid: Paid (NY residents and students Pay-What-You-Wish)
3. Broadway Shows / Theater District
Broadway shows in the Theater District represent one of New York’s top attractions for theater lovers worldwide. Visitors correspondingly experience musicals, dramas, and performances that rival any stage globally. The bustling area around Times Square highlights plenty of best places to eat before performances. Although tickets vary in cost, Broadway remains one of the best places to see in New York. Overall, a trip to New York would be incomplete without attending.
Free/Paid: Paid
4. Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market remains a favorite attraction on the West Side, offering food, shops, and cultural flair. Visitors sample everything from seafood to international dishes, making it a paradise for food lovers. The building’s industrial design and creative vibe add to its unique charm. Art installations and occasional pop-ups enhance the atmosphere, offering another reason to visit. While dining or shopping requires payment, entry to the market itself is completely free. It is simultaneously a hidden gem and the best place in NYC.
Free/Paid: Entry Free, Food and Shopping Paid
5. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History displays exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and cultural heritage across the city. Families visiting New York would be complete with a trip here, offering countless things to see. Visitors admire views of New York history through fossils and life-sized dioramas across massive halls. Moreover, special exhibitions highlight scientific research and fascinating details about Earth and beyond. Suggested admission is available, but certain special exhibits require tickets.
Free/Paid: Paid
6. The Cloisters
The Cloisters, part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, focuses on medieval art and European architecture. Located on the west side of Manhattan, the museum showcases tapestries, sculptures, and gardens. Visitors looking for hidden gems will certainly find it one of the best places to see. Although quieter than other New York attractions, it offers cultural depth and tranquility. Admission follows the same ticketing system as the main Met museum.
Free/Paid: Paid
7. Morgan Library
The Morgan Library houses rare manuscripts, historical documents, and rotating exhibitions highlighting literature and fine arts. Situated in Midtown Manhattan, this landmark in the city presents treasures appreciated by both scholars and tourists. Moreover, the public library spaces offer free activities and occasional free concerts. However, full gallery access generally requires admission. Overall, it is one of the best places to see unique works within New York.
Free/Paid: Paid
8. Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum in downtown Manhattan tells the stories of immigrants who shaped New York’s neighborhoods. Guided tours take visitors inside restored apartments, showing living conditions of families from different eras. Additionally, exhibits correspondingly highlight the social and cultural history of new yorkers. Although it’s comparatively smaller than other attractions, the museum provides invaluable insights. Entry is only possible with a guided tour requiring tickets.
Free/Paid: Paid
9. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum features an aircraft carrier, submarines, and a space shuttle pavilion. Located along the west side of Manhattan, it provides plenty of free views of New York Harbor. Visitors particularly enjoy walking the flight deck while seeing military history up close. Families consider it one of the best places to see with kids in the city. General admission tickets are required for entry.
Free/Paid: Paid
10. South Street Seaport & Pier 17
South Street Seaport & Pier 17 combine history, dining, shopping, and remarkable views of downtown Manhattan. Visitors stroll cobblestone streets and check out the New York Harbor waterfront area. Furthermore, the site often hosts free concerts, public events, and seasonal free activities. Meanwhile, the rooftop at Pier 17 provides great views of the statue and skyline. Restaurants and shops operate as paid experiences, but walking the district remains free.
Free/Paid: Both
Conclusion
Packing so many attractions into one trip can feel daunting, with so many options to see. This guide clears that confusion by matching interests to well-known landmarks, public library visits, waterfront strolls, and neighborhood vibes. You now know free activities, iconic observation decks, historic museums, and scenic West Side locations. Whether you seek views of downtown Manhattan, trips on the ferry, or best places to eat, this curated list keeps your itinerary balanced. All sections deliver what to do next, so your NYC experience becomes unforgettable. Which of these 10 attractions will you visit first?
FAQs
1. Is there a way to visit multiple NYC attractions on a budget?
Yes, CityPASS or Explorer Pass lets you access many attractions for one bundled price.
2. What public transit offers great views and low cost?
The Staten Island Ferry costs nothing and offers a moving waterfront view of the harbor.
3. Which neighborhoods provide the best food and cultural experiences in NYC?
Chelsea Market and downtown Manhattan offer varied cuisine and hidden gems for food lovers.
4. Where can I experience both cultural depth and serene surroundings?
The Cloisters and Morgan Library combine art, quiet spaces, and historic collections.
5. What’s the easiest way to see Manhattan and enjoy waterfront scenery?
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge or riding the NYC Ferry gives scenic, walkable access across the city.
6. Where can families enjoy science or nature-themed attractions affordably?
American Museum of Natural History offers suggested admission, making budget entry flexible.
7. How can I get an iconic trip to Ellis Island affordably?
Take the ferry to Liberty Island; the monument grounds are free once aboard.
