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 23 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.
Best Things to Do in New York City
New York City offers countless attractions that provide visitors with an unforgettable urban experience. Central Park remains a green haven in the heart of Manhattan, while Times Square dazzles with vibrant lights and bustling crowds. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island represent history, freedom, and immigration heritage. Museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History showcase global treasures. Iconic landmarks including the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Center provide amazing views of the city skyline. Additionally, those seeking memorable things to do in New York will enjoy Chelsea Market and The High Line.
1. Central Park
Central Park is undeniably the best place in NYC for relaxation and outdoor fun. Visitors enjoy walking trails, lakes, and cultural attractions spread across Manhattan’s most famous park. Families can picnic on scenic lawns, while others rent bikes for extended rides. Horse carriages and rowboats offer additional experiences. Concerts, playgrounds, and fountains make it a favorite among locals and tourists. Free entry applies for the park itself, albeit certain attractions like Central Park Zoo require paid admission.
Free/Paid: Entry Free, attractions like Zoo and rides are Paid
2. 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.
Free/Paid: Memorial Free, Museum Paid (Free Mondays 5–8 PM)
3. 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.
Free/Paid: Paid (NY residents and students Pay-What-You-Wish)
4. Times Square
Times Square offers bright billboards, street performers, and crowds that represent the bustle of the city. Visitors see and do in New York by walking through this iconic square any time of day. The area provides one of the best free things for both locals and tourists alike. Additionally, Broadway theaters nearby attract visitors looking for shows, dining, and attractions in New York City. Altogether, Times Square remains one of the top attractions.
Free/Paid: Free
5. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, stands proudly at the entrance of New York Harbor. Visitors typically combine this trip with Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants first arrived. Ferries depart from Battery Park, offering amazing views of the city skyline along the way. Access to Liberty Island grounds is free once you arrive, but ferry tickets are required. Additionally, pedestal and crown access tickets carry separate charges. This attraction remains one of NYC’s most iconic highlights.
Free/Paid: Ferry Paid, Grounds Free, Pedestal/Crown Paid
6. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building stands tall as a symbol of New York City’s global importance. Visitors ascend to observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors for stunning skyline views. The experience includes museum-style exhibits showcasing the building’s construction and historical relevance. Photographers especially admire sunset and evening views from its platforms. Tickets vary by deck selection, and lines can be long during peak times. Although unquestionably paid, the views it provides remain unforgettable. It is a quintessential NYC attraction.
Free/Paid: Paid Only
7. High Line
The High Line transforms a former elevated railway into one of Manhattan’s most creative attractions. It runs along the West Side, offering gardens, art installations, and an elevated view of the city. Walkers enjoy a refreshing perspective of urban landscapes while resting at unique seating areas. Chelsea Market lies nearby, making it easy to combine both experiences. The High Line regularly hosts free public art and cultural programs throughout the year. Overall, it provides both locals and tourists with memorable experiences.
Free/Paid: Free
8. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge offers pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers direct access between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Walking across provides amazing views of the East River and the New York skyline. Many consider sunrise and sunset walks across the bridge particularly rewarding. Street performers, photographers, and tourists alike gather along its historic walkway daily. It remains a significant engineering achievement and cultural landmark. Since no toll applies for pedestrians or cyclists, visiting this bridge is absolutely free. It unquestionably ranks among NYC’s iconic attractions.
Free/Paid: Free
9. The Oculus
The Oculus, located at the World Trade Center, is both an architectural gem and transportation hub. Its striking design resembles a white dove, symbolizing hope and renewal. Visitors can admire the structure’s remarkable interiors while enjoying access to retail shops inside. It connects several subway lines and the PATH train to New Jersey. While shopping or dining carries costs, walking through and photographing the Oculus is completely free. Consequently, it has become one of Lower Manhattan’s admired hidden gems.
Free/Paid: Free
10. 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
11. Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center)
Top of the Rock, located at Rockefeller Center, provides an observation deck with panoramic city views. Visitors admire landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Central Park from above. The experience is less crowded than other observation decks, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Daytime visits highlight Manhattan’s skyline, whereas evenings showcase glittering lights. Although Rockefeller Center itself has free attractions like its plaza and shops, the deck requires admission tickets. Overall, it remains among the top things to do in New York.
Free/Paid: Paid
12. 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
13. One World Observatory / World Trade Center area
One World Observatory presents great views of the Manhattan skyline and the city and the Hudson River. Visitors ascend to the top floors for unforgettable views of New York City’s landmarks and neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the 9/11 Memorial Plaza outside is free to visit, offering a solemn public space. Overall, this site combines history, architecture, and panoramic perspectives across the city. Paid tickets are required for the observatory deck.
Free/Paid: Paid
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
17. 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
18. 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
19. 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
20. NYC CityPASS / Explorer Pass (multi-attraction access)
The NYC CityPASS and Explorer Pass offer bundled access to multiple attractions in New York City. Travelers save money while visiting iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, or museums. Moreover, these passes include some of the 15 best things to do in New York City. Visitors benefit from shorter lines and easy entry across the city. Passes must be purchased in advance and are valid for select days.
Free/Paid: Paid
21. Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park, situated in downtown Manhattan, provides an open space for locals and tourists alike. Its iconic arch frames views of New York City skyline areas and the bustle of the city. Additionally, musicians, performers, and students create lively atmospheres with free concerts and free activities. Altogether, it is one of the best free things to do in New York while offering plenty of enjoyment without cost. Visitors can relax or stroll during a trip to New York.
Free/Paid: Free
22. New York Public Library / Public Library
The New York Public Library offers historic reading rooms, exhibitions, and architecture admired by visitors across the city. People can enjoy free activities, guided tours, and events within its iconic building on Fifth Avenue. Furthermore, it remains one of the best free things to locals and tourists alike enjoy. The library is particularly significant for those who want to explore the New York Public archives. Overall, the landmark stands free to visit year-round.
Free/Paid: Free
23. Manhattan (Downtown & surrounding neighborhoods)
Downtown Manhattan and its neighborhoods provide countless attractions in New York City for every visitor. From Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange to bustling streets, the area offers plenty. Furthermore, views of downtown Manhattan and landmarks in the city remain unmatched. Restaurants present some of the best places to eat after sightseeing across the city. Overall, neighborhoods in Manhattan combine free activities with paid attractions depending on where visitors go.
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 23 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.
