Things to do in New York

Activities, attractions and tours

New York
Downtown Brooklyn which includes a bridge and heritage elements
New York
Brooklyn Bridge Park featuring a sunset, a river or creek and a city
The Oculus showing interior views as well as a small group of people
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Top places to visit

1. Times Square

Times Square is the lively and hectic heartbeat of the city, a noisy and frenetic open space which is also one of the most-visited squares on the planet. It is found on Seventh Avenue, sitting between West 42nd Street and West 47th Street.
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Times Square which includes signage, a city and a high-rise building

2. Broadway

Broadway is called the “Great White Way” for the dazzling lights surrounding the popular Times Square portion of this avenue. Take a moment to look in all directions from your spot at the center of Times Square. Every December 31, about 1 million people crowd into this space to watch the 12-foot (3.6-meter) ball drop from One Times Square in celebration of the New Year.
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Motion blur effect,Times square with illuminated buildings and advertise on front crowded streets and yellow cabs for transportation tourists,midtown in New York with busy traffic and taxi cars moving

3. Central Park

Central Park stretches across 169 hectares of woodlands, green areas and sports grounds between the Upper East Side and Upper West Side. The park was designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted for the enjoyment of New Yorkers, and completed in 1873 – the pair were also responsible for renowned Stanford University campus and Niagara Reservation at Niagara Falls.
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spring landscape in the Central park, New York, USA

4. Madison Square Garden

Midtown Manhattan has one of the world’s most famous indoor arenas: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Watch the NBA New York Knicks, NHL New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty or your favorite big-name concert performers at this huge venue.
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NewYork_MadisonSquareGarden_6291778_8

5. Grand Central Terminal

Covering 19 hectares and catering to over 750,000 people every single day, Grand Central Terminal plays an integral part in the lives of New York City citizens. In terms of numbers of platforms, it is the largest train station in the world, boasting a whopping 44 platforms, and also has 67 tracks running alongside.
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Grand Central Terminal showing heritage elements, central business district and a city

6. Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center is an emblem of Manhattan, effortlessly combining the classic and the contemporary, while also being at the heart of the wintertime fun and celebrations every year.
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Rockefeller Center

7. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building was opened in 1931 as the tallest building in the world, a title it would retain for 41 years until 1972. Its distinctive Art Deco style has made it instantly recognisable and enduringly popular in the city and throughout the country, and it has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The building holds an emblematic stature as representative of New York, in a similar way to the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Colosseum in Rome.
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Close up view of the Empire State Building and the New York city skyline on a beautiful blue sky day

8. Statue of Liberty

One of the most well-known statues in the whole world, the Statue of Liberty holds a special place in the hearts of Americans, and is an icon of the country’s culture. This breathtaking emblem is found on Liberty Island in the middle of New York’s harbour, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a US National Monument.
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Statue of Liberty

9. One World Trade Center

Standing well above its skyscraping neighbors, One World Trade Center is a building that is easily identifiable from New Jersey and from most parts of the boroughs surrounding Manhattan. The reflective sheen of the structure’s glass is easy to mistake for metal, and its isosceles triangular façades give it the appearance of having a twisting motion toward the sky.
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NEW YORK - JULY 02 2016: Aerial view of the Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center, Manhattan, New York

10. Wall Street

Near the southern tip of Manhattan is New York City’s Wall Street, one of the world’s most active and influential financial districts. Walk through canyons created by wide buildings in which some of the world’s biggest business decisions are made. The area also has major government institutions and a famous national monument.
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What to do in New York

Popular places to visit

Times Square

Times Square

Visit this iconic square with its dazzling surroundings and vibrant mix of people, and see what makes New York tick.

Times Square
Ed Sullivan Theater which includes signage and a city as well as a large group of people

Broadway

Visit the dazzling theater district of one of the world’s most exciting cities. Enjoy the shopping, dining and street entertainment as well.

Broadway
Central Park showing a garden, flowers and a pond

Central Park

Visit this green oasis in central Manhattan to chill out and escape from the stresses and strains of urban life.

Central Park
Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden

Whether you’re performing here, watching your favorite sports team or entertainer or touring the venue, you’re in for an exciting event.

Madison Square Garden
Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal

Visit this magnificent and bustling train station and take in its stunning design and regal scale.

Grand Central Terminal
Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center

Since its creation in the 1930s, this complex of buildings has been a focal point of New York commerce and entertainment.

Rockefeller Center
Empire State Building which includes views, a skyscraper and a city

Empire State Building

This American cultural icon is a required part of any visit to New York, offering fabulous elevated views over the city.

Empire State Building
Statue of Liberty which includes a statue or sculpture, heritage elements and a monument

Statue of Liberty

Visit New York’s colossal copper queen, a world-renowned beacon of liberty, democracy and hope.

Statue of Liberty
One World Trade Center featuring a sunset, a city and skyline

One World Trade Center

Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation platform of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, near to where the Twin Towers once stood.

One World Trade Center

Areas of New York

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Manhattan

4.5/5(1,983 area reviews)

Power and wealth and breathtaking scenery are concentrated on this very small island. Immerse yourself for a few days or a lifetime.

Manhattan
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Midtown

4.5/5(437 area reviews)

One of the most recognizable areas in the world also has enough tourist attractions to fill several visits.

Midtown
New York showing street scenes, cbd and a city

Central New York City

Known for its soaring skyscrapers and eye-catching views, there's plenty to explore in Central New York City. Check out top attractions like Broadway and Times Square, and jump on the metro at 49th St. Station or 50 St. Station (Broadway) to see more of the city.

Central New York City
Corona showing a sporting event

Queens

3/5(186 area reviews)

Aqueduct Racetrack and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park are top sights in Queens, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Briarwood Van Wyck Blvd. Station or Jamaica Van Wyck Station to see more sights in the area.

Queens
Times Square showing cbd, a high-rise building and a statue or sculpture

Theater District

From Times Square to Broadway theaters, experience New York at the height of its showmanship in this revitalized Midtown area.

Theater District
The High Line Park featuring a city, a park and street scenes

Chelsea

4/5(111 area reviews)

Manhattan’s prized arts district is a success story of urban renewal. Tour the area to see some of Downtown’s hippest attractions.

Chelsea
Bayonne

Bayonne

Photo by Kirsten Christiansen

Yonkers

Edgewater

Edgewater

Liberty State Park which includes general coastal views, central business district and night scenes

Jersey City

Pier A Park which includes a high-rise building, a river or creek and a city

Hoboken

Photo by Holly Dayz

East Elmhurst

Staten Island

Staten Island

Astoria

Astoria

Frequently asked questions

Is New York worth visiting?
With a mix of views and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in New York. When you're here, head to Times Square, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in New York?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Times Square and Rockefeller Centre, spend the rest of your day enjoying New York's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in New York?
Times Square is one of the top tourist attractions in New York and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in New York?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city sights, like Times Square, Rockefeller Centre and 5th Avenue. The average stay in New York is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Newark isn't far away.
Is New York a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in New York. Several key sights, such as Times Square and Rockefeller Centre, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of New York's neighbourhoods, Manhattan is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Midtown is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in New York with kids?
Deciding what to do in New York with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly tours and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in New York for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in New York, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Brooklyn Brewery or New York Distilling Co..
Are there free things to do in New York?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in New York. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Times Square is a must for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.

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