Things to do in New York

Activities, attractions and tours

A red boat on a river with a bridge and a city skyline in the background.
A bridge with a large arch and a building with a 'Santander' sign.
The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor with sailboats in the foreground and a cruise ship in the background.
A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and a calm river with wooden posts in the foreground.
A spacious indoor area with a high ceiling and rows of white columns.

Things to do

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

€47
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets
NYC: Museum of Modern Art

NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket

€26
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket
Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards

Edge Immersive Observation Deck Ticket

€43
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Edge Immersive Observation Deck Ticket
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour + Pedestal Access

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options

€51
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options
Circle Line: New York Landmarks Cruise

Circle Line: New York Landmarks Cruise

€39
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Circle Line: New York Landmarks Cruise
Tyrannosaurs rex skeleton in the American Museum of Natural History in New York

American Museum of Natural History Tickets

€32
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
American Museum of Natural History Tickets
Intrepid Museum Admission Ticket

Intrepid Museum Admission Ticket

€33
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Intrepid Museum Admission Ticket
See all activities in New York
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

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.
Learn more
Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

2. 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.
Learn more
A cityscape with prominent skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, and a large circular building with a dome.

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.
Learn more
A tree-lined road with blooming pink flowers, a cyclist, and a historic building in the background.

4. 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.
Learn more
A historic building with ornate architecture and a modern glass skyscraper in the background.

5. 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.
Learn more
A tall, beige skyscraper with many windows, surrounded by palm trees and other buildings.

6. Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium has been one of New York City’s iconic destinations for almost a hundred years, ever since the original was built in 1923. The team’s new home, constructed at a cost of $2.3 billion, is the most expensive stadium ever built, but manages to include both deluxe amenities and many references to the Yankees’ long history. Enjoy a typical New York experience by hopping on the subway northward, ready to spend an afternoon watching America’s pastime.
Learn more
Yankee Stadium with a crowd of people in front.

7. 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.
Learn more
The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island with a clear sky.

8. 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.
Learn more
A busy urban street with yellow taxis, pedestrians, and tall buildings with illuminated signs.

9. 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.
Learn more
The Empire State Building surrounded by other skyscrapers in New York City.

10. 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.
Learn more
A cityscape with a prominent skyscraper, dense urban buildings, and a waterfront.

What to do in New York

Stay near popular New York attractions

Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

Times Square

8.8/10 (110,704 reviews)
Pulsing with neon hoardings and Broadway marquees, Times Square electrifies visitors as the world's most famous crossroads. Explore after sunset when illuminated advertisements create a dazzling spectacle.
See properties

Where to stay in New York

Find the best New York areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about New York
Learn more about New York
A city skyline with various high-rise buildings, including a distinctive skyscraper under construction, and a body of water in the foreground.

Midtown

Times Square and Rockefeller Center are a few top attractions in Midtown. Hop around the city on the metro at 42 St. - Bryant Pk. Station or Times Sq. - 42 St. Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, soaring skyscrapers and acclaimed art galleries.

A cityscape with high-rise buildings and a park with autumn foliage.

Upper West Side

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Upper West Side. Check out top attractions like Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle, and jump on the metro at 86 St. Station (Broadway) or 79 St. Station to see more of the city.

A historic building with classical architecture, a flagpole with the European Union flag and the French flag, and a person walking by.

Upper East Side

Known for its interesting museums and stunning river views, there's plenty to explore in Upper East Side. Top attractions like 5th Avenue and Gagosian Uptown are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 77 St. Station (Lexington Av.) or 72nd Street Station to see more of the city.

A rooftop garden with various plants and a view of historic buildings in the background.

Chelsea

Chelsea is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Madison Square Garden and Joyce Theater. See more of New York by jumping on the metro at 23 St. Station (8th Av.) or 23 St. Station (7th Av.).

A fountain surrounded by trees and historic buildings.

Greenwich Village

Spend some time visiting places like 5th Avenue while getting to know Greenwich Village, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Christopher St. - Sheridan Sq. Station or W 4 St. Station to see more of the area.

A large steel bridge spanning a wide river, with a city skyline in the background.

Bayonne

A park with blooming pink trees and a paved walkway.

Floral Park

A cityscape at dusk with a prominent bridge, a river, and a highway interchange.

Tenafly

A lit bridge at night with a river in the foreground and a cloudy sky.

Yonkers

A coastal cityscape with high-rise buildings, a bridge, and a clear blue sky.

Edgewater

A city skyline with a prominent skyscraper reflecting on the water.

Jersey City

A waterfront promenade with a city skyline in the background, including the Empire State Building.

Hoboken

A brightly lit bridge with lights reflecting on the water at night.

East Elmhurst

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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia