Things to do in New York

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A red boat on a river with a bridge and a city skyline in the background.
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The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor with sailboats in the foreground and a cruise ship in the background.
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Things to do

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

￥7,663
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets
Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Top of the Rock Timed Admission

￥6,791
per child
90% of travellers recommend
Top of the Rock Timed Admission
One World Observatory: Skip-the-Line Ticket

One World Observatory Tickets

￥4,877
per adult
One World Observatory Tickets
NYC: Museum of Modern Art

NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket

￥4,799
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket
Tyrannosaurs rex skeleton in the American Museum of Natural History in New York

American Museum of Natural History Tickets

￥5,918
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
American Museum of Natural History Tickets
American Dream DreamWorks Indoor Water Park Ticket

American Dream DreamWorks Indoor Water Park Ticket

￥11,197
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
American Dream DreamWorks Indoor Water Park Ticket
The Lion King On Broadway

The Lion King On Broadway

￥23,593
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
The Lion King On Broadway
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New York must see attractions

1. Times Square

Locals might bemoan Times Square’s touristy hustle and bustle, but the neon wonderland is undeniably New York City's beating heart. Loud and chaotic, the crowded epicenter is one of the world’s most visited and recognizable tourist attractions.
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Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

2. Central Park

When it comes to film credits, no green space in the world can match New York City's Central Park. “When Harry Met Sally,” “Annie Hall,” “Home Alone 2,” and “Sex and the City: The Movie” all feature scenes shot in Manhattan’s iconic park, which opened in 1857 and is renowned as one of the city’s most precious outdoor areas.
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3. 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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4. Grand Central Terminal

Stand aside from the 750,000 daily visitors rushing to and from their trains and admire the architectural beauty of the majestic Grand Central Terminal. It’s also home to shops and dining options, making it an entertaining one-stop destination.
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5. Rockefeller Center

An ode to 1930s New York, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan fuses the old and the new, and is at the heart of the city’s annual holiday celebrations.
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6. Statue of Liberty

Few buildings conjure up as many emotions as New York’s iconic Statue of Liberty, an awe-inspiring symbol of freedom, hope and democracy standing proud on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
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The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island with a clear sky.

7. 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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8. 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.
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Yankee Stadium with a crowd of people in front.

9. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a world-famous landmark, synonymous with New York. It’s renowned as a backdrop in films such as “An Affair to Remember,” “King Kong,” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” In fact, it’s one of the city’s most significant and romantic skyscrapers.
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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.
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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 billboards and Broadway marquees, Times Square electrifies visitors as the world's most famous intersection. Explore after sunset when illuminated advertisements create a dazzling spectacle.
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Where to stay in New York

Find the best New York areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about New York
Learn more about New York
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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.

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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.

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Upper East Side

Known for its fascinating museums and beautiful river views, there's plenty to explore in Upper East Side. You can visit top attractions like 5th Avenue and Gagosian Uptown, and jump on the metro at 77 St. Station (Lexington Av.) or 72nd Street Station to see more of the city.

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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.).

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Greenwich Village

Travelers choose Greenwich Village for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Christopher St. - Sheridan Sq. Station or W 4 St. Station and check out top sights like 5th Avenue.

Popular day trips from New York

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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

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Yonkers

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

Edgewater

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Jersey City

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Great Neck

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Fort Lee

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 Center, 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 Center 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 Center, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of New York's neighborhoods, Manhattan is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Midtown is 0.16 kilometers away from the center 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 neighborhoods, 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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