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New York City, United States

Things to Do in New York City

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry

Most booked tours and tickets in New York City

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry

4.814,938 reviews3h
New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

4.813,889 reviews6h
NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

4.57,812 reviews45m
9/11 Ground Zero & Memorial Tour with Optional 9/11 Museum

9/11 Ground Zero & Memorial Tour with Optional 9/11 Museum

4.87,305 reviews2h
NYC 9/11 Memorial and Museum Ticket with Tour Options

NYC 9/11 Memorial and Museum Ticket with Tour Options

4.76,747 reviews1h 30m

Tickets and tours by attraction

The best options for each of New York City's top sights, compared.

Top sights in New York City

  1. 1Statue of Liberty
  2. 2Central Park
  3. 3Empire State Building
  4. 4Times Square
  5. 5Metropolitan Museum of Art
  6. 6Brooklyn Bridge
  • Unmatched Cultural Institutions: From the vast, hallowed halls of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where you can see ancient Egyptian temples and Van Gogh masterpieces, to the cutting-edge contemporary installations at the Whitney Museum of American Art in the Meatpacking District. The city is also home to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem.
  • Iconic Urban Landscapes & Architecture: Walk across the engineering marvel of the Brooklyn Bridge for postcard views, ascend to the Top of the Rock for the best panorama of the Empire State Building and Central Park, and explore the Art Deco grandeur of the Chrysler Building lobby. The High Line park transforms an old railway into a stunning elevated greenway.
  • The Epicenter of Global Food Culture: Experience the original New York slice at Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village, indulge in a pastrami sandwich at Katz's Delicatessen, and explore the authentic food halls of Chelsea Market. The diversity spans from Michelin-starred tasting menus to $1.50 pork buns in Chinatown.

Tickets and passes in New York City

Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City Ticket

Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City Ticket

4.34,879 reviews1h
New York City One World Observatory Admission Ticket

New York City One World Observatory Admission Ticket

4.32,721 reviews2h
Original NYC Food Tour of Chinatown & Little Italy- 8 tastings

Original NYC Food Tour of Chinatown & Little Italy- 8 tastings

5.02,329 reviews3h

Food and drink experiences in New York City

NYC: Chinatown & Little Italy Food Tour with 6 Flavorful Dishes

NYC: Chinatown & Little Italy Food Tour with 6 Flavorful Dishes

4.93,481 reviews3h
NYC: Greenwich Village Food Tour with 6 Locals Favorites Dishes

NYC: Greenwich Village Food Tour with 6 Locals Favorites Dishes

5.01,920 reviews3h
Greenwich Village Food Tour: 6 Tastings + Iconic Sites

Greenwich Village Food Tour: 6 Tastings + Iconic Sites

5.01,681 reviews3h
New York City Mafia and Local Food Tour led by NYPD Guides

New York City Mafia and Local Food Tour led by NYPD Guides

4.91,529 reviews3h 30m

Day trips and outdoor activities from New York City

Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

4.43,633 reviews2h 30m
Circle Line: 2hr - New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

Circle Line: 2hr - New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

4.43,049 reviews2h
Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

4.62,886 reviews50m
New York City 90-Minute Cruise: Lady Liberty, Bridges and Skyline

New York City 90-Minute Cruise: Lady Liberty, Bridges and Skyline

4.52,525 reviews1h 30m

Hidden gems in New York City

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

The Cloisters Museum & Gardens

A branch of the Met dedicated to medieval European art and architecture, located in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan.

Roosevelt Island Tramway

A commuter aerial tramway that connects Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, offering a short but spectacular ride over the East River.

Green-Wood Cemetery

A historic 478-acre cemetery and National Historic Landmark in Brooklyn, known for its beautiful landscaping, architecture, and notable residents.

The Elevated Acre

A secret one-acre public park and plaza, 30 feet above street level in the Financial District, with lawns, seating, and great views.

City Reliquary Museum

A tiny, quirky community museum in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, dedicated to New York City ephemera and oddities.

Day trips from New York City

Cold Spring & Hudson Valley

90 min by Metro-North train from Grand Central

Escape to a picture-perfect historic village on the banks of the Hudson River, surrounded by hiking trails and Gilded Age mansions. It's the perfect blend of small-town charm, antique shops, and stunning natural scenery.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1.5 hours by Amtrak train from Penn Station

Dive into foundational American history in the country's first World Heritage City. See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and enjoy its vibrant food scene, famous for the Philly cheesesteak.

Fire Island

2 hours (train + ferry) from Penn Station

A car-free barrier island paradise with pristine beaches, quaint beach communities, and a relaxed, LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere. It's a world away from the city's hustle.

Plan your New York City trip

Things to do in New York City: FAQ

What are the best things to do in New York City?+

Top sights include Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Empire State Building and Times Square. Away from the crowds, try The Cloisters Museum & Gardens and Roosevelt Island Tramway.

What are the most popular tours in New York City?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry (4.8 stars, 14,938 reviews); New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (4.8 stars, 13,889 reviews); Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours (5.0 stars, 8,664 reviews).

How much do tours in New York City cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €24 and €135 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.