Things to Do in New York - Planning a Trip to NYC

We're here to help you plan an unforgettable adventure in the Big Apple.

Central Park New York

Planning a trip to New York? With over 60 million visitors annually, New York City is one of the most popular destinations in the world.

There are endless fun things to do in New York. From historic landmarks and world-class museums to innovative galleries and big-city culture, New York has something to offer everyone!

Here's our guide to the things you can't miss in the Big Apple, plus a free trip-planning tool where you can create your dream itinerary.

Guided Tours of New York

Sightseeing in NYC

One of the most popular things to do in New York is to take a guided New York sightseeing tour. A great way to start your visit with a comprehensive city overview tour, like the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours. These include stops at all the top sights and landmarks throughout the city and feature live narration on every bus.

Once you have a feel for the city layout, you’ll be in good shape to start exploring the sights and visiting attractions.

More specific tours offer a way to get to know New York and learn about topics or certain neighborhoods that interest you.

Popular guided tours include the Food on Foot Tours which bring you to some of the best authentic New York food spots, the Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tours – a lovely thing to do in Central Park, and the Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg which showcases the trendy areas of the Brooklyn borough and more.

Cruises & Waterfront Attractions

Another popular thing to do in New York is to get out on a New York cruise and get a new perspective of the city from the water. Choose from an array of popular cruise options, including a Best of NYC Cruise, where you'll get stunning views of the Manhattan skyline from the water, a classic sail on Clipper City Tall Ship Cruises, or the Liberty Cruise, named for getting up close to the Statue of Liberty, and more.

As the ‘melting pot of America,’ many New York City visitors come to pay homage to their ancestors by visiting the Statue of Liberty and investigating their genealogy and family history at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

Check out New York's intriguing array of museums

American Museum of Natural History

New York City is known for its museum-going culture, so make sure you visit a few of the most popular New York museums

Pay tribute to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and see the impressive and moving memorial built in the locations of the original World Trade Center towers. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum honors the lives of all those lost during the attacks by poignantly reflecting on the events of the attack. The museum sensitively chronicles the efforts made by service members and volunteers in the aftermath and displays the results of the recovery and restoration efforts.

One thing that many tourists in New York City are always on the lookout for is a celebrity sighting. For a guaranteed celeb-spotting, head to Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square where you can get up close to and interact with all of your favorite celebrities under one roof.

New York is home to one of the world’s largest Natural History Museums, the American Museum of Natural History, where you can explore fascinating exhibitions that explore animal and plant life from around the globe.

Whether you’re a fan of the fine arts or not, be sure to visit at least one art museum while you’re in the city - many are conveniently located along the "Museum Mile". Some popular choices with visitors and locals alike include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or  the Guggenheim.You're bound to learn something new.

Shop till you drop, enjoy tasty treats and experience Broadway's razzle dazzle

Fifth Avenue

One of the quintessential things to do in New York City is shopping (window shopping counts!) Poke around the shops that line Fifth and Madison Avenues, where you can find high-end designer labels, funny socks, and check out the seasonal, museum-worthy window displays.

Other popular things to do include catching a Broadway show, lounging in or going for a stroll through Central Park, scouting out colorful murals and street art, and of course, sampling an authentic New York City slice, bagels, the latest foodie trends, and other local cuisines.

Soar to great heights and get epic skyline views

Empire State view

Of all the things to do in New York, one of the most thrilling is seeking out the best views of the city skyline. Head to the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building (or both so you can compare the views!)

Both attractions include exhibits that explore New York City’s rich history before you board an elevator to get sky-high views. Download an app or look at the exhibits to identify buildings and landmarks in your line of vision.

Tip: Save these attractions for the end of your trip if you want to get a whole new perspective on some of the places you’ve visited. You might be able to identify some of the sights on your own based on your experiences.

New York neighborhoods

Lower Manhattan skyline

Make the most of your time and your New York Pass by visiting attractions in neighborhoods you want to spend time strolling around and exploring.

  • Things to do in Lower Manhattan: also known as “Downtown,” Lower Manhattan consists of everything below 14th Street and includes the New York Harbor waterfront area, The Battery, and New York’s financial district.
  • Things to do in Midtown Manhattan: consisting of everything between 60th Street and 14th Street, Midtown is home to Times Square and lots of iconic NYC landmarks.
  • Things to do in Uptown Manhattan: everything above 60th Street is considered part of Upper Manhattan. Uptown is home to Central Park, the Museum Mile, and Harlem.

Let us help you plan your dream trip!

New York trip planner

Whether you're a seasoned visitor or new to New York, we're here to help. Use our Trip planner tool to build your own unique NYC itinerary, with activities planned for each day and a route mapped out to help you get around. We'll even show you how much you can save on tickets to all of your chosen attractions. 

Our handy filters help you discover all sorts of things to do in the city, from must-sees to museums and much more. We wouldn't want you to miss out!

Save on admission to top New York attractions with The New York Pass®

Looking for things to do in New York for a quick weekend trip or staying for a week or more? With over 90 attractions included with the New York Pass®, from world-renowned art museums to historic landmarks and informative guided tours, there's no shortage of options. The purpose of the pass is to help you save money while enjoying all that NYC has to offer.

Don’t miss out on anything and see it all and save big on attractions, tours, cruises, and activities with The New York Pass® —the only pass you need to experience the city.

Tips for How to Plan the Perfect Trip to New York

NYC from above

 

  • When planning a trip to New York make a list of all of the attractions, landmarks, and sights you want to see as well as any activities you want to do in the city.
     
  • Your designated New York trip planner needs to prioritize the list by “must-sees” and “nice-to-sees.”
     
  • Look up attraction hours of operation and make a note of them.
     
  • Download a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour map to help you visualize where each attraction is in the city. Remember to add any from your list of attractions you want to visit if they’re not included on the map.
     
  • Create a blank itinerary that lets you plan each day by the hour (tip: in a spreadsheet, put the days you’ll be in New York in the top row and the hours of the day in the first column.)
     
  • To make the most of your time, visit attractions by neighborhood; this will reduce transportation time and costs. Lots of popular attractions are within walking distance of each other.
     
  • Add any reservations and travel information to your itinerary, including order confirmation numbers for quick reference.
     
  • Plot out when you’ll visit each attraction starting with your “must-sees” first and factor in how long you think you’ll spend at each location (be sure to allow time for any security checks or ticket lines.)
     
  • Build out some time for meals throughout your day.

Budgets and time constraints can be tricky to work around, but with a little research and work, it’s easy to plan a trip to New York City. Even if it won’t be the last time you visit the city, make the most of it and have fun.

Kirsten McCroskrie
Kirsten McCroskrie
Content Lead

Kirsten is a Scottish-born and London-based travel writer and copywriter, who’s always planning her next sunny escape. Her passion for solo travel has seen her teaching English in rural Spain, taking a gap year to party in Berlin, and living on the road in South America. As well as Go City, Kirsten has written for Skyscanner, KAYAK, Trainline, Culture Trip, and momondo.

Build your unique New York itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (3-12)
0
How many days?

What do you want to see?

Continue reading

explore nycs midtown and discover all the best things to do after your visit to spyscape
Blog

Beyond SPYSCAPE: NYC’s Coolest Midtown Adventures

You’ve just cracked codes, dodged lasers, and uncovered the hidden world of espionage at SPYSCAPE—now what? Lucky for you, Midtown Manhattan doesn’t believe in letting the adventure end at HQ. Step outside and you’re surrounded by some of the city's most pulse-raising experiences: soaring observatories, world-class art museums, famous attractions and stellar eats. Whether you fancy a rooftop cityscape, Broadway dazzle, peaceful park stroll or a selfie with a wax superstar, Midtown serves it all up—no spy gadgets required. Ready to keep your day in high gear? Here’s where to go next.    Our fave things to do near SPYSCAPE include:  Top of the Rock  The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)  Central Park  Madame Tussauds  RiseNY  The Museum of Broadway  EDGE  Carnegie Hall Tour  American Museum of Natural History  Great eats at Burger Joint  Top of the Rock  If you want a 360-degree view of the city that turns anyone into a skyline superfan, Top of the Rock is a must. Just a short walk from SPYSCAPE, this legendary observation deck sits atop Rockefeller Center and delivers photo ops you simply can’t replicate anywhere else. Head up at golden hour to see Manhattan bathed in soft light and watch the Empire State Building sparkle in the distance.  What makes Top of the Rock special (aside from those knockout views)? For starters, it’s less crowded than some of its rivals, so you get plenty of space to snap your perfect city shot—or just stand and enjoy the feeling that you’re floating above New York. The open-air rooftop deck brings a breeze and offers uninterrupted vistas, while the glass-walled indoor viewing areas mean the awe keeps coming even if the weather tries to break your stride.  Rockefeller Center has a festive buzz all year long. Whether you’re gazing out over the ice-skating rink in winter, or catching rooftop sunsets in summer, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve starred in your own movie. With its central location near SPYSCAPE, Top of the Rock goes straight to the top of our must-see list.  The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)  Ready to swap secret agent for art aficionado? MoMA is just a few blocks from SPYSCAPE and it’s a feast for the senses. This sleek museum is packed with legendary works—think Andy Warhol’s soup cans, Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, and a lineup of Picasso, Matisse and Monet that will have you raving about art even if you swore you’d never talk about color theory.  The vibe here is relaxed but quietly buzzing, with open, airy galleries and comfy corners where you can soak up the creativity. One minute you’re pondering wild surrealist paintings, the next you’re marveling at cutting-edge design and photography.  If the weather’s nice, don’t miss the sculpture garden: it’s leafy, serene, and dotted with quirky modern masterpieces. When your appetite strikes, the on-site cafes offer some of Midtown’s best people-watching (the chocolate chip cookies at Café 2 are next-level good). MoMA is the ultimate culture hit—and its ever-changing exhibitions mean there’s always a fresh surprise.    Madame Tussauds New York  Feel like scoring a snapshot with movie stars, presidents or pop idols? Glide a little south after your spy adventure and check out Madame Tussauds, New York’s wax superstar factory. The vibe is pure fun—from the second you step inside, you’re swept up in the glitzy, tongue-in-cheek world of ultra-realistic figures.  Stand next to Beyoncé, mug with Spider-Man, or challenge The Rock to a flex-off (no one’s judging, promise). Exhibits switch things up frequently so there’s always some buzzworthy face to find around the next corner. Beyond the wax, the immersive experiences let you step into classic movie sets or strut a virtual runway.  By the end, you’ll have a phone full of hilarious selfies and a strong urge to send postcards claiming you really did meet Lady Gaga in Midtown. Madame Tussauds is light, lively, and the perfect counterpoint to the “cloak and dagger” world of SPYSCAPE—with plenty of unexpected photo foibles for every generation.  RiseNY  Craving an unusual thrill with a dazzling shot of NYC history? RiseNY, located a stone’s throw from Times Square, brings the city’s story to life through interactive exhibits and a multi-sensory flying theater. Start by stepping through a mini-museum of pop culture and legendary NYC moments—then buckle up for the real star: an immersive ride that lifts you (yes, literally lifts you) above the city.  The experience is swooping and joyful, with wind in your hair and New York’s sights playing out all around you on a wraparound screen. Kids and big kids alike grin all the way through: you’ll fly over landmarks, soar past Central Park, and feel like a superhero surveying your territory.  RiseNY is bold, inventive, and friendly for all ages. It’s just a few blocks from SPYSCAPE—making it a fun, quick detour that leaves you feeling sky-high.  The Museum of Broadway  Whether you belt out show tunes in the shower or just want the real story behind NYC’s razzle-dazzle, the Museum of Broadway is minutes from SPYSCAPE and 100% worth your time. The exhibits take you behind the curtain, with dazzling costumes, rare playbills, and props from blockbuster musicals to hidden gems.  The curation is fun and interactive: step into stage sets, try your hand at choreography, or glimpse the evolution of Broadway through immersive displays. There’s no need for theater knowledge—all you need is curiosity and maybe a little flair for drama.  Every gallery is bright and colorful, so you’ll find yourself humming a show tune, rerunning favorite musical numbers, and maybe even practicing your jazz hands. The enthusiasm is infectious (even the staff seem to be in on the act). For theater lovers and the Broadway-curious alike, it’s an experience that sparkles long after the curtain falls.  Carnegie Hall Tour  Even the most seasoned spy needs a soundtrack, and there’s none finer than Carnegie Hall. Go behind the scenes of this world-famous music hall on a fascinating guided tour just a pleasant walk from SPYSCAPE. Whether you’re a classical devotee, jazz lover, or simply intrigued by the idea of treading the same halls as Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, and Leonard Bernstein, this tour delivers the goods.  As you wander through plush auditoriums and backstage corridors, you’ll discover how Carnegie Hall became a New York legend. Guides share lively stories of legendary nights, show you original rehearsal rooms, and reveal quirky behind-the-scenes anecdotes you won’t get anywhere else. Glimpse the dressing rooms, stroll past vintage posters, and try not to hum—though honestly, we totally embrace letting your inner diva loose.  What sets this tour apart is its sense of reverence balanced with fun—there’s genuine awe in the air, but the mood is welcoming, not stuffy. Whether you’re considering tickets to a performance or just want to see a different side to Midtown’s creative heart, Carnegie Hall offers an unexpectedly inspiring break from your spy games.  American Museum of Natural History  Ready to swap secret codes for dinosaur bones? The American Museum of Natural History is a straight shot across Central Park, making it an easy add-on to your Midtown itinerary. There’s an irresistible sense of wonder inside, with grand halls full of towering T. rexes, dazzling gems, life-sized blue whales, and meteorites straight from outer space.  The atmosphere bustles with families, school groups, curious travelers, and scientists-in-the-making. You could easily spend hours (or days!) exploring every last diorama, but even a couple of focused hours feels rewarding. Check out the Hall of Biodiversity, the planetarium, and the iconic giant dioramas—plus the rotating special exhibitions, which always pack in new surprises.  It’s the kind of place you leave feeling smarter and more energized than when you walked in. The museum’s location by the park gives you easy options for a green escape afterwards, too. For anyone visiting with kids—or anyone still in touch with their own sense of discovery—this is a Midtown must.  Great Eats at Burger Joint  After a day of missions, sightseeing, and sky-high adventures, you’ll need to refuel—and Burger Joint is our favorite Midtown spot for satisfying spy-sized hunger. Hidden away behind a velvet curtain in the fancy Parker New York hotel, Burger Joint dials up the charm and keeps things totally unpretentious. Graffiti-scrawled walls, cafeteria-style seating, vintage movie posters… you might almost think you’ve wandered into a secret agent’s lair.  The menu is short, sweet, and seriously tasty. Go for the classic cheeseburger (juicy, perfectly griddled, with crispy edges), pair it with golden fries and a chocolate milkshake, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate American treat.  There’s always a buzz inside—locals and tourists crowd together, swapping Midtown tips or plotting their next adventure. It’s a no-reservations spot, so sometimes there’s a bit of a line, but standing in line only adds to the anticipation (and covert-agent atmosphere). For a meal that’s straightforward, fun, and full of New York flavor, Burger Joint hits just the right spot.    And there you have it! Midtown Manhattan serves up enough variety to keep secret agents and super tourists alike entertained from morning missions to evening escapades. With world-class views, creative energy, leafy escapes, and some of NYC’s best bites—all just steps from SPYSCAPE—you’ll be plotting your return visit before your first day is over.    Enjoyed this? Check out our bussin’ guide to NYC’s best spots, and our Manhattan VS Brooklyn matchup.    Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started!    
halloween skeleton in nyc
Blog

Spooky Season in the City: Top Halloween Happenings in NYC

Ready for a Halloween you’ll be talking about long after the jack-o’-lanterns flicker out? New York City transforms into a playground for the spooky, the spectacular and the downright strange every October. Whether you want to parade with thousands of costumed revelers, explore haunted history, or just find a cozy spot for cider and candy, NYC serves up treats for every kind of Halloween lover. This city doesn’t just do Halloween—it owns it. Read on for our absolute favorite ways to celebrate Halloween in New York, guaranteed to help you craft the ultimate October itinerary.  Our top picks for Halloween fun in NYC include:  Village Halloween Parade  Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour by Top Dog Tours  Madame Tussauds New York  RiseNY  The High Line  Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park  American Museum of Natural History  Rooftop Bars with Fall Cocktails  The Cathedral of St. John the Divine  Village Halloween Parade: NYC’s Outrageous Costume Carnival  If there’s only one Halloween event you make it to in New York, let it be the Village Halloween Parade. Every October 31st, the streets of Greenwich Village burst into life as a river of zombies, witches, Marvel superheroes, and original costumes march up Sixth Avenue. The parade is famously wild—in the best way possible. We love the energy: the live bands, giant puppets swaying overhead, dancers on stilts, and joyful crowds cheering from the sidewalks.  Feel like joining the fun? If you’re in costume, you’re invited to participate! There’s something magical about walking with thousands of fellow ghosts and monsters through a sea of city lights. If you’d rather spectate, arrive early to snag a viewing spot near the start of the route for the best sights (and photo ops). The atmosphere is pure celebration—welcoming, weird, creative and always friendly. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement. The Village Halloween Parade sums up exactly why Halloween in NYC is the stuff of legends.  Madame Tussauds New York: Strike a Pose with Monsters and Movie Magic  In the mood for some frightfully fun photo ops? Head to Madame Tussauds in Times Square, where the usual lineup of celebrities, superheroes and pop icons gets a Halloween twist each October. Think: movie villains lurking in shadowy corners, a haunted chamber where horror comes to life, and a chance to snap a selfie with wax figures you’d swear were about to move.  It’s an atmosphere packed with playful energy, surprise scares and non-stop entertainment. If you’re traveling with kids or friends who aren’t keen on true horror, Madame Tussauds delivers just the right balance of goofy and ghostly. The themed sections make every room a new adventure—one minute you’re hanging with Dracula, the next you’re channeling your inner Ghostbuster! Top tip: check out any seasonal events or late-night openings for extra spooky fun.  RiseNY: Time-Travel Through NYC’s Most Spellbinding Moments  If you love the feeling of being swept up in the city’s stories, RiseNY’s immersive experience is a can’t-miss. Step inside and take a “flying” journey over the skyline—costume or no costume, it’s a thrilling way to see New York from a whole new angle. Around Halloween, the pop culture and history exhibits get extra atmospheric, sometimes with themed displays or trivia for the season.  It’s the details that win us over: animated sets, surprising special effects, and echoes of NYC’s famous pop culture moments that blend nostalgia with excitement. Whether you want a break from walking (or just a unique, family-friendly experience), RiseNY always adds a spark of city magic—and it’s a brilliant indoor backup on a chilly October evening.  The High Line: Go Ghost-Hunting on an Urban Park in the Sky  If you love a walk with spectacular city views and a dash of eerie ambiance, head to The High Line after dusk. This elevated park—built on old railway tracks—takes on a mysterious charm as the sun sets. Halloween sees pumpkin displays, pop-up performances and sometimes “ghost train” events for families. It’s a wonderful place to spot creative costumes as locals and visitors explore lantern-lit pathways.  We recommend starting in the Chelsea Market area (grab a hot apple cider, or treat yourself to a seasonal pastry) then sauntering north along the High Line’s winding route. There’s something atmospheric about city lights twinkling all around—especially when you catch glimpses of the Empire State Building’s seasonal orange-and-black glow in the distance. Whether you’re ghost-hunting or just soaking in autumn beauty, The High Line delivers that satisfyingly cinematic New York Halloween mood.  American Museum of Natural History: Spooky Science and Fun for All  Halloween is the perfect excuse to explore the American Museum of Natural History, where dino bones and planetarium shows get a seasonal upgrade. Each October, the museum hosts a Halloween party with costumed characters, trick-or-treat stations, and hands-on science activities. Picture little vampires swooping through dinosaur halls, superheroes exploring meteorites, and even grown-ups getting in on the costume action.  What’s so special about Halloween here? You get fun and education bundled together, plus the thrill of exploring vast halls after hours. The museum’s architecture—from echoing stone staircases to shadowy corners—adds to that sense of old-school adventure. Check the calendar for this year’s family-friendly programs, and don’t forget to snap a selfie with the world-famous blue whale—who sometimes dresses up for the occasion!  Rooftop Bars with Fall Cocktails: Toast to Chills & Thrills  Not all Halloween festivities need to involve jump scares. For those who prefer their frights with a view, New York’s rooftop bars offer an unbeatable perch to soak in the city’s Halloween buzz. Imagine sipping a pumpkin-spiced old fashioned or a smoky mezcal margarita while gazing across twinkling city lights and catching glimpses of costumed crowds far below. Our favorite sky-high haunts deck themselves out for the season—expect cobwebbed décor, black-and-orange lanterns, and bone-chilling playlist to set the mood.  Try 230 Fifth, where you can wrap up in a cozy robe on their heated rooftop and sip apple cider with a cinnamon stick, or head to The Roof at PUBLIC for an ultra-stylish vibe and panoramic downtown views. Some spots, like Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, host legendary Halloween parties, complete with themed menus, Instagrammable pumpkin installations, and live DJs who keep the energy high. If you time it right, you’ll catch the Empire State Building lit up for Halloween, a true only-in-NYC spectacle. We love that you can blend sophisticated city style with playful Halloween spirit—no costumes required (but highly encouraged!). The Cathedral of St. John the Divine: Halloween with Sacred Drama  Looking for a Halloween experience that blends grandeur, art, and a hint of the supernatural? St. John the Divine, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, offers something truly memorable each October: the Halloween Extravaganza and crypt crawl. Picture this—a solemn procession of candlelight, costumed devils and angels, and the mighty cathedral organ roaring to life for a screening of The Hunchback of Notre Dame or Phantom of the Opera. The immense stone arches and flickering shadows turn a classic movie night into high drama.  After the show, you can join a guided walk through the cathedral’s crypt, where legends and spirits lurk according to the storytellers. It’s spooky (in a gothic, genteel way), and completely distinctive. Whether you’re an architecture fan, a theater lover, or just searching for one of New York’s most singular Halloween experiences, St. John the Divine never disappoints. Don’t forget to check their calendar—this popular event often sells out!  Bonus: Themed Pop-Ups and Seasonal Treats All Over Town  No Halloween in New York is complete without sampling the city’s ever-inventive pop-up bars, costume shops, and bakeries filled with pumpkin pie and candy corn cupcakes. Swing by Butterbeer Bar (just steps from Madame Tussauds!) for a magical, Potter-esque treat, or explore Little Italy and Chinatown for ghostly pastries and witch’s brew bubble tea. Sweet tooths, don’t miss Breads Bakery’s black-and-orange challah or Petee’s Pie Company’s apple crumb slices.  And for those who can’t get enough costumes, Ricky’s NYC and Abracadabra are legendary sources for everything from vampire fangs to full masquerade ball finery. With so much happening on nearly every block, you’re never far from some new seasonal surprise.    Ready to cast your spell on the city? However you choose to celebrate—whether you’re gazing down from a rooftop, exploring haunted history or just soaking up the city’s autumn glow—Halloween in NYC promises more treats than tricks and memories that last long after October ends.    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to New York at night, and which tourist traps to avoid.  Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®   We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started! 
Empire State Building Observatory
Edge

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

One World Observatory
Top of the Rock Observation Deck