Things to Do in New York City for Adults and Couples

Whether you’re interested in going on guided tours of the city, going museum hopping, or getting out on the water, there are tons of fun things to do in New York City for adults and couples on vacation - the hardest part is choosing which to do!

Published: May 16, 2024
New York skyline

If you're planning an adults-only vacation in New York City, you're in luck. There are so many things to do in New York City for adults and couples that the most difficult part of your vacation will be deciding what to do! Adults and couples will especially appreciate the cultural experiences available in the Big Apple. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend getaway or an adventurous vacation, you'll find many fun activities for adults in NYC.

From galleries to museums, historical sites to shopping, our list of top attractions for adults and couples on vacation includes:

  • Empire State Building
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • SoHo - Little Italy - Chinatown Walking Tour
  • Museum of Modern Art P.S.1
  • Greenwich Village Walking Tour
  • Museum of Sex
  • And more!

Best of all, they’re all available on The New York Pass®.

Empire State Building

Empire State Building

No couple’s vacation in New York City would be complete without a visit to the Empire State Building. This iconic structure soars over the city's skyline, offering incomparable views from its two observatory decks, with a peak more than 1,000 feet above the streets below.

We recommend heading up in the evening to watch the sunset from the 102nd floor, or after 10pm – you'll avoid the crowds and enjoy a more private experience. Marvel at the Art Deco lobby and explore the exhibits in this historic landmark.

The Guggenheim Museum

World-renowned collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern, and Contemporary art await at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Informally known as 'the Guggenheim,' the museum has drawn art enthusiasts since it opened its doors in 1939. Here, you can see works from artists such as Klee, Modigliani, Mapplethorpe, and many others. The Guggenheim building itself is a work of art designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Walking Tour

SoHo

Explore three of New York City's most vibrant neighborhoods in a walking tour that encompasses the SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown districts. Led by an expert guide, you'll explore three of NYC's most popular and diverse communities.

For more adult fun in swanky SoHo, you can browse the boutiques and fine dining establishments frequented by celebrities. Little Italy offers a glimpse into Old World traditions, while Chinatown brings Chinese cuisine and culture to life.

MoMA PS1

Known for its displays of provocative and heady art, MoMA PS1. gives the world's experimental and adventurous artists a home. This exhibition institution features the latest in creative innovation, with long-term and constantly changing installations that include musical and other live performance pieces.

Founded in 1971, MoMA PS1 has long been known as the city's leading center for contemporary art. Expect to see and experience the new, the unusual, and the cutting-edge, as this space continues to push the envelope.

Greenwich Village walking tour

 

Greenwich Village

Explore the bohemian center of New York on a Greenwich Village Walking Tour. Long a hangout for artistic and avant-garde types, the Village is the birthplace of New York counterculture. Through the decades, residents like Edgar Allan Poe, Salvador Dali, Jack Kerouac, Andy Warhol, and Joni Mitchell all called Greenwich Village home. Today, the Village is still known as an artistic haven, but you'll also stroll past some of the city's hottest eateries, preserved historic landmarks, and New York University on this expert-led tour.

Museum of Sex

If you're seeking cultural attractions on the NSFW side, the Museum of Sex offers a curated look at the history, evolution, and significance of — you guessed it — sex. One of the most fitting adult things to do in the city offers exhibits, displays, installations, and programs incorporating current scholarship on human sexuality, all with the goal of sparking engagement and discussion. The Museum's permanent collection features more than 20,000 artifacts, from art to fashion, technology to photographs, sourced globally and spanning many eras. This exploration of the birds and the bees is presented without self-censorship.

Food On Foot tour

Food on foot tour
Take a bite out of the Big Apple – or a New York slice!

Eat like a New Yorker on a Food on Foot Tour. With a whole host of international cuisines available to you in NYC, taking a guided food tour is definitely the best option for all the foodies out there. Listen to some of New York's most knowledgeable guides and sample local cuisine as you stroll through New York's favorite neighborhoods. Top tip: take the tour early on in your trip to suss out all the best places to eat!

Clipper City Tall Ship cruise

Hop on board a historic yacht and cruise in vintage style around Lady Liberty – one of the most popular things to do in New York City for adults and couples. You'll love the views of the iconic New York skyline, but the trip's highlight has to be the waterfront, up-close-and-personal perspective of the Statue of Liberty. The Clipper City is the largest tall ship in NYC, with masts rising 120 feet, so be prepared for an authentic, epic adventure across the water.

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Couple walking in NYC

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Casey Makovich
New York Travel Expert

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The Best Free Fun Near Edge in Hudson Yards

Edge Isn’t the Only Star—Experience Free Magic Nearby  Edge, the sky-high observatory that floats above Hudson Yards, boasts some of the best views in New York City. But you don’t have to splash the cash for a nonstop adventure in this corner of Manhattan. The neighborhoods around Edge deliver a different kind of wow—ingenious public spaces, offbeat art and lively parks that invite you to slow down, wander, and soak up local flavor. We’re shining a light on ten utterly fun, totally free things to do after your epic Edge experience. Ready to stretch your legs, fuel your curiosity and snap selfies? Let’s dive in!  Our favorite free things to do near Edge include:  The High Line  Vessel at Hudson Yards (Ground-Level Viewing)  Public Art at Hudson Yards  Bella Abzug Park  Hudson River Park Esplanade  Chelsea Market Art Walk (Street-Level Murals)  Little Island at Pier 55  Walking the Chelsea Gallery District  Midtown Library (Hudson Park Branch)  NYC Culture Pass Events and Activities  The High Line  Elevated, green, and buzzing with art, The High Line is an NYC original—an abandoned freight railway transformed into a city park in the sky. This winding path runs right through Hudson Yards, just steps from Edge, with entrances all along Tenth Avenue. Take a stroll and you’ll catch wafts of wildflowers, glimpses of street art, and patches of lawn filled with picnickers and sun seekers.  Broad, wooden benches invite you to people-watch or snack on a bagel from a local deli, while art installations and murals keep your camera busy. Pause at the 23rd Street Lawn or the 14th Street overlook to soak up city panoramas. On weekends, expect everything from free music to pop-up dance performances along the route. We love how The High Line turns a simple walk into a sightseeing adventure, wrapping greenery, public art, and city buzz into one winning package.  Public Art at Hudson Yards  Hudson Yards isn’t just fancy shops and shiny skyscrapers. It’s also a playground for bold contemporary art installations—many of which you’ll spot for free. Seek out Jaume Plensa’s ‘Voices,’ a pair of serene, elongated heads near the Shops at Hudson Yards, or marvel at the towering forms scattered across Public Square & Gardens.  Not far from Vessel, the whimsical ‘The Huggins’ invite visitors to pause, ponder, and snap away. The best way to enjoy Hudson Yards’ public art? Roam with your eyes wide open, let yourself wander, and see what catches your attention. Scavenger hunts, anyone?  Bella Abzug Park  In the heart of Hudson Yards’ steel and glass landscape, Bella Abzug Park feels like a green wink at the city—a leafy escape with winding walkways, lawns, playgrounds, and plenty of benches to park yourself on. This urban park bubbles with neighborhood charm: lunchtime picnickers, locals walking dogs, and kids darting between play structures.  The park’s fountains and sculpted gardens make it a relaxing break from city bustle, while its shady paths are ideal when the summer sun’s high in the sky. We’re fans of the community spirit here, especially during seasonal festivals and pop-up art events that transform the space.  Hudson River Park Esplanade  Just a few blocks west of Edge, you’ll hit the wide-open, waterside expanse of Hudson River Park. Follow the riverfront promenade for unbeatable views of New Jersey, ferries zipping by, and sunsets that stop conversations mid-sentence.  Joggers, bikers, rollerbladers, and families all find room here, but there are also peaceful lawns, hidden benches, and small sculptures tucked along the route. Hudson River Park feels like a front-row seat to Manhattan’s ever-changing skyline—on a balmy evening, you’ll catch locals gathering for yoga, dance classes, or free outdoor movie nights on the grass.  Little Island at Pier 55  This whimsical park on the Hudson River feels like a floating paradise, brimming with rolling lawns, playful paths, and dreamy river views. Little Island sits atop an eye-catching cluster of tulip-shaped concrete columns—its undulating topography a treat for the eyes and feet. It’s a free-to-enter escape for daydreamers, sunbathers, and anyone who likes a little drama in their park experience.  Meander through sculpted gardens, follow the spiraling pathways to view decks, or rest alongside the water for that "I can’t believe this is New York" moment. Live performers and storytellers sometimes pop up on stage, filling the air with music and laughter—no tickets required.  Walking the Chelsea Gallery District  Art lovers, rejoice! Just south of Hudson Yards, the Chelsea Gallery District throws open its doors of contemporary galleries every day, and entry never costs a cent. Wander from West 19th to 27th Streets, peeking into exhibition spaces filled with sculpture, painting, digital installations, and more.  Gallerists welcome curious drop-ins and happy browsers. Creative energy is everywhere—sometimes you’ll stumble upon artists prepping for a new show, or installations spilling out onto the sidewalks. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure for the art-obsessed and casual strollers alike.  Midtown Library (Hudson Park Branch)  This modern Midtown branch (just one subway stop away or an easy walk) delivers a book lover’s paradise mixed with quiet city respite. Comfy reading nooks, author displays, bright windows and the occasional free cultural program or pop-up storytime make it a winner for families and solo travelers alike.  Don’t miss the community notice boards—they’re packed with tips on free events, concerts, and talks happening around Midtown, giving you ideas for more wallet-friendly exploration.  NYC Culture Pass Events and Activities  Keep your finger on the city’s cultural pulse by checking out free community events and installations offered through NYC’s library and Culture Pass programs (often hosted at venues right in Hudson Yards). Think pop-up author readings, craft sessions, dance nights, or evening concerts in the parks.  No need to signup for anything or show a pass for these programs—many are open to the public and geared toward making New York’s vibrancy accessible to all. Check what’s on when you visit, and you just might stumble into a free film screening or street performance close to Edge.    With these free stops, every post-Edge itinerary is brimming with discovery. Why settle for sky-high views alone when Hudson Yards and its neighbors serve up adventure at street level—no ticket needed?    Enjoyed this? Discover which tourist traps to avoid, and visit the city’s best green spaces.  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! 
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