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!

By Casey Makovich
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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Free Fun Near the Empire State Building: NYC’s Best-Kept Secrets

The Empire State Building may steal the spotlight, but Midtown Manhattan is full of surprises for travelers who like their days packed with excitement and their wallets happily intact. Whether you want to soak in urban views, wander historic streets, or dip into a local gallery, you’ll find plenty of zero-dollar adventures right in the heart of the city. We’re scouring the blocks around New York’s most recognizable landmark to share our favorite free experiences—so you can spend big on memories, not admission fees.  Our fave free things to do near the Empire State Building include:  Bryant Park  The New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building)  The Morgan Library’s Free Fridays  Grand Central Terminal  Koreatown Window Shopping  Madison Square Park  Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology  Penn Station Art & Architecture Walk  Herald Square and Macy’s Wood Escalators  34th Street Urban Art Stroll  Bryant Park  Nestled six blocks north of the Empire State Building, Bryant Park feels like Midtown’s backyard and has something for every flavor of traveler. Want to stretch out on the lawn, people-watch, or join a spontaneous chess match? This is your spot. Summer months bring picnicking crowds and free outdoor yoga, while winter transforms the space with a bustling holiday market and skating rink—the latter free if you bring your own skates.  What makes Bryant Park stand out is its lively, welcoming energy in the center of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. Watch jugglers and street performers, spot locals lost in novels, and find pop-up exhibitions or concerts. There’s even a free games cart stocked with board games, ping-pong, and pétanque. Grab a bench shaded by London plane trees or settle in with a coffee near the carousel. The park pulses with community events—you might stumble on an al fresco movie night or a public art installation. Bryant Park is Midtown’s cure for city stress: lively, green, and buzzing—all at zero cost.  The Morgan Library’s Free Fridays  You might expect an admission fee at The Morgan Library & Museum—a dazzling mansion filled with rare books, music manuscripts and Renaissance art—but every Friday from 5pm to 7pm, the doors swing open for free. J.P. Morgan’s private study is pure Gatsby glamor—red velvet, carved walnut, and rare tomes as far as the eye can see.  You’ll love wandering through airy, sunlit galleries or listening to live music if your visit coincides with one of their events. Exhibitions range from Jane Austen to Bob Dylan; you never know what you’ll find on view. Make sure to peek inside the library’s rotunda: a quiet, gilded dome lined with literary treasures. Free Fridays are perfect for travelers wanting a taste of opulence (and a little culture) with no strings—and no fee.  Grand Central Terminal  Not just a bustling transit hub, Grand Central Terminal is an architectural showstopper—and free to explore! Look up to spot the constellation-studded ceiling mural, spy the mysterious “whispering gallery” outside the Oyster Bar, and journey beneath grand chandeliers that tick away as much history as New York itself.  The vibe here is all bustle and grandeur: miniature worlds play out under the marble arches, from lovers reuniting under the four-faced clock to performance artists surprising shoppers. Walk along the balconies for sweeping views of the concourse or scout out secret nooks. Be sure to look for free art exhibitions in Vanderbilt Hall or seasonal pop-ups. The station brims with stories, and each hall has its own energy—no ticket or purchase necessary.  Koreatown Window Shopping  Just a block south of the Empire State Building, New York’s Koreatown feels like stepping into another world—one where neon lights, sweet pastry shops, K-pop record stores, and beauty boutiques spill onto 32nd Street. You don’t have to splurge to enjoy the sensory overload.  Window shop vibrant skincare and beauty aisles, watch dumpling masters work their magic through restaurant windows, and spot cheerful streams of locals swapping gossip in sidewalk cafés. Many stores give out testers or samples, and there’s plenty to see—from cherry blossom murals to quirky K-pop shrines tucked into tiny shops. The ambience is high-energy, playful and full of surprises—a fantastic, no-cost cultural detour.  Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology  Fashion-forward but budget-conscious? The Museum at FIT is known for its trendsetting style and (thankfully) free admission. This boutique museum’s rotating exhibitions spotlight everything from glam evening gowns to underground streetwear. Fashion history buffs will adore the permanent collection, overflowing with pieces from the 18th century to today’s Django-cool designers.  Inside, the vibe is sleek and creative. Expect displays that spark conversation—punk jackets, dramatic shoes, glimmering textiles. Take a minute to admire statement-making mannequins and peep at sketches by up-and-coming designers. The museum is never crowded, so you can take your time dissecting every hem and handbag. All you need: curiosity and an appreciation for serious style.  Penn Station Art & Architecture Walk  While Penn Station is best known as a train hub, its labyrinth of corridors hides some surprising free treasures. Recent renovations have splashed public art across walls, columns, and halls—check out installations like Kehinde Wiley’s glass mosaics in the Moynihan Train Hall and the ever-evolving photography shows.  Architecture buffs love tracing the station’s history via interpretive plaques, while folks-watching can feel like its own performance. Don’t miss the old-school Amtrak waiting room for a touch of vintage rail romance, or watch city dwellers sprint for their trains beneath soaring windows. This venue combines gritty authenticity with moments of genuine beauty—and doesn’t cost a dime to explore.  Herald Square and Macy’s Wood Escalators  Herald Square is a microcosm of Midtown’s energy, with lively plazas, oversized flower sculptures, and a parade of street musicians. Snap a photo under the flagship Macy’s awning—then duck inside for a hidden gem: the world’s last remaining wooden escalators, relics from the 1920s.  You can explore all nine Macy’s floors, marvel at the elaborate window displays, and enjoy the scent of fresh florals during the legendary Flower Show (usually in March/April). All the window-shopping, history, and fashion inspiration you can handle—without a price tag attached.  34th Street Urban Art Stroll  Landmarks aren’t the only allure in this neighborhood—34th Street is a mini-gallery of public art, from elaborate street murals to eye-popping installations by international and local artists. Download a free Midtown art walk map or simply wander and spot colorful works tucked into alleys and storefronts.  Keep your eyes peeled for digital billboards displaying ever-changing art, whimsical sculptures brightening the streets, and murals documenting NYC life. Every block brings something fresh—making this stroll a fun way to discover the creative pulse of the city, all without ever having to reach for your wallet.     There’s so much more to Midtown than just staring up at skyscrapers. With a little curiosity and some comfy shoes, you can fill a whole New York day with ingenious, surprising, and totally free experiences near the Empire State Building—each one giving you a fresh angle on the city that never sleeps.  Planning a day full of these no-cost gems means you’ll come away with stories and snapshots unique to your own adventure. Whether you’re into historic hideaways, peaceful parks, or unexpected art, Midtown’s got you covered—and all you have to spend is your time. Happy exploring!    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to Brooklyn, and discover the best walkin’ tours in NYC.  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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