Things to do
Things to do in New York City: the best sights, views and neighborhoods
From the Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Broadway, plus free things to do, the best observation decks and how to get around.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Plan at least four or five days to see Lower Manhattan, Midtown, Central Park and a Broadway show without rushing.
- Book Statue of Liberty ferry tickets only from the official ferry operator, and buy crown access months ahead.
- Some of the best things are free: walking the High Line and the Brooklyn Bridge, the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park and the Staten Island Ferry.
| Days needed | 4–5 |
|---|---|
| Best free things | Central Park, High Line, Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island Ferry |
| Observation decks | Empire State, Top of the Rock, Edge, SUMMIT |
| Getting around | Tap a card or phone on the subway (OMNY) |
| Best time to visit | April–June, September–early December |
Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty
Ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leave from Battery Park. Buy tickets only from the official operator, as street sellers often oversell; pedestal and crown access is limited, and crown tickets sell out months ahead.
Back on land, visit the 9/11 Memorial pools (free) and the 9/11 Museum, see Wall Street, then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO for skyline views.
Observation decks
Choose one or two: the Empire State Building is the classic; Top of the Rock has the best view of the Empire State itself and Central Park; Edge has a glass floor over Hudson Yards; and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a mirrored art experience. Book sunset slots ahead.
Museums and Central Park
Central Park is best explored on foot or by rented bike: Bethesda Terrace, the Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields. On its edges are the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History; MoMA is a short walk south. At the Met, pay-what-you-wish entry applies only to New York State residents and some students.
Broadway, Times Square and Midtown
Seeing a Broadway show is a highlight. For discounts, try the TKTS booth in Times Square on the day, or the official digital lotteries some shows run. See Grand Central Terminal, then walk the High Line, a park on an old elevated railway, to Chelsea Market.
Free and cheap things to do
- Ride the free Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline.
- Walk the High Line, the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park.
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial pools, Grand Central and the New York Public Library.
- On the subway, tap the same card or phone each time: fares are capped after 12 rides in seven days.
Where to stay
Midtown is convenient for first-timers, though busy. Lower Manhattan is quieter at night and close to the ferries. Hotels in Brooklyn or Long Island City are often better value and a short subway ride from Manhattan.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top 10 things to do in New York?
The Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Met, an observation deck, a Broadway show, the High Line, Grand Central and Times Square.
Which New York observation deck is best?
Top of the Rock for the classic skyline including the Empire State Building, the Empire State for history, Edge for its glass floor and SUMMIT for a more artistic experience.
What is free to do in New York?
Central Park, the High Line, walking the Brooklyn Bridge, the 9/11 Memorial pools and the Staten Island Ferry are all free.
