Travel Tips

Top Activities in New York City

Updated at : 24 Oct, 2024

There are plenty of things to do in New York City. You could stay in this city for a lifetime and do something new every day. Planning a trip to this beast of a city might be intimidating because there is so much to see.

Avoid the temptation to explore the depths of the Internet, since this will only leave you perplexed and with large bags under your eyes. (Done that, been there, and it's not pretty!)

We offer all the information you require to organize the ideal trip to New York City. Get a pen and a cup of coffee, then stay for a bit.

We've compiled a list of the must-see attractions as well as some undiscovered treasures for those who are visiting New York City for the first time—or even for the second or third time. Because FOOD = LIFE, we're also providing some must-try NYC delicacies and where to get them. Additionally, because the Big Apple isn't cheap, we're adding the expenses of each activity because it's helpful to know how much to budget for.

Money-Saving Tip in New York City: The NYC CityPASS will save you a ton of money if you intend to visit some of the "classic New York City attractions" (such as the MET, Top of the Rock, and the Statue of Liberty).

The Empire State Building is one of the benefits of the New York CityPass.

The American Museum of Natural History

The Metropolitan Art Museum

  • The Guggenheim Museum or the Top of the Rock Observation Deck

  • Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty OR Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum OR 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The Operation of the New York CityPASS:

  • You may easily buy CityPASS online and receive a QR code on your phone or printed on paper after making the transaction.

  • You will scan your code at a designated ticket booth or kiosk when you visit any of these attractions. You will obtain an official ticket after scanning, at which point you can proceed.

How much money do you save using CityPASS?

  • All of these attractions would cost $215.45 to access separately, but the New York CityPASS just costs $132. That is a savings of 41%!

  • Do you intend to visit just a handful of these websites? You may select three of these attractions for $83 with a New York C3 PASS, which is a 25% discount!

Read Also: Australia's Great Ocean Road

Top New York City Attractions

There are a few "classic New York" attractions that are a must-see if you're traveling to NYC for the first time. You must include these on your itinerary, from the incredibly famous pictures to the locations you simply must see at least once in your lifetime!

1. The Liberty Statue

The Statue of Liberty is a must-see if you're visiting New York City for the first time. It is touristic, indeed. However, it would be equivalent to visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. It's simply something you must do!

Seeing Lady Liberty can be done in two different ways:

  • a) Take a complimentary Staten Island Ferry ride (which is what we advise!)

  • c) Go on a Tour

2. Get An Aerial View Of New York City

Aerial View Of New York City

Looking at this metropolis from above is the best way to gain a sense of its immense scale.

The Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building are two of the most well-liked vistas of the Big Apple, however there are many other structures and rooftop bars that have fantastic views as well. Fortunately, both are covered by NYC CityPASS.

If you can only visit one, though, we choose Top of the Rock since it offers the famous skyline vista of New York, including the Empire State Building.

Price:

  • On top of the rock Adults: $36; children: $30; NYC CityPASS is free.

  • Empire State Building's summit Adults: $36; children: $31. NYC CityPASS is free.

3. A Visit to the Museum

There are over 80 museums in New York City, and it is impossible to visit them all. There is something for everyone, from classics like the American Museum of Natural History to edgy choices like the Museum of Sex.

  • Selecting museums to visit is a personal decision:

  • Would you prefer a less visited, lesser-known museum?

  • Or would you rather to view a classic?

We decided to visit the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET), two of the most well-known museums in the world, as it was our first trip in New York City.

4. The Museum and Memorial for 9/11

We believe that a trip to Ground Zero is essential when visiting New York City. The museum is impressive and extremely well-done. We advise arriving as early as possible to beat the crowds because it gets crowded.

  • Oh, and don't forget to stop inside the Oculus on your way there. The train station next to Ground Zero is designed to resemble a dove taking off.

  • If you're on a tight budget (or even if you're not!), here's a tip: download the 9/11 Museum Audio Guide app (go through the link to identify the one we're talking about because there are a couple). You can rent audio guides at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum for $7. Since all of the audio guides were already rented when we arrived, the clerk suggested this, which is essentially exactly the same as the audio guide.

Where to Stay in New York City

This is a challenging issue to answer because it largely depends on your spending habits, personal preferences, and budget. Every borough, or neighborhood, has advantages and disadvantages. Do you want further details? This article shows which traveler types are most suited for each of NYC's greatest neighborhoods.

Although this list is by no means all-inclusive, we are describing the atmosphere of three distinct districts that we believe would be excellent starting points for your first visit to New York City.