Looking for the best things to do in New York City? Locals point visitors to Central Park, the High Line, the Met and MoMA, a skyline view from the Top of the Rock, the 9/11 Memorial, the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO, and a Broadway show. NYC is endless — here’s how New Yorkers actually spend their time, by borough, by night, by budget, and by who you’re with.
Things to do in New York, by area
Midtown & the Icons
Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, Broadway, and Grand Central.
Downtown Manhattan
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the High Line, Greenwich and the West Village, SoHo, Chinatown, and the Financial District.
Museum Mile & the Upper Side
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and the American Museum of Natural History along Central Park.
Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Williamsburg, Prospect Park, and Coney Island.
Queens
Global food in Flushing and Astoria, plus MoMA PS1 in Long Island City.
Things to do in New York at night
Broadway and Times Square, rooftop bars, live jazz in the Village, the Lower East Side and Williamsburg scenes, and late-night eats in Chinatown and Koreatown.
Indoor & rainy-day things to do in New York
The Met, MoMA, the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim, and the Whitney, plus a Broadway matinee and Grand Central.
Free things to do in New York City
- Central Park and the High Line
- The Staten Island Ferry (Statue of Liberty views)
- Walking the Brooklyn Bridge
- Times Square
- Pay-what-you-wish hours at select museums
Things to do in New York for couples
Sunset from the Top of the Rock, a Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park stroll, a Broadway show, a West Village dinner, and rooftop cocktails.
Things to do in New York with kids
Family wins: the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park and its zoo, the Intrepid Museum, and Coney Island.
What New York locals actually recommend
Which shows and museums are worth it, where to eat off the tourist track, how to skip the lines — that comes from people who live here. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ New York community, real New Yorkers answer “what should I actually do this weekend?” Join your NYC neighbors free →
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in New York City?
Locals send visitors to Central Park, the High Line, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA, the views from the Top of the Rock or Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial, a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO, and a Broadway show — plus the free Staten Island Ferry for Statue of Liberty views.
What is there to do in NYC at night?
New York never sleeps: Broadway and Times Square, rooftop bars, live jazz in the Village, the Lower East Side and Williamsburg bar scenes, late-night eats in Chinatown and Koreatown, and skyline views from Brooklyn.
What can you do in New York when it rains?
World-class museums: the Met, MoMA, the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim, and the Whitney. Add a Broadway matinee, Grand Central, and the shops and food halls to stay dry.
What are free things to do in New York City?
Central Park, the High Line, the Staten Island Ferry (great Statue of Liberty views), walking the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and pay-what-you-wish hours at some museums are all free.
What are the best things to do in NYC for couples?
Sunset from the Top of the Rock, a Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park stroll, a Broadway show, a West Village dinner, and rooftop cocktails with a skyline view.
What are fun things to do in New York with kids?
Family favorites: the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park and its zoo, the Intrepid Museum, Coney Island, and the interactive children’s museums.