What to do in New York

Activities, attractions and tours

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The American Ballet Theatre building with a large glass facade and a central chandelier.
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Things to do

Go City: New York Explorer Pass - Entry to 2 to 10 Top Attractions

New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent

£63
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent
New York Aquarium Admission

New York Aquarium Admission

£22
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
New York Aquarium Admission
Empire State Building Observatory Tickets - General Admission & Express

Empire State Building Observation Deck & Museum Ticket

£31
per child
90% of travellers recommend
Empire State Building Observation Deck & Museum Ticket
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

£36
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour + Pedestal Access

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options

£55
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options
Intrepid Museum Admission Ticket

Intrepid Museum Admission Ticket

£28
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Intrepid Museum Admission Ticket
Central Park Zoo Admission Ticket with 4D Theater Access

Central Park Zoo Admission Ticket with 4D Theater Access

£17
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Central Park Zoo Admission Ticket with 4D Theater Access
LEGOLAND New York Resort Admission Ticket

LEGOLAND New York Resort Admission Ticket

£38
per traveller
84% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND New York Resort Admission Ticket
Exclusive First Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island

£44
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island
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Top places to visit

1. Times Square

Locals might bemoan Times Square’s touristy hustle and bustle, but the neon wonderland is undeniably New York City's beating heart. Loud and chaotic, the crowded epicenter is one of the world’s most visited and recognizable tourist attractions.
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Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

2. Central Park

When it comes to film credits, no green space in the world can match New York City's Central Park. “When Harry Met Sally,” “Annie Hall,” “Home Alone 2,” and “Sex and the City: The Movie” all feature scenes shot in Manhattan’s iconic park, which opened in 1857 and is renowned as one of the city’s most precious outdoor areas.
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3. Madison Square Garden

Midtown Manhattan has one of the world’s most famous indoor arenas: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Watch the NBA New York Knicks, NHL New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty or your favorite big-name concert performers at this huge venue.
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4. Grand Central Terminal

Stand aside from the 750,000 daily visitors rushing to and from their trains and admire the architectural beauty of the majestic Grand Central Terminal. It’s also home to shops and dining options, making it an entertaining one-stop destination.
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5. Rockefeller Center

An ode to 1930s New York, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan fuses the old and the new, and is at the heart of the city’s annual holiday celebrations.
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6. Statue of Liberty

Few buildings conjure up as many emotions as New York’s iconic Statue of Liberty, an awe-inspiring symbol of freedom, hope and democracy standing proud on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
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The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island with a clear sky.

7. Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Falls may be the iconic American vacation destination. With its blowing winds and powerful water, there is no better place to appreciate the forces of nature. The falls are not just pretty, but also very powerful; more water passes over these waterfalls than any other waterfall in the world. Whether you are a nature buff or not, Niagara Falls State Park is a fascinating place to explore.
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A large waterfall cascading into a river surrounded by lush greenery and cliffs.

8. Broadway

Broadway is called the “Great White Way” for the dazzling lights surrounding the popular Times Square portion of this avenue. Take a moment to look in all directions from your spot at the center of Times Square. Every December 31, about 1 million people crowd into this space to watch the 12-foot (3.6-meter) ball drop from One Times Square in celebration of the New Year.
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9. Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium has been one of New York City’s iconic destinations for almost a hundred years, ever since the original was built in 1923. The team’s new home, constructed at a cost of $2.3 billion, is the most expensive stadium ever built, but manages to include both deluxe amenities and many references to the Yankees’ long history. Enjoy a typical New York experience by hopping on the subway northward, ready to spend an afternoon watching America’s pastime.
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Yankee Stadium with a crowd of people in front.

10. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a world-famous landmark, synonymous with New York. It’s renowned as a backdrop in films such as “An Affair to Remember,” “King Kong,” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” In fact, it’s one of the city’s most significant and romantic skyscrapers.
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The Empire State Building surrounded by other skyscrapers in New York City.

What to do in New York

Stay near popular New York attractions

Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

Times Square

8.8/10 (110,704 reviews)
New York’s infamous neon wonderland is hustle and bustle at its best, and an essential stop for all tourists.
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Where to stay in New York

Find the best New York areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about New York
Learn more about New York
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Brooklyn

Known for its great live music and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in Brooklyn. You can visit top attractions like Barclays Center Brooklyn and Brooklyn Bridge, and jump on the metro at Kingston - Throop Avs. Station or Nostrand Av. Station (Fulton St.) to see more of the city.

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Midtown

Times Square and Rockefeller Center are a few top attractions in Midtown. Hop around the city on the metro at 42 St. - Bryant Pk. Station or Times Sq. - 42 St. Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, soaring skyscrapers and acclaimed art galleries.

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Bronx

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Bronx. If sightseeing is on the list, Yankee Stadium is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Bronx Park East Station or E 180 St. Station to see more of the area.

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Williamsburg

Noted for its cafes and live music, there's plenty to explore in Williamsburg. Top attractions like McCarren Park Pool and The Living Room are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Metropolitan Av. Station or Lorimer St. Station (Metropolitan St.) to see more of the city.

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Central New York City

Known for its soaring skyscrapers and eye-catching views, there's plenty to explore in Central New York City. Check out top attractions like Times Square and Rockefeller Center, and jump on the metro at 49th St. Station or 50 St. Station (Broadway) to see more of the city.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from New York

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Buffalo

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Elmira

A sandy beach with wooden fences and houses on a dune.

East Hampton

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New York

A blue bridge over a river with a city skyline in the background.

Rochester

A calm lake with a large rock in the foreground and a forested island in the background.

Saranac Lake

A large steel bridge spanning a wide river, with a city skyline in the background.

Bayonne

A mountainous landscape with autumn foliage, a valley below, and a distant mist-covered town.

Matamoras

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