Look, I've lived here ten years and still haven't done it all. Trying to pick the best things to see and do in New York is like picking your favorite noodle shop in Chinatown - impossible and deliciously overwhelming. But after countless visitors and plenty of my own experiments (some great, some... well), here's the real deal.
Must-See Icons You Can't Skip
These are the heavy hitters, the postcard moments. Honestly? They're popular for good reason.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Lady Liberty's more impressive up close than I expected - that green patina has serious presence. Take the ferry from Battery Park. Pro tip: Reserve weeks ahead for crown access. Last summer I watched a family melt down at the ticket booth when they realized they couldn't go up. Reserve at statuecruises.com.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004 |
| Ferry Cost | $24.50 adult, $12 child (ground access only) |
| Hours | Ferries depart 8:30am-3:30pm daily |
| Getting There | Subway: 4/5 to Bowling Green; 1 to South Ferry |
Ellis Island's museum hits harder emotionally than I anticipated. Seeing actual immigrant trunk displays? Chills.
Empire State Building
The view from the 86th floor never gets old. But here's my beef: sunset slots cost $10 extra and feel like a tourist trap. Go at 10pm instead - cheaper and way less crowded. Last Tuesday I had the north viewing area almost to myself.
Central Park Wonders
Don't just walk through - experience it. Strawberry Fields isn't just a photo op if you catch the guitar players paying tribute. The best things to see and do in New York often hide in plain sight here:
- Bethesda Terrace: Street performers daily 11am-dusk
- Bow Bridge: Most photographed spot, best light at golden hour
- Conservatory Garden: Quiet escape (enter at 105th & 5th)
- Rowboat Rental: $20/hour at Loeb Boathouse
World-Class Museums Done Right
You could spend weeks in these. Don't. Here's how to prioritize:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Be strategic or drown in marble statues. The Egyptian Temple of Dendur (Room 131) feels like a movie set. Asian Art wing is oddly peaceful. Avoid weekends after 11am - school groups descend like locusts.
| Visitor Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028 |
| Admission | $30 adults, NY/NJ/CT residents pay-what-you-wish |
| Hours | Sun-Tue 10am-5pm; Thu-Sat 10am-9pm; Closed Wed |
| Subway | 4/5/6 to 86th Street |
American Museum of Natural History
The dinosaur bones are cool, but the Hall of Ocean Life (that giant blue whale!) steals the show. Friday nights they serve cocktails under the whale - way more fun than daytime crowds.
MoMA Modern Art
Van Gogh's Starry Night is smaller than you'd think. Go Friday 4-8pm for free admission. Warning: modern art either clicks or makes you mutter "my kid could paint that." I lean toward the latter sometimes.
The Broadway Experience
Seeing a show is easily one of the best things to see and do in New York. But navigating tickets? That's an art form.
Scoring Tickets Without Bankruptcy
- TKTS Booth (Times Square): Day-of discounts (40-50% off). Lines start forming 2pm
- Lottery: Try LuckySeat or TodayTix app
- Rush Tickets: Box office day-of shows (arrive 2 hours early)
- My personal hack: Wednesday matinees have best availability
Current Must-See Shows
As of last month (shows change fast):
| Show | Type | Theater | Ticket Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | Musical | Richard Rodgers Theatre | $199-$399 |
| Merrily We Roll Along | Musical Revival | Hudson Theatre | $129-$299 |
| Appropriate | Play | Hayes Theater | $89-$199 |
I saw Merrily We Roll Along last Thursday - Daniel Radcliffe nails it. But those ticket prices? Ouch.
Neighborhood Deep Dives
NYC's boroughs each have their own personality. These spots capture their essence.
Brooklyn Bridge Walk
Walking the bridge is free and iconic, but start from Brooklyn (Dumbo side) to avoid tourist gridlock. Sunday mornings are golden. That Manhattan skyline view never gets old, I swear.
Queens Night Market
$5-6 dishes from 30+ countries. Go hungry. Only Saturdays April-October (Flushing Meadows Park). Try the Tibetan momos - life-changing. Open 5pm-midnight.
High Line Elevated Park
An old rail line turned urban garden. Enter at Gansevoort St in Meatpacking District. If crowds make you twitchy (like me), go at 7am.
Food Adventures Worth Your Calories
Forget basic hot dogs. These define NYC eating.
- Absolute Bagels (2788 Broadway): Best everything bagel ($1.25) I've had. Cash only, expect lines.
- Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St): Pastrami sandwich ($22.95) worth every penny. - Prince Street Pizza (27 Prince St): Spicy spring square slice ($4.50) will ruin other pizza.
- Xi'an Famous Foods (Multiple locations): Spicy cumin lamb noodles ($9.50). Bring tissues - you'll sweat.
Underrated Gems Most Miss
Want to escape tourist bubbles? Try these:
Roosevelt Island Tram
$2.90 subway fare gets you aerial East River views. Walk the island's promenade for stunning UN building shots.
Green-Wood Cemetery
Sounds macabre, but these 478 acres have Revolutionary War graves and wild parrots. Brooklyn's best skyline view. Free walking tours Sundays.
Whispering Gallery at Grand Central
Stand in diagonal corners beneath the main concourse arches. Whisper against the wall - someone 30 feet away hears you crystal clear. Free magic.
Practical Stuff That Actually Helps
Tourist traps and logistics nobody tells you:
Getting Around Painlessly
- Subway: Buy unlimited 7-day MetroCard ($34) if staying 4+ days
- Citi Bike: $4.49 for 30 mins; great for waterfront rides
- Walking: Often faster than cabs midday
- AirTrain to JFK: $8.25 + subway fare beats $60+ cab
Safety Smarts
NYC is safer than people think, but:
- Avoid empty subway cars late at night
- Keep bags zipped in crowded areas
- Times Square characters want photo tips - just walk away
Honestly? I feel safer here than in most big cities. Just use normal urban awareness.
Seasonal Considerations
When you visit changes everything:
| Season | Pros | Cons | Unique Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Fewer crowds, holiday magic | Bitter cold, shorter days | Rockefeller Center ice skating, holiday markets |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Cherry blossoms, mild temps | Unpredictable rain | Central Park blooms, outdoor festivals |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Long days, rooftop bars | Hot/humid, peak crowds | Shakespeare in the Park, free concerts |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Crisp air, foliage | Hurricane season risk | Open House NY (architecture tours) |
Budget Hacks That Actually Work
NYC doesn't have to break the bank:
- Free Museum Days: MoMA (Fri 4-8pm), Whitney (Fri 7-10pm)
- Park Events: SummerStage concerts, Shakespeare in the Park
- Happy Hours: $6-8 drinks at bars like Rudy's (Hell's Kitchen)
- Food Trucks: Halal guys chicken platter ($7) feeds two
Reader Questions Answered
How many days do I need for the best things to see and do in New York?
You'll scratch the surface in 3 days. Five days feels comfortable. A week lets you explore boroughs.
Is the New York Pass worth buying?
Only if you'll visit 3+ attractions daily. Otherwise, skip it. Most people burn out by day two.
What's overhyped?
Madame Tussauds ($42!) is cheesy. Top of the Rock versus Empire State? Empire has better views but costs more. Tough call.
Best area to stay?
Midtown is convenient but soulless. I prefer Chelsea or Upper West Side - great transit and local vibe.
Should I rent a car?
Only if leaving the city. Garage parking costs $50+ daily. Nightmare.
What about tipping?
20% at restaurants. $1-2 per drink at bars. Hotel housekeeping $3-5/night.
Finding the absolute best things to see and do in New York depends on what moves you. Some crave Broadway lights; others hunt for perfect dumplings. My advice? Pick three must-dos, then wander. That's when NYC truly reveals itself - in the unplanned moments between subway stops.
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