Top 50 Best Things to Do in New York
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in New York

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Statue of Libertytop_1
    󰺂10
    1663.41
    New York4.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Climb to the Crown and Overlook New York Harbor
    󰀆Climb Crown & view NYC skyline
    󱨠Saved by 1396 users󱨠1442 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Sami musthafaSami musthafa

    Thr trip was perfect and i booked ticket from trip. Com its very easy and get price offer via app

  • Empire State Buildingtop_2
    󰺂10
    2658.61
    New York.Gramercy4.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄360° view from 86th floor
    󱨟24 hours, bars and restaurants for a drink
    󱨠Saved by 1520 users󱨠1188 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    会爬爬树的蚂蚁会爬爬树的蚂蚁

    - Art Deco style: The Empire State Building adopts a typical Art Deco style, emphasizing symmetry, geometry and fine decoration, and the top minarets are uniquely designed to make them exceptionally strong and unique in the New York skyline. ​- Fine structural design: The backbone of the building is composed of 210 steel columns, of which 12 directly reach the top of the building, providing a solid support for the building. With the increase of height, the floor area gradually shrinks, forming five major changes, this design not only considers structural stability, but also increases the aesthetic of the building. Historical and Cultural Values - Witnessing Historical Changes: The Empire State Building was built during the Great Depression of the 1930s, and its completion not only provided a large number of jobs in the United States at the time, but also marked the beginning of the rise of American industry and the peak of modern urban development. ​- Bearing cultural symbols: As one of the cultural symbols of the United States, the Empire State Building has appeared in many films, literature and art works, such as the film "King Kong", further enhancing its global visibility and cultural influence.

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Arttop_3
    󰺂9.8
    3826.61
    New York.Upper East Side8.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Virtual experience beyond borders
    Rooftop garden with Manhattan views
    󱨠Saved by 1208 users󱨠1325 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    会爬爬树的蚂蚁会爬爬树的蚂蚁

    - Wide variety: collection of 3 million artworks from all over the world, spanning more than 5,000 years of history, covering ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Asia, Africa, Oceania and other regions, as well as European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, etc. There are also a large number of American and modern art works. ​ - Many boutiques: with many famous collections, such as the Danyu Temple in ancient Egypt, China's "Light Night White" and "Medicinal Buddha Changing Map", as well as many paintings and sculptures by ancient European masters. Architecture and layout - Majestic exterior: Neoclassical style architectural exterior, solemn and elegant, complements Central Park and becomes one of New York City’s iconic cultural buildings. ​-Reasonable layout: 19 exhibition departments are distributed on different floors and regions, the exhibition space is spacious and bright, the exhibits are displayed in an orderly manner, and the focus is on creating a display atmosphere that matches the exhibits, so that the audience can better appreciate and understand the artworks.

  • The Museum of Modern Art
    4
    󰺂9.3
    1485.04
    New York.Midtown West5.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    New nighttime art appreciation experience
    󱨜Admire masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso
    󱨠Saved by 1086 users󱨠372 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    ZtlovZtlov

    Had an hour to spare during a business trip in NYC, quickly saw it was near the hotel and entrance was cheap enough. Really didn’t expect to see iconic pieces the Starry Night and Les Demoiselles d’Avignon in person, as I didn’t research this place before so it was a nice surprise. Try to get there before noon for an uncrowded experience.

  • Central Park
    5
    󰺂9.2
    New York.Upper West Side8.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Park tour by carriage, 30min
    󱓊Castle overlooking panoramic autumn park views
    󱨠Saved by 1078 users󱨠845 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    蓝星旅行者蓝星旅行者

    Walking through New York's Central Park, it seems to fall into the gentle cracks of the steel forest. Morning light penetrates the forest, spreads powder and white brocade on the cherry blossom avenue, the wind is outdated petals fall, and the corners of the skyscraper soften into a background sound in the flower shadow. The city code on the bench is the most moving. The cold chair was stroked by the fingertips, and the short text on the nameplate hid the New Yorker's temperature: "Give my wife Carol, because she loves Central Park, and I love her" - the separation of life, the young encounter, the mother and son bonding, all condensed into a dew in the wood grain. When high school students spread out books and laughed on the sheep lawn, and when the reciting of Shakespeare’s poems drifted from Cherry Hill to the lake, the park became an emotional resonant box, full of human narratives that transcended language. In the afternoon, I closed my eyes in the Ramble Forest area. Bird song and stream sound woven into natural white noise, suddenly understand the deep meaning of Olmsted: this 3.4 million square meters of green lung, originally dedicated to "the handicrafts of tired industrial workers", so that people who can not travel far can drink nature here. The boat house pier at dusk is the most magical, The wooden paddles smashed the red-stained lake, and the wild ducks swam through the reflection of Manhattan. The hustle and bustle of the city sank to the bottom, leaving only the breathing in the shadow of the oasis of the oars. "When the whispers of the bench fell into the palms with the cherry blossom rain, I knew that the oasis in this concrete wasteland, It was New York's prose poem to the world. " 

  • Rockefeller Center
    6
    󰺂9.1
    2292.74
    New York.Midtown Manhattan5.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoRockefeller Center Unveils 2025 Christmas Tree | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊69th-floor 360° NYC view
    󱤎Top of the Rock overlooks New York's night lights
    󱨠Saved by 757 users󱨠330 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    KIEU HAI YENKIEU HAI YEN

    Easy check in with viucher QR code, magnificent view of New York from Top of the Rock 👍

  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
    7
    󰺂9.0
    2823.15
    New York.New York City Center4.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSUMMIT One Vanderbilt: A multi-sensory experience in New York
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Overlooking New York's unique city skyline
    󰀆Immersive, interactive exhibit challenging the senses
    󱨠Saved by 938 users󱨠155 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Summit One was the highlight of my New York City trip. The views were absolutely incredible, the atmosphere was unforgettable, and every level offered something unique. A must-visit experience in NYC.

  • Broadway Shows New York
    8
    󰺂8.9
    3545.64
    New York.Harlem11.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Near Times Square & Central Park
    󱨜41 theaters in 12 blocks
    󱨠Saved by 291 users󱨠97% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Excellent, definitely worth experiencing. Arrive half an hour early. After security, find the cloak room on the first floor. They'll give you a piece of paper; follow the instructions to download the app, and you can see the Chinese dialogue. If you have headphones, you can listen to the Chinese explanations of the scene transitions during the performance. Very thoughtful design. The performance itself is excellent, with scene transitions as smooth as watching a movie. The theater has a strong retro feel.

  • American Museum of Natural History
    9
    󰺂8.9
    1769.58
    New York.Upper West Side7.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoAmerican Museum of Natural History: New York’s Treasure Trove
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Immersive cosmic exploration experience
    See giant dinosaur models in the Fossil Hall
    󱨠Saved by 678 users󱨠441 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    DeguyDeguy

    The American Museum of Natural History is a fascinating place filled with incredible exhibits — from towering dinosaur fossils to the stunning blue whale. It’s well-organized, educational, and perfect for all ages. Definitely worth a visit! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Statue Of Liberty Cruises With Landing
    10
    󰺂8.4
    1661.83
    New York.Wall Street/Financial District1.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Statue's top & harbor view
    󱨜Capture Statue & view NYC
    󱨠Saved by 668 users󱨠130 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    MelsidaMelsida

    The Statue of Liberty cruise with landing is an unforgettable experience! Enjoy breathtaking views of NYC, explore Liberty Island, and visit the museum. A must-do for history and sightseeing lovers! #StatueOfLiberty #Cruise #NYC #Travel #History

Best things to do in New York (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in New York? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, New York offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in New York

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full New York experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Statue of Liberty

• New York | 4.3 km from downtown

• : Climb to the Crown and Overlook New York Harbor,Climb Crown & view NYC skyline

Empire State Building

• New York.Gramercy | 4.2 km from downtown

• : 360° view from 86th floor,24 hours, bars and restaurants for a drink

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

• New York.Upper East Side | 8.1 km from downtown

• : Virtual experience beyond borders,Rooftop garden with Manhattan views

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near New York

If you want to explore attractions just outside New York, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of New York, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in New York special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in New York

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in New York

Ready to explore the best of New York? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in New York?
These are all Best Things to Do in New York:Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, Central Park
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in New York?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in New York include:Statue of Liberty:4.7, Empire State Building:4.7, The Metropolitan Museum of Art:4.8, The Museum of Modern Art:4.7, Central Park:4.8
At what locations in New York can Best Things to Do in New York be found?
The Best Things to Do in New York are mainly located in:Statue of Liberty:New York, Empire State Building:New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art:New York, The Museum of Modern Art:New York, Central Park:New York
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