76 Best Things To Do in NYC [updated 2024]

The Big Apple is the place where great artists have dreamed of success, where many European immigrants found a way to change their destiny and where every visitor has found a reason not to leave.

We are talking, of course, about New York: a city where it is practically impossible to close your eyes. There's so much to see and do that it's important to know what's worth seeing and what's not so you don't get overwhelmed. So here are the most amazing experiences for your trip to New York.

Taking a helicopter tour of New York City will show you the city as few others see it. The bird's eye view will allow you to see New York as if it were in the palm of your hand, and it's an experience you'll definitely want to talk about when you return from your trip.

The city's skyline is a spectacle in itself, even more so from a helicopter flight over New York. Most flights last around 15 minutes, taking you on a tour where the wonderful views combine with the adrenaline rush of flying over New York in a helicopter at over 200 kilometres per hour.

Whether you're a basketball fan or not, going to an NBA game is something you won't experience anywhere else. The iconic Madison Square Garden is home to the New York Knicks, the home team, and it's in this arena that you'll get to see the stars of the NBA play their hearts out on the court. It's definitely an experience that will add a lot to your trip and a must if you're passionate about basketball. If you already know you're not going to miss it, buy your NBA tickets here.

If you want to read a bit more about the experience, understand what you'll find there or discover why it's one of the top experiences you can have in New York, let me convince you in my article about the NBA. New York NBA Basketball: Tickets and Best Prices.

Get to know the legendary Madison Square Garden

You may not be a fan of the NBA per se, but you can't wait to discover this venue where so many artists and sports teams have made history. There are guided tours of the venue, you can attend concerts and you can, of course, see the Knicks play at home. Here's how to buy tickets to Madison Square Garden.

Don't miss the Brooklyn Nets stadium

The Brooklyn Nets arena may not be as well known as Madison Square Garden, but that doesn't mean that the Barclays Center is not interesting. The arena hosts concerts and events in addition to NBA games and is well worth a visit during your tour of Brooklyn. Here's everything you need to know about the Brooklyn Nets arena.

New York is a city entirely dedicated to entertainment. It's no coincidence that Broadway musicals and plays are world famous and a magnet for visitors, so if you want to enjoy a truly unique experience I recommend you buy your tickets in advance and add a special touch to your visit to New York.

Both The Lion King and Aladdin are undoubtedly two of the most popular musicals, so try to get your tickets as soon as possible to ensure you get the best seat at the best price. But if you're still not sure which one you want to see, here's a list of what I think are the best Broadway musicals.

Other Broadway musicals

• The Cats Musical
• Moulin Rouge on Broadway
• Wicked on Broadway
• Chicago, the Musical
• Radio Citytimas Spectacular
• Harry Potter
• The Book of Mormon
• Hamilton

The tour of contrasts

New York is, without a doubt, a city where the contrasts are so rapid that it's hard to keep up with them. The Contrasts Tour takes you to four very different parts of the city: Queens, Harlem, Bronx and Brooklyn.

You'll see the industrial part of the city, the Jewish Quarter, the historic streets of Harlem, iconic buildings of the city and in just one day you'll have toured the city and experienced it like a local.

The Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour

If the contrasts tour is a must for getting to know the different areas of New York and understanding much better how the different cultures fit together, the Upper and Lower Manhattan tour will delve much deeper into those contrasts and corners of the island of Manhattan that you can't miss. Whether it's your first time in New York or you're already a regular in the city, the explanations of this expert guide will reveal many key places in the city that I bet you didn't know about.

If you want to be surprised by another of Lower Manhattan's neighbourhoods, treat yourself to a visit to Greenwich Village. You'll find the best tours of this fantastic neighbourhood and you'll be able to breathe the bohemian air of the bourgeois houses of the 20th century, all at the hands of guides who will tell you the most interesting stories of the famous people who lived there.

Other tours

For better or worse, New York is a tourist mecca for millions of travellers who make the pilgrimage to the city that never sleeps every year. As such, there are dozens of options for touring the city (on foot, by bus, more or less in depth, etc) and sometimes, choosing the one that best fits our travel itinerary can seem overwhelming. That's why I've made this selection of 13 best New York City Tours so that you can choose the one that suits you best.

One of the tours that may interest you a lot to get to know first-hand the ins and outs of the financial world are the best tours of Wall Street. Specialised guides will tell you the most succulent stories of the latest financial crises.

And if mystery is your thing, I recommend that you find out how to visit the catacombs of New York.

Discover the city's secrets

If you're not a fan of guided tours and prefer to explore the city at your own pace and without explanations from a guide, I recommend you make your own itinerary to make sure you don't miss anything. If it's not your first time in the city and you fancy discovering alternative or hidden places that are less visited by tourists, don't miss my guide to the city's secret spots.

Exploring Harlem with a guide is one of the best experiences you can have in New York, as you'll find everything that many tourists miss out on by only seeing Manhattan during their trip. You'll also be able to attend an authentic Gospel Mass and feel the enormous spirituality that takes place in the neighbourhood's churches, with services so intense they're a spectacle.

If you want to explore this neighbourhood on your own, I recommend you take note of the essential things to see and do in Harlem to make sure you don't miss anything. Oh, and also take advantage of this list of the best places to eat in Harlem and this list of the best places to listen to music in Harlem.

Although it's not something to do in New York, it's a great way to make the most of your trip to the East Coast and cross off the list of one of the world's most impressive natural wonders.

Niagara Falls tours are a great way to round off your trip to the Big Apple with a dose of nature at its purest. Accompanied by an expert guide and with transport included to and from Manhattan, they are the best option for touring one of the most spectacular National Parks in the United States.

But is this visit worth it? If you're travelling to New York for two days or if your trip to New York is for three days, it's best to spend them in the Big Apple and not leave, but if you're travelling to New York for 10 days or 15 days or more, it's an option you should consider.

You're sure to include Central Park in your New York City plans, but do you know what not to miss once you get there? Stroll through the Conservatory Gardens, a European-style garden with beautiful fountains and statues, Belvedere Castle, a small castle at the highest point of the park with a beautiful view, and Bethesda Terrace and its fountain, an architectural marvel where you can take some spectacular photos.

It's huge, so to help you find your way around, I've put together this guide on 17 things to do in Central Park. You have many options for touring this wonderful park, but a very special one is, for example, to take a carriage ride through Central Park.

In general, I recommend that you rent a bike (snow permitting) and spend a few hours getting lost in the lungs of Manhattan. Let's roll!

But if you're travelling with children, you can't miss the Central Park Zoo, a place to see the most exotic species, both animal and wild. With your Central Park Zoo tickets you can access the main zoo, another one specially designed for children and also the 4-D theatre.

Yes, you read that right. Just a few months after New York opened the glass-enclosed observation deck the Edge, we are once again faced with an opening that has left everyone open-mouthed: SUMMIT is a spectacular observation deck that you can't miss, both for the views it offers of Manhattan and for the incredible architecture of the building itself.

Everything here is designed for the visitor's enjoyment: perspectives with mirrors and glass for you to take the best photos, glassed-in observation decks for you to feel the vertigo first-hand, ultra-modern lifts for you to feel the adrenaline in your body... I won't tell you more. If you want to organise your visit, check out this article on how to go up to the new SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck.

If you thought there was no green space in New York beyond Central Park, you were wrong. Along its long streets and avenues you'll find small squares and parks where you'll see crowds of New Yorkers strolling, playing sports or having a picnic on a break from work. If I had to choose my favourite of the best parks in New York (after, of course, the obligatory visit to Central Park), it would be Bryant Park.

I recommend you get one of their little tables (they bring them out when the weather is nice) for a picnic with a view, but I'll tell you more about it in my article on 10 things to do in Bryant Park NYC.

This linear park, built on old train tracks, crosses the Chelsea neighbourhood with a walkway flanked by floral arrangements and views of the surrounding buildings and the Hudson River to the south. A walk along it is a different way of getting around New York and I recommend including it in a walk around Chelsea.

In this article about Guide to the High Line in New York City I'll give you some tips on how to get around, where to stop for lunch or to see the best views and I'll give you a suggested itinerary so you don't miss the most important sights.

Times Square needs no introduction: neon lights, giant screens and lots of people. It can be equal parts overwhelming and wondrous, but it sure doesn't leave you indifferent. It's definitely a place to get lost in during your visit to New York, and even more so at night when the buildings shine brightly and the magic of New York begins to shine through.

What else can you see and do in Manhattan?

Although it may seem like a cliché, Times Square is without a doubt one of the city's most iconic landmarks. But fortunately, Manhattan has many other places (some of them surprising, others we've seen a thousand times in the movies) that will leave you amazed. If you don't know where to start, here's a practical guide to the top things to do and see in Manhattan so you can organise your visit.

Around SoHo

SoHo ("South of Houston Street") used to be an industrial area full of factories, and long before gentrification, the neighbourhood's charm attracted the riches that made its buildings and streets the birthplace of "industrial chic". Today, it's an area full of bars, restaurants and shops on the site of former factories: visit if you love exposed brick walls, exposed pipes and iron architecture.

Check out the best Soho tours to get a first-hand glimpse of the glamour of this unique neighbourhood.

Along Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is New York's street of luxury, where you'll see the city's most opulent residential buildings, the headquarters of some of the world's most prestigious jewellery and fashion brands, and a battery of museums including the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Visit New York's best outlet mall

If you love shopping but are looking for the best bargains, you're in luck in New York, because you can visit the Premium Outlets, where you'll find dozens of luxury brand shops at deeply discounted prices. Being a bit far from Manhattan, there are organised tours so you can go shopping without having to worry about the logistics of how to get there. I'll tell you how I did it and give you some tips on how to organise your shopping day here: Premium Outlet Day Trips from New York.

What to buy

You're probably going to New York with a bargain in mind. And you're not wrong: American brands (both clothing and electronics) are undoubtedly the ones that pay off the most. In New York you'll be able to find certain products at very good prices, but you'll have to know how to look for them. That's why I've written a practical guide to help you find your way around when it comes to shopping: 10 things to buy in New York Remember to leave plenty of room in your suitcase!

The New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is a lush 100-hectare park where more than a million species are grown in 50 different spaces and environments. One of its main attractions is that it has part of the old forest that covered New York before it was colonised in the 17th century, where you can find beautiful specimens of white ash, birch, tulip, cherry and beech trees. I highly recommend a visit, especially if you're travelling to New York in spring.

New York Aquarium

This is one of the most enjoyable experiences if you visit New York with your family. Located on the Coney Island boardwalk, the New York Aquarium is home to more than 500 marine species. The visit is organised in an entertaining way through exhibitions and games designed to teach children values related to nature. This guide to the New York Aquarium gives you all the information you need.

The Bronx Zoo

One of New York's great attractions, which unfortunately (or fortunately for you) goes unnoticed by the millions of tourists who visit the city, is the Bronx Zoo. Hundreds of species live in this gigantic zoo in semi-freedom, making it the perfect place to visit. Especially if you're travelling with children, a visit to the animals at the Bronx Zoo is well worth it. Here are some articles with everything you need to know about how to get tickets to the Bronx Zoo, zoo opening hours and prices at the Bronx Zoo.

Manhattan's Chinatown, surrounded by TriBeCa, the old Little Italy, and the Lower East Side, is a place where you could easily imagine yourself on the Asian mainland, with the comings and goings of Cantonese phrases and signs, and the constant market atmosphere, with fishmongers, butchers and greengrocers bustling with activity. Chinatown is not the most beautiful neighbourhood in the whole country, but it is certainly one of the most authentic and well worth a visit if you happen to be nearby.

So that you don't just get lost in its streets (although wandering the streets is always highly recommended), here is a practical guide to Chinatown, with tips and a list of things to do and see. 10 things to do in Chinatown NYC with tips and a list of things you can't miss out on seeing and doing there. And don't miss the chance to try some of the most authentic Chinese food in the city: here's a guide to the best places to eat in Chinatown.

It's New York's hottest new neighbourhood. In just a few short years it has gone from being a totally abandoned area to the new golden mile for luxury residences, Manhattan's ultra-modern skyscrapers and trendy restaurants and shops. As well as being home to The Vessel and The Edge (I'll tell you more about them later, but you can't miss them), it's also home to the famous High Line, the city's new park that I've already told you about.

In this neighbourhood you'll be able to eat in luxury, you'll be able to admire the new wonders of New York architecture and you'll be able to go shopping in the new luxury shopping centre. Here is a practical guide to the neighbourhood: 6 Things to do at Hudson Yards in NYC.

If you had to choose just one icon to represent the City That Never Sleeps, it would be the Statue of Liberty. The famous 'Lady Liberty' is located on Liberty Island, a ferry ride away from the piers south of Manhattan, and visiting her is one of the must-do activities on a trip to New York.

By the way, if you take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty in Battery Park, don't miss out on all the things to see and do in Battery Park before boarding or on your return from visiting the Statue.

Once you arrive at the Statue of Liberty, you have the option to go inside and visit the Statue's pedestal or even climb the Crown. You can also tour the museum and enjoy the view from the Statue of Liberty's observation deck with beautiful panoramic views of Manhattan. If you also choose a guided tour, you should know that there are some that complete the experience with a visit to Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum.

It's clear that the city's streets and squares hide thousands of scenes from legendary films and series. If you want to know exactly where is the flat where Monica and Rachel had Chandler and Joey as neighbours in Friends or you want to discover the mythical fire station of Ghostbusters, this article on 10 TV & movie locations in New York City will help you. Whether you're joining one of the guided tours or exploring the locations on your own, be sure to look them up!

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is located on the site of what would now be the Twin Towers, also known as Ground Zero. Instead, you'll find fountains engraved with the names of the victims and a memorial museum telling the story of the attacks and how New York slowly rebuilt itself in the days that followed.

Although visiting the 9/11 Museum exhibit is an emotionally overwhelming experience, I recommend it as it will give you an alternative context to your trip and you'll see New York through different eyes after your visit.

If you want to evaluate the different options for learning about what happened on 9/11, I leave you with this post with the different options for learning about what happened on 9/11. 5 Best 9/11 Tours in New York.

If you're in the area and you've made your way to the 9/11 Memorial or the 9/11 Museum, you might want to go up and admire New York from above at the One World Observatory. At the top of One World Trade Center, the skyscraper that was built at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks, you'll find a glass observation deck with a clear view of southern Manhattan, the Hudson and Brooklyn.

If you have a bit of vertigo, you won't need to miss the views from the One World Observatory as this is the best observation deck in the city, as being glassed in, it conveys a sense of protection that other open observatories don't have. You can read all the details here: NYC One World Observatory Tickets: how to buy, prices and discounts and take note of how to get to One World Observatory in this other article.

Climb the Top of the Rock

And while you're there, how can you not climb one of the city's most popular observatories? Don't miss the New York skyline and the views from the Top of the Rock, at the top of Rockefeller Center, including the night views... Here are the details to help you organise your climb: NYC Top of the Rock Tickets and for you to decide whether it's better for you to climb the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building. However, keep in mind that there are plenty of places to eat at Rockefeller Center, so it can be a recommendable visit even if you don't go up to the observation deck.

At Christmas time

Also, if you visit the city at Christmas time, the Rockefeller Center at Christmas is a must-see, both for its famous tree (one of the best Christmas trees in New York ) and its skating rink. The city wouldn't be the same at Christmas without this little corner, where you can have your photo taken and even put on your skates and jump on the rink. All in all, I'm not going to deny that Christmas in New York deserves a special mention.

That's why I've put together this guide to 15 Christmas things to do in New York City And if you're lucky enough to visit New York at Christmas, don't miss out on the spectacular decorations that Brooklyn locals put up every year in their Dyker Heights homes. And if lighting is your thing, don't miss the chance to see the Christmas lights at the Bronx Zoo. Christmas lovers, this will be your paradise!

Another option is to take one of the guided tours to discover the city's lights- you'll find it an incredible experience to discover the Big Apple decked out for the holidays!

Whether you want to devour the city's entire museum offerings or select one or two museums to visit during your trip, I've put together this list of the best museums in New York City. 14 best museums in New York City. Here you can read the highlights of each one of them so you can see all the options available, what you'll see in each one and how to get tickets at the best price.

The MoMa

It's impossible not to mention the MoMa, or Museum of Modern Art, among New York's must-sees. Among the best works of the MoMa are 'The Starry Night' by Van Gogh, 'The Persistence of Memory' by Dalí, 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon' by Picasso, 'Cambell Soup Cans' by Andy Warhol and many other works of modern art that are worth seeing live at least once in a lifetime.

Take note of the MoMa prices and MoMa opening hours so that you don't miss the opportunity to visit this fantastic museum.

The MET

The majestic museum on Fifth Avenue, the MET (whose stairs you'll instantly recognise if you've seen Gossip Girl) houses works of art and artefacts such as Chinese calligraphy books, cuneiform tablets, Egyptian mummies, armour of European kings, musical instruments and a jaw-dropping collection of paintings, with works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Raphael among its highlights.

Madame Tussauds

If you're curious about visiting a wax museum to see up close what your idols or the most popular characters of today and history look like, Madame Tussauds and its wax figures are a great option. As well as being a fun visit, it will leave you with countless photos and anecdotes that are well worth the effort. If you're going to New York with children or friends, it's a great option. Here you have all the information about Madame Tussauds New York Tickets: how to buy and what to see.

A day at the museum of "A Night at the Museum"

Although it was the film "A Night at the Museum" that brought it to fame, for decades now, close to Central Park, you'll find one of the museums that most impresses its visitors with the large number of curiosities and objects you can see (and learn about) inside: the Museum of Natural History.

Today it is still one of the most important scientific and research centres in the city and its collection contains thousands of fossils, meteorites and minerals that you won't be able to see anywhere else. If you are also visiting New York with children, don't hesitate to take this jaw-dropping tour.

The Guggenheim Museum in New York

This incredible museum will steal your heart, not only for the incredible works it houses but also for its design and structure, unique in the world. Enter its majestic staircase and feel how you lose track of time in the heart of Manhattan inside the Guggenheim in New York. You won't regret it!

Other interesting museums in the city

As with just about everything in New York, the city has more cultural offerings than any other city in the world. It's hard to calculate how much time you'd need to visit all the incredible museums, but if you have the time or a passion for art and culture, check out these other museums that won't leave you indifferent:

Read more about the Fotografiska New York, venture to the Brooklyn Museum, discover the history of the city at the Museum of the City of New York, delve into the Whitney Museum of American Art, explore the Intrepid aircraft carrier with your visit to the Sea, Air and Space Museum or feel like a spy at the KGB Spy Museum.

The Empire State Building is New York's most iconic landmark, and from its observation deck you can enjoy a great view of the Big Apple. You can go up at sunrise, just before sunset, or even at night: whatever you choose, it's an experience you're sure to remember with nostalgia for years to come.

To do this, I highly recommend buying your Empire State tickets online in advance to avoid the queue at the ticket office, to choose the best time to go up the Empire State and to avoid the large crowds of tourists who, of course, have this visit among their priorities when visiting New York.

One of the most amazing observation decks in the world has recently opened its doors in New York: The Edge. With its glass floor (yes, yes, you read that right) you can fly over the New York skyline with your own two feet. The structure of the building (it's literally an 'edge', as the name suggests) is designed to make you feel the wind (and vertigo) on your skin as you lean out from the top. Ready to test your adrenaline with the views from The Edge?

As you read it: visiting Harvard is possible and you don't have to be an educated person (or an alumnus) to do it. One of the world's most famous universities opens its doors for travellers to visit on a guided tour. By taking a trip to Boston from New York, you can also explore Boston's historic city centre, where one of the most important episodes in American history was forged: the American War of Independence.

On this tour, you'll also see MIT and learn all you need to know about the city and its customs, which contrast with the hustle and bustle of New York. The best thing about it all? In the evening you'll be back at your hotel in the Big Apple ready to continue your trip.

Whether you're visiting New York in winter, when the cold will be raging, or at short notice, the sightseeing bus will ease the cold temperatures and allow you to tour the city in the easiest way possible. While it may seem like an inauthentic experience at first glance, the truth is that New York' s tour bus routes are designed to get you from one attraction to another as quickly as possible (and without fighting with the underground map!).

What I like most about this experience is that you can do it both during the day and take the New York sightseeing bus at night, when you've finished your marathon day of sightseeing and just want to relax while you continue to enjoy the panoramic views.

Even if it's not your first time in the city, this area will be a complete stranger to you: after being a semi-abandoned industrial area for decades, Hudson Yards has emerged in Midtown Manhattan over the past few years (and is still under construction) to house shopping malls and luxury housing. And much of the limelight in this futuristic new area of Manhattan goes to The Vessel (or the Hive, as many call it).

Halfway between architectural jewel and tourist attraction or viewpoint, this building stands out for its external appearance but also for the optical games and views it offers to those who visit it. I encourage you to go inside, climb its four flights of stairs and draw your own conclusions.

If the views from one of the city's observatories are not enough for you, you can still enjoy them from one of the wonderful rooftops or terraces that Manhattan has to offer. Although the views won't be as impressive (almost none of them offer 360 views of the city, because other skyscrapers across the street can block the views), they usually have live music and a very New York atmosphere that I always find a great way to end a busy day of sightseeing in the city.

Sometimes, finding these rooftops can seem tricky, so I've put together a list of what I think are the best rooftops in New York.

I'm sorry but... New York is so much more than Manhattan and while it's tempting to stick to exploring the island's most iconic landmarks, there's so much more to New York than that. In fact, the city is made up of five boroughs (or "Boroughs") where New Yorkers live, dine out, shop, dance... Don't let laziness get the better of you and explore what Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island have to offer in addition to Manhattan. Here's what you can't miss on your visit to the city: 6 Best New York City Neighborhoods.

What to do and see in Brooklyn

I won't hide or deny that Brooklyn is one of my favourite areas of the city, so I encourage you (because I can't force you) to take to the streets and leave no corner of this area untouched. You'll love its cafés, vintage markets, alternative shops and gastronomic markets. Also, take note of the best places to eat in Brooklyn as you can try very authentic dishes at a lower price than in Manhattan. Here are my recommendations: Things to Do in Brooklyn NYC.

Visit Williamsburg

Also, inside Brooklyn, you can visit Williamsburg and the Jewish Quarter of New York, a real world apart that blew my mind the first time I visited it. I'll give you some tips on how to organise your visit in this practical guide to the Jewish Quarter. 12 Things to Do in Williamsburg.

If there's one thing that will make you feel truly at the heart of America, it's enjoying its most popular sports. While in New York you will have the chance to see the legendary New York Yankees at a baseball game, which for me was a real experience (I didn't even know the rules of the game, but the experience surrounding these events was spectacular).

If you don't travel to New York during the MLB season, you can always take a tour of the stadium or visit the surrounding area. After all, it is a mythical place that sets the cultural, sporting and leisure agenda for New Yorkers. Here is an article to help you discover how to visit Yankee Stadium.

If you prefer to watch an NFL (National Football League) game, the New York Giants play at MetLife Stadium and watching them live is quite a spectacle.

Cruising the waters of the Hudson will give you a break from long walks as you take in the views of the Manhattan skyline, cross the Brooklyn Bridge below and get up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty.

Best of all, there are tours and itineraries to suit all budgets (from a short one-hour tour to a luxury cruise with dinner and live music) and even cruises on the Hudson for kids. Try it out and even if it's cold, wrap up warm and get out on deck to take the best photos. Here is an article I wrote about Best Manhattan Cruises with my favourite options, but I'll tell you right now, a dinner cruise on the Hudson could be the most amazing experience of your trip.

For more details you have an article on the best time to take a Hudson cruise, another one on how much Hudson cruises cost and this last one on tips to enjoy a cruise in Manhattan.

Get around using the ferry

The Hudson is one of the city's main attractions and if you want to get out of Manhattan, you 'll have to cross it by underground, train or ferry. I think the ferry is a great way to get around the city while enjoying the views of the Skyline, so even if the boat isn't as comfortable as the cruise ships, don't hesitate to use the ferry during your trip. Here's all the information you need about the New York ferry.

Yes, I know, burgers aren't exactly what you think of when you think of 'haute cuisine', but the great thing about New York is that you can literally eat it all. From the cheapest fast street food to the best pasta, fish, sushi and pizza you can imagine.

Of course, your trip won't be complete without hot dogs, the legendary hamburgers and cheesecakes. You'll want to have a picnic in one of its parks, save money at its fast-food chains and sit down to dinner at one of its cosy, candlelit restaurants in the West Village or SoHo. I'll tell you all about it here: 10 places to eat in New York City.

Visit Chelsea Market

If you're planning a stroll along the High Line, eating at Chelsea Market before or after your walk is a great option. In this gastronomic market you will find shops where you can buy good quality food, but also several stalls where you can stop for a bite to eat. If you're looking for desserts, breakfasts or snacks, you're also in luck: there are bakeries, cupcake shops, patisseries...

New York itself is a world apart, but the United States has so much to see that it would be a shame to forget to take a trip to other nearby cities like Washington or Philadelphia from New York. If you take a guided tour to the cradle of American history, you can learn a lot more about the culture and idiosyncrasies of the country. I found Washington in particular to be an incredible place, very monumental and with so many corners, monuments and landmarks to discover.

In addition, its order, cleanliness and majesty, contrasts with the chaos of the Big Apple, so you will complete your trip by adding this counterpoint that will not leave you indifferent. Best of all, there are several options for discovering Washington and its surroundings, especially if you take a two-day trip to Washington, so I've compiled the most interesting here: Washington Day Trips from New York.

Other tours

If you feel like exploring the area around New York but are still not sure which is your favourite destination, I've written a guide to the best places to visit in New York here: . 5 Day Trips from New York where I've compiled the best places to discover and how to join a guided tour so you don't have to worry about the logistics of getting there by public transport or hiring a car. Get travelling!

You may not even have heard of this little island just east of Manhattan, but if you've got the time and feel like discovering something different, it's a great place to spend an afternoon. To get there, the best way is to take the cable car (it leaves from Second Avenue and 60th) and enjoy the views along the way.

You'll see some of Manhattan's most iconic buildings and land on the other side, on Roosevelt Island, to enjoy a stroll along the pier. If you're thinking of crossing the river on board this cable car, you can read more about the experience in my article on Roosevelt Island Tramway NYC.

Other unique experiences in New York

If in addition to the cable car you want to know about other unique activities to do in the city, I have prepared a list of the best experiences to do in New York so that your trip is not like everyone else's. I recommend it especially if you don't know what to do in New York. I recommend it especially if it's not your first time in the city or if you want to go off the beaten track and take home a unique souvenir of your stay in New York.

Madison Square Garden is not only home to the NBA's best three-pointers or great shows and concerts, but you can also experience the atmosphere of the New York Rangers, New York's ice hockey team.

Watching an NHL game is a highly recommended experience. Its fast pace and the "battles" between the players as they slide the puck will put your adrenaline levels at an all-time high. If you want to know more about the fourth national sport, read our post on how to get hockey tickets in New York and get your hands on one.

In Rockefeller Center you have a date with what is considered the most important theatre in the USA, Radio City Music Hall. Its facilities have been witness to the most spectacular shows in the country for decades and now you can tour it with a guided tour in which you'll be told the best backstage secrets. You can also talk to a Rockette dancer, an institution on this stage.

If you're also visiting New York at Christmas, don't miss the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a Christmas classic that has been performed at this theatre since the 1930s and can be enjoyed with the whole family.

There are many ways to get around Brooklyn, but you can't miss the iconic bridge that connects the borough to Manhattan Island. You can walk across it, which can take about 45 minutes, but a great way to get around is on a bike tour. There are guided tours where you can learn about the history of the bridge while enjoying spectacular views from the bridge.

Cycling along the way you'll see other tourist attractions such as Brooklyn Heights, Wall Street and Dumbo. The guide will tell you all the interesting details about each of them.

If you're a yogi and can't let any more days go by without meditation, join a yoga class in fabulous Central Park. There's plenty to see and do in this gigantic park, including strolling through its two and a half miles of nature. But if you want to add a little extra to your visit, you can take advantage of a yoga and meditation tour.

Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the streets of New York and treat yourself to a moment of relaxation and wellbeing for body and mind. Thanks to the yoga exercises taught by a specialised instructor, you'll be able to take a break and exercise in New York's green lung.

Beneath New York City, specifically in the underground floors of the former St. Patrick's Basilica, lie the catacombs where the remains of bishops and other illustrious figures of the city's Catholic world are hidden.

Along the corridors of the cathedral are numerous crypts that you can see by candlelight. There are tours that take you through the cemeteries of this temple and tell you its greatest secrets. If mystery is your thing, I recommend you find out how to visit the catacombs of New York.

Want to try the juiciest and most unthinkable ice creams? Have a fun and tasty time at the Museum of Ice Cream in New York. If you're a fan of ice cream, whatever the season, you can't miss this interactive museum where you can let your imagination run wild and experiment with unique flavours and colours.

Of course, there you can taste sweets, go down a snail-shaped slide, swim in a pool of chocolate shavings, among many other things. Get your Instagram ready because here you'll be taking lots of photos that you'll want to be seen on all your networks.

A visit to the places in the Big Apple where scenes from the legendary series Sex and the City were filmed is a great way to spend time in the city. You can relive the best moments of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte by taking a bus tour of more than 40 locations.

The Meatpacking District where they used to shop, the Plaza Hotel, the Buddakan restaurant or the Scout bar, where they used to drink their cosmopolitans, are just some of the places you can visit for about 3 and a half hours with a professional guide who will tell you all the secrets of the series.

For a fun time in New York you just have to sign up for one of the tours that take you along Stone Street, where you'll get to know the real American party with a few beers while they tell you the best stories of Colonial America.

While the local guide tells you about the battles of the revolutionary era in the United States you can have a few beers on tap or cider in the best taverns of the city. Meet people for an afternoon of fun but also to learn about American culture.

If you love horror and want to hear the spookiest stories in one of New York's most iconic neighbourhoods, you should take the Greenwich Village Ghost Tour. It's a route through places full of legends and spooky stories.

Visit haunted buildings such as New York University, Washington Square Park and the Jefferson Market Library, all with stories of spirits and ghosts that will make you remember this day forever. Only the most squeamish will regret it!

Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn... Do you know New York's most authentic neighbourhoods? Visit some of them and mingle with their people and culture. You'll recognise New York's characteristic diversity as soon as you set foot in the city, but there's nothing like exploring the streets of the boroughs that surround the Big Apple.

There are bus tours with a local guide that show you the most peculiar places in districts like Coney Island, a place to escape from the busy streets of the city centre. You can also get to know the birthplace of hip hop and the real street art of graffiti in the Bronx. Or check out the New York Mets' Citi Field stadium. Go deep into America and get to know New York's neighbourhoods.

The Ride is a unique show that you can experience in a never-before-seen setting - a bus. This Broadway-style show experience on a bus is definitely a must-do in New York City.

From the comfortable bus you'll be able to enjoy a magnificent production in tiered seating. You'll see the performers sing and dance as the bus makes its way around the city. With family or friends, The Ride will leave you in awe.

Fancy a good cheeseburger, rib-eye or Texas sandwich? Play it safe by making a reservation for a three-course meal, drink and dessert in the Hard Rock Cafe style, the legendary Times Square restaurant.

Enjoy American cuisine at this franchise bar that was born in London more than 50 years ago and has now spread to more than 63 countries. Sit back and take a break from your trip to New York and take in the Hard Rock Cafe New York's largest exhibition of music memorabilia. The hard part will be choosing from the wide variety of dishes on the menu.

There are two key landmarks in New York that you can visit to learn about the history of slavery. One is the African Burial Ground National Monument, which houses the remains of African-American slaves from the 17th and 18th centuries, and the other is the Underground Railroad, where you can travel back in time as you travel through the network that thousands of slaves forged to escape the country, aided by some Americans of the time.

Thanks to some tours that take you through these and other places representative of this dark period of American history, you will learn more about the daily life of the slaves and their liberation.

If you've always wanted to be part of the street art scene by doing your own graffiti but never dared, there's no better time than your trip to New York to learn the real thing with spray paint.

Sign up for a workshop with an expert graffiti artist and learn how to spray paint murals in a key part of New York's art scene, the Bushwick neighbourhood of Brooklyn. You'll have the opportunity to debut your own creation and take it home as a souvenir. Perfect for all ages and levels.

The Spyscape Museum is a place to experiment and give free rein to the more intrepid. It's an interactive adventure where you can wander around to challenge your wits and find out what kind of spy you'd be.

Designed by a former head of the Secret Intelligence Service, the challenges in this immersive museum will make for a fun afternoon of code-breaking or exploring hidden worlds. Test your skills at the Spyscape Museum and feel like a real CIA agent for a day.

The LGBTQ community is vast in the USA and a walking tour of New York City's historic sites can help you recognise and learn about their struggle over the years. Part of the proceeds from the tour will be donated to support Heritage of Pride, an organisation that promotes Pride marches in the city.

The Gay Liberation Monument, the Axis Theatre Center or the Stonewall Inn are some of the buildings you can visit along this route where a guide will tell you the historical details of each place. For example, the Stonewall Inn is the bar where the June 28th 1969 riots that led to the uprising of the LGBTQ community in the country took place.

There are many ways to see the great Central Park, but if you want a comfortable yet fun way, choose an electric scooter. On this scooter you'll be able to explore many of the park's sights and attractions without getting tired.

There are guided tours throughout the park that will also give you the details of each monument. And I assure you that a guide who accompanies you along the route will be very useful, otherwise you could get lost in the thousands of nooks and crannies. Plus, the electric scooter will get you to many more places in this great urban park of more than 4 km long.

If you love the world of photography, you'll love this plan. A photo shoot with a professional photographer in Brooklyn will give you a great souvenir of New York. This experience will take you through emblematic places, perfect for spectacular photos, such as Dumbo, Rockefeller Center, Manhattan Borough or Times Square.

You can choose your route and the duration of the session and after a few days you'll have your photos ready to download. Don't you just love this plan? The hard part will be choosing which ones you want to share on your social networks...

Harlem is one of the most culturally vibrant neighbourhoods in New York and you can feel it in the nightlife of the area. The best jazz clubs are there and experiencing a live concert in one of them, whether you're passionate about jazz or not, will make you feel like a real American.

Some tours of this legendary neighbourhood can give you an insight into the art scene in Harlem, considered by some to be the birthplace of jazz. You can also wander the streets, visit gospel churches and check out the most famous venues for a great night out.

Need a break from your trip to the US capital? If you're tired of tours, skyscrapers and sightseeing, I recommend this experience where you can relax for a few hours in authentic Arab baths. The AIRE Ancient Baths in New York are located in an old renovated building from 1883.

There you can enjoy relaxing baths at different temperatures or receive a massage in a unique atmosphere that will transport you back to Roman and Greek times.

Bang Bang is New York's tattoo studio of choice for celebrities. It's run by Keith McCordy, a prestigious figure in the world of ink, who devotes practically all his work to tattooing celebrities. But don't worry, he has a whole team of professionals behind him who can make sure you take home the best souvenir of your trip to the USA.

Go for a hyper-realistic tattoo, a mini-tattoo or get the symbol you've always wanted to get tattooed and which means so much to you. If you're not sure about the design, don't worry, the tattoo artists will give you good ideas. So make an appointment with Bang Bang and surprise everyone with your New York tattoo.

Pinball games are a great way to spend an afternoon with your kids in New York. If they're little they've probably never seen a pinball machine before but you can bet they'll love it. Modern Pinball NYC has a wide variety of arcade and themed machines for you to try and enjoy.

There is also the Modern Pinball Museum, where you can see an exhibition of vintage and state-of-the-art machines, watch a live expert demonstration and take part in the educational gaming programme for children and adults.

If you've ever dreamed of jumping from a parachute but want to try it out indoors for a safer way, sign up for an indoor skydiving session at iFLY. Avoid any danger with wind tunnels where you'll recreate the real feeling of flying.

They have experiences for all ages and levels. The instructors will teach you all the techniques for you to learn with this unique experience of safe skydiving. Dare and spend a different day.

Art and technology come together in a futuristic museum in New York City, the Artechouse. We're talking science and innovation applied to the art scene, where you can see unique exhibitions with light and sound. An immersive experience of avant-garde art for those who have already visited the more traditional museums and want to see something new in New York.

There are multi-sensory exhibitions, some temporary and some permanent, all of which are highly recommended. Don't miss it!

Let your adrenaline pump with a ride on a speedboat on the Hudson, whose name, 'The Beast', is representative of the energy rush it will give you. It's a full speed trip down the river with rock music b laring and captained by two comedians who will give you an unforgettable time with their hilarious commentary.

There are 30-minute rides that take you to the Statue of Liberty, where you can take a selfie before heading back.

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the world, having been founded in 1842. It performs at David Geffen Hall and on Broadway on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

If you don't want to miss great classical composers, I recommend you get your tickets for some of their concerts. Here is their official website so you can take a look at the entire programme.

Have you ever thought about test-driving a real luxury electric car? Book a Tesla and cruise the streets of New York with the vehicles of the future. From luxury cars to cars that are super simple to drive.

Respect for the environment and a commitment to sustainable energy is the mission of Elon Musk's company and can you think of a better plan than test-driving one of these fantastic cars around the Big Apple?

For fans of the Stranger Things series, there's an interactive experience that takes you into the Hawkins lab. Go back to the 80's and help save the town from the Demogorgon, become a hero and discover the mysteries surrounding the famous Netflix series as you explore the world of Stranger Things.

In this exhibition you can go to the Family Video store, taste food and cocktails inspired by the series, take thousands of photos with your favourite characters, play in the arcade or buy some of the exclusive products in the shops based on the popular series.

Wafels & Dinges waffles aren't just any old thing. That's why I encourage you to find one of their travelling trucks stopping in New York and try one of their delicious Belgian waffles. You have from the classic chocolate and other toppings to almond, mini, gluten-free or vegan.

Look for the yellow truck and take a box of waffles and enjoy this exquisite baked dough that will transport you to Belgium. Here is a link to the Wafels & Dinges stalls and their opening hours.

If you are a film lover you can't miss this museum dedicated to the performing arts where you will see exhibitions, screenings and educational programmes dedicated to the seventh art and the digital world.

Located in the historic Astoria Studio in Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image offers footage from films and series of all genres, from science fiction to drama to animation.

If there's one fun activity in New York, it's buying tickets to a show at the Comedy Cellar, which is considered the best comedy club in the city and where you can have a few laughs.

The Comedy Cellar is located in Greenwich Village, so you can take advantage of the opportunity to go on one of the neighbourhood tours, such as the food tour, afterwards. Both activities will give you a fantastic day of fun and culinary pleasure in Greenwich Village.

Pastrami is a typical product of Jewish cuisine, consisting of red beef that has undergone a curing and salting process. If you've never tried it, the best place to do so is, without a doubt, by grabbing a sandwich from Katz's Delicatessem.

Be warned, they're addictive and it's no wonder this century-old shop specialising in Jewish food sells thousands of sandwiches every day. Head to 205 East Houston Street and you'll thank me - enjoy!

Looking for a night out in the city that never sleeps? Head to one of New York's most impressive hot spots, the Brooklyn Mirage, an open-air party temple dedicated to music, sound and spectacle you'll never forget.

The special audio system, the shape of the room, the catwalk and its walls completely covered with plants and LED lights, among many other things, will make you think you're in a dream. Go with your friends to spend an unforgettable night at this incredible summer club, a paradise for party lovers.

Scape rooms are always a great way to spend an evening with friends or family. Here's one that will bring out your detective side. Specifically, with 'The Heist' you will have to recover a valuable Monet painting that has been stolen from the museum. You have 60 minutes to find it, do you dare?

The Escape Game is a scape room centre in New York with five games of varying difficulty. The most complicated to solve is the one where you have to try to escape from the prison, but there are also simpler ones such as 'Playground', where you will spend a day at school working in a team.

Arcadia Earth is an immersive journey that mixes science and technology so that you and your children can get to know the core of the planet. On this virtual reality platform you can interact with the underwater world, see the earth from the inside and feel how each element of nature comes to life.

Don't miss this multi-sensory ride at 705 Broadway, you'll love it!

The nightlife in New York City is endless, and there are thousands of nightlife plans to choose from. But if you're in the mood for something different, stop by for a little burlesque, circus show or magic show at The Rose Room.

This variety venue in Midtown will make for a magical night out. You can sip cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere while watching a cabaret show. Don't miss one of New York's most acclaimed nightspots.

Are you going to leave the USA without trying a real American burger? If you want a suggestion for some of New York's best, head to the Upper East Side and ask for a table at JG Melons. A unique place that envelops you in a Yankee-style atmosphere and where you can eat juicy burgers accompanied by a bloody mary.

If that doesn't satisfy you, I recommend the roast beef sandwiches or the authentic steak tartar, aren't your mouth watering?

The world of the legendary series Friends awaits you in this unmissable experience where you'll feel like one of the characters. Enter Monica and Rachel's flat and sit on their orange sofa or attend Ross and Rachel's wedding.

Friends Experiencie recreates the best scenes in an immersive journey perfectly set in this group of Manhattan friends that made us have so many good times in the 90s.

Make a stop on your route through New York and enter the Museum of Sex. There you can find various art exhibitions, secret photographs, galleries of objects and works on sexuality and eroticism.

Learn about the science, history and sexual culture of man in this museum. A place with a difference that you can't miss on your trip to the US capital.

The great New York metropolis hides many hidden treasures. That's why I suggest this super fun plan in which you can discover hidden corners, sculptures and hidden places as you explore the city.

Explore the great Central Park and locate its hidden monuments, take a stroll through Greenwich Village and find the remains left behind by legendary celebrities such as Jimmy Hendrix or discover the hidden secrets of Times Square and Rockefeller Center. There are plenty of exploration and adventure games for a fun day out in New York, try some of them.

For a different kind of adventure, book a hot air balloon flight and admire the New York skyline. Fly over the Hudson River and get the best views of New Jersey. It's a relaxing 45-60 minute ride through the clouds at sunrise or sunset that will leave you with a great taste in your mouth.

Some of these flights include champagne if you want to celebrate a special event with your partner, but children over the age of 10 are also allowed on board if you're travelling as a family. Just make sure you choose a clear day to make the most of this fascinating adventure in the New York skies.

If there's one time of year when you can enjoy more daylight hours to explore the city outdoors, it's in the summer. It's true that the temperatures are very high (sometimes too high) and you'll appreciate the air conditioning in shops and buildings, but the cool evenings on the terraces and the endless strolls through Manhattan, along the banks of the Hudson and the bike rides in Central Park make up for it all.

I recommend you check out the best bike tours in New York for this summer season and discover the city in a healthier and more sustainable way.

Starting with the 4th of July fireworks and taking into account that the baseball league takes place in summer, I propose a host of activities that will make you not want to leave the city despite the heat: what to do and what to see in New York in summer.

If, on the other hand, you decide to visit the city in winter, apart from the great attraction of Christmas, I can assure you that the cold won't stop you from enjoying the city, as it is more than prepared for the low temperatures. If you're lucky, it might even snow and you'll be left with some postcard-perfect Christmas photos.

As well as enjoying the NBA games, you'll appreciate a warm drink in one of the city's cosy cafés. My advice is to combine indoor activities in the evenings (such as visiting the observation decks, seeing a Broadway musical or shopping) with outdoor activities (walking around the city, taking a cruise on the Hudson or crossing Central Park) in the middle of the day when the sun warms up the temperatures a bit.

If you're cold, don't worry because I've put together a guide to everything you can see and do in New York in winter and what to bring, what to wear, etc. to make your stay there more than enjoyable: what to do and see in winter in New York.

In any case, when you travel to New York you'll find a thousand things to do. However, if you haven't booked your tickets yet, you can take a look at this article with all the information about the best time to travel to New York.

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Perhaps less romantic but just as practical as any other advice I can give you about your trip to New York, I'm going to give you some tips so that you don't destroy your travel budget as soon as you arrive (if you're travelling on an unlimited budget this part might not interest you as much, but allow me to address the rest of the mortals).

Get a tourist card

If you are planning to visit several attractions or take a tour (viewpoints, museums, sightseeing bus tours, cruises, etc), it is possible that the amount you will spend on entrance fees will be more than relevant. For this, there are city tourist cards, which will allow you to access the most emblematic points for a fixed, reduced price.

There are four main options: New York Pass, The New York CityPASS® Tourist Card, New York Explorer Pass y New York Sightseeing Pass. I know: choosing one among these four may seem like mission impossible, so in addition to the detailed explanation of each of them, I recommend you read this New York sightseeing pass comparison so you can be sure which one to choose before making the investment.

Book a transfer between the airport and your hotel in Manhattan

If you're looking for a convenient way to get to your hotel from the airport you land at without spending a lot of money trying, I recommend booking a shuttle (which you can use exclusively or share with other travellers) to the door of your accommodation. I tell you how to do it in this article on New York Airport Transfers and here's another one on how to get from JFK to Manhattan where you have more options.

Use public transport

Besides the fact that the New York underground is an attraction in itself (if you like taking photos, there are some iconic stations where you'll enjoy going underground), it's the fastest way to get from one part of the city to another. Don't be paralysed by the sheer number of lines and stops you'll see on the maps: jump on the subway and get around like a local. Here's a handy guide to getting around on the New York underground.

Follow these basic tips

If this is your first time in New York, don't worry. There are hundreds of doubts that will assail you now, just as they assailed all of us travellers when we were there for the first time. Likewise, we've all fallen into the tourist traps that the city has prepared for its visitors. That's why I've decided to compile the best ones 15 travel tips for New York in this article. I'm sure you'll find them useful to start organising your trip.

Plan your itinerary

To avoid wasting a lot of time (and money) on unnecessary tours, I recommend you organise - roughly speaking - an itinerary by days or by things you want to see. Here are some practical guides that I think will help you organise your time as efficiently as possible: Things to do in New York City in the Fall y 7-day New York Itinerary.

Take out travel insurance

Although at first it may seem like an extra expense, I assure you that having travel insurance is essential when you travel to New York (or anywhere in the United States). Medical costs there are extremely high and it never hurts to have good insurance to cover any unforeseen eventuality. If you don't know which one to take, what you need to cover and how to do it, I leave you here an article with all the details about Health insurance to travel to New York.

Remember to take your visa with you

It is most likely that to enter New York as a tourist you will need to bring the ESTA visa. You can fill it out online and pay the fee online, which makes the process much easier. If you have doubts about how to do it because you have never done it before, you can consult my article on how to get an ESTA visa to travel to New York.

Follow these guides to make sure you don't miss the dates, whenever you go

• New York in January: don't let the cold weather stop you. The year has just begun and it's a great time to finish enjoying the Christmas lights.
• New York in February: Take advantage of the great prices that the low season has to offer - the best hotels are much cheaper! Plus, celebrating Valentine's Day in the Big Apple is an American experience not to be missed.
• New York in March: welcome spring as the days begin to lengthen, the temperatures ease and it's a pleasure to walk the endless avenues of Manhattan.
• New York in April: Easter and Easter holidays are likely to kick off New York's peak season with thousands of tourists. Book your tickets and activities in advance to ensure you get in on the most in-demand ones.
• New York in May: The city's parks are now in full bloom: explore them all on foot or by bike and don't leave a green space untouched - how does a picnic in Bryant Park or a sunny morning at Central Park Lake sound?
• New York in June: the heat is starting to get hot, but the days are long and you'll have time for everything. It's probably the best time of the year to enjoy the views of Manhattan from the top of one of its skyscrapers.
• New York in July: This is an important month for Americans. If you're there for the 4th of July Independence Day celebrations, don't miss the fireworks display.
• New York in August: the heat is on, but it's a great time to discover the city at night, when the sun gives a break and Manhattan's parks set up incredible outdoor summer cinemas. Take the opportunity to visit the beaches of Brooklyn or Coney Island and even Luna Park, where you'll enjoy yourself like a child.
• New York in September: Back to school is a very special time in New York. Offices are bustling again, and New Yorkers are back in town, eager to enjoy the restaurants, rooftops and theatres, so take the opportunity to enjoy the city's nightlife like one of the locals!
• New York in October: In October, New York turns pumpkin orange. The Halloween decorations on houses, storefronts and streets are incredible (probably some of the best in the world) so don't miss this time of year in the city.
• New York in November: Thanksgiving, Black Friday and the Macy's parade. Who's more? If you visit the city in the last quarter of the year you'll find Christmas preparations in full swing.
• New York in December: You'll feel like you're in the famous Home Alone movie: skating rinks all over the city, shop windows decked out with Christmas lights and giant Christmas trees decorating the city. Don't miss Manhattan's ceremonial lighting of the lights or the amazing Dyker Heights neighbourhood with dozens of houses showing off their decorations and lights - oh, and Happy New Year!