What to do in New York

Activities, attractions and tours

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A crowded beach at sunset with people playing volleyball and walking along the shore.
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The American Ballet Theatre building with a large glass facade and a central chandelier.
A street lined with various shops, including a wine and tapas restaurant, and a red convertible parked on the side.

Activities

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

NZ$146
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent
NYC: Museum of Modern Art

NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket

NZ$52
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket
One World Observatory: Skip-the-Line Ticket

One World Observatory Tickets

NZ$53
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
One World Observatory Tickets
Intrepid Museum Admission Ticket

Intrepid Museum Admission Ticket

NZ$66
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Intrepid Museum Admission Ticket
Top of the Rock Timed Admission

Top of the Rock Timed Admission

NZ$87
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Top of the Rock Timed Admission
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Sunset Cruise

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Sunset Cruise

NZ$61
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Sunset Cruise
Exclusive First Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island

NZ$102
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island
American Dream: Angry Birds Mini Golf Ticket

American Dream: Angry Birds Mini Golf Ticket

NZ$37
per adult
American Dream: Angry Birds Mini Golf Ticket
NYC: Whitney Museum Ticket

NYC: Whitney Museum Ticket

NZ$52
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
NYC: Whitney Museum Ticket
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Top places to visit

1. Times Square

Times Square may not always be to the locals’ taste, but this busy and energetic area dubbed the “Crossroads of the World” is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. The atmosphere is loaded and chaotic, exuding the energy and diversity for which New York City is so renowned.
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Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

2. 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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A cityscape with prominent skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, and a large circular building with a dome.

3. Central Park

New York may be known as the city that never sleeps, but visitors should never overlook the calm and tranquillity offered by the famous Central Park. Situated in the heart of New York between the Upper West and Upper East Side neighbourhoods, this beautifully conceived green space covers 6% of Manhattan, providing woodland, lakes and charming landscaped gardens. The park, which opened in 1857, was conceived by design duo Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmstead. The latter also responsible for projects such as the Stanford University Campus and the Niagara Reservation in Niagara Falls.
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4. Rockefeller Center

To many, the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan between 48th and 51st Street epitomises New York of the 1930s, but it is also the face of the modern city. Known for being at the centre of the city’s annual holiday celebrations, with its outdoor ice rink and magnificently illuminated Christmas tree, it is also a year-round destination with top entertainment and attractions.
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A tall, beige skyscraper with many windows, surrounded by palm trees and other buildings.

5. Grand Central Terminal

This bustling transport hub serves over 750,000 visitors, both commuters and tourists alike and is an absolutely must-see venue when visiting New York. Designed by the firms Reed & Stem and Warren & Wetmore, this magnificent building’s architectural style is a triumph, and it houses a large number of shops and restaurants.
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A historic building with ornate architecture and a modern glass skyscraper in the background.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, standing at an impressive 93 metres from the ground to the tip of the torch, is perhaps the most easily recognisable of all of New York’s iconic attractions. The figure of Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, was gifted to the United States by France in 1886 to commemorate the American Declaration of Independence. This landmark is often credited with embodying the most fundamental American values, including the freedom and opportunity offered in the “New World”.
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The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island with a clear sky.

9. 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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A busy urban street with yellow taxis, pedestrians, and tall buildings with illuminated signs.

10. Empire State Building

The Empire State building is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the New York skyline. So much so, that the city has gained the nickname Empire State, a connection equal to that of Big Ben to London or the Eiffel Tower to Paris. It was the tallest skyscraper in New York for 40 years, a title it took over from the Chrysler Building when it opened officially in 1931.
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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)
The electric atmosphere of the New York’s busiest square will leave your head spinning, an essential experience for all visitors.
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Our guide on 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.

A city skyline with various high-rise buildings, including a distinctive skyscraper under construction, and a body of water in the foreground.

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.

A large glass-domed building with a pond in front, surrounded by potted plants and people walking.

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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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.

A rooftop garden with various plants and a view of historic buildings in the background.

Chelsea

Chelsea is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Madison Square Garden and Joyce Theater. See more of New York by jumping on the metro at 23 St. Station (8th Av.) or 23 St. Station (7th Av.).

 

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.

 

 

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