When planning your trip, it’s important to know what there is to do in New York. That’s why I created a list of the best attractions in the city. New York is huge and has a lot to see and do. My list of top 10 best things to do in New York will get you started off on the right foot.
I made this list after years of living in New York. I would also give it to my mother in a heartbeat if she asked what to do on a visit to New York.
Eric's Index
- 1 What to do in New York
- 2 Helicopter Flight above Manhattan
- 3 Visit an Observation Deck
- 4 Visiting a Sporting Event
- 5 Visit the Coolest Neighbourhoods in New York
- 6 Take a Boat Trip
- 7 Hop on Hop off Bus
- 8 See a Broadway Show
- 9 9/11 Museum
- 10 Parks in New York
- 11 Outlet Shopping at Woodbury Common
- 12 Bonus: Visit a Rooftop Bar in New York
- 13 More top New York tips
What to do in New York
As well as this handy list of the top 10 New York attractions, my example itineraries will help you plan your days so you visit as many must-see and dos in New York as you can. And the up-to-date New York calendar has all the events taking place during your stay.
Let’s take a look at my list of the best attractions in New York!
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Helicopter Flight above Manhattan
For an unforgettable experience, take a helicopter flight over Manhattan. See all the famous landmarks in New York from a different perspective, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park. There are several different flights available, such as a helicopter tour at night and an extra-long one that flies around Manhattan. I would go for the 15-minute flight; it has the best value for money.
If you want to do a helicopter tour in New York, I recommend not waiting too long to book so you can ensure you get a spot and avoid missing out.
Read more about the different helicopter flights in New York here
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Visit an Observation Deck
You can really see how big New York is when you see the city from above. During your visit to New York, I recommend seeing at least two observation decks: one by day and the other at night. This way, you will have a complete experience.
For example, visit the city’s icon, the Empire State Building. Especially if it is your first time in New York, this famous building should be on your list. Or go to Summit One Vanderbilt, my favourite. It has different rooms, including a space filled with mirrors. This makes the experience even more special!
See New York’s observation decks and book your tickets here
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Visiting a Sporting Event
New York is well-known for its many sports and sports teams, so visiting a sports game is a great way to experience the local culture. You can mingle with New Yorkers and cheer for their favourite team, like the New York Yankees. Visit the stadium, get something to eat and drink and join in the fun!
See the schedule here and buy tickets at great prices
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Visit the Coolest Neighbourhoods in New York
Explore the different neighbourhoods of Manhattan and Brooklyn on foot. By walking, you can immerse yourself in the life of a New Yorker. With so many neighbourhoods to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
Check out Eric’s New York App for over 15 different routes to discover the city. I’ve created each route myself, leading you through well-known neighbourhoods like SoHo, Chinatown, and Lower Manhattan, as well as lesser-known areas like Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Harlem. There are also four evening routes to experience. You could also explore New York with a guide.
Take a look at the walking routes here
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Take a Boat Trip
Most of your time in New York will likely be spent in Manhattan, where you’ll find many of the attractions in this top 10. Manhattan is an island surrounded by water, so taking a boat trip is always a great idea. From the water, you can admire the skyline and get a unique view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.
You can visit the Statue of Liberty itself, of course, but it generally takes a lot of time, especially considering the length of your stay. That’s why I think taking a boat trip, like the Landmark Cruise, is a good alternative. This boat sails around Lady Liberty, so you can get a great picture!
View all boat trips and book your tickets
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Hop on Hop off Bus
The Hop on Hop off bus may not be the first thing you think of doing in New York, but there’s a good reason why it is on the list. On your first morning in New York, you are likely to wake up early due to jet lag, which is the perfect opportunity to visit Times Square. There will only be a handful of people in this famous spot! You can board the bus here and watch the city pass you by. Now it’ll be easier to get your bearings, especially if it’s your first time in New York. The bus will take you past loads of iconic New York tourist sights in one go.
Buy tickets for the Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
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See a Broadway Show
Broadway is synonymous with New York! There are countless musicals that you can see in New York. There is something for everyone, whether you go for a classic like The Lion King or Chicago. Or step into the magical world of Harry Potter, my personal favourite.
The most important tip I can give here is to book your tickets online before you leave for New York. This way, you can enjoy your time in New York without worrying about missing out on tickets. You won’t have to stand in long lines, you won’t pay more than necessary and you will have the best seats possible. I work directly with the Broadway theatres in New York, so I can offer the same prices as them.
Choose your favourite musical and buy tickets here
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9/11 Museum
A visit to the 9/11 Museum is highly recommended. The museum is dedicated to the terrible events of the attacks of September 11, 2001. You will learn more about what happened that day and see many striking artifacts. Near the museum, you can find the 9/11 Memorial, which, unlike the museum, you can visit for free.
Tickets for the 9/11 Museum are available here
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Parks in New York
New York is made up of more than just concrete and skyscrapers. There is also a lot of green space in the city. New Yorkers love their parks and can often be found in them, especially the famous Central Park. This vast park is located in the middle of Manhattan, running from 59th Street all the way to 110th Street. It is a lovely place to walk, cycle or scooter through.
The High Line is a nice park for a stroll. I also like to visit Bryant Park, where the New York Public Library is located. There is always something going on in the park!
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Outlet Shopping at Woodbury Common
New York is great for shopping, but outside the city you can find Woodbury Common, an outlet centre with more than 220 shops selling many items at outlet prices. Book your seat on the bus and you can sit back for a relaxing ride to this shopping paradise that has outlet stores of almost every major brand.
Buy bus tickets to Woodbury Common here
Bonus: Visit a Rooftop Bar in New York
After a day of sightseeing in New York, end your day with a visit to a rooftop bar. You can find bars on top of buildings all over the city. Many of these rooftop bars offer beautiful views of New York, especially in the evening. You can enjoy all the bright lights with a drink in hand. I have a number of favourites around the city that I have collected for you, such as Overstory. This is also one of the best things to do alone in New York, as you will easily meet people.
Find my favourite rooftop bars in New York here
More top New York tips
In addition to the attractions and places above, there are more things I’d like to share with you. This will make your trip to New York easier and worry-free.
- Download the MPC app
With the Mobile Passport Control app, you can get through customs more efficiently when landing in New York. - Buy an eSIM
With an eSIM data plan, you can always access the internet in New York. You can easily install it on your phone, plus it’s cheap! - Deals for New York
If you are planning to go to New York and haven’t yet booked your flight and hotel, take a look at my deals page. This is where I share the latest deals for New York.