Things to do in New York (2025): Top nearby activities,popular attractions,itinerary planning,weather,accommodation,food,transportation,and more - all you need to know (updated August 2025) | Trip.com
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New York Local Travel Guide 2025
New York Brief Guide
New York, America's iconic metropolis, dazzles with Broadway lights, Central Park serenity, eclectic neighborhoods, and harbor views. Use our guide to plan your perfect trip and embrace NYC's boundless, cosmopolitan spirit
New York Must-try local experiences
1.Skyline Sightseeing Adventures Catch Manhattan’s skyline—climb the Empire State Building for sunset shine or hit One World Observatory downtown. Go free with Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Manhattan Bridge, or Fort Tryon Park’s cliffs uptown—each spot shapes NYC’s iconic frame. Snap the view; it’s pure city magic. 2. Urban Park Retreats Escape to Central Park’s green sprawl—row a vintage boat across The Lake, catch free Shakespeare in the Park shows, or picnic on Sheep Meadow’s expanse. Add a detour to Riverside Park’s waterfront trails or Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx for quieter nature; Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge still steal the show in the heart of it all. 3. Art and City Vibes Explore NYC’s art scene—catch The Met’s rooftop for skyline views paired with masterpieces, or get lost in MoMA’s bold modern masters like Starry Night. The Natural History Museum’s grand halls stun with dinosaurs and stars, while quieter gems like The Frick’s mansion or the Whitney in Meatpacking mix elegance and edge. 4. Theater Night Thrills Feel Broadway’s pulse—snag seats for a classic or bold new show in the Theater District, or seek off-Broadway gems at venues like The Public Theater in the East Village. Add a stop at Lincoln Center’s intimate stages; every performance, big or small, lights up New York’s dramatic heart. 5. Waterfront Journeys See New York from the water—hop an NYC Ferry for skyline sweeps past the Statue of Liberty, or catch a sunset cruise from South Street Seaport’s piers. Toss in the free Staten Island Ferry for dusk views; each ride offers a fresh angle on the city’s restless shores. 6. Neighborhood Culture Roams Explore NYC’s boroughs—catch Harlem’s jazz echoes or Chinatown’s lantern-lit bustle. Stroll Jackson Heights for Queens’ Latin vibe or Flushing’s market hum—grab some iconic neighborhood bites on the way. Each pocket spills a different story; dive into the city’s living patchwork. 7. Iconic Eats Explorations Sample New York’s classics—bite into a pastrami stack at Katz’s Delicatessen, snag a pizza slice at Joe’s, or savor bagels with lox at Russ & Daughters. Hit Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island for hot dogs or a halal cart in Midtown for late-night shawarma; these staples define the city’s flavor. 8. Shopping District Roams Shop NYC’s range—Fifth Avenue’s luxe stores, SoHo’s designer spots, or Williamsburg’s indie vibe. Hit Lower East Side vintage or Brooklyn Flea and Chelsea Market for odd finds—each stretch hums with its own beat. 9. Comedy Night Chuckles Laugh it up at New York’s clubs—catch stand-up at The Comedy Cellar or Gotham Comedy Club with surprise big names, or see improv at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre or The PIT in Flatiron. Each spot promises raw, city-bred humor—drop in for a night of grins. 10. Sports Fan Frenzy Cheer New York’s teams—catch a Yankees or Mets game at their stadiums, hoop it up with the Knicks at Madison Square Garden or Nets in Brooklyn, or skate into a Rangers match at MSG. Add a Red Bulls soccer game in Harrison; every roar fuels the city’s sports soul. 11. Music Scene Grooves Dance through New York’s sounds—swing to jazz at Village Vanguard, rock out at Brooklyn Bowl, or catch history at The Apollo Theater in Harlem. Explore Bushwick’s warehouses or Le Poisson Rouge in Greenwich Village for fresh beats; the city’s rhythm never sleeps. 12. Botanical Oasis Visits Flee the concrete at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx—seasonal blooms dazzle—or unwind at Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s cherry blossoms. Toss in Wave Hill’s river views uptown; each green patch offers a breather from the urban grind. 13. New Year’s City Revelry Ring in the year New York-style—join the Times Square ball drop chaos, or pick Brooklyn’s waterfront fireworks or Prospect Park’s quieter bash. Each spot turns the night electric with local flair—no sleep ‘til January. 14. Seasonal Street Fests Jump into NYC’s street fests—Village Halloween Parade, Brooklyn’s West Indian Carnival, or Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade quirks. Winter lights up with Rockefeller’s tree or Dyker Heights’ glow—each season hits the pavement with flair. 15. Tennis Tournament Buzz Feel the US Open’s heat at Flushing’s tennis center—book early for seats or grab ground passes for the vibe. Post-match, roam Flushing Meadows-Corona Park or hit Main Street for dumplings; it’s Queens’ late-summer pulse.
New York Must-see Attractions
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known as The Met, is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue, along Museum Mile on the eastern edge of Central Park, in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It’s a must-visit NYC attraction with over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern masterpieces. With highlights like the American Wing, the Temple of Dendur, and rotating shows, it’s an essential stop to dive into art, history, and culture in one of the world’s greatest museums. It’s open Thursday through Tuesday, but closed on Wednesdays. Best visited weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Purchase tickets online and consider a guided highlights tour for first-time visitors. The rooftop garden (open May-October) offers stunning Central Park views and rotating art installations.
New York Food Guide
A proper New York slice is a precise art: thin, foldable, with a perfect ratio of tangy sauce to cheese. The slice-folding technique isn't just tradition – it's a practical necessity developed by New Yorkers eating on the go. Never use a knife and fork (unless you want locals to roll their eyes), and don't be afraid of the oil – a good slice should require a slight lean forward, known as the "New York fold." For the quintessential New York slice experience, head to Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village, where the recipe hasn't changed since 1975, or brave the lines at Lombardi's, America's first pizzeria.
New York Transportation
New York City, a global hub, is easily accessible by air, rail, bus, or road from international and domestic locations. By Air John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Located ~ 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Manhattan in Queens. Serves international and domestic routes. To City Center (Manhattan): Take the AirTrain JFK (payable via OMNY or MetroCard) to Jamaica Station (15 minutes), then transfer to the subway (E, J, Z lines, 30 minutes) or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR, ~20 minutes). Taxis (45–60 minutes) or ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft) are also available. LaGuardia (LGA): Located ~10 miles (16 km) east of Manhattan in Queens, primarily for domestic flights. To City Center: Free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus (15 minutes) to subway (7, E, F, M, R lines, ~20–30 minutes) or M60 bus to Manhattan (40 minutes). Taxis (30–45 minutes) or ride-hailing are options. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Located ~16 miles (26 km) southwest of Manhattan in New Jersey, serving international and domestic flights. To City Center: Take AirTrain Newark to Newark Liberty International Airport Train station and board the North East Corridor NJ transit directly to the Penn Station. Taxis (45–60 minutes) or ride-hailing are available. By Train Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall): The main hub for Amtrak, serving long-distance routes to Boston (3.5–4.5 hours), Washington, D.C. (3–3.5 hours), and Chicago (19–22 hours), and regional trains (LIRR, NJ Transit). Grand Central Terminal: Serves Metro-North trains to suburbs like White Plains (40 minutes) and Poughkeepsie (1.5–2 hours). To City Center: Both stations are located in Manhattan, with connections to the subway (e.g., 1, 2, 3, A, C, E at Penn; 4, 5, 6, 7 at Grand Central). By Bus Port Authority Bus Terminal (Manhattan) and George Washington Bridge Bus Station connect to regional destinations like Philadelphia (2 hours) or Boston (4–5 hours) via Greyhound, Megabus, or FlixBus.
New York Where to Stay
Manhattan is the heart of New York City, known for its iconic skyline, cultural landmarks, and luxury shopping. It's a prime destination for travelers seeking a vibrant urban experience with easy access to attractions like Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Times Square. The borough boasts a wide range of hotels, from high-end luxury to more affordable options, catering to different tastes and budgets. Manhattan's well-developed public transportation system, including major subway lines and bus routes, makes it convenient for visitors to explore the city. The area's dining scene is equally diverse, offering everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants.
New York Best Time to Visit
Spring (May-June): Mild weather, outdoor events Fall (September-November): Perfect weather, lots of cultural events December: Holiday decorations and activities, shopping Value Season (January-April) - Hotel rates lower - Shorter attraction lines - Restaurant Week occurs - Broadway Week discounts
New York Travel Tips
1. Book Shows and Museums Smart Broadway runs Tuesday to Sunday—most shows dim on Mondays—so plan around that, booking popular performances weeks ahead since weekends vanish fast. Hit TKTS booths in Times Square or Lincoln Center for same-day discounted tickets if you’re last-minute. Museums often offer free or pay-what-you-wish days—check schedules to dodge full admission costs. 2. Move Like a Local New York thrives on speed—stride with purpose, prep your MetroCard before the turnstile, and step aside to check maps or phones. Respect personal space on subways—no bumping or staring—or expect a sharp glance; it’s the unspoken city code for smooth sailing. 3. Tip Generously with Precision Tipping’s non-negotiable here—servers, bartenders, and drivers count on it. Aim for 18-20% at restaurants (15% minimum), $1-2 per drink at bars ($2-3 for complex cocktails), 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per bag for hotel porters. Check bills for auto-added gratuity with groups of 6 or more—don’t double-tip by mistake. 4. Dodge Street Scams Tourist zones—like near the big tower or ferry docks—teem with hustlers pushing fake tickets or “free” photo ops with costumed characters who’ll demand cash after. Stick to crossbody bags, keep valuables locked down, and brush off strangers with a firm “no thanks”—NYC’s safe if you stay sharp. 5. Ride the Subway Savvy Subways outpace cabs in rush hours—skip empty cars if others are packed, as they might stink or be broken. For ride-shares, double-check driver and car details before hopping in; it’s the fastest way to glide through the grid when traffic snarls. 6. Prep for Weather Swings NYC’s skies flip fast—summer’s muggy heat meets icy indoor AC, while winter’s chill bites harder between skyscrapers. Pack a light layer year-round and a scarf or hat when it’s cold; locals roll with the shifts, and you’ll dodge the shock too. 7. Carry Cash for Small Spots Big city or not, plenty of bodegas and eateries go cash-only or set card minimums—stash some bills for quick buys. International cards might flop at random ATMs—hit major banks instead; chip-less cards or big spends could need ID at some joints too. 8. Snap Photos with Care Outdoor icons and streets are fair game for pics, but indoor spots like museums often ban flash or restrict special exhibits—check signs. Ask street performers or strangers before framing them in your shot; it’s courtesy that keeps the vibe right. 9. Abide by Drinking & Smoking Rules No drinking booze in parks, on beaches, or streets unless it’s a licensed bash—cops don’t play. Smoking’s out in public zones like plazas and parks, plus near building doors—step away or face a fine; it’s the city’s tight leash on open spaces. 10. Time Your Dining Right Hot eateries skip reservations, with peak dinner hours packing long lines—go early or late to slip in easier. Upscale spots might turn away sneakers or shorts, and big groups need a heads-up call for special rules or added tips; plan it to eat like a pro. 11. Show Your Passport for a Discount Flash your passport at big stores as an international visitor for tax breaks or discounts—worth the ask. Sunday hours can shrink, and sample sales enforce bag or try-on limits—check times and rules ahead to snag the best deals. 12. Know Your Help Lines Stash NYC311 for city help and nearby hospital numbers in your phone—emergencies hit fast. 24-hour pharmacies stock basics like meds or bandages, and cops in tourist zones often point you the right way if you’re lost—just ask. 13. Dodge Gridlock Traps Traffic jams choke NYC—skip cabs for subways or buses in peak hours, and watch for congestion pricing zones downtown that ding drivers extra. Walk or bike if it’s close; the city’s grid flows better when you ditch the wheels.
New York Useful Guide
English is the primary language, but NYC is highly multilingual. Over 200 languages are spoken across the city, with significant communities speaking Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian, Korean, and Bengali. Essential NYC terminology: The Train - Subway Uptown/Downtown - Northbound/Southbound Crosstown - East-West travel The City - Manhattan specifically Outer Boroughs - Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island Midtown - 34th-59th Streets Bodega - Corner store/deli Regular coffee - Coffee with milk and sugar
Trip.Best: New York
Things to do in New York
What to do
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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.”
Statue of Liberty
路璐无为:“The Ctrip website gave me the wrong ferry terminal location. The ferry terminal is at Battery Park, not Battery Park, which is over a kilometer away. I bought a ticket for the 9:15 a.m. ferry, but because I was only in the wrong location, I didn't arrive at the ferry terminal until 9:30 a.m. Fortunately, the ferry ticket takes time into account. Liberty Island had been closed for many years and had just reopened. The museum had been moved from under the station to a standalone museum. The movie was a 10-minute film with three parts, and you had to change theaters for each part, so you could just walk through it. To see the interior of the Statue of Liberty, you had to make a reservation three months in advance, and the ticket price was the same. On the return trip, you could also take a tour of Ellis Island and see the century-old US Immigration Office.”
Empire State Building
203***63:“The Empire State Building is still the most classic of all the viewing spots in New York. Even though it is so old, its facilities are not outdated and the scenery is unbeatable. As long as you catch the sunset and night view, it is worth the ticket.”
The Museum of Modern Art
135***16:“The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a leading institution in the field of modern art, located on 53rd Street in Manhattan, New York City. It ranks alongside the Tate Modern in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Notable works within the museum's collection include Van Gogh's "Starry Night," Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory," Monet's "Water Lilies," Matisse's "Dance," Mondrian's "Broadway Jazz," and Cézanne's "Bathers."
The museum boasts a collection of over 150,000 works of art, encompassing painting, sculpture, photography, film, and industrial design, and continually updates its exhibitions through digital technology.
Admission is $25 for adults.”
Central Park
jam***26:“Central Park is very fun. There are large lawns and many squirrels running around. You can rent bicycles and ride horse-drawn carriages in the park. It is also nice to just walk around. There is a huge children's playground not far from Columbus circle. Children from all over the world who come to New York come here to play. They can play in the sand and water, and there are slides, swings, and rockeries. It is easy to play for half a day. There are also many people playing on the lawn. Many people there like to throw frisbees. Many families come here for vacation. It doesn't get dark until about 8:30 in the summer in the United States, so it's no problem to play in the park for a whole day!”
Rockefeller Center
135***16:“The Rockefeller Center is located in Manhattan, New York, United States, a complex of 19 commercial buildings, the bottom floors of each building are connected. The largest is the General Electric Building, 259 meters high, a total of 69 floors, the center covers a total of 22 acres, completed in 1939. The designer is Raymond M. Hood. The Rockefeller Center stands east-west, from 48th to 51st Street, three blocks north-south, and three vertical blocks from Fifth Avenue to Seventh Avenue. The complex was built with the investment of the Rockefeller family. In 1987, it was designated by the US government as a “National Historic Landmark,” the largest privately owned complex in the world, and a landmark that marks Art Deco-style architecture, with significant significance that has long surpassed the building itself. The Rockefeller Center, known as one of the greatest urban plans of the 20th century, opened a new urban planning landscape for public space, with complete malls and office buildings making Midtown Manhattan the second city center in New York after Wall Street. Rockefeller Center is almost a perfect representation of Ferris’s paintings, including the distribution of the complex and the configuration of the heights, the lower international building next to Fifth Avenue slowly undulating to the tallest General Electric building next to Sixth Avenue, and the square for public use intersects (Strait Garden Channel Garden, Lower Plaza, etc.).”
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
130***95:“I highly recommend this spot. I experienced it both during the day and at night this year, and it was truly breathtaking. The sound and light show started from the elevator and continued all the way to the top. Every step was like Inception. It was a wonderful experience, and the photos were great too, with a panoramic view of Manhattan. You can also experience it outdoors.”
American Museum of Natural History
LolaBM:“Our family had an amazing time at the American Museum of Natural History! From the moment we stepped inside, we felt like we were on a journey through time and across the world. The dinosaur skeletons were absolutely jaw-dropping — the kids couldn’t stop talking about them.We loved exploring the different halls, from the giant blue whale in the ocean life exhibit to the fascinating space displays in the planetarium. There was something for everyone in the family to enjoy, and we learned so much while having fun together.The museum was well-organized, and the staff was friendly and helpful. We spent hours there and still felt like there was more to see — it’s a place we’d love to visit again.It was a perfect mix of education and adventure, and we left with wonderful memories and lots of great family photos. Highly recommend for anyone visiting New York City!”
Statue Of Liberty Cruises With Landing
Melsida:“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”
Broadway Shows New York
130***95:“A very good musical magic show with great special effects and stage design. The visual effects are very shocking and worth checking out. There are a lot of dialogues, so some English listening skills are required.”Where to stay
What to eat
The Modern
M30***41:“The Modern is a restaurant adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art - MOMA. It is actually two restaurants, the Modern Bar and the Modern Dining Room. Both are excellent and being part of Danny Meyer''s collection service is included in the price. They share a bar and a kitchen, although the menus differ. The Bar room is more lively and informal, the Dining room quieter and more formal.”
Gabriel Kreuther
M24***21:“A very good western restaurant, the beef is cooked to the right thickness and cooked to perfection, it is very tender and juicy, the soup is rich and smooth, and it is very cost-effective.”
Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant New York
Shotaz晓得了🫰:“This western restaurant is located in the Central Station in New York, USA.
It has a long history and is famous for its oysters.
🚗 Transportation strategy:
It is located on the basement floor of the Central Station. Very convenient
【Taste】
🍽 Recommended dishes:
Oysters and seafood cream soup.
Don't order the cheapest oysters, a little more expensive is just right.
【Environment】
🖼 Restaurant environment:
The atmosphere is very good. The lighting is a little dim for me.
It feels like an American restaurant in the 1960s and 1970s.
【Service】
The waiters are relatively old 😃
But they are very friendly and energetic”
Xi'an Famous Foods (East Village)
M34***67:“Very, very delicious. Although I am not from Xi'an and have never been there, I cannot comment on whether it is authentic, but in terms of taste, it is really very, very delicious! ! This is a chain store, and it is said that there are many in Boston.”
ELEVEN MADISON PARK
M30***41:“I have traveled to many countries and I had never written,
but this time it is fair and necessary. I went to the restaurant bar without reservation as the page says and I was able to enter without any inconvenience, and received with great amiability.
the menu served in the bar is the same as in the lounge but less amount of dishes.the place, the decoration, service, everything was of excellence.”
Katz's Delicatessen
小丸子本尊:“The jet lag party couldn't sleep at all on the first night, so I went out at 7 am. The first breakfast in New York must not be vague. I came here according to the recommendation of a friend. The two of us ordered a sandwich and were shocked by its size. I ate a belly full of meat and felt very satisfied.”
Le Bernardin
tt梦幻小妖:“Compared with American restaurants, French restaurants have many differences in decoration style and service. Their decoration is relatively luxurious, the service is more considerate, and the seafood is good.”
Atomix
travelererer:“Atomix is a restaurant located in the center of New York. This restaurant is very popular and famous. I highly recommend you to go and try it. The price is also reasonable!”
Jungsik
没有蜡olling:“Jungsik never makes mistakes🌟The two Michelin stars are well-deserved. I feel that the chef has been changed this year and the taste is very good👍Of course, last year's meal was also good. I felt full after eating 235💲nine dishes last year [covering face]. This year's meal of 195💲seven dishes is just right. The wine pairing is really perfect. Friends in New York can go and try it. ”
Peak with Priceless Restaurant & Bar
_We***43:“Every dish we ordered was delicious, beautifully presented and tasty. The menu is extensive and caters for everyone's taste and every dish exceeded our expectations.”
Asian Jewels Seafood Restaurant
摆渡修行:“Asian Jewels Duncheng Seafood Restaurant, an authentic Hong Kong-style tea restaurant, with a pot of chrysanthemum tea and a few plates of dim sum. I like the lava buns, the perfect combination of salted egg yolk and custard, the soft and tasty chicken feet, and the barbecued pork pastry with a very crispy outer layer and sweet filling on the inside.”
Eileen's Special Cheesecake
莫圣峻:“How can you not eat cheesecake when you come to New York? However, the general impression of New York cheesecake is that it is large and sweet. This shop is different. It makes cheesecake into small pieces and has various flavors to choose from, so it has become the hottest dessert shop in New York. It is also a cheesecake shop with a long history.
There were still a lot of people when I went there at around 8 o'clock in the evening. It looked very tempting, but I had to restrain myself and only bought two pieces. I listened to the clerk's recommendation and ordered the original flavor and strawberry. The strawberry jam is rich and it is more refreshing with the sweet cheesecake; the original flavor is full of cheese fragrance. After eating one, I want to eat more. This cake is super cheap, only 4.5 US dollars a piece, and the key is that there is no tax, so loving!”New York Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes
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What people are saying about New York
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Statue of Liberty
Empire State Building
The Museum of Modern Art
Central Park
Rockefeller Center
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
American Museum of Natural History
Statue Of Liberty Cruises With Landing
Broadway Shows New York
New York: FAQ
What's the most popular attractions in New York?
Best selfie spot in New York?
What is a good souvenir from New York?
What is the best season to visit New York?
What's the best food in New York?
What is the most beautiful place in New York?
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