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

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Statue of Libertytop_1
    󰺂10
    33.78
    New York4.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Climb to the Crown and Overlook New York Harbor
    󰀆Climb Crown & view NYC skyline
    󱨠Saved by 1490 users󱨠1430 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    _TI***gr_TI***gr

    Was a great experience, although was so cold out on the boat we didn’t get off and came straight back as we got near enough to the statue without all the crowds! Would recommend!

  • Empire State Buildingtop_2
    󰺂9.9
    47.91
    New York.Gramercy4.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄360° view from 86th floor
    󱨟24 hours, bars and restaurants for a drink
    󱨠Saved by 1598 users󱨠1172 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    raymondliveraymondlive

    For students from first-tier cities, climbing to a high vantage point isn't particularly meaningful. Perhaps for those living in rural North American houses, being able to stand at such a height is a novelty. But the other Summit in New York is more worth visiting, with a better design.

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Arttop_3
    󰺂9.7
    65.14
    New York.Upper East Side8.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Virtual experience beyond borders
    Rooftop garden with Manhattan views
    󱨠Saved by 1259 users󱨠1291 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Opearl李Opearl李

    Teacher Zhou's explanations were detailed and very professional. He continued with the riddles, focusing on the most important points, which shortened our time and allowed us to see more wonderful cultural relics and historical sites.

  • The Museum of Modern Art
    4
    󰺂9.2
    25.5
    New York.Midtown West5.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    New nighttime art appreciation experience
    󱨜Admire masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso
    󱨠Saved by 1173 users󱨠381 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Upon first seeing the original "Starry Night" on the fifth floor of MoMA, Van Gogh's swirling eddies were more turbulent than I had imagined; I could almost hear the paint roaring across the canvas. Passing through the installation art area, I was engulfed by Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Room—millions of my own reflections floated and sank in points of light, instantly disorienting me. In the contemporary art gallery, Duchamp's urinal remained playfully placed, next to which lay apple cores left by visitors. Most movingly, in the rest area, I saw an elderly man with white hair copying Mondrian; his trembling brushstrokes held the lingering warmth of the 20th century.

  • Central Park
    5
    󰺂9.1
    New York.Upper West Side8.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Park tour by carriage, 30min
    󱓊Castle overlooking panoramic autumn park views
    󱨠Saved by 1149 users󱨠837 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Jogging along the long paths of Central Park, every step feels like stepping to the city's rhythm. A boy plays guitar by the Bethesda Fountain, the melody of "Imagine" flowing from the strings, blending wonderfully with the clatter of horse-drawn carriages. In front of the star-shaped mosaic at Strawberry Fields, someone always leaves behind a dew-kissed rose, the air filled with the scent of onion hot dogs and fresh grass. My favorite spot is the skating rink near Bow Bridge, watching beginners tumble and fall like snowballs, while the skyline silhouettes silently behind the treetops—in this steel jungle, there lies a heart-warming oasis.

  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
    6
    󰺂9.0
    44.07
    New York.New York City Center4.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSUMMIT One Vanderbilt: A multi-sensory experience in New York
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Overlooking New York's unique city skyline
    󰀆Immersive, interactive exhibit challenging the senses
    󱨠Saved by 1048 users󱨠169 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    D31***41D31***41

    Summit One Vanderbilt offers a one-of-a-kind perspective of New York City. Immersive, stunning, and thoughtfully designed an experience I’d happily pay for again.

  • Rockefeller Center
    7
    󰺂8.9
    45.73
    New York.Midtown Manhattan5.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊69th-floor 360° NYC view
    󱤎Top of the Rock overlooks New York's night lights
    󱨠Saved by 802 users󱨠327 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    好香好香女侠好香好香女侠

    I happened to be there during NYC Must Week, so I got a 50% discount to go to the top floor. It wasn't crowded, no need to queue, and I just took the elevator to the 67th floor. The 67th floor is indoors, and the escalator leads up to the outdoor area. The view of the greater New York City skyline at night was absolutely breathtaking, both soothing and exhilarating.

  • American Museum of Natural History
    8
    󰺂8.8
    37
    New York.Upper West Side7.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoAmerican Museum of Natural History: New York’s Treasure Trove
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Immersive cosmic exploration experience
    See giant dinosaur models in the Fossil Hall
    󱨠Saved by 744 users󱨠440 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Stepping into the American Museum of Natural History, my gaze was instantly drawn to the enormous blue whale model—suspended from the dome of the ocean exhibit, it seemed to float like a ghost through humanity's imagination of the deep sea. In the evolutionary biology hall, I touched the tailbone of a Diplodocus fossil; the sandstone's texture seemed to hold the whispers of the Jurassic era. The most intriguing area was the primitive tribe exhibit, where children were using AR devices to simulate hunting beside Inuit elk canoes, the electronic glow and ancient harpoons creating a wondrous interplay within the glass display case. Hiding in a corner of the gem hall to see the amethyst geode, the clusters of crystals glowing softly in the darkness, like a dream from Earth's slumber.

  • Broadway Shows New York
    9
    󰺂8.8
    60.11
    New York.Harlem11.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Near Times Square & Central Park
    󱨜41 theaters in 12 blocks
    󱨠Saved by 365 users󱨠97% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M2b***bhM2b***bh

    The musical "Aladdin" was a fantastic performance, with humorous and comedic content and excellent singing and dancing. It's definitely worth a visit. However, when I booked my tickets on Ctrip, I couldn't find my e-ticket, which wasted a lot of time. I had to go to the theater early and ask the ticket counter to help me find it. It turned out to be OK. The seats in the large theater are close together, so it felt a bit cramped. Photography is not allowed during the show.

  • Statue Of Liberty Cruises With Landing
    10
    󰺂8.4
    33.78
    New York.Wall Street/Financial District1.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Statue's top & harbor view
    󱨜Capture Statue & view NYC
    󱨠Saved by 708 users󱨠128 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    MelsidaMelsida

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

Best things to do in New York (2026)

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

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

Top-rated things to do in New York

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

Statue of Liberty

• New York | 4.3 km from downtown

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

Empire State Building

• New York.Gramercy | 4.2 km from downtown

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

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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

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

Things to do for unique experiences

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

Things to do near New York

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

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

What makes things to do in New York special

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

Tips for booking things to do in New York

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

Experience the best things to do in New York

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

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

What are the best things to do in New York?
The best things to do in New York include: Statue of Liberty | Empire State Building | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | The Museum of Modern Art | Central Park. These activities offer a mix of cultural experiences, sightseeing, and entertainment suitable for all types of travelers.
How much do the top attractions in New York cost?
Statue of Liberty:From $33.78 | Empire State Building:From $47.91 | The Metropolitan Museum of Art:From $65.14 | The Museum of Modern Art:From $25.50 | Central Park:Free
What amenities or facilities can I expect at top attractions in New York?
Most attractions in New York provide facilities such as visitor centers, guided tours, parking, rest areas, dining options, and accessibility features to ensure a comfortable experience.
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