10+ Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan

During your trip to New York City, you'll almost certainly be spending some time in Midtown Manhattan. It's home to so many iconic NYC sights, from the Empire State Building to The High Line. Let's go!

By Katie Sagal
Manhattan

Manhattan has so much to offer visitors – from world-class restaurants to college campuses to trendy art galleries. There’s so much, in fact, that it’s impossible to tackle it all in one trip. Visitors often find it helpful to confine their explorations to one neighborhood or region of the city, like the immensely popular Midtown Manhattan. If you’re looking for things to do in Midtown Manhattan during your trip to New York, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • Empire State Building
  • Top of the Rock Observatory
  • Madame Tussuads New York
  • Madison Square Garden® Tour
  • Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
  • Harbor Lights Sightseeing Cruise
  • And more!

Save on Midtown Manhattan attraction admission

Admission to many top New York City attractions and activities are included on Go City® New York passes. Choose as you go from many top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. 

💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions 

🗓️ >>  Check out our example New York itineraries 

Empire State Building

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One of the most iconic buildings in all of NYC, the Empire State Building is a must-see on your trip to the Big Apple. Head to the top of this amazing observatory for unparalleled views of the city below – 1,050 feet below, to be exact! Don’t forget to scope out their recently restored Art Deco-style lobby, too. 

Getting In: Empire State Building tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

Top of the Rock Observatory

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Take a ride to the top of Rockefeller Center (or “30 Rock”) for more special views of NYC from above. The largely unobstructed 360-degree views of the skyline provide great photo opportunities for all – you’ll see sites like the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, Central Park, the Flatiron Building, and more. Only have time for one observation deck, but can't decide?

Check out our post comparing the Top of the Rock vs. The Empire State Building. 

Getting In: Top of the Rock Observatory tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

Madame Tussauds New York

This popular Times Square destination is a must-visit for Midtown Manhattan explorers. They've got amazingly realistic wax replicas of all your favorite celebrities from around the globe and across the city. Featured figurines include major icons like sports legends Derek Jeter, Lionel Messi, and Serena Williams, actors like Johnny Depp and Sofia Vergara, and world leaders like Barack Obama and Pope Francis. Come here to snap a photo with two or three of your favorites! 

Getting In: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are included are included on all Go City® New York passes.

Madison Square Garden®: All Access Tour™

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Home of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, on top of countless concerts and events, Madison Square Garden is a cultural hotspot in NYC. More than that – it’s an important part of the city’s artistic and musical heritage, having hosted some of the most famous concerts in history.

Check out their MSG’s Defining Moments exhibit to learn more about these events and other important occasions. A tour of this facility is a great way to go behind the scenes at this iconic venue and even provides access to non-public areas. 

Getting In: Madison Square Garden Tour tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes. Pass®.

Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum

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Fans of military history or the history of aviation will treasure a visit to this unique attraction. Tour a massive hangar featuring 27 carefully restored aircraft, ranging from the Lockheed A-12 Blackbird to a 1950s-era MiG-17. A special must-see part of this attraction is the Space Shuttle Pavilion, which houses the world’s first successful space shuttle – the Enterprise.

Be sure to also check out the Growler, the only American diesel-powered strategic missile submarine. Another great artifact here is the British Airways Concorde, the fastest commercial aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean. 

Getting In: Intrepid Museum tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®.

Best of NYC Cruise

This comprehensive cruise is a great way to see – as the name suggests – the best of the best in the Big Apple. A 3-hour excursion that covers everything from the Empire State Building to Yankee Stadium, this cruise is a wonderful choice for those looking for a thorough sightseeing excursion without the stress of dealing with NYC traffic on a bus. 

Getting In: Best of NYC Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

Harbor Lights Sightseeing Cruise

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Looking to infuse a little romance into your NYC explorations? Then a Twilight Sightseeing Cruise is your perfect option. Make unforgettable memories as you set sail around the New York Harbor just as the sun is setting, seeing absolutely stunning views of the illuminated city skyline. Of course, this isn't to say that families or friends won't enjoy this evening cruise! It's a great idea for all travelers, and the lighting makes for some striking nighttime photo opportunities. 

Getting In: Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

Full Day Bike Rentals

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Meander around NYC with a full-day bike rental from Hudson River Sightseeing. Don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with the city – there are easy ways to roam around and bike-friendly places like the 32 miles of trails around the Hudson River Greenway. It’s a great activity for families and couples. 

Getting In: Hudson River Sightseeing: Full Day Bike Rentals are included on all Go City® New York passes.

The High Line

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In search of more NYC green space? Head to the High Line, an immensely popular park constructed on the remains of an old elevated rail line. Providing amazing views of the city and the Hudson River, as well as a delightful stroll through cultivated garden space, the High Line is a must-visit attraction that locals also love. Be sure to check out their events schedule to see what’s going on during your visit! 

Getting In: Admission to the High Line is free.

New York Public Library

NYPL

One of the most beautiful buildings in all of NYC is the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. This striking Beaux Arts building opened to the public in 1911 and today serves as one of the system’s four main research libraries. Pop inside to pay a visit to the famed Rose Main Reading Room, which feels like something out of a Harry Potter movie. 

Getting In: Admission to the New York Public Library is free, but you must have a library card to check out materials.

The Morgan Library & Museum

If you’re in search of more culture in Midtown, then a visit to the Morgan Library & Museum is a perfect choice. It’s smaller (and often less crowded) than some of the big-name stuff uptown, but equally as fascinating to literature lovers and culture buffs. It boasts an impressive collection of historic manuscripts, rare books, prints, drawings, and paintings that once belonged to J.P. Morgan.

Getting In: Admission to the Morgan Library & Museum is separately ticketed. To purchase tickets and for more information about this attraction, please visit the attraction website.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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New York in October

Searching for interesting activities and exciting events in New York this Autumn? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re planning a fun family trip or travelling solo, the city provides a wide array of engaging experiences to keep you busy in the fall. Those looking for stunning architecture, delicious food and world-class art will not be disappointed. If you’re planning to make the trip, read on for some of our top things to do in New York during October. Explore the City If you’re looking to avoid those rainy Autumn afternoons, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Built into a stunning building overlooking the Hudson River, The Cloisters specializes in European medieval art, with an emphasis on the Romanesque and Gothic periods. A total must-see for art lovers, the repository holds an expansive collection of over 5,000 paintings, sculptures, tapestries and more. Fascinating and exciting, this place provides a delightful educational experience for those of all ages. Those who are interested in exploring the history and culture of New York might want to check out the Merchant’s House Museum. Though once serving as a home to the Tredwells, a prospering merchant-class family, this fully intact row house now seeks to provide an intimate glimpse into Old New York. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, this small venerable building is considered to be one of the best remaining examples of Greek Revival and late-Federal architecture. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to view the elaborate plasterwork and rare art pieces whilst learning more about those who lived there. Don’t let the weather ruin your vacation. If you’re wanting to stay dry whilst soaking up some culture, why not check out the New York Film Festival? Standing out amongst other fantastic attractions in the city, this event is one of the longest-running and most prestigious film festivals in the United States. Screening a broad selection of feature films, short pictures, and documentary pieces, there's more than enough to choose from. Those who are particularly interested in learning more about cinema can also catch special events, masterclasses and talks. Find Interesting Activities There’s always a fun event to attend in the city. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, the New York Wine and Food Festival brings together some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and sommeliers together for this annual four-day extravaganza. A great stop for all foodies, the event offers a wide array of culinary events, including walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, culinary demonstrations and late-night parties. Elegant, relaxing and affordable all at once - what's not to love? The city presents a wide variety of indoor attractions once the weather starts to cool down. If you’re interested in pop culture, you might want to check out New York Comic Con. Since establishing itself in 2006, the event has grown to become one of the biggest Comic Cons of them all, celebrating all things nerdy! The festival features everything from exciting workshops and artist and celebrity Q&A panels, to lightsaber battles and cosplay contests right in the center of Manhattan. With previous guests like Adam West, David Harbour and Bryan Cranston, you won't want to miss out on this one! How could we talk about October in New York without mentioning Oktoberfest? Running from the start of the month, this traditional Bavarian festival is undoubtedly one of fall’s finest delights. Celebrations take place across all five boroughs at various restaurants, bars and outdoor spaces. Soak up the suds at the biergarten, dig into a hot bratwurst straight off the grill or enjoy an authentic music performance – the choice is yours! Arguably, one of the greatest things about New York City is its delicious gastronomic offerings. Those who are looking for a taste of the city should head down to the Brooklyn Bagelfest for an unparalleled cultural and culinary adventure. Enjoy the best bagels from a wide variety of favorite New York vendors, as well as craft beer on tap. As if that wasn’t enough, the festival also features bagel-themed activities, art and music. Get Festive October is Halloween season, and we refuse to just ignore it. If you’re looking to kick the spookiness into high gear, you might want to look into Central Park’s Pumpkin Flotilla. Amongst the best fall foliage in the city, you can hear ghost stories, check out a costume parade, and carve out a delightful pumpkin! After the festivities, watch fifty gourds glow up the Harlem Meer at twilight. Feel free to dress up for the occasion! Another one of our favorite October events is the Village Halloween Parade. Drawing in millions of spectators each year, the event is recognized as the world’s largest Halloween procession. Billed as ‘’New York’s Carnival’’, the spectacular parade features around 50, 000 costumed participants, exceptional marching bands, remarkable floats and enormous puppets. A little quirky and a whole lot of fun, the festival delivers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience to remember for years to come. If you were thinking that Halloween was the only way to celebrate in New York in October, you were wrong! A national holiday for many, Columbus Day celebrates the discovery of the New World whilst also serving as an important festival for the Italian American community. Drawing in around a million spectators each year, the Columbus Day Parade brings a whole host of family-filled fun, complete with colorful floats, lively musical performances and dancing. Those who are travelling during the federal holiday should keep in mind that other attractions may be closed for the rest of the day. The East Coast dazzles all year round, but we particularly love New York in the vibrant autumn months. The air is brisk, the colors are changing, and the city comes alive with a whole host of seasonal experiences. Whether you're looking for fun Halloween events like the Pumpkin Flotilla, or something cozier like a quiet museum day, the city presents a wide array of engaging experiences to keep you busy in the fall. Explore the city to its maximum potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
Discover Fun Adventures Around NYC’s Top of the Rock
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Discover Fun Adventures Around NYC’s Top of the Rock

Dive into adventure near Top of the Rock with these must-visit spots.
New York
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10+ Things to Do in New York in Winter – December & January Activities & More

Winter in New York City is full of wonder and enchantment. The city is one of the world's top destinations during the holiday season where you can delight in magnificent department store window displays, street performers and singers, fabulous shopping, outdoor skating, seasonal festivals, and so much more. You might even catch some magical snowfall... So if you’re looking for things to do in New York in winter, check out our list of the best holiday activities and attractions. Go Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center New York City has a few places to enjoy the popular winter sport, so you have a few options to choose from: Ice skating at the Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center might be the most quintessential winter New York City activity and it's one of the most iconic places in the world to skate. After some laps around the rink, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa at any of the nearby coffee shops or cafes; we like Rock Center Cafe for its prime views of the rink. Snap a holiday card-worthy pic with the famous tree in Rockefeller Square, tour the center, and take a trip to the top of the building for sweeping winter views of the New York City skyline. Image credit: Bryant Park Facebook page. If you'd rather avoid the hard-to-navigate crowds that are sure to be at Rockefeller Center, head to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park for free admission for ice skating every day, through January. At Winter Village, you can get quality Skate rentals, sharpening, lessons, and there are bag checks and lockers available. Afterward, stop in Celsius for a bite to eat and festive drinks while you warm back up. Head to Wollman Rink in Central Park for skating with a picturesque background and a convenient location close to lots of attractions, including... Museum of Modern Art American Natural History Museum Metropolitan Museum of Art and more... Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree If skating isn't your thing, Rockefeller Center Plaza is still worth checking out for its iconic Christmas tree scene. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is carefully selected each year among candidates from across the country, this world-famous tree is the best of the best. Lights go on just after Thanksgiving, and the tree is available on display for all to see for the entire month. It’s worth a visit to Rockefeller Center for even just a glimpse of this tree. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square It's iconic for a reason, tons of fun to be had celebrating the ball drop in Times Square. If you are planning on attending, be sure to check out these tips for New Year's Eve in Times Square – it's a long, long day waiting out in the cold, but can be all worth it if you plan properly. Visit a World-Class Museum Want to get in a little culture during your visit to New York? Head to one of New York City’s top museums. Whether you're looking to experience the emotional tour of the 9/11 Tribute Center, explore all things weird at Ripley's Believe It or Not!, or want to experience a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece (the Guggenheim Museum) in person, you're bound to find a museum that suits your interests. For a more traditional museum experience, some of our top picks are the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York’s most renowned art museum, with its special exhibitions during the winter months, and the Guggenheim Museum, the sensational modernist building with its famous 'corkscrew' interior structure that plays hosts to a number of works by impressionist masters. Check Out Yankee Stadium For a taste of real New Yorker life, be sure to check out the legendary Yankee Stadium with a behind-the-scenes tour. You'll learn some of the unique history that makes the stadium great (at least in the hearts of Yankee fans). It's a great opportunity to take photos of Yankee artifacts and exhibits, as well as the field, dugout, and other specialty areas. Indulge your love of baseball in the offseason! Winter Jazzfest What started as a one-day event has evolved into a full multi-day annual festival. Jazzfest features some of the best established and up-and-coming jazz artists to make for an unforgettable event that celebrates the history and culture of all things jazz. Check out this year's lineup and settle in for a week of smooth tones. Under the Radar Festival Photo credit: Under the Radar Festival's Official Facebook Page The Under the Radar Festival at The Public Theater is one of the most exciting ways to experience New York City's famous theater culture. The annual event features diverse comedy troupes from around the world performing over a dozen shows. These performances provide high-quality cultural entertainment at a fraction of the price you’d pay to see a show on Broadway. Take a look at their site for all the latest information. Empire State Building Run-Up If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to work out more, consider heading to the Empire State Building for a totally unique and totally challenging workout: the annual Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU). While only a quarter-mile in distance, a sprint to the top of the 86th floor is no easy feat. The trip to the top takes visitors under a minute by elevator, and the fastest runners can do all 86 floors in 10 minutes. Start training now for this event. Check their site for more information and available dates. If you're interested in touring the Empire State Building but could do without the running, visit on another day to see the Art Deco interiors and amazing views from the exterior. Radio City Christmas Spectacular Image credit: Radio City Christmas Spectacular Facebook page. Attending the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a popular NYC bucket list activity for visitors and residents alike. The show is always a little bit different each year, making it a fun tradition for those who've even already seen it. It’s got nutcrackers, dancing animals, flying presents, amazing special effects, and the world-famous Rockettes® – the best way to get in the holiday spirit! Can’t make the show? Take a tour of Radio City Music Hall and go behind the scenes of the famous show. Admission to this event is separately ticketed, but Radio City Stage Door Tour tickets are available with a Go City® pass. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there you have it. Our list of a few things to do in New York in the winter, including holiday events, other seasonal activities in December, January, and more. Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available with Go City. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available New York passes, attractions & prices. Please note, the winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available on a Go City® pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.
Casey Makovich

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