Fun Things to Do in New York - The Ultimate Tourist Guide for Your Trip

By Casey Makovich

Greatest city in the world? You decide. From a skyline populated with more skyscrapers than we can count to the expansive green that is Central Park, there’s one thing that can’t be argued: New York City has something for everybody. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic getaway, meeting up with friends, or just going solo, our travel guides have all the information you need to plan the perfect trip and make sure you see it all (and then some).

What are some popular attractions to visit?

These are just a few. Want more fun ideas for things to do in New York? Head over here for more New York attractions to see during your trip.

How long are you visiting?

Whether you're visiting New York City for 24-hours or a whole week, we've put together sample itineraries that include a ton of the most popular things to do in the city. From top-rated tours to iconic landmarks, these itineraries give you the best New York City experience based on the time you have.

Who are you visiting with?

No matter who you're traveling with, there are a ton of things to do in New York City for everyone. We've put together a list of top attractions and activities tailored to every type of traveler, from young kids to couples and even nerds.

What type of activities interest you?

Whether you're envisioning yourself checking off all of the city's top museums or you just really want to be part of a live audience, our New York City local experts put together a few 'best of' lists to help you streamline your itinerary.

What parts of New York City are you visiting?

We highlighted a handful of the top attractions and places to see by neighborhood so you can maximize your time in each location.

When are you visiting?

New York City offers a different experience with each season, weather, and holiday. Check out our lists of things to do in New York City throughout the year to make the most of your itinerary and experience unique, calendar-based events.

What's the best way to get around?

NYC is easy to navigate and there are lots of options for transportation, including public transportation, taxis, and shared ride services. Hop-on, hop-off tours: A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour, like Big Bus New York, is a great way to get acquainted with the city and visit popular attractions. Tours follow a specific route and time schedule, so plan accordingly if you have timed tickets or reservations. Public transportation: the MTA subway and bus system is the most popular way to get around the city. You can purchase a reusable MetroCard from vending machines at most subway stations. The subway is often faster than relying on cabs due to traffic. Tip: get the free moovit app for point-to-point trip planning and real-time updates for both subway and bus routes. Taxis: taxis are available and easy to hail down. Looking for more info? Check out our post on getting around New York for tourists.

Where should you stay?

There are plenty of great places to stay in the area. Below are a handful of hotel suggestions located near popular tourist attractions and fun things to do.

  • The Gotham Hotel
  • Langham Place, New York, Fifth Avenue
  • The Plaza Hotel
  • Hilton Garden Inn New York-Times Square Central
  • Hudson New York, Central Park

Where should you shop?

In between sightseeing, try and find some time to pick up some souvenirs. Here are a few popular areas to get some of the best shopping in New York.

  • Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
  • Bloomingdales
  • Macy's Herald Square
  • SoHo
  • Upper East Side

Make sure to check out all of the extra discounts and savings available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

Where to Eat?

Go on a tour of New York City’ foodie scene with our top picks for family-friendly places to eat in New York City. We’ve included top picks for every appetite and even made note of nearby attractions so you can sightsee while you taste your way through New York City’s culinary destinations. No judgment.

Fun Info from a Local

  • Despite what you may hear, literally, honking is illegal in NYC.
  • Approximately 1 out of every 21 New Yorkers is a millionaire.
  • New York City is the most linguistically diverse city in the world. Almost half of its residents speak a language other than English at home.
  • The MTA subway system consists of 722 miles of track.
  • New York City was the original capital of the United States.

Share your adventure with us!

Tag us when you upload photos from your trip to Instagram: @GoCity or #GoCityCard.

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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New York in June

Looking for the ultimate summer in New York experience? Wherever your interests may lie, the city is the perfect destination with fantastic activities, spectacular landmarks, and world-class cultural amenities to embrace your sense of wonder and thrill. Head out for a day of kayaking at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, enjoy some sweet tunes at the Blue Notes Jazz Festival, or have a blast at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade – this place has it all! Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t leave disappointed! With Go City, you can see more, for less. Experience the Culture of the City New York comes alive in the summertime with some great musical events. From June 15th right through to August 15th, audiences can catch contemporary jazz masters doing what they do best, as hosted by the Blue Note Jazz Club. The annual jazz festival features over 80 acts at a variety of city venues, but we think that the best place to hear some tunes is right against the backdrop of Central Park – honestly, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon. A well-recognized intellectual hub, New York presents a wide array of incredible museums for visitors all year round. Celebrating the city’s rich concentration of culture, the Museum Mile Festival provides the opportunity for visitors to view some of the area’s most revered art and history repositories. Stretching along Fifth Avenue, the block party includes some of the city’s finest institutions, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of the City of New York. With specialities ranging from modern, contemporary and historic art to Latin American and Jewish history, there’s a little something for everybody here. Get the perfect taste of New York from favorite local vendors as you explore the Bronx across the Harlem River. Run by a diverse, female-operated team, the Bronx Night Market seeks to showcase the vibrancy of the area through its food and culture. A total feast for the senses, the event features a broad array of delicious provisions at super affordable prices. Whether you’re more savory or sweet, one thing’s for sure – you won’t be leaving on an empty stomach! In addition to all the great food, the market also offers some interesting stalls to browse as well as live performances from local musicians. Try Something New Summers in New York can get, shall we say, a little humid? If you’re looking for a fun way to cool down, why not try kayaking? Running from the beginning of the month, visitors can head down to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse to for a free session. All paddlers are accompanied by friendly watersport experts and provided with proper kayaking equipment to ensure full safety. Granting amazing views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, this truly one-of-a-kind experience should be at the top of everyone’s itinerary! When the summertime rolls around, many of the city’s renowned cultural institutes transform themselves to suit the weather. A cornerstone of New York City culture, the Lincoln Center consolidates art with nature with a number of outside programs. During the month of June, visitors can relax in the outdoor reading room or catch live jazz performances and cabaret concerts under the stars. In addition, the establishment's newly designed park serves as the perfect place for fun and recreation after a busy day’s exploring. One of our favorite things to do for June in New York is head down to Brooklyn to catch the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Eccentric and lively, the event is the country's largest art parade and one of the city's greatest summer events. Bringing together creatives from all over the nation, the festival celebrates ancient mythology whilst serving as a total flourish of self-expression. A must-do for lovers of all things campy, this one-of-a-kind fiesta involves outlandish nautical-themed costumes, huge floats, and fun marching bands. Artsy, exciting, and downright ludicrous - hey, isn’t that what New York City is all about? Get Festive June in New York brings a whole host of fun and festivities. Drawing in tens of thousands of participants and millions of spectators each year, the city’s pride parade is one of the largest LGBTQ+ marches in the world. If you’re looking to join in on the fun, head down to Fifth Avenue towards the end of the month to experience the incredible and vibrant parade take to the streets. Complete with rainbow-colored floats, high-spirited dancing and iconic performers, you won’t want to skip this one. Those familiar with New York can attest that the city provides a wide array of fun festivals for visitors throughout the summertime. Kicking off towards the end of the month, Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves and celebrating diversity in culture. Perhaps the most conventional way to celebrate the holiday is by rocking up to the Juneteenth NYC, which kicks off at 5 p.m. in Brooklyn each year. In addition, the city hosts many cool and unique ways to celebrate black culture across all five boroughs, including special screenings at the Museum of Moving Image, Broadway productions celebrating black performers, and Juneteenth Freedom Fest NYC: Block Party. Those who are looking for a fun and affordable ways to experience the city might be interested in the next item on our list. Originally created in the aftermath of 9/11, the River to River Festival was presented with the intention to soothe and celebrate the city’s strength through art. Starting from mid-June, the event features everything from music and dance performances to live installations and screenings. With an incredible atmosphere and so much to see, this one is fun for all the family. New York is what vacation destination dreams are made of. Whether you’re a foodie, an artsy type, or a music lover, you’ll be spoiled for choice with great things to do in the city. Explore the area to its full 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
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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

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