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

By Casey Makovich
Published: May 16, 2024

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 November

There's something quite enchanting about wintertime in New York – the weather is brisk, the streets are lit up, and the air is filled with the first signs of holiday cheer. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to ice skating at the Rockefeller, the city has a little something to offer for everybody. If you’re planning on making the trip, have a read through our guide of some of the best activities and events taking place throughout the month. To ensure that you don’t miss out on a thing, check out our Explorer pass and All-Inclusive pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less. Get into the Holiday Spirit Wintertime in the city brings a whole host of seasonal, family-friendly activities. Towards the end of the month, New York Botanical Garden’s beloved train show opens its doors. With around 200 intricate replicas of steam engines and iconic landmarks delightfully constructed from natural materials in their rawest form – think pinecones, acorns and seeds, this unique holiday experience is nothing but a sight to behold. In addition, the exhibit showcases antique models from the 1800s. Thoroughly captivating and festive, the show perfectly captures the beauty of the city in miniature. Each year, the city transforms into an other-worldly wonderland with millions of holiday lights right after Thanksgiving. Those who are interested in experiencing the stunning over the top displays up close should consider taking a Christmas Lights Tour. Along the route, you’ll move through dazzling displays of toy soldiers, Santa Claus and reindeer which illuminate the residences of Brooklyn. Totally exciting and Instagram-worthy, this is the perfect activity for any holiday lover. If it’s a unique shopping experience that you’re after, look no further. Every year, Union Square’s Holiday Market draws in millions of shoppers with a wide array of affordable, quality items. With over 100 booths offering everything from handmade accessories and souvenirs to delicious food and drink, you don't want to miss out on this one. Enjoy a hot chocolate, browse the stalls, or check out the live music – the day is yours! See the Classics You’ve seen it in all the movies: the iconic Rockefeller ice skating rink. Every year without fail, this classic winter attraction ushers in the holiday season right in the center of Manhattan. Attracting more than 150, 000 skaters every season, this uber-popular attraction has never failed to delight. Family-friendly and fun, this place offers the perfect NYC ice skating experience for those of all ages. Since the rink is prone to long lines during this time of year, we suggest looking into special tickets if you’re trying to cut down on time. One of our favorite things to do in November in New York is to head down to the city center to catch the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Since originating in 1924, the parade has grown to become the largest in the world, now drawing in a huge crowd of spectators each year. An iconic New York tradition as watched by millions of Americans, the event is sure to put a smile on anybody’s face. Featuring floats, giant character balloons, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend Thanksgiving Day. Those who want to get into the Christmas spirit early should definitely look into booking tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. A classic New York holiday activity, this annual music stage show offers its own original music score, a flying Santa Claus, and of course, the much-vaunted dazzling precision of the Rockettes. An iconic spectacle of music, dance, and festivity, this one-of-a-kind tradition is nothing short of mesmerizing. Find Fun Activities If you’re trying to avoid the frosty weather, why not make time to visit one of New York’s most widely acclaimed cultural amenities? Located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History cultivates curiosity and interpretation in the natural world. Home to an expansive collection of over 30 million artefacts, you’ll be spoiled for choice with this one. Fascinating and fun, the museum provides a great educational experience for those of all ages. Art is everywhere in New York, so it’s no surprise that the city provides some fabulous creative institutions. Celebrating over 100 years of contemporary American art, the Whitney Museum serves to preserve, protect and interpret the works of great US artists. Arguably the finest holding of its kind in the world, the permanent collection features pieces by Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, and Cindy Sherman. A great stop for all art lovers, this place would make the perfect day trip. New York City is well-recognized for its thriving comedy scene. If you’re interested in seeing a show, why not check out the New York Comedy Festival? Kicking off mid-November, the event features an impressive lineup of some of the city’s biggest laugh-out-loud performers. Comedy fans will be delighted by the number of shows taking place across five boroughs. With previous performances from David Cross, Marc Maron, and even Conan O’Brien, there’s no excuse to skip out on this one. Another great indoor activity is the New York City Horror Film Festival. Attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, this event has grown to become the largest and most highly respected film festival of its kind. From cult classics to newer contributions to the genre, the event offers a wide variety of screenings to suit every taste. Those who are especially interested in horror should be able to attend special events, masterclasses and celebrity Q&As. November is one of the most fun and exciting times to see New York. Attractive events and holiday cheer all across the city make it a great time for tourists to go and explore. Whether you’re visiting unique landmarks, discovering world-renowned museums, or trying out different foodie attractions, one thing’s for sure – your trip won’t be boring! To make the most out of your vacation, check out our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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New York in January

There’s nothing quite like January in New York – the snow is falling, the streets are bustling, and there’s magic in the air. From delighting in classic winter attractions to exploring the city’s most famed cultural amenities, the city’s 11 regions have an almost intimidating amount to offer. If you’re planning to make the visit, take a look at our list of the best things to do in the city to help you get started. See the Sites One of the best parts about winter in New York is the range of charming ice rinks that crop up all across the city. A beloved winter tradition for locals and visitors alike, Bryant Park is the only rink to provide a totally admission-free ice-skating experience. It doesn’t stop there though - skaters can also enjoy the park’s Winter Village. With over 170 holiday shops and food vendors to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Go for a spin, enjoy a delicious hot chocolate by the rinkside, or browse the stalls – the day is yours! It’s no secret that New York is an incredible destination for art museums. Famed for its beautiful, spiralling structure, the Guggenheim houses one of the most significant collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, modern and contemporary art within the United States. A fantastic stop for all art lovers, the institute displays a comprehensive repository of over 8, 000 famous works. The museum’s assemblage has grown to include selected pieces by Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso and Jasper Johns. Those who are travelling with kids should definitely consider checking out the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Situated on the Upper West Side, the establishment is devoted entirely to innovative educational play. At the museum, children and their caregivers can enjoy immersive art exhibitions, fun activities and hands-on workshops. Incredibly joyful and engaging, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a cold January afternoon. Take in the Atmosphere Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck inside! A magical show of color, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival is one way to brighten up a damp January evening. Hosted by the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, the event features more than 1,000 handcrafted displays of almost anything you can think of. In addition, there is an interactive light display projection, a live DJ, food vendors and a gift shop. As exciting as it is mesmerizing, this festival has everything you need for a perfect winters evening. Another one of our favorite events for the month of January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Taking place in the middle of the month, the federal holiday seeks to honor one of the country’s most influential figures of Black history. Across all boroughs, the annual event is usually celebrated with marches, parades, and speeches by civil rights leaders and politicians. To truly recognize the struggles and progression of the Black community, we also suggest volunteering activities and checking out the historic walking tours of Harlem. Don’t let the blustery January weather fool you – during the wintertime, the city brings a whole host of great outdoor activities. Offering a fun and relaxing experience, the horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park are an integral part of any New York vacation. Along the ride, you can take in the ethereal landscapes and admire the scenic NYC skylines, which are especially wondrous this time of the year. In addition, your driver will be able to provide more background information about the city’s history. New York is renowned for leading the way in embracing diversity in culture – an attribute which is demonstrated through its remarkable abundance of great festivals. Those who are interested in experiencing this firsthand should check out Three King’s Festival. Dating back over four decades, the traditional event commemorates the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth. Today, Spanish communities celebrate with colorful street parades, vibrant costumes, delicious food, and live music. Combining art, history, and culture, the festival has an incredible atmosphere that’s great fun for all the family. Find Interesting Activities If you’re trying to avoid the sleet and snow, why not warm up with the Winter Antiques Show? Running for ten whole days throughout the month, the festival features a broad selection of decorative arts from around the globe. The eclectic array includes a little bit of everything, ranging from Egyptian antiquities to postwar Italian art glass. Combining bohemian art with a lively atmosphere, the event is perfect for antiques novices, hobbyists, and just those who love shiny things! A well-recognized cultural and creative hub, New York offers plenty of talent to see. Dubbed ‘’the 1 Jazz festival in North America’’, the NYC Winter Jazzfest has become recognized as an important event in New York nightlife. Taking place in the middle of the month, the festival features over 700 artists, with more than 170 groups. With previous performances from Questlove, Angel Bat Dawid and Pino Palladino, this one is a sure winner. With so many great eateries in New York, you’d be crazy to skip out on the next item on our list. As part of the city's annual culinary tradition, New York Restaurant Week offers visitors the opportunity to try out some of the best places in the area at more affordable prices. Those who are interested should be able to choose from a broad selection of around 380 participating restaurants spread across the five boroughs. From trendy Brooklyn sandwich spots to upscale fine dining establishments, there’s a little something for everybody here. Visiting New York in January is a great idea. Whilst the weather can be cold and brisk, the city presents lots of great activities, exciting events, and interesting attractions for you and your loved ones. Whether you want to visit some of the best museums the East Coast has to offer, take a carriage ride through Central Park, or have a night-time skate at the ice rink, this place has it all. Whatever draws you to the area, you’ll find that there are lots of reasons to love wintertime in New York. And now, you don’t have to miss out on a single thing! Discover all that this unique and fascinating city has to offer with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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