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

Continue reading

Blog

New York in May

May is a wonderful time to visit New York and see the sites, find some exciting activities, and immerse yourself in the culture of the city. As the weather starts to warm up, the area will be flourishing with exciting festivals, fun pop-up markets and delightful events held in NYC parks. So, we’ve rounded up our favorite springtime ideas for those who are thinking about making the visit — from Cinco de Mayo festivities to extravagant flower shows, we’ve got you covered. With Co City, you can create memories for years to come. Get to Know the City There’s nothing like a day at the ballpark, right? Once spring kicks off, the balmy weather serves as the perfect backdrop for the start of the season. Those who are interested in catching a Big Leagues game should be able to book tickets to the Yankees or Mets online – just be sure to book early, since these things sell out fast! We can almost taste the cold beer on our lips and feel the sun on our faces. Another one of our favorite things to do in the city for May is attending Frieze New York. A total must for art lovers, the event seeks to celebrate the best work of international historical and contemporary artists. For five days each year, The Shed fair features works from over 1,000 artists and 200 international galleries for a broad audience. In addition, the festival features a great program of just commissioned works, films and talks. If you’re looking to experience the city through its food, you might be interested in the next item on our list. The perfect day trip for any gastronome, the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival offers a diverse range of cuisines from popular local vendors. Whether you’re looking to try out traditional street fair treats or taste cuisine from around the globe, this event has it all. In addition, the festival features two stages of live music, food contests, as well as over 200 vendors selling unique arts and crafts. Find Interesting Activities Since New York is known for its exceptionally multi-ethnic population, it seems only fitting that the city observes Cinco de Mayo in style. Held annually in the fair springtime weather, a vibrant parade makes its way down Fifth Avenue and leads towards festivities in Sunset Park. In addition, you should be able to celebrate at various bars and restaurants across all five boroughs with live Mariachi music, traditional dancing, and delicious Mexican food. Bursting with excitement, New York is the perfect tourist destination with a plethora of attractions for you and your loved ones. Since its establishment in 1982, Fleet Week has served as an annual celebration of the US Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. The annual week-long tradition kicks off with a flotilla of naval vessels docking in at the New York Passenger Ship Terminal on the Hudson River. Those who are looking to join in on the fun should be able to find a string of parties all over the city, with dress-up, live musical performances, and an abundance of drink! An unusual and exciting occurrence, this event is nothing but fun! If you’re travelling during Memorial Day weekend, you might want to check out some of the festivities going on in the city. As with any big federal holiday, you won’t have to look far to find the parade, which kicks off at 11 A.M. on Third Avenue each year. In addition, the city offers some great ways to pay tribute to America’s fallen soldiers, including the New York Philanthropic Memorial Day Concert, Intrepid Museum’s Free Movie Night, and Central Park walking tours, which take you through a number of fountains, monuments, and sculptures that honor past lives. And as if that wasn’t enough, you should be able to find many restaurants and bars across the city holding their own special events. Try Something New Why go to the theater when you can watch Shakespeare right in the middle of Central Park? That’s right, you heard us. Set up against the magnificent natural splendor of the park, The Public Theater provides admission-free world-class entertainment – honestly, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the evening. With past cast members like Meryl Streep, Al Pacino and Denzel Washington, we don’t think you’ll want to miss out on this one. May means Mother's Day – and what better way to celebrate this major holiday than with a flower show? Running from 2nd-26th of May, Macy’s spectacular two-week exhibit features beautifully manicured living sculptures, inspired by a different theme each year. Completely free to the public, the vibrant display is open for viewing during the store’s regular hours. Totally iconic and incredibly Instagram-worthy, we highly recommend noting this one down. New York is home to some of the most renowned cultural amenities in the country. Situated along Fifth Avenue, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and finest creative institutions in the Western Hemisphere. As stunning as it is fascinating, the repository features more than two million works of art spanning over 5000 years. Spring is an especially great time to visit, since the Cantor Roof Garden Bar will be open to all visitors. Granting fantastic views over Central Park, this is undoubtedly the perfect place to sit and relax after a hard day at the museum. May is the perfect time to visit the Big Apple. The weather is fresh, the flowers are in bloom, and as always, the city presents endless exciting attractions to its visitors. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or a sports fan, there’s a little something for everybody here. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo to its fullest, try out the area’s rich culinary offerings, or enjoy Shakespeare under the stars – the choice is yours! And now, you don’t have to miss out – with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can find an exhaustive array of things to do, for cheaper. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
Statue of Liberty and Manhattan view
Blog

Best hotel stays near the Statue of Liberty

Discover hotels so close to the Statue of Liberty, you might just spot her from your window.
Blog

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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.