Things to do in New York

There are so many things to do in New York that it can be hard to know where to start. But there are some major attractions that should definitely be on your list.

If you want to take in the city from above, go up the Empire State Building and be amazed by panoramic views from 86 floors up. Alternatively, if you want to snap photos of the New York skyline – with the Empire State Building actually in shot – go to the Top of the Rock at the famous Rockefeller Center. Not keen on heights? Stroll across Brooklyn Bridge instead, where you’ll have stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline.

Another of New York’s top attractions is the Statue of Liberty – and ferries run throughout the day, so you can go whenever you wish. Immerse yourself in the chaos of Wall Street or soak up the vivid billboards of Times Square, and grab an obligatory hotdog from a street vendor. Or, if you fancy a break from the concrete jungle, escape to leafy Central Park.

If you’re a shopaholic, Fifth Avenue needs to be on your list of places to visit in New York. This iconic street is home to big names like Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace. You can peruse designer labels in Saks Fifth Avenue, admire glittering trinkets in Tiffany & Co., and browse high street favourites like H&M, Topshop and Urban Outfitters.

One of the best things to do in New York, though, is to catch a show. Broadway is home to a wonderful variety of award-winning musicals, ranging from classics like The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King, to modern hits like Hamilton and The Book of Mormon.
Alternatively, if theatre isn’t your bag, why not spend an evening in a music bar? Greenwich Village, in particular, is packed with speakeasy-style bars, where you can sip cocktails and listen to live jazz. Or, if you want to dance the night away, hit up one of the sleek nightclubs in trendy Chelsea.

The Big Apple is synonymous with skyscrapers and shopping, but there are lots of cultural attractions here too. New York is crammed with world-famous museums, so make sure you visit at least one as part of your sightseeing in New York.

If you’re into fine art, a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must. This diverse museum houses works by Matisse, Rembrandt, Renoir and Van Gogh, to name a few. Alternatively, if modern art’s more your thing, check out the Museum of Modern Art – known as MoMA – where more than 200,000 pieces are on display.

For a glimpse into the city’s past, visit Ellis Island. Once the gateway to USA, this island saw 12 million immigrants pass through its gates. It’s now a poignant museum, filled with fascinating records, interviews and exhibitions. Alternatively, for insight into more recent events, visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The memorial – sometimes referred to as ‘Ground Zero’ – takes the form of two pools on the site of the former World Trade Center, while the museum tells the story of that fateful day through photos, personal stories and interactive technology.

The Big Apple is vibrant and bustling all year round, but this city is undoubtedly more magical in December. Nowhere does Christmas quite like New York. As soon as Thanksgiving has passed, Manhattan comes alive with festive activities and attractions, not to mention incredible displays of twinkling lights.

There’s an endless amount of things to do in New York at Christmastime. You can go ice-skating in Central Park and snap photos in front of the iconic Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre. Buy some gifts in Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, or simply wrap up warm and walk down Fifth Avenue, admiring the vibrant light installations and festive shop windows. And, if you really want to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland, make sure you grab tickets to see the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular.