In our New York attractions article, we described things to do in New York that don’t cost money. Times Square, 9/11 Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and much more! But besides these top attractions, you’ll probably want to do even more during your city trip.
Things to do in New York during your first visit
Are you planning a city trip to New York soon? Then you’ll want to know what there is to do in New York. Of course you’re coming to New York to admire the many attractions, but how fun is it to do an activity? Fortunately, there’s plenty to do in The Big Apple! We’re happy to list it all for you, nice and easy!
Bike tour through the city
It’s incredibly cool to explore New York by bike and you can do this in different ways. Whether you choose to discover the city yourself or prefer a guided tour with a Dutch guide, both are possible.
New York is very well suited for cycling. In more and more places there are dedicated bike paths to keep things easy and clear for cyclists. For example, take a bike ride from southern Manhattan to the north via the Hudson River Greenway. Via this bike path you’ll ride comfortably along the Hudson and can stop for various attractions along your route.
A nice stop is Pier 25 or Pier 26 where you’ll find various types of recreation such as: Mini golf, Beach volleyball and Kayaking. Stretch your legs on one of the many deck chairs on the pier, or have a glass of wine at City Vineyard.
Check here for the most famous attractions in New York.
Would you prefer a bike tour with a guide? You can! There are several Dutch guides who would love to give you a tour through Central Park or Brooklyn. Ideal if you want to know a bit more about the city and find it exciting to go out on your own.
Summer events
In summer, New Yorkers love being outside. They have picnics together or meet up for a fun event in the city. That’s wonderful, of course, because in New York it’s always nice and warm in summer.
From June to September you can attend various events in Bryant Park. There are evening opera performances, free dance activities and game nights. Or how about a yoga class among the skyscrapers? Bring a blanket and find a spot on the grass, just like the locals do. Don’t have a blanket? You can even borrow one in the park!
Visit the colorful Mermaid Parade on Coney Island. New Yorkers really go all out in their most colorful outfits to celebrate the start of summer. While you’re on Coney Island, you’ll of course eat a hot dog at Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs and can enjoy yourself at Luna Park, a retro amusement park by the water.
Visit Summer Stage in one of the many parks in New York, including Central Park. Daily there are free music performances to attend, from Golden Oldies to Spanish folk or classical music.
Mermaid Parade
Shopping in New York
New York is perfect for a day of shopping. From designer clothing to luxury department stores, New York is truly a city for fashionistas.
Visit America’s largest department store, Macy’s on 34th Street. The store, which was built in 1902, is no less than 200,000 square meters and was one of the first stores with an escalator. You can still use this unique wooden escalator.
In Soho you can enjoy great shopping. You’ll find the well-known chains on Broadway between Canal Street and Houston Street. But definitely also explore the nice side streets, for cute boutiques and cozy restaurants.
If you want to go to an outlet mall, book a ticket to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Just an hour’s drive from the city you can buy brand-name clothing at great prices.
Night out
You don’t have to be a musical lover to find a Broadway show absolutely fantastic. The impressive theater, the atmosphere and the beautiful performances make an evening on Broadway totally worth it! Most Broadway shows take place around 42nd street, near Times Square.
How about a basketball game between the locals? Visit the impressive Madison Square Garden for this. Or perhaps you’d rather go to a baseball game at Yankee Stadium? With a hot dog and a coke in hand you’ll sing along with the national anthem and cheer on your favorite team.
Would you rather have a drinks evening? Then find a spot on one of the many rooftops in the city. 230 Fifth rooftop bar is the largest rooftop bar in New York. Here you have a perfect view of the beautifully lit Empire State Building. In summer you can order a refreshing cocktail but even in winter the rooftop is open. Then you can take a seat in the cozy heated igloos.
Visit a viewpoint
The Big Apple has numerous viewpoints that offer a beautiful view over the city. These are the most famous viewpoints with an observation deck:
- One World Trade Center (also known as Freedom Tower): 541 meters high, built on the site of the former Twin Towers
- The Empire State Building: 381 meters high
- Top of the Rock: 259 meters high, this is the observation deck of Rockefeller Center with 3 viewpoints
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Lunch, dinner or drinks
Looking for things to do in New York for the best views without the crowds? Try lunch, dinner or drinks at 230 Fifth, Top of The Strand or Pod 39 Rooftop. From your table or from the bar, you’ll have amazing views of the skyline without the masses of tourists.
The menu isn’t just burgers and fries. There are many dining options with different types of cuisine and websites that report on them. Take a look at the following for delicious tips:
- My travelboekje – A list of the city’s best restaurants
- TimeOut – The best tips for restaurants
- Eater – If you’re wondering where you really must eat, this site provides the answer
Boat tour to the Statue of Liberty and more
Manhattan is actually an island and therefore surrounded by the Hudson River and East River. A boat tour is the ideal way to capture a beautiful shot of the skyline. Check out more information about visiting the Statue of Liberty and the free boat to Staten Island.
Things to do in New York for the best experience: a helicopter flight!
Already know what to do in New York for the absolute best experience? Then go for a helicopter flight over the city. This is undoubtedly the most beautiful way to see the city!
Things to do in New York in bad weather
What to do in New York when the sun isn’t shining? When the weather is really bad, the city fortunately still has plenty to offer so you can still have a fantastic day! And weather or no weather, the following things are of course always fun to do in this amazing metropolis.
Visit at least 1 or 2 museums
Museums and modern art
Many cities have good museums, but here you’ll find really excellent ones. Especially if you love modern art.
Museum of Modern Art is not to be missed. Also the following recommendations:
Broadway show
You don’t have to be a musical lover to find a Broadway show absolutely fantastic. The impressive theater, the atmosphere and the beautiful performances make an evening on Broadway completely worthwhile!
Discount passes
What to do in New York when you want to visit multiple attractions? It’s advisable to buy a discount pass. This way you’ll save a lot of money. There are three options:
- The NY PASS: choose your number of days (1, 2, 3, 5, 7 or 10 days for a fixed price) and you can visit an unlimited number of attractions within these days (80 attractions included and the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off tour is included)
- CityPASS: access to 6 top attractions (pre-selected) within 9 days for €103
- Explorer Pass: first choose the number of attractions you want to visit (3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 attractions for a fixed price) and decide later which ones you want to visit
TIP: when you want to get the most out of your New York city trip, we recommend The NY Pass. With this you can visit as much as you want within the number of days you’re staying in the city.
Free activities
New York is a beautiful, but also expensive city. That’s why it’s great that there are plenty of free activities. We’re happy to list the best ones for you
Visit a free museum, for example. This way you’ll learn more about the city, the history and culture of New York. Visit the National Museum of the American Indian and learn all about the indigenous population. They sold the land to the Dutch in 1625 for an amount of 60 euros. How exactly that worked you’ll discover in this museum.
Visit the free rooftop of Empire Stores in Brooklyn. In the heart of the industrial neighborhood of Dumbo you can enjoy fantastic views for free! Optionally order a bite and a drink at Time Out Market, the food market in the building.
If you’re in the Bowery neighborhood, pop into the Citizen M Bowery Hotel. Ask in the lobby for the Museum of Street Art and they’ll direct you to the elevator. From the top floor you then walk back down via the stairs. This is where MOSA, Museum of Street Art, is located. A collection of impressive graffiti, created by famous New York artists.
Blogs full of tips
Reading blogs can help you figure out what to do in New York. They’re often packed with tips and useful information. For example, read through the following:
- How to get to your destination? Read here about public transportation
- The city consists of many different neighborhoods each with their own attractions and culture
- More tips about what to do in New York and how to best plan your day? Read tips here
More information about what to do in New York City for groups?
Fill in the group trip form or call us at +34 646252199.