20 Amazing Things To Do In NYC Today

1. Visit New York Public Library

The world's most renowned library is The Public Library of New York, or more simply, The NYC Public Library, which bears indisputable evidence as part of the New York City heritage. The main branch in Manhattan is denoted by two lions in statues and is one of the major nodes for transport and visitors.

Free access to millions of materials, including books and magazines, is at the library. It is utilized for reading as well as entertainment purposes, exhibitions, and educational programs. The building itself is architecture in the Beaux-Arts style and contains beautiful reading rooms and grand halls.

For a person doing research or just reading, it provides a quiet retreat from the buzzing streets of New York City.

2. Catch A Game Or Concert At Madison Square Garden

Head into the Madison Square Garden, most affectionately called The Garden, and catch a game or concert. From basketball with the New York Knicks to hockey with the New York Rangers, or a concert featuring a world-famous musician, athletic games at this arena are electric.

It's a host of unbelievable moments, from where thrilling overtimes happen to mind-blowing live performances. Just adjacent to Penn Station, it is also very easily accessed and the best way to experience the excitement of New York City.

A sports fan or a lover of music who gets to visit an event here is among the fun things to do while visiting NYC. The memories will be among the best on your trip to the city.

3. Explore Time Square

Known as The Crossroads of the World, Times Square is among the main hits to see in New York City. The area is enormous, and there are digital billboards everywhere. Multiple Broadway theaters exist within the area.

It is quite a view, especially at night when neon lights come alive. Among activities that people can do here are watching street performers, attending a show on Broadway, or just walking around, soaking up the energy.

4. Visit The Bronx Zoo

Looking for things to do with kids in NYC today, the Bronx Zoo should be on the list. This large and popular zoo has a wonderful diversification of animals from across the world. Children and families have an opportunity to take a look at such exhibits as lions, giraffes, monkeys, and so much more.

It features interactive experiences like feeding giraffes, learning about the protection of wildlife, and having fun. There are also special events and educational programs designed for kids. The Bronx Zoo sprawls over a beautiful park with loads of space to run around for kids.

Equipped with fun, educational activities, the zoo is just perfect for family outings and spending a day in New York City.

5. Discover Little Italy And Chinatown

Little Italy and Chinatown are both steeped in rich cultural experiences and great dining. Within Little Italy, one can find many NYC restaurants serving up authentic Italian cuisine from savory pasta dishes to sweet cannoli, which will make your taste buds salivate.

On the other hand, Chinatown shows another example of the diversity of NYC restaurants with authentic Chinese dishes, whether they be dim sum or spicy Sichuan.

From Italian to Chinese food, Little Italy and Chinatown are an eldritch horror of delicious food options that any visitor to this city has to engage with if they want to be able to say that they experienced the best NYC food culture.

6. See The Statue Of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most unforgettable New York City Attractions and is among the poignant symbols of liberty and democracy shining upon Liberty Island. This highly acclaimed statue was gifted by France to the United States in the year 1886.

One can get to this tiny island in NYC with the help of a ferry ride and enjoy brilliant views of the statue and the New York City skyline. You would also want to climb up the crown for panoramic views.

So very much an epitome of freedom values and opportunities, the Statue of Liberty is not just a landmark. It's a must for any New York visitor to make a connection with this important piece of American history.

7. See A Broadway Show

A Broadway show is the best experience that one could have while watching a Broadway show in NYC. Located in Manhattan, within the Theater District, Broadway is known for its world-class performances. You can get a great variety of musicals, plays, and some special productions as well. Beautiful architecture with and perfect acoustics, those theaters are sure to get any audience spellbound.

From "The Lion King," "Hamilton," and "Wicked" to the more obscure shows, is a list that includes the whole gamut. Going to a Broadway show is a must-see attraction in New York City that always allows viewers to watch the best that now exists in the world of live theater.

8. Visit The Central Park

The most well-known NYC park is Central Park. This place provides a tranquil retreat from the busy activities in the city. Its landscapes are lovely and contain lakes, wooded areas, and vast meadows. These are activities visitors can do here: walk, bike, picnic, or just walk on the paths with scenic beauty.

Some of the variably famous places inside the park are the Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Zoo, and Great Lawn. Central Park also hosts some events and performances during different times of the year that add to its lively atmosphere. This would be a great place to have some quiet time, play games, or simply enjoy nature amid the ever-hectic environment of New York City.

9. Walk Across Brooklyn Bridge

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is New York City's best experience. This iconic bridge between Manhattan and Brooklyn features great views of the New York City skyline, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty, appearing to be an architectural masterpiece built in 1883 and remaining a favorite spot as much for visitors as locals.

The pedestrian walk offers friendly, picturesque lanes from where you have closer views of the unique Gothic arches and cables of the bridge. From taking in the views of the cityscape to taking pictures or having a stroll, the Brooklyn Bridge truly is unforgettable. You get to see the city from a different perspective, and you get to view Manhattan and Brooklyn.

10. Explore The Metropolitan Museum Of Arts

The Metropolitan Museum of Arts is, in its category, among the largest and most renowned museums to be found in New York City. Various exhibitions can be visited starting with ancient Egyptian works, to European paintings, and sculptures leading to the history of modern art.

The Met is one place that presents exposure to arts of diverse cultures and eras, all under one roof. Every person, at least an admirer of art or history, has to visit this wonderful place. It offers charities for every age group in the form of special exhibitions, guided tours, and educational programs, which could be inspiring and provide information from The Met.

11. Walk The High Line

The High Line is one of those special NYC parks, located on the elevated railway track of the former west side of Manhattan. This linear park gives a serene retreat with beautiful gardens, art installations, and amazing views of both the city and the Hudson River. The High Line is for leisure walks while enjoying greenery, public art, and nice sitting spots.

There were also food vendors and seasonal programming, so it's well-known to both locals and visitors alike. Walk through this elevated park offers views of the city from a different angle, blending nature into the architecture of the urban landscape; it is simply a must-see attraction in New York City.

12. Visit The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is among the most iconic landmarks in New York City, which is super fun when visiting NYC. Situated right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan, it is a 102-story skyscraper towering over the city from both its observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors.

A lift carries visitors to the top, where they will get panoramic views over the skyline, including in full view clearly in the field of view: Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Hudson River.

Especially beautiful at night, with all changing colors lighting it up, the Empire State Building is good. First-timers and locals, too, can experience the Empire State Building, where one gets to view New York City differently.

13. Stroll Through The Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is one of the destinations that unites all different tastes, starting with delicious foods and ending up with unique shops and a provided atmosphere. Chelsea Indoor Market, located in a historic building in Chelsea, offers a perfect opportunity for sweet food enthusiasts, lovers, and shoppers to explore.

From fresh seafood and gourmet tacos to handmade baked goods and front-rank international fare, the market has something for everyone. Specialty shops range from craft and handcrafted items to unique gifts, and local products are all available in this market.

14. Explore The 9/11 Memorial And Museum

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum was dedicated to the memory of the victims and heroes who lost their lives and acts of heroism on September 11, 2001. There are two large reflecting pools where the Twin Towers used to rise with an outline of victims' names etched into the rim of each pool.

The nearby museum dedicated to 9/11 contains artifacts, photos, and first-hand stories that allow one to feel all the consequences of what took place. There are many other NYC events and programs throughout the year at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, which includes special ceremonies and educational activities.

15. Explore The Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is a New York City landmark of art and is world-renowned because of its unusual design and very fine collection of contemporary and modern art. It was designed by the brilliant architect Frank Lloyd Wright and turned out to be an art masterpiece in itself, having a spiral shape and curved walls that showed a great influence from its period.

Visitors could contemplate the in-house exhibitions from renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, and Jackson Pollock, along with some rotating exhibitions of new and innovative art from around the world.

The museum is specifically constructed so that visitors may follow the art up the spiral ramp to create a unique viewing experience.

16. Take A Circle Line Cruise

The top view over New York City can be offered by looking at it right from the water, especially through the eyes of the Circle Line Cruise. Take this popular Manhattan boat tour for views of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Then enjoy views of beautiful waterfronts, old buildings, and nice neighborhoods along your route.

The full-circle tour of Manhattan features an option for every explorer, allowing one to take shorter trips to focus on areas of concentrated interest. Circle Line Cruise offers a different view of NYC and is the best way to capture many famous sights of the town, such as the NYC Liberty.

17. Spend The Day In The Beach

There are places on New York City's beaches to offer a refreshing getaway from its hustle and bustle. Starting with Coney Island in NYC beaches, complete with a boardwalk and amusement park, Rockaway Beach in Queens has great surf, Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, and Orchard Beach in the Bronx, known for its great scenery and sunbathing areas.

Each of these beaches offers an experience ranging from crowded energies and amusement parks to others much more tranquil. They are the best spots to get your sun, sand, and sea without leaving the city. NYC beaches offer plenty of swimming, relaxation, and activity opportunities at the beach.

18. Walk Through The New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is a beautiful paradise, with many different and varied lush landscapes, color flower displays, and theme gardens. The visitor can take a walk around the beautiful landscapes, stroll down the scenic paths, or just sit in many other outdoor places to relax in this amazing place.

It also hosts seasonal exhibitions and activities, as well as special programs for education and training for visitors of all ages. Among other highlights of the New York Botanical Garden, the following must be mentioned: Enid A. Haupt Conservatory with lush tropical plants and seasonal exhibitions, and Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, famed for its serene beauty.

19. Dine In The View Restaurant & Lounge

Perched above the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square is the View Restaurant & Lounge, and it's one of only a few unique NYC restaurants. Besides the fact that this restaurant is revolving, this place has amazing 360 degree views of New York City, with a view of the Empire State Building as well as Central Park.

From American cuisine to seasonal specials, it has everything, along with its very own cocktail menu and one of the sweets courses. With phenomenal views and great food, View Restaurant and Lounge is perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners.

It is one special way to experience the city, eating while overlooking one of the most famous skylines in the world.

20. Have A Look At The Museum Of Modern Art (MoMA)

The main museum is the Museum of Modern Art. This museum mainly operates as an art museum in New York City. Relatively, it gives much insight into modern and contemporary works by greats such as Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso. These holdings include paintings, sculptures, movies, and design objects.

The museum is organized by several departments based on a particular style or period of modern art. Besides that, MoMA has on display world-renowned works of art and their history, as well as special exhibitions. It has a sculpture garden for the lovers of art outdoors. It is the place to check out some great works from the 20th and 21st centuries.