Top 10 Things to Do in New York City in 2026

New York City continues to captivate millions of visitors each year, with 64.7 million tourists in 2025 and projections reaching 66 million in 2026. Known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” NYC offers an unparalleled blend of iconic landmarks, world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and unforgettable experiences that make it one of the world’s premier travel destinations.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more of what the five boroughs have to offer, this comprehensive guide covers the top things to do in New York City that should be on every traveler’s itinerary. From ascending to spectacular observation decks to walking through centuries of history, these best things to do in NYC for tourists will help you make the most of your visit to America’s most vibrant metropolis.

With NYC tourism generating $79 billion in economic impact and $51 billion in direct spending across the five boroughs in 2024, the city has invested heavily in maintaining and enhancing its attractions. Let’s explore the New York City must-see destinations that make this concrete jungle an extraordinary place to visit.

1. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

No visit to New York City would be complete without experiencing Lady Liberty herself. This iconic symbol of freedom and democracy has welcomed millions of immigrants to America’s shores since 1886, and today it stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

To visit the Statue of Liberty, you’ll need to take a ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The journey itself offers spectacular views of the New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline. Advance ticket reservations are essential, as this is one of the most popular tourist spots in New York, and same-day tickets are rarely available.

What to See and Do

Your visit can include several experiences depending on your ticket type:

• Grounds Access: Walk around Liberty Island and view the statue from various angles
• Pedestal Reserve: Access to the pedestal offers closer views and a small museum about the statue’s history
• Crown Reserve: The most exclusive experience allows you to climb 377 steps to the crown for unparalleled views (book months in advance)

Most ferry tickets also include access to Ellis Island, where the Immigration Museum tells the powerful stories of the 12 million immigrants who passed through these halls between 1892 and 1954. The museum features authentic artifacts, photographs, and personal testimonies that bring American immigration history to life.

Planning Your Visit

Allow at least 4-5 hours for a combined visit to both islands. The first ferry departs around 9:00 AM, and visiting early helps you avoid the largest crowds. Security screening is required, so avoid bringing large bags. The experience is both educational and deeply moving, making it one of the most meaningful NYC activities and sightseeing opportunities available.

2. Experience the Empire State Building Observatory

Rising 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building has been an enduring symbol of New York City since its completion in 1931. This Art Deco masterpiece offers one of the most spectacular observation experiences in the world, with 360-degree views of the city from its 86th and 102nd-floor observatories.

The building’s iconic status in popular culture—from King Kong to Sleepless in Seattle—adds an extra layer of excitement to your visit. At night, the building’s tower lights illuminate in various colors to commemorate holidays, events, and causes, creating a stunning beacon visible throughout the city.

Observatory Experiences

Tickets to the Empire State Building cost $72-77 for adults, with several options available:

• 86th Floor Observatory: The main observation deck with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas
• 102nd Floor Observatory: The highest viewpoint, fully enclosed with floor-to-ceiling windows
• Sunrise Experience: Special early morning access to watch the sun rise over New York City
• Express Pass: Skip the lines with priority access

The newly renovated entrance on 34th Street features an immersive museum experience that guides you through the building’s construction and history before you ascend to the observatories. Interactive exhibits showcase the building’s role in New York’s skyline and American culture.

Best Time to Visit

While the Empire State Building is spectacular any time of day, visiting during sunset allows you to see the city in both daylight and after dark—a truly magical experience. Your ticket includes same-day re-entry, so you can visit during the day and return at night. Weekday mornings and late evenings typically have smaller crowds.

3. Explore Central Park’s 843 Acres

Central Park serves as New York City’s green heart, offering 843 acres of meadows, woodlands, lakes, and recreational spaces right in the middle of Manhattan. This masterpiece of landscape architecture, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, has provided respite to New Yorkers and visitors for more than 150 years.

The park stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street and from Fifth Avenue to Central Park West, creating an enormous playground for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you want to simply stroll through tree-lined paths, rent a rowboat, visit a castle, or discover hidden gardens, Central Park offers endless possibilities.

Must-See Locations Within the Park

• Bethesda Terrace and Fountain: The park’s architectural heart, featuring stunning tile work and the iconic Angel of the Waters statue
• The Mall and Literary Walk: A beautiful tree-lined promenade featuring statues of famous writers
• Bow Bridge: One of the most photographed spots in the park, offering gorgeous views of the lake and city skyline
• Belvedere Castle: A miniature castle providing panoramic views from its towers
• Strawberry Fields: The peaceful memorial to John Lennon, featuring the famous “Imagine” mosaic
• The Ramble: 36 acres of winding paths and wild woodland, perfect for bird watching
• Conservatory Garden: A formal six-acre garden divided into Italian, French, and English sections

Activities and Experiences

Central Park isn’t just for looking—it’s for doing. Rent a bike to cover more ground, take a horse-drawn carriage ride for a romantic experience, or join a guided walking tour to learn the park’s fascinating history and secrets. In summer, catch a free Shakespeare in the Park performance or a concert on the Great Lawn. Winter transforms the park into a wonderland, with ice skating available at Wollman Rink.

The best part? Central Park is completely free to enter and explore, making it one of the most accessible top NYC attractions 2026 has to offer. Plan to spend at least half a day here—you’ll want more time once you arrive.

4. Discover World-Class Museums: The Met and American Museum of Natural History

New York City boasts some of the finest museums in the world, and two institutions stand above the rest as absolute must-visits for any traveler: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

As NYC’s most visited museum, The Met showcases over 5,000 years of art from around the world across its massive 2 million square foot building. Located on the eastern edge of Central Park, this encyclopedic museum contains approximately 2 million works of art spanning from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary masterpieces.

Highlights include:

• The Egyptian Wing with the Temple of Dendur
• European paintings featuring works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh
• The American Wing showcasing three centuries of American art
• The Costume Institute with rotating fashion exhibitions
• The rooftop garden offering spectacular views of Central Park and the city skyline (seasonal)

Admission is $30 for adults, with suggested admission for New York State residents. The museum is so vast that seeing everything in one visit is impossible—focus on a few departments that interest you most, or join a guided highlights tour to see the collection’s greatest treasures.

American Museum of Natural History

This beloved institution captivates visitors of all ages with its spectacular collection of natural specimens and cultural artifacts. The museum’s 45 permanent exhibition halls cover everything from dinosaurs to space exploration, making it one of the most comprehensive natural history museums in the world.

Don’t miss:

• The Fossil Halls featuring complete dinosaur skeletons, including the famous Tyrannosaurus rex
• The Milstein Hall of Ocean Life with the 94-foot blue whale model
• The Rose Center for Earth and Space, including the Hayden Planetarium
• The Hall of Biodiversity showcasing Earth’s ecological diversity
• The extensive collection of gems and minerals, including the Star of India sapphire

General admission is $28 for adults, with additional costs for special exhibitions and the planetarium shows. The museum gained additional fame as a filming location for the Night at the Museum movies, making it especially exciting for families with children.

Planning Your Museum Visits

Both museums deserve at least 3-4 hours each. They’re located on opposite sides of Central Park, making them difficult to visit on the same day unless you have considerable energy and stamina. Consider visiting one museum thoroughly rather than rushing through both. Both institutions offer excellent dining options if you need a break during your visit.

5. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Few experiences capture the essence of New York City quite like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. This architectural marvel has provided passage between Brooklyn and Manhattan for over 140 years since opening in 1883, and today it stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the American landscape.

The bridge spans 1.1 miles across the East River, and walking across it offers constantly changing perspectives of both the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn waterfront. The wooden walkway sits elevated above the traffic lanes, creating a pedestrian promenade that feels removed from the urban chaos below.

The Walk Experience

Walking from Manhattan to Brooklyn is generally recommended, as this direction provides the most dramatic views of the Manhattan skyline ahead of you. Start at City Hall Park near the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station, and you’ll reach Brooklyn Bridge Park about 30-40 minutes later, depending on how often you stop for photographs (and you’ll stop often).

The bridge features Gothic-revival stone towers and a distinctive cable design that creates beautiful geometric patterns perfect for photography. Information plaques along the walkway explain the bridge’s history and construction, including the fascinating and tragic story of the Roebling family who designed and built this engineering marvel.

What to Do in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Once you reach Brooklyn, explore Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offers:

• Spectacular Manhattan skyline views from various piers
• Jane’s Carousel, a beautifully restored 1922 carousel housed in a glass pavilion
• Picnic areas and lawns perfect for relaxing after your walk
• Dumbo neighborhood with cobblestone streets, art galleries, and excellent restaurants
• The famous photo spot at Washington Street where you can frame the Empire State Building through the Manhattan Bridge arch

The Brooklyn Bridge walk is completely free, making it one of the best-value popular tourist spots in New York. Visit early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds, or time your walk for sunset to see the city bathed in golden light. Just watch out for cyclists—the walkway is shared with bike traffic, so stay in the designated pedestrian lanes.

6. Pay Respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum serves as a powerful tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, and the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing of February 26, 1993. This deeply moving experience provides both remembrance and education, helping ensure that the events and their impact are never forgotten.

The Memorial

The outdoor memorial plaza is free to visit and features two enormous reflecting pools set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers. Water cascades down the sides of these voids and disappears into a central abyss, creating a powerful metaphor for loss. The names of every victim are inscribed in bronze panels surrounding the pools, arranged according to meaningful connections between the individuals.

The plaza also features the Survivor Tree, a Callery pear tree that was recovered from the World Trade Center rubble, nursed back to health, and replanted at the memorial. Its resilience and rebirth symbolize the strength and perseverance of those who survived and the nation’s recovery.

The Museum

The underground museum provides a comprehensive chronicle of 9/11, documenting the events of that day, examining their causes and aftermath, and exploring their ongoing significance. Admission is $36 for adults, and advance timed tickets are required.

The museum contains artifacts recovered from the site, including crushed fire trucks, remnants of the buildings’ structural elements, and personal items belonging to victims. First-person testimonies from survivors, first responders, and family members provide heart-wrenching accounts of loss and resilience.

Key exhibitions include:

• Historical Exhibition documenting the day’s events through artifacts, images, video, and audio
• Memorial Exhibition honoring each victim through photographs and personal tributes
• Foundation Hall displaying the Last Column, a 36-foot steel beam that became a symbol of recovery
• Survivor stairs that thousands used to escape the towers

Visiting Guidelines

This is a solemn memorial site where respectful behavior is expected. Photography is permitted in most areas but should be done thoughtfully. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit. The experience is emotionally intense, so prepare yourself accordingly. Many visitors find it to be one of the most meaningful and important experiences of their trip to New York City.

7. See a Broadway Show in the Theater District

No visit to New York City is complete without experiencing the magic of Broadway. The Theater District, centered around Times Square and stretching along 42nd Street to 53rd Street, represents the pinnacle of American theater, hosting the most prestigious and spectacular stage productions in the world.

Broadway shows average $115-129 per ticket, though prices vary significantly based on the show, seat location, and performance date. The investment is worth it—these productions feature world-class performers, stunning sets and costumes, and theatrical experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

What to See

Broadway offers something for every taste, from classic musicals to cutting-edge dramas. Popular long-running shows include spectacular productions that have become cultural phenomena, while new shows premiere regularly, keeping the theatrical landscape fresh and exciting.

Consider these factors when choosing a show:

• Musicals: Large-scale productions with singing and dancing, often family-friendly
• Plays: Straight dramatic or comedic performances without musical numbers
• Revivals: New productions of beloved classics with fresh interpretations
• New Works: Original productions making their Broadway debut

Getting Tickets

Book tickets well in advance for popular shows, especially if you’re visiting during peak season or want premium seats. Options for purchasing include:

• Official theater websites or Telecharge/Ticketmaster: Full-price tickets with the best seat selection
• TKTS booths: Discount same-day tickets (25-50% off) available in Times Square, Downtown Brooklyn, and South Street Seaport
• Lottery and rush tickets: Many shows offer limited low-price tickets through digital lotteries or day-of rush sales
• Authorized resellers: Various services offering tickets at different price points

Theater District Experience

Arrive early to soak in the atmosphere, grab dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants, and take photos in front of the illuminated marquees. The energy of the Theater District, especially at night when all the lights are blazing, captures the excitement and glamour that make New York City special. Seeing a Broadway show provides one of the most quintessentially New York experiences available, making it an essential part of the best things to do in NYC for tourists.

8. Take in Views from Top of the Rock or Edge NYC

While the Empire State Building offers the most iconic observation deck experience, two other spectacular viewpoints deserve consideration: Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center and Edge at Hudson Yards. Each provides unique perspectives on the New York City skyline, and many visitors prefer them for specific reasons.

Top of the Rock

Located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Top of the Rock offers observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors with 360-degree views spanning from the Empire State Building to Central Park and beyond. The multilevel design means fewer crowds and more space to move around than some other observation decks.

Advantages of Top of the Rock include:

• Unobstructed views of the Empire State Building (you can’t see it from the Empire State Building itself)
• Direct views over Central Park, showing the green space’s full rectangular layout
• Lower glass barriers that allow for better photographs
• Generally shorter wait times than the Empire State Building
• The outdoor decks feature viewing platforms at multiple heights

Tickets cost around $40-50 for adults, with timed entry reservations recommended. The observation decks can be combined with a tour of Radio City Music Hall or visits to other Rockefeller Center attractions.

Edge NYC

The newest addition to New York’s observation deck scene, Edge at Hudson Yards offers the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere at 1,100 feet. This ultra-modern attraction features a dramatic glass floor extending out from the building, creating the sensation of floating above the city.

Edge’s unique features include:

• Angled glass walls that lean outward, creating breathtaking photo opportunities
• A glass floor section where you can look straight down to the streets below
• 360-degree views including the Hudson River, New Jersey, and lower Manhattan
• The Skyline Seats, outdoor seating where you can relax and take in the views
• Champagne bar for a luxurious experience

Tickets range from $38-44 for adults. For the ultimate thrill-seeker experience, consider City Climb, which allows you to scale the outside of the building’s crown while harnessed to a safety rail—the highest external building climb in the world.

Choosing Your Observatory

For classic New York views with the Empire State Building in your photos, choose Top of the Rock. For the most modern, thrilling experience with dramatic architecture, choose Edge. Both offer spectacular perspectives on the city and are among the top NYC activities and sightseeing experiences. Visit at sunset if possible to see the city transition from day to night.

9. Explore Times Square and Rockefeller Center

Times Square represents New York City at its most vibrant, chaotic, and unapologetically commercial. This intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets, blazes with digital billboards, flashing lights, and constant movement, creating an sensory overload that somehow defines the New York experience.

Times Square

Love it or hate it, you must experience Times Square at least once. The pedestrian plazas created in recent years have transformed the former traffic nightmare into a more walkable space where you can actually stop and take in the spectacle. Street performers, costumed characters, and musicians add to the carnival atmosphere.

While Times Square itself is primarily about the experience rather than specific attractions, the area includes:

• Massive flagship stores for M&M’s, Hershey’s, Disney, and other brands
• The TKTS booth for discount Broadway tickets
• Madame Tussauds wax museum
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
• Countless restaurants, from budget-friendly chains to upscale dining

Times Square is brightest and most exciting at night, but it’s also most crowded then. Visit in early morning if you want to photograph the area without thousands of other people in your shots. The energy is electric, especially on New Year’s Eve when nearly a million people gather to watch the famous ball drop.

Rockefeller Center

A short walk north, Rockefeller Center offers a more refined New York experience. This complex of 19 commercial buildings represents some of the finest Art Deco architecture in the city, and its plaza serves as a gathering space for New Yorkers and tourists alike.

Key attractions include:

• The Rink at Rockefeller Center: The famous ice skating rink operates from October through April, with the giant Christmas tree as a backdrop during the holiday season
• The Christmas Tree: From late November through early January, an enormous Norway Spruce decorated with thousands of lights becomes one of the most photographed spots in the world
• Radio City Music Hall: The legendary venue home to the Rockettes and their famous Christmas Spectacular
• NBC Studios: Take a tour to see where Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, and other famous programs are produced
• Top of the Rock: The observation deck experience described earlier
• The Channel Gardens: Beautiful landscaped walkway leading to the central plaza

The plaza features Paul Manship’s iconic golden Prometheus statue, which has become one of New York’s most recognizable sculptures. Throughout the year, the plaza hosts various events, performances, and installations. Both Times Square and Rockefeller Center are free to visit and explore, making them essential stops on any New York City must-see destinations itinerary.

10. Walk the High Line and Visit Hudson Yards

The High Line represents one of New York City’s most innovative urban renewal projects, transforming an abandoned elevated railroad into a unique public park. This 1.45-mile linear park runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District through Chelsea to 34th Street near Hudson Yards, offering a completely different perspective on the city.

The High Line Experience

Walking the High Line takes you 30 feet above street level through carefully designed landscapes that incorporate the railway’s original features. The park features native plants, public art installations, stunning views of the Hudson River, and creative seating areas where you can relax and people-watch.

Highlights along the route include:

• Views of the Hudson River and Chelsea architecture
• The 10th Avenue Square, where stadium-style seating overlooks the street through a large glass panel
• Public art installations that change regularly
• The Northern Spur Preserve, a more wild section left intentionally overgrown
• Food vendors and small cafes near various access points
• The Pershing Square Beams, an architectural installation of massive interconnected beams

The High Line is free to visit and open year-round from 7 AM to 10 PM. Spring and early summer offer the most beautiful plantings, but the park provides an interesting experience in every season. Enter at any of the multiple access points along its length—Gansevoort Street at the southern end provides the most dramatic introduction.

Hudson Yards

At the High Line’s northern terminus, Hudson Yards represents the largest private real estate development in American history. This gleaming complex of residential and commercial towers includes high-end shopping, restaurants, and several tourist attractions.

Notable attractions include:

• Edge: The observation deck described earlier, offering spectacular views
• Vessel: The distinctive honeycomb-like structure of interconnected staircases (currently closed but worth seeing from the outside)
• The Shops at Hudson Yards: Luxury shopping with brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier
• Restaurants: Celebrity chef dining options including establishments by Thomas Keller and José Andrés
• The Shed: A cultural center hosting art exhibitions, performances, and events

While Hudson Yards has a more corporate feel than historic New York neighborhoods, it represents the city’s constant evolution and willingness to reimagine itself. The contrast between the preserved industrial heritage of the High Line and the ultra-modern development of Hudson Yards perfectly captures New York’s ability to honor its past while embracing the future.

Planning Your New York City Adventure

With these top NYC attractions 2026 on your itinerary, you’re prepared to experience the best of what New York City offers. The city welcomes millions of visitors each year who come to see these iconic landmarks and create unforgettable memories.

Money-Saving Tips

New York City can be expensive, but savvy travelers can reduce costs significantly:

• Consider the New York CityPASS at $146 for adults, which covers multiple major attractions and saves considerable money compared to individual tickets
• Take advantage of NYC Must-See Week (January 20-February 12) for 50% off tickets to attractions and shows
• Visit during the off-season (mid-January through March) for cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds
• Use the subway system—at under $3 per ride, it’s the most economical transportation option
• Enjoy the many free attractions: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, 9/11 Memorial plaza, High Line, Staten Island Ferry

Essential Travel Tips

• Book in advance: Popular attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Broadway shows, and observation decks require advance reservations
• Allow enough time: A minimum of 3-4 days covers the major highlights, but a week is recommended for a comprehensive experience
• Use public transportation: You don’t need a car—the subway, buses, and walking will get you everywhere
• Stay aware: NYC is generally safe for tourists, but stick to well-lit areas, especially at night, and keep valuables secure in crowded places
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll walk much more than you expect, often 5-10 miles per day

Best Times to Visit

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather—not too hot or cold—making outdoor activities comfortable. Summer (June-August) brings warm weather and outdoor events but also peak crowds and high prices. Winter (December-March) features holiday festivities, ice skating, and fewer tourists, though temperatures can be frigid.

Conclusion

New York City offers an extraordinary concentration of world-class attractions, cultural institutions, and iconic experiences found nowhere else on Earth. From the symbolic power of the Statue of Liberty to the theatrical magic of Broadway, from the peaceful oasis of Central Park to the soaring heights of Edge and Top of the Rock, these popular tourist spots in New York showcase why the city continues to captivate millions of visitors each year.

Whether you’re drawn to history, art, architecture, entertainment, or simply the unique energy of urban life, New York City delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn. The things to do in New York City extend far beyond this list—these top 10 attractions simply provide the essential foundation for your New York adventure.

As the city continues to evolve and welcome an expected 66 million visitors in 2026, NYC remains the quintessential American metropolis where dreams are pursued, cultures collide, and anything seems possible. Start planning your trip to experience these incredible NYC activities and sightseeing opportunities for yourself. The city that never sleeps is waiting to welcome you.