Top attractions in New York City

Check out the top attractions in New York City, from the most famous, must-see bucket list items to lesser-known hidden gems worth discovering while here.

New York City has endless opportunities for things to do and experience. After all, it is the city that never sleeps! From the classic must-dos, like visiting the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, to limited-time events and hidden gems, there’s something for everyone’s interests.

Whether you’re visiting the Big Apple for the first time or seasoned a New Yorker, you must check the city's top attractions and cultural experiences off your bucket list. Learn more and get tickets to many of these iconic things to do in NYC on New York Theatre Guide.

12. Madame Tussauds

We can't guarantee you'll spot a celebrity during your NYC trip, but you can go to Madame Tussauds for the next best thing. The famed wax museum has lifelike statues of movie stars, athletes, world leaders, musicians, and more. Snap a picture and trick your friends into thinking you met someone famous — yes, the statues are that lifelike.

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11. NYC food crawl

Take a bite out of the Big Apple — literally. New York has enough eateries to give you new options for decades, so we recommend narrowing it down by picking a neighborhood, a type of food, and/or a theme (such as "oldest restaurants in NYC" or "[theatre-themed restaurants") to narrow it down. The golden rule to live by: Don't eat somewhere you can go back home.

To get you started, here are some of the most iconic NYC restaurants located in Midtown: Joe's Pizza, Magnolia Bakery, Junior's, Ellen's Stardust Diner, Carmine's, Joe Allen, Birdland Jazz Club, and the Grand Central Oyster Bar.

10. New York Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo

New York isn't all concrete. Escape the skyscrapers and connect with nature at the New York Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo, located down the street from each other in the Bronx. Get your flora and fauna fix by walking through acres of land filled with gorgeous plants and then seeing hundreds of animal species.

Both attractions have indoor exhibits, so you can visit even when the weather is cold. The Botanical Garden also has special exhibits during the colder months, such as its annual Fall-O-Ween and Holiday Train Show displays that will delight all ages with plant-based art and spectacle.

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9. Rockefeller Center

Home of NYC's most famous ice skating rink, the namesake skyscraper of the sitcom 30 Rock, the site where Saturday Night Live is filmed, and the neighbor of the iconic Radio City Music Hall — all that and more describes Rockefeller Center, located just east of the Theatre District.

This bustling plaza is a great place to shop and eat year-round, and be sure to check out its famous Christmas tree during the holidays.

8. Roosevelt Island Tramway

Soar high above the city in an old-fashioned cable car, the only one of its kind in NYC. For the same price as a subway fare, you can have the unique experience of traveling on the Roosevelt Island Tramway from Manhattan's East Side to the namesake island.

A lesser-traveled, quiet gem, Roosevelt Island has lots of green space for picnicking and a handful of bustling bars and restaurants along Main Street. History buffs can also check out the ruins of a former hospital toward its south end and an old lighthouse at its northern tip.

7. Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of NYC's most famous museums, the Met itself is a work of art. The massive building, spanning four blocks where Central Park meets Fifth Avenue, and its picturesque fountains have been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, from Gossip Girl to Ocean's 8. You can spend a whole day seeing all the global exhibits and eating at the Met's various cafes.

Don't know where to start? Get tickets to one of the Met's themed tours, like the Staged tour of theatre-themed art, Ghost Stories tour of the macabre, or the Crown and Prophet tour, a fantasy-inspired adventure.

6. Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge connects Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights, and walking or biking over the bridge offers up breathtaking views of the East River and the skyline. Look out for the Statue of Liberty and the towering skyscrapers in the Financial District, including the One World Trade Center.

Complete your visit to this iconic bridge with a visit to the waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park. Stroll through the neighborhood of Dumbo, eat at the famous Grimaldi's Pizzeria, ride on the historic Jane’s Carousel, or attend a theatre performance at St. Ann’s Warehouse. If crossing into Lower Manhattan, visit the 9/11 Memorial Pools and Ground Zero.

5. Walking or bike tour

Check off multiple sights or even a whole neighborhood all at once by booking a guided tour in New York. Other perks are that you'll hear about NYC history and fun facts from an expert, and walking around with a group is a great way to learn how to navigate the city streets.

Both options are also great ways to get some exercise while sightseeing. And if you're worried, particularly on bike tours, about not having time to really take everything in, don't worry – nearly all tours have stops where you can take photos and rest.

4. Central Park

Feel like you've escaped Manhattan without leaving Manhattan. Lose yourself in the 843 acres of Central Park, a great spot for picnicking, exercising, sightseeing, or simply relaxing.

Eat at the famous Central Park Boathouse and then take a leisurely canoe ride on the lake. Ice skate during the colder months at Wollman Rink, or visit the Delacorte Theater in the summer for the annual Free Shakespeare in the Park series. See wildlife at the Central Park Zoo, get panoramic views from Belvedere Castle or Jackie Onassis Reservoir, and marvel at the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. And that's not even half of the attractions there!

3. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty is practically synonymous with New York City. The iconic statue in New York harbor is a marvelous sight, whether you look at it across the water from Manhattan or take a ferry to Liberty Island for an up-close-and-personal experience.

Located on nearby Ellis Island, and also accessible by ferry, is the same-named historic building. The former immigration center was converted into a museum in 1990 and is devoted to the history of global immigration to the city. A monument outside the main building displays the names of thousands of people who once came through Ellis Island — see if you can find any of your ancestors!

2. Empire State Building

It may not be NYC's tallest building anymore — that would be One World Trade Center — but it's still the most famous. The Empire State Building is located on 34th Street, right off Herald Square (the site of the Macy's flagship store).

A visit to the Empire State Building is an experience from the ground up. First, you walk through an interactive, multi-floor museum about the building's history and influence on pop culture. Then, rise to the top and experience unparalleled, 360-degree views of the city from its observation deck. The Empire State Building may be one of the city's most touristy spots, but there really is nothing quite like it.

1. Broadway show

Obviously, we at New York Theatre Guide can't list NYC's top attractions without Broadway. Located in and around Times Square, Broadway shows are the center of the American theatre industry, offering unparalleled experiences with top-tier performances and designs. Get razzle-dazzled by Chicago, the longest-running musical currently on Broadway; travel to Oz with Wicked, or see one of the many new plays or musicals premiering each season.

Broadway fanatics should also be sure to stop by the nearby Museum of Broadway, which celebrates centuries of theatre history across four floors and 26,000 square feet of iconic memorabilia, props, and costumes.

Need a pre- or post-show pick-me-up? Discover the best restaurants in the Theatre District.

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For more information on things to do and see in New York City, check out our comprehensive NYC guide and tips for planning NYC outings with kids.