04/04/2023 • 6 min
Best things to do in New York City
Fill your itinerary with the best things to do in New York City. From musicals on Broadway to strolls in Central Park, discover the best of NYC with Hertz.
The Big Apple is one of the world’s most celebrated locations. Immortalized on film and page, ‘The City That Never Sleeps’ is a vibrant, exuberant and unique experience unlike any other.
The best things to do in New York City are well documented, from world-famous landmarks to unmissable museums and galleries. Explore diverse neighborhoods where the cultures of the world meet and mix in a gripping, spirited concoction of food, flavors and fashion.
Check out our list of some of the top things to do in NYC below.
Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty, New York, NY 10004
Whether you sail past the statue on the Staten Island ferry or climb the 162 steps to peer out from her crown, be sure to get a good look at New York’s Green Goddess.
One of the Big Apple’s iconic sights, Saint Liberty is also steeped in history. A gift from France, as a symbol of friendship in 1886, New York’s most famous resident has become an emblem of freedom, democracy and enlightenment.
Don’t miss the Statue of Liberty Museum and be sure to catch the Liberty State Park ferry that leaves from Jersey City. Lines are shorter but the experience is the same.
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium, One East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451
Drive just 25 minutes out of central New York to watch the Yankees knock it out of the park at their home stadium in the Bronx. Whether you book seats in the bleachers, lower or upper levels, the atmosphere is electric, the merch is iconic, and the food choices range so much further than a chili dog and fries.
Tuck into everything from rich milkshakes and pizzas to sushi and juicy steak sandwiches while watching one of the world’s most popular sports. The all-American, big game experience can be expensive, but if you book tickets for a weekday game - and bring your own food, you can splash out on those lower-level seats.
Broadway
Broadway, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019
With over 40 theaters to choose from, there’s bound to be a Broadway hit that piques your interest. Classic musicals, award-winning plays and kid-friendly shows are just a few of your Broadway options. But just being in the Theater District is an immersive experience.
Everywhere you look, illuminated billboards, marquees and posters vie for your attention - and your dollars. To make your budget go a little further, check out the Off-Broadway shows to catch emerging projects before they make it big. Or visit the TKTS booth in Times Square to pick up cheaper tickets on the day.
Coney Island
Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Coney Island’s seaside charms have been wooing New Yorkers since the mid-19th century. As the decades rolled on, amusement parks arrived, bringing the vacation crowd, film crews and thrill seekers with them.
Today, the People’s Playground is riding a wave of nostalgia and high-octane fun that regularly sees it listed as one of New York’s best beaches.
The sky-high rides, bustling boardwalk and live entertainment make it worth taking the 40-minute drive to get here from downtown.
MoMA
9 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019
Far from being a stuffy museum with a few Dutch Masters on the walls, the MoMA is the crown jewel in New York’s art museum collection. With 630,000 square feet of exhibit space, it showcases contemporary art, photography, sculpture and screenings.
Plan for an early start to see Monet’s Water Lilies and Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Head straight up to floor five to beat the crowds. When you’ve ticked your MoMA highlights off your list, the plates served in the museum’s Michelin-starred restaurant are as artistic as the work on the walls.
Queens Night Market
New York Hall Of Science, 4701 111th Street, Queens, NY 11368
Shopping is easily one of the best things to do in New York. Block after block of malls, stores, boutiques and more span the shopping spectrum.
You can pick up bargain buys and eye high-end couture in the USA’s retail capital but there’s one browsing experience that beats the rest – Queens Night Market. Since 2015, this open air, night market has been bringing a culturally diverse shopping experience to those in the know.
The seasonal event only happens on select weekends through the year, so time your trip wisely. When you do get a ticket, expect cuisine and crafts from every corner of the globe, live entertainment and a shopping experience like no other.
Central Park
86th Street Transverse, Manhattan, NY 10024
Exploring all 843 acres of Central Park is probably asking too much. Neither would we suggest trying to see whether all the five million shrubs and trees planted in 1856 are still here. But taking a leisurely stroll through the park is one of the best ways to soak up New York City’s calmer side.
In summer, shade-dappled paths are a glorious place to idly explore. Any one of the three lakes make a perfect picnic spot. Open-air concerts transform the park from a natural oasis to a bowl of sound.
Ice skating, boating, yoga, museums, galleries, sculptures, playgrounds – the list of activities available is almost endless. If you visit in spring, you won’t be able to miss the plethora of cherry blossom too.
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge, NY 10038
The drive over the Brooklyn Bridge may be short – but it sure is iconic. Once the longest suspension bridge in the world, today, the Brooklyn Bridge is the oldest in the USA.
Drive over to Brooklyn to explore a new neighborhood. Enjoy the view of New York’s skyline from the bridge (as a passenger) and experience one of America’s most historic drives. If the weather’s good, park up and cross the bridge by foot or bike to get the ultimate vacation souvenir – a Brooklyn Bridge selfie.
The Comedy Cellar
117 MacDougal St, NY 10012
If the bright lights of Broadway don’t appeal or your budget is a bit too tight, why not book tickets to the Comedy Cellar instead? Launching the careers of some of America’s favorite stand ups, this Manhattan stage is notorious for producing comedy legends – and riotous laughs.
Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle and Marc Maron made their debuts here. Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman and Patton Oswalt have dropped by to perform a set or two and others have used the club as a location for films, specials and documentaries.
On any given night, you’re guaranteed a laugh from a solid line up of established comedians and up and coming talent.
Our list of things to do in New York barely scratches the surface. Why not use the city as a base and drive out to the Hamptons? Start your adventure in the Big Apple today.
Learn more about New York
Keen to explore a little further? Our guides and expert knowledge delivers everything you need to plan a trip to New York.
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