See and do · Things to do · 2026
The best things to do in Manhattan.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 23 places.
New York City consists of five distinct boroughs, most famous are Manhattan and Brooklyn, with Manhattan getting the lion’s share of famous attractions. Odds are high that if you’re planning your first trip to the Big Apple, your itinerary will focus on Manhattan and Brooklyn.
And honestly, that’s the best place to be! There’s so many famous buildings and fun Manhattan activities, you could easily spend a few days exploring the island barely scratch the surface.
- 9/11 Memorial & MuseumMuseum · Financial DistrictThe 9/11 museum is a profound tribute to the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001 and is truly one of the best things to do in lower Manhattan.
- American Museum of Natural HistoryMuseum · Upper West SideThe American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is conveniently located right next to Central Park.
- Brooklyn BridgeLandmark · Brooklyn/Financial DistrictWalking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do for anyone visiting Manhattan for the first time.
- Bryant Park & New York Public LibraryPark · MidtownBryant Park, nestled amid midtown’s skyscrapers, is found behind the New York Public Library.
- Central ParkPark · Upper West SideLet’s start with a quintessential New York City experience. taking a leisurely stroll through Central Park.
- Chelsea MarketMarket · ChelseaThe Chelsea Market is a famous food hall mixed with unique shops, restaurants, spice markets, and cafes.
- Chinatown Food CrawlOther · ChinatownTaking a self-guided Chinatown food crawl is an absolute must for foodies looking for things to do in Manhattan.
- EdgeLandmark · Hudson YardsSimilar to Top of the Rock, Edge is a popular Manhattan attraction that lives up to the hype.
- Fifth AvenueStreet · MidtownAfter admiring the Plaza, take a stroll down Fifth Avenue.
- Grand Central TerminalLandmark · MidtownStepping into Grand Central Terminal for the first time is an experience you won’t soon forget.
- High Line & Little IslandPark · Chelsea/Meatpacking DistrictThe High Line is a top attraction in Manhattan.
- Levain BakeryBakery · Upper West SideLevain makes the most famous cookies in New York City.
- Oculus MallStore · Financial District
- Rockefeller CenterLandmark · MidtownI brought my mom here on her first visit. She still talks about it.
- RubirosaRestaurant · NolitaRubirosa is a classic New York pizza joint beloved by locals and tourists alike, for good reason.
- Russ & DaughtersRestaurant · Lower East SideStart your day the true New York way – grab a bagel and lox (smoked salmon) from Russ and Daughters in the Lower East Side.
- SoHoStreet · SoHoShopping in SoHo is one of the best activities in Manhattan for many reasons.
- St. Patrick's CathedralLandmark · MidtownMoving along Fifth Avenue, you’ll come across St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece captivating visitors since 1879.
- Statue of LibertyLandmark · Financial District/Liberty Island
- The MetMuseum · Upper East SideWith more than 2 million pieces of art spanning 5,000+ years, the Met is the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world.
- Top of the Rock Observation DeckLandmark · MidtownThe reason I like this New York City viewpoint so much is because the large glass panels offer unobstructed views the NYC skyline, unlike some of the other observation decks that use fencing.
- Washington Square ParkPark · Greenwich Village/West VillageLocated in the heart of the charming Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is one of the most beautiful parks in New York City.
- West VillageStreet · Greenwich Village/West VillageFew neighborhoods in New York City are as charming as the Greenwich Village.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Museum · Financial District · 180 Greenwich St, New York
The 9/11 museum is a profound tribute to the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001 and is truly one of the best things to do in lower Manhattan.
American Museum of Natural History
Museum · Upper West Side · 200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is conveniently located right next to Central Park.
Brooklyn Bridge
Landmark · Brooklyn/Financial District
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do for anyone visiting Manhattan for the first time.
Bryant Park & New York Public Library
Park · Midtown · 476 5th Ave, New York, NY
Bryant Park, nestled amid midtown’s skyscrapers, is found behind the New York Public Library.
Central Park
Park · Upper West Side
Let’s start with a quintessential New York City experience. taking a leisurely stroll through Central Park.
Chelsea Market
Market · Chelsea · 75 9th Ave, New York, NY
The Chelsea Market is a famous food hall mixed with unique shops, restaurants, spice markets, and cafes.
Chinatown Food Crawl
Other · Chinatown
Taking a self-guided Chinatown food crawl is an absolute must for foodies looking for things to do in Manhattan.
Edge
Landmark · Hudson Yards · 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Similar to Top of the Rock, Edge is a popular Manhattan attraction that lives up to the hype.
Grand Central Terminal
Landmark · Midtown · 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Stepping into Grand Central Terminal for the first time is an experience you won’t soon forget.
High Line & Little Island
Park · Chelsea/Meatpacking District
The High Line is a top attraction in Manhattan.
Levain Bakery
Bakery · Upper West Side · Multiple locations
Levain makes the most famous cookies in New York City.
Rockefeller Center
Landmark · Midtown · 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
I brought my mom here on her first visit. She still talks about it.
Rubirosa
Restaurant · Nolita · 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY
Rubirosa is a classic New York pizza joint beloved by locals and tourists alike, for good reason.
Russ & Daughters
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 179 E Houston St, New York, NY
Start your day the true New York way – grab a bagel and lox (smoked salmon) from Russ and Daughters in the Lower East Side.
SoHo
Street · SoHo
Shopping in SoHo is one of the best activities in Manhattan for many reasons.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Landmark · Midtown · 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
Moving along Fifth Avenue, you’ll come across St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece captivating visitors since 1879.
The Met
Museum · Upper East Side · 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
With more than 2 million pieces of art spanning 5,000+ years, the Met is the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Landmark · Midtown · 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
The reason I like this New York City viewpoint so much is because the large glass panels offer unobstructed views the NYC skyline, unlike some of the other observation decks that use fencing.
Washington Square Park
Park · Greenwich Village/West Village
Located in the heart of the charming Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is one of the most beautiful parks in New York City.
West Village
Street · Greenwich Village/West Village
Few neighborhoods in New York City are as charming as the Greenwich Village.
Best things to do in Manhattan, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 28 Iconic Things to Do in Manhattan New York City.