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See and do · Things to do · 2026

The best things to do in New York.

Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 34 places.

I visited the city six times before making an official move to the Big Apple. As a local, I get to experience the Big Apple from a unique perspective and thought it might be fun to share the best things to do in New York City. Longtime readers know I’m not keen on small talk, so let’s dive right in!

For more on how spend 2, see our guide to How to Spend 2 Days in New York City (An Expert Weekend Guide).

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide
  1. 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 New York City.
  2. American Museum of Natural HistoryMuseum · Upper West Sidethe American Museum of Natural History in New York City is considered one of the greatest natural history museums in the world.
  3. Bar BlondeauBar · Greenpointone of my go-to spots is Bar Blondeau in Greenpoint.
  4. Brooklyn BridgeLandmark · DUMBOWalking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do for anyone visiting New York City for the first time.
  5. Central ParkPark · Central ParkAsk any New Yorker about the best things to do in NYC for first-time visitors and Central Park is bound to come up, which is why it tops the list.
  6. Chelsea MarketMarket · ChelseaThe Chelsea Market is a famous food hall mixed with unique shops, restaurants, spice markets, and cafes.
  7. ChinatownOther · ChinatownThe vibrant neighborhood has an authentic feel few areas can emulate.
  8. DanteBar · West VillageIf you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.
  9. Dominique Ansel BakeryBakery · SoHoThe best way to describe Dominique Ansel Bakery would be.Michelin-star quality at a fraction of the price.
  10. DUMBOOther · DUMBODUMBO is one of the coolest areas in the city to explore.
  11. Fraunces TavernBar · Financial DistrictFraunces Tavern dates back to 1762, which officially makes it the oldest restaurant in New York City.
  12. Grand Central TerminalLandmark · MidtownStepping into Grand Central Terminal for the first time is an experience you won’t soon forget.
  13. Grant's TombLandmark · HarlemGrant’s Tomb is undoubtedly one of the most famous buildings in NYC due to its significance.
  14. Juliana's PizzaRestaurant · DUMBOJuliana’s white pie is easily the best in New York.
  15. Katz DeliRestaurant · Lower East Sidethey make the best pastrami sandwich in New York.
  16. Levain BakeryBakery · Upper West SideLevain makes the most famous cookies in New York City.
  17. Los Tacos No. 1Restaurant · Times Squarehead over to Los Tacos No. 1 – easily the best tacos you’ll eat in New York City.
  18. McSorley's Old Ale HouseBar · East VillageMcSorley’s Old Ale House is one of the most historic bars in New York City.
  19. Morgan Library & MuseumMuseum · MidtownThe Morgan Library & Museum allows visitors to step inside the private library of J.P. Morgan, which he bequeathed to the public after his death.
  20. New York Public LibraryLandmark · MidtownWhen it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library was officially the largest marble building ever built in the country.
  21. NYC FerryOther · DUMBOCatching the city skyline from a ferry in general is pretty epic, but at night. well, it’s unforgettable.
  22. One World Trade CenterLandmark · Financial Districtthe One World Trade Center is arguably the most important building in New York City.
  23. Rockefeller CenterLandmark · MidtownRockefeller Center was an investment in the future of NYC when things were looking bleak.
  24. Russ & DaughtersRestaurant · Lower East SideThe bagels are exceptional, as you would expect, but the smoked fish is where they shine.
  25. SoHoStreet · SoHothis trendy NYC neighborhood is known for being the shopping mecca of NYC.
  26. St. Patrick's CathedralLandmark · Midtownthis Neo-Gothic style cathedral has been stopping people in their tracks since 1879.
  27. Statue of LibertyLandmark · Liberty Island
  28. Strand BookstoreStore · East VillageToday this large NYC bookstore is home to 2.5 million books and serves as a safe-haven for insatiable bookworms far and wide.
  29. The High LinePark · ChelseaThe High Line is one of the most unique parks in New York City.
  30. 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.
  31. Times SquareLandmark · Times SquareTimes Square might be overwhelming, but it’s one of the most famous things to do in New York City.
  32. Top of the RockLandmark · MidtownI’ve been to all 5 of the city’s observation decks and can confidently tell you that Top of the Rock has the best views.
  33. Washington Square ParkPark · Greenwich VillageWashington Square Park is one of the most beautiful parks in New York City.
  34. West VillageOther · West Villagenothing tops the charm of the West Village.

Best things to do in New York, 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 38 Best Things to Do in New York City (Ranked).