Best Things To Do In Manhattan

It’s crowded, it’s spirited, and it’s overflowing with visitors – and yet without any doubt, it’s the most diverse and fascinating slice of land on the entire planet.

Manhattan is a melting pot of food and culture – from downtown to midtown to upper-side, each area has its own flair and personality.

There are loads of things to see and do in NYC and if you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll be super excited to explore all the different areas and sites.

Even if you stay for months in Manhattan, still you’ll never be able to tick off all of the city’s activities and the surprises it has at every corner and in every season.

That said, with such a long list of things to do in Manhattan, you’ve got to start somewhere, right? So, this is exactly why we are sharing some of the best things to do in Manhattan on your next trip.

After all, you’ll want to make the most of your time in Manhattan and enjoy the best.

1. See the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Okay, technically speaking the Statue of Liberty is not in Manhattan but on Liberty Island, and if you’re in NYC you’ve got to see it. This iconic monument is one of the most visited attractions in all of New York City and has served both as a fascinating historical landmark and symbol of liberty, since 1886.

You can take a tour of the Statue and this includes the grounds of Liberty Island, Statue of Liberty Crown and Pedestal. This tour can be combined with Ellis Island which is not far from the Statue of Liberty and can be reached by the same ferry.

Ellis Island was once a gateway to over 12 million immigrants to the United States between 1892 and 1954. Today, it houses the Museum of Immigration where you can learn all about immigration to the United States.

We recommend this Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour with Rosotravel.

2. Visit the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is certainly one of the things to see and do in NYC, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. Built in 1931, the world-renowned art deco skyscraper has 102 stories that stand at 1,454 feet high – and though it’s no longer Manhattan’s tallest tower, its shape and name remain synonymous with the city.

Join a private guided tour that will take you through the icon’s exhibits and give additional background on the building’s history. The 80th, 86th and 102nd floors serve as observation desks that give stunning views of the city.

The iconic building also stages dazzling light shows celebrating holidays and events. In summer, the lines to the observation decks can get painstakingly long, especially pre-sunset, so a skip-the-line ticket to the Empire State Building is highly recommended.

3. Visit Central Park

The perfect way to relax in the city and leave the maddening crowds behind is to spend the day in Central Park. The park spans from Midtown Manhattan all the way up to Harlem and is spread over an area of 340 hectares.

Here you’ll find many green spaces, walking lanes, and bike lanes. It is also home to Sheep’s Meadow, Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Zoo, and many other things as well. You can head to Central Park in any season and there’s always something going on.

If you’re visiting in the winter, you can enjoy ice skating in the park and if you arrive in the summer, you can go boating on the lake. Alternatively, if it rains, you can explore the world-renowned American Museum of Natural History.

4. Walk the Highline

If you enjoy long strolls, then walking the Highline is one of the best things to do in Manhattan. Set on an abandoned rail track on Manhattan’s West Side, this sprawling 1.45 mile (2.33 km) long park stretches over NYC’s three most lively neighbourhoods: the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. It stands 30 feet (9 meters) above street level and offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan’s cityscape.

But it isn’t the vistas and manicured green spaces that visitors flock the place for. Here you’ll find continually changing public art installations, a handful of food vendors, and a sprawling picnic and sunbathing area. Go for a walk, sit with a book, people-watch – the Highline is highly recommended when you need a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

5. Explore Time Square

The flashing billboards of Times Square are popular with travellers from all around the world. Yes, the place is crowded with people and can be an overload on the senses. Love it or hate it, Times Square is an iconic part of Manhattan and one of the main things to see and do in NYC.

The famous square is located at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and stretches from the 42nd to 47th street. It’s the biggest draw with tourists during the annual New Year’s Eve when revellers crowd the area to see New York’s famous Waterford crystal ball descend 77 feet from a pole. Come at night when Times Square is all lit up, that’s when it looks the best.

See Times Square on a private walking tour.

6. See the 9/11 Memorial Site

around 3,000 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in and around New York City and elsewhere.

Don’t miss this tragic memorial where the names of everyone killed have been listed. It occupies the site of the Twin Towers which were destroyed on September 11th and consists of two one-acre reflecting pools and a waterfall surrounded by swamp white oak trees.

Afterwards take the elevator up to enjoy the views from the new ‘Freedom Towers’, which was built as the replacement for the World Trade Centre buildings.

To get a deeper understanding of 9/11 and the events that unfolded, visit the museum that exhibits a moving display of the events leading up to and after the disaster with artifacts, audio histories, and images.

Join us on the 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero Tour with skip-line museum tickets.

7. Walk Brooklyn Bridge

Again, the Brooklyn Bridge is technically not in Manhattan (nor in Brooklyn) but walking the bridge is something that has to be done, especially if you’re visiting New York City for the first time.

Built in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country and connects Manhattan with Brooklyn over the East River. It has six lanes (one pedestrian and bicycle walkway) and for ages walking across the bridge has always been a tourist pastime.

It takes about 30 to 60 minutes to walk across the bridge and depends on how many stops you make for photographs along the way or how crowded it is at the time. By the way, it’s just a mile (1.6 km) long and also offers some of the best views of the city’s skyline. And if you’re looking for a unique experience of the bridge, consider signing up for a boat tour or a helicopter tour.

So, take a Brooklyn Bridge sightseeing tour, it’s really one of the best things to do in Manhattan.

8. See Grand Central Station

Wondering why you should visit a railway station? Well, this is a truly stunning station to see. With its spectacular architecture, huge marble columns, and the striking astronomical murals painted under the ceiling dome, this station has become a symbol of New York City’s history and culture.

If you’re looking for some amazing Instagram moments, this is the place. Here you’ll also find dozens of shops, cafes and restaurants to explore. Travellers call it an iconic station and often say it’s the most beautiful space to walk through, enjoy a meal or simply people-watch.

Top rated tour: Private Walking Tour of Grand Central Terminal.

9. Walking Tour of different areas of Manhattan

trove for things to see and do in NYC. It’s significantly different from the other four boroughs in New York and has its own character. Here you can enjoy private walking tours which are focused on art, history, culture, food, and much more.

If you’re a fan of art galleries and museums, you can explore Midtown (with MoMA) and the Upper East Side (with the Guggenheim). There are loads of galleries and different museums worth visiting in the area and you can also spend hours exploring world-renowned art and historical artefacts.

Check out walking tours with Rosotravel; they offer private walking tours for any topic you can think of!!

10. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art lovers!! This is one of the best things to do in Manhattan. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is a must-see for any first-time visitor to New York City.

It’s the largest art museum in America, spread over 17 acres, and receives millions of visitors every year. The permanent collection of art includes – art from classical antiquity and ancient Egypt, paintings and sculptures from nearly all the European masters, and an extensive collection of American and modern art, plus American abstract expressionist paintings. This also includes travelling exhibits that may be on display during your visit.

With over 2 million objects on display, it’s strongly recommended that you take a private guided tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and get a more in-depth understanding of the museum’s contents.

11. Visit the Vessel

Perched in Hudson’s Yard, the Vessel is a sight to behold. It’s one of New York’s newest art installations and is popular with locals and tourists alike.

This massive piece of art was imagined by Thomas Heatherwick as a focal point where people can enjoy new perspectives of New York City from different heights, angles and vantage points. It comprises 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs – almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings – don’t miss the vertical climb that offers remarkable views of the city, the river and beyond.

Seeing the Vessel is easily one of the best things to do in Manhattan that’s unique and something you’ve never seen before.

12. Go on a Food Tour

a culinary hotspot – from cheap eats to authentic international fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s certainly one of the best places in America to try a variety of cuisines. However, it’s impossible to experience it all in one trip. The best way to get a taste of New York’s excellent cuisine is to take a food tour across a variety of neighbourhoods.

Manhattan has its very own Little Italy, Chinatown and Greenwich that is home to a huge variety of food tours. Obsessed with Pizza? visit Little Italy. Love bagels and beer? check out the Lower East Side. Or do you like something fancier? Then wander around Hell’s Kitchen, sampling award-winning tacos, tapas, and everything in between.

Food trucks are very popular with locals, as they offer a quick snack between meals or as a lunch – from Korean short ribs to souvlaki, hot dogs, falafel, or brownies. The options are endless, all you have to do is pick one. Join the best American Food Tasting Tours in Manhattan

13. Soar over Manhattan in a Helicopter

Yes indeed! The most exhilarating way to see Manhattan is by taking a helicopter flight over the district.

Helicopter rides last anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours and there’s a ride suitable for every budget. Once on board you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and other landmarks.

You won’t forget these views in a long time and those who like taking photographs, it’s a perfect way to secure some amazing shots of NYC skyline.

14. Taste Local Beers on a Pub Crawl

Well, you’re on a vacation, so why not get a little high after a day of sightseeing? Join us on a pub crawl along with an expert guide and explore New York’s ever-expanding beer scene. Visit the hotspots and hidden gems; with plenty of local craft beers and New York City classics on the menu.

We at Rosotarvel organise beer tasting tours all over the city, from Greenwich Village to West Village, the Lower East Side, or Hell’s Kitchen – just pick the area you want to explore and you’re all set. Drink your way through the best pubs and breweries in NYC along with local appetizers to soak up all those beers.

15. Take a boat tour along the Hudson River

Even today, a boat tour along the Hudson River still remains a classic NYC activity that is fun and pretty informative. There are several boat tours that depart from Battery Park or Pier 60 (Chelsea Piers), they typically last around an hour each way, with plenty of landmarks to spot along the way.

And if you’re looking for a longer, fancier, or more intimate tour, try a sunset cruise, dinner party, harbour lights cruise, or speedboat adventure. There are plenty of options.

Thanks for reading our collection of the best things to do in Manhattan!!

What are your favourite things to see and do in NYC – either as a tourist or as a local? Please share it with us in the comments.

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