15 Absolute Best Things to Do in NYC for First-Timers

Visiting New York City for the first time is exciting, but with so much to see it can be hard to know where to start. To help you plan, I’ve put together a list of the best things to do in New York City that every first-time visitor should experience.

From famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge to cultural highlights such as Broadway and the city’s incredible museums, this list covers the essentials. It’s the perfect starting point for your New York itinerary.

If you’re wondering what to do in NYC beyond the obvious attractions, this guide will give you a mix of iconic sights and classic experiences that belong on every first visit.

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Best Things to Do in NYC You Can’t Miss

1. Take in the views from an observatory

New York’s skyline is one of the most famous in the world, and seeing it from above is an experience you shouldn’t miss!

There are several observatories across the city, and each offers a completely different view.

The Empire State Building is the most iconic, with its Art Deco design and observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.

Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is another classic, giving you a straight-on view of the Empire State and a clear look at Central Park.

If you want the tallest view, head downtown to One World Observatory, which sits at the top of One World Trade Center. For something more adventurous, The Edge at Hudson Yards has a glass floor and angled walls that make you feel like you’re floating above the city.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the newest option, combining incredible views with mirrored rooms and interactive installations that make it one of the most unique experiences.

If it’s your first trip, you really can’t go wrong with any of them, but I’d suggest choosing one or two rather than trying to do them all. If I’d have to pick only two, I think I would go with Top of the Rock and SUMMIT!

Tickets often sell out, especially for sunset, so booking in advance is a smart idea. Visiting an observatory is easily one of the top things to do in NYC, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

2. Walk through Central Park

Central Park is the most visited park in New York and an absolute must for first-time visitors. Covering more than 800 acres, it’s full of walking paths, bridges, lakes, and open lawns that feel like a different world from the busy streets just outside.

Some of the most popular spots are Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Bow Bridge, and the tree-lined Mall. Strawberry Fields is a quiet memorial to John Lennon, while Belvedere Castle offers one of the best viewpoints inside the park.

If you don’t feel like exploring on foot, you can rent a bike, hop in a pedicab, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. The park is beautiful in every season, whether you’re seeing spring blossoms, summer picnics, colorful fall foliage, or ice skating in the winter.

No trip to New York is complete without spending time here, and Central Park deserves a spot on any New York bucket list.

3. Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are two of the most important landmarks in New York, and visiting them together is an experience every first-time visitor should plan for.

Both are reached by ferry from Battery Park, which also gives you fantastic views of the harbor and skyline.

On Liberty Island, you’ll be able to see the statue up close, explore the museum, and, if you plan ahead, climb to the pedestal for sweeping views of Lower Manhattan.

The second stop is Ellis Island, where the Immigration Museum tells the moving story of the millions of people who passed through its doors on their way to a new life in America.

Since this is one of the most popular things to do in New York City, tickets often sell out in advance, especially for pedestal and crown access.

Guided tours are another option if you’d prefer priority boarding and more context along the way.

4. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge and discover DUMBO

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the classic things to do in NYC, and it’s completely free.

The bridge connects Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn and gives you incredible views of the skyline, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Try to go early in the morning to avoid the heaviest crowds!

Once you reach the Brooklyn side, you’ll find the neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). This trendy area is full of cobblestone streets, art galleries, and great places to eat.

The most famous photo spot is the view of the Manhattan Bridge from Washington Street, framed perfectly between two brick warehouses.

Don’t miss Brooklyn Bridge Park along the waterfront, where you can relax with a view of Manhattan, grab a slice at Grimaldi’s or Juliana’s, or just enjoy the lively atmosphere.

5. Get lost in Times Square

Times Square is one of the busiest and brightest places in New York City, and it’s somewhere every first-time visitor should see at least once!

The neon billboards, giant screens, and constant energy make it one of the most famous places to visit in New York.

You’ll find street performers, flagship stores, and plenty of photo ops right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan.

If you want the full effect, come after dark when the lights are at their brightest, but be prepared for big crowds at any time of day.

Even if you don’t spend long here, visiting Times Square is a New York bucket list experience. It’s also right next to Broadway, so it’s easy to combine both into the same evening.

6. See a Broadway show

Catching a Broadway show is one of the most memorable parts of visiting New York. With more than 40 theaters in the Theater District, you’ll find everything from long-running classics like The Lion King and Chicago to newer productions that everyone is talking about.

Tickets for the most popular shows can be expensive and sell out quickly, so it’s smart to book in advance if there’s something specific you want to see.

For more affordable options, try the TKTS booth in Times Square, which offers same-day tickets at discounted prices.

Even if you’re not a big theater fan, seeing a show here is one of those New York City experiences that lives up to the hype. It’s a chance to soak in the atmosphere of Broadway and check off a true NYC bucket list highlight.

7. Pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Located in Lower Manhattan, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is one of the most moving places to visit in New York. The outdoor memorial features two reflecting pools set in the footprints of the Twin Towers, surrounded by the names of those who lost their lives.

The museum goes deeper into the events of September 11, 2001, with exhibits that include personal stories, artifacts, and multimedia displays. It’s a powerful and emotional experience that gives important context to one of the most significant days in modern history.

The site is in the Financial District, close to landmarks like Wall Street and Battery Park, so you can easily see more of the area while you’re downtown.

The memorial is free to visit, but museum tickets are timed-entry, so it’s best to book ahead.

8. Eat your way through New York

Food is a huge part of the New York experience, and trying some of the city’s most famous dishes should definitely be on your itinerary.

Start with a classic slice of New York-style pizza, then grab a bagel with cream cheese from a local deli. Pastrami sandwiches from Katz’s Delicatessen and cookies from Levain Bakery are also longtime favorites!

Beyond the classics, you’ll find incredible food from around the world, with everything from street carts to Michelin-starred restaurants. Exploring the city through its food is one of the best ways to get a feel for its diversity.

If you’d like to try several dishes in one outing, consider joining a food tour. It’s a fun way to discover local spots, hear the stories behind them, and taste a wide variety of flavors that make New York one of the best places to visit for food lovers.

9. Step inside the historic Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is one of the most famous train stations in the world and a place every visitor should see. The main concourse is instantly recognizable with its huge windows, information clock, and ceiling painted with constellations.

Beyond being a transport hub, the terminal is filled with shops and restaurants. The Grand Central Oyster Bar is a local institution, and just outside it you’ll find the Whispering Gallery.

Here, you can stand in one corner of the arch, speak softly, and have your voice carried perfectly to someone standing diagonally across from you. It’s a fun little trick that surprises most first-time visitors!

If you love Gossip Girl, you might recognize Grand Central as the setting of the very first scene of the series. Even if you only stop in for a few minutes, it’s one of those New York landmarks that belongs on your list.

10. Relax in Bryant Park

Tucked between skyscrapers in Midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park is one of the best spots to take a break from sightseeing.

The park has plenty of benches, a large lawn, and seasonal activities that make it worth a stop no matter when you visit.

In the summer, you’ll find outdoor movies and free events, while winter brings an ice skating rink and holiday market that’s a favorite with both locals and visitors. It’s also a great place to grab a coffee or quick lunch and just people-watch for a while.

Bryant Park is right next to the New York Public Library, so it’s easy to combine the two. Whether you spend ten minutes here or an entire afternoon, it’s one of the most pleasant places to visit in New York City.

11. Visit the iconic New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings and a must for first-time visitors.

The grand entrance on Fifth Avenue is guarded by the famous marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, and inside you’ll find the Rose Main Reading Room with its soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and rows of long oak tables.

It feels more like a cathedral than a library and is one of the most photographed interiors in the city!

Entry is free, and you can walk through the public spaces at your own pace. If you’d like to go deeper, free guided tours are available that share the building’s history and hidden details you might otherwise miss.

Exhibits are also hosted regularly, showcasing everything from rare books to historic photographs.

For anyone making a list of what to do in New York, this stop is an easy addition. With Bryant Park right next door, you can enjoy both attractions in a single visit without going out of your way.

12. Explore New York’s world-class museums

New York is home to some of the best museums in the world, and even if you’re not usually a museum person, it’s worth setting aside time for at least one.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, often simply called “the Met,” is the most famous, with an enormous collection that spans everything from Ancient Egypt to modern fashion.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is another highlight, featuring works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol alongside groundbreaking contemporary pieces.

If you’re interested in science and history, the American Museum of Natural History is a favorite, with its dinosaur skeletons and the impressive Hayden Planetarium.

With so many options, you probably won’t see them all in one trip, but picking just one or two is enough to add something special to your New York City itinerary.

13. Walk the High Line

The High Line is an elevated park built on an old railway line that runs above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side.

It’s about a mile and a half long and takes you through gardens, art installations, and lookout points with great views of the city.

One of the highlights is how it weaves between buildings and gives you a totally different perspective on the city compared to the busy streets below.

There are plenty of benches and seating areas along the way, making it a nice place to slow down in the middle of sightseeing.

The park stretches from Hudson Yards down to the Meatpacking District, so you can easily combine it with other attractions in the area, like The Edge observatory or Chelsea Market.

Visiting the High Line is a unique New York bucket list activity that mixes history, design, and a bit of nature all in one walk.

14. Explore Midtown Manhattan

Midtown is the part of New York that most first-time visitors picture when they think of the city. This is where you’ll find some of the most famous attractions, including Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Chrysler Building.

Walking along Fifth Avenue is a must, with its mix of flagship stores and historic landmarks. St. Patrick’s Cathedral sits right on the avenue and is open for visitors who want to step inside and admire its Gothic-style interior.

The Chrysler Building, while not open to the public, is one of the most photographed skyscrapers in the city thanks to its Art Deco crown.

You’ll also find Rockefeller Center here, home to the famous ice rink and Christmas tree during the holiday season. Right next door is Radio City Music Hall, a legendary venue that has hosted concerts, movie premieres, and live shows for decades.

If you’re visiting New York at Christmas, don’t miss the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes! It’s one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions.

Midtown is packed with things to see and do, making it one of the best areas to explore if you want to cover multiple New York attractions in a short amount of time.

15. Take a harbor cruise

One of the best ways to see New York is from the water, and a harbor cruise gives you a completely different perspective on the city.

You’ll sail past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and under the Brooklyn Bridge, all while taking in incredible views of the Manhattan skyline.

Cruises range from quick sightseeing trips to longer options with dinner or live music, so you can choose the experience that fits your plans. Daytime rides are perfect for photos, while evening cruises are great if you want to see the skyline lit up.

A harbor cruise is a classic addition to any New York bucket list and a memorable way to wrap up your visit.

It’s a chance to see many of the city’s most famous landmarks from a single vantage point and one of the very best things to do in New York City for first-time visitors!