My 14 Favorite Things to Do in Manhattan, NYC (Based on 15+ Visits)
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Since my mom’s side of the family is from New York City, I aim to visit the Big Apple at least once per year. I spend the bulk of my time in Manhattan, and coming here is nice when I want a small dose of chaos to balance my peaceful life in Northern Europe. Manhattan is home to many of the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks, parks, and museums.
While it’s also New York City’s commercial center, you’ll find some great places to eat in the borough and its many vibrant neighborhoods. To be totally honest, you could spend an entire week-long trip in Manhattan alone and still find plenty of things to keep you entertained (though I do recommend also visiting other boroughs).
I have been to NYC over 15 times, with the majority of my time being spent in Manhattan. I waited a couple of years before writing this post; I originally wanted to in 2023 but then revisited once again to get better tips and photos for you. Based on all my experiences, here are my top recommendations for things to do in Manhattan.
Short on Time? Here Are My Quick Travel Tips 🍎
This is a pretty detailed guide, and if you’re short on time, I created this section to give you the most important information. You can also bookmark my guide to read it whenever you want, including once you arrive in NYC. 🙂
My Top Manhattan Activity Recommendations:
- Visit the Top of the Rock (in my opinion, you’ll get the best views of NYC’s skyline from here)
- See Manhattan from the water with a river cruise (this one is an option you can look at, for example)
- Go for a morning walk in Central Park; dogs are off-leash from 06:00 to 09:00, and there are a lot of them 🙂
If You Want to Save Money on Attractions in Manhattan (and NYC, in General)…
It’s no secret that NYC is an expensive place to visit, and admission fees will quickly add up if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions. To save some money, I recommend having a look at GoCity’s New York passes. You’ll find three options, all of which are designed for different types of visitors.
Accommodation in Manhattan:
You’ll probably spend the bulk of your first trip to NYC in Manhattan, and as a result, I recommend staying in this part of town. More specifically, I suggest staying as centrally as possible. I really enjoyed the Prince Kitano Hotel New York when I stayed; it’s not too far from Grand Central Station.
NH Collection New York Madison Avenue is another option to consider when you visit the Big Apple. Regardless of where you stay, I strongly recommend booking in advance as NYC is popular with tourists year-round.
Getting to and Around Manhattan:
If you arrive in NYC via JFK Airport, a) I’m sorry in advance as I do not like the airport at all, and b) you should definitely take a taxi into Manhattan. I did get scammed once, so make sure you pay via an official meter 🥲. In fairness, though, this has only happened once in 30+ years of me visiting the Big Apple.
The flat rate for a yellow taxi from JFK to Manhattan is $70, excluding tolls, tips, and other extra fees you may need to pay. Uber and Lyft are also viable options.
From Newark Airport, you can take the train to Penn Station; it’s reasonably priced, doesn’t take too long, and you won’t need to sit in traffic. I’ve done the “take the taxi into NYC from EWR” thing one too many times, and I can confirm that it’s not fun. You can buy tickets in the NJ Transit app (available on iOS and Android).
If you’re arriving from LaGuardia Airport, either a taxi or public transportation is fine. The free and 24/7 Q70 LaGuardia Link bus will take you to another transport hub in Queens, where you can then continue to your destination.
Once you’re in Manhattan, I recommend taking the Subway when you don’t walk. It’s affordable, and you can pay with contactless. When traveling late, though, I personally feel more comfortable taking a taxi. Buses *can* be useful in some cases, but journey times can be long, and traffic can be quite heavy. I very rarely take the bus for this reason. If you do take a bus, I’d suggest Limited routes where possible; they stop at fewer places.
1. Visit the Top of the Rock
I have been to the Top of the Rock 3 times, and it’s slowly becoming a ritual for every NYC visit. In my opinion, this observation deck has by far the best view of the famous Manhattan skyline. You’ll see the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and other well-known buildings like the Chrysler Building.
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Any time is better than none to visit the Top of the Rock, unless it’s cloudy and you can’t see anything. If it is cloudy, you’ll have the option to rebook your visit for no extra charge. And if you have the option to pick when you’d like to visit, I recommend coming here around sunset. While busy, the views are spectacular.
Visiting the Top of the Rock is also great if you go at night. The crowds are thinner, and the New York City skyline looks beautiful when lit up. From personal experience, I also found it a bit less crowded at this time.
While you should expect to wait in a queue regardless to enter, the wait is much shorter if you book your tickets in advance. I also suggest booking as early as possible.
Useful Things to Know When Visiting the Top of the Rock
Before visiting the observation deck, you need to go through a security check at the Rockefeller Center. Small bags are allowed, but suitcases and bigger bags are not permitted. If in doubt, you’re better off leaving your bag at your hotel.
While you’ll book a specific time slot, it’s also not uncommon for the queue to be long enough that you miss it. This, however, shouldn’t be a problem. It can also be very windy at the Top of the Rock, especially in the winter, and pretty cold; dress appropriately and ideally in layers.
I’ve also written a full guide to visiting the Top of the Rock if you want to prepare for your trip more effectively.
How to Get There: Take the Subway to 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center. The entrance to the Top of the Rock is signposted; it’s between 5th and 6th Avenue on 50th Street.
2. Go for an Early-Morning Walk in Central Park
I would go as far as saying that Central Park is the best park in the world. Ever since my childhood days, I have loved visiting—and I always come here on an NYC trip without fail. In my opinion, early in the morning is the best time to visit Central Park.
The park has a lovely atmosphere before 9am in particular. Dogs are allowed off-leash between 6am and 9am, and there are *so many* of them. Let’s be real… is there a better way to start the day than by petting a nice golden retriever or goldendoodle? The correct answer is no.
While Central Park has space to breathe regardless of the time, it’s less crowded when you visit earlier in the morning. Come here for a walk and grab a coffee before then getting some breakfast or brunch in the Upper West Side. It’s also a nice way to start the day if you happen to be in NYC for Christmas.
How to Get There: While this will depend on the part of Central Park you want to go to, I recommend taking the subway to 5 Av-59 St.
3. Grab a Bagel
Did you actually visit NYC if you didn’t get a bagel? The answer is a resounding no. Manhattan has a number of great places to grab one; my girlfriend and I literally spent the best part of 5 days on one trip hopping between different bagel spots.
Below are my top suggestions.
Apollo Bagels
Apollo Bagels has a number of spots in Manhattan, along with one in Williamsburg and another in Hoboken, New Jersey. The menu has a reasonable number of options; we got one with smoked salmon and cream cheese, and it was excellent.
We went to Apollo Bagels in the West Village. Though very busy, the wait is worthwhile. There’s a nearby park where you can take your bagels to eat afterward.
Manhattan Addresses:
East Village: 243 E 10th Street, New York, NY, 10003
West Village: 73 Greenwich Ave., New York, NY, 10014
Financial District: 41 John Street, New York, NY, 10038
Midtown: 224 W 35th Street, New York, NY, 10001
Kips Bay: 416 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, 10016
Rico Bagel
We found Rico Bagel near our hotel and stopped here for breakfast one morning; though located right in Midtown, I felt like the bagels were reasonably priced. We could pick from a number of cream cheese options, and there’s both indoor and outdoor seating.
In addition to bagels, you can get sandwiches, muffins, and more. On top of that, you can also get a quick morning coffee from here.
Address: 238 Madison Ave., New York, NY 1001
How to Get There: Take the Subway to 42 St-Bryant Park or 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. From here, the deli is around a 10-minute walk away.
Bagels & Schmear
Bagels & Schmear is a Big Apple classic, and while some famous spots in NYC can fail to live up to the hype, this is not one of them. Like Rico Bagel, you have plenty of fillings to choose from. To be honest, it took us a while to figure out what we wanted as there were so many options 😄.
You can also get sandwiches and wraps here. It’s an ideal spot for breakfast or lunch, and it’s not too far from the Flatiron Building.
Address: 116 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016
How to Get There: Take the 6 Line to 28 St.
4. Explore Greenwich Village
One of my favorite things about Manhattan is how diverse its architecture is. While you’ve got the monolith skyscrapers of Midtown and the Financial District, the borough is also full of lovely low-rise buildings. Greenwich Village, in my opinion, is the best place to see this for yourself.
The main joy here is walking around, and if you want to head indoors, you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants. This part of Manhattan is a must-see for everyone, but even more if you’re into photography; the lighting hits differently on the buildings here.
From Greenwich Village, you can also get some cool views toward One World Trade Center.
5. Visit Little Island
I didn’t visit NYC for 4 years between 2019 and 2023, and in the time I was away, Little Island opened to the public.
We visited Little Island on a December 2024 trip and really enjoyed it. I love the park’s design, and there’s plenty of seating space if you’re visiting on a sunny day and want to soak up some rays. You can get a great view of the Freedom Tower and New Jersey, too.
Little Island has various events throughout the year, too.
Website: https://littleisland.org/
How to Get There: Take the Subway to 14 St/8 Av. It’s a 12-minute walk from here.
6. Walk Along the High Line
The first two times I tried visiting the High Line were an epic fail. The first time, I couldn’t figure out how to pay for the bus. When I went again, we couldn’t find the stairs to get there. Both were pretty obvious mistakes to fix in retrospect, but you live and learn. Third time’s a charm, and I’m glad I finally could visit; it was worth the wait.
The High Line is one of Manhattan’s most famous examples of urban regeneration, and it’s one of my favorite places in NYC altogether. These repurposed train tracks offer nice views of the surrounding areas and are a pleasant place to get some greenery in the middle of the city.
It’s completely free to walk along The High Line. You can walk from one side to the other in around half-an-hour.
Website: https://www.thehighline.org/
How to Get There: Take the Subway to 14 St/8 Av. The High Line is around 7 minutes away by foot.
7. Visit the 9/11 Memorial
Everyone old enough to remember 9/11 also remembers exactly where they were on that day. Visiting the memorial, which also remembers the victims of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing victims, is a must when you’re in Manhattan.
The two pools bear the victims’ names and are free to visit. When it’s someone’s birthday, you will see a white rose to commemorate the day. While a very somber experience, you should absolutely allocate some time to coming here.
In addition to the 9/11 memorial outside, you can visit the museum. Doing so costs money, but if you’re a New Yorker, you can visit for free on the first Sunday of each month; you need to reserve your spot beforehand, though.
Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
How to Get There: Take the Subway to WTC Cortlandt, World Trade Center, or Cortlandt Street.
8. Walk From Manhattan to Brooklyn
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is something I’ve done on multiple visits to New York City before, and it’s one of the best ways to get a fantastic view of the Financial District. I suggest doing this early in the morning as it gets incredibly busy, especially around sunset.
Once you’re in Brooklyn, head to the Brooklyn Bridge Park for another excellent view of Manhattan. You can either decide to walk both ways or take the Subway back over to Manhattan once you’re done—though I do suggest branching off and spending some time in Brooklyn as well.
In addition to the Brooklyn Bridge, it’s also possible to walk across the Manhattan Bridge. Walking across at least one of these bridges is an absolute must on your first visit to NYC.
9. Food at Jacob’s Pickles, Amsterdam Avenue
Jacob’s Pickles has a couple of restaurants in the Big Apple; I went to the one in the Upper West Side with my girlfriend and grandmother. The interior is cozy, with a good selection of beers and other drinks. The food is also really good.
The French toast was amazing, in particular; I was quite sad when we finished it. Their fried chicken is worth trying, too. Regardless of what you order, though, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy it.
Reserving a table in advance is a good idea, as this place can get busy. You can do so online.
Address: 509 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Website: https://www.jacobspickles.com/
How to Get There: Take the 1 Line to 86 St.
10. Join a Boat Tour and See Manhattan From the Water
Given that Manhattan has the East and Hudson Rivers on either side of it, seeing the island from the water is a good idea while you’re visiting the Big Apple. In addition to the Staten Island Ferry, you can take several boat tours that show you the city’s best sights from a new angle.
Whereas the Staten Island Ferry is a good option for seeing Lower Manhattan, Governor’s Island, and the Statue of Liberty, boat tours are ideal if you want to also see other parts of Manhattan. Of the different boat tours I’ve tried, this Circle Line cruise is my favorite.
11. Go to the American Museum of Natural History
I first visited the American Museum of Natural History when I was 7-years-old, and to this day, it’s still my favorite museum anywhere on this planet. With interactive exhibitions, it’s a fantastic place to go if you’re visiting Manhattan with kids. Even if you’re here as an adult, the museum is well worth checking out.
The museum covers several themes, such as prehistoric wildlife, rocks and minerals, and Outer Space. Its information is really well-presented, and in addition to various temporary installations, you’ll find various permanent exhibits. The fossil halls are well worth seeing, in particular.
In addition to buying single-entry general admission tickets, you can visit the museum as part of the New York Pass. Besides entry to the museum, you get admission to Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, Circle Line Ferry Cruise, and over 100 other attractions.
12. Mexican Food at Los Tacos No. 1
I was recommended Los Taos No. 1 by a friend before a recent trip to NYC, and I can happily say that this place did not disappoint. While crowded at peak times, the food is worth it.
The grilled chicken tacos in particular are really good; you can also get quesadillas if you fancy something a little different. We went to the one close to our hotel (which was the Prince Kitano, and I 100% recommend staying in).
You’ll find a number of Los Tacos No. 1 establishments throughout Manhattan, though, so any of them will be good.
Website: https://www.lostacos1.com/
13. Explore the Upper East Side
If I could pick anywhere to live in NYC, I’d pick the Upper East Side. I love the architecture here, and the street views are excellent. To me, it feels like the stereotypical image of Manhattan life.
The Upper East Side has some of the Big Apple’s most exclusive stores, and you’ll also find Museum Mile in this neighborhood. Museum Mile includes the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMoA). The stretches of Central Park bordering the UES are some of the nicest parts of the park, too.
I’ve been going to Dallas BBQ on the UES since I was a kid, and it’s one of my top recommendations for simple and affordable food in the neighborhood. You’ll find other Dallas BBQ restaurants throughout Manhattan, but this one is my favorite. The UES has a number of other places to eat, too.
How to Get There: Take the Subway to 86th Street. I suggest going to the station serving the 1, 2, and 3 Lines.
14. Photograph the Oculus at the World Trade Center
If you’re visiting the Financial District and will be around the World Trade Center anyway, you can always take a quick stop at The Oculus for some cool photos. Both the inside and out are pretty cool; my favorite view is from the inside at the top of the escalators.
If you’re then going to other parts of Manhattan, NYC, you can take the Subway from here. Trains to and from New Jersey also run.
How to Get Here
Take the Subway to WTC Cortlandt.
Final Thoughts
While you should definitely allocate some time to other parts of NYC, Manhattan is jam-packed with fun things to do. You can easily spend an entire trip here, and you still won’t get close to seeing and experiencing all that the borough has to offer. From iconic sights to great museums and nice food, you definitely won’t be bored.
Having read this guide, you should now have a much better idea of what to do when you arrive. I’ve also written a 5-day NYC itinerary for beginners if you want to plan your trip more effectively.
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