United States
Things to do in New York
New York works best planned by neighbourhood: Lower Manhattan and the ferry to Liberty Island one day, Midtown observation decks and the Met another, Brooklyn and Chinatown for food. Most headline sights use timed tickets, so the bookings you make before you fly shape the whole trip.
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry
- Top of the Rock, Edge or Summit One Vanderbilt
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO walk
Experiences in New York
Top-rated experiences in New York
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Highlights
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry
- Top of the Rock, Edge or Summit One Vanderbilt
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO walk
- Central Park bike tour
- Manhattan skyline cruise
Best time to visit
April to June and September to early November bring mild weather and clear skies. July and August are hot and humid, and the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year are the most crowded and expensive.
Getting around
The subway runs 24 hours and you can pay by tapping a contactless card or phone at the OMNY readers; most of Manhattan is walkable. From JFK take the AirTrain to Jamaica for the subway or LIRR, from Newark the AirTrain to NJ Transit trains into Penn Station.
Local tips
- Statue of Liberty crown tickets sell out months ahead and pedestal tickets often weeks ahead, so book on the official ferry operator's site early.
- The Met is closed on Wednesdays, while MoMA and most other big museums stay open seven days with longer hours on selected evenings.
- Book observation decks for the slot just before sunset, which sells out first and gives you both daylight and night views.
Day trips from New York
- Hudson Valley
- Philadelphia
- Woodbury Common outlets
- Long Island North Fork
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in New York?
The most booked experiences in New York are Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry, Top of the Rock, Edge or Summit One Vanderbilt, Metropolitan Museum of Art and Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO walk.
When is the best time to visit New York?
April to June and September to early November bring mild weather and clear skies. July and August are hot and humid, and the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year are the most crowded and expensive.
How do I get around New York?
The subway runs 24 hours and you can pay by tapping a contactless card or phone at the OMNY readers; most of Manhattan is walkable. From JFK take the AirTrain to Jamaica for the subway or LIRR, from Newark the AirTrain to NJ Transit trains into Penn Station.
Do I need to book tours in New York in advance?
For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How many days do I need in New York?
Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.