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There are all sorts of things to do in Manhattan since this is one of the most famed boroughs in NYC. From the Broadway theaters and luxury shops of Fifth Avenue to the famous landmarks and beautiful urban parks, Manhattan offers something for everyone in every season.
As you`ll see outlined in this guide, there are plenty of fun places located in Manhattan, so I`m certain your to-do list will fill up quickly with museums, observation decks, and other attractions. For this reason, I recommend investing in a NYC attraction pass, which will help you save money on top activities and sights. For initial visitors, we advise the New York Pass since it covers over 100 NYC attractions. It also features the Big Bus Tour, one of the best hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC, which visits many of the places that I`ll recommend in this article.
So, if you’re ready to plan your ultimate experience in Manhattan, keep reading to see the 25 best things to participate in Manhattan!
Table of Contents
1. Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock), one of the coolest places in Manhattan
If concerns regarding elevation are put aside, travelers must experience the Apex of the Boulderat Rockefeller Center, one of the renowned structures well known throughout New York City. This notable location in Manhattan offers scenic panoramas of NYC, and the vista is especially aesthetically pleasing at dusk.
Obviously, any period throughout the day or night is an incredible time to go to this observatory even if you simply have 2 days to invest in NYC. The quick Sky Shuttle lifts will bring you up 850 feet to the viewpoint stage, which requires up the 67th and 69th floors. You can likewise step onto the 70th floor’s external deck if you’re feeling daring. From all the way up here, you can see other NYC spots like Central Park, Times Square, and the Empire State Building, so bring your electronic camera!
Moreover, the vantage point at the Rockefeller Center is one of the top observation spots in NYC, so I can’t recommend it enough. If you want to visit, you can utilize your New York Pass or get a ticket online.
While visiting Rockefeller Plaza, it is worth exploring some of the other attractions in this area, such as Radio City Music Hall. This is one of the most fascinating locales in Manhattan, particularly if you enjoy shows. You can even take a guided tour similar to this one, which allows you behind the scenes of the iconic Stage Door.
2. Times Square, a lively place in Manhattan you must see
The flashy illuminations, the eccentric street performers, the vibrant bars and eateries… Times Square is unlike any other popular attraction in Manhattan. Here, you can find everything from entertainment and people-watching to kid-friendly attractions and high-end shops.
Times Square continually has activity, and even though you can visit at any hour, you’ll experience the full immersion at nighttime, when the district is illuminated by billboards and neon advertisements. After going there, you’ll understand why it`s among the best things to do in NYC at night.
If you’re visiting with kids, check out M&Ms World or Madame Tussauds. You could also look at the TKTS Pavilion at the Red Stairs to get Broadway tickets at a steeply reduced cost. The Broadway Theater District is part of Times Square, so there are many show venues, such as the PlayStation Theater.
Whether one strolls through this area or remains in one of the finest hotels in Times Squareto inspect the attractions, there is nothing quite similar to Times Square, and all should visit at minimum once!
3. Central Park, another free place to go in Manhattan, NYC
Central Park is an urban green area where many activities in Manhattan take place, so be sure to explore it. Spanning over 840 acres, it offers everything from public art installations and playgrounds to wooded sections, lakes, and historic landmarks, so it`s one of New York`s premier urban parks.
Depending on one`s interests, you may appreciate the sculptures and statues here, such as the Bethesda Fountain and Cleopatra’s Obelisk. There are also several remarkable buildings in the park, like the BelvedereCastle, a decorative Gothic-style castle with an observation deck.
If you prefer to immerse yourself in nature, you’ll find all kinds of lush areas where you can escape the city noise. Among the wooded forests, lakes, and gardens, the Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow are two of the most frequented green spaces in the park.
Again, since Central Park spans a large area, if faster movement is desired, consider renting a bicycle (rentals are contained in the New York Pass), or taking a bike excursion.
4. Visit the Empire State Building, something fun to do in Manhattan
If you’re in pursuit of another viewpoint deck in NYC, the Empire State Building provides an excellent choice. Formerly the world`s tallest architecture, this famous landmark remains impressive, at 102 stories high.
Moreover, the Empire State Building has observatories on the 80th, 86th, and 102nd floors, so visitors can gain different perspectives. There are also indoor and outdoor viewing areas, which is beneficial if fear of heights or poor weather is a concern. From the observation decks, you’ll have 360° views of NYC, taking in famous spots like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Hudson River.
I recommend visiting the Empire State Building near sunset when it feels like one of the most enchanting places in Manhattan. You’ll see the sun lowering behind the skyline, lighting everything in pink and purple hues. Without question, it’s one of the best activities to do in New York City, especially with loved ones.
To visit the observatories at the top, I recommend purchasing your ticket ahead of time or getting the New York Pass.
5. Wall Street, an interesting place in Manhattan to visit
Situated in Lower Manhattan,Wall Street is NYC’s financial district and a premier place of interestin Manhattan. Among the historic buildings here are the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Federal Hall, and New York’s original City Hall. The atmosphere here is definitely all-business centered, and some of the most significant banks have headquarters here, like Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Lehman Brothers.
Wall Street takes up eight city blocks between Broadway and South Street, so the optimal method to see all the highlights is by joining this guided walking excursion. A guide will escort visitors to landmarks like Trinity Church and Bowling Green, the oldest public park in the city. Attendees will also see the famous Charging Bull sculpture and the Fearless Girl statute.
6. Grand Central Terminal, one of the most popular places in Manhattan, NY
It`s likely you passed through Grand Central Terminal if you arrived in NYC using public transportation. This huge train station connects the subway and rail systems serving the city and welcomes over 20 million individuals annually. While a terminal may not sound exciting, it offers several free activities to do in Manhattan, so it’s worth checking out.
To start, Grand Central Station is over 100 years old, so it contains some historical artifacts, like the Main Concourse Clock, its chandeliers, and other Beaux-Arts architectural elements. If you look closely, you’ll notice the artwork throughout the station, like the celestial painted ceiling in the Main Concourse. There is also a Cornelius Vanderbilt statue, cast iron eagles on the terminal’s façade, and temporary artistic installations throughout the year.
Besides the art and transportation services, the terminal has a variety of shops and restaurants, including Grand Central Market. Also, the station is next to the Chrysler Building, another Manhattan landmark, so you might want to walk by it before or after visiting Grand Central.
The Chrysler Building is a renowned Art Deco architectural style skyrise, and looking upwards at the 1,046-ft building from ground level is fairly impressive. The interior encompasses corporate workplaces, but you can enter the lobby to see additional Art Deco construction.
7. See New York from above at One World Trade Center Observatory
The observatory at One World Trade Center is one of the finest places to visit in Manhattan and one of the most important sites in the city. It’s worth visiting the entire World Trade Center complex, which includes the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the observation deck at One WTC.
The observatory is between the 100th and 102nd floors of One WTC, which currently stands as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The skyscraper is 1,776 feet tall, while the observation deck is 1,268 feet tall.
As one could imagine, the sweeping views from up here are breathtaking and extend for miles. You’ll obtain a panorama of the city including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Along with the views, you can explore other attractions in the observatory, such as the theater or the Sky Portal, a glass platform with a camera feed of the city streets below.
Exploring the viewpoint deck is a well-liked item to do in Manhattan, so be certain to get your ticket or New York Pass ahead of time. If you furthermore intend on visiting the 9/11 Museum, which I’ll bring up following, you can obtain this combo ticket.
8. 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a reflective place to visit in Manhattan
The profoundly important 9/11 Museum honors those who lost their lives in the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the 1993 bombing. While remembering this tragic event is heart-wrenching, it is a crucial part of American history, and the museum does an admirable job of commemorating the victims, so it is a must-see in Manhattan.
Within the museum, one can find over 58,000 photographs, audio recordings, videos, and other artifacts telling the story of that day, like a surviving staircase from one of the Twin Towers. Now standing where the Twin Towers once were are two beautiful reflecting pools. The 9/11 Memorial also has bronze plaques with the 2,983 victims` names engraved, and the “Survivor Tree,” a pear tree that remained after the collapse of the World Trade Center.
Clearly significant planning went into designing the 9/11 Museum, which helps explain why it ranks among the foremost museums in NYC. Entry is covered by the New York Pass, or you can get a sole admission ticket to the exhibition or a joint pass to the exhibition and observatory.
9. MoMA and other popular museums in Manhattan
When discussing the top Manhattan museums, you must not overlook the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This fun museum has three floors of architecture, paintings, drawings, photographs, and other exhibits.
Some of the museum`s highlights involve Pablo Picasso`s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Vincent van Gogh`s Starry Night, and Claude Monet`s Water Lilies. For those keen on architecture, be sure to check out the collections from Mies van der Rohe as well as works by Frank Lloyd Wright and Isamu Noguchi. MoMA even possesses a small assortment of video games, making it an amusing location to visit in NYC with children, too. You can obtain a skip-the-line admission here.
In addition to MoMA, there are several other excellent museums located in Manhattan, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. For individuals that aren`t art lovers, the American Museum of Natural History is an incredibly prestigious institution featuring biological and geological specimens.
Most of these museums are contained in the New York Pass, and we have a guide to NYC’s complimentary museums that’s also worth examining.
10. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a tranquil place in Manhattan you should see
Among Manhattan`s striking architectures, St. Patrick`s Cathedral holds some of the finest architectural aspects and symbols. It`s also the largest Neo-Gothic Catholic church in New York and the entire United States, so it`s a must-experience in Manhattan.
While one does not necessarily need to be religious to appreciate it, Saint Patrick`s Cathedral offers spiritual significance as well as impressive artistic qualities. Constructed in 1878, the towering cathedral stands nearly 330 feet tall, with a bell tower containing 19 church bells. A pair of monumental bronze doors measuring 16.5 feet in height and weighing 9,200 pounds depict Saint Patrick, Saint Joseph, archangels Michael and Gabriel, as well as other holy figures.
Inside, the central hall has 32 marble columns and 12 dedicated altars, while the sanctuary can accommodate 3,000 members. Lovely stained-glass windows adorn the inner sanctuary, and a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture sits nearby. The cathedral also has two huge pipe organs that still function, and a crypt containing the remains of several members of the Archdiocese of New York.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a landmark in Manhattan that has been designated by NYC and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the most prominent churches in the nation and a sight that cannot be missed.
11. Fifth Avenue, the best place in Manhattan to go shopping
Referring to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, it lies along Fifth Avenue, one of the most renowned streets in New York traversing Manhattan from Washington Square Park to West 143rd Street. This avenue is well known for its luxury emporiums and retailers, but it also passes several visitor attractions in Manhattan, so it’s a good location to explore.
Probably the most recognizable name related to Fifth Avenue is Saks Fifth Avenue, a high-end department store with a lengthy history in NYC. The original Saks location opened in New York City in 1902 and included seven floors of retail space. The store remains there today in Herald Square, along with five other Saks shops, including Saks Fifth Avenue.
Other high-end and branded retailers on Fifth Avenue include Armani, Bergdorf Goodman, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Valentino.
As mentioned, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is also on this road, precisely at Fifth Avenue and East 51st Street. If you’re in this area, you won’t be far from additional well known sites in Manhattan like the Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and MoMA. So, whether you want to shop or sightsee, this main thoroughfare is a hotspot you can’t miss out on.
12. The High Line, a beautiful place in Manhattan you can’t miss
Taking a stroll along the High Line is one of the most popular activities in Manhattan for friends, family groups or even solo travelers. This renovated railway has been transformed into an elevated walkway and park stretching 1.5 miles from Manhattan`s Meatpacking District to Chelsea.
I recommend taking the time to leisurely stroll along the High Line and admire its green spaces, gardens, and public art installations. Besides being a beautifully integrated addition to the city, the High Line passes near several attractions like the Whitney Museum and Chelsea Market, which I’ll discuss later.
It also goes past The Vessel, an awesome observation platform in NYC that’s unlike any other. The Vessel’s beehive appearance is quite disorienting, but it’s lots of fun to climb the multi-level viewing levels and experience the different views. You can learn more about The Vessel and the High Line on this guided trip, which is also covered in the New York Pass.
That said, exploring the High Line is a fully cost-free activity in NYC, so if unsure where to visit in Manhattan, check out this attraction and see where it may lead.
13. Manhattan helicopter tour, the best thing to do in Manhattan as a couple
Without doubt, the coolest thing to do in Manhattan is to take a helicopter ride over the city. There are all kinds of helicopter tours of NYC, so I’m sure you can find a suitable option for your budget and timeline.
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If spectacular photographs are wanted, I suggest this doors-off helicopter excursion, which was the one undertaken during our trip. Amazing aerial views were had of Liberty and Ellis Islands, New York Harbor, Battery Park, and other landmarks.
To conclude, this private aviation tour is a sentimental activity to partake in Manhattan after dark, particularly with your significant other. The two of you can soar over the city at dusk or later hours, taking in the glittering lights and horizon. It’s an awe-inspiring experience you’ll never forget!
14. Go to Broadway, one of the top things to do in Manhattan
Another excellent couples’ activity in Manhattan that can conclude your night is a Broadway show. There are dozens of venues in the Broadway Theater District, so I’m certain there’s a show for anyone.
We`ve viewed Aladdin,The Lion King,The Phantom of the Opera,Wicked, and Chicago, and everything was splendid, from the set design and costumes to the acting. If you want to browse tickets to additional shows, you can check this website.
An additional option is visiting the TKTS Pavilion at the Red Stairs in Times Square, which offers tickets at a steeply discounted rate. While you can’t always opt for which show you’ll see, all the musicals and plays, from the longstanding to the limited-time performances, are spectacular.
Witnessing a Broadway show yourself is something you must experience when visiting Manhattan at minimum once. That mentioned, if you’re really into theater, you’ll appreciate this walking tour around Broadway, which is led by an expert New York City actor.
15. Bryant Park, a lovely outdoor place in Manhattan, New York
No matter the period of time, visiting Bryant Park is a good activity to engage in in Manhattan. You can find this popular park along Fifth Avenue, amongst 40th and 42nd Streets.
Bryant Park is designed in the French style, with many sculptures, statues, and memorials. The expansive lawns and walking paths make it the ideal location to visit in Manhattan if you want to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. If you’re traveling with children, be sure to check out Le CarrouselMagique, a charming carousel that plays French music. Also, if you’re in New York during Christmas, you can experience the park’s Winter Village, which features holiday activities and an ice skating rink.
Of course, visiting the park is always worthwhile, and while there one should also see the New York Public Library. Located in the eastern section of Bryant Park, this Neo-Classical building is the NY Public Library`s primary branch and the third largest library globally. Its 20 rooms incorporate a children`s section, computer lab and study with marble fireplace. Library cards are required to borrow books but it`s worth entering and exploring this literary treasure.
16. Go to The Battery, a fun thing to do in Manhattan
Located at the southern end of Manhattan, visitors will find The Battery, also called Battery Park. This 25-acre public green space provides relaxing areas of nature, fun attractions, and kid-friendly activities, making it a superb option for things to do in Manhattan with family.
The Battery faces New York Harbor, so it boasts lovely waterside gardens and views. Among the perennial plants and flowers, there is also an urban farm, a wooded area, and contemplative green spaces tucked away in the trees.
If you wish to simply pass through the park, you can employ the bike track or take a stroll along Monument Walk, which highlights nearly two dozen memorials. That said, I suggest dedicating some time here, taking in the sights and the fun attractions. For example, Castle Clinton, a 19th-century stronghold, served as the initial immigration station in the U.S. between 1855 and 1890. It predates Ellis Island, so it’s a cool historical landmark in Manhattan that’s worth seeing.
During the summer months, cool off at Bosque Fountain, which has water jets that spray approximately 15 feet into the air. Then, relax or have a picnic on the nearly two-acre lawn at TheOval. For children, there are several playground areas and the SeaGlass Carousel ride. Battery Park also has a ferry terminal, so you can take a ride to Staten Islandor do a Statue of Liberty tour such as this one.
17. Visit Chinatown, Little Italy, & SoHo, something to do in Manhattan with friends
Of all the potential locations toexplore in Manhattan, Chinatown cannot be missed. Home to the highest concentration of Chinese individuals in the Western Hemisphere, Lower Manhattan’s Chinatown is one of the best and most renowned Chinatowns in the country. It`s also the perfect way to experience the Chinese diaspora in one place, owing to the grocery stores, markets, produce stalls, restaurants, and noodle houses lining the streets. The finest dim sum in the city can be found here, as well as all kinds of unique shops and vendors.
Adjacent to Chinatown to the east lies Little Italy, an additional Manhattan district worth exploring. In addition to cultural events and religious festivals, Little Italy serves the finest authentic Italian cuisine, so arrive prepared to dine.
If we were planning another trip to Amsterdam, our top choices would likely be either the Jordaan, considered the most picturesque neighborhood in Amsterdam, De Pijp, the trendiest and most cosmopolitan neighborhood, or Westerpark, a lesser-known alternative (which also means cheaper).
SoHo is an area renowned for its galleries, loft spaces utilized by creators, trendy specialty stores, and vintage shops. It comprises part of the more extensive Tribeca locality, situated to the west of Chinatown. This area is renowned for its converted industrial structures, numerous of which currently serve as personal residences. Furthermore situated in Tribeca are the Hudson River Park and an auxiliary branch of the New York Public Library.
18. Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and ride The BEAST
I already mentioned some of the most popular museums in Manhattan, but another one that I want to recommend is the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The museum is inside the USS Intrepid, a watercraft and National Historic Landmark. Today, the vessel is berthed on the Hudson River at Pier 86, but it was first launched in 1943. Throughout its career, the Intrepid survived numerous War World II kamikaze attacks and took part in the Vietnam War.
Visitors to the museum can explore the Intrepid’s hangar and flight decks, as well as the Space Shuttle Pavilion and other museum galleries with extra aircraft. Among the 28 restored models, there is a Concorde SST, a Lockheed A-12, submarines from the Cold War, and spy planes. Admission is included in the New York Pass, or you can get a ticket here.
While at Pier 86, ponder taking a ride on the extremely speedy powerboat known as The BEAST. This jet-propelled thrill ride is one of the coolest boat rides in NYC, so if you want to make waves with the kids, it’s a great activity to do in Manhattan withfamily. The BEAST brags 1400 horsepower and a maximum speed of 45 mph, so you’ll feel the need for velocity as you cruise down the Hudson River, past the Statue of Liberty, and back to the pier. The ride is about 30 minutes of twists and turns, so it’s the perfect daytime activity.
19. Join a Gospel service in Harlem, a unique thing to do in Manhattan
Without question, Harlem is one of the coolest areas in Manhattan, as it’s a neighborhood rich in culture, art, and history. While it originally began as a Dutch settlement, the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 30s brought Black culture to the foreground, leaving behind a legacy of African American music, literature, and fashion.
Among the notable places here are the historic Apollo Theater, the Jazz Museum, and the Museo del Barrio, one of the top museums in NYC. The northern ending of Central Park trails into Harlem, and the Bronx borders the neighborhood’s eastern edge.
While Harlem holds its unique qualities, it is certainly deserving of exploration. As one walks the city streets, numerous churches come into view, a reflection of the strong religious influence present. Over 400 churches reside in the neighborhood, some even designated as historic landmarks. It`s common to hear uplifting gospel music emanating from these places of worship. Those wishing to experience the power and emotion of gospel choirs could consider a Sunday morning gospel tour. Spending a full day in Harlem is advised for those embarking on a 10-day itinerary for NYC. However, a brief morning visit should suffice for those lacking time.
20. Browse Chelsea Market, one of the coolest attractions in Manhattan
Chelsea Market is a mainstay in the city and a fun place in Manhattan to visit day or night. The former Nabisco factory takes up a full city block and sells everything from food and specialty items to arts, crafts, and clothing.
Browsing the vendor stalls at Chelsea Market represents an engaging activity in Manhattan to enjoy with friends, and is ideal for rainy days. Be sure to check out Pearl River Mart, a well-known Asian American retailer.
Chelsea Market is also home to work spaces for Google, YouTube, and other tech giants, and one of the newest additions is ARTECHOUSE. This exhibition combines modern technology and digital art in an immersive experience. It’s a unique opportunity, so reserve your ticket before your visit.
Speaking of art, one of the top things to do in Chelsea, Manhattan is to browse the various galleries and art stores. The High Line also runs right past the market, so this guided tour is the best way to ensure you do not miss anything.
21. Stroll through Greenwich Village, a must-see in Manhattan, New York
Greenwich Village is one of the coolest areas offering some of the best activities in Manhattan. It gained prominence in the 1960s as a hub for Bohemian culture and today, Greenwich Village remains an artistic district full of unique shops, trendy stores, and jazz theaters.
If you head to here, you’ll have the ability to stroll past some historic landmarks like the Stonewall Inn, a gay club and the spot of the Stonewall riots of 1969. There is also the Hotel Albert, which housed writers and artists like Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, Salvador Dalí, and Jackson Pollock. You’ll also see lots of spots to watch a cabaret performance or jazz concert, so consider taking in a show.
Along with its focus on alternative lifestyles and LGBTQ+ rights, Greenwich Village has numerous parks and playgrounds, with the most famous being Washington Square Park. Additionally, this neighborhood is home to the largest Halloween parade in the U.S., so be sure to check it out if you’re visiting during this time of year.
Finally, Greenwich Village is a popular area for food enthusiasts, with a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, and bakeries. Consider indulging in a tour of NYC cuisine such as this one, which visits several eateries and shops unique to only this neighborhood.
22. See the views from The Edge at Hudson Yards
The EDGE is an incredible observation deck overlooking NYC’s Hudson Yards that made its debut in 2020 and has swiftly become one of the best things to experience in Manhattan since it’s one of the best places to take photos in NYC.
What makes this sky deck unique is its glass floor that juts out from the 100th story, generating a feeling of hovering in mid-air. Not only that, but one edge of the observation deck narrows into a small, triangular area big enough for one person. If you stand here, you’ll be 80 feet from the edge of the building and 1,100 feet above the ground.
The EDGE features other activities, like the City Climb where you scale the building from 1,200 feet up. However, you don`t need to do that to enjoy stunning sightseeing in Manhattan, not to mention a drink or two!
If you want to personally experience The EDGE, you can obtain a ticket here or make use of your New York Pass.
23. See a game at Madison Square Garden, something fun to do in Manhattan
If spectator sports excite your interests, then making a visit to Madison Square Garden is a must during a trip to Manhattan. This arena that is famed for indoor events has a capacity of over 19,000 people and hosts all types of athletic contests, such as boxing and wrestling. You can also see a basketball game of the New York Knicks (here is a guide containing all the data required to obtain NBA tickets in NYC) or watch the New York Rangers hockey team battle it out on the ice rink.
In addition to sporting events, this multi-functional stadium is a popular site for ice skating demonstrations, concerts, and other unique productions. Some of the most renowned names worldwide have carried out here, like Elton John, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga. Moreover, along with the primary arena, Madison Square Garden has the smaller Hulu Theater for more intimate concerts and occasions.
The venue is also near to other tourist attractions in Manhattan, like the Empire State Building, so it’s the perfect landmark to add to your schedule. If you want the full experience, we did the Madison Square Garden expedition and we enjoyed it. You can book this voyage here (it’s also included in the New York Pass), to go behind the scenes and see the venue’s Defining Moments and Retrospective exhibits, and witness the view from the VIP box seats.
24. One Vanderbilt, another thing to do in Manhattan as a couple
If you’re visiting the city with a romantic partner and you’re looking for activities for couples in Manhattan, I recommend visiting One Vanderbilt. This observatory platform is exceptionally unique and positioned at the top of the skyscraper which stands as the fourth tallest in New York City. Here, you’ll be 1,210 feet above the city, affording incredible perspectives of Manhattan and neighboring boroughs.
Another spectacular feature of this observation deck is that there are different areas one can explore. For instance, the Levitation section includes two fully transparent balconies that jut outward from the building`s side, providing the feeling of hovering above the ground. If visiting the Infinity Room, you can grab a beverage while enjoying a digital art display showcasing views from One Vanderbilt.
If you do intend to tour this astonishing NYC rooftop, I suggest going merely before sunset, particularly if you’ll be with your partner. Here, you can view an amazing sundown over the Manhattan skyline, so you won’t regret it. Just be certain to book a ticket in advance, so you can safeguard your place.
25. Go to Little Island, a fun thing to do in Manhattan with kids
Finally, if you’re searching for activities to do in Manhattan with your family, I suggest going to Little Island. Found at Pier 55, it’s a charming synthetic island that offers a pleasant respite from the concrete landscape of New York City.
More specifically, Little Island is an urban green area positioned on the Hudson River. It’s only 2.4 acres, so while it’s small, it’s a pleasant small oasis and a great location to visit in Manhattan for free. Plus, if you’re with children, you’ll find activities and attractions to keep them engaged here. There are performance spaces, food stalls, and an arts and crafts section scattered among the gardens.
Even if you just want to go to Little Island and stroll among the landscaped grasses, trees, and plants, it’s one of the finest complimentary things to do in Manhattan. The walking routes slope upwards and downwards, and there are several lookout points and plazas where you can take a seat and enjoy the panoramas.
Where to stay in Manhattan
If you’re searching for lodging in Manhattan for an overnight stay, we have a couple recommendations.
- The Bowery Hotel – This lodging replete with modern, European-motivated decoration is one of the .
- Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square West – We stayed at this hotel multiple times and appreciated that it was near Times Square, but still very accommodating and secure. Also, the views from the rooms are extremely pleasant.
- Pod 51 – This location is one of the best cheap accommodations in NYC and within walking distance of several Manhattan landmarks like the Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
These represent some of our preferred lodging alternatives, but if you want added hotels, you can read our guide on where to lodge in New York City.
Map of Manhattan
I hope this guide helps get you excited and inspired for your next NYC trip! Here is a downloadable map of all the locations in Manhattan I discussed. Keep it handy so you can easily find all the spots you want to experience!
As always, if you have any inquiries or you’d like to share your favorite activities in Manhattan, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment. I’ll respond as soon as possible. Enjoy your trip!
