The Best Things To Do In New York City

There’s nobody more qualified to speak on the best things to do in New York City than a true, local New York City native. When it comes to figuring out where to go, what to do, and places to eat, it’s just as overwhelming as it seems. Given that I have grown up here my whole life, I know the hidden gems, touristy spots (that even locals go to), free events, experiences, and areas to explore that’ll want you practically begging to live here. This blog post is long & juicy, so feel free to skip around, save these recs, send it to a friend, & get excited for your upcoming trip to NYC!

Best Things To Do in New York City: Top Highlights

Images By: The Brooklynite Abroad

New York City Travel Tips

1. Plan By Season: No matter the season, NYC is always a great place to visit. From the endless Broadway musicals and museums to the nearby hikes, rooftops to explore, winter markets & window shopping, you’re destined to have a great time. Fall Activities in NYC | Winter Activities in NYC | Spring Activities In NYC
2. Save With The Go City Explorer Pass (Up to 90+ Tours & Attractions): To experience all the Best Things To Do in New York City, this Go City Explorer Pass helps you save money while maximizing your trip. You have the chance to save up to 50% (and that’s a big deal with NYC prices) on some of your favorite tourist destinations. Check it out to learn more & have the best time visiting my favorite city in the world. New York: Go City Explorer Pass With 90+ Tours & Attractions

Best Things To Do In New York City: Boozy Brunches You Can’t Miss

1. Bad Habits (Astoria, Queens): One of my favorite Bottomless Brunch Spots in NYC is Bad Habits because they have it all. Bad Habits is one of those spots you go to when you know you’re going to spend ALL day partying and soaking up the good vibes. The Big Bad Brunch is available every Saturday from 1-6 pm at $34.99 pp with the purchase of an entree. The chuilitos (a classic Ropa Vieja) and Chicken & Waffles are my favorite! Check out their menu, book a table, and get brunchin’. See the full Bad Habits Experience here!
2. Trestle: This place is a local favorite and for good reason. The brunches here are my particular favorite, and you get a really good bang for your buck. It’s also two blocks from the train!! Pro Tip: Their happy hour is from 4-7 pm and Friday, 12 pm-7 pm, and they have an amazing bottomless brunch. If you go, say you know Alyssa Carr & they’ll give you top-notch service.
3. 230 5th Rooftop: I rate the service 12/10: The waitress was SOOO kind and it really added to the whole experience. I wouldn’t say the food was amazing- it’s just regular bar food, nothing too impressive. The drinks were immaculate, and overall had a great time. Pro Tip: Take your pictures of the Empire State Building right before your food comes! 

Best Things To Do in New York City: Classic Museums For Your First Trip To NYC

1. Museum of Natural History: This is one of my favorite museums here in NYC, and I continue to come here every other year because there is always something new. It’s on the list of Best Things To Do in New York City because of how iconic it is. There is no excuse to miss out on this; you heard it here. Pro Tip: Check out the shark exhibit & the new Gilder Center, all about fascinating bugs & insects.
2. 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Pay your respects to the fallen heroes of 9/11. A devastating time in American history that changed so many aspects of life now. It’s worth coming to commemorate the 2,977 who died on this tragic day.
3. The Met Museum: This also goes hand in hand with one of my favorite museums. You could literally get quite lost in all of the history and amazing information that comes from here. Pro Tip: They now have a rooftop with an incredible exhibit and equally incredible views, and if you have time on the weekends, they’re open for Date Night, where they have cool events going on as well.

Check Out My Ultimate Guide to the Best Things To Do in New York City

Check out my Ultimate Guide to NYC right here on Google Maps, including the Best Things to do in New York City. This will make it 10 times easier to plan your trip and be at ease without copying and pasting places into Google Maps only to find out you’re far away.

Fav Hidden Gem Museums In NYC

1. Tenement Museum: It’s not NYC if you don’t hear about the true immigrant experience. As a proud 4th-generation American, the Irish have had an impeccable comeback in society as they were treated in some of the poorest conditions this country has ever seen. Explore the tenements (the name of the cramped buildings they’d stay in) all along the Lower East Side.
2. Museum of Moving Image: Before high tech, people like Jim Henson, a puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, inventor & filmmaker who created The Muppets, did all of the work manually. Check out cool movie props from some of your favorite films here! Pro Tip: Explore Astoria now that you’re here
3. Brooklyn Museum: It’s NYC’s second-largest museum and for good reason. Explore the many exhibits here and walk over to Prospect Park afterward! Pro Tip: On Select days throughout the weekend, free yoga and admission for only $16!

Popular Museums In NYC

1. Intrepid: An impressive sea, space & air museum all in one. You get to learn all about the military aircraft and ships used throughout history and explore life as it was during the wars. Pro Tip: Every last Friday is FREE & they have some free movie nights on the ship!
2. The Cloisters: I actually have yet to come here, but have always wanted to. It’s part of the Met and has some incredibly impressive architecture that’s worth checking out. 
3. NY Transit Museum: The NYC Subway system is one of the most iconic public transit systems in the world. It’s not known for being the best, but iconic. As you might experience in your own travels, there’s room for improvement, but we can’t stop there. Let’s go back in time to see how different the train carts were

The Best Things To Do in NYC If You Love The Arts

1. Drag Brunch: NYC and Drag are besties, so the vibes are immaculate. I love going to Lips as they put on the best show and its location is right in the heart of the city. Pro Tip: Each day they have a specific theme so check out their website for more info!
2. Circus/Acrobatic Performance: Looking for a fun night out? This is an experience that will blow your mind. Journey into the goddesses of the zodiac and prepare to be amazed by the pure talent these performers have. Pro Tip: Once you attend the event, they offer 50% off their cocktail experience for the same night or a different day! Check it out here
3. Broadway: Raise those hands if you love Broadway!! Okay, I see you! Whether you have been to them all or none yet, the Broadway community is nothing short of welcoming. If you are a lover of the arts, then Broadway week is something I would highly consider doing because you get to experience TWO FOR ONE ticket & get to see some of your favorite musicals for that much cheaper. Especially with the pandemic, the performers went so long without work and not even knowing when Broadway was going to be back, and the look on their faces just watching them do what they love was a showstopper in itself. Check out the post to see the best Broadway shows you must see!

Best Things To Do In NYC: Bucket List Experiences

1. The Edge & NYC City Climb: Welcome to the tallest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere with great views of the iconic Empire State Building, Chrysler, and some other favorites! Pro Tip: If you’re looking for adventure, climb on the side of the building and get a little thrill while you’re at it.  NYC: Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket | NYC: City Climb Skyscraping Experience Ticket
2. Bike Tour of Central Park: If you love biking, then you’d love biking around Central Park. (I’d recommend biking in Central Park versus the crazy NYC drivers out in the streets). No, but seriously, it’s the perfect activity to do on a nice day! Central Park Bike Rentals
3. NYC Boat Ride: If you love to party, then Fever has some pretty great boat parties that are worth it and the best part is that it’s $15!

Best Day Trips In NYC

• Coney Island/Sheepshead Bay: Best Things To Do In Coney Island
• Rockaway, Queens: Best Things To Do In Rockaway
• Astoria, Queens: Best Bars in Astoria | Best Restaurants In Astoria
• Chinatown: Best Things To Do In Chinatown
• Roosevelt Island
• Governor’s Island

Best Day Trips From NYC

• New Paltz: Best Things To Do in New Paltz
• The Catskills
• The Adirondacks: Upstate Weekend In The Catskills
• Philadelphia
• Long Island

There You Have It

The Best Things To Do in New York City & beyond are all in this post. After living here my whole life, it’s so hard to put my top places to visit into one blog post. That’s why I am constantly refreshing and adding new places to the list to offer everyone the best experiences at affordable prices. I highly encourage you all to explore off-the-beaten-path places and get out of your comfort zone. There is always time to relax when you get home, but you have to show us that you can keep up with the NYC energy!

Veronica

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica, but you can also call me Vee! I grew up in the iconic city of Brooklyn, NY, the cultural hub of the world, and hence learned about so many different cultures. It was those experiences that inspired me to travel and from then on, I had learned the power of travel. In return, I want to give others that same experience, to help inspire others to unleash their inner travel enthusiast no matter the trip.

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