Things to do in Manhattan
How do you explore Manhattan?
Within New York City there are 5 boroughs—the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Each of them has dozens of different NYC neighborhoods. While planning the best things to do in New York City, you need to know how to explore Manhattan like a local.
It’s not a secret that Manhattan is the heart of the city. With Times Square and Broadway as the electric center, most NYC attractions and famous landmarks are located in Manhattan as well. The island of Manhattan is iconic in a way that you all might have seen already in many movies, TV Shows, and commercials. Countless neighborhoods in Manhattan offer many fun things to do. But where do you start? Here is our guide to the best things to do in Manhattan.
Top 5 Things to Do in Manhattan
Manhattan is filled with events, activities, and attractions that it can be overwhelming to take in all at once. There’s always something for everyone. Here are our favorite things to do in Manhattan.
Our Favorite things to do in Manhattan
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01
Empire State Building
Building in Midtown Manhattan
The Empire State Building is the most famous attraction in New York City. When most people think of NYC, this landmark is usually the first thing that pops into their head. It’s an iconic skyscraper and has been arguably the face of the city. It should definitely be a part of every trip to the city since it features two observation decks! Here’s a fun fact: The Empire State Building even has its own zip code! (NY 10118)
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02
Central Park
Park in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
Central Park spans from Midtown Manhattan all the way up to Harlem. There are about 340 hectares of land and is a popular meeting place for New Yorkers. With about 35 million visitors per year, the man-made park is an attraction not only for tourists. New Yorkers love Central Park and its tranquility. Many events are held here such as the NYC Marathon. There are also tons of green spaces, walking lanes, and bike lanes. Central Park is home to Sheep’s Meadow, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Zoo, and many other things as well.
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03
Times Square
Other Attraction in Theatre DistrictOur Highlight
Times Square is one of the most famous attractions in New York City. Just like The Statue of Liberty or The Empire State Building, Times Square is an iconic location. When people say “the city that never sleeps”, they’re most likely talking about Times Square because of the numerous lights and action going on 24/7. Standing in the middle of the many bright, flashing billboards ist not comparable to anything else in the city. Times Square is the heart of NYC and is the true embodiment of The Big Apple.
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04
Grand Central Terminal
Other Attraction in Midtown Manhattan
Grand Central Station is probably the most famous commuter station in the world. Every single day, thousands of locals and tourists walk through this busy and fast-paced terminal. This New York City commuter rail terminal has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows and is an iconic location within the city. Tourists that visit NYC make sure that Grand Central is part of their itinerary.
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05
High Line
Park in Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
There are few parks as unique as the High Line. The elevated freight rail line was repurposed as a public green space that opened in 2009 and now offers amazing views of the city, as well as a place to relax and unwind. Its plant life is based directly off what was growing there while it was abandoned, giving this park a unique and interesting atmosphere! The High Line stretches from The Meatpacking District all the way to Hudson Yards-34th Street.
Map of Manhattan
Shopping in Manhattan
When it comes to shopping in New York, Manhattan is the place to be. Herald Square is one of the largest areas in Manhattan to shop. With Macy’s, Victoria Secret, Uniqlo, H&M, Zara and many other big retailers Herald Square is the most popular part of Manhattan for a great shopping experience.
But there are multiple locations all over Manhattan such as SoHo, Meatpacking District, Westfield at the Oculus in Lower Manhattan, the Shops at Columbus Circle, the Shops at Hudson Yards and the area around Union Square where you can go shopping in Manhattan. But keep your eyes open where ever you go, there are many local boutiques and stores all over Manhattan.
Best Restaurants in Manhattan
Restaurants are everywhere in Manhattan, and depending on which area of the city you’re in will determine the type of cuisine is offered in that area. One of the best things to do in Manhattan is to eat. You’ll get a sense of the different cultures in the city. Also, a growing trend here is the number of cuisines that are being fused together which makes it a unique dining experience. Below are the restaurants we’ve visited.
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01 Añejo
Añejo is a classy yet fun and casual Mexican restaurant with modern small plates and innovative cocktails. This restaurant was created by the Top Chef season 7 contestant, Angelo Sosa. So, it’s no surprise Añejo is a culinary work of art and is even Michelin recommended for the best Mezcal bars in NYC. You must try the unique ‘Traviesa Montelobos’ with Mezcal, fresh grapefruit, lime, Fresno infused agave, Aperol, and spicy salt when visiting.
Each small plate is a flavorful culinary experience, but their top dishes include the tender and smoky ‘octopus plate’ and the ‘Drunken Lamb Barbacoa.’ These plates are modern but include elements of Mexican food that bring your taste buds for a ride.
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02 Balthazar
The stylish restaurant serves traditional French cuisine. Outside the menu you can also choose from the seafood bar and the delicacies from the Balthazar Bakery. The breakfast is legendary and the home-baked bread is especially convincing. By the way, you can get a lot more of it in the adjacent bakery.
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03 Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya is a Japanese-style tavern and a traditional sushi bar with a fine dining experience. This spot is all about bonding together at a fun place to drink with delicious food selections. From small plate options to family-style platters, Blue Ribbon has got you covered. The location of this Lower East Side restaurant is also beautiful and convenient if you want to jump right into the East Village.
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04 Boqueria SoHo
One of our highlights is the Boqueria in SoHo. We have walked past it 100 times and have not noticed it at all. Then it was recommended to us during a conversation and what can we say: it is really really good! We had to wait almost 30 minutes until we had two of the coveted seats. Both Tino and I would describe ourselves as Spain connoisseurs, so we were all the more surprised at HOW good the tapas were here. Took us right back to our summer vacations!
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05 Brooklyn Diner
Even if the name doesn’t suggest it, the diner is really close to Times Square! The Brooklyn Diner is a diner like it is in a book: both from the outside and the inside. Try the pastrami or the French toast.
Rooftop Bars in Manhattan
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01 cloudM New York Bowery
For me, the cloudM Rooftop Bar is one of the most beautiful rooftop bars not only in the Lower East Side, but in all of New York. It is located on the roof of the citizenM New York Bowery Hotel and offers everything that makes a good rooftop bar: a great view, beautiful design and relaxed atmosphere.
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02 Dear Irving on Hudson
The bar Dear Irving on Hudson is a real insider tip. Located very close to Times Square, you can look down on Manhattan’s “urban canyons” from here and be relatively undisturbed. The bar is small and cozy and not yet as crowded as many others in the neighborhood. The cocktail menu is not that big, but the cocktails are really good.
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03 Electric Lemon
On the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel in the Hudson Yards you will find the rooftop bar Electric Lemon – I myself have been here several times and am thrilled every time. The atmosphere here is very special and the view over the Hudson River at sunset is amazing.
The first area of the Electric Lemon Rooftop Bar consists of several lounge furniture and tables, then you will immediately notice the stylish outdoor bar and glass fireplace (and the view of The Vessel), which really comes into its own in the evening. Add to that a huge wire sculpture and a water basin – really nice!
The larger area with lots of comfy lounge chairs is the part where you probably spend the most time. Especially if you’ve been out on the High Line, the Electric Lemon Rooftop Bar is a really nice spot to relax. They make you pay for it, too: Cocktails cost $19.
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04 Equinox Hotel
5 Stars | The Equinox Hotel at Hudson Yards is one of the newest and most trendy hotels in New York, and we were lucky enough to stay there for two days. The highlight (apart from the hotel itself) is the rooftop bar and lounge overlooking the Hudson River. Spectacular.
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05 Refinery Rooftop
A very small rooftop bar very close to Bryant Park with a nice view of the Empire State Building is the Refinery Rooftop from the Refinery Hotel. This two-story rooftop bar in Midtown isn’t particularly large, but it certainly has its appeal due to the combination of location and quality of the cocktails.
Museums in Manhattan
Museums are abundant in Manhattan. There’s literally a museum about everything here and is always a great experience especially for kids. Museums in Manhattan are always are perfect opportunity to learn new topics or enhance your knowledge on a subject that you’re really into.
Remember, the world’s most recognized museums are located in Manhattan. NYC’s museums are without a doubt some of the best in the world. If you’re in Manhattan don’t hesitate to check out one of the many museums. Most of them are already included in your New York Attraction Pass.
Here are some of the best Museums in Manhattan
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01
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Museum in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) was founded in 1929 and was the first museum that completely focused its collection on modern art. The huge museum went through an impressive renovation and reopened in 2004 by architect, Yoshio Taniguchi. Then in MoMa went through another round of renovations and reopened in October of 2019. It is definitely one of the most impressive museums in NYC. It’s one of the largest and most influential museums with its collection of modern art.
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02
American Museum of Natural History
Museum in Upper West Side
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the more popular museums in NYC. If the name sounds recognizable it’s because the museum was the center of attention in the movie, Night at the Museum featuring Ben Stiller. Regardless of it’s Hollywood fame, the Natural History Museum is a huge institution that features numerous exhibits. This is a great place for families with kids so they can learn about the world’s geography, plants, different animal species and many other things.
The American Museum of Natural History is located in the Upper West Side in Manhattan and is the largest natural history museum in the world.
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03
Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)
Museum in Upper East SideOur Highlight
A visit to the Metropolitan Museum in New York (The MET) is more than just an ordinary visit to an art museum. With more than 2 million artworks that span from more than 5,000 years, visitors will soon realize this institution is very special. Exhibits are spread out over 2,000,000 square feet of floor space. That makes it the largest art museum in the United States. The museum is a must-visit and is perfect for families with kids. The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents the best of art history from around the world.
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04
Guggenheim Museum
Museum in Upper East SideOur Highlight
First off, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is an architectural masterpiece. Second, but most importantly, it is the permanent home of a large collection of art named after its founder. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright the bizarrely shaped building is one of the most famous in NYC. Not only is the outside spectacular, but it is constantly expanding its permanent collection. Also, many special exhibitions are showcased here throughout the years. It is definitely worth a visit!
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05
Whitney Museum
Museum in Meatpacking District
Newly opened in 2015, the Whitney Museum in New York shines in a whole new light. The Whitney Museum has one of the most spectacular collections of contemporary art that focuses on American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Edward Hopper, Jackson Pollock, and Robert Rauschenberg are just a few of the names whose paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and installations are part of the exhibits at the Whitney Museum. More than 21,000 works of art are permanently showcased here. The museum is located in The Meatpacking District in Manhattan.
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06
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Museum in Hell's Kitchen
The Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum is the only floating museum in NYC. You will find a wide array of historically significant military and maritime vehicles as well as a collection of museum ships on this aircraft carrier which is docked on the Hudson River. This is great for kids and adults alike as it discusses and shows a wide variety of artifacts regarding the US military and maritime history.
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07
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Museum in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located at the 9/11 National Memorial and is probably one of the most emotional museums in New York. It is mostly located underground and displays debris from the former Twin Towers in addition to many of the personal belongings of those buried. Among them are fire trucks deformed by heat, a part of the antenna of the North Tower, a scorched elevator motor, the saving stone staircase (Survivor’s Staircase) as well as remains of sidewalks, street signs, bicycles and baby carriages that were in front of the World Trade Center.
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08
Madame Tussauds
Museum in Midtown Manhattan
One of NYC’s most popular attractions is the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum right by Times Square. Great for kids and adults alike you will see countless celebrities recreated with amazing details as wax figurines. If you have always been hoping for a perfect selfie with one of your favorite celebrities then this is just the spot for you!
Hotels in Manhattan
Manhattan is one of the most visited places in the world so obviously you want to stay in a hotel that best fits your budget. Depending on where you stay in Manhattan, you could end up paying a good chunk of money. For example, if you decide to stay right in Times Square, you’ll probably end up paying more compared to a hotel, let’s say, in Chinatown.
Staying in a hip neighborhood like SoHo also guarantees that you’ll be paying a premium price. The articles below detail everything you need to know about which hotels to book during your trip to Manhattan, NYC.
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01 Andaz Wall Street Hotel
4 Stars | The Andaz Wall Street belongs to the Hyatt Group and was completely renovated in 2012. The rooms are very clean, modernly furnished, have a rain shower and a very comfortable bed. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn Bridge.
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02 Artezen Hotel
4 stars | The Artezen Hotel is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Manhattan, offering an intimate and luxurious experience. From the moment you step onto your private balcony, you’ll be captivated by the stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline, including the towering One World Trade Center and the majestic Brooklyn Bridge.
Situated in the vibrant Financial District, the Artezen Hotel provides easy access to renowned attractions such as Wall Street and the historic South Street Seaport. Indulge in a tranquil moment as you sip your free coffee while overlooking the bustling streets below, or unwind with a glass of wine as the city lights twinkle in the distance.
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03 citizenM New York Bowery
4 Stars | The citizenM New York Bowery is my favorite hotel in this area, because it combines a lot of things I like: stylish, bright rooms, a sensational bar and even a rooftop bar with a fantastic view.
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04 Courtyard by Marriott New York Downtown Manhattan
3 stars | Another recommendation of the best hotels overlooking the One World Observatory is the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. The very trendy Courtyard by Marriott New York has a restaurant, a bar, and also free Wi-Fi in all areas. Only exactly 1,000 feet from the World Trade Center, you couldn’t stay any closer to the tallest building in the city, could you? Each room at this hotel is air-conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen cable TV.
You can even enjoy breakfast with a view of One World Trade Center. This hotel at One World Trade Center also has a gym that you can use during your trip.
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05 Equinox Hotel
5 Stars | The Equinox Hotel at Hudson Yards is one of the newest and most trendy hotels in New York, and we were lucky enough to stay there for two days. The highlight (apart from the hotel itself) is the rooftop bar and lounge overlooking the Hudson River. Spectacular.
More super fun things to do in Manhattan
Manhattan is filled with so many events, activities, and attractions that there are countless of things that one can do in this borough. You can attend shows, sporting events, visit the wonderful parks or just walk around. Below are some other ideas of things to do in Manhattan:
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01 Enjoy a Broadway Show
Broadway musicals are very unique and we believe that everyone should experience it at least once in their life. New York is filled with many shows from The Lion King all the way to Harry Potter. The very popular show Hamilton is on Broadway as well.
Shows are usually chosen based on performance and popularity. Once the show starts to become unpopular, that show is usually replaced. If you see a show that you really want to see and it’s available, make sure to jump on it because the next season, it could be gone.
You can find the best Broadway Shows here.
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02 Explore the Hudson Yards
The Shops at Hudson Yards is the newest shopping experience in NYC. Here you’ll find luxury designer stores and fine dining restaurants.
Also, you can find the Vessel here. The stairs are still closed for the public but it’s nice to look at!
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03 Spend a Day at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is located right in central Manhattan and is a quiet oasis between 40th and 42nd Street. Bryant Park is right in the cetner of Midtown Manhattan between 40th and 42nd Street, yet it still lends you the peace and quiet you need to get away for a few moments from the bustling city. Withg many small cafés dotted throughout the park this is the perfect place to unwind or relax when the weather is nice.
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04 Explore Union Square
New York City is full of diversity and variety. Union Square is a great example of this, as it is here that businessmen, creative freelancers, such as writers and artists, as well as demonstrators and the residents of the area meet. Here, the suit sits next to the hippie on the park bench. Many of the city’s most famous restaurants are located in Union Square. But it’s the theaters and cultural venues, as well as weekly markets like the Union Square Green Market, that give this part of the city its special hardship.
Residents of the Big Apple come here for first-class dining, or to enjoy the entertainment. Especially popular is the Union Square Theatre, where mainly off-Broadway plays are shown.
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05 Visit one of the Observation Decks!
New York City is known for its beautiful skyline. The skyline that people recognize the most is Manhattan. Tall skyscrapers dominate the view such as One World Trade Center, The Empire State Building and now Edge NYC. But where can you see the best view of NYC? We recommend checking out the different observation decks.
They can give you different angles of the metropolis which in turn provides great photo opportunities. Observation decks can be found on top of the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Edge NYC, One World Trade Center, and the Summit.
My tip: Except for the Summit all the observation decks are included in the New York attraction passes!
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06 Take a flick of the Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building is one of the most popular, beautiful and iconic buildings in NYC. The triangle shaped building likens the shape of a iron, hence the name. As one of the most photogenic spots in NYC this is definitely worth the visit for every tourist.
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07 Catch a Show at Lincoln Center
The famous Lincoln Center is indisputably the cultural hotspot of New York. Even if you don’t have tickets for an upcoming event, you have to visit New York to see it! There is always something going on here. Lincoln Center consists of several theatres and concert halls, and the world-famous Metropolitan Opera is located here. The Lincoln Centre is one of the world’s largest performing arts centres consisting of numerous buildings providing a total of 61,000 m² of cultural space in the centre of New York. Here you will also find New York’s largest and most prestigious art college: The Juilliard School.
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08 Visit South Street Seaport and Pier 17
The South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan is located where Fulton Street meets the East River. But with the proximity to the Brooklyn Bridge and areas like Wall Street in beautiful Lower Manhattan, it is the charm of the many old commercial buildings from the old days that make the South Street Seaport in New York City so special.
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09 Explore the New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is one of the most famous buildings in NYC. Having featured in countless films and photographs, this is one of the best public libraries in the United Sates. The New York Public Library is not only a place for students, professors, and bookworms but also a must visit for toruists of the Big Apple.
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10 The Oculus
With a delay of around 7 years and huge costs, the world’s most expensive railway station was opened in March 2016. The new station next to the One World Trade Center is architecturally amazing and looks absolutely futuristic. It blurs the lines between a railway station, shopping center and pedestrian tunnels and is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
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11 Enjoy an event at Madison Square Garden
Performing at Madison Square Garden is considered a milestone for many artists and performers. For one, its located in the heart of Manhattan and two, the venue is an icon not just in NYC, but in the country. Every artist aspires to perform here.
When it comes to sports, Madison Square Garden is considered “The Mecca” of basketball. If you’re a fan of basketball make sure to pick up Knicks tickets or if you’re a fan of hockey, the New York Rangers play here as well.
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12 Take the FREE Staten Island Ferry
One of New York’s most popular tourist attractions is the Staten Island Ferry, which commutes between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The crossing is free of charge! The 5 mile journey takes about 20-25 minutes and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty.
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13 Stroll at Chelsea Market
The first address for the gourmets among you, is the Chelsea Market. The building that was once a biscuit factory and the place where the famous Oreo biscuits were invented. Today you will find bakeries, wine merchants, greengrocers, a fish shop, sushi bars, a butcher’s shop with steak restaurant and much more.
Our favorite neighborhood in Manhattan
Our favorite neighborhood in Manhattan is most likely SoHo, even though it is super hard to decide. The atmosphere is unlike any other neighborhood. People are here are dressed well, there are great restaurants and cafes, and the shopping scene is one of the best in the world. There’s always something going on here and the energy in this neighborhood is like no other.
More NYC boroughs
Things To Do in The Bronx
Things to do in Brooklyn
Things To Do in Queens
Things to Do in Staten Island
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