Top 10 Things To Do In New York City

We have often been asked, what attractions or tours are the best in New York City. What are the main things you cannot leave out and you really have to see? So, what are the top 10 things to do in New York City? We sorted through the city’s best tours, day trips, and attractions, and have chosen the very best top 10 Things To Do In New York City to help you prioritize your sightseeing in NYC.

Our top 10 things to do in New York City

1. New York  Dinner Cruise

new-york-dinner-cruise-in-new-york-city-176532-2Indulge in a classy evening out one of New York’s dinner cruises, like the Bateaux featuring a four-course gourmet meal, entertainment, and sensational skyline views. Admire top New York City attractions including the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge as you cruise around the lower part of Manhattan. Soak up the intimate atmosphere of your yacht, which unlike larger boats, offers spectacular views from virtually any table. Upgrade to augment your dining experience with an open bar.

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2. Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York

big-apple-helicopter-tour-of-new-york-in-new-york-city-138107See New York’s famous landmarks from the air on an exhilarating 15-minute helicopter tour. You’ll come face-to-face with the Statue of Liberty as you fly above the Hudson River. Admire the iconic Empire State Building, the silver Art Deco brilliance of the Chrysler Building, and the sprawling green expanse of Central Park. A must for any visitor to New York City!

On your 15-minute New York sightseeing helicopter flight you’ll experience the grandeur of Manhattan’s famous skyline in a way that’s impossible from the ground. You’ll also see the most famous landmark in the US, the Statue of Liberty, from the air!

We have created a comparison of all helicopter rides in New York so you can find the best helicopter flight for you.

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3. EXCLUSIVE: Niagara Falls Day Trip from New York

viator-exclusive-niagara-falls-day-trip-from-new-york-by-private-plane-in-new-york-city-151906Likely to sell out! Reach the incredible Niagara Falls on a day trip; it’s a Viator Exclusive that’s available nowhere else!

Choose to visit either the US or Canada side of the thundering waterfalls, and enjoy four exciting attractions such as the ‘White Water Walk’ around the base of the falls or the ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat cruise.

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4. Viator VIP: Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial

Empire State BuildingExperience New York City like an insider on this action-packed VIP tour that includes early access to the Empire State Building, skip-the-line entry to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, an open-top bus tour, and a hop-on-hop-off cruise. You can upgrade to also include afternoon admission to the 9/11 Museum. Seem like a lot to do in one day? Opt to take your cruise the following day. It’s a great way to see NYC’s newest sites and its most iconic attractions, and a Viator exclusive package that can’t be booked anywhere else!

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5. New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour

new-york-manhattan-scenic-helicopter-tour-in-new-york-city-153892

Take to the skies on a helicopter tour to see New York’s amazing skyline! On this scenic 18-minute helicopter flight you’ll soar through the sky and experience a bird’s eye view of Manhattan’s world famous landmarks. This is the best view you can get of New York City!

After taking off from Downtown Manhattan Heliport, you will fly over Governor’s Island, a former Revolutionary US Army post, and the birthplace of New York. Next, you will come face-to-face with the Statue of Liberty, which has become synonymous with America’s most fundamental value, freedom. Don’t forget to pack your camera for unique shots of this famous landmark!

We have created a comparison of all helicopter rides in New York so you can find the best helicopter flight for you.

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6. Empire State Building Tickets – Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Tickets

One World ObservatoryUntil you see New York City from the top of the Empire State Building, you haven’t really seen it! You’ll remember your first visit to the Empire State Building and the amazing 360-degree panoramic views of Manhattan forever.

Your admission ticket takes you to the 86th-floor of the Empire State Building, at 1,050 feet (320 meters) and the glass-enclosed area is reached by high-speed automatic elevators. From the Empire State Building Observation Deck, you’ll be treated to spectacular indoor and outdoor views of Manhattan including Central Park, Times Square, the Flatiron Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty and so much more.

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7. Viator VIP: NYC Night Helicopter Flight and Statue of Liberty Cruise

viator-vip-nyc-evening-helicopter-flight-and-statue-of-liberty-cruise-in-new-york-city-180312Get unbeatable views of Manhattan from the sky and water on this exclusive VIP tour in New York City! Hop aboard a luxury helicopter and soar over the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island and Central Park and admire the dazzling city lights. After your flight, enjoy more spectacular views of the city skyline on a New York Harbor cruise complete with a Champagne toast in front of the majestic Statue of Liberty.

On this page you can compare all helicopter rides in New York to find the best helicopter flight for you (including the helicopter routes)!


8. Niagara Falls Day Trip from New York by Air

niagara-falls-day-trip-from-new-york-by-air-in-new-york-city-117420-2Likely to sell out! Discover the beauty and awesome power of Niagara Falls on a day trip from New York. You’ll fly to Upstate New York, tour the falls on both the US and Canadian sides (don’t forget your passport!), see all the sights, including a ride on a Niagara boat cruise or the Journey Behind the Falls. And at the end of an amazing day, you’ll take an evening flight back to New York.

Due to the extreme popularity of this tour, a minimum 5-day advance booking is required.

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9. Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise

Bateaux Dinner CruiseLikely to sell out! On this luxury, New York City dinner cruise, savor gourmet cuisine and enjoy live jazz entertainment while soaking up breathtaking views of the Manhattan, New Jersey, and Brooklyn skylines. Pass in front of the Empire State Building, Battery Park, Statue of Liberty, South Street Seaport and more from the viewing decks or the all-glass enclosed cabin, treating you to amazing views every second of the way. Upgrade to enjoy a romantic or first class VIP experience including a private table and French sparkling wine!

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10. Complete New York, New York Helicopter Tour

complete-new-york-new-york-helicopter-tour-in-new-york-city-138104Take the ultimate helicopter tour over New York! This 20-minute aerial tour covers all five boroughs. You’ll see the Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building, Empire State, Central Park, Yankee Stadium and many other famous landmarks in a way that’s impossible from the ground.

On this page you can compare all helicopter rides in New York to find the best helicopter flight for you (including the helicopter routes)!

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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