10 Fun Things to do in New York City
10 Fun Things to do in New York City
Where do you start when exploring a destination known as “The City that Never Sleeps,” a destination with so much to do that even its locals lose sleep trying to get it all done?” Do you begin with the weird things to do in NYC at nights ? Well, start with a plan, check out hotels near Grand Central Station and arrange your list of favorite places with the most important spots you want to experience first! From art galleries to luxury boutiques, the Fashion District and Wall Street to Central Park, museums, restaurants, iconic landmarks and so much more, your list may get long as NYC is one of those places where there is literally never a dull moment and more than enough to see!
Best Fun Things to Do in New York City
Looking to take a bite out of the Big Apple? Well, one way to start is by exploring some of its more fun and exciting attractions, some of which are off the beaten path.
You’ll laugh yourself giddy, eat your heart out and enjoy life-changing conversations with some of the unique residents of this world-class city that doesn’t take things too seriously, and is therefore, welcoming and accepting of all visitors. So, whether you’re hunting for the best eateries or searching for the quirky characters you see in films, keep reading and let us help you figure out where to start. Here are some of our top picks of fun things to do in New York City whether you’re doing a solo-cation, a family vacation, a girls’ trip or bae-cation:
1 | Visit Times Square | Times Square is one of New York’s legendary landmarks which has been featured in song and on stage. It definitely lives up to its reputation, but that’s something you can only know from experience. From its brilliant lights, amazing eateries, iconic shops, and distinctive sounds, a visit here is a memory you will never forget. Be sure to shop for souvenirs at The Sanrio Store, Quicksilver, Forever 21, the Hershey’s Store and the NHL Store. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at Asian eatery Silky Kitchen or feast on hearty Italian at Becco.
WHERE: Manhattan, NY 10036 | WHO: 212-452- 5218
2 | Visit the Empire State Building | You’ve seen it on Billions, King Kong, Sex and the City, Sleepless in Seattle, and An Affair to Remember among other shows and films. The Empire State Building is the ultimate New York City landmark and a visit to the Big Apple wouldn’t be complete without seeing it. While you’re there, remember to climb up to the observation deck which is on the building’s 86th floor. It offers incredible views of the New York City skyline. Through the multimedia sources made available throughout the building, you’ll learn more about the building and the sights surrounding it. The Empire State Building is even receptive to late-night visitors and open until 2 AM.
WHERE: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001 | WHO: 212-736-3100
3 | Join a Harlem Food Tour | It’s said that if you want to truly learn about a people’s culture, eat their food. That’s why New York offers so many food tours, all of which are incredible. With that said, the Harlem Food Tour is a great way to understand New York City culture from a grass-roots level. The history of Harlem is deeply embedded in New York City culture thus offers you an opportunity to truly take a “bite” out of the big apple to enjoy authentic soul food, Puerto Rican, Italian and Mexican cuisine which represent some of the cultures that live in this melting-pot of a neighborhood.
WHERE: Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027 | WHO: 212-866-7427
4 | Take a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island | The city of New York first made a name for itself as a welcoming port for immigrants who wanted a taste of the American Dream. The Statue of Liberty was the first thing that those immigrants would see upon their arrival to the city which cemented its status as a foremost symbol of American culture. Not only that, but Lady Liberty serves as the best place to take in the New York City skyline and landscape. Wondering how to get there? There’s a dedicated Statue of Liberty ferry, but if you happen to miss it, you can always take one of the many boat tours that are dedicated to taking visitors around the island. Either way, you’ll get an opportunity to see its interior and exterior.
WHERE: New York, NY 10004 | WHO: 212-363-3200
5 | Climb the Top of the Rock Observatory | Located at the iconic Rockefeller Plaza, the Top of the Rock Observatory offers an exclusive view of a 19-building complex located between 48th and 51st Midtown streets and will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. Not only will you be visiting the Rockefeller Center which is one of the most iconic sights in New York, but you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of well-known NYC skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building.
WHERE: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 | WHO: 212-698-2000
6 | Go to the Madison Square Garden | A trip to New York is incomplete without a visit to Madison Square Garden, which takes the cake as one of the most famous entertainment venues in the world. One of the best ways to experience this landmark is through a 75-minute guided tour that takes you behind the scenes of a place that has hosted such greats as Muhammad Ali, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Jay-Z to name but a few. The MSG Defining Moments exhibits take you through some of the most iconic moments in this venue’s history. Of course, MSG is also home to some of America’s favorite teams, the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers.
WHERE: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001 | WHO: 212-465-6741
7 | Experience The Ride | This is by far one of the most interesting New York attractions that we’ve ever come across, as it gives you a unique perspective of New York culture and its landscape as you’ve never seen it before. The Ride is an interactive experience that involves seeing some of New York’s rising talent in action. For a time, New York City streets are transformed into a proper street performance where there’s something new and interesting happening at every turn. The Ride comes courtesy of a custom-made tour bus that takes you on a 75-minute excursion through Midtown Manhattan and Times Square. Your companions through this trip include karaoke acts, trivia, fun facts and history guides that’ll help you see New York from a completely different perspective.
WHERE: 259 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, New York, NY 10018 | WHO: 212-221-0853
8 | Board the Landmark Cruise | This sightseeing cruise is one of the best ways to see New York if you don’t have a lot of time left in your itinerary, but want to see as much of the city as possible. Courtesy of Circle Line Sightseeing, this landmark cruise offers a tour to all of New York’s major landmarks including Lower Manhattan, the Hudson river’s Hell’s Kitchen, to sights on the East River. Some of the amazing places you’ll experience through this tour include Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the One World Trade Center, the High Line, the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, to name but a few.
WHERE: 83 North River Piers, W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036 | WHO: 212-563-3200
9 | Drink at an NYC Speakeasy | New York has more Prohibition bars than you can throw a stick at. But none more exclusive than Please Don’t Tell. A local favorite, PDT is a speakeasy located behind a hot-dog restaurant and the only way to enter is through a telephone booth. It doesn’t get more New York than that. We did mention exclusivity, so you’ll need a reservation to enter or else hope for a cancellation which is rare. If you plan on visiting this bar, be sure to make your reservations at 3 PM when they open to improve your chances, and keep calling until you get through.
WHERE: 113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009 | WHO: 212-614-0386
10 | Rent a Bike in Central Park | Unless you’ve actually seen it in person, any depiction of Central Park on film doesn’t really do it justice. The sheer size of the park is breathtaking, not to mention all there is to see and do within the vast green space that has seen so many iconic moments in history. A simple walk through the park might give you a glimpse into its glory but if you really want to understand why Central Park is so epic, we highly recommend taking a bike tour instead. This will give you enough time to explore all the different aspects that the park has to offer, including the Lake, Central Park Zoo, Sheep Meadow, Central Park Mall and much more. With time to spare, you may even ramble through Literary Walk to see the statues of famous writers throughout history including Fitz-Greene Halleck, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Burns or enjoy panoramic views of the Great lawn straight from the Belvedere Castle.
WHERE: 1391 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019 | WHO: 212-664-9600
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Last Tips on Fun Things to Do in New York City
New York is an incredible feat of human imagination and has a culture that represents determination, spirit and a true reflection of the American Dream.
Taking in the sights featured in this article is a great opportunity to experience all the best that New York has to offer while keeping it fun and light!
But if you’re not in a New York state of mind or are still searching for vacation ideas and insider tips, check out the rest of our Travel Blog for incredible picks!
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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