Aside from the usual tourist attractions, there is much to see in New York City. Here are our ideas of unique things you can do in New York City to make your trip special.

Few places on the planet rival New York City, from the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the shores of Queens. The city’s diversity makes it an ideal location for seeking new experiences. The five boroughs are full of one-of-a-kind shops, parks, restaurants, and other attractions that visitors and locals must see to believe.

With so much to see in New York, you probably ask yourself where to begin, right? Times Square, Central Park, and Fifth Avenue are all fantastic tourist attractions, but what about discovering other unique and exciting things to do in New York City?

The city is filled with creativity, innovation, and outlandish ideas. New ideas and exciting things to do begin in the city that never sleeps. So aside from the must-see places, let yourself explore some more… out-of-the-box experiences that will make your New York trip extra special! Here are some tips on things you can do in New York City to make your trip memorable.

Hit the Classic New York City Attractions

Of course, when you visit New York City, you will want to check out those classic Big Apple attractions. Be sure to add these to your list.

Empire State Building

Nothing beats great panoramic views of New York City – and the Empire State Building is ideal. When it was finished in 1931, it was the tallest building in the world.

For an even better experience, go just before sunset, but be aware that there may be lines for tickets and the elevator to the observatory.

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

Despite its location in New Jersey, the city’s symbol is the Statue of Liberty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most common starting point for visitors is Battery Park, from which ferries depart. The views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan become more impressive as the ferry approaches. Once there, you can visit the Pedestal to view the museum and learn about its history.

The High Line

The High Line is a railway viaduct that runs through Chelsea on Manhattan’s west side. It was abandoned in the 1980s and was later transformed into a 2 km (1.2 miles) elevated park that opened to the public in 2009 and offers the most breathtaking view of the Hudson River.

Times Square

Nothing says “New York” like Times Square. We’ve all seen it a million times: during New Year’s Eve celebrations and on the news every day when the stock exchange is mentioned. A must-see of things to do in New York City! Beware, though, it may be a little overwhelming—bright and shiny as it is.

NYC insider’s tip: Visit Times Square at sunrise…it will surprise you in a good way!

Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous places to visit in New York. It is renowned for the Christmas tree that is lit at the start of the holiday season, as well as the ice-skating rink that accompanies it.

Rockefeller Center comprises 19 buildings, 14 of which are in the Art Deco style.

The Cathedral of St. Patrick

The New York City Neo-Gothic Cathedral of St. Patrick, which occupies an entire block on Fifth Avenue, was inaugurated in 1878. You’re bound to come across it while walking down the street, so you might as well pay it a quick visit. It will surely impress you!

Central Park

Central Park is much more than just a park, and visiting it is one of the best free things to do in New York. The park is quite large. It is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Columbus Circle, its southern boundary, to the northern one. It is approximately 2,625 feet (800 meters) wide. The total area exceeds 778 acres (315 hectares).

For things you can do in New York City, be sure to stop by Strawberry Fields, aka John Lennon’s memorial; the lovely Bethesda fountain and terrace; Belvedere Castle; the Lake; and Gapstow Bridge (one of the park’s most iconic sights).

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art—the Met—is one of the world’s finest art museums, with works spanning ancient Egypt to the modern era. The museum is so large (19 curatorial departments house various collections) that exploring it takes at least a day.

Immerse Yourself in the New York Food Culture

Eating is one of the most enjoyable things to do in New York. It would be a shame to miss out on the incredible selection of restaurants (including Michelin-starred ones), street food scene, and eateries available. Taking a food tour is a fun way to sample the local cuisine.

Pizza in NYC

Pizza is a popular dish both in the city and throughout the region, and an essential part of the city’s culture. You can hit one of the city’s many food carts for the dollar slice—one of NYC’s favorite meals!

NYC BEC Breakfast

The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, or BEC, is a New York City staple that many people love starting their day with. The best part about this indulgent treat? It’s sold in almost every deli in town.

NYC Bagels

Bagels are probably the most New York-centric food (aside from pizza slices). Nothing beats a fresh bagel to start the day in the city. For an authentic New York bagel, visit Russ & Daughters, which has been serving them for over 107 years!

Order an NYC Pastrami on Rye

Pastrami on rye is an absolute must-try in New York. Any Jewish deli serves up a great pastrami sandwich with a pile of hand-carved beef pastrami, yellow mustard, and freshly baked rye bread.

NYC Cheesecake

New York Cheesecake is a must-try. Nothing else compares to authentic New York-style cheesecake. Junior’s is the best place in town to sample the city’s most decadent dessert, with fresh fruit and homemade purees over creamy slices with sponge-cake bottoms.

Classic Black and White Cookie

The black-and-white cookie isn’t a cookie at all. It’s a cake base with half-chocolate, half-vanilla frosting, and is a New York staple. Zabar’s has been serving homemade sweets for generations and is the best place to get them.

Off-Guide Unforgettable New York City Experiences

While you should visit the popular NYC tourist attractions, there are many other amazing things to see in New York. Here are a few suggestions for the unique things you can do in New York City.

Shop at Chelsea Market

One of the most enjoyable things to do in New York City is to wander around Chelsea Market. This refurbished warehouse is home to alternative New York designer shops, clothing stores, and numerous bars and restaurants.

Take a Boat Ride in Central Park 

An afternoon paddle along the lakes of Central Park is the perfect romantic way to experience the park. Pass the time in the lush, green surroundings while savoring the goodies you bought at the market. Look for the lake if you enter from the Upper West Side.

Take a Seat at the Night Court 

Are you a true crime fan? Well, then this will be an interesting one for you. Anyone can attend the Night Courts and hear the judges make decisions because the proceedings are open to the public. The people seated on the backbenches are family members of those on trial, while others are police officers escorting them. It’s truly a fascinating evening watching the American justice system in action, but remember that these are real people and real cases, so please be mindful and respectful.

Take a Prohibition Tour

If you like your drinks with a backstory, take a Prohibition tour to learn more about the era’s history, speakeasies, and today’s cocktail culture. Expert bartenders will teach you about the ingredients, the bar that invented famous cocktails, and the art of mixology. After the tour, you can put everything you’ve learned into action and spend the rest of the night in the Flatiron District.

Visit the Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater opened in 1914 as an all-white destination, but it closed and reopened in 1934 as a venue for African American talent. It was billed as the place where “stars are born, and legends are made,” and where many artists who became famous were discovered. Although not as well known to tourists,the  Apollo Theater receives 1.3 million visitors annually. It is a cool place to visit in New York City, not only because all of the famous stars performed there, but also because it is a great place to learn about African American history.

Visit Well-Known Film and Television Sets

New York City has been featured in more movies and TV shows than any other city in the United States; in fact, it has eight of the top ten most popular filming locations in the country. Following in the footsteps of famous actors and actresses through the city’s streets, buildings, bars, and shops is one of the most enjoyable things to do in New York City.

Gossip Girl and Sex and the City were famously filmed in New York City, as were Batman, The Avengers, Spider-Man, Captain America, The Devil Wears Prada, Gangs of New York, Ghostbusters, Home Alone, the original 1933 King Kong, The Godfather, and many more. You can explore them on your own if you are a big enough fan and recognize the backdrops and locations, but joining a tour is a more convenient and quicker option, as it includes commentary and access to studios and related facilities.

Want to Make Your NY Trip More Permanent? 

If, after visiting New York and discovering all the beauties it has to offer, you decide to take the step to move to the Big Apple, well…it’s perfectly understandable! New York is filled with opportunities for everything and anything you want to accomplish if you know how to adapt to the city’s frenetic rhythm. But choosing to move to a new city is always stressful, especially if you don’t know what to expect. So, here are a few tips to help make your move to NYC smooth!

• Choose a New York moving company. If you’re moving to the city, hiring NYC commercial movers is best as they’re already familiar with the traffic, parking, and other rules. The city can be hectic, so having someone who knows how to navigate it will be a huge stress reliever for anyone moving.
• Pack wisely and plan. Planning and packing in advance are essential for a stress-free move. You do not want to be taping boxes when movers arrive. Take your time to pack everything well, add labels to every box, and make arrangements for your pets, your trip, and everything else ahead of time.
• Rent a storage unit. If you haven’t found your dream home yet or are running out of space, consider renting a storage unit. These storage units are suitable for short-term, month-to-month, and long-term storage. You can always ask your moving company about their storage options, giving you extra time to sort through your essentials once you’re in your new place.
• Make arrangements for your office. Because of the pandemic, many more people have adopted the full-home office model. As a result, many have created and incorporated a customized workspace or home office. If yours is more than a desk and a laptop, consider hiring office movers or a commercial moving company that can handle your relocation in addition to moving your belongings.

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Be sure to check on Wander With Wonder for more great ideas on what you can see and do when you visit New York.

About the Author

Michaela Smith is the marketing director at EMPIRE MOVERS, a family-owned and operated New York-based moving company with more than 15 years of experience in helping people make their moves go as smoothly as possible in the big city.