New York City offers thousands of amazing things to do every single day for locals as well as tourists. We’ve picked out the five best experiences that every visitor should try. 

These New York experiences show you what makes NYC so special and exciting. You’ll see famous places, eat great food, and make memories that last forever. Let’s explore the top experiences that define the real New York City.

Central Park, NYC

Image Credits: The Empire Hotel

Experience #1: Walk Through Central Park

Central Park is like a giant green island in the middle of Manhattan, making it a perfect escape from the urban rush. This huge park has 843 acres of grass, trees, lakes, and walking paths. 

It’s so huge that you can spend a whole day here and still not see everything. We can assure you that Central Park shows the best side of New York life. 

Best Things to Do in Central Park

Bethesda Fountain sits in the middle of the park near a big lake. You can rent small boats and row around the water for one hour. 

Strawberry Fields honors John Lennon with a special mosaic that says “Imagine.” People from around the world leave flowers and sing songs here.

The Mall is a long straight path lined with tall trees. Street performers dance, play music, and do magic tricks every weekend. We love watching the breakdancers who spin on cardboard and jump through the air.

Sheep Meadow is a huge grass field where people have picnics. You can also sunbather and play frisbee here. You can lie down and look up at the tall buildings surrounding the park. 

Seasonal Activities

Spring brings cherry blossoms and tulips that cover the park in pink and yellow colors. Summer has free concerts at the Great Lawn and Shakespeare plays in the park. 

Fall turns all the trees red, orange, and yellow like a giant painting. Winter brings ice skating (generally October to April) at Wollman Rink and snow that makes everything look magical.

Getting Around Central Park

The park has walking paths, bike paths, and horse carriage rides. We suggest renting bikes at Columbus Circle to cover more ground quickly. 

Pedicabs are fun but cost more money than other options. Walking lets you discover hidden spots that vehicles can’t reach.

Experience #2: See a Broadway Show

Broadway shows are world-famous live theater performances that happen nowhere else like in NYC. The Theater District around Times Square has at least 40 different theaters. 

We think seeing a Broadway show gives you the true New York experience. These shows have amazing singing, dancing, costumes, and stage effects. It’s one of the unmissable New York experiences for visitors as well as locals. 

Most Popular Broadway Shows

The Lion King uses incredible costumes and puppets that look like real African animals. Hamilton tells American history through rap music and diverse casting. Chicago has jazzy music and dancing that makes you want to move. Phantom of the Opera ran for over 30 years before closing recently.

Wicked tells the story of the Wizard of Oz from the witch’s point of view. Aladdin brings the Disney movie to life with flying carpets and colorful costumes. New shows open every year, so there’s always something fresh to see.

Getting Broadway Tickets

Same-day lottery tickets let you buy cheap seats for popular shows. You enter online or at the theater box office before 2 PM. Or check out the TKTS booth in Times Square which is a leading seller and sells discounted tickets for shows that same day. We suggest having backup show choices in case your first pick sells out.

Rush tickets go on sale when the theater opens on show days. You have to wait in line but can save lots of money. Student discounts are available with valid school ID cards at some theaters.

Theater District Tips

Arrive at the theater 30 minutes before the show starts. Dress codes are relaxed, you can wear jeans and sneakers. No phones or cameras are allowed during performances or ushers will ask you to leave. Intermission lasts 15-20 minutes for bathroom breaks and buying snacks.

Experience #3: Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty represents freedom and hope for people around the world. This giant green statue stands on her own island in New York Harbor. 

Ellis Island next door was where millions of immigrants first entered America. We think this trip will teach you about an important part of American history while giving great city views.

Taking the Ferry

Statue City Cruises is the only official way to reach both islands. Boats leave from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. We suggest starting early in the morning to avoid long lines and crowds.

The ferry ride takes 15 minutes and gives you amazing views of Manhattan’s skyline. You can stay on the boat’s outside deck for fresh air and better photos. Audio tours are included with your ticket in many different languages.

Exploring Liberty Island

The Statue of Liberty Museum shows how French artists built this gift for America, while interactive displays let you see inside the statue’s construction. 

Crown access requires special tickets bought months ahead of time. The crown has tiny windows with harbor views but involves climbing 162 stairs, while it’s a total of 377 from the ground level. 

Pedestal access gives you great views without the hard climb to the crown. The gift shop sells miniature statues and patriotic souvenirs. Ranger talks happen every hour and share interesting facts about Lady Liberty.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Between the peak years of 1892 and 1954, Ellis Island is known to have processed over 12 million immigrants. The Great Hall is where families used to wait for health inspections and legal interviews. We love the family history center where you can search for relatives who came through Ellis Island.

Audio tours include stories from real immigrants who describe their journeys to America. Exhibits show suitcases, clothes, and personal items that families brought from their home countries.

Experience #4: Explore Different NYC Neighborhoods

New York City has dozens of unique neighborhoods that feel like different cities. Each area has its own food, culture, shops, and personality. 

We think neighborhood hopping shows you the real diversity that makes NYC special. You can travel around the world without leaving the five boroughs.

Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village (or just “The Village”) has narrow streets, old buildings, and offers a bohemian feel. Washington Square Park has a famous arch and chess players who compete all day. 

Bleecker Street has record stores, vintage shops, and small restaurants. Comedy Cellar is where famous comedians test new jokes before TV shows.

NYU students fill the sidewalk cafes and bookstores throughout the area. Street performers play music on every corner, especially during warm weather months.

South of Houston (SoHo)

SoHo has the best shopping in NYC with both famous brands and unique boutiques. Cast iron buildings from the 1800s now house art galleries and expensive stores. Spring Street and Broadway have flagship stores for every major fashion brand.

Street art covers many building walls with colorful murals and graffiti. Galleries show work by both famous and upcoming artists. We suggest walking slowly to see all the architectural details on old buildings.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Williamsburg is across the East River and feels hipper than Manhattan. Bedford Avenue has vintage stores, craft beer bars, and artisanal food shops. East River State Park gives you perfect Manhattan skyline views for photos.

Brooklyn Brewery offers tours and beer tastings. Smorgasburg food market happens on Saturdays with dozens of food vendors. Live music venues like Music Hall of Williamsburg host both local and famous bands.

Little Italy and Nolita

Little Italy on Mulberry Street has family restaurants that serve traditional Italian food. Feast of San Gennaro happens every September with street food and carnival games. 

Nolita (North of Little Italy) has trendy boutiques and coffee shops in small converted buildings.

Notably America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi, opened in 1905. Ferrara Bakery has been making cannoli and other Italian desserts since 1892. We love their cannoli filled with sweet ricotta cheese.

Experience #5: Go to the Top of a Skyscraper

New York City has the most famous skyline in the world with hundreds of tall buildings. Going to one of the many observation decks lets you see the whole city spread out below you. 

We think getting high above the streets shows you how big and amazing NYC really is. The views are incredible during both day and night.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is probably the most famous skyscraper in the world. The 86th floor observation deck has outdoor viewing areas on all four sides. The 102nd floor is enclosed but gives you even higher views on clear days.

King Kong made this building famous in old movies, and it still appears in films today. LED lights on top change colors for holidays and special events. We suggest visiting at sunset to see the city transition from day to night.

One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower)

One World Observatory sits on floors 100-102 of the new World Trade Center building. Sky Portal is a glass platform where you can look straight down to the street. Time-lapse elevators show you NYC being built as you ride up 102 floors in 47 seconds.

The 9/11 Memorial at the base honors people who died in the terrorist attacks of 2001. Reflecting pools sit where the original Twin Towers stood. This visit combines amazing views with important American history.

Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center)

Top of the Rock gives you the best views of the Empire State Building itself. Three outdoor levels (67th, 69th, and 70th floors) have different viewing angles. Christmas tree views in December are magical and worth the extra crowds.

NBC Studios in the same building offer tours where you can see TV shows being made. Radio City Music Hall next door has the famous Rockettes dancers. We think this area captures classic New York glamour.

Best Times for Skyline Views

Sunrise visits have smaller crowds and beautiful morning light over the city. Sunset creates dramatic colors but attracts the most visitors. Night views are mesmerizing and show millions of sparkling city lights. 

Weather apps help you pick days with good visibility before buying tickets. Weekday mornings have the shortest wait times. Online tickets cost less than buying at the door and let you skip some lines.

Planning Your Top 5 NYC Experiences

Best Order to Do These Activities

We suggest starting with Central Park in the morning when it’s less crowded. Broadway shows work best in the evening after dinner. 

Statue of Liberty trips take a full day, so plan nothing else major. Neighborhood exploring fits well between other activities. Skyscraper visits work great at sunset or night.

Budget and Money Tips

Central Park is completely free except for paid activities like boat rentals. Broadway tickets range from $30 to $200 depending on the show and seats. Statue of Liberty ferry tickets cost about $25 for adults. Neighborhood exploring costs whatever you spend on food and shopping. Observation decks charge $35-45 for adult admission.

CityPASS and New York Pass offer discounts when you visit multiple attractions. Student discounts are available at most places with valid ID. Group rates apply when you have 10 or more people.

Time Management

Each experience takes different amounts of time to enjoy fully. Central Park can fill 2-6 hours depending on your interests. Broadway shows last 2.5-3 hours including intermission. 

Statue of Liberty trips take 4-6 hours total with ferry rides. Neighborhood exploring works well for 2-3 hours per area. Skyscraper visits need 1-2 hours including wait times.

Final Thoughts

These five NYC experiences show you the best parts of America’s greatest city. We’ve picked activities that let you see famous landmarks, enjoy world-class entertainment, learn important history, explore diverse cultures, and get amazing views. 

Each experience gives you different reasons to love New York City. You can do all five in one long weekend or spread them across multiple visits. The memories from these top NYC experiences will stay with you for the rest of your life.

To ensure that you have the most feasible itinerary, book a walking tour from an experienced tour operator like e.e.tours. Walking tours give you the best opportunity to explore NYC on foot and learn about everything around you until you reach your multiple destinations.