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Table of Contents
The Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces in New York City
1. Little Island
Little Island is one of the most creative public spaces in New York and it genuinely feels like something you would expect to see in a futuristic film. It opened in 2021 on the Hudson River and it’s built on these tulip shaped pillars that lift the park above the water, which makes it feel like you’re floating. The walkways are lined with gardens and small viewpoints, so you can wander slowly and still get skyline views the whole time.
What I love most about Little Island is that it feels like a proper little escape even though you are still right in Manhattan. There are often concerts and events in summer, but even on a quiet day it’s worth visiting. If you’re in the area I’d recommend pairing it with a walk along the Hudson River or a visit to Chelsea Market after.
Price: Free
2. Pier 57 Rooftop
Pier 57 is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem even though it’s becoming more popular. It used to be a shipping terminal, but it’s now been turned into a food and culture hub with a rooftop park sitting right on top. The rooftop space is huge with seating and plenty of space to take a break without feeling crowded. It also has some of the best free views in the city, looking out towards the Hudson River and back over Manhattan (I would highly recommend visiting during sunset as the views are truly magical)!
From here you can also look down at Little Island which is such a fun perspective. I also love it because it’s completely free which makes it one of the best budget friendly things to do in NYC.
Price: Free
3. Central Park
Central Park is one of those places you have to visit at least once, even if you’re not usually someone who seeks out parks. It’s iconic for a reason and it genuinely feels like a different world inside the city. The park opened in 1858 and covers 843 acres, which means you could visit multiple times and still see new corners. There are so many famous spots inside it, from The Mall and Bethesda Terrace to Bow Bridge and Belvedere Castle.
If you want to make it more of an experience, renting a rowboat at Loeb Boathouse during the summer is such a classic New York activity. Prices start at $25 for an hour, but it’s first come first serve so I would recommend going early if you don’t want to queue. Another option I love is renting a bike and cycling through the park, which is one of the best ways to see more in less time. A three hour bike rental starts from £16 per person and can be prebooked here.
Free to visit, rowboats from $25, bike hire from £16 which you cna prebook here
4. Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is small compared to Central Park, but it’s one of the most “New York” parks in the city. It sits right in the Flatiron District and is surrounded by iconic buildings including the Flatiron itself, which makes it a really good photo stop. The park has a long history dating back to the 19th century and it used to be the site of the first two Madison Square Gardens before the arena moved uptown. Today it’s a lively green space where people come to sit in the sun, eat lunch and take a break from walking.
One of the most famous things about Madison Square Park is that it’s where Shake Shack started as a food cart back in 2001. If you want to try Shake Shack in its original location, this is the one.
Price: Free
5. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is one of my favourite free parks in New York because it always feels like something is happening. It sits right behind the New York Public Library, so it’s also a really easy stop if you’re exploring Midtown. The park is full of chairs and tables, which makes it feel more like an outdoor living room than a traditional park. In warmer months you’ll find people working outside, having coffee, playing chess and meeting friends. It’s also one of the best places to people watch in the city.
If you are lucky to visit during summer, Bryant Park hosts free outdoor movie nights which is such a bucket list moment to tick off your list! And then in winter it transforms into a festive market with an ice skating rink, which is one of the most classic NYC experiences.
Price: Free
6. The High Line
The High Line is one of the best free things to do in NYC especially if you like walking and want to explore the city in a different way. It’s a former elevated railway that was transformed into a public park in 2009, stretching for nearly a mile and a half through Manhattan’s West Side. The walk takes you above the streets, with landscaped gardens, art installations and viewpoints looking down over the city.
I love the High Line because it connects areas like Chelsea and Hudson Yards, which makes it practical as well as scenic. It’s also a great way to break up a day of sightseeing, because you can hop on and off at different points.
Price: Free
7. Roosevelt Island Tram
The Roosevelt Island Tram is one of the best cheap experiences in New York and it’s honestly one of my favourite underrated things to do (although now it’s gone viral on social everyone knows about it). The tram has been running since 1976 and it carries you over the East River between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. The views are genuinely incredible (top tip – sit on the right hand side to get the amazing views) especially of the Midtown skyline and it feels like something you should be paying much more for.
The best part is it costs the same as the subway, so it’s $3 per ride, and you can just tap to pay using OMNY (your contactless bank card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or an OMNY card). Once you reach Roosevelt Island everything instantly feels calmer than Manhattan. You can walk along the river, visit Four Freedoms Park and get skyline photos from a totally different angle.
Price: $3 one way
8. Hoboken Waterfront
If you want one of the best New York skyline views without paying observation deck prices, then you need to add Hoboken’s waterfront to your list. I’m talking about that stretch by Pier A/the Hoboken Waterfront Walkway (along Sinatra Drive) where you get a full, open view of Manhattan across the river and it honestly looks unreal, especially around golden hour.
Getting there is easy too as you just take the PATH train to Hoboken (it’s around $3 per ride) and then it’s a short walk to the waterfront. This is genuinely one of the best skyline views I’ve seen of New York and I’m not even being dramatic, I would happily make this a non-negotiable stop every single time I go back to NYC.
Price: $3 one way on the PATH train
The Best Museums and Cultural Spots in New York City
9. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
The Met is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world and it is genuinely worth visiting, even if you don’t usually love museums. The collection spans over 5,000 years of history, which means you can see everything from Ancient Egyptian artefacts to European masterpieces and American decorative arts. The building itself is also stunning, especially the grand staircases and huge gallery spaces.
A guided tour and entry starts from £37 for adults and it can really help you see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed. The Met is also a great museum to visit in winter or on a rainy day, because you can easily spend hours inside.
Price: from £37 and tickets can be booked here
10. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
MoMA is one of the most influential modern art museums in the world and it’s one of the best museums to visit in NYC if you want iconic pieces you’ll recognise instantly. It opened in 1929 and inside you’ll find works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol and Frida Kahlo, alongside rotating exhibitions that keep it feeling fresh.
Even if you’re not a huge art person, MoMA is still worth visiting because it’s such a cultural landmark. I also love that it feels modern and bright inside, which makes it a nice contrast to some of the more traditional museums. Tickets cost around £22 and it’s worth setting aside at least a few hours.
Price: from £22 and tickets can be booked here
11. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of those NYC museums that everyone ends up loving. It’s huge, it’s genuinely interesting and it’s home to some of the most iconic exhibits in the city. You’ll see dinosaur skeletons, the massive blue whale model and the Rose Center for Earth and Space. It’s also the museum featured in the Night at the Museum films, which makes it a fun stop if you grew up watching them.
It’s one of those places where you can spend hours without getting bored because there’s so much variety. Entry costs around £27 for adults and you can add on special exhibitions for an extra fee.
Price: from £27 and tickets can be booked here
12. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is one of the most emotional and powerful places to visit in New York. The memorial pools sit in the footprints of the Twin Towers and the sound of the water makes the space feel calm and reflective, even though it’s in the middle of the city. The bronze panels around the pools are engraved with the names of those who lost their lives and it’s a moment that stays with you.
The museum itself goes deeper, sharing personal stories, objects and multimedia displays that document the events of September 11th. It’s not a light visit and it’s not something you rush through, but it is incredibly important. Tickets start from £26 for adults and it’s worth booking in advance, especially during peak travel months.
Price: from £26 and tickets can be booked here
13. New York Public Library and Stavros Niarchos Foundation Building
The New York Public Library is one of the most beautiful buildings in NYC and it’s also one of the best free things to do in Manhattan. The marble staircases, grand reading rooms and iconic lion statues out front make it instantly recognisable. Even if you don’t spend long inside, it’s worth visiting just to see the architecture and take a look around the main spaces. Fans of Sex and the City will also recognise it, as it’s where Carrie was famously jilted by Big.
Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Building, which is part of the library system and has a free rooftop terrace. The terrace overlooks Bryant Park and gives you a lovely Midtown view without paying for an observation deck. Both are free to visit and they fit perfectly into a Midtown itinerary.
Price: Free
The Best Observation Decks in New York City
14. Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock is one of my favourite observation decks in New York and it’s the one I recommend most if you’re only doing one. It’s located at Rockefeller Center and it’s been welcoming visitors since 1933, which gives it that classic New York feel. The main reason I love it is because you get the best of both worlds, with Central Park views on one side and the Empire State Building on the other. In my opinion that combination of a view is very hard to beat!!!
Unlike some of the newer observation decks, Top of the Rock has outdoor terraces without heavy glass barriers, which makes photos so much easier. It’s also a great option if you’re visiting around sunset, because you can watch the city shift from day to night. Tickets start from £33 for adults and timed entry is recommended.
Price: from £33 and be can prebooked here
15. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic things to do in NYC!! It was completed in 1931 and dominated the skyline for decades, and not forgetting it has been featured in countless films from King Kong to Sleepless in Seattle. Visiting is a real “I’m in New York” moment and it’s worth doing at least once.
The main observation deck is on the 86th floor and there is also a 102nd floor deck, but personally I would stick to the 86th. The upgrade costs extra and I didn’t feel like it made a huge difference compared to the price. The views are incredible either way, especially on a clear day. Tickets start from £36 for adults and booking in advance is recommended.
Price: from £36 and be can prebooked here
16. Edge at Hudson Yards
The Edge observation deck opened in 2020 and it’s currently the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. The platform extends 80 feet out from the building, which gives you that floating feeling as you look out over the city. There’s also a glass floor so you can look straight down at the streets below, which is both exciting and slightly terrifying.
The views from Edge are incredible, especially looking towards Midtown and the Hudson River. The sunset spot is the most popular time to visit so if you want that golden hour view, you’ll need to book ahead. Entry costs around £29 for adults and it’s one of the best value observation decks if you want a big wow factor.
Price: from £29 and be can prebooked here
17. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is one of the most immersive skyline experiences in New York and it feels more like an attraction than a traditional observation deck. It opened in 2021 next to Grand Central Terminal and it combines panoramic views with mirrored rooms and art installations. The mirrored spaces create endless reflections of the skyline, which makes it one of the most photogenic places in the city.
One of the highlights is the levitation glass sky boxes, where you step into a transparent room that hangs over the city. It’s a really unique experience and one that feels very different from the classic decks. General admission tickets start from £36 and it’s worth booking ahead because it’s extremely popular.
Price: from £36 and be can prebooked here
18. One World Observatory (One World Trade Center)
One World Observatory sits right at the top of One World Trade Center in Downtown Manhattan and the views are amazing!! You’re looking out over the entire city, the rivers, the bridges and on a clear day you can see so far it doesn’t even feel real.
It’s a great spot to visit and it fits perfectly into a Lower Manhattan day, so it doesn’t feel like you’re trekking across the city just for one attraction. You can do the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, walk around Wall Street, head over to the Seaport and then either finish with a Brooklyn Bridge walk or do it the other way around and come here after. General admission tickets start from £34.
Price: from £34 and be can prebooked here
The Best Iconic Experiences in New York City
19. Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is one of the best places to eat in NYC and it’s a must if you love food halls. It’s set inside a former biscuit factory that was once home to the National Biscuit Company, which is also where Oreos were invented (so random, I know). Today it’s packed with food stalls selling everything from tacos and lobster rolls to pasta, pastries and coffee. There are also independent shops and the Artists and Fleas market where you can find vintage pieces and handmade jewellery.
The best part is that entry is free so you can visit even if you’re not hungry and just soak up the atmosphere. It’s a great place to stop for lunch if you’re exploring Chelsea, the High Line or Hudson Yards.
Price: Free entry, food prices vary
20. DUMBO
DUMBO is one of Brooklyn’s most iconic neighbourhoods and it’s one of those places that makes you fall in love with New York all over again. The name stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass and it used to be a warehouse district before being transformed into one of the city’s trendiest areas. Today it’s full of cafes, boutiques, art galleries and waterfront views.
The most famous photo spot is Washington Street, where the Manhattan Bridge is perfectly framed between red brick buildings with the Empire State Building visible in the distance (or known as The Humphrey loft if you watched Gossip Girl).Walking around is free and you can easily pair it with a walk along Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Price: Free
21. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic things to do in NYC and it’s completely free. The bridge was completed in 1883 and at the time it was the world’s longest suspension bridge, which is such a fun piece of history. The pedestrian walkway is elevated above the traffic lanes, so you can walk safely while taking photos and stopping to admire the views.
From the bridge you get panoramic views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn skyline. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, but it’s worth doing at any time of day. I recommend starting in Brooklyn and walking towards Manhattan if you want the best skyline views.
Price: Free
22. Time Out Market New York
Time Out Market New York is one of the best food halls in the city and it’s a great stop if you want good food and good views in one place. It’s set in a renovated warehouse right by the East River in DUMBO and it’s spread across two floors. Inside you’ll find food from some of the city’s top chefs and restaurants, which means you can try everything from ramen and burgers to pizza and desserts.
The rooftop terrace is the highlight, with direct views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. Even if you don’t eat here it’s worth going up to the rooftop for photos. Entry is free so the only cost is whatever you decide to order.
Price: Free entry, food prices vary
23. Times Square
Times Square is chaotic, crowded and overwhelming, but it’s still one of those places you should see at least once. The bright lights, giant billboards and constant movement make it feel like the centre of the world. The area was named after the New York Times when the newspaper moved its headquarters here in 1904 and it’s been the heart of Midtown ever since.
It’s also right in the theatre district so if you’re seeing a Broadway show, you will probably end up here anyway. My best advice is to visit early in the morning or later at night if you want it slightly less intense. It’s not somewhere you need to spend hours, but it is one of those classic New York moments.
Price: Free
24. Madison Square Garden Tour
Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous arenas in the world and it has hosted everything from concerts and sporting events to political conventions. It’s often referred to as “The World’s Most Famous Arena” and it’s home to the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. A tour takes you behind the scenes, showing you areas like the locker rooms, VIP suites and parts of the arena most visitors never see.
It’s a great option if you love music or sports, but it’s also just interesting from a cultural perspective. Legends like Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones and Beyoncé have performed here, which gives it such an iconic legacy. Tours start from £35 per person and it’s a fun addition if you want something a little different from the usual sightseeing.
Price: From £35 and can be prebooked here
25. New York Helicopter Tour
A helicopter tour over New York is one of the most unforgettable ways to see the city, especially if you’re celebrating something. Tours usually last between 15 and 30 minutes and fly over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Seeing the city from this perspective gives you a real sense of just how huge New York is.
It’s definitely a splurge but it’s one of those experiences that people remember forever. If you’re travelling with friends, it can be such a fun “once in a lifetime” activity to do together. Prices start from £210 per person and it’s worth booking ahead, especially in summer when demand is high.
Price: From £210 and can be prebooked here
26. Feature on a Times Square Billboard
One of the more unique experiences in NYC is getting your own photo displayed on a Times Square billboard. Several companies now offer packages where you upload a photo or message and it appears on the giant screens for a short time. It sounds random but it’s genuinely such a fun memory and it makes for great photos.
Seeing yourself up there in one of the most famous places in the world feels surreal and it’s a great option if you’re celebrating a birthday, engagement or girls trip milestone. Prices vary but start from around £110 and you’re usually featured for around 15 seconds.
Price: From £110 and can be prebooked here
27. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York and it’s worth doing if you want that classic NYC moment. The statue has been welcoming visitors to New York Harbor since 1886 and seeing it up close really does hit differently. You’ll take the official ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island and most tickets also include Ellis Island, which is such an important (and actually really interesting) part of the city’s history.
Quick note because this trips people up: you can get great views of the Statue of Liberty for free on the Staten Island Ferry, BUT it doesn’t stop at Liberty Island (it just passes by), so it’s a good budget option for photos and skyline views, not a replacement for the actual statue visit.
The views back over the Manhattan skyline from the ferry are one of the best parts of the experience. It’s also a great activity if you want something structured that takes up a good portion of your day. Standard ferry tickets start from £37 for adults and you should book in advance, especially during peak season.
Price: From £37 and can be prebooked here
28. Vessel at Hudson Yards
The Vessel is one of the most striking modern landmarks in NYC and it has become a popular stop for photos. It’s a honeycomb shaped structure made up of 154 interconnected staircases and it opened in 2019 as part of the Hudson Yards development.
Even if you don’t go inside it’s still worth visiting if you’re in the Hudson Yards area, especially if you’re doing Edge or walking the High Line. Entry costs around £10 and it’s a quick stop that adds something different to your itinerary.
Price: From £10 and can be prebooked here
29. Ride the NYC Ferry
The NYC Ferry is one of the best budget friendly ways to see the city from the water. The views along the route are incredible, passing landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Downtown skyline.
Tickets are $4 one way and you can buy them at the terminal or through the NYC Ferry app. If you want the most scenic experience, I recommend choosing a route like Soundview. It feels like a sightseeing cruise but you’re paying commuter prices, which is why I always recommend it.
Price: $4 one way
30. See a Broadway Show
Broadway is one of the most iconic things to do in NYC and catching a show is a must if you can. The theatre district has been the centre of American theatre for over a century and there are more than 40 theatres in the area. From long running classics like The Lion King and Chicago to new shows everyone is talking about, there is always something worth seeing.
Ticket prices vary a lot depending on the show, the day and your seats. You can find last minute deals at TKTS booths or book months in advance if you want the best seats. Expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $200, although premium seats can be higher. Even if you’re not a huge theatre person, Broadway is one of those experiences that makes New York feel like New York.
Price: $60 to $200
31. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most beautiful buildings in New York and it’s one of those places that still feels impressive even if you’ve seen it in a hundred films. The main concourse ceiling is painted like a star map and the whole space feels grand in a way that modern stations just don’t. It’s also one of the busiest transport hubs in the world, which gives it such an electric atmosphere.
Even if you’re not getting a train, it’s worth visiting just to walk through and take it in. There are also shops and food spots inside, so it’s easy to combine with other Midtown plans. Grand Central is also right next to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, so it’s a perfect pairing if you’re doing that observation deck.
Price: Free
With this guide to 31 of the best things to do in NYC (with prices), you now have a full list of ideas to plan your itinerary properly.
If you’re planning your trip right now and want everything saved in one place, I’ve also put together a free downloadable New York travel guide with neighbourhood recommendations, planning tips and the best places to eat. It’s designed to make your trip feel easier from the start, especially if you’re trying to plan without getting overwhelmed.
Don’t forget to use my discount code THEGIRLSTRIPTOKLOOK if you are booking any of your experiences through Klook.
