Know Before You Go

Top Things to do in Manhattan

Tourism in New York flourishes only because of its grandeur, and tonnes of activities that it puts forward. Manhattan being a frontrunner offers more than enough for anybody to choose from. You should embrace the touristy side of you and head over to enjoy these things to do in Manhattan with a purpose and a mission. Even though it is crammed and sort of piled up into one island, it offers you a world of experience and options!

One trip might not cover it all and you might want to stay there for years. That is how much you will love it there! It has a lot to explore, and that is why have here a curated list of top touristy things to do, and give this vibrant and amazing city a whirl.

What to do when in Manhattan?

Things to do in Manhattan

01. The Empire State building

It is a 102 story skyscraper that is located on Fifth Avenue, nestled in between the 33rd and the 34th streets. It sometimes takes visitors a long time to be shuttled to the top on the elevator to see the breathtaking view of New York City from above. It is open 365 days a year, from 8 am to 2 am.

02. Broadway and 42nd Street

If you love musical theatre and drama, this is definitely the place for you. No other place is better than 42nd street in New York for all your dramatic needs. It is at the crux of Broadway and Times Square. You will always be surrounded by musicals on every corner, and the options never end!

If you don’t have your heart set on any specific show, then you could visit the TKTS discount ticket booths that will save you 20-50% on the same or next day tickets! Since the options fluctuate, it’s better to arrive early.

03. The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge, which connects Manhattan with Brooklyn over the East River, was completed in 1883. It is stunning and always draws the attention of the tourists who visit here and walk along the hybrid cable, one of the oldest kinds in the United States. It takes one around 30-60 minutes to walk the bridge, depending upon the number of stops made along the way to click pictures, or how huge the crowd is.

04. Central Park Zoo

Even though it is small, the Central Park zoo manages to provide its visitors fun and engaging environment. It is always enticing for local families too with its specific collection of animals and exhibits, ranging from Penguins to Grizzly bears. You can get a 10% discount on tickets by purchasing them online. Hours might vary from day to day, so check them before while visiting.

05. Walk the High Line

This is a 1.45-mile long park built over an elevated section of an old New York Central Railroad track that was named the West Side Line. The park built transformed this eyesore there to a beautiful sight to take in from the city below. This is a very crowded region as it runs from Gansevoort Street in the meatpacking district to west 34th street, between 10th and 12th avenues.

06. One World Trade Center Observatory

This is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and is a symbolic 1776 feet tall while being a New York Landmark in the heart of Downtown. Even though it is primarily an office building, it also houses the One World Observatory. Visiting here is fun. You could always start with an elevator ride that can climb 102 stories in 47 seconds!

The top hosts a magnificent view, multimedia and audiovisual presentations, the sky portal, which serves to be a 14-foot wide circular glass disc that allows you to see 100 stories below. Also providing depth to your experience is a bar. Tickets range from $43 for adult admission. However, you will have a lot of options to choose from, with some having VIP entry.

07. Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island

This is by far the most visited tourist attractions when one comes to New York. The statue was basically a gift to The United States by France in 1886 as a symbol of democracy and freedom. She hears and stays over the city as its own guardian angel, and beckons to visitors to come and see her up close. There are so many tours of the Statue that you can select from. The tour of this is often combined with a tour of Ellis Island.

08. Ellis Island

This Is not far from the Statue of Liberty and can be reached by the same ferry. This was a gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States between 1892 and 1954. Now it houses the Museum of Immigration, where you can learn all about how immigration was done it. You might also be able to find the names of ancestors outside! The Hard Hat Tour is a 90-minute tour of unrestored immigrant hospital buildings, which can also be availed.

09. Window shopping on 5th Avenue

This place holds the spirit for the best window shopping in the world and is home to a myriad of high-end boutiques and designer shops and even department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany. It is pretty enjoyable during the Christmas season when they put up their lighting and decorations.

10. St Patrick’s Cathedral

It is an impressive display of captivating architecture from the outside. one can also avail a guided tour of the interior of the cathedral to learn more about the structure and the history of the building. Tours are allowed to commence from 10 am on specified days. One has to check their website for more information.

11. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met, as it is commonly known, was established in 1870, and it is definitely one of the most famous museums in the United States. The permanent collection here contains more than two million works of art, browsing through a period of 5,000 years. Although the museum has three sites, the main prominent piece is The Met Fifth Avenue. It is a famous tourist site and a must-visit for a lot.

12. 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The World Trade centre’s twin 110-story towers once dominated the Manhattan skyline but they were put to crumbles by suicide-piloted jetliners on the unfortunate date of September 11, 2001, with humongous grief and loss of life. Where the two towers of the World Trade Center once stood, how hosts two reflecting pools which are both an acre in size.

Known as the National September 11 Memorial, the place is a tribute to the people who died as a result of attacks on September 11, 2001, and also the six people killed in the earlier World Trade Center bombing in February 1993. It is a famous tourist site to be at.

13. Times Square

The place is lined with huge, awe-inspiringly lit billboards and screens. Times Square is the place to go in New York during the evenings but holds excitement at any time of day. This is the location of New York’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations and the much spoken about ‘ball drop’ at midnight. This is done when the square and surrounding streets are filled with spectators. You will surely love it here.

Times Square is busy and perpetually crowded but has its own unique appeal. Bleachers set up at one end are a great place to take a break and appreciate the scene.