After trying out all the yummy restaurants in Brooklyn, and doing all the adventurous things to do in NY with kids or unique experiences at the NYC, maybe the Queens night market, its time you soak in the beauty and calmness of Manhattan too. From the places to visit in Manhattan to delicious world-renowned restaurants, skyscrapers to other things to do, if you are on your New York trip then Manhattan waits for you. After all this hub of luxury has a lot to offer and maybe a reason you would want to visit New York again and again.
To sum it up, Manhattan offers endless things to do, with surprises around every corner and throughout the year, so you might spend years living here and never complete your list of things to do. Having said that, you must start somewhere with this extensive list of things to do in Manhattan, right?
Discover the Best Things to do in Lower Manhattan
1. Upper East Side
Where are all the gossip girl lovers at? Giving a nostalgia hit of one of the popular teen shows and love stories that have no comparison, upper east side is no longer just a destination but a whole experience. The luxurious buildings, sidewalks where once queens of the TV shows walked and all the alluring sights. Not to forget the luxurious dress ups, and pretty shoes, the diamond necklace, and stone rings all these things speak truly of what a luxury it is to be in Manhattan. After filling up from the affordable restaurants in Manhattan it is time to view the expensive side of the city too! And if you are worried about the cost, strolling the side walks is free, isn’t it?
2. Park in the Sky
After all the low-key (read: calm) parks in queens with the best pizza from Queens local, its time you get serious when it comes to modernism in parks. And the NYC skyline is the best start. This mile-and-a-half elevated park, and is one of the west side's most well-liked outdoor attractions. Both locals and tourists adore its beautifully designed gardens and paths, as well as its serene views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline.
The building, which was initially modelled after a comparable structure in Paris, was formerly utilized by freight trains to move cargo from Manhattan's warehouses to other areas of the city. But from the crowded streets below, it's a refreshing change of scenery these days.
3. Madame Tussauds
Whether you are continents apart, this one place in Manhattan has made it to the hearts and wish list of everyone around the globe. A cornerstone of the tourist scene since its opening in 2000, Madame Tussauds New York is an undeniable classic when it comes to things to do in Manhattan.
This A-list attraction, tucked away in Times Square in the centre of the action, gives guests a taste of Hollywood/Bollywood on the East Coast. More than 200 remarkably lifelike figures are dispersed throughout several themed zones, including ones honoring music stars, sports personalities, superheroes, historical figures, US politicians, Oscar winners, and a ton more. Who says you don’t have a photo with the world’s renowned celebrities?
4. One World Observatory
The views from the top of the 102nd-floor observation deck, which is 1,250 feet high, are impressive. There's always something to catch your attention, no matter which way you look. To the west is New Jersey, to the east is Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge, to the north is Midtown and the Empire State Building, and to the south is the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island. Thus, you're not lying if you boast that you can see all of New York from one location, are you?
5. The Manhattan Helicopter Ride
Helicopter experience is on the to-do list of many adventure lovers but what if we combine this flight with the best views of Manhattan too? Sounds like a dream come true? It indeed is! The sights, the excitement, and the opulent atmosphere are unparalleled as you swing about the Downtown skyscrapers, whether you're riding shotgun or taking a private flying lesson yourself.
There is a flight that suits any budget, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours. If you want to go all out in luxury, you may include VIP limo rides to and from the well-known Downtown Manhattan Heliport at Pier 6 on the East River.
6. Top of the Rock
Sure, Empire State building was one of those places you shouldn’t miss, but top of the rock isn’t given all the praise it deserves either. Or maybe it is, but we just wanted to increase the fascination? Millions of knowledgeable residents would vouch that Top of the Rock is the only place to go if you're looking for the best views in New York City. Why? Because from there, the Empire State Building will be in the background of your pictures, and the views of Central Park in all directions will be breathtaking.
7. Wall Street
One of the main attractions in Manhattan is Wall Street, which is the financial hub of New York City and is situated in Lower Manhattan. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Federal Hall, and the city's initial City Hall are a few of the historic structures in this area. This is undoubtedly a business-oriented atmosphere, home to the headquarters of some of the biggest banks, including Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Lehman Brothers.
8. 9/11 Memorial Museum
Tragic forever! The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the biggest of its type, is a wonderful place to Honor those who died on that tragic day in 2001. Situated in the centre of Ground Zero, directly across from St. Paul's Chapel, the oldest standing church in New York City, and adjacent to One World Observatory, the two massive reflecting pools offer a sobering and genuinely humble experience that both locals and visitors should take advantage of at least once in their lifetime.
9. New York Catacombs
What is this place? You wont exactly know until you visit there. A visit to the New York Catacombs, which are hidden gems among Manhattanites, will undoubtedly give a macabre touch to your trip to the city. This is in sharp contrast to the majority of the standard tourist sites in this well-known metropolis. Designed with magnificent stained glass decorations and Gothic architecture, it is an experience to talk about later on.
10. A Visit to Times Square
Just nothing foody or travel but a Visit to Times Square is all about the rich experience which New Yorkers never get bored of. So, imagine, how amazed you will be as a tourist! The bright lights, the goofy street entertainers, the lively pubs, and eateries...There are no other tourist attractions like Times Square in Manhattan. Everything from people-watching and entertainment to family-friendly attractions and upscale stores can be found here.
There's never a dull moment at Times Square, and although it's open around-the-clock, nighttime is when the neighborhood comes alive with neon signs and billboards. You'll realize why it's among the top nighttime activities in NYC after you visit.
11. Candlelight Concerts
You might have heard of the candlelight dinners and candlelight book reading (yes that is a thing for loner), but candlelight concerts are a specialty of Manhattan and no other place or experience can compare to it. With a true vibe and heart-touching music, the candlelight concert will put your mind at ease and calm your heart. Candlelight concerts are a fantastic way to spend an evening with your significant other. The setting is as romantic and intimate as it gets without going to typical busy, fast-paced Manhattan; you'll feel as though you've been transported to another planet.
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12. Empire State Building
Sure, we favoured another sight-seeing above, but this doesn’t mean you could pass on the feel and adventure offered by the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building, one of the most attractive things to do in New York City for first-timers, is a must-see for anyone traveling to the Big Apple for the first time (or for any movie enthusiast or romantic wishing to propose on the 86th floor observatory).
The iconic Art Deco tower is a marvel in itself. With 102 floors, it may not hold the record for being Manhattan's tallest tower (Freedom Tower is the winner), but its name and form are nevertheless closely associated with the city.
13. The Central Park
Sometimes simplest things deliver the most joy. And same is the case with the experience of strolling in the Central Park. Holding a special place in the hear of New Yorkers, this park is a complete experience and a true heritage of New York city. Known for its lush greenery and never-ending activities, Central Park is a beloved public area that has served as a haven for both residents and visitors for many years. It is surrounded on all sides by tall structures.
Culture vultures, head straight for the eastern side of the park, where a smattering of the best museums in the city (the Guggenheim, the MET, and more) are tucked in amongst the trees.
