New York is an example of a famous location seen in countless films and mentioned in dozens of songs. However, experiencing the city in person is an entirely different sensation than seeing it on a screen.
Below, we explore all five of the Empire State’s iconic boroughs to detail 39 things to do in New York. Also highlighted are six budget-friendly attractions inspired by our New York Travel Guide.
Things To Do in the Bronx
As the home of the Yankees, there’s no shortage of baseball iconography in this borough. The Bronx is also home to many other New York attractions, such as the Bronx Zoo, which lets visitors take an occasional walk on the wild side.
Cinema fans will also get a kick out of the bureau, as numerous films have been shot in the Bronx — everything from “A Bronx Tale” (1993) to “Joker” (2019).
1. Bronx Zoo
Not every zoo can say it’s been around since 1899, nor can it claim to be the largest urban zoo in North America. Both of those accolades belong to the Bronx Zoo, which spans 265 acres and is teeming with unique wildlife.
2. Hard Rock Cafe Yankee Stadium
A trip to Yankee Stadium is a classic thing to do in New York City, due to them being the city’s flagship baseball team. The Hard Rock Cafe, nestled within the stadium, is a good stop for some food while you're there. It specializes in classic American-style two-to-three-course meals that include smoked ribs and hamburgers.
3. Fordham University Church
Established in 1841, Fordham University is one of the oldest Catholic colleges in New York. Some famous alumni include singer Lana Del Rey, author Mary Higgins Clark and thespian Denzel Washington. Fordham University is just as famous for its church, which is a masterwork of Collegiate Gothic architecture. Mass is held every Sunday and visitors can always admire this building while touring the university.
4. New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden has roots dating back to the late 19th century. Members of the Torrey Botanical Society wanted to give New York a green space on par with London’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Visit this 250-acre green space and you’ll likely agree that mission was accomplished with flying colors.
5. Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Catholicism is a big part of New York’s history and culture if the myriad cathedrals in the Empire State are anything to go by. The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in the Bronx is one of many structures that pay tribute to the Virgin Mary and the Lourdes apparitions of 1858.
6. Universal Hip Hop Museum
The Bronx is known as the birthplace of hip hop. That’s because MCs and DJs throughout this borough contributed to creating this iconic genre in the 1970s. The Universal Hip Hop Museum pays tribute to the pioneers of hip hop, highlighting its impact and importance to people all over the world.
Things to do in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is one of the most diverse areas in New York City, with icons like Anne Hathaway, Adam Sandler, Eddie Murphy, Jay-Z and John Turturro all hailing from the borough.
With a rich history and culture all its own, Brooklyn tends to make a big impression on visitors almost instantly.
7. The Brooklyn Museum
New York is a haven for artists and art lovers. The Brooklyn Museum backs up this sentiment with over 500,000 distinct pieces of art and the iconic Steinberg Family Sculpture Garden. Some of the museum’s standout collections include works from Egypt, Japan, China, Africa and Europe.
8. The Brooklyn Brewery
History is always in the making, as evidenced by places like the Brooklyn Brewery. This attraction was founded in 1988, making it one of the youngest entries in this guide. The Brooklyn Brewery amassed tons of praise from craft beer connoisseurs for its critically lauded amber lager and exciting tours.
9. Brooklyn Grange
In the world of TV and film, New York is all skyscrapers and subways. But the Big Apple certainly has its green spaces and rustic areas like Brooklyn Grange. Established in 2010, the Grange is a one-of-a-kind rooftop farming space. Guests can sign up for tours and workshops throughout the year and possibly even catch a glimpse of a scenic wedding.
10. Brooklyn Heights
Traveling through Brooklyn Heights puts you in close proximity with actors Jennifer Connelly, Emily Blunt and Matt Damon. This notable neighborhood is known for its quintessential New York brownstones and tree-lined streets.
11. The Brooklyn Bridge
Bridges, tunnels and subways let the “City that Never Sleeps” run on all cylinders year-round. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most famous structures in this borough and it holds tons of symbolic importance to NY. Built in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has stood tall for centuries and is one of the oldest structures in the state.
12. The Green-Wood Cemetery
The Green-Wood Cemetery is a place of reflection and quiet contemplation. Deemed a national historic landmark in 2006, this 478-acre cemetery was first built in 1838. Green-Wood’s Gothic Revival gates are something to behold in person. The venue also connects visitors with many generations of people who’ve called New York home.
Things to do in Manhattan
Architecture and design fans, eat your heart out. Each of the five boroughs has its own standout structures, but Manhattan holds one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world: the Empire State Building. There are also plenty of blasts from the past, like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Grand Central Station.
Manhattan is an excellent sightseeing destination and there are plenty of things to do that are much more hands-on.
13. Central Park
Gazing at Central Park while you watch “Ghostbusters” or “Wall Street” can activate a major case of wanderlust. A network of gorgeous buildings and historic sites surround this 840-acre park. Visit as many as you can on a walking tour or take a seat and enjoy the scenery.
14. Greenwich Village
Just reading the name “Greenwich” might have sent a shiver down your spine. While Greenwich Village is a haven for jazz, theatre and LGBTQ+ venues, it’s also thought to be one of the most haunted areas in all of New York. You can sign up for an Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl that will take you to several important locations from iconic authors including Edgar Allan Poe.
15. Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York may be the next best thing to a time machine for any history buffs out there. Over 1.5 million works of art and rare heirlooms are on display at this cultural center. Even the building’s exterior is a masterwork of 20th-century Georgian architecture.
16. Little Italy
The unique and diverse people who call Manhattan home make this borough truly special. A visit to Little Italy grants you the opportunity to engage with Manhattan’s Italian community in various ways. Grab some pizza and linguini from a local eatery and visit venues associated with infamous mobsters.
17. New York Harbor
The New York Harbor is an integral part of Manhattan’s history and economy. Visiting this iconic locale will put you in close proximity to other important landmarks, such as the Staten Island Ferry, Ellis Island and a certain 93-meter gift from France.
18. The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is truly a symbol of New York as a whole. It was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi in the late 1800s and its torch-wielding arm was housed at Madison Square Park from 1876 to 1882. Ferries in New York Harbor can take you to Liberty Island, where this monument stands tall.
Things to do in Queens
If you ever need a reminder of how dynamic New York’s boroughs can be, visit Queens. You’ll find a great mix of green spaces and urban art and more than a few historic attractions.
Queens hosted two World Fairs in the early 20th century and regularly hosts the US Open Tennis Championships.
19. Fort Totten Park
The American Civil War was fought from coast to coast, so it’s natural to find remnants of battle in almost every state. Fort Totten was initially a temporary stronghold built by the Union in 1861. Once the war ended, Fort Totten fell under the care of the National Park Service and became a popular tourist destination.
20. Louis Armstrong House Museum
American jazz has a deep connection with New Orleans, largely because legends like Louis Armstrong hail from the Big Easy. However, Armstrong moved to New York with his wife Lucille in 1943 and lived in this house until he passed away in 1971. Jazz lovers can pay their respects to the legendary trumpeter by visiting his old home.
21. Museum of the Moving Image
During the Golden Age of Hollywood, two states became synonymous with the American film industry: California and New York. The Museum of the Moving Image pays tribute to films and filmmakers of the past and present and its Behind the Screen exhibit offers an experience unlike any other.
22. New York Hall of Science
The New York Hall of Science is one of the most mind-bending attractions you’ll find on the New York Pass. This premier science center houses more than 450 exhibits encompassing every field of science, from astronomy to zoology.
23. USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Each year, the world’s greatest tennis players face off in tennis tournaments of epic proportions. Queens has hosted the US Open since 1987, namely at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
24. Pepsi-Cola Sign
While you’re exploring Queens, you might have noticed a giant Pepsi sign at the northern end of Gantry Plaza State Park. Decades ago, there used to be a massive Pepsi-Cola plant on 46th Avenue and 5th Street. The rest of the factory was sold over the years, but the sign still remains as a memory of times past.
Things to do in Staten Island
City life has its charms, but it’s always nice to immerse yourself in nature once in a while. Enter Staten Island, which is easily the most airy and naturalistic of New York’s boroughs. This section of the Empire State has plenty of parks and historical sites to keep you busy during your visit.
Staten Island also offers a gorgeous view of the Statue of Liberty and a fairytale-esque ride via the Staten Island Ferry.
25. Alice Austen House
The Alice Austen House pays tribute to one of America’s first and most prominent female photographers. You’ll find some of her works on display and learn more about Austen’s background and inspirations as an artist.
26. Casa Belvedere
Many prominent figures have called Casa Belvedere home over the years. This Italian Renaissance mansion was first built in 1908 and transformed into a cultural center in 2008. Now, Italian language classes are regularly held here alongside film screenings, art galleries and wine tasting events.
27. Fort Wadsworth
Fort Wadsworth is another remnant of the American Civil War and its name is a tribute to a distinguished Union soldier. General James Wadsworth led his troops against Confederate forces during the Battle of the Wilderness. Wadsworth tragically lost his life in 1864 and this fort was named in his honor.
28. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Architecture aficionados and nature enthusiasts will both find lots to love about the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. There are about 26 buildings in Snug Harbor, each with a distinct style and aesthetic. The Staten Island Botanical Garden is also housed here alongside the Heritage Farm.
29. Staten Island Museum
The Staten Island Museum offers something special for everyone. Natural history buffs can find tributes to mastodons and other ancient creatures. Archeology fans can discover rare relics from distant cultures. And there are plenty of exhibits dedicated to Staten Island’s own unique past.
30. The National Lighthouse Museum
Staten Island has 10 lighthouses that once guided sailors through troublesome weather. The National Lighthouse Museum educates visitors about these cherished structures and emphasizes the importance of lighthouses in American history. There are seasonal events for visitors of all ages.
New York on a Budget
New York has no shortage of exciting experiences, many of which won’t cost a dime. You can never go wrong with sightseeing or birdwatching, but the sheer number of free activities in NY might surprise you. Below, we’ve outlined one free activity that we consider a must-do, from each bureau.
31. Pelham Bay Park
Anyone looking to stretch their legs in a sprawling green space should visit Pelham Bay Park. It’s about three times the size of Central Park and has several beaches to boot. Some notable landmarks include Hunter Island, Glover’s Rock and the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary.
32. Coney Island
There have been more odes to Coney Island in movies and songs than we can count. For many New Yorkers, visiting Coney Island for the first time is a core memory. Between its signature 46-meter Ferris wheel, scenic boardwalk and wooden roller coasters, it’s easy to see why this spot is so popular.
33. The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building was the tallest skyscraper in the world until 1970. Though others have since beat that record, it’s hard to argue if any skyscrapers are as famous as this one. You can see the Empire State Building’s mast from various points in NY. Stop by Midtown Manhattan and get up close and personal with this Art Deco masterpiece.
34. Queens Museum
The Queens Museum offers art and educational experiences for just $8 for adult visitors, $4 for senior citizens and free admission for children 18 and younger. You can make a day of exploring this unique culture center, though the Panorama of the City of New York is a must-see.
35. Staten Island Ferry
Some of the best things in life are free, as evidenced by the Staten Island Ferry. You can board the ferry from St. George Terminal and ride it over to the Whitehall Terminal. Sailing along this vessel will offer amazing, photo-worthy views of New York and the Statue of Liberty.
36. New York Bike Tours
New York is incredibly bike-friendly, providing multiple lanes and trails for cyclists in every borough. Signing up for a New York Downtown Bike Tour with stylish Dutch Bikes is a great way to experience the Empire State’s legendary scenery through a different lens.
37. SPYSCAPE
The SPYSCAPE museum is quite a unique location, as your goal is to work through a series of brain-teasing tasks and activities as you explore the 60,000-square-foot interactive museum. This museum requires you to explore a world of cracking codes, spy-related history and surveillance tasks. You’ll choose from several experiences and challenges that are developed by top MI6 trainers and psychologists. The goal is to test your perception, risk tolerance and deception skills.
38. Governors Island
Governors Island is a small, 172-acre island tucked into New York Harbor. You can easily take a boat to it and it’s worth going simply to see the skyline of Lower Manhattan. There, you’ll find the QC Spa New York, a luxury wellness experience. You can ride a bike, enjoy fabulous seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants or explore this vibrant community.
39. New York Catacombs
A New York Catacombs tour could be one of the most unique experiences you have in New York. Some of these catacombs tours of New York happen at night, by candlelight, to add a feeling of mystery to them. The catacombs are under the Old Cathedral and have been there for more than 200 years. A tour guide will tell you of the history and dark past of the New York Catholic Church as you explore the area.
Visit New York with AAA Travel
We've only scratched the surface of the things you can do in New York. To make the most of your trip to NY, it’s best to use every resource you can. A AAA membership can grant you access to dozens of great discounts for restaurants, hotels and airline tickets.
AAA Travel can also help streamline your trip with unique discounts and travel advisory reports.