Top Things To Do In Manhattan

New York City’s most iconic borough has a big reputation. Though Queens is larger and Brooklyn is more densely populated, Manhattan serves as the geographical, commercial,  and cultural heart of New York City. There’s a lot of ground to cover — From the Statue of Liberty to the High Line, these are some of the best things to do in Manhattan.

Critics and locals agree that Manhattan never runs out of highly rated things to do. The best things to do in Manhattan include restaurants, bars, parks, and more.

The best things to do in Manhattan include:

  • Recline on the High Line’s wooden lounge chairs for a calming, litter-free experience
  • Watch a late-night movie at Nitehawk Cinema
  • The 102-story Empire State Building is the most iconic skyscraper in the New York skyline
  • Try and find a ticket to Madison Square Garden, an indoor arena that features hockey games and superstar concerts
  • Take a coffee break in Bryant Park

Events in ManhattanView All

Up to 40% Off on Museum at Museum of the City of New York
Up to 40% Off on Museum at Museum of the City of New York
1220 5th Ave., Manhattan1.0 mi
4.6
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1,780 ratings
$40 $29
28% discount_off
Admission for two
✇ Movie Tickets at Skyline Drive-In NYC
✇ Movie Tickets at Skyline Drive-In NYC
1 Oak Street, Brooklyn3.8 mi
4.8
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52 ratings
$42.98 $38
12% discount_off
Drive-In Movie Admission for One Car for Up to 7 People
Hot Summer Nights with TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue, and Sean Kingston on June 13 at 7 p.m.
TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue, and Sean Kingston - Up to 47% Off
150 Bay Parkway, Wantagh
$41.30 $22
47% discount_off
Events at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on June 13, 2023
1,000+ bought
General Admission or Preferred Seating at Red Velvet Burlesque Show (Up to 20% Off)
General Admission or Preferred Seating at Red Velvet Burlesque Show
621 West 46th Street, New York2.1 mi
$40 $32
20% discount_off
General Admission
190+ bought
One-, Two-, or Three-Day Ticket to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA (Up to 52% Off)
Up to 52% Off Admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg
2 Locations
4.8
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4,389 ratings
$144.99 $68.99
52% discount_off
Single-Day Admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Ages 3+): Valid Through 11/05/2023
3-Hour Hoboken or 3.5-4 Hour Perth Amboy Dinner Cruise from Cornucopia Cruise Lines (Up to 51% Off)
Up to 51% Off Dinner Cruise from Cornucopia Cruise Lines
401 Riverview Dr., Perth Amboy25.3 mi
4.3
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5,224 ratings
$109.95 $54.10
51% discount_off
Online Booking Required, Limited Availability: Three-Hour Hoboken Dinner Cruise for One; Valid Mon to Thur
Experience the World from a New Perspective at One World Observatory - Your Iconic Landmark Destination!
The City from Above: One World Observatory's Spectacular Skyline Views
285 Fulton Street, New York5.4 mi
4.7
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7,437 ratings
$48 $33
31% discount_off
Standard Admission Experience for One Adult (Ages 13–64)
Up to 43% Off on Museum at Westchester Childrens Museum
Up to 43% Off on Museum at Westchester Childrens Museum
100 Playland Parkway, Rye19.6 mi
4.2
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1,013 ratings
$10 $7
30% discount_off
Admission for One
"Drunk Shakespeare" New York
Up to 51% Off "Drunk Shakespeare" Comedy
35 W 39th St, New York2.3 mi
$59 $29
51% discount_off
One Balcony Ticket to "Drunk Shakespeare"
5,000+ bought

The best Manhattan attractions are as iconic as they are beloved. No matter where you begin checking off the items of your New York City itinerary, these cultural landmarks serve as beacons for first-time visitors.

Popular attractions near Manhattan include:

  • Bethesda Terrace and Fountain overlooks Central Park, on the center terrace
  • Union Square is a must-see pedestrian plaza and park
  • The One World Observatory sits atop the One World Trade Center
  • Watch a game at Yankee Stadium
  • Bryant Park offers family-friendly movies in the park

There’s always something fun happening in Manhattan, ensuring there’s an abundance of things to do for city dwellers. New York City seems to have the monopoly on psychics, vintage comic book salesmen, and performance art at just about every corner, but its signature street fairs take the fun-finds to a whole new level.

Fun things to do in Manhattan today include:

  • Exploring the shops at Chelsea Market
  • Seeing the contemporary art at The Whitney Museum of American Art
  • Visiting Flatiron Building, a groundbreaking Manhattan skyscraper
  • Eating spicy pork meatballs at The Meatball Shop
  • Slurping trendy ramen creations at Momofuku Noodle Bar

Manhattan’s hustle and bustle continues even after the sun goes down. Try one of the best happy hours in New York City, or dance ’til your heart’s content at a club.  

Things to do in Manhattan at night include:

  • Start any night out with chandelier-lit shots at The Belfry
  • Buy a ticket to a concert at Webster Hall
  • Go on a New York at Night Bike Tour
  • Sing at Marie’s Crisis cafe, with show tunes and live piano accompaniment
  • Watch an opera at Lincoln Center to support phenomenal performances

Manhattan continues to move even as the typical work week ends. Make a reservation for happy hour, dinner, brunch, and more.

Things to do in Manhattan this weekend include:

  • Start Sunday off with a doughnut from Peter Pan Bakery
  • Go shopping at the Union Square farmers market
  • Have a champagne Sunday brunch at the Algonquin Hotel’s The Round Table room
  • Find a new dive bar in Meatpacking District
  • See the water alongside Financial District

Making a happy hour reservation is essential to meeting up with friends after work. For larger groups, it pays to coordinate plans a couple days ahead of availability.

Things to do with your friends near Manhattan include:

  • The Standard Biergarten offers beer, pretzels, and ping-pong underneath the High Line
  • See improv comedy at Peoples Improv Theater, then share a drink with the comics at the bar
  • Split a pitcher at Rudy’s Bar & Grill
  • Sail by the Statue of Liberty on a summer Alphabet City Beer Co. booze cruise
  • Trek out to Coney Island to see a Cyclones game

With weather conditions that range from humid to frigid, Manhattan offers many ways to seek solace from weather conditions. Let loose and try one of these indoor activities in Manhattan.

Manhattan things to do indoors include:

  • For exercise, book a class at SoulCycle, Barry’s, or Rumble
  • Go to Porto Rico Importing Co. for fresh coffee and friendly staff
  • Sample the unique flavors of Big Gay Ice Cream
  • Play shuffleboard at the Royal Palms
  • Rejuvenate the mind at body at Aire Ancient Baths