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
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
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
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
