Things to do in 

New York City

When you stroll around New York City, it isn't simply a journey, it's an experience - a fascinating compilation of pulsating energy, diverse cultures, and intoxicating vibrancy. This city is a complex mosaic of neighborhoods, each revealing a distinctive chapter of its bountiful story. Explore the top attractions, roam through hidden corners and discover things to do in New York City that carve out new paths of exploration. Each season here rolls out fresh highlights, adding more depth to the city's spirit. Your visit won't just touch the surface, it will delve deep into the heart of what makes this city come alive.

Explore New York City off the beaten path

If you’re curious about alternative things to do, slip into side-street spaces and neighborhood corners where locals gather, create, and look out at the city without the buzz.

Cultural experiences: Grab a seat at Nuyorican Poets Cafe for an open mic night and clap along with the regulars. In Brooklyn, tour Weeksville Heritage Center by day, then try a beginner dance class at the Ailey Extension in the evening.

Small museums and galleries: Peek into Mmuseumm in Cortlandt Alley on a weekend afternoon; it’s tiny and wonderfully odd. Cross the river to The Noguchi Museum in Queens for calm rooms and sculpture you can circle without crowds. Back in Williamsburg, The City Reliquary mixes neighborhood artifacts with rotating community exhibits.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Stroll Hunter’s Point South Park near sunset for wide-open skyline views and glowing water. Early morning at Fort Tryon Park’s Linden Terrace gives you the Hudson, the Palisades, and space to breathe.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Swing through Artists & Fleas in Williamsburg on weekend afternoons for design-forward jewelry, prints, and vintage finds from independent makers. Sunday morning, the Jackson Heights Greenmarket is packed with produce and Ecuadorian baked goods you can nibble as you browse. For art books and zines, stop by Printed Matter in Chelsea later in the day.

Popular neighbourhoods

New York City's neighbourhoods, each with a distinct personality, offer an intimate glimpse into the city's multiple dimensions, from soaring skyscrapers to cobbled lanes.

Midtown Manhattan: Navigate the beating heart of New York City, where skyscrapers house famous landmarks like Times Square, Grand Central Station, and the gleaming halls of countless corporate offices.

SoHo: Explore cobblestone streets lined with cast-iron architecture, upscale boutiques, and trendy galleries, an area that exudes old-world charm and modern sophistication.

Greenwich Village: Uncover a delightful blend of history and creativity in a neighbourhood featuring intimate jazz clubs, independent bookshops, and the verdant Washington Square Park.

Chelsea: Flaunt your artistic side in a district famed for its cutting-edge galleries, the High Line’s elevated urban park, and enticing cultural offerings.

Financial District: Immerse yourself in New York City’s economic pulse, where towering Wall Street skyscrapers and iconic landmarks like the 9/11 Memorial command the landscape.

Things to do in New York City by season

Spring: Watch cherry blossoms blush across Central Park and along Park Avenue, then wander the High Line as outdoor art reappears. Streets fill with weekend markets and patio tables, and families drift toward carousels while couples linger over river sunsets.

Summer: Plan for warm days and long evenings with free concerts in the parks, outdoor films, and breezy ferries to Governors Island or the Rockaways. Join Pride Month festivities in June or cool off in museum galleries at midday before strolling neighbourhoods after dark.

Fall: See Central Park turn gold, sample harvest flavours at farmers’ markets, and catch neighbourhood street fairs from Little Italy to Brooklyn. The Village Halloween Parade and the buzz around marathon week bring lively crowds, while cooler air makes city walks easier for seniors.

Winter: Trace holiday windows down Fifth Avenue, browse Christmas markets at Bryant Park and Union Square, and watch the Rockefeller Center tree glow. After New Year’s, enjoy quieter galleries and Lunar New Year colour in Chinatown and Flushing.

Look for annual fixtures like the NYC Pride March in June, the West Indian Day Parade on Labour Day, the Village Halloween Parade, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the New York City Marathon, and Lunar New Year celebrations citywide, along with a summer of park concerts and open-street weekends.