There are so many activities in New York City that it can be hard to figure out where to start. With all the famous museums, parks, and restaurants, the choices can be overwhelming. If this sounds familiar to you, read on. Breadcrumbs HQ has compiled a list of five fun activities in New York City that you shouldn’t miss.
The High Line
The beautiful High Line park was constructed on a historic elevated train line over the West Side of Manhattan. It is located between 10th and 12th Avenues and runs from Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street.
The park has a variety of unique attractions, including the Chelsea Thicket, the 23rd Street Lawn, and the Northern Spur Preserve. There are also stunning public art exhibitions on display throughout the year.
Tour guide Adrienne Cooper, founder of Fun Foodie NYC, considers the High Line a must-see attraction. It crosses over multiple neighborhoods and there are many points where you can exit to explore the area. The High Line also allows you to access many different places including the Chelsea market, and tons of galleries and restaurants.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
The Circle Line Cruises are well known, but Adrienne considers them to be one of the top activities for tourists and locals alike. These cruises offer incredible views of New York City and the Statue of Liberty and there are many different options to choose from.
If you want to see all the major sites, a fantastic option is the two and a half hour Best of NYC Cruise. This cruise completely circles Manhattan and lets you see all five boroughs in one trip. Some of the famous sights you’ll see are the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Columbia University. There are also shorter cruises ranging from one and a half to two hours if you are pressed for time.
If you are really short on time, you can always opt for a ferry ride. A ride on the Staten Island Ferry, Seastreak, or water taxi can also give you amazing views of the city and won’t take up too much of your time.
Check Out K-Town
During your visit, you should definitely check out Koreatown, which is located in Midtown Manhattan on West 32nd Street. It is a short walk from Penn Station and has fantastic spas, restaurants, and shops.
For an awesome group dining experience, try some Korean BBQ. TimeOut New York recommends Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, where you can sample caramelized brisket, short ribs, and sides like pickled daikon radish and chili-sesame tofu.
Don’t miss the chance to explore “Korea Way”, the section of West 32nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. There are lots of shops and eateries in this area, as well as bakeries, grocery stores, bookstores, and karaoke bars. There are plenty of attractions on Korea Way to keep you occupied for hours on end!
Visit the Tenement Museum
There are dozens of famous museums in Manhattan, but one of the lesser known ones you should definitely visit is the Tenement Museum. This museum focuses on the history of immigrants in New York City. The main emphasis is on the waves of immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The museum has a wide variety of activities to participate in. You can tour the buildings, see replicas of apartments and talk to residents (played by reenactors in authentic costumes).
The museum also offers a variety of food tastings and walking tours of Lower East Side neighborhoods.
Double Decker Bus Tour
These classic double-decker bus tours are a great option if you or your traveling companions are new to Manhattan. There are many tour options, like Downtown Manhattan tours and the Manhattan Experience Guided Tour. These tours are available in more than ten languages and the double-decker buses give you unobstructed views of the city.
To see as much as the city as possible, try one of the All Around Town Tours, which take place over two or three days. The 48-hour option includes a night tour and a ferry tour and brings you all around Manhattan and Brooklyn.
These are just a handful of fun activities in New York City that you can enjoy year round. As an added plus, all of these are kid-friendly and will add a lot to your visit to the Big Apple.
Now over to you – what are your favorite New York City activities that every tourist should try?