New York is the City That Never Sleeps; that’s the culture, the art, the energy, a big, giant ball of everything. From its shining skyline and world-renowned landmarks to secret hideaways brimming with community, New York City truly has it all.    But just outside of its limits are amazing places that are ideal for day trips, from historic towns to stunning rural getaways.

Here is your one-stop guide to the best things to do in New York City and the best day trips to take from the city that you should really think about including in your itinerary. 

1. Explore the Iconic Landmarks of Manhattan

All of the city’s most incredibly well-known landmarks are in Manhattan. Begin your tour at Times Square, where tourists and neon signs bustle in the city’s hectic pace. Then, go to Central Park, an 843-acre patch of paradise with trees, lakes, and trails (the perfect place for a relaxing stroll, a carriage ride, or a picnic with the kids). 

Don’t forget to see the Empire State Building. also go to the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, which gives you an absolutely perfect view of the Empire State Building against the skyline. 

Lastly, hop on a ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, the most quintessential objects of the American identity in terms of freedom and immigration. And a glimpse of the skyline from the water is a moment every visitor should savor. 

2. Discover History in Lower Manhattan

Downtown Manhattan tells the story of the birth of New York City and the city’s hardy spirit. Start at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a poignant and beautifully designed tribute to those who died in the 2001 attacks.  Then it’s off to Wall Street, with the New York Stock Exchange and the Charging Bull (the Wall Street bull) — symbols of power and ambition.

Then go over the Brooklyn Bridge – one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Watching the Manhattan skyline is just incredible, especially at sunset. Once you’re in Brooklyn, grab a pie at Juliana’s or Grimaldi’s, a couple of local favorites. 

3. Experience NYC’s Art and Culture

Few cities provide as many cultural choices as New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must, with art from the ancient world through to the contemporary.  The Guggenheim Museum is also nearby, astonishing with its roll-up-spiral shaped architecture and impressive modern art collection.

And in Midtown, there’s the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) with Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. And for the more contemporary know-it-alls, the Whitney Museum of American Art in the Meatpacking District (or soon: along the High Line, a rails-to-trails park featuring art, gardens, and views of the Hudson River). 

And for a guided look at the city’s colorful cultural mosaic, the New York Contrasts Tour is a must. It veers away from Manhattan at points into the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn — to show you a few of the myriad cultures that constitute the city’s ever-changing façade. 

4. Explore New York’s Diverse Neighborhoods

Each NYC borough tells its own story.

  • SoHo: Trendy area for boutiques, art galleries, and designer shops.
  • Greenwich Village: Famous for its bohemian atmosphere, shady streets, and end-of-alley cafes.
  • Chinatown & Little Italy: Where dumplings meet pasta and pastries are a breath away.
  • Harlem: Jazz, gospel , and soul food greatness – this is where you go.
  • Williamsburg (Brooklyn): Hipster haven full of street art, thrift shops, and great food.

5. Enjoy Broadway and the Nightlife Scene

Every New Yorker and tourist must get a Broadway experience, and the show must go on. See all-encompassing classics such as The Lion King or The Phantom of the Opera, or experience something fresh, like Hamilton or MJ: The Musical. 

After the show, hit the city that never sleeps. Enjoy cocktails from a Midtown rooftop bar, listen to live jazz in Harlem, or dance till dawn at a club in the Lower East Side. Concerning NYC, the night never quite ends. 

6. Taste the World — New York’s Food Scene

The food in New York City is just as diverse as its people. Start your day with a fresh New York bagel, have a quick lunch of pizza, and then enjoy fine dining at night. 

Go to Katz’s Delicatessen for the quintessential pastrami sandwich, roam Chelsea Market for gourmet nibbles, or head to Queens — the borough that’s often coined the food capital of the world — for real-deal flavor. Street eats, or Michelin stars? You can get great food at either in NYC. 

7. Best Day Trips from New York City

There are also some great destinations just outside the city if you want to head out for a day. 

Washington, DC

The Washington DC tour from NYC is a best-selling tour for history buffs. Visit the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian Museums while you discover the country’s political center — all in one captivating day.

The Hamptons

The seaside towns in the Hamptons, a mere drive away, are more polished, with art galleries and white-sand beaches. Suitable for summer vacations or charming travels. 

Hudson Valley

The scenic area, full of vineyards, antique shops , and outdoor fun. It’s ablaze with fall finery in autumn.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Take the train and be on your way to the birthplace of American independence in no time. Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall and try a Philadelphian cheesesteak while you’re here.

Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain is the place you want to be for a tranquil nature vacation, and with trails, picnic areas, and breathtaking views of the Hudson River — all just 90 minutes from Manhattan, it’s an easy getaway. 

8. Seasonal Magic in New York

Each season transforms the city. Winter brings Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree and ice skating. Central Park is awash with cherry blossoms in the spring. Summer is the time of al fresco concerts and rooftop parties, and in fall, the city turns golden and crimson. 

Final Thoughts

New York isn’t just somewhere to go — it’s somewhere you go, somewhere you live, look and feel alive, changing from street to street, from season to season, from cloud to cloud in the sky. Whether you’re gazing at its towering monuments, sampling the cuisines of the world, or making a day trip to more distant gems, there’s a surprise around every corner in the city. So put on your boots, take your camera, and dive headfirst into everything this amazing city has to offer.  

FAQs

1. What are the must-haves for first-time visitors to NYC? 

The Top 5 Attractions include Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum are a few of the city’s most iconic sights and are a good place to start.

2. When is the best time to visit New York City?

The city gets very busy in spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is mild and the city offers the best of culture and entertainment (both very good seasons to visit), and winter is great for holidays.

3. Can you day trip to Washington, D.C. from New York City? 

Yes! A plethora of tours, including the best-selling Washington DC tour from NYC, give everyone the chance to see the White House and National Mall in a single day. 

4. Where can I go to see New York, other than Manhattan? 

Take city tours to explore best places to visit New York, such as the New York Contrasts Tour, which visits the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn — each with their own distinctive local flavor.

5. Are day tours from NYC family-friendly? 

Definitely. Hudson Valley, Bear Mountain, and Philadelphia are all great places for the family, and they have museums, parks, and things to entertain kids of all ages.