The 10 Best Things To Do In New York City

The City That Never Sleeps, The Big Apple, the home to 99 cent pizza slices. New York City has been a hot spot for innovation, culture, and arts for centuries. It doesn’t matter if you’re a history buff, partier, or serious foodie, New York City has enough activities to pack your trip with.

We wanted to offer you a twist on the usual list of the best things to do in New York City. Instead, here are some unique activities you should add to your itinerary.

Explore the New York Catacombs by Candlelight

For those fascinated by darker experiences, this is one you won’t want to miss. The 90 minute tour allows you to explore the history and secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral.

The catacombs, first opened in 1815, are lit only by candlelight as they would have been in its early days. You’ll visit two walled cemeteries that are usually off-limits while your tour guide teaches you all about the rocky religious history of the area.

See the Statue of Liberty aboard a tall ship

The Statue of Liberty, dedicated in 1886, was a gift from France in celebration of friendship between the two countries. It is an iconic symbol of democracy and freedom not just for the US, but for the world.

It’s common knowledge that a visit to the Statue of Liberty is one of the best things to do in New York City. However, the experience can be made far more unique by getting there aboard a tall ship. You’ll see Lady Liberty up close, get an excellent view of the beautiful New York City skyline, and get to experience New York City’s only tall ship.

Get incredible views of New York City from a rooftop lounge

Heading to a rooftop lounge is an excellent way to mingle with the locals while taking in a breathtaking view of the city. However, it is not always easy to find the best spot, and you may have to contend with long lines.

What’s better than one rooftop lounge? THREE rooftop lounges. Eliminate the stress by taking a 4 hour rooftop lounge tour that will take you to three of the best spots in the city, where you’ll be served an included drink at each.

Tour famous shooting locations in Central Park

Central Park is an 843 acre urban park located in Manhattan. The park has many stunning locations throughout its large area including the Gapstow Bridge, the Central Park Carousel, and the Bethesda Terrace.

New York City is frequently used for filming TV shows and movies, so it is no surprise that a number of famous scenes have taken place right in Central Park. The Central Park TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour will take you to a variety of filming locations from Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Ghostbusters, The Avengers, and plenty more.

Learn about the financial crisis from an expert

The 2008 financial crisis had a global impact that is still being felt today. Anyone with an interest in economics or current events will find a tour that explores the crisis fascinating.

The unique 2 hour tour is led by a finance expert who will take you around the financial district of New York City. They’ll discuss what triggered the financial collapse and tell real stories of people dealing with the fallout.

This is one of the best things to do in New York City for anyone who wants to better understand Wall Street’s global influence.

Go behind the scenes on Broadway

Broadway theatre is the name given to theatrical performances at any one of the 41 theatres in the theatre district of New York City. People view Broadway as the epitome of theatre which is why it attracts the absolute best talents.

The New Amsterdam Theater is home to famous shows including Aladdin, The Lion King, and Frozen. If you want to experience Broadway during your trip, attending a live performance isn’t your only option. A Broadway behind-the-scenes walking tour will give you an idea of how much work goes into creating the shows and will even give you a chance to check out some of the props and costumes.

Take an Underground Railroad tour

The history of slavery in the city begins all the way back to the 17th century, when the area was a Dutch colony. Early New York City was built by slaves who, even after freed, influenced the direction of the city with their work and culture. New York City also played a role in the Underground Railroad; a network of buildings and routes that helped slaves find freedom.

During the tour of slavery and the Underground Railroad in New York City, you’ll learn all about this dark part of American history and the role NYC played both in enslaving people and helping them find freedom.

Tour the hip-hop history of Harlem

Did you know that NYC is the birthplace of hip-hop? If you’re a music fan, exploring an area that has had such a big influence on the genre is an absolute must.

Throughout Harlem you’ll discover lots of art inspired by the music, and important locations that played a role in its development. A hip-hop walking tour of Harlem will make sure you hit all the hotspots with a professional guide who will teach you all about the genre’s history.

Experience New York City at Christmas

I bet you’ve been amazed at how magical Christmas in New York looks when you’ve seen it in pictures or on TV. We’re here to tell you that it is even more magical in real-life! I know, it sounds impossible. However, no expense is spared and you’ll find huge window and light displays everywhere you look.

Don’t take our word for it. Get yourself to New York City in December and see what all the fuss is about. The best way to make sure you hit all the important locations is by taking a New York Christmas walking tour. You’ll visit the Rockefeller Center, the Winter Market, Radio City Music Hall, and plenty of other festive spots.

Taste the finest chocolate in Brooklyn

Most people associate New York City with amazing food. World-famous bagels, delicious pizza, egg creams, and of course the endless supply of tasty streetfood. However, chocolate is probably not something you associate with New York City, which makes this a wonderfully unique experience.

Brooklyn is home is a number of amazing chocolatiers and you get a chance to try their creations. All aboard a chocolate bus tour of New York! The 4 and a half hour tour will take you to multiple fancy chocolatiers, including Jacques Torres Chocolate.