What to do in New York City?

New York is also known as "the city that never sleeps"… and for good reason! The Big Apple has so much to offer that it's simply impossible to see everything in just one visit. However, there are some must-see, iconic sites. To best prepare for your trip to New York, here are some lists of activities to do in the city and visits you can't miss!

Must-sees of visiting New York City!

  • Times Square

A true urban amusement park, Times Square is a must-see New York activity. On the agenda: giant screens, buildings illuminated with flashing neon lights, the biggest store signs to spend your money... All just steps away from Broadway!

  • The Empire State Building

Another iconic place in New York, the Empire State Building is one of the city's most famous skyscrapers. Located on Fifth Avenue, it stands at 1,454 feet tall and allows you to admire New York from the 102nd floor! Fun fact: it's the second tallest building in the world.

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Don't miss out on the must-see attractions of visiting New York

  • The Statue of Liberty

How can one speak of New York's highlights without mentioning the Statue of Liberty? Take the ferry to Staten Island and behold the iconic "Lady Liberty," standing tall at 151 feet. Take the opportunity to visit the Ellis Island Museum and immerse yourself in the experience of an immigrant arriving in New York for the first time. Don't forget to enjoy the scenery and admire one of the most beautiful views of Manhattan!

  • Central Park

An iconic location in New York, Central Park is the largest urban park in the world. Spanning 843 acres, it provides a green oasis for all New Yorkers seeking tranquil walks or sports fields for their jogs. Those seeking romance can enjoy a carriage ride. Pleasant in all seasons, Central Park is equally stunning when blooming in spring, snow-covered in winter, or adorned in its golden coat during autumn.

  • 9/11 Memorial

In a completely different context, the 9/11 Memorial allows you to relive one of America's greatest tragedies. Two reflecting pools now occupy the footprint of the Twin Towers, paying tribute to all the victims of the September 11 attacks in New York. A museum dedicated to this event is located just below the memorial.

Iconic places of New York City life

  • Top of The Rock

Because the Empire State Building isn’t the only skyscraper to visit in New York, Top of The Rock is also worth a visit! Standing at 850 feet tall, it offers another majestic viewpoint of the city and provides an unforgettable glimpse of Central Park.

  • Grand Central Terminal

An emblem of New York, Grand Central Terminal is a place of constant hustle and bustle, but also one of the most visited and filmed train stations on the planet. With its cathedral-like windows, it is a location for numerous film shoots and welcomes 750,000 people every day.

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Three important places not to miss in New York

  • 5th Avenue

With its numerous luxury shops, New York's 5th Avenue is considered the most expensive street in the world. It's also where famous landmarks such as the New York Public Library, the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick's Cathedral stand. In its northern part, it also opens up to Central Park.

  • Brooklyn Bridge

The pedestrian walkway of the Brooklyn Bridge, opened in 1883, offers one of the most beautiful views of the skyline. A must-visit in New York, this monument provides insight into the city's history.

  • Wall Street

The economic hub of New York, Wall Street is a business district home to numerous iconic landmarks. Here, you'll find the new One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial, and the New York Stock Exchange. Take the opportunity to snap a souvenir photo next to the famous Charging Bull statue.

New York: where culture and entertainment meet

  • Broadway

As the cultural epicenter and a haven for artists, Broadway offers a chance to discover numerous shows and musicals. It's an essential destination in New York, renowned far beyond American borders!

  • The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Whether you're a fan of contemporary art or not, MoMA is New York's most popular museum. It houses around 100,000 works, including pieces by Van Gogh, Warhol, Matisse, and Picasso.

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Museums and Nature in New York

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Among the most imposing art museums on the planet, the MET houses numerous masterpieces from all epochs and cultures. It's an immense place, equally impressive for its collection as for its architecture.

  • The Guggenheim Museum

Another inseparable activity in New York, the Guggenheim Museum presents a collection of contemporary objects housed in a legendary location, inaugurated in 1959. Its enigmatic silhouette mimics the spiral shell of a Nautilus, giving it a unique and recognizable style.

  • The High Line

Finally, another green lung of New York, the High Line is a long urban walkway created on a former abandoned railway track. Highly appreciated by New Yorkers, it offers splendid views of the Hudson River.

What to do in New York in 5 days?

To help you organize your trip, here's a sample 5-day itinerary for New York:

Day 1: Start with a visit to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) before taking a stroll through Central Park. Then, head to the Guggenheim Museum before descending Fifth Avenue.

Day 2: Visit the American Museum of Natural History, then head south to Chelsea via the High Line. Enjoy the numerous contemporary art galleries in Chelsea before heading to the Empire State Building at dusk.

Day 3: Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to explore its extensive collection of contemporary art. Take a detour to Macy's before heading to Madison Square and passing by the iconic Flatiron Building.

Day 4: Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and then explore Ellis Island. On your way back, stop by Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial. If you have time, wander through Chinatown or Little Italy. End with a nighttime stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Day 5: For your last day, spend time in Times Square, then visit Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library. Finally, ascend to the top of Top of The Rock for panoramic views.

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Our guide for visiting New York

Questions fréquentes

What are the must-see attractions in New York?

Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, the One World Trade Center Observatory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the High Line.

What to do at night in New York?

You can attend a Broadway show, visit a trendy bar or club, have a drink at a rooftop bar or terrace, or simply take a walk through the lively streets of the city.

What family activities can you do in New York?

You can visit the Bronx Zoo, Coney Island amusement park, Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park, or Madame Tussauds wax museum.