68 Of The Best Things To Do In New York In 2026

New York City, the city that never sleeps, where the energy is electric, the skyline iconic, and the opportunities for adventure endless. From the hustle of Times Square to the tranquility of Central Park, the Big Apple offers something for everyone. Whether you're a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or a night owl, New York City has a way of captivating you with its charm, diversity, and ceaseless vibrancy. 

Here are 50 of the best things to do in New York City in 2026.

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1. Explore Little Island, a futuristic park floating on the Hudson River with free performances in a setting that blends nature, architecture and art.
2. Experience boundary-pushing art, music and performance at The Shed, where no two visits are ever the same.
3. Spend an afternoon in Brooklyn’s  Prospect Park, designed by the same architects as Central Park, for a calmer, more local take on a classic New York park day.
4. Catch a film at cult-favourite cinema Metrograph, where stylish interiors and thoughtful programming make it a must for movie lovers.
5. Hire a bike and cruise the Hudson River Greenway, Manhattan’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path with the best skyline and river views.
6. Discover Brooklyn’s open-air art scene while wandering through Bushwick on a guided street art tour or explore at your own pace.
7. Kayak (for free) along the East River for a rare chance to see Manhattan from the water.
8. Unwind at Aire Ancient Baths and soak in the candlelit pools, warm stone interiors and ancient bathing rituals.
9. Immerse yourself in art and culture at renowned museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, and the Whitney Museum, and don't miss the vibrant art galleries of Chelsea.
10. Enjoy a day in New York’s iconic Central Park, where visitors can picnic at The Great Meadow, visit the Central Park Zoo, or see the famous Bethesda Fountain.
11. Stroll the charming cobblestone streets of the West Village, exploring historic literary haunts like the White Horse Tavern or sipping on an expertly shaken martini at Dante.
12. Experience the magic of Broadway with shows like Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, or The Lion King, and grab same-day discounted tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square.
13. Head to the Comedy Cellar or Gotham Comedy Club for an evening of laughter with top comedians performing in intimate settings.
14. Take a walk on the High Line, an elevated park offering a unique blend of nature, art, and city views, running from Chelsea to Hudson Yards.
15. Take in panoramic scenes of the NYC skyline while enjoying a cocktail at rooftop bars like Mr Purple in the Lower East Side or Westlight in Williamsburg.
16. Spend time in Washington Square Park, famous for its arch and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for people-watching and watching street performances.
17. Indulge in retail therapy along Fifth Avenue, lined with luxury boutiques, or explore the trendy shops and cobblestone streets of SoHo; for vintage finds, check out Beacon’s Closet and Buffalo Exchange.
18. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City's skyline at One World Observatory, the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center.
19. Wander through the charming Brooklyn neighborhood of DUMBO, known for its art galleries, cobblestone streets, and iconic views of the Manhattan Bridge.
20. Experience the hustle and bustle of Times Square, famous for its bright neon lights, giant billboards, and constant activity, especially at night.
21. Take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry for stunning scenes of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline.
22. Pay tribute to the victims of September 11 at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, located at the World Trade Center site.
23. Take a scenic stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.
24. Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to explore the iconic statue and learn about America's immigration history.
25. Enjoy classic New York nostalgia at Coney Island with a ride on the Cyclone, a hot dog from Nathan’s Famous, and a stroll along the boardwalk.
26. Explore the breathtaking New York Public Library’s main branch, then unwind in Bryant Park, with seasonal activities like outdoor movies in summer and ice skating in winter.

Eat

1. Indulge in a refined omakase experience at Sushi Noz, known for pristine seafood and a serene Hinoki wood counter.
2. Experience Korean barbecue meets steakhouse excellence at Cote, a Michelin-starred favourite with premium beef and charcoal grills.
3. Start your day at Radio Bakery, a Brooklyn favourite for laminated pastries, focaccia sandwiches and great coffee.
4. Feast on handmade pasta at Rezdôra, a Michelin-starred spot celebrating the flavours of Emilia-Romagna.
5. Track down cult-favourite tacos at Birria-Landia, serving rich, dunkable birria with crisp tortillas.
6. Settle in for natural wine and seasonal plates at Four Horsemen, a Williamsburg institution with effortless cool.
7. Indulge in one of Levain Bakery’s famous oversized Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies, a must-try treat for any visitor to New York.
8. Taste some of the best authentic Mexican street tacos in the city at Los Tacos No. 1, located in Chelsea Market, Times Square and Noho, with options like carne asada and adobada.
9. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3, the whimsical Upper East Side dessert hotspot known for its extravagant sundaes.
10. Explore Chinatown to savor the flavors at iconic spots like Joe’s Shanghai for soup dumplings
11. Experience the best of Italian cuisine at coveted spots like Carbone, Don Angie, and Lilia, offering everything from spicy rigatoni vodka to Instagram-famous pinwheel lasagna.
12. Feast on New York City's diverse culinary offerings at Queens Night Market, where you can savor flavors from around the world, from Colombian arepas to Taiwanese bao, all in one vibrant, open-air setting.
13. Enjoy a selection of fresh oysters at the historic Grand Central Oyster Bar, located in the lower level of Grand Central Terminal.
14. Sip expertly crafted cocktails at famous speakeasies like Raines Law Room, and Bar SixtyFive, each offering a unique twist on classic cocktails.
15. Devour classic New York-style pizza at iconic spots like L’Industrie in Williamsburg and the West Village, Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village, and John’s of Bleecker Street, each serving up their legendary slices.
16. Savor the legendary pastrami on rye at Katz’s Delicatessen, the renowned Lower East Side deli famous for its generous portions and old-school vibe.
17. Explore a variety of street food at Smorgasburg, Brooklyn’s famous open-air food market, held on weekends with dozens of local vendors.
18. Explore the vibrant food scene at Chelsea Market, a bustling indoor market filled with artisanal vendors, gourmet food shops, and unique dining experiences all under one roof.
19. Satisfy your craving for Italian-American Classics and soak in the old-world charm of Little Italy, with cannolis at Ferrara Bakery and meals at Umberto’s Clam House.
20. Enjoy a classic New York steakhouse experience at legendary spots like Peter Luger in Williamsburg or Keens Steakhouse in Midtown, known for their perfectly cooked steaks.
21. Listen to live jazz at legendary venues like the Blue Note and Village Vanguard, where the spirit of New York's jazz scene comes alive.
22. Indulge in a classic New York cupcake at Magnolia Bakery, made famous by Sex and the City, especially the vanilla with buttercream.
23. Satisfy your craving for hearty Ukrainian comfort food at Veselka in the East Village, famous for its pierogies and borscht.
24. Experience the timeless charm of Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel, known for its live piano music and signature cocktails.
25. Treat yourself to classic New York bagels with lox and schmear at Russ & Daughters, a beloved Lower East Side institution known for its fresh bagels and smoked fish.
26. Delight in a Lafayette Suprême Croissant at Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery, where the classic croissant gets an irresistible upgrade with rich cream, a perfect spiral, and a drizzle of glaze.

Stay

1. Stay in understated luxury at The Greenwich Hotel, a Tribeca favourite known for its serene courtyard and Japanese-inspired Shibui Spa.
2. Book a room at Public Hotel for a high-energy stay in the Lower East Side, with bold interiors, buzzing bars and skyline views.
3. Experience modern luxury at Pendry Manhattan West, a sleek Midtown stay offering refined rooms and a calmer alternative to larger hotel chains.
4. Base yourself in Brooklyn at the ever-cool Ace, where creative energy, thoughtful design and a lively lobby set the tone.
5. Swap skyscrapers for sea breezes at The Rockaway, a beachfront stay in Queens with ocean views and rooftop drinks.
6. Check into Nine Orchard, a restored Beaux-Arts boutique hotel offering elegant rooms just moments from the action.
7. Experience timeless elegance at The Plaza, an iconic luxury hotel offering lavish accommodations, Eloise-themed afternoon tea, and family-friendly activities in the heart of New York.
8. Stay at The William Vale in Williamsburg and experience contemporary luxury, breathtaking skyline vistas, NYC's longest outdoor pool and the exceptional rooftop bar, Westlight.
9. Discover historic charm at Hotel Chelsea, a legendary landmark once frequented by icons like Andy Warhol, now featuring art-filled spaces, Cafe Chelsea, and the famed El Quijote restaurant.
10. Lap up eco-luxury and stunning Manhattan views at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, located in DUMBO, featuring unmatched hospitality and a rooftop perfect for a romantic evening.
11. Indulge in sophisticated luxury at The Ritz Carlton New York, with bold design, world-class dining by José Andrés, and breathtaking rooftop views near Madison Square Park.
12. Stay smart at Arlo Hotel SoHo, where modern, compact rooms with energy-efficient features offer a stylish and affordable retreat in New York City.
13. Get a taste of fun and style at Moxy Williamsburg, where you can sip cocktails at the rooftop bar while enjoying stunning sights of the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
14. Discover the artistic ambiance and aesthetic design at NoMo SoHo on Crosby Street, where every corner is adorned with vintage and contemporary art for the perfect Instagram shot.
15. Experience the perfect blend of modern luxury and historic charm at The New York EDITION, located in the iconic Flatiron District near Madison Square Park.
16. Embrace the artsy vibe at Crosby Street Hotel in Soho, featuring whimsical design, a private garden, and vibrant, colorful decor just steps away from shopping and dining.

Still working on your Big Apple itinerary? Check out:

• New York's Best Restaurants
• New York's Best Airbnbs
• New York's Best Luxury Hotels

Image credit: Gus Powell

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