50 Best Fun Things to Do in NYC for Locals and First Time Visitors (2025 Guide)

When I first moved to New York City fifteen years ago, I was overwhelmed by the endless possibilities this city offers. As a Midwestern transplant turned local tour guide for countless visiting friends, I’ve explored every corner of the five boroughs. This guide represents the best of what I’ve discovered—both the iconic must-sees and the hidden gems that took years to uncover.

New York is constantly evolving, which is why I update this guide annually. For 2025, I’ve included several exciting new attractions alongside the timeless classics that never lose their magic. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or have lived here for decades, I promise you’ll find something on this list you haven’t experienced yet.

Let’s dive into the 50 best things to do in NYC, tested and approved by someone who calls this magnificent chaos home.

Must-See Iconic NYC Attractions

1. Empire State Building observation deck experience

There’s a reason this remains my #1 recommendation despite the tourist crowds. Despite visiting at least 20 times over the years, the view continues to captivate me. Pro tip: book the first slot of the day (8am) or go after 10pm for significantly smaller crowds. The night view with all the city lights glittering below is worth the late bedtime.

What is my personal tradition? I visit every year on my birthday, no matter the weather. I’ve seen it in sunshine, rain, and once during a light snowfall that transformed the city into something magical.

2. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset

This remains my favorite free activity to recommend to visitors. The golden hour light hitting the Manhattan skyline creates a view that rivals anything you’ll see in the movies. I suggest starting from the Brooklyn side so you’re walking toward Manhattan as the buildings light up.

Last summer, I packed a small picnic (don’t tell anyone—glass containers technically aren’t allowed) and shared a bottle of wine with my partner at the center point of the bridge as the sun went down. Occasionally the most romantic moments in this city don’t cost a thing.

3. Exploring Central Park’s highlights

Central Park could fill its own 50-item list. After countless visits, I’ve developed a perfect 3-hour loop that hits all the essentials: start at Bethesda Fountain, walk The Mall lined with American elm trees, visit Strawberry Fields (the John Lennon memorial), and end at Bow Bridge.

During cherry blossom season (typically mid-April), I reroute to include the area around 72nd Street on the west side of the park, where the cherry trees create pink canopies that feel transplanted from Japan.

Could I share my insider tip with you? The Ramble area offers surprisingly secluded hiking trails where you can completely forget you’re in a city of 8 million people. I’ve spent many Sunday mornings with just a coffee and a book, listening to the birds in this wilder section of the park.

4. Times Square after dark

I know, I know—Times Square is the place New Yorkers love to hate. But hear me out. There’s undeniable magic in those lights, especially after 11pm when the tourist crowds thin out but the neon still blazes. My recommendation is to visit for just 15 minutes en route to somewhere else—it’s the perfect amount of time to appreciate the spectacle without being overwhelmed.

Could you guess where my secret spot is? The bleacher steps above the TKTS booth offer the perfect elevated view for people-watching and capturing the iconic scene without being jostled in the crowds below.

5. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour

This takes commitment (a full half-day at minimum), but as someone who initially skipped it for years thinking it was “too touristy,” I was genuinely moved when I finally visited. The audio tour at Ellis Island brings to life the immigrant experience in a way that connected me to my family’s journey to America.

To avoid the worst crowds, book the first ferry of the day and head straight to Ellis Island before doubling back to Liberty Island. If you’re short on time or money, the free Staten Island Ferry passes close enough to Lady Liberty for decent photos without the cost or time commitment of the official tour.

6. Metropolitan Museum of Art’s essential collections

With over two million works of art, the Met can be overwhelming. After countless visits, I’ve developed a “greatest hits” route that takes about three hours: the Temple of Dendur, the American Wing (don’t miss the Frank Lloyd Wright room), the Impressionist galleries, the Arms and Armor collection, and the Rooftop Garden (May-October only).

I’ve found the museum is remarkably empty on Friday evenings when it’s open late. What would be my ideal date night in NYC? Friday at the Met, followed by dinner at one of the Upper East Side restaurants nearby.

7. Grand Central Terminal architecture tour

Grand Central is not just a transit hub, but an architectural masterpiece with hidden secrets. Look up at the celestial ceiling—the stars are actually painted backward (an astronomical error never corrected). Whisper into the corners of the archway near the Oyster Bar downstairs; the acoustic properties carry your voice perfectly to someone standing at the opposite corner.

During my broker days showing apartments in midtown, I’d sometimes take a lunch break at the Grand Central Market, grabbing a sandwich and sitting in the main concourse to watch the constant flow of humanity—still one of my favorite free pastimes in the city.

8. The High Line elevated park walk

This 1.45-mile-long elevated park built on a former freight rail line offers fantastic views of the Hudson River and Manhattan’s west side. I’ve walked the High Line in every season, and each offers something special: spring wildflowers, summer people-watching, fall colors, and winter’s stark beauty with fewer crowds.

Start at the southern entrance at Gansevoort Street and work your way north, stopping at the various viewing platforms and art installations along the way. About halfway through, you’ll find a small food court that’s perfect for a quick bite. The northern section past Hudson Yards offers newer pathways with some of the best sunset views in Manhattan.

Seasonal NYC Experiences (2025 Calendar)

Spring Highlights

9. Cherry blossom viewing at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Every April, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts Sakura Matsuri, the cherry blossom festival that transforms the garden into a pink wonderland. After missing it for years, I now make it an annual pilgrimage. The festival includes Japanese cultural performances, but I prefer to visit on weekday mornings just before or after the official festival when the blossoms are still perfect but the crowds are thinner.

The garden’s Cherry Esplanade features double-flowering cherry trees that create a stunning pink ceiling when in full bloom. Based on my visits over the years, the best viewing is typically mid-to-late April, but check their “CherryWatch” tracker online for real-time updates on the blooming schedule.

10. Tribeca Film Festival screenings and events

As a film buff, this is my favorite annual event in the city. The 2025 festival runs April 16-27 and features everything from major premieres to experimental shorts. I’ve found the most captivating screenings are often the documentary shorts and the conversations with filmmakers afterward.

My strategy is to book at least one weekday afternoon screening (smaller crowds, easier to get tickets) and one weekend premiere event for the full red carpet experience. Many venues are walking distance from each other in the Tribeca neighborhood, making it easy to catch multiple screenings in a day.

11. Smorgasburg outdoor food market in Prospect Park

When Smorgasburg returns to Prospect Park (typically early April through October), it signals the true start of spring for me. This massive open-air food market features over 100 vendors selling everything from classic NYC bagels to innovative fusion cuisine.

My perfect Smorgasburg strategy: arrive when it opens (11am), make an initial reconnaissance loop to scope out options before committing, then grab a spot on the grass near the bandshell to enjoy your culinary treasures. Must-try vendors for 2025 include Bona Bona Ice Cream (they torch the meringue topping to order) and Pop Pasta’s spaghetti donuts—sounds weird, tastes wonderful.

Summer Essentials

12. Shakespeare in the Park at Delacorte Theater

This 60-year tradition of free Shakespeare performances in Central Park remains one of New York’s cultural treasures. For summer 2025, they’re featuring “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (June) and “Richard III” (July). Getting tickets requires patience—either line up in Central Park on the morning of the performance or try the digital lottery through their app.

After trying both methods multiple times, I’ve found the in-person line to be more reliable if you can arrive by 7am. Bring breakfast, a folding chair, and a favorite book—the wait becomes a pleasant picnic in the park. I’ve seen celebrities from Meryl Streep to Denzel Washington perform here over the years, all for free.

13. Governors Island day trip and activities

Just a short ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn, this 172-acre island feels like a vacation from the city without leaving it. The 2025 season runs May 1 through October 31, with new attractions including an expanded urban farm and additional glamping options.

My perfect Governors Island day: take the early ferry (10am), rent bikes immediately upon arrival ($15/hour), circle the island to enjoy waterfront views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline, then relax in one of the hammocks scattered throughout the island. For lunch, hit Island Oyster for waterfront dining with spectacular views. Don’t miss Slide Hill, featuring four slides of varying heights—yes, adults can slide too, and I never pass up the opportunity!

14. Open-air movies at Bryant Park

The Bryant Park Film Festival runs Monday evenings from June through August, screening classic films on a giant screen with the stunning backdrop of midtown Manhattan skyscrapers. The lawn opens at 5pm, but I suggest arriving by 4:30pm if you want a good spot—these screenings are wildly popular.

My friends and I make this a monthly summer tradition, taking turns bringing components of a picnic dinner. We spread blankets, open wine (technically not allowed but discreetly done by virtually everyone), and enjoy dinner before the film starts at sunset. The 2025 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but last year’s selections included “The Godfather,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” and “Black Panther.”

15. Kayaking on the Hudson River

One of the city’s best-kept secrets: you can kayak on the Hudson River for FREE through the Downtown Boathouse program. This program offers 20-minute sessions in protected areas of the river with all equipment provided, and it is available on weekends from May through October at Pier 26, Pier 96, and 72nd Street.

My recommendation for more experienced paddlers: Manhattan Kayak Company offers guided tours around the island starting at $100. Their sunset tour passes by the Statue of Liberty just as the sun goes down behind New Jersey—one of my all-time favorite NYC experiences that most locals have never tried.

Fall Favorites

16. Village Halloween Parade

As someone who’s both watched and participated in this parade, I can confirm it’s the ultimate Halloween experience. The 2025 parade (the 52nd annual) will march up 6th Avenue from Spring Street to 16th Street on October 31st from 7pm to 11pm.

To participate, simply show up in costume at the starting area. My advice? Join with friends—it’s more fun as a group—and wear a distinctive but comfortable costume for walking. The energy of marching alongside thousands of creatively costumed New Yorkers while thousands more cheer from the sidewalks is electrifying.

For spectators, stake out a spot along 6th Avenue above 10th Street for better viewing with smaller crowds. Whatever you do, don’t drive into the village that night—the street closures and crowds make it a nightmare.

17. Central Park fall foliage walks

In late October to early November, Central Park’s 18,000 trees transform into a canvas of red, orange, and gold peaks. My favorite route for maximum color: enter at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, head north through the Literary Walk, circle the Bethesda Fountain, then wander the wooded paths of The Ramble, where the diversity of tree species creates the most spectacular color variations.

For photography enthusiasts, the Bow Bridge with its backdrop of colorful trees reflected in the lake offers the quintessential NYC fall photo. I’ve found that early mornings (around 8 a.m.) provide the best light with minimal crowds.

18. New York Comic Con

Even if you’re not a hardcore comic book fan, the people-watching at New York Comic Con is unmatched. The 2025 convention runs October 16-19 at the Javits Center. Having attended for seven consecutive years, I’ve learned a few critical strategies: buy tickets well in advance (they sell out), plan which panels you want to attend before arriving, and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking and standing for hours.

My favorite aspects are the elaborate cosplay costumes and the Artist Alley, where you can meet comic creators and buy original artwork. Even a single-day pass allows you plenty of time to experience the highlights.

19. NYC Marathon viewing parties

The 2025 Marathon takes place on November 2nd, and watching it is a uniquely New York experience. Having run it once (never again!) and spectated many times, I can confirm that the best viewing spots are in Brooklyn on Fourth Avenue (miles 7-8), where runners are still fresh and responsive to cheers, or in Manhattan on First Avenue (miles 16-18), where they need encouragement to push through “the wall.”

My favorite spot is near the 92nd Street Y on First Avenue, where several bars set up outdoor viewing areas with screens tracking the elite runners. Bring signs, noisemakers, and your loudest cheering voice—the runners truly appreciate it.

Winter Wonders

20. Ice skating at Bryant Park Winter Village

Forget Rockefeller Center with its long lines and expensive admission—Bryant Park offers free skating (you only pay for skate rental if you don’t bring your own). The 2025-2026 season runs from late October through early March.

Go on a weekday morning when the ice has just resurfaced and the crowds are smaller. Afterward, warm up with hot chocolate from one of the surrounding holiday market stalls. Even as a native New Yorker, I try to skate here at least once each winter—it never loses its charm.

21. Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden

This annual exhibition features model trains running through a display of 175+ iconic New York landmarks, each recreated using plant materials like bark, leaves, and seeds. The craftsmanship is extraordinary—you’ll see miniature versions of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Empire State Building, all created from natural materials.

Years of visits have led me to recommend booking an evening ticket, when tiny lights illuminate the display, creating a magical atmosphere. The 2025 show runs from November 22 through January 19. Combine your visit with their Bar Car Nights (adults only, with cocktails) for a unique date night experience.

22. New Year’s Eve alternatives to Times Square

After experiencing the Times Square ball drop once (cold, crowded, no bathrooms—never again), I’ve discovered much better ways to ring in the New Year. My top recommendation for 2025-2026: the Prospect Park Fireworks display. This free event includes a stunning midnight fireworks show with significantly smaller crowds than Manhattan options.

For a splurge, consider the New Year’s Eve Concert at St. John the Divine Cathedral, featuring their massive pipe organ in a breathtaking acoustic space. For families with kids, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum hosts a “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration with a ball drop at midday so little ones can participate without staying up until midnight.

23. Winter Jazzfest performances

This annual celebration of jazz takes place over 10 days in January (January 9-18, 2025), featuring more than 700 artists performing across multiple venues throughout the city. The signature event is the two-night marathon (January 10-11), where a single ticket gets you access to dozens of performances.

My strategy after attending for six years: focus on one neighborhood each night rather than trying to hop between distant venues. The Greenwich Village route offers the highest concentration of excellent venues within walking distance. Don’t miss the late-night jam sessions that often feature surprise appearances by major artists.

Free & Budget-Friendly NYC Activities

24. Staten Island Ferry for skyline views

This 25-minute ferry ride from Manhattan to Staten Island offers spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the lower Manhattan skyline—all completely free. The ferry runs 24/7, with departures every 15–30 minutes.

I recommend taking the ferry at sunset to witness the skyline illuminated by golden hour light on your outbound journey, and to see it illuminated on your return trip. Upon arriving in Staten Island, simply walk through the terminal and board the next ferry back to Manhattan (no need to explore Staten Island unless you want to).

25. Pay-what-you-wish museum hours

Many of NYC’s top museums offer pay-what-you-wish hours, allowing budget-conscious visitors to experience world-class art for whatever they can afford:

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: For NY state residents and NY/NJ/CT students, admission is always pay-what-you-wish (bring ID).
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Free on Friday evenings from 5:30-9pm.
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Free on Mondays from 3:30-5pm (reserve tickets online).
• Brooklyn Museum: The first Saturday of each month (except September) from 5-11pm is free.

My strategy is to plan my museum visits around these times, arriving about 30 minutes before free hours begin to avoid the longest lines. For the MoMA Friday evenings, I head straight to the fifth floor (home to works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet) before the crowds build.

26. Free walking tours by local guides

Several companies offer “pay-what-you-wish” walking tours where you tip based on your experience. After trying many, I recommend Free Tours by Foot for their consistently knowledgeable guides and varied itineraries. Their Greenwich Village tour offers fascinating insights into the neighborhood’s bohemian history and architectural significance.

For self-guided options, download the free app “GPSmyCity,” which offers detailed walking tours with offline maps—I’ve used it extensively when showing visitors around my favorite neighborhoods.

27. Green spaces beyond Central Park

While Central Park gets all the attention, NYC boasts incredible parks in every borough:

• Prospect Park (Brooklyn): Designed by the same team as Central Park but with fewer tourists. The Long Meadow offers 90 acres of open space perfect for picnics.
• Fort Tryon Park (Upper Manhattan): Home to the Cloisters museum with medieval gardens and Hudson River views that feel transported from another century.
• Pelham Bay Park (Bronx): NYC’s largest park at 2,772 acres—three times the size of Central Park—featuring Orchard Beach and extensive hiking trails.

My personal favorite is Fort Tryon on an early autumn morning when the fog rolls in off the Hudson. Bring coffee and a pastry from nearby Darling Coffee for a perfect start to the day.

28. Free concert series and performance schedules

NYC offers incredible free music and performances, particularly during the summer.

• SummerStage in Central Park: Major artists perform free concerts throughout the summer. I’ve seen everyone from The Roots to Mavis Staples without spending a dime.
• Celebrate Brooklyn! at Prospect Park Bandshell: Similar to SummerStage but in Brooklyn, with free performances June through August.
• Lincoln Center Out of Doors: Three weeks of free performances in July/August, ranging from classical to jazz to world music.
• Bryant Park Picnic Performances: Free classical music, dance, and theater presentations with the beautiful backdrop of the midtown skyline.

For all these events, I’ve found that arriving 1-2 hours early with a picnic blanket and refreshments makes for the perfect NYC summer evening.

Unique & Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

29. The Wrecking Club stress-release sessions

The Wrecking Club in Midtown provides a therapeutic experience for those who occasionally need to break things. For around $25, you get 20 minutes to smash electronics, dishware, and furniture with baseball bats and sledgehammers in a private “rage room.”

Having tried this after a particularly stressful work week, I can attest to its cathartic value. Pro tip: book at least a week in advance, as sessions frequently sell out, especially on weekends. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty.

30. Sleep No More immersive theater experience

This immersive adaptation of Macbeth takes place throughout a five-story “hotel” in Chelsea where audience members wear masks and silently explore at their pace while performers enact scenes around them. This immersive theatrical experience has transformed my perspective on storytelling.

After five visits, my advice is: 1) Follow performers who intrigue you, 2) Don’t stick with your friends—separate and compare experiences afterward, 3) Be bold about exploring rooms alone, and 4) Don’t rush—sometimes the most magical moments happen when you simply sit still in a space and let the performance find you.

31. Game of 1000 Boxes interactive adventure

This unique experience in Williamsburg combines escape room elements with narrative storytelling. Participants work together to open a series of increasingly complex boxes, each containing puzzles, artifacts, and story elements.

I took my puzzle-enthusiast friends last month, and we spent two hours deeply engaged in the mystery. The experience works best with 3-5 people and costs about $40 per person. Reservations are essential as they typically book up several weeks in advance.

32. Spyscape interactive museum missions

This midtown museum dedicated to the world of espionage offers interactive experiences that test your spy skills. You’ll decrypt coded messages, navigate laser obstacle courses, and analyze behavioral patterns while learning about famous spies and intelligence operations.

The highlight is their profiling system that analyzes your performance and assigns you a spy role based on your aptitudes. Apparently, I would make an excellent intelligence analyst but a terrible field agent—which tracks with my general life skills! Allow at least two hours to fully enjoy all the interactive elements.

33. Immersive Van Gogh or similar digital art experiences

Digital art installations have become a significant trend in NYC, with new experiences opening regularly. The Van Gogh immersive experience projects the artist’s works on massive scales, allowing visitors to literally step into paintings like “Starry Night.”

For 2025, I’m most excited about the new “Climate Connections” installation at ARTECHOUSE near Chelsea Market, which uses data visualization and interactive technology to create immersive experiences related to environmental change. These exhibitions are particularly wonderful on rainy days when outdoor activities aren’t feasible.

34. Hidden speakeasies and their secret entrances

NYC’s speakeasy revival has created dozens of hidden bars accessed through unmarked doors, phone booths, or behind-the-scenes passages. My favorites include:

• Please Don’t Tell (PDT): Enter through a vintage phone booth inside Crif Dogs restaurant in the East Village.
• The Back Room: Access via a toy store’s secret door on the Lower East Side, with drinks served in teacups as they were during Prohibition.
• Attaboy: Unmarked metal door on the Lower East Side, no menu—just tell the bartender your preferred spirits and flavors for a custom creation.
• Patent Pending: Enter through a coffee shop in NoMad, then down a hallway to a radiowave-themed cocktail bar in the basement where Nikola Tesla once had a lab.

For most of these, arrive early (before 7pm) or be prepared to wait. None take reservations, and all have limited capacity.

NYC for Specific Audiences

For Couples

35. Little Island at Pier 55 sunset experiences

This floating park on the Hudson River opened in 2021 and has quickly become one of my favorite date spots. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the 2.4-acre park sits atop concrete “tulips” rising from the water, creating an otherworldly landscape with exceptional views.

For a perfect date, arrive about an hour before sunset, stroll the elevated pathways, and find a seat in the amphitheater facing west across the river. The sunset reflections on the downtown skyscrapers create a magical backdrop for conversation. After dark, the artistic lighting transforms the space again. Check their website for free performance schedules in the amphitheater.

36. Aire Ancient Baths relaxation sessions

Hidden in a restored Tribeca building, these candlelit thermal baths recreate the ancient Roman bathing ritual with multiple pools of different temperatures. My partner and I splurge on this experience every anniversary—it’s pricey (around $100 per person for a basic session) but delivers pure relaxation in a stunning setting.

Book the “Complete Experience,” which includes access to all thermal baths, the salt water flotarium, and the steam room. Add-on massages are excellent but substantially increase the cost. Weekday mornings or early afternoons offer the most serene experience with fewer people.

37. Rooftop dining with skyline views

NYC’s rooftop restaurant scene offers romantic dining with incomparable views. My top recommendations for couples:

• Westlight at the William Vale Hotel (Williamsburg): Panoramic Manhattan skyline views with exceptional craft cocktails and small plates. Request a west-facing table for sunset.
• Serra by Birreria (Flatiron): Eataly’s seasonal rooftop transforms throughout the year—from a greenhouse-inspired spring setting to a cozy alpine lodge in winter.
• RH Rooftop Restaurant (Meatpacking District): Dine among olive trees and fountains atop the Restoration Hardware flagship store, with views of downtown and the Freedom Tower.

For all rooftop venues, reservations are essential, especially for prime sunset slots. Book 3-4 weeks in advance for weekend evenings.

For Young Adults

38. House of Yes themed dance parties

This Bushwick venue hosts the most creative nightlife events in the city, with themed parties requiring elaborate costumes and an open-minded attitude. Each event transforms the space with immersive décor, circus performers, and interactive art installations.

Their signature “Glamorama” parties (held monthly) feature aerial performances above the dance floor and body-positive celebration. Tickets typically range from $20 to $60 depending on the event and purchase timing. Dress according to the theme—they take this seriously and may deny entry if you haven’t made an effort!

39. Brooklyn Bowl’s live music and entertainment

This Williamsburg venue ingeniously combines a 16-lane bowling alley with a music venue and restaurant by Blue Ribbon. It’s become my go-to suggestion for birthday celebrations—where else can you bowl while watching live bands and eating some of the best fried chicken in the city?

Sunday nights feature free admission with DJs and specials on bowling rates. For concerts, check their calendar and buy tickets in advance—well-known acts sell out quickly. The venue is large enough to dance or hang back and observe, making it comfortable for different personality types.

40. Mixology classes at The Workshop Bar

Located in the East Village, this cocktail laboratory offers hands-on classes where you’ll learn techniques from master mixologists while creating (and drinking) your own crafted beverages. Classes range from gin specialization to seasonal ingredients to classic cocktail history.

The “Molecular Mixology” workshop ($85 per person) is particularly fun for groups, involving techniques like smoke infusion and flash-freezing with liquid nitrogen. Classes are small (12-person maximum) and fill up weeks in advance, so book early.

41. Interactive museum experiences

Beyond traditional museums, NYC offers immersive spaces designed with Instagram and interaction in mind:

• Museum of Sex: More educational than salacious, with thoughtful exhibits on human sexuality throughout history, plus the famous “Bouncy Castle of Breasts” installation.
• Museum of Ice Cream: Swim in a pool of sprinkles and explore rooms dedicated to frozen treats.
• Color Factory: Interactive installations exploring color psychology and perception through multi-sensory experiences.
• Museum of Illusions: Optical illusions and perspective-bending rooms that challenge your visual perception.

For most of these experiences, book timed-entry tickets online to avoid disappointment—they frequently sell out, especially on weekends.

For Families with Kids

42. SPYSCAPE museum interactive missions

This interactive espionage museum engages kids and adults alike with physical challenges and brain puzzles. Visitors receive digital wristbands that track their performance through lie detection tests, surveillance challenges, and code-breaking exercises.

The Special Ops Laser Maze is a highlight, where participants navigate through a room of moving laser beams—think Catherine Zeta-Jones in “Entrapment.” Allow at least two hours for the full experience, and book tickets online for about $39 per person (children under 6 free).

43. National Museum of Mathematics hands-on exhibits

Don’t let the name fool you—this innovative space makes mathematics exciting through interactive exhibits that demonstrate mathematical principles in surprising ways. The square-wheeled tricycle, the star attraction, effortlessly glides over a specially curved surface, showcasing how mathematical principles can seemingly defy intuitive understanding.

Even math-phobic kids enjoy the Motion Lab, where they can create digital art using movement and mathematical algorithms. Located just north of Madison Square Park, MoMath works best for children 6 and up. Adult admission is $25, children $20, with reduced prices after 2:30 pm.

44. Luna Park at Coney Island rides and games

This classic amusement park continues a 150-year tradition of Coney Island entertainment. The Cyclone roller coaster, which debuted in 1927, continues to be a National Historic Landmark and a significant milestone for children in New York.

Beyond rides, explore the boardwalk, play carnival games, and don’t miss Nathan’s Famous for the quintessential Coney Island hot dog experience. The park typically operates from April through October, with extended hours during the summer. Purchase the 4-hour wristband ($69) for unlimited rides rather than paying per attraction.

45. Children’s Museum of the Arts workshops

This SoHo museum focuses on creating rather than observing art. Kids can experiment with animation, sound design, clay sculpture, and other media with guidance from teaching artists. The museum divides spaces by age appropriateness, making it engaging for toddlers through pre-teens.

Their weekend workshops (included with admission) focus on different artistic techniques each week. At $15 per person, it’s one of the more affordable Manhattan museum experiences, and memberships are worthwhile for local families who might visit multiple times.

Local’s Guide: NYC Hidden Gems

46. Best neighborhood food crawls

Experience NYC’s culinary diversity through self-guided food tours of these neighborhoods:

• Arthur Avenue (Bronx): The real Little Italy featuring Casa Della Mozzarella for fresh cheese, Madonia Brothers for bread, and Dominick’s for old-school Italian dishes.
• Flushing (Queens): Follow Main Street for the city’s best Chinese food, focusing on the Golden Shopping Mall food court for regional specialties from throughout China.
• Jackson Heights (Queens): Roosevelt Avenue offers a world tour from Colombia (La Pequeña Colombia) to India (Jackson Diner) to Nepal (Himalayan Yak) within a few blocks.

My technique for food crawls: gather 4-6 people so you can order small portions from multiple establishments, wear comfortable shoes, bring cash (many places don’t accept cards), and pace yourself—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

47. Underground arts and performance venues

Beyond Broadway and major museums, NYC’s underground arts scene thrives in unexpected venues:

• Caveat on the Lower East Side hosts “intelligent nightlife”—think science talks mixed with comedy, unusual musical performances, and interactive game shows with academic themes.
• Secret Loft in Bushwick presents everything from poetry slams to burlesque in an actual loft apartment converted to a performance space.
• Bizarre Bar in Bushwick features fire performances, avant-garde music, and surrealist theater in a David Lynch-inspired setting.
• The Cell in Chelsea showcases experimental theater and movement pieces in an intimate converted townhouse.

Follow these venues on Instagram rather than relying on traditional listings—many events are announced last-minute and spread through social networks.

48. Best weekday coffee shop workspaces

As someone who’s worked remotely from coffee shops across the city, these are my top picks for workspace-friendly cafés:

• Spreadhouse Coffee (Lower East Side): Spacious with plenty of outlets, reliable WiFi, and a relaxed policy about working for hours.
• Crown Heights Chess & Coffee Club (Brooklyn): Combine work with chess breaks at this unique spot with excellent Ethiopian coffee.
• Putnam’s (Clinton Hill): Back room with large tables, moderate noise level, and staff who understand the working-remotely lifestyle.
• Hungarian Pastry Shop (Morningside Heights): Old-school café near Columbia with no WiFi—perfect for distraction – Free writing (many books have been written here).

My strategy: arrive by 9am to secure a good spot, buy something every 2 hours to justify your presence, and bring headphones for focus during busier periods.

49. Secret gardens and lesser-known parks

Beyond the famous parks, NYC hides green oases in unexpected places:

• Greenacre Park (Midtown East): Tiny waterfall park on 51st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, with a 25-foot waterfall masking city noise.
• Elevated Acre (Financial District): Rooftop park at 55 Water Street with harbor views, accessed via a hidden escalator that looks like it’s for a building entrance.
• Creative Little Garden (East Village): Community-maintained space on 6th Street with winding paths and secret nooks.
• Tudor City Greens (Midtown East): Two elevated parks offering unique views of the UN building and East River, tucked within a historic apartment complex.

These small parks offer perfect reading spots, quiet lunch breaks, or intimate conversations away from the city’s chaos.

50. Sunday dim sum traditions in Chinatown

End our list with my favorite NYC Sunday tradition: dim sum in Chinatown. While Jing Fong was long the palace of choice, since its downsizing, I now rotate between these exceptional options:

• Golden Unicorn: Traditional cart service across multiple floors, with classic Hong Kong-style dim sum. Arrive before 11am to avoid lengthy waits.
• Nom Wah Tea Parlor: NYC’s oldest dim sum restaurant (since 1920), with checklist-style ordering rather than carts. Their shrimp and snow pea leaf dumplings are transcendent.
• Tim Ho Wan: Outpost of the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, famous for baked pork buns with a crispy-sweet