Things to do in New York City

New York City · About 3 hours · from $99

A walking tasting tour of Village classics like Joe's Pizza, Faicco's and Rocco's cannoli, with enough history that it doubles as a neighborhood orientation. Book it for an early-trip afternoon and skip lunch, because it's a full meal.

New York City · About 2 hours 30 minutes · from $146

If you see one Broadway show with kids or first timers, I'd make it this one, and the puppetry in the opening number is worth the ticket on its own. Book weeks ahead for weekends and holidays, and pick center orchestra or front mezzanine for the best view of the staging.

New York City · Self-paced, 1 to 1.5 hours · from $48

Mirrored rooms, glass ledges and the best views of the Chrysler and Empire State buildings, with the entrance inside Grand Central. Book a weekday morning or sunset slot ahead, and wear pants rather than a skirt because the floors are mirrors.

New York City · About 2 hours · from $52

The Met is too big to wing, and an expert guide gets you to the Temple of Dendur and the big paintings in two hours without wandering. Stay on after the tour to explore on your own, and skip Wednesdays, when the museum is closed.

New York City · About 3 to 4 hours · from $31

Statue City Cruises is the official ferry that actually lands on Liberty and Ellis Islands, so you get both islands and the immigration museum on one ticket. Take the first boat from Battery Park to beat the security line, and if you want Pedestal or Crown access, book it weeks ahead because it sells out.

New York City · About 90 minutes · from $62

Running November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027, it's the holiday tradition I steer most families toward, and this ticket also includes a self-guided holiday tour of Midtown. Early November and weekday morning shows are the cheapest and calmest, and show tickets are usually final, so lock your date first.

New York City · About 3 hours 45 minutes · from $63

Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is where locals go all out on holiday lights, and this guided tour handles the trip out from Manhattan so you just walk and look. Book a weeknight in early December, since the main blocks get packed on weekends.

New York City · Self-paced, 2 to 3 hours · from $36

The Memorial pools are free and open 8 am to 8 pm daily, and the Museum is the most moving few hours you'll spend in the city. The Museum is closed most Tuesdays, so book a timed ticket ahead and give yourself at least two hours inside.