20 things to do in NYC

What’s your idea of the perfect New York City experience? Mezzanine seats at the hottest show on Broadway? A hard-to-get table at an exclusive restaurant? Or a bench in Central Park watching the world go by?

Whatever you’re looking for in New York, whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent visitor, you’re likely to find it. So it’d be impossible to cover everything this city offers. But here are 20 can’t-miss spots as a starting point. Some are even free and require no reservations.

What you’ll learn:

• From cathedrals to libraries, skyscrapers to train stations, New York’s architecture is some of the most famous in the world.

• Take out a boat in Central Park, watch a concert in Bryant Park or peek into some West Side apartment windows from the High Line.

• Shoppers can check out Fifth Avenue and the Grand Bazaar, sports fans can catch a baseball game and culture vultures can watch a Broadway show.

• Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, you can use this list of activities as a starting point or supplement to your New York City itinerary.

Spanning more than 800 acres and encompassing woodland areas and formal gardens, Manhattan’s Central Park offers an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. There’s so much to do, from biking and jogging to boating, ice skating, dining, picnicking, outdoor concerts and more. You’ll also find historical landmarks, recreational spaces, nine bodies of water and amazing city views. 

Located on the edge of Central Park, The Met is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. Its vast collection spans Ancient Egyptian artifacts, Greek and Roman sculptures, Impressionist paintings, Islamic art exhibits and more. Admission is pay-what-you-wish for New York State residents and students, as well as students from New Jersey and Connecticut. General admission is $30 for adults, $22 for seniors and $17 for students.

Across the park from The Met, the American Museum of Natural History is a favorite for kids and adults alike. It features world-class exhibits on dinosaurs, outer space, marine life, cultural history and more. Don’t miss the towering T-Rex, the 94-foot-long blue whale or the Hayden Planetarium. The museum operates on a suggested-donation basis for New York State residents. Standard pricing is $30 for adults, $24 for students and seniors and $18 for kids.

Open every Sunday on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the Grand Bazaar NYC is the largest curated weekly market in the city. The lively bazaar features up to 200 local artists, designers, craft makers, vintage dealers and food vendors. One hundred percent of the bazaar’s profits are donated to four local public schools, benefiting more than 2,000 children.

For fans of contemporary and modern art, Midtown’s MoMA features an impressive collection of 20th- and 21st-century works, including pieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol and Kahlo. It’s also home to film screenings, design exhibitions and a peaceful sculpture garden. Advance tickets are recommended, and admission is free for New York City residents on select evenings. General admission is $30 for adults, $22 for seniors and visitors with a disability, and $17 for students.

Swing by Rockefeller Center to explore the famous Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan. You might catch a live broadcast of NBC’s “Today” show and even spot yourself on TV. In winter, the giant illuminated Christmas tree and ice rink are must-see holiday attractions. You can also take a guided tour of the center’s buildings, streets and landmarks. Then head up to the Top of the Rock observation deck for breathtaking views of the city.

More than 5 million people visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral each year. Located across from Rockefeller Center, it’s the largest Catholic cathedral in the U.S. and a stunning piece of Gothic architecture. All are welcome to look around inside the mother church of the Archdiocese of New York, take a self-guided audio tour or attend Mass.

Few buildings capture the spirit of New York City like the Empire State Building. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this Art Deco skyscraper is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. Head up to the top-floor observatories for a view of the city that takes in Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and beyond. Open daily and lit up nightly, it’s a timeless NYC experience that blends history, architecture and unforgettable views.

For over a century, Midtown’s Fifth Avenue has been a top destination for fashion lovers the world over. It offers everything from mass-market brands and upscale department stores to international retailers and luxury jewelers. Even if you’re just browsing, the stores’ window displays are a sight to behold.

Catching an MLB game is a classic New York City experience. The Yankees play at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, and the Mets take the field at Citi Field in Queens. Both stadiums are easy to reach by subway. Eligible Capital One cardholders can access seats through Capital One Entertainment. 

Times Square is known for its legendary New Year’s Eve ball drop. But if you’re visiting during the other 364 days of the year, it still offers a vivid, up-close experience of Midtown Manhattan’s nonstop energy. Stretching from West 42nd Street to West 47th Street, the area is a colorful mix of street performers, tourist attractions and oversized neon signs. The screens stay brightly lit 24/7, making Times Square one of the city’s most dazzling and energetic spots, day or night.

Just south of Times Square, Bryant Park’s 4 acres of lush green space are a year-round destination for both locals and visitors. The park features outdoor dining options, public art, monuments and a charming French-style carousel. There’s no shortage of activities, with concerts and free summer movie nights drawing crowds in the warmer months. In winter, the free ice rink and holiday shops take center stage.

For a moment of Zen, stop off at the main branch of the New York Public Library. Located next to Bryant Park. It’s guarded outside by the world-famous marble lions, Patience and Fortitude. Among its architectural highlights inside are the historic Map Division and the Rose Main Reading Room, which is nearly as long as a football field. The library also offers free exhibitions and daily tours.

Located in Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal is the second-most-visited destination in New York City after Times Square. This world-famous transportation hub is home to the MTA Metro-North Railroad and a subway station that connects multiple lines. But you don’t need to be catching a train to enjoy it. You can simply wander through this architectural marvel, admire the celestial ceiling and explore its hidden passageways and rich history. It’s also a bustling shopping and dining destination.

Broadway is the name of an avenue that runs the entire length of Manhattan. But it’s also shorthand for the plays and musicals shown in theaters in and around a specific Midtown stretch of Broadway. The Theater District, as it’s also known, is home to historic venues like the Richard Rodgers Theatre and the Majestic Theatre, where you can catch world-renowned productions like “Hamilton,” “The Lion King” and “Chicago.”

If you’re looking for something a little more under the radar, you might want to look into an off-Broadway production. These take place in smaller professional theaters and are usually more affordable and less well-known shows. You might just see the next big hit before it moves to a larger stage.

You can book tickets in advance for popular shows or check the theater box office about 90 minutes before showtime for rush tickets or standing room spots. Eligible Capital One cardholders can also access exclusive seats to selected shows through Broadway Direct.

The High Line is a public green space built on an old, elevated rail line. It runs through Manhattan’s Meatpacking District and offers a truly unique perspective of the city. You can stroll through landscaped gardens, view public art installations, catch live performances, grab a bite from local vendors or simply relax and people-watch. All of it comes with great views of Manhattan’s West Side.

Known to locals as “the Village,” Greenwich Village is a downtown Manhattan neighborhood that’s long been a favorite of musicians, poets and free spirits. You can see a show at a comedy club or small theater, or grab a bite and a drink at one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants and bars. Want to slow things down? Take a walk past the famous West 4th Street basketball courts and the historic carriage houses on Downing Street. And be sure to carve out time for people-watching in Washington Square Park.

On weekends, you can check out Smorgasburg, NYC’s massive outdoor food market with a rotating lineup of over 70 vendors. The market pops up on Fridays at the World Trade Center, Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays in Prospect Park. You’ll find everything from Korean fried chicken and lobster rolls to vegan tacos and wild dessert mashups. It’s the perfect way to sample the city’s culinary creativity in one spot.

The Brooklyn Bridge connects lower Manhattan to Brooklyn and is easily one of the most recognizable parts of the New York City skyline. It stretches over 6,000 feet and carries six lanes of traffic, though no trucks are allowed. The bridge also has an elevated walkway just for pedestrians and a protected bike lane, offering a scenic way to cross the East River. 

The main purpose of the Staten Island Ferry is to take Staten Islanders to and from lower Manhattan. But the ferry can also be a free 25-minute mini-cruise through New York Harbor to see amazing sights. You’ll see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline without ever stepping off the ferry. The ferry runs 24/7, so you can enjoy this mini-cruise whenever your schedule allows.

Eligible Capital One cardholders can book the perfect getaway with Capital One Travel. You can sort and compare thousands of options to find Capital One’s best prices for hotels, airfare and rental cars. Plus, eligible Capital One cardholders can earn enhanced rewards on hotels and rental cars when booking through Capital One Travel. Cards like Venture and Venture X can also earn elevated rewards on flights booked through Capital One Travel. 

New York City is one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the world, with an endless list of things to do and explore. Having a few go-to ideas on hand for quick inspiration can make your visit more fun and less hectic.

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