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Fun Things to do in New York City Day & Night
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items There are so many memorable things to do in the city, everyone who has lived here or spent time in NY can tell you something unique to see. These are just some ways to have a great time in the 5 boroughs that may lead you to others.
Map
Sections
3
Manhattan
Other Boroughs
Resources
Manhattan
The main island
Visit Highline Park to walk a former run down elevated freight train route turned into a walkable flowery park through Manhattan's West side neighborhoods.
Highline Park
Plan ahead and make a reservation at the American Museum of Natural History, you can't miss a chance to see these bones!
American Museum of Natural History | New York City
Visit the Chelsea Piers on Manhattan's West Side on the Hudson River for a bunch of activity options. Have a fun game of bowling, laser tag or a date night at the arcade at Bowlero!
Bowlero Chelsea Piers
Visit a reproduction of the Friends TV series Central Perk Cafe and have your own photo shoot on some of the iconic Friends sets and scenes. There are props, memorabilia, and you too can "Pivot!"
The Friends Experience at The One
A fantastic NY experience is being on set for a live taping of a TV show. Daytime or night time talk shows, comedy shows, even pre-recorded shows sometimes need extras or audiences. I applied for SNL tickets last season with no luck but I'll be tryin...
How to get 'Saturday Night Live' tickets for season 50 in NYC
The Jekyll & Hyde Bar and Restaurant is a fun, spooky restaurant experience for anyone interested in a haunted time.
The World Famous Jekyll & Hyde Club – New York’s Only Haunted Restaurant and Bar
For dessert head over to Serendipity for an ice cream treat you won't forget.
Serendipity3
Every Friday and Saturday the Metropolitan Museum of Art is open late. From 5-9 pm it's date night with events, live music in certain areas and a great vibe for an evening date.
Date Night at The Met
Find yourself a fun dance party or afterparty to really have an exciting night out in NYC.
Best Dance Parties in NYC
For some laughs and cocktails make a reservation at the Comedy Cellar. This club hosts well known comedians as well as upcoming talent. It's been featured in shows as well.
Comedy Cellar - Comedy Cellar
There is a secret burger joint inside a hotel that you can visit even if you aren't staying in a room. I visited the original Burger Joint at the Parker Meridian first in 2003 and since then the hotel has changed to Thompson Central Park, but the Bur...
Thompson Central Park | Burger Joint | New York City | Best Burger Joint In The World
Central Park is full of meadows, gardens, sculpture, fun activities and a Castle. Head over to Belvedere Castle inside the park for a cool experience where you can see from it's heights. If you've seen the cartoon Gargoyles, this is where they meet u...
Belvedere Castle
See NY's sights from it's waterways on a Circle Line Cruise around Manhattan.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises | Guided Boat Tours NYC
Instead of a typical museum day have an art walk through a gallery neighborhood. This article suggests the best spots for a successful day (or evening) immersed in art with possible free wine and chance to converse with artists at openings.
7 Best Art Walks For Gallery Hopping in NYC
For those really into sweets or a big treat for patient traveling kids economy candy has a huge selection of sugary treasure. Just make sure to visit a park after indulging to get out that sugar rush energy.
Economy Candy New York, NY - Google Search
I used to live near the original Barcade in Williamsburg too long ago and now they have multiple locations in Manhattan as well. Stop in for a cold beer and some old school arcade games.
St. Mark's - Barcade® - The Original Arcade Bar
The South Street Seaport neighborhood is full of restaurants and bars and events on a daily basis. You might find anything from farmer's markets, to concerts, to Pokemon Go events. It's a pretty calm place to check out in the day and see the ships, a...
The Seaport
Take a ferry ride over to Governor's Island for some unique NY outdoor time. There's hiking areas, picnic spots, tours, and plenty of interesting features to find on your walk around this fun spot.
Things to Do | Governors Island (en-US)
If you're in NYC after October 21st you can skate on the historic rink at Rockefeller Center. The ice is outside 30 Rock, home of many favorite NBC shows like SNL, which offers events and tours as well. Bonus Christmas tree and shop decor viewing if ...
The Rink at Rockefeller Center | NYC's Iconic Rink
While you're in town check out a Broadway show for a classic NYC experience. Whether you make an evening of it or save money on impromptu standing room or rush tickets (freetoursbyfoot.com/how-to-get-broadway-rush-tickets)
Broadway Shows in New York | Broadway.org
A Karaoke Lounge is a really fun experience that technically gives you the chance to say you performed in NYC. Sing with other patrons or bring your own group for a private room at Ms.Kim's.
MS.KIM'S Lounge & Private Karaoke Multi Cuisine Restaurant in NYC
Experience NYC neighborhoods up close with a guided walking tour. There are many to choose from to peak your interest but at the heart of this island hauntings and criminal activity play a great part in it's appeal.
NYC Gangsters & Ghosts Tour - #1 NYC Gangster Tour | Book Your Spot
For an interactive experience that will test your brain, fun for kids and adults alike, have a go in the Escape Room NYC.
The Best Escape Room | The Escape Game NYC
For a specific kind of NY experience visit a supper club that will treat you to the art of burlesque. If your party if mature enough to appreciate this form of dance it will be an event that truly puts you in the frame of mind of sultry, sensuous, et...
Duane Park
Head to Chinatown and walk along Mott Street, the unofficial main street of the neighborhood. It is lined with shops, restaurants and decorations that turn a busy day market into a glowing nightlife hotspot.
Overwhelmed in New York? Spend Time on This One Street
Other Boroughs
You gotta make the schlep.
Watch the New York Skyline and a Drive in Movie at the same time! This makes a great date or a cool family event depending on the time and movie. Don't fret if you don't want to bring a car or don't have one. Check out the website info to know about ...
Skyline Drive In
Take a trip to Coney Island to walk the lively historic boardwalk and stop at the New York Aquarium for a fish filled fun day.
Brooklyn - Coney Island & The New York Aquarium - Saving Wildlife and Wild Places
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of my favorite places in NYC. Even if you aren't a plant person it has so many beautiful sights you'll feel glad you came.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Brooklyn Botanic Garden
If you're looking for a really fun place to stay or book an event from Christmas parties to weddings check out the retro TWA Hotel at JFK. It's got multiple venues and rooms for meetings and a great atmosphere for a good time.
TWA Hotel at JFK Airport
The site of the original World's Fairs events still has a ton of fun things to do and see in it's area. A botanic garden, museum, zoo, hall of science, nearby to Citifield and more. Spend a day here or stay nearby and make multiple visits.
Queens Flushing Meadows Corona Park : NYC Parks
The Queens Night Market is an event that happens during Spring, Summer and Fall. There are a ton of vendors to get deals on cool and useful NY mementos of all kinds.
The Queens Night Market
The Bronx zoo is a large zoo with many exhibits and types of animals to see upclose and learn about for the sake of conservation. This visit requires a reservation and will most likely take up the whole day since there's so much to see and travel tim...
Bronx Zoo - Saving Wildlife and Wild Places
Up in the Bronx there's another Little Italy on Arthur Avenue. Get yourself ready for some amazing food and dessert and the welcoming atmosphere of the neighborhood as you walk along this quaint & lively street.
Bronx Little Italy
A trick to saving some money (a blessing in NY) while you're sight seeing is to take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. It's free and you'll get some great views of NY skylines and even the Statue of Liberty. Don't fall for any scammers trying to sel...
Staten Island Ferry
Take a bus from the Staten Island Ferry terminal to Fort Wadsworth and explore an old military base, a New York beach and walking/ biking trails.
Staten Island - Fort Wadsworth - Gateway National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)
Resources
Stay safe and street smart.
Time Out NY is a great resource for finding things to do, permanent and temporary fun throughout the city.
100 Best Things to Do in NYC for locals and tourists
Having a subway map is helpful, knowing how to use the subway map is better.
How to Use the NYC Subway System | Metro Map, Lines + More
We are human and there will come a time whilst exploring NY when a bathroom need will conquer all other needs. If you are out walking around and getting hassled when trying to use a restroom - check this map, it might save you some grief.
New York Restrooms
For general helpful info and current NYC affairs check the city's tourism department website.
New York City Tourism + Conventions
For all the NYC area subway, bus, train and travel schedules, maps and information you could want, go to the source and learn to navigate the NY MTA website.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority