Fun Things to do in New York City Day & Night
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
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.
Plan ahead and make a reservation at the American Museum of Natural History, you can't miss a chance to see these bones!
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!
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...
The Jekyll & Hyde Bar and Restaurant is a fun, spooky restaurant experience for anyone interested in a haunted time.
For dessert head over to Serendipity for an ice cream treat you won't forget.
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.
Find yourself a fun dance party or afterparty to really have an exciting night out 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.
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...
See NY's sights from it's waterways on a Circle Line Cruise around Manhattan.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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 ...
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)
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.
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.
For an interactive experience that will test your brain, fun for kids and adults alike, have a go in the Escape Room 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...
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
Having a subway map is helpful, knowing how to use the subway map is better.
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 check this map, I can't say how accurate or up to date it is but it might save you some grief.
For general helpful info and current NYC affairs check the city's tourism department website.
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.