100+ Things to See and Do in New York City (2024)

Let's break it down by the numbers: Central Park covers 843 acres—including 250 acres of lawn and 136 of woodlands—26,000 trees, over 9,000 benches, 58 miles of walking paths, 36 bridges and arches, 21 playgrounds, and 7 bodies of water. All of this is good news for the 42 million nature-starved people who visit each year. If you were wondering where to take in some nature walks, fresh, air, and the changing seasons while in town, this iconic sprawling park is the place to start.

It's been a little over a year since the Whitney Museum of American Art moved from the Upper East Side to its new Renzo Piano-designed home in the Meatpacking District. Now, it sits in all its modern, geometric, glass-paneled glory on the southern end of the High Line, beckoning the downtown crowd to come in and view its innovative art exhibitions and impressive 21,000+-piece core collection.

Modeled after La Promenade Plantée in Paris, the High Line is a mile-long elevated public park built on abandoned railway tracks that runs along 10th Avenue between the Meatpacking District and the West 30s. The path is punctuated with art installations and stop-offs for food, and the views of the Hudson River are spectacular—especially at sunset.

Located in the old Nabisco factory, Chelsea Market is an enclosed arcade of specialty shops and eateries. While seating is (at times) limited and crowds can be thick, the variety of unbelievably delicious dining options here makes it a popular choice for all types, attracting gawking tourists and lunch-hour folk alike. Another fun fact for foodies: Food Network's studios are based here, too.

No visit to Chelsea would be complete without a stop-in at some of the area's famous art galleries. Gagosian, David Zwirner, Matthew Marks Gallery and Luhring Augustine are among the top spaces in the neighborhood and offer a unique way to experience art beyond the city's notable museums.

The Mulberry, which opened last year to much cool-kid fanfare, was founded by three veterans of the hospitality industry who wanted to build a space for actors and musicians and artists. “We always get asked ‘Where should we go after the movie wraps?’” says co-owner Leo Jacob. So he and his co-founded set out to create the answer: a vibe-y, celebrity-friendly co*cktail lounge in a subterranean space in Nolita.

On the penthouse floor of one of Chelsea's premiere hotels, The Top of the Standard is a dazzling space that boasts a seriously chic nightlife scene. The interiors are the pinnacle of deco opulence, and the views are second to none. Should you be looking for a more club-like scene, stop over at Le Bain, right next door; and if its bigger, better views you're after, head up to the turf-covered roof deck for even more sweeping panoramic lookouts outdoors.

Set in a converted 19th-century warehouse in Red Hook, this non-profit contemporary arts center provides a showcase space for the art world’s most adventurous. Pioneer Works has one of the largest exhibition spaces in the city, and uses it to host public art programs and artist’s residencies, as well as live music and special events. It’s achingly cool, whether you’re an art lover or not.

Co-owned by Robert De Niro, Tribeca Grill counts Bill Gates as one of its early investors, and a host of A-listers as its diners. The spacious eatery features Moroccan-inspired chandeliers dotted across the ceiling, exposed industrial pipes, rustic brick walls, and a menu that combines classic American favorites with upscale touches.

Of course NYC invites endless opportunities for sky-high viewpoints, and none more hotly-anticipated than Edge: the highest outdoor deck in the entire Western Hemisphere located at 30 Hudson Yards. Opening in 2020, with panoramic views across the city, the balcony hangs (yes, hangs) 1,000 feet above the streets. Even greater views are sure to be afforded to those who are brave enough to stand on the glass floor and look down.

The infrared saunas at HigherDOSE are the perfect way to detox, boost endorphins, and get your glow on. Whether you opt for your own booth or to share with a friend, the sauna pods here are an extra level of luxury and promise a calming experience for anyone keen on alternative health.

Situated under the High Line and around the corner from The Whitney museum, Santina transports you right to the coast of Italy—in the heart of the Meatpacking District. As you sip on an Aperol Spritz under a slew of Murano chandeliers, choose from dishes like their signature chickpea crepes topped with fresh avocado, lamb meatballs, or spaghetti with blue crab and a light cherry tomato sauce.

When you think of theater in New York City, you probably think of Broadway—but Sleep No More is a far more engaging and interactive experience. Located in Chelsea's five-story McKittrick Hotel, ticket holders all wear masks as they meander through rooms where they'll watch actors move through scenes, and interact with them along the way. Don't stress if you can't find your travel buddies mid-performance, the show is designed to be experienced solo, and the choreography will likely have you separated from your friends. Head there and enjoy, and plan on a post-show drink at the Hotel Americano or the McKittrick's Gallow Green.

Set at the center of Midtown West, The Shops at Columbus Circle are the perfect place to stop for treats and eats with a view. Dine at Per Se, Ascent, or Landmarc for an unforgettable meal or round of drinks; stop at Bouchon Bakery or Sugarfina for something sweet. Staple stores like Sephora, H&M, and Diptyque offer an array of shopping at a range of pricepoints. If you're staying in the area or are on the hunt for a healthy lunch, stock up on grocery goods at the expansive Whole Foods market in the basem*nt of the building.

World-renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto showcases his thrilling interpretation on Japanese cooking in his Meatpacking District dining destination. A lounge-like setting with modern lighting and sleek tables, the space is just as exquisite as the creations coming out from the kitchen. From the decor to the food, dining at Morimoto NYC is a sensory experience you won’t forget.

Rooftop bars, as you can imagine, are NYC nightlife's prime real estate. PH-D at Dream Downtown is a playground for celebrities, models, and the about-town NY scenesters who come for the cool vibes and killer views and stay for the buzzy energy that doesn't die down until 4 a.m.

The rooms at The Pierre are pretty spectacular, but it’s not the bedrooms you’ll want to focus on once you lay eyes on the afternoon tea served in the Neoclassical lounge. The selection of delicacies, including freshly baked scones and petit fours, has been dubbed by many, ‘the best tea in New York City’. Served every day between 2 p.m. and 6 m., we can’t think of anything more indulgent than sipping Champagne and eating scones and clotted cream, surrounded by shopping bags from a morning well spent.

Some of the finest musicians and orchestras in the world have played at this iconic venue, and the carefully curated program will be enjoyed by music-lovers and newbies alike. Carnegie Hall is all about bringing the transformative power of music to the masses and, in doing so, changing how future generations will experience classical music. From whacky piano recitals to new-age jazz bands, this is music as you’ve never experienced it before.

In addition to their New York flagship on the Upper East Side, Barneys New York recently reopened its original downtown location in Chelsea, and it doesn't disappoint. The space is modern and sleek, letting the clothes and accessories do all the talking. In the center is a massive white spiral staircase that serves as a centerpiece for it all—and makes for a very cool Instagram shot. After a leisurely jaunt through the racks, stop in at Barney's famous eatery, Fred's, for a coffee or one of their signature salads.