Activities in New York: what to do during your stay in the Big Apple?

New York reveals itself from a completely different angle when observed from the heights. The city's observatories are among the must-do things, no matter the length of your stay. Each offers a unique perspective on Manhattan's iconic skyline, and choosing the right one depends as much on your tastes as on the time of day.

It's hard to imagine a trip to New York without a visit to the Empire State Building. Located in the heart of Midtown, this emblematic skyscraper features an observation deck on the 86th floor, with a 360° view of the entire city. Plan about an hour and a half to fully enjoy the experience. Going up in the evening, as the lights of Manhattan gradually turn on, is particularly striking and remains one of the most memorable moments among the best activities in the city.

For those looking to change their perspectives, One World Observatory at the top of One World Trade Center at the southern tip of Manhattan offers an exceptional panorama of Wall Street, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. Plan to spend about an hour there. In Midtown, the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center uniquely allows you to see the Empire State Building from above—a view few observatories can boast. These three sites complement each other perfectly and are suited for both families and couples seeking shared moments.

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New York City is a global cultural capital, and its museums, galleries, and streets directly reflect this. Exploring this artistic dimension is one of the most enriching experiences the city has to offer, well beyond just the big names.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the MoMA, and the Guggenheim are among the most significant institutions in the world. A guided tour of one of these places allows you to grasp their full depth without getting lost in the vastness of their collections—plan at least two hours for each. More intimate but equally impactful, museums dedicated to the events of September 11 or to natural history offer different experiences suitable for all audiences. Did you know? The Natural History Museum houses one of the largest collections of dioramas in the world, perfect for sparking curiosity in both young and adults alike.

Just minutes from Manhattan, Brooklyn stands as a must-explore area for street art enthusiasts. The wall murals in Bushwick showcase overflowing creativity and a unique urban culture. Walking through these colorful streets requires no reservation and remains one of the most authentic ways to feel the energy of New York. The Brooklyn Bridge, which spans the city's two riverbanks, also deserves a walk—about a 45-minute stroll offering spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.

Contrary to popular belief, New York offers numerous possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts. From verdant parks to water-side getaways, the city knows how to provide breathing spaces for those who seek them. These outdoor moments are among the most cherished activities in New York, particularly for families.

Central Park deserves special attention. With its 341 hectares in the heart of Manhattan, it offers a variety of activities: bike rides, picnics by the lake, and also thematic guided tours that tell the fascinating history of the park and its surroundings. Our advice: plan at least half a day to explore its most unexpected nooks. For families, the playgrounds, zoo, and Bethesda Terrace make it a space designed for everyone, where every detail contributes to making the stay memorable.

New York is surrounded by water, and taking advantage of it is one of the best activities not to be missed. A cruise to Ellis Island offers a chance to see the Statue of Liberty while crossing Upper Bay — plan about three hours for a complete visit that combines history and panorama. More festive, Coney Island in Brooklyn offers a unique atmosphere with its beach, century-old amusement park, and seaside restaurants. It's a light break, ideal for families or friends, accessible in less than an hour from central Manhattan.

Exploring New York neighborhood by neighborhood means accepting that each street tells a different story. From financial arteries to bohemian alleys, the city unfolds a diversity of character that invites leisurely wandering and discovery over time.

In Downtown Manhattan, Wall Street and its surroundings set the tone for a historic and monumental New York, where architecture converses with decades of economic history. Heading northwards, Times Square asserts itself with its luminous signs and perpetual bustle — a visual experience to be had at least once, preferably in the evening, to feel its full intensity. These two poles, although very different in ambiance, constitute two must-visit stages in any exploration of the city.

Greenwich Village embodies another facet of the city: that of artists, neighborhood cafes, and brownstone facades. Strolling its quiet streets allows one to feel a more intimate, almost secret New York. Nearby, Little Italy continues this walk in a warm Mediterranean atmosphere, ideal to enjoy some serenity and taste generous cuisine. It is in these neighborhoods that families and couples often find their most authentic memories, far from the bustle of major arteries.

Advice from our Travel Planners: to make the most of your activities in New York, it is recommended to organize your days by geographic areas to limit travel and maximize time spent exploring. A tailor-made itinerary, designed according to your desires and your pace, makes all the difference to truly experience New York the way you want.

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