New York offers an incredible variety of authentic experiences, from breathtaking skyscrapers dominating the skyline to historic districts full of charm, from gourmet street food delicacies to world-renowned cultural events. In this article, we have gathered the best ideas on what to do in New York for tourists visiting the Big Apple for the first time. If you haven’t yet decided which of the most famous landmarks you want to visit, you can consult our detailed article on what to see in New York.
With Il Mio Viaggio a New York, this guide will show you how to turn your holiday into an unforgettable adventure that combines smart savings with unique moments. To discover more about what to do during the day and what to do during the night in New York, visit our dedicated sections.
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New York: Things to Do on a Budget
Exploring the city without overspending is possible. If you’re wondering what to do in New York to optimize your budget, the answer lies in sightseeing passes.
New York CityPASS: The Ideal Savings Solution
The New York CityPASS is the classic “ace up your sleeve” recommended for first-time NYC visitors. It’s not just about the savings; it’s about freedom. You have 9 days to see everything, so there’s no frantic rush: you can enjoy a sunset at the Empire State Building and, the next morning, get lost among the dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History at your own pace.
The pass always includes two unmissable gems:
- The Empire State Building (with the possibility of a free second evening visit on the same day)
- The American Museum of Natural History
Additionally, you can choose 3 more attractions from these extraordinary options:
- Top of the Rock
- Guggenheim Museum
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- A Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Short on time or on a tighter budget?
If your trip is a “hit and run” or you’ve already seen the great classics, go for the CityPASS C3. It’s the “light” version that allows you to choose only 3 attractions.
Tip: Use the C3 for spectacular new additions like The Edge at Hudson Yards (the sky deck suspended in mid-air) or to immerse yourself in modern art at the MoMA. It is the perfect solution for those who want quality without feeling forced to see everything.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours: Spectacular Views at Great Prices
Double-decker tourist buses are a classic for a reason: they give you a perspective of the city that you miss from the pavement. With a single ticket (you can purchase tickets for Manhattan Hop-on Hop-off bus tour here), you have 24 hours to hop on and off as much as you like, exploring the city without the stress of figuring out the subway on your first try.
The best part? You won’t have to struggle with English explanations: on board, you’ll find an Italian audio guide sharing secrets and trivia while you enjoy the view from the top deck.
What you will see during the tour: You have over 40 stops covering almost everything you’ve ever dreamed of seeing:
- The magnetic chaos of Times Square
- The elegance of the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center
- The greenery of Central Park (on the Uptown route)
- The soul of neighborhoods like SoHo and Chinatown
- History at the World Trade Center and the view of the Brooklyn Bridge from Battery Park.
New York on Foot: The Thrill of Discovering the City Step by Step
There’s a secret that every true lover of the Big Apple knows: New York isn’t just seen through a taxi window; it’s experienced by walking. It’s only by moving on foot that you can feel the energy rising from the sidewalks, find that hidden café in a Greenwich Village alley, or be amazed by the giants of glass and steel towering over you. Walking here isn’t just getting from A to B; it’s a full sensory experience.
To help you experience the best of the city without the stress of constantly checking a map, we’ve designed unique itineraries. If it’s your first time or if you want special attention, our private tour with an Italian guide is ideal: you’ll have an expert all to yourself who will reveal anecdotes you won’t find in any guidebook.
If you’re looking for that magical atmosphere only New York can provide, you can’t miss a walk on the High Line to Hudson Yards: a garden suspended between skyscrapers that will take you to the heart of the city’s future. And when the sun begins to set, there’s no better choice than the Brooklyn Bridge sunset tour: seeing the skyline light up as you cross one of the most famous bridges in the world is a memory you’ll keep forever.
For those wanting to dive into local culture, we offer authentic experiences like the Tuesday Gospel Mass, a plunge into the spiritual and musical soul of Harlem, or, if you’re traveling in the autumn, the fun Halloween houses tour, to admire the craziest and most spectacular decorations in residential neighborhoods.
The City from the Water: Another Magical Perspective
After racking up miles on foot, the best way to rest your legs without stopping the dream is to hop on a short cruise. Changing perspective will make you realize how immense and magnificent this metropolis truly is.
You can choose the classic and comprehensive Circle Line cruise, perfect for greeting the Statue of Liberty up close, or, if you want to treat yourself to an unforgettable evening, the Bateaux dinner cruise: an all-glass boat where you can dine with live music as the lights of Manhattan glide past your eyes.
And if you’re lucky enough to visit in the autumn, you must try the Circle Line Foliage cruise: you’ll head up the Hudson to admire the fiery colours of nature embracing the city.
Affordable Gastronomic Experiences
Eating well without draining your wallet is one of the most fun parts of the trip. From iconic street food to historic markets, here are some ideas on what to do in New York to enjoy the tastiest side of the city.
Street Food and Markets: What to Do in New York if You Love Good Food
If you want to taste the authentic soul of New York, street food represents the most genuine and affordable experience the city can offer. Every corner tells a story of flavors reflecting the most fascinating cultural melting pot on the planet. You absolutely cannot miss a classic hot dog from Nathan’s Famous, born in 1916 thanks to Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker.
For fans of Mexican flavors, Los Tacos No. 1 offers an unforgettable experience. Originally located inside Chelsea Market, this stand has expanded across Manhattan, offering traditional tacos that make you feel like you’ve been teleported directly to Mexico. Their Tacos al Pastor are a true explosion of flavor.
Here are some culinary treasures to try:
- The Halal Guys: Born in 1990 as a simple hot dog cart, they are now a national institution. Their signature dish? Chicken or gyro served with rice and that irresistible “white sauce.” Find them at the corner of 53rd and 6th Avenue—follow the line; it’s worth it!
- The Bodega Truck: If you want to taste the nostalgic atmosphere of old neighborhood grocery stores (the iconic bodegas), look for this food truck.
- Red Hook Lobster Pound: Who says lobster has to be luxury? Here you can bite into an authentic Maine lobster roll, served with a generous helping of butter.
During your explorations, you’ll find steaming pretzels at every corner in Midtown, Nigerian specialty stands (Divine Flavored Food Truck), and delicious Belgian waffles from Waffles & Dinges at Bryant Park.
Burger Joint: The Hidden Burger Treasure
If you want an experience that will leave you and your travel companions speechless, you absolutely must go to Burger Joint. It’s one of those gems that New York seems to want to keep hidden away. Imagine entering the super-luxurious lobby of the Thompson Central Park Hotel (formerly the Parker Meridien), just a stone’s throw from the south entrance to Central Park. You look around at the marble and refinement until you notice a large red curtain in the corner: step through it and you’ll find yourself catapulted into another world.
The contrast is wild: the elegance of the hotel outside, and a small joint with a pure 80s spirit inside, with walls covered in posters and scribbles.
What’s on the menu?
This is no joke: the menu is minimalist because they focus entirely on quality. You can choose between hamburgers or cheeseburgers, topped with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and various sauces, but what really makes the difference is the meat (excellent!) and the bread, which is perfectly soft. Accompany your meal with their French fries, a draft beer, or, if you want to go all out, a creamy milkshake like the ones you see in movies.
The place is often crowded, so be prepared to wait in line. A winning strategy is to visit after 10:30 p.m., when it stays open late with fewer customers. Prices are reasonable by New York standards: about $20 for a full hamburger with fries and a drink.
Flavors of the World in Chinatown and Little Italy
Chinatown is an explosion of scents and colors. Here you’ll find no-frills, spare spots where the cooking is the real deal.
- For fresh pasta, stop by Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles.
- Another staple is Xi’an Famous Foods for their handcrafted noodles.
- For a perfect (and cheap) snack, go to Fried Dumpling.
A Skip over to Little Italy
Right next door, the atmosphere changes and you find yourself among the tricolors of Little Italy. Although the neighborhood has become smaller, it still preserves treasures such as La Bella Ferrara, a historic pastry shop where you can taste cannoli that will make you feel at home. The fascinating thing is that today the boundaries between these two worlds are blurring: don’t be surprised if, between one Chinese shop and another, you find the best Vietnamese restaurant in the area, such as Pho Bang Restaurant, perfect for a rejuvenating soup.
The best way to make sure you don’t miss out on the best is to take a food tour of Chinatown and Little Italy. Why? Because instead of eating one large dish in a restaurant, you’ll walk through the alleys with an expert guide, sampling different small specialties at each stop. It’s the only way to really try everything, from dumplings to traditional desserts, discovering hidden corners that you would never find on your own!
Temples of Taste: Smorgasburg and Chelsea Market
Have you ever heard of America’s largest open-air food market? It’s Smorgasburg, and it’s not called the “Woodstock of Food” for nothing. Every weekend, it draws thousands of people with hundreds of vendors from every corner of the globe. If you are planning a trip soon, mark your calendar: after the winter break, the market reopens in April, ready to blow your mind with birria tacos, exotic skewers, and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches that are out of this world. The atmosphere is a non-stop party, and eating outdoors with a view of the skyline is a breathtaking experience.
If you prefer to stay indoors or find yourself near the High Line, you absolutely must step into Chelsea Market. It is an incredible place, housed in the former Nabisco biscuit factory (yes, where Oreos were born!). Today, it is a labyrinth of aromas where you can find everything from ultra-fresh seafood at Lobster Place to Korean noodles at Mokbar.
Tip: If you go to Chelsea Market, look for the Spicy Scallop Roll: seared scallops with spicy sauce on a bed of crunchy cabbage, all inside a golden bun… it’s addictive! But the true secret to enjoying these markets is simple: don’t stop at the first stand. Do as the New Yorkers do: stroll, observe, and pick up many small portions from different vendors. It is the only way to take a complete tour of the world’s flavors in a single afternoon.
Chelsea Market regularly hosts seasonal gastronomic events and is the perfect place to buy high-quality fresh ingredients. The variety perfectly represents the New York cultural melting pot, with specialties ranging from Italian to Asian cuisine, from Middle Eastern dishes to refined French pastries.
When you wander through these markets, take a deep breath and take all the time you need. Don’t let yourself be tempted by the first large dish you see: the real secret to enjoying New York is “grazing.”
Instead of stopping for a full meal in one place, wander among the various stands and choose many small bites from different sellers. It is the only way to truly experience that incredible mix of flavors that makes this city unique in the world. In just one afternoon, you could go from the spicy kick of a taco to the delicacy of a traditional Asian dessert: that’s the beauty of the New York melting pot!
Shopping and Markets for Every Budget
Forget the glossy windows of Fifth Avenue for a moment: the real magic of shopping in New York is hidden among the market stalls.
Flea Markets: Hell’s Kitchen and Brooklyn Flea
The Brooklyn Flea is the go-to place for vintage and antiques in New York. With over 100 vendors specializing in antiques and retro clothing, it’s the perfect destination for those looking for unique items and quality street food. The market is split between two strategic locations: the charming DUMBO area, open during the warmer months, and the permanent Chelsea location, which is open year-round. From handmade jewelry to designer furniture, Brooklyn Flea is the beating heart of the city’s bohemian atmosphere.
Vintage and Second-hand: East Village and Williamsburg
If you’re looking for a style that leaves its mark, the East Village is the place for you. Here, you absolutely must visit Search & Destroy: it’s a true temple of vintage rock ‘n’ roll, perfect if you love legendary band T-shirts and studded jackets. If, on the other hand, you prefer luxury but want to save money, pop into Tokio 7: you’ll find designer clothes (from Prada to Saint Laurent) at much more affordable prices, with discounts that increase if the item stays in the store for a while.
Across the bridge in Williamsburg, shopping becomes even more sophisticated. Regeneration is interesting for items from the 1990s to the present day, while Seven Wonders Collective brings together over 15 carefully selected sellers. If you’re looking for inclusive vintage fashion, Plus BKLYN is the only boutique in town dedicated exclusively to plus sizes.
Outlets and Discounts: Woodbury Common Premium
If your goal is big brands, plan a day trip to [Woodbury Common Premium Outlets]. With over 220 stores (Gucci, Balenciaga), discounts reach 65%. Tip: Before you start, visit the info desk for the VIP Coupon Book for extra discounts.
Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps
Fifth Avenue is majestic but crowded, and shopping at Tiffany or Saks can be prohibitive. Instead, look for sample sales held regularly in the city. Avoid Canal Street for counterfeit goods; buying fakes is taken seriously in the US. For electronics, stick to reliable chains like Best Buy. If you need more tips, don’t miss our concierge service offering quick assistance via WhatsApp.
Events and Nightlife: What to Do in New York After Dark
A night out in New York doesn’t necessarily require a star’s budget. Between discounted Broadway musicals and free concerts in the parks, the list of things to do in New York at night is almost endless.
Broadway: the magic of big shows and how to find tickets
You can find all the best tickets for musicals in New York directly on our website, securing the best seats for the world’s most beloved productions.
Here are some of the shows that have made history and that you shouldn’t miss:
- The Lion King: It’s much more than a musical, it’s a visual masterpiece. With breathtaking sets and incredible costumes that recreate the African savannah, this show at the Minskoff Theatre is perfect for families and anyone who wants to be amazed by a legendary Disney production.
- Aladdin: If you’re looking for energy, color, and the overwhelming charisma of the Genie of the Lamp, this is the show for you. The choreography is spectacular, and the atmosphere at the New Amsterdam Theatre will transport you to a world of magic and flying carpets.
Concerts and magic under the stars: when music is free
If you visit the city during the summer, get ready because New York is at its best outdoors. The parks are transformed into veritable temples of live music with a program that rivals even the biggest paid festivals. CityParks SummerStage is the king of these events, bringing amazing artists to Central Park and other lesser-known but charming parks. If you want to feel like a true Brooklynite, head to Prospect Park for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn, where the atmosphere is incredibly vibrant and authentic.
Don’t forget Lincoln Center and its summer program, which offers about a hundred free events spanning every musical genre imaginable. And for a truly magical experience in the heart of Midtown, there are the Picnic Performances in Bryant Park: imagine spreading a blanket on the lawn, surrounded by illuminated skyscrapers, while watching a dance performance or jazz concert. It’s moments like these that make you understand why this city is unique in the world.
Laughter and history in legendary comedy clubs
To end the evening on a high note, you absolutely must experience the thrill of a comedy club. New York is the world capital of stand-up comedy, and its clubs have seen legends born. The Eastville Comedy Club is the oldest in Brooklyn and still retains that authentic air of continuous discovery. If you want to walk in the footsteps of the giants, head to the Upper East Side to Comic Strip Live: this is where Eddie Murphy and Jerry Seinfeld took their first steps back in 1975.
But if you’re looking for a touch of historic elegance, the Gotham Comedy Club in Chelsea, housed in a 1929 building, is the perfect choice. And for the more daring, there’s the Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village: an iconic venue where, even today, superstars such as Sarah Silverman can turn up unannounced to try out new material in front of a small audience.
Have you decided what to do in New York?
As you may have realized, New York is not just a destination to tick off a list, but a whole world waiting to be discovered one step, one bite, and one emotion at a time. In this guide, we’ve looked at what to do in New York and how to experience the best of the city by balancing the big icons with more authentic discoveries. Whether you choose to admire the skyline with the freedom of CityPASS, lose yourself among the vintage stalls of Brooklyn, or let yourself be carried away by the notes of a free concert in the heart of Central Park, the real secret to loving it is not being afraid to mingle with the locals and stray from the overly touristy routes. Our travel maps with attractions and tips are designed to help you do just that.
The charm of the Big Apple lies precisely in this magical balance between the glittering luxury of skyscrapers and the simplicity of a hamburger eaten behind a red curtain or a sunset experienced while walking on the Brooklyn Bridge. Every neighborhood, from Harlem to DUMBO, has a story to tell and a different flavor to offer, making every day a completely new adventure. Put on your most comfortable shoes, open your mind, and let yourself be guided by the electric energy of the city: your New York adventure has just begun.
