10 Best Things To Do In Manhattan On A Day Trip

There's so many things to do in Manhattan that tourists miss out on! Here's my favorite New York activities for a weekend getaway.

New York City is full of things to do, and it can be overwhelming to choose the best things to do if you are going for a day trip. We have all probably been to Times Square before, and in my opinion, once is enough. There are plenty of parks around the city and free places to go, as well as other options that are considered more touristy. Here are ten really fun things to do in Manhattan if you have limited time and want to make the most of it. Obviously, you cannot do all of these in one day, but you can choose whatever combination is the most interesting to you!

1. The Brooklyn Bridge

A hybrid cable-stayed suspension bridge, it is one of the oldest bridges in the US. It is set over the East River and it links Manhattan and Brooklyn to each other. It is an absolutely gorgeous walk with incredible skyline views. This is easily one of the best things to do in Manhattan!

2. American Museum of Natural History

I went to the Natural History Museum a couple of weeks ago for the first time and it was one of the coolest museums I have ever been to. It is located on the Upper West Side and is one of the largest museums in the world. They have lots of different exhibits that you can pay a little bit extra for, but it’s worth it if you ask me.

3. High Line

The High Line is another thing I did for the first time on my most recent trip to NYC. It is around a mile and a half walk, and there are great views as well as many restaurants and bars to stop at along the way. If it is a beautiful day and you like being outside then you must check out the High Line.

4. Museum of Modern Art

If you are into art, and interested in that of the modern variety, you should check out the MoMA located on W 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth. It is one of the most influential modern art museums and there is lots to see.

5. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is a great place to spend a couple of hours. It is the largest art museum in the United States and the third most visited museum in the world. If you want to feel like Blair and Serena you can sit on the steps and eat lunch. Kewl.

6. Central Park

Another great thing to do on a nice day is walk through Central Park. It is located between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side. If it is especially nice, you can have a picnic or just hang out on the grass.

7. Empire State Building

What cooler way to see the city than from an Observation Deck? It is located in the center of Midtown and offers two different 360 degree observation decks. A visit to New York for the first time would not be complete without seing these views.

8. 9/11 Memorial

Definitely something everyone in the United States should visit, the 9/11 Memorial commemorates the terrorist attacks and honors those who lost their lives. It is located at the former location of the Twin Towers. This is one of the best things to do in Manhattan to cherish those we’ve lost.

9. Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

If interested, you are able to take a four hour guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This is something I have wanted to do for a super long time (practically since I won second place in my eighth grade History fair for my Ellis Island project, yes I am bragging). So if you end up going, tell me how it went!

10. Bryant Park

If you want to visit Manhattan’s so called “town square,” you have to head on over to Bryant Park. The park has restaurants around, beautiful seasonal gardens, and lots of free activities. It is located near the New York Public Library.