The things to do in Manhattan are among the most popular attractions for many visitors to the Big Apple. One of the most vibrant parts of the city, the borough of Manhattan offers a wealth of activities and attractions at all hours of the day, and no matter your age or interest, you won’t want for things to do in this borough. From activities enjoyable for adults to fun things to do with kids in Manhattan, the island offers something for everyone.

Skyline

Manhattan boasts one of the most recognizable skylines in the world, and paying a visit to the best-known buildings is often a first priority for many visitors who visit Manhattan. The most well known landmarks include the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the Chrysler Building. Riding to the top of some of these structures and enjoying the view is one of the top Manhattan activities during a vacation in the Big Apple.

New York City Map

Times Square

This iconic square has some of the most fun things to do in Manhattan, whether you want to shop, meet the singing cowboy, or simply enjoy some people-watching. Times Square itself is located at Broadway and Seventh Avenue, though the neighborhood also includes the nearby Theatre District. If you’re looking for iconic things to do in Manhattan, head for this area and get tickets to one of the many Broadway shows that are playing in the city.

Museums

One of the largest cultural hubs in the world, Manhattan offers a huge selection of museums of every sort, from history to art to cultural monuments. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most important museums of its kind in the world. Spaced throughout the borough, a diverse selection of institutes provides plenty of opportunity for a cultivated and educational experience in nearly every aspect of life. When planning an itinerary of things to do in Manhattan, visitors should consider some of the most important galleries, including the National Museum of the American Indian, the Museum of Television & Radio, The Cloisters, the Museum of the City of New York, El Museo Del Barrio, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Guggenheim, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Parks and Gardens

Among the many Manhattan activities, some of the most pleasant are visiting the parks located throughout the borough, including the illustrious Central Park, the largest and most popular in the city. The park encompasses Strawberry Fields, dedicated to the memory of John Lennon; Friedsman Carousel, constructed in 1908 and moved to the current site in the 1950s; the Billy Johnson Playground, a rustic outdoor play area, and the Central Park Zoo. While Central Park is the largest, it is certainly not the only park area in the city, and other popular areas include Hudson River Park, Inwood Park, Battery Park, and Fort Tryon Park.

Children’s Attractions

While wandering around the tall buildings and busy shopping streets are popular ways to spend the day, they might not be the most interesting for the young travelers in your group, but there are amazing things to do with kids in Manhattan as well. Travelers can visit the great variety of children’s museums, such as the Children’s Museum of Arts in SoHo, or watch a sporting event at Madison Square Garden. Visiting the Central Park Zoo is also popular with travelers of all ages, as there is also a children’s petting zoo, and any number of playgrounds at the numerous parks in the borough. Should you happen to be in the city during the Halloween season, one of the fun things to do with kids in Manhattan during this time of year is to experience Halloween in TriBeCa, which is celebrated by all of the local restaurants, galleries, and shops, providing an exciting celebration for everyone.

A vibrant and altogether enchanting part of New York City, Manhattan activities range across the entire spectrum of things to do and provide guests with a countless supply of attractions during a visit to the most happening borough in the city. It would be easy to spend an entire trip to the Big Apple only in this borough and still not manage to see half of the amazing things it has to offer.