20 Best Things to Do in Manhattan

When you think about what to do and see in New York, you inevitably think of Manhattan, its lights and its skyscrapers.

New York is a dream destination for many and a great city brimming with possibilities. Is this your first visit? There is so much to discover that your itinerary can be approached in many different ways. To make sure you don't miss a single corner of this city, here are my Manhattan essentials.

Madison Square Garden, popularly known as "the most famous coliseum in the world", is a huge indoor stadium in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. With five floors and a capacity of over 20,000 spectators, it is famous for being the "home" of the Knicks (NBA) and the Rangers (NHL).

Madison Square Garden also hosts musical events (and in fact, the world's best artists have performed here), but if you want to attend an NBA game during your visit to New York, you can't miss the New York Knicks here. If you've made up your mind, here's how to buy NBA tickets in New York.

If you'd rather watch an ice hockey game, you can also see the New York Rangers.

Why I recommend visiting Madison Square Garden

As I said, people come to New York to have fun, and even if you don't like sports or the NBA, watching a basketball game in the United States is a real spectacle of music, dancing, partying and, above all, sport, of course. Get your cap and hot dog ready and try to catch one of the T-shirts thrown by the cheerleaders. With any luck, you might even get caught on the legendary "kiss cam"!

I still remember the first time I visited New York. I left my bags at the hotel and we quickly went down to the underground to get off at the Times Square stop. It was already night-time and my first contact with the streets of the Big Apple was this: the impact of the lights of Times Square left me ecstatic for several minutes and then I knew that it would be my favourite city, forever.

What to see in Times Square

Times Square at Christmas

If there's one time of year when Times Square becomes the centre of everything, it's Christmas (which, incidentally, is one of the best times to visit New York). The square starts to heat up with large crowds on the night of the famous Black Friday (the last Friday of November), which kicks off the Christmas shopping season. In addition, a few days before Christmas Eve, the "Santa Convention" is held: a parade with thousands of people dressed as Santa Claus.

Why I like Times Square

Every time I visit Manhattan, I go there day and night: the atmosphere of New Yorkers rushing by (always in a hurry), tourists gazing in awe at the screens that touch the sky, and dozens of people in costumes, hot dog carts, and teenagers shopping. When you're in Times Square, you know you're at the epicentre of the modern world. Oh! And if you want to see downtown New York at night without getting tired or lost, I recommend taking the Manhattan night bus tour.

You probably didn't have this in mind when you started planning your trip to the Big Apple, but I recommend you don't miss it, and I'll tell you why. A ten-minute walk from Times Square, located on Fifth Avenue and opposite Rockefeller Centre, is St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest neo-Gothic Catholic church in North America.

What you'll see

This is a very special building, not only because of its exterior (its white marble façade stands out among the surrounding skyscrapers), but also because of its interior, where there are two organs with nearly 10,000 pipes that are used to perform spectacular music recitals every season starting in October.

Inside St. Patrick's Cathedral, you can see a sculpture of La Pietà, which is three times larger than Michelangelo's in Rome. Also note the 8-metre diameter rose window above the main organ and the altar of St. Louis and St. Michael. Many of the best tours of New York in Spanish pass by here.

Why I like St. Patrick's Cathedral

When you plan your trip to the city of skyscrapers, you don't imagine that right there, at the centre of modernity and avant-garde, you can see such a spectacular classical building. The contrast with the other attractions you will visit on your trip shows you that New York literally has everything.

New York's world-famous Fifth Avenue connects north and south Manhattan, making it one of the city's most important thoroughfares and also one of the most expensive. It's no surprise that it's nicknamed "Millionaires' Row" because it's home to the Big Apple's most exclusive hotels and shops, including Armani, Prada, Chanel and Tiffany, among many others. Here you will find some of the best things to buy in New York.

What to see

on Fifth Avenue
You will probably pass by this avenue several times during your trip, but if I may offer some advice, leave your rush behind and stop to spend an afternoon window shopping and visiting the most famous shops on its streets.

Very close to Central Park is Trump Tower, and from there, endless shops, shopping centres and tourist attractions such as the Empire State Building, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Centre, the MET, the Public Library and, further down, the Flatiron Building, New York's first skyscraper. By the way, if shopping is what really brings you to New York, don't miss Woodbury Commons, the best outlet mall in New York, where you can go on a day trip that includes transportation and some discounts.

The five best shops and shop windows

Why I like Fifth Avenue

I admit that as a shopping addict, I'm not very objective on this point, but if there's one thing that puts Fifth Avenue in my ranking, it's mainly because it's one of Manhattan's most iconic avenues, a key point for finding your way around when you're going from one place to another, and a place to shop (or dream about shopping), whatever your budget. Plus, Central Park in the background always adds a touch of magic.

Leaving Fifth Avenue behind and heading into 54th Street, you will find the unmissable MoMA Museum in New York, the most important museum of modern art in the world and one of the best museums in New York. It has a vast collection, including works by well-known artists such as Dalí, Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, among many others.

Practical information

Why I like MoMA

There are many museums in New York, but MoMA is one of the most dynamic and light-hearted, making it a hugely popular attraction, even if you're visiting New York with children.

You can see the most representative works of art from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries and discover Andy Warhol's best-known series, which marked a turning point in the history of modern art. If you are considering visiting other museums, consider the following: the Guggenheim, the MET Museum and the Natural History Museum.

You could say that the soul of New York lies in the skyscrapers that make up its skyline. The list of observatories in the city is long (you can also go up the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, The Edge and the new Summit Vanderbilt) and each one offers a different and unique perspective, but for many (myself included) the Top of the Rock is the best observatory for enjoying the most fascinating panoramic view of New York in all its splendour.

The favourite, Top of the Rock

The Top of the Rock observation deck is located in Rockefeller Centre, a huge complex of restaurants, offices, shops, theatres and television studios that was built during the Great Depression in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. From the Top of the Rock, the views of the city are spectacular: you'll have a wonderful panoramic view of Central Park, a perfect view of the Empire State Building, and you'll be able to see the Downtown skyline (the financial district) in the distance, but in great detail.

In addition, its observation deck is quite large and open-air, allowing you to enjoy your time up there even more, without rushing, crowding or crowds. Getting to the Top of the Rock is very easy, and once there , you can also take advantage of the best restaurants near the Top of the Rock.

Why I prefer the Top of the Rock

Going up to the Top of the Rock was one of the most impressive experiences of my trip to New York. Seeing the skyscrapers from above is a must for getting a bird's eye view of Manhattan, and although there are bars and restaurants on other rooftops, the views from the Top of the Rock are unbeatable. By the way, you can also go up to the Top of the Rock at night. You won't regret it, I promise!

People come to Manhattan to have fun, to be surprised at every turn and, as far as possible, to daydream. That's what Broadway musicals are for, making you lose track of time (whatever your age!). Here, not liking the theatre is no excuse. The magic of Broadway will work its charm and leave you speechless, whether you go with your family, friends or partner.

I do recommend booking your tickets in advance to secure the best seats on the date you want and at a better price than at the box office, where you'll also save yourself from having to wait in long queues.

The most notable musicals:

Why Broadway

Just walking along its pavements and seeing the bright billboards will awaken your curiosity to witness one of these world-famous shows. It is probably the best place in the world to see a musical, which in my opinion is something you have to do (at least) once in your life.

Grand Central Terminal is the most important railway station in Manhattan and one of New York's architectural gems. This marvel of art and engineering was inaugurated in the 19th century and you will have seen it in many films and television series. A real crossroads at rush hour.

You will recognise it by its main hall, called the Main Concourse, decorated with a huge blue vaulted ceiling with frescoes of constellations. Once inside, you can also admire its three large arched windows and iconic clock, as well as a huge American flag in memory of the victims of 9/11.

Why I like Grand Central Terminal

As a lover of films and TV series, it may sound a bit geeky, but I really wanted to see the famous hall of this station. If you want to see it in full swing, I recommend standing in the centre of the concourse at rush hour, around 5 pm. Prepare to be amazed by the millions of New Yorkers you'll see rushing through.

Take advantage of your visit to Grand Central Terminal to have a drink in one of its cafés and restaurants, although the most famous and oldest of these is the Oyster Bar, which dates back to 1913.

While it is true that Central Park is Manhattan's main green space and New York's largest urban park, on Fifth Avenue next to the Flatiron Building there is a small park that is not known to all visitors to the city, but which is an oasis of calm in the middle of bustling Midtown: Madison Square Park (for me, one of the best parks in New York).

It's common to see office workers taking a break from work here, and it's also very popular with New Yorkers because there are often outdoor exhibitions and concerts.

By the way, a good way to get around New York is by underground (fast and cheap), but if you want to enjoy the streets of New York from a different perspective, a bike tour of Manhattan is a great idea.

What to do or see in Madison Square Park

There is an area with tables and chairs where you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea, a sandwich or an ice cream while you take a break from your day of sightseeing in Manhattan. It is also home to the first Shake Shack restaurant, so you know... take advantage of the break to recharge your batteries with a good burger, a hot dog and a giant milkshake.

Why I recommend Madison Square Park

No offence to Central Park (I know you'll visit it anyway, because it's a must), but I found Madison Square Park to be super authentic. Many tourists overlook it (and that, believe me, makes it even more authentic), and taking a stroll or having a picnic on the grass is a great way to rest during a marathon day of exploring Manhattan.

Before leaving Midtown, I must recommend one of the most visited museums in the United States: the American Museum of Natural History in New York, which has topped all lists of the best science museums on the planet since its founding in the 19th century.

Dedicated to disseminating information about the universe, the Earth and human beings, this museum is one of Manhattan's main tourist attractions due to its important collection, full of fossils, minerals and even meteorites, which appeals to both adults and children alike. This is a plus point to bear in mind if you are travelling to New York with your family.

Why I like the Natural History Museum

Although I have never been a big fan of museums, I must admit that a visit to the Natural History Museum is very enjoyable and surprising. It is a great break in your trip and will take your mind off everything you have seen so far in Manhattan. In fact, if you only have time to visit one museum, I would definitely recommend this one.

A stroll through Harlem is a must during your visit to Manhattan. This area of the city is closely linked to the African-American community and in its early days was home to an impressive artistic effervescence in dance, painting and music. In fact, great singing stars such as Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and James Brown began their artistic careers in Harlem. Here you will find the best places to listen to live music in Harlem.

What to do in Harlem

If you are passionate about music, the best way to soak up the culture of Harlem is to take a tour of the neighbourhood, where you will experience its authentic atmosphere and streets steeped in history. You can even experience the spirituality of attending a Gospel mass at a local church.

Why I like Harlem

New York is a city of contrasts, and if we only focus on the majesty of the skyscrapers in Midtown and Downtown, we would be missing out on a large part of the city. Harlem is not just a neighbourhood in Manhattan, but the heart and soul of a community with a tradition and culture deeply rooted in the city's history. A gospel mass in one of Harlem's churches will be the perfect end to your visit to this area.

Leaving the north of the island and travelling south to Manhattan, we find the 9/11 Memorial located at Ground Zero in New York. This is one of the most emotional visits to make in New York. It pays tribute to all the victims who perished in the terrorist attacks of 2001 and truly makes a big impression, leaving your emotions running high.

What you will see

at Ground Zero
On the site where the Twin Towers once stood is now the Memorial Plaza, two large water features fed by cascades surrounded by bronze plaques bearing the names of all the victims.

These pools are surrounded by hundreds of oak trees, creating an oasis of contemplation that invites visitors to remember the past and fill the future with hope. However, among them all, one stands out, called "The Survivor Tree", the only one that survived the tragedy.

Why I recommend the 9/11 Memorial

We all remember, in greater or lesser detail, what happened on that terrible 11th of September that changed the modern world. The 9/11 Memorial is a delicate and sensitive tribute to the victims of this tragedy and also has a museum displaying a collection of more than 10,000 objects recovered from the rubble. I'll tell you more about the visit in my guide to 9/11 Memorial and Museum Tickets and Tours.

The Financial District, in the heart of Downtown Manhattan, is probably the most representative neighbourhood in New York. Its narrow, long streets flanked by huge skyscrapers barely allow you to see the sky, immersing you fully in the hustle and bustle of those who spend marathon days working on Wall Street.

What to see in the Financial District

New York is a multicultural city where different religions, races and cultures coexist. If, after attending a Gospel mass, you want to complete this mystical experience in the city, the Mahayana Buddhist temple is located at 133 Canal Street in Chinatown, with the largest Buddha in New York, measuring 5 metres high.

What to see or do in Chinatown

• In addition to the Buddhist temple, you can visit the Chinese Museum in America to learn about the history of this community in the United States.
• You can also hunt for the best deals in Chinatown and browse its shops, which sell all kinds of products at very affordable prices.
• You can stroll through the peaceful Columbus Park.

Here is a compilation of the best things to do in Chinatown so you don't miss a thing.

Why I like Chinatown

It is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in New York, and although I personally wouldn't spend more than a couple of hours there, it is highly recommended to stroll through its streets to experience an atmosphere that is totally different from that of nearby SoHo or Wall Street itself. Once again, this area represents the contrasts and reality of the city, so don't hesitate to pay it a visit during your stay in Downtown.

Take the opportunity to sample the best Asian food in the city at the best places to eat in Chinatown.

This gift from France to the United States on the 100th anniversary of its independence has become the country's most famous monument and a symbol of freedom and democracy.

The 46-metre-high Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island and can be visited by ferry. This experience is highly recommended because you can see this spectacular sculpture up close and enjoy views of New York from the sea.

Why I like this experience

To visit the Statue of Liberty (you can access its pedestal or even its crown), you have to take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, which will give you incredible views of Manhattan.

The skyline of the financial district is perfectly visible, and it is also a totally relaxing experience that will allow you to rest a little from the long walks.

New York is the perfect setting to enjoy the best jazz. Since most of Chicago's best musicians moved to New York in the late 1920s, the city soon became the mecca of jazz. Almost all the relevant styles of this musical genre emerged in the Big Apple in recent years, and musicians from all over the country come here to hone their skills on stage and reach the highest possible level.

In Harlem

In Harlem, many clubs have live bands playing, but if you prefer to go somewhere iconic, you should visit the Village Vanguard. Despite opening its doors in 1925, it has hardly changed since then, and that is part of its charm. As you descend the stairs, you'll see small tables where you can have a drink during the concert and several pictures of the musicians who have played there, which are many.

In Times Square

Other jazz clubs to check out in Manhattan include the Iridium, known for hosting a variety of bands that play different genres such as jazz, blues and rock every day of the week. As it is right in the heart of Times Square, it is a perfect option to end the day if your hotel is in this part of town.

Close to Times Square is another jazz club with a long history, Birdland, named after the popular musician Charlie Parker and his nickname "Bird". This club is an essential part of the history of jazz in New York, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, Birdland is known for its resident bands and for hosting popular events such as the Umbria Jazz Festival in New York and the Annual Django Reinhardt NY Festival.

If you also want to enjoy an authentic New York night out, don't hesitate to have a nice cocktail at one of the best rooftop bars in New York.

If you want to take home a souvenir from your trip to New York and you love shopping, you have to make time in your schedule to visit Macy's, the world's largest store located on 34th Street, known as "The Fashion District", in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

In addition to being one of the most popular shopping destinations among New Yorkers, its history and anecdotes also make it worth a visit. For example, did you know that the first Santa Claus to work in a department store during Christmas was at Macy's in 1862 and that this store organised the first Thanksgiving parade in 1924?

Its building has been declared a Historic Landmark and tourists are offered a 10% discount on all their purchases. How could you not visit this shopping centre?

Why I recommend Macy's

Far from the strict luxury of other shopping centres in Manhattan, here you will find brands and products for all budgets. In addition, you will always find special offers (don't forget to check the Tax Free policy for travellers from outside the United States). If you are travelling to New York at Christmas, Macy's and its decorations are a must-see.

Eating and drinking are two of travellers' favourite activities when on holiday, especially in New York with its endless culinary possibilities. I've written a guide about 10 Places to Eat in New York City, but here are my favourites in Manhattan to whet your appetite:

Gotham West Market in Hell's Kitchen

West of Times Square in Hell's Kitchen, a neighbourhood brimming with bars and restaurants, is Gotham West Market, a food hall where there are no fast food chains, but rather restaurants offering more elaborate cuisine that share space in a large open room on the ground floor of the building.

Gotham West Market is a fairly quiet place with a wide menu to choose from (ramen, pizza, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, crepes, etc.), so there will be no problem agreeing on what to eat if you are travelling to New York in a group. This market has a little bit of everything.

Little Spain Market

Another option to check out in Manhattan is the newly opened Little Spain market, located in the trendy Hudson Yards neighbourhood inside the 10 Hudson Yards building. This gastronomic space is dedicated to the flavours of traditional Spanish cuisine and is run by the prestigious chef José Andrés in collaboration with brothers Ferrán and Albert Adriá.

Little Spain has a dozen stalls where you can sample great classics of Spanish cuisine such as tapas, sandwiches, cocas, cheeses and Spanish wines. In addition to these snack spots, the Mar, Leña and Spanish Diner restaurants complete the offering with outdoor seating to enjoy the best of Spanish cuisine outside of Spain. Take advantage of your visit to explore the new trendy neighbourhood, Hudson Yards.

Chelsea Market

Finally, Chelsea Market is one of New York's most famous food markets. It is located in the Meatpacking District next to the High Line, an urban park built on old elevated railway tracks that crosses western Manhattan.

It is a former biscuit factory converted into a beautiful market that has retained its old industrial style with exposed brick walls and high ceilings, giving it a lot of character. Strolling through Chelsea Market is a pleasure, not only because of its décor, but also because you can buy delicacies from all over the world and order something to eat at its fast food stalls (sushi, tacos, noodles, pasta or seafood, the market's speciality).

Did you know that Oreo cookies were invented here? Take a look at the walls, which are covered with references to them!

Another must-see in Manhattan is Madame Tussauds, especially :::link|text=if you're travelling to New York with children:::, as they'll have a blast at what is considered the best wax museum in the world.

Located in Times Square, it opened its doors in 2000 to realistically portray celebrities from all walks of life (film, music, television, sports, politics, etc.) and allow the public to interact with these wax figures in the staged settings.

Why I liked Madame Tussauds

Everything at Madame Tussauds is designed to ensure you have a great time.What to see at Madame Tussauds in New York? There are special shows such as King Kong (where you will face an imposing animatronic version of this legendary and ferocious ape), Marvel 4D Experience (an entertaining interactive activity with superheroes such as the Hulk, Captain America, Thor and Iron Man) and Ghostbusters (where you can catch your own ghost).

Returning to Fifth Avenue (I warned you, it's the hub of everything), you'll find the famous steps of the Public Library. This impressive three-storey neoclassical building will catch your eye with its ornate marble staircase at the entrance, featuring two fountains and two lions nicknamed Patience and Fortitude.

Inside, it houses more than three million books, including a letter from Christopher Columbus, some manuscripts by William Shakespeare, a draft of the United States Declaration of Independence and a copy of the Gutenberg Bible in the McGraw Rotunda. No big deal!

What to see inside the Public Library

Its reading rooms will surely transport you straight to Ghostbusters, Breakfast at Tiffany's or The Day After Tomorrow, as several scenes from these films were shot there. The most famous room of all is the Rose Reading Room on the third floor, due to its large size (it is the same size as a football field) and its ostentatious decoration with hanging lamps, solid oak tables, and beautiful frescoes on the ceiling.

Why I like the Public Library

I won't deny that the fact that it's free is an incentive to take a look and spend a few minutes inside. This library has been the setting for several films, and not by chance. It is, without a doubt, the best reading room I have ever seen. It seems incredible that you can find such a calm and peaceful place in the middle of bustling Midtown.