Things to do in New York City for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in New York City
All self-guided activities

Welcome to one of the world's most famous and the most visited sights of all time, the Statue of Liberty. The symbol of freedom for all nations and a welcoming monument for millions around the world, "Liberty Enlightening The World" is truly a must-see attraction in New York City. This fantastic self-guided audio tour offers an unforgettable historical experience, giving you an insight into what it was to be an immigrant in America one hundred years ago and what it took to start a new life in America. This tour has two different parts: the first is the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Island Grounds with a museum, and the second one is the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration located on nearby Ellis Island. You will get to Liberty Island from Manhattan's Battery Park via ferry with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. The same ferry will take you later to Ellis Island, and you will have comprehensive audio guidance throughout the whole journey, from start to finish. The Ellis Island Museum tells the story of more than 12 million immigrants that entered America between 1886 and 1924 through New York and how the Statue of Liberty was a reassuring sign that they had arrived in the "promised land". Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration but is provided by an independent creator. Tickets are included for the customers' convenience.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City features a multifaceted and detailed exhibition that tells the story of the September 11, 2001 tragedy. The tour covers both the events leading up to the largest terrorist attack as well as those that occurred afterward. You will find yourself in an underground space where the Twin Towers once stood. Delve into the stages of designing and erecting skyscrapers that defined the external appearance of Manhattan. You will see the unique "Slurry Wall" - a structure that allowed designers in the mid-20th century to build the world's tallest buildings next to the Hudson River. Examine one of the staircases down which World Trade Center employees ran to escape the fire. Learn why a museum is a sacred place for the relatives of the victims of September 11. Special exhibitions tell the details of the lives of those who perished and dedicate themselves to the circumstances surrounding the tragic events. You can stroll between the waterfalls laid in the Twin Towers' foundations. Also, visit a neighboring park, where you will see contrasting memorials: the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, rebuilt after the attacks, and "The Sphere," which designers decided not to restore. This tour is not affiliated with the 9/11 Museum but is provided by an independent creator. The ticket is included for customer's convenience.

Begin your adventure with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exploring centuries of art and culture. This self-guided audio tour is perfect for art lovers eager to uncover the museum's highlights at their own pace. Experience iconic masterpieces and then, stroll through the Central Park's breathtaking landscapes while navigating this refreshing itinerary. The journey starts at The Met, where ancient artifacts and modern masterpieces await. This in-app audio tour will guide you through the selected 40 artworks: Egyptian artifacts, medieval sculptures, Renaissance innovations, and modern masterpieces. Walking along a planned route, you will learn about artistic techniques, cultural influences, and groundbreaking inspiration that defined these eras. After that, transition into Central Park’s serene green spaces, finding picturesque stops like Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, and Belvedere Castle. Stroll through Sheep Meadow and visit the Central Park Zoo for memorable experiences with nature and wildlife. Uncover New York City's artful side, applying new perspectives gained from historical and cultural discoveries. From timeless sculptures to tranquil park views, every stop adds unique layers of beauty and inspiration to your tour. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Metropolitan Museum of Art but is provided by an independent creator. The ticket is included for the customer's convenience at no additional cost.

Welcome to Manhattan, New York City's living backdrop for Marvel's blockbusting comic book creations. Be ready to get a profound insight into how the entertainment plots reflect the course of history and why comics sometimes disappear from bookstores. This self-guided audio tour narrates the stories in a lively style and provides a captivating experience for comic buffs and newcomers alike. You will start the tour at the notorious Hell's Kitchen to discover historical trivia of the neighborhood where Marvel's first office was located and the first "Marvel Comics" came out. Then, you will see the Baxter Building, a.k.a. the headquarters of the mighty Fantastic Four that became Marvel's first superhero team in response to the "Justice League" by DC. Next, you will spot differences between the MetLife Building in real life and its silver screen rendering, the Tony Stark Tower, and later, the base of the Avengers family. Dwelling near the Grand Central Terminal, you will experience the grandeur of where the final battle in the namesake movie took place. After that, you will pass by the magnificent Chrysler Building and catch up with the Spider-Man character creation story. Finally, you will make it to the prestigious Tudor City area where his antagonist, supervillain The Green Goblin, used to lodge – be amazed by the price his apartment was sold afterward! Join the tour and tune into New York City's striking cinematic scenery of the iconic Marvel comics!

Just across the street from Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History represents an enormous collection of plants, minerals, meteorites, animals, fossils, dinosaurs, and human artifacts. Take this in-app audio tour of the best natural museum in the world to explore its highlights and must-sees. Enter the museum through Central Park West (upstairs) at 79th Street. The tour starts in the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda on the 2nd floor. Here, you will witness the battle of Barosaurus and Allosaurus, take a journey through the African savannah, and meet fascinating elephants. Enforce your African experience in the Hall of African Peoples, and hear about the incredible traditions of the Pokot and the Yoruba peoples. Continue by walking down to the first floor to feel the power of nature. Stand by the Giant Sequoia, dive into the ocean with the blue whale, and see the mighty Alaskan brown bear. The 3rd floor will bring you to the fascinating world of reptiles and primates. You'll also visit the dwelling of the Indians and admire the iconic Moai statue. Finish the tour with the brightest experience offered by the halls of dinosaurs on the 4th floor — Tyrannosaurus, Velociraptor, Stegosaurus, and more are waiting to welcome you with their charming smiles! Note! This tour is not affiliated with the AMNH but is provided by an independent creator. WeGoTrip is not re-selling tickets but is giving its customers assistance in ticket purchasing at no charge.

Set off on a thrilling journey from the deck of a legendary warship to the glittering lights of Times Square with this in-app audio tour, which includes your ticket to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Begin aboard the mighty USS Intrepid, a hero of World War II that survived torpedoes and kamikaze attacks. Step into the Growler Submarine and feel the tight, echoing world of sailors under the sea. Wander through the ship’s decks, explore the secret Anchor Chain Room, and touch the very machinery that once ruled the waves. Marvel at the restored aircraft and learn the tales of American air and marine forces. Then stand before the Space Shuttle Enterprise, the first NASA orbiter prototype, whose sleek form points toward the stars. When the roar of engines fades, trade steel for skyline and continue your tour through Times Square. Here, neon signs blaze, cameras flash, and Broadway’s rhythm takes hold. Discover Rockefeller Center, where Beaux-Arts grace meets skyscraper daring, the famed New York Times building, and the glamorous Paramount edifice. Learn how architecture and advertising became the city’s loudest voices. Finally, you will be fascinated by the rhythm of Broadway Street with its dozens of theatres and discover the church, which was built specifically for Broadway artists. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Muse but is provided by an independent creator. The ticket is included for the customer's convenience.

If you have a vivid interest in history and culture but, at the same time, you do not want to miss the unique gastronomic experiences in NYC, this tour is entirely dedicated to you! You will start your walk next to Green Street Park in Soho, where you will see the world’s best collection of cast iron buildings. In Little Italy, be ready to explore a twisted but inspiring history of immigration that will show you the true origins of New York. During the tour, you will learn how the former suburb of New York became its industrial center, then an abandoned area for poor artists, and later one of the most expensive and luxurious places on the planet. The walk ends in Chinatown, but before that, you will try authentic Chinese food and understand how Chinese cuisine has taken over all of the US. The tour stops at Columbus Park, so all those who love cinema can visit the famous Five Points. Your expert guide will not forget to mention the most interesting and hidden places for your dinner and share some criminal and legendary stories about Manhattan. Although these districts are located in the very heart of the city, most people pass them by without knowing the incredible history of those places. Discover the heart of New York!

Step out of the hustle of New York's Fifth Avenue into the New York Public Library guided by your personal in-app audio tour! Note! Admission to the library is free—with this tour, you get audio commentary along a planned route. You can use this tour anytime during the opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Built in the late 1890s, the New York Library's Main Branch is a perfect example of classical architecture and a treasury of 2.5 million volumes and artifacts. The tour starts outside so you can examine all the details of this Beaux-Arts building: impressive columns, beautiful sculptures, and famous lions. Get to know their names and take a picture with these favorites of the public. Inside, you'll be carried away by the breathtaking interiors of Astor Hall. You'll be able to visit the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures and hear the stories behind artifacts such as Thomas Jefferson's handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, the Gutenberg Bible dating 1450, Charles Dicken's desk, and more. Next, ascend to the 3rd floor to hear the story of the McGraw Rotunda and marvel at its stunning murals celebrating the history of the written word. Holders of the Library Card may visit the iconic Rose Main Reading Room with its authentic atmosphere. Finish the tour in the shades of Bryant Park. There's always something interesting going around! This tour is not affiliated with the NYPL and is provided by an independent creator.

Learn how color can not only be seen but also felt, tasted, heard, and even touched as you explore the extraordinarily colorful and photogenic Color Factory curated by your own audio guide! You will be surprised to learn how easy it is to trick our brains by improvising with different shades in everyday life: the audio guide will explain to you the benefits of wearing "pink glasses" and why it is better not to use yellow dishes when eating. Immerse yourself in the world of color through stories about scientific experiments, the history of the emergence of rare shades, and acquaintances with contemporary artists and designers. Don't be afraid to eat too many sweet treats at the museum, as a 'workout' awaits you here: you'll find a dance floor, a music venue, and dive into a pool of hundreds of balls. A special test will reveal the secrets of your particular color, and you may discover a synesthete in yourself! What? Have you never heard of such a concept? Then head to the Color Factory, turn on the audio guide, and start your journey through the universe of color. Note. This tour is not affiliated with the Color Factory but is provided by an independent creator. Tickets are included for customers' convenience at no charge.

A day at Bronx Zoo will let you see everything from lions and zebras on the African Plains to the eagles and owls of the Birds of Prey exhibit. There's also a huge array of attractions for visitors of all ages. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Butterfly Garden, where colorful butterflies flutter around in a serene and magical setting! Let the kids have up-close encounters with prairie dogs, North American porcupine, fennec foxes, and pet the farmyard animals at the Children's Zoo, and step into the lush JungleWorld to encounter exotic creatures in a fun, tropical rainforest. Explore the vast grounds of the Bronx Zoo with ease on the convenient Zoo Shuttle, which lets you hop on and off at various stops to see different exhibits. And take a spin on the Bug Carousel with its intricately carved insect-themed figures. For an adventurous walk, set off on the Nature Trek, where you can explore nature trails and observe all kinds of wildlife in their natural habitats.
Cities in United States
About New York City
The best tours to do in New York City with kids are:
The best tours in New York City are:
The best indoor tours in New York City for rainy days are:
The best walking tours to do in New York City are:
The must-see attractions in New York City for a first visit are:
Insider tips for visiting New York City
Alexandra Sam is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2022 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of New York City on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to New York City.
When I visit New York City, I always tell friends to skip the obvious chains and taste the foods locals actually argue about: a classic slice, a proper bagel with schmear, pastrami on rye, and a late-night bacon-egg-and-cheese from a corner bodega. New York City is also where I go for old-school appetizing shops with smoked fish, hand-rolled dumplings in Chinatown, and Caribbean patties in Flatbush. If you visit New York City, eating across neighborhoods is one of the best things to do in New York City. In my travel guide New York City notes, I always say the city’s flavor comes from the mix of immigrant traditions and tiny local institutions.
When I’m in New York City, I recommend mixing headline sights with neighborhood time. The classic things to do in New York City include walking Central Park early, taking the Staten Island Ferry at sunset for harbor views, and crossing the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan into DUMBO for skyline photos. For attractions in New York City, I love pairing a museum morning—like the Met or MoMA—with an evening downtown in Greenwich Village or the Lower East Side. If you’re deciding what to see in New York City, add a food crawl in Chinatown or Jackson Heights. Even the best tours in New York City feel richer when you leave time to wander a few blocks on your own.
When I’m choosing where to spend time in New York City, I usually send first-timers to the West Village, the Lower East Side, Harlem, DUMBO, and Astoria. Each shows a different side of New York City: brownstone streets and jazz bars, old tenement blocks and food spots, historic churches and soul food, waterfront skyline views, and some of the city’s best Greek bakeries. For attractions in New York City, neighborhoods often matter more than single landmarks. If you’re wondering what to see in New York City, I’d focus on street life, markets, and small museums. Even many tours in New York City miss the pleasure of simply walking these areas block by block.
In my travel guide New York City notes, I usually recommend at least 4 days, and 5 to 7 if you want New York City to feel less rushed. When I visit New York City for a short stay, 3 days covers the big essentials, but you’ll spend more time in transit and less time lingering in neighborhoods. The city opens up when you have enough time for both icons and small habits—an early walk in Central Park, a long Chinatown lunch, a ferry ride, a museum afternoon, then a late jazz set downtown. For me, the best things to do in New York City happen when your schedule leaves room to wander.
When I visit New York City for shopping, I usually head to SoHo for designer flagships and smaller labels tucked on side streets, then Nolita for independent boutiques, jewelry, and beauty shops that feel more local. In New York City, I also like Madison Avenue for polished luxury, Williamsburg for vintage and emerging designers, and the Lower East Side for cool specialty stores without the SoHo crowds. If you visit New York City, shopping is one of the most enjoyable things to do in New York City when you pair it with a neighborhood walk and lunch nearby. In my travel guide New York City notes, I always suggest weekdays for a calmer, more local feel.
When I want quieter attractions in New York City, I slip into places that many visitors pass right by: the elevated garden at the Ford Foundation, the tiny Merchant’s House Museum, the Cloisters in upper Manhattan, and Green-Wood Cemetery for incredible skyline views and history. In New York City, I also love Roosevelt Island for its tram ride and river perspective, especially near sunset. If you’re deciding what to see in New York City beyond the obvious, I’d look for tucked-away courtyards, community gardens, and small historic interiors. Even many tours in New York City skim past these places, but they reveal the city’s texture better than the busiest landmarks.
In my travel guide New York City advice, I usually recommend late April to early June or mid-September to early November. That’s when New York City feels most comfortable for long walks, park time, and ferry rides without summer humidity or winter wind tunnels. When I visit New York City in spring, I love the fresh green in Central Park and quieter mornings in neighborhoods before the day fills up. Fall brings crisp light, outdoor dining, and some of my favorite things to do in New York City, like walking the Brooklyn Heights Promenade or spending hours downtown on foot. December is magical, but it’s also the most crowded and expensive.