Things to do in New York City for self travelers

Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one app

Top sights in New York City

All self-guided activities

Activities found:53
Sort by:
Your free New York City sightseeing self-guided audio tour is waiting.
Get free audio tours, travel Spotify playlists, and other goodies in your email.
By signing up, you agree to receive promotional emails on activities and insider tips. You can unsubscribe or withdraw your consent at any time with future effect. For more information, read our Privacy statement.
Recommended to visit in New York City
New York City: Guggenheim Ticket & Carnegie Hill Audio Tour
New York City: Guggenheim Ticket & Carnegie H...

This in-app audio tour will tell you the story behind the masterpieces of the most iconic collection of Solomon Guggenheim Museum, and take you through the old-fashioned streets of the historic Carnegie Hill neighborhood. The tour starts outside the museum, an architectural gem and one of the most "instagrammable" places in Manhattan. Inside, you will be guided through its permanent collection of ground-breaking modernist artists. Hear about the tragic fate of Vincent van Gogh, get impressed by the artwork of Édouard Manet, and, of course, learn about Pablo Picasso, whose life and work were closely connected with the founder of the collection. With the entry ticket included, you may choose to explore special exhibitions as well. Next, set off on a journey through the Carnegie Hill neighborhood, which has preserved its classical European-like atmosphere and charm. You will see refined mansions and townhouses and hear about their notable residents like Gwyneth Paltrow. A filming location for many movies, Carnegie Hill offers scenic views of Central Park waterside, old churches, and vibrant avenues. For the perfect end to a great tour, enjoy delicious food in one of the recommended French or Italian eateries. This tour is not affiliated with the Guggenheim Museum 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.

New York City: 9/11 Memorial Museum Ticket & Audio Tour
New York City: 9/11 Memorial Museum Ticket & ...

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.

New York City: Solomon Guggenheim Museum Entry
New York City: Solomon Guggenheim Museum Entr...

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, also known as 'The Guggenheim', is a world-renowned institution that needs no introduction. The futuristic beehive designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is an architectural landmark that houses an impressive collection of modern art from the 20th century and beyond. With your entrance ticket, you'll gain access to the permanent collection that includes famous works by iconic artists such as Manet, Degas, Picasso, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Kandinsky. Additionally, your ticket grants you entry to any temporary exhibitions, which have in the past included presentations and thematic explorations dedicated to the likes of Kandinsky, Pollock, Mapplethorpe, and more. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum was conceived by master architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1943 and opened to the public in 1959, changing the world of modern art forever. The museum's design is still cutting-edge, with its gracefully spiraling ramp leading up to a spectacular domed-glass ceiling. The museum's exhibitions are frequently updated, showcasing a wide range of works from both exciting new artists and cultural heavyweights. A visit to the Guggenheim is a must-see for lovers of art and architecture, as well as those looking to recreate that iconic bit from the start of Men in Black. Note! Don't forget an ID for reduced tickets.

New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art Audio Tour with the Central Park Stroll
New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art Audio To...

This self-guided audio tour is perfect for art lovers eager to uncover the Met's highlights at their own pace. Experience iconic masterpieces and then, stroll through the Central Park's breathtaking landscapes while navigating this refreshing itinerary. Note! This tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket but is valid for life. Buy a ticket in advance at www.metmuseum.org 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.

American Museum of Natural History: Entrance Ticket
American Museum of Natural History: Entrance ...

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. This entrance ticket gives you access to the magical world of natural history. You will enter the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda and witness the battle of Barosaurus and Allosaurus. Then, you will take a journey through the African savannah, and meet fascinating elephants. Enforce your African experience in the Hall of African Peoples, and witness the incredible traditions of the Pokot and the Yoruba peoples. On the first floor, you will feel the power of nature standing by the Giant Sequoia, dive into the ocean with the blue whale, and see the mighty Alaskan brown bear. The third 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. The museum's brightest experience is offered by the halls of dinosaurs on the fourth floor — Tyrannosaurus, Velociraptor, Stegosaurus, and more are waiting to welcome you with their charming smiles!

New York City: 9/11 Memorial Museum Ticket
New York City: 9/11 Memorial Museum Ticket

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. 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.

Bronx Zoo: Entry Ticket
Bronx Zoo: Entry Ticket

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.

New York City: Superhero Saga Audio Tour
New York City: Superhero Saga Audio Tour

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!

New York's Crime and Death Scene: Uncover the City's Darkest Secrets
New York's Crime and Death Scene: Uncover the...

Welcome to New York and this bone-chilling tour that will take you through former mafia hangouts, crime scenes, and haunted buildings in the city! First, you will visit Finn Square, an area named after its resident who died in World War I that hides a terrible murder story once happened there. Next, you will see the Manhattan Detention Complex, a municipal jail, colloquially known as the Tombs, with its grim history for you to reveal. Then the tour will guide you to the heart of Little Italy, a lively neighborhood filled with cafes, restaurants, pubs, galleries, shops, and the story of the local mafia and gangs. Passing by the former Police Headquarters Building in the monumental Beaux-Arts style, you will learn about the only New York police officer ever to sit in Sing Sing prison's electric chair. Already frightening enough, but it's still not the end! Move further and find out about the devastating fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, where workers could not escape the blazing building. After that, you will get to the location of the Limelight nightclub housed in the former Episcopal church, which walls witnessed a death caused by a ritual. Finally, you will visit the location of the original Madison Square Garden, a popular event venue where one revenge ended up with three shot bullets. Join the tour, get your goosebumps ready, and start exploring the dark side of New York City! Disclaimer: disturbing content. Recommended age: 18+

New York City: Empire State Building Ticket
New York City: Empire State Building Ticket

Enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of New York from its architectural icon! Get a unique experience of observing New York's skyline from the 86th-floor observatory deck and exploring the famous skyscraper from the inside. Completed in 1931, the Empire State Building remains an Art Deco icon that exudes an irresistible charm. Upon arrival, a team of personnel dressed in burgundy uniforms will greet you with warm smiles and lead you into this classic city landmark. Admire the inspiring murals embellishing the walls and ceiling as you make your way through. The most renowned feature of this skyscraper is its 86th floor, where several movies, including 'Independence Day' and 'Sleepless in Seattle', have captured unforgettable scenes. With these Empire State Building tickets, capture aerial shots of Central Park, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the One World Trade Center. And don't forget to strike a pose, beating your chest like King Kong did when he scaled the building. See the most recognizable NYC landmarks from the 86th-floor observatory, take stunning pictures, and wander around the spectacular old lobby. You will also get access to the exhibitions on the 2nd and 80th floors exploring New York's history through interactive displays with augmented reality. Note! Last admission: 45 minutes before closing.

About New York City

The best tours to do in New York City with kids are:

See all family friendly tours in New York City

Insider tips for visiting New York City

Alexandra SamAlexandra Sam2022

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.

Want to discover all there is to do in New York City
Click here for a full list