There’s truly no place like New York. From historic museums and award-winning Broadway shows to observation decks and helicopter rides for one-of-a-kind views of the city's iconic skylines, there’s no shortage of memory-making moments that happen in the city. We're rounding up some of the most unique things to do in New York that are sure to make your upcoming trip one for the books.
How to Commute in New York City
Figuring out the right kind of transportation to best fit your itinerary for the day can be the difference between having a stressful trip or one that's smooth sailing, so set your New York City vacation up for success by learning about all the different ways to get around in the city.
Getting Around New York City via Subway
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Perhaps one of the most famous subway systems in the world, the New York City subway will probably be the best-priced way to commute in the city, especially if you’re going to be traveling from borough to borough a lot!
New York subways make use of the OMNY payment system that lets riders pay their fare through contactless means like debit or credit cards, Apple watch, or through dedicated OMNY cards that you can purchase, as well. If you only have cash on you, you can still use your cash to buy a MetroCard then load it up. You’ll be able to do this at any NYC subway station teller.
Getting Around New York City via Bus
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If you'd like a more scenic (but still inexpensive) way to move around the city, then buses might be the right choice for your needs. Buses usually run about every 15 minutes though not all routes will be covered 24/7. When boarding the bus, enter via the main door to pay and exit via the side doors. Some buses might not stop at every bus station on the route, so ask the bus driver if you're unsure.
Klook tip: Buses do accept cash payments, but they have to be the exact amount! If you want to avoid the hassle of always computing the exact fare and so that you don’t hold up the line, you can conveniently pay using the same OMNY or MetroCard methods used on the subway!
Getting Around New York City via Bike
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Looking for a more active way to get around the city? Renting a bike is a great way to move around New York City, whether you're taking your time exploring a neighborhood area for the day or if you just want to ride a bike around Central Park for an hour!
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There are many bike rental options in New York, with Citi Bike being the most popular and having a good number of rental stations. Remember to just be careful, always use a helmet, and make sure that you're always in the designated bike lane.
Getting Around New York City via Taxi or App
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As with any major metropolitan area, you can also always just take a cab to get to where you want to go in New York City. Riding in one of New York City's iconic yellow taxis can be thought of as a bucket list experience on its own, and it's definitely a more private and spacious way to travel the city.
Klook tip: All cabs in New York City are required to accept credit card payments with no minimum fare, so you can always use your card to pay for your trip in a pinch! This is a requirement among all NYC cabs so if the driver claims their credit card machine is broken and is making you pay cash, you can raise this issue to the proper authorities or cab company.
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If there aren't any cabs in your area or if you want to eliminate some of the "random" factors of using a cab, then you can also use ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Lyft. Ride-hailing apps can be considered the easiest option for moving around New York City but will often be the most expensive- especially with surge charging!
Unique Things To Do in New York City
Now that you have a handle on your transportation options in the city, we can start exploring! While a lot of cities try to emulate New York, there really isn’t anything like the real deal. If you want to have a uniquely New York experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, think about trying out some of these activities to add some personality to your trip!
Find the Best View of the New York City Skyline
One of New York City's most famous characteristics is its own architecture and design. The many skyscrapers that adorn the city skyline give New York a truly distinct and remarkable look, and it’s definitely worth going all the way up a skyscraper to get a better view of that skyline.
Take your sightseeing to the next level (literally) by visiting one of New York's truly iconic observation decks as it’s a different experience when you see the skyline that’s been depicted in so many movies, shows, and pictures with your own eyes. From the city's tallest building (the One World Observatory) to the city's most famous one (the Empire State Building) and to many other breathtaking options, don't be surprised if a trip or two up the observation deck ends up being the highlight of your trip!
Klook tip: If you have the time, try going both during the day and at night! We’re not exaggerating when we say that the city and its skyscrapers come alive at night with all the city lights on!
For the adrenaline junkies who want to take this idea up a notch, head on over to The Edge observation deck and strap in for a truly heart-pounding experience. The largest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, the Edge has a unique glass design that lets you look 100 stories straight down! If that isn't enough, you can put on a climb suit and actually scale a portion of the building and even hang in mid-air, straight out of a scene from Mission Impossible!
Want to go even higher? Marvel at the Big Apple from the sky and say yes to a trip you'll never forget by going on a helicopter tour! Get a special tour around the city by expert pilots and enjoy picture-perfect moments and sights that will leave you speechless as you fly over Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park.
Attend a Baseball Game at Yankee Stadium
When it comes to unique things to do in New York, this one is definitely a homerun! Whether you’re a diehard Yankees fan or someone who’s curious and wants to experience the fun of baseball for themselves, you will not regret making space for a baseball game. Make the sports pilgrimage to Yankee Stadium and be part of the great history of one of the most well-known sports franchises in the world.
Discover New York at Night
They don’t call NYC the “city that never sleeps” for nothing! The city truly comes alive at night and seeing the New York landscape transformed when the lights go on will always be an astonishing sight, whether you’re enjoying the scenery from a boat cruise, observation deck, or even a late-night helicopter tour!
Enjoy Different Arts and Cultures
A true global melting pot of cultures and artists, New York City offers many activities for the budding art aficionado. Want to bask in the glory of works from masters like Vincent Van Gogh. Andy Warhol, Frieda Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, and more? Head on over to the Museum of Modern Art and be treated to one of the greatest collections of modern art in the world!
Or would you rather make art instead of just looking at it? Try out a graffiti art lesson in Brooklyn and learn more about the history and skill that goes into the mesmerizing graffiti art that New York City has become a home to.
Watch a Broadway Show
If you’d rather watch art than make it, then you’re in the right place! One of New York’s most famous areas, Broadway is the home of countless musicals that have captivated fans all over the world. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience world-class productions in person with these fun shows that are perfect for the whole family. Trust us, there’s nothing like watching a Broadway show in person AND IN NEW YORK at that!
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