Midtown Manhattan Activities

Pro: Close to many bars & restaurants, great access to multiple transit lines, nice parks, and close to NYU. Con: Can be noisy at night, especially during the weekends.

One of NYC’s most famous skyscrapers, the Empire State Building offers spectacular views from its 86th floor observation deck. You can also learn about the history of the building at its awesome exhibits.

Times Square

Times Square is a hugely popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, renowned for its flashing billboards, Broadway marquees, costumed characters and dazzling lights. It’s also the home of the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop ceremony.

Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy a trip to M&M’s World NYC, where you’ll find a whole room dedicated to all things chocolate! Then there’s Madame Tussauds, which lets you snap selfies with wax-versions of your favorite celebrities. From Taylor Swift to Dwayne Johnson, and from Elmo to the famous guitar-playing naked cowboy – there’s something for everyone!

Art lovers will want to pay a visit to MoMa, which is a short walk from Times Square. The museum is one of the largest modern art galleries in the world and features work from some of the world’s most famous artists.

The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous landmarks in New York and a must-see attraction for many visitors. This steel-framed 102-story skyscraper was built in 1931 and quickly became the world’s tallest building after it eclipsed the Chrysler Building.

The observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors offer impressive views of Manhattan and are a must-see part of any visit to the Empire State Building. However, the building also has plenty to offer beyond its breathtaking views. Check out the exhibits on display in the Story of an Icon museum on the 2nd floor, or head up to the observation decks at night to witness NYC’s iconic landmark lit up like a sea of twinkling stars.

The Empire State Building can get quite busy and there are often long lines, so it’s best to visit the attraction during the week when it tends to be less crowded. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets to skip the line and go straight to the top.

Madame Tussauds

Located in the heart of Times Square, Madame Tussauds is the world’s most famous wax figure museum. Guests can pose with celebrities, athletes and world leaders, as well as famous TV shows and movies characters.

Before the sculptures are made, the Madame Tussauds team takes more than 250 precise measurements and photographs of each person. The smallest sculpture is Tinker Bell, and the largest is the Incredible Hulk. Each figure is made 2% bigger than the person to help them stand out.

Learn about the history of Madame Tussauds when you visit the exhibit dedicated to her life and work. See how she used her sculpting skills to make political figures, sports stars and pop culture icons appear more real than ever. Meet your favorite musicians, A-list stars, and movie characters at the NYC attraction, or step into a darkly immersive Chamber of Horrors to face your fears with Annabelle, Pennywise and other horror villains.

The High Line

The High Line is a scenic walkway built on an old elevated railroad track. It winds north through Chelsea, past iconic art galleries and finally ends at Hudson Yards.

This attraction is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. It is especially romantic at night, when the city lights up all around you.

Several different activities and attractions await on the High Line, including art exhibitions, live music, dance performances and well-being programs. Free events and tours are offered throughout the year.

When you reach West 16th Street, look for the “spurs” that veer off from the main track. This is where water accumulated naturally, and it’s where the designers of the High Line incorporated this subtle feature into the park. This spur also runs through the Chelsea Market passage, which is a favorite of both locals and tourists.

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