CityPASS New York articles

Whether you're scanning Manhattan from a soaring observation deck, drifting past a floodlit Statue of Liberty, or moving through a world-class museum during extended evening hours, the things to do in NYC in the evening are every bit as compelling as anything on a daytime itinerary.

Times Square gets a reputation it only partly deserves. Yes, it's loud, commercial, and relentlessly busy, but the surrounding blocks are home to some of the best things to do in New York City, and most visitors walk right past them.

Midtown Manhattan is the kind of place that makes you stop mid-stride just to look up. From soaring observation decks to world-class museums and free afternoon retreats in beautifully maintained parks, this stretch of New York City packs more must-see experiences per block than almost anywhere on earth.

From sweeping skyline views atop the Empire State Building to the quiet power of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the fun things to do in New York extend well beyond the stadium. This guide covers the must-see NYC attractions to weave into your trip, along with practical advice for navigating the city during peak season.

New York City has a way of overwhelming first-time visitors in the best possible way. The sheer scale of it, the pace, the noise, the neighborhoods that feel like entirely different cities — it's a lot to take in. But with a little preparation, your first trip to NYC can go from hectic to genuinely exhilarating.

Should you rent a car in New York City? With Times Square, Central Park, and world-class museums waiting to explore, having your own car seems like it would make everything easier. The reality depends on your travel style, group size, and how you feel about navigating Manhattan traffic and parking challenges.