Things to do in
Upper Manhattan

Our most recommended things to do in Upper Manhattan

NYC: Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

1. NYC: Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

Get entry tickets to Edge, a marvel of architecture, engineering, and technology, suspended in mid-air over 1100 feet above the ground. Get the feeling of floating in the sky and take in the entire Manhattan skyline from Edge's unique vantage point on the western side of Midtown Manhattan. Begin your journey on Level 4 of The Shops at Hudson Yards, where you will enter into an immersive multimedia experience explaining the design, construction, and sustainability of Hudson Yards. Then, head up over 1100 feet to the Observation Deck, and then 80 feet out into the air on the Outdoor Sky Deck. Here, frameless glass panel walls are boldly angled outwards to allow you to feel the thrill of leaning out over the edge with the busy city below. Next, stand on the glass floor and look over 100 stories straight down to the city streets below your feet. At Edge's furthest point, The Eastern Point, there's space for one person to stand alone, surrounded by glass, air, and sky—you will never have had a picture quite like it. The upper level also features the Skyline Steps, where you can look out over the top of the glass panels and past the edge of the deck. Have a seat and hang out in the sky with your friends and family, or head indoors and sip champagne or a signature cocktail at the Champagne Bar. When you leave be sure to visit Hudson Yards' centerpiece, Vessel, or enjoy a bite to eat or a shopping experience at The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards.

New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket

2. New York City: American Museum of Natural History Ticket

Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities at the American Museum of Natural History, in New York City. Located just across from Central Park, the museum is home to over 32 million specimens. Benefit from all-day entry and use the option to upgrade your general entry ticket to include special exhibitions. Explore all permanent exhibitions as well as the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Wander around 45 Museum Halls to learn about dinosaurs and diamonds, and everything in-between. The new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation is an incredible addition to the museum, featuring state-of-the-art exhibits and immersive experiences that are perfect for all ages. You can explore the mysteries of the universe in the planetarium, journey through time in the Hall of Biodiversity, and come face-to-face with some of the world's largest and most incredible creatures in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. As you wander through the museum, you'll be transported to different worlds and eras, from the depths of the ocean to the vast expanse of space. You can learn about the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece, marvel at the stunning gems and minerals in the Morgan Memorial Hall of Gems, and discover the fascinating world of insects in the Butterfly Conservatory. Look out for the iconic Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton and Easter Island head that inspired characters in the film "Night at the Museum." Connect to the museum's WiFi and download the free Explorer App to your smartphone. The app offers turn-by-turn navigation, behind-the-scenes stories about exhibits, quizzes, and more. See the exhibition highlights at your own pace with the museum's self-guided tours of popular collections. Special Exhibitions Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium: Delight in the year-round immersive exhibit and mingle with up to 1,000 free-flying butterflies—and maybe even experience one landing on you! The Secret World of Elephants opens November 13, 2023, and explores the evolution of elephants, their political and cultural significance, and inspiring efforts to overcome threats to survival. Available with General Admission + One ticket type. Grounded by our Roots opens April 4th, 2024, a new exhibition of extraordinary works by up-and-coming Indigenous artists who draw inspiration from their cultural traditions, in the Northwest Coast Hall’s rotating contemporary art gallery. Included with General Admission. Giant-Screen Film Through March 31st: Blue Whales: Return of the Giants, narrated by actor Andy Serkis, takes viewers on a journey into the world of blue whales, a species rebounding from the brink of extinction on a massive 40-foot-high and 60-foot-high film screen. Starting April 1st through December 31st: Sea Lions: Life by a Whisker, dive into the world of a rare Australian Sea Lion pup—and meet the people that are trying to save her species in the giant-screen film

New York: CityPASS® with Tickets to 5 Top Attractions

3. New York: CityPASS® with Tickets to 5 Top Attractions

Visiting New York City? Experience 5 must-see attractions, handpicked and packaged together at a 40% savings, with New York CityPASS® tickets. Spend less time planning and more time exploring. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order. Valid for 9 consecutive days including the first day of use. Buy online for instant mobile delivery. Get admission to 5 attractions. Includes: •Empire State Building Observatory- AM/PM Experience, including 86th Floor Observatory admission and entry to the 2nd Floor Museum, plus bonus same-night general admission •American Museum of Natural History- Admission to permanent Museum halls, including over 40 galleries, plus a choice of one ticketed exhibition, the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, giant-screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show (based on availability; Invisible Worlds not included) Plus choose 3 of the following: •Top of The Rock® Observation Deck- General Admission •Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island- General Admission ticket for one Statue City Cruises ferry ride to and from Liberty Island and Ellis Island, audio guides, and admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration (Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access not included) •9/11 Memorial & Museum- General Admission •Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises- One regularly scheduled Landmarks Cruise, Liberty Midtown Cruise or Liberty Super Express Cruise (check circleline.com for current schedules) •Intrepid Museum- General admission, including the Space Shuttle Pavilion, the submarine Growler, the immersive Kamikaze experience, and all temporary exhibitions •Guggenheim Museum- General admission to the Guggenheim’s collection and special exhibits, plus a free digital guide (accessed via personal mobile device) Plan Your Trip: Visit my.citypass.com to make reservations (if required), access tickets and view attraction details.

New York: Go City Explorer Pass - 90+ Tours and Attractions

4. New York: Go City Explorer Pass - 90+ Tours and Attractions

Explore iconic New York with Go City for one low pre-paid price. With a selection of over 90 must-see NYC attractions, museums, and tours, you can save up to 50%* compared to buying separate attraction tickets. Design your own New York adventure with access to the most popular attractions on one easy-to-use digital pass. Options include the Statue of Liberty Ferry, 9/11 Memorial, Empire State Building, EDGE, and many more. Pick between a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10-choice pass, browse the guide or Go City app to plan your itinerary and check entry requirements. Scanning your pass at the gate or ticket office of an attraction (or tour) for the first time will activate it. You then have 60 days to use the remaining choices purchased. Your pass also features special perks including gift shop discounts or a free audio guide at selected attractions, helping you make the most of your New York trip and save even more along the way. The New York attractions you can choose include:  Museums & Galleries • American Museum of Natural History • 9/11 Memorial & Museum • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) • Intrepid Museum • Guggenheim Museum • The Whitney Museum of American Art • Fotografiska New York • Museum of Sex • Museum of the City of New York Experiences • Empire State Building • Top of the Rock • One World Observatory • Edge • Central Park Bike Rental • Rise NY • 9/11 Museum Workshop: Hands-on 9/11 Tour • SPYSCAPE • Madame Tussauds • Harlem Jazz Series • Surrey Bike Rental Governors Island • Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental by Unlimited Biking • New York Yankees Game Tickets Tours & Cruises • Rockefeller Center Tour • Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off: 1-Day Classic Tour • Best of NYC Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry • The RIDE • Harbor Lights Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing • NYC Landmarks Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing • Central Park Bike Tour • Madison Square Garden All Access Tour • Radio City Music Hall Tour Experience • Greenwhich Village at Night Walking Tour • St Patrick's Cathedral Tour with Express Entry • Graffiti and Street Art Tour Walking Tour of Brooklyn • Secrets of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Walking Tour • Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour • Central Park TV & Movies Walking Tour • Yankee Stadium Tour • Wall Street Walking Tour • Catacombs by Candlelight • Pride Walking Tour • NYC TV & Movie Bus Tour • Top of the Highline and Hudson Yards Tour • Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Walking Tour • Chinatown Walking Tour • High Line - Chelsea - Meatpacking Tour • Little Italy Walking Tour • Greenwich Village Walking Tour • Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg • Woodbury Common Bus Tour (Round Trip + VIP Coupon Booklet) • Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts Walking Tour Food and Drinks • Food on Foot Tours *Savings based on sample itineraries on Go City website.

New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour

5. New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour

Manhattan brings to mind grand skyscrapers, taxi cabs, and a world-class attitude all of its own. See all this and more as an expert pilot flies you over NYC on a 15 or 20-minute helicopter tour. Soar over the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Madison Square Garden, among other landmarks. After take-off from the Downtown Heliport, swing down over lower Manhattan to see the skyline and streets below. Swoop over Battery Park to glance at Wall Street and its labyrinth of streets. Then sail over to Governor's Island, an island once reserved only for the city's dignitaries that now hosts summer concerts and public art. Then, fly over Ellis Island and see Lady Liberty shining brightly in the distance. Cruise right up to her eye for a new perspective of the Statue of Liberty. Enjoy all this before heading up the Hudson past the piers of Chelsea and the lights of Broadway. On your way back to the pier, head around the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and fly over Ground Zero where you can have a look at the exceptional work they're doing at the sight. Continue past Madison Square Garden and the Intrepid Air and Space Museum. See Central Park as your flight turns around to return to the heliport. Sights included in the 15-Minute tour: Statue of LibertyEllis IslandOne World Trade Center9/11 MemorialBrooklyn BridgeBattery ParkWall Street/Financial DistrictEmpire State BuildingChrysler BuildingMadison Square GardenTimes SquareU.S.S. Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space MuseumCentral Park Sights included in the 20-Minute tour: Brooklyn BridgeBattery ParkWall StreetStatue of LibertyEllis IslandOne World Trade Center9/11 Memorial SiteEmpire State BuildingChrysler BuildingMadison Square GardenU.S.S. Intrepid MuseumTimes SquareCentral ParkGrant’s TombGeorge Washington BridgeHarlem and Harlem RiverThe Bronx and Yankee StadiumPalisades CliffsSpuyten Duyvil Bridge

New York: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

6. New York: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

Experience the perfect introduction to New York with a Hop on Hop off Big Bus tour. Relax on an open-top double decker sightseeing bus while listening to insightful and engaging digital commentary. The bus route takes you on a captivating journey through New York's rich history and vibrant modern life, as well as its many memorials and museums. You'll have the opportunity to hop off and explore the city's most iconic historical sites, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Broadway, and the One World Trade Center with its 360-degree view of the stunning skyline. Pay tribute to the memory of those lost in the tragic event at the 9/11 Memorial just steps away. The Downtown Loop is a 90 minute circuit, while the Uptown Loop is 75 minutes. Many guests choose to ride a full loop to see the city before deciding where to hop off on the next loop around. Buses arrive every 10-15 minutes on the Downtown Loop and every 30 minutes on the Uptown Loop throughout the day. Explore Lower Manhattan on the Downtown tour, including popular neighborhoods such as the Flatiron District, World Trade Center, Battery Park, SoHo & NoHo, Greenwich Village & East Village, Chelsea, and the Financial District. Wander around Wall St. to see the famous Stock Exchange and Charging Bull. Eat your way through Little Italy and Chinatown, shop at the high-end boutiques in SoHo, or see the open-air observation deck at The Edge in Hudson Yards. Then make your way to the Upper East Side, home to some of New York’s most popular museums. Explore the Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). The Uptown Loop takes you through Midtown, passing by Grand Central Terminal and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Add a relaxing and scenic cruise around Liberty Island to complete your trip. Enjoy spectacular views of Lady Liberty and many more New York landmarks from a prime position on the Hudson River. Cruises last 1 hour and feature an onboard cafe and full bar, restrooms, outdoor deck space, air conditioning and indoor seating with large windows. Journey through New York on two wheels with an included offer at Unlimited Biking, NYC's premiere bike rental company. Purchase a 1-hour (minimum) bike rental and receive an extra hour free! Or, enjoy $5 OFF per person for any bike tour or Segway tour.

NYC: Manhattan Island All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour

7. NYC: Manhattan Island All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour

Experience the best views in New York City from inside a helicopter, complete with large floor-to-ceiling convex windows for your viewing pleasure. On your flight you will see the beautiful Central Park, Hudson River, and New York Harbor, including the Intrepid Museum. Cruise past the Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, the World Financial Center, and the Chrysler Building from up high, as well as the iconic Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Greenwich Village, South Street Seaport, and the Brooklyn Bridge, which dates all the way back to 1883. With tour narration and all heliport fees included, there is no better way to enjoy the dramatic and ever-evolving New York City skyline.

Central Park Bike Rentals

8. Central Park Bike Rentals

This is your chance to tour the Big Apple by bike. Whether you just want a couple of hours to cruise around New York City's Central Park, or a whole day to see every neighborhood in Manhattan, we have you covered! New York City's sightseeing bike rental offers a variety of high-quality bikes. Types include comfort, hybrid, mountain and tandem (for two people). Tag-a-longs and toddler trailers are also available. For your convenience and safety, the bike rental will include an illustrative map of New York City, a helmet, a chain-lock and a bike bag. Customer service is our priority. Our team members are pleased to offer recommendations about specific routes, must-seen attractions, and places to eat. Choose from several convenient durations to suit your personal schedule best. Bike rentals are available in 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, 4-hour or 24-hour durations to allow you maximum flexibility.

New York: 1-10 Day New York Pass for 100+ Attractions

9. New York: 1-10 Day New York Pass for 100+ Attractions

See all that NYC has to offer with the official all inclusive NEW YORK PASS. Visit 100+ attractions with a single mobile pass for one great price. Check in the view from the top of Empire State Building, take a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty, hop on and off a Big Bus Tour, and more. Simply choose how many days you'll be in New York and get unlimited admission to many of the city's best attractions, tours, and experiences. Activate your pass at the first attraction or tour you go to. Once activated, your pass records when and where you first used it and how long it will remain valid for. Your New York Pass is then valid for the number of consecutive days that you've purchased. Activities include: Popular Experiences • Empire State Building • Big Bus 1-Day Downtown & Uptown Hop-on Hop-off Tour • Top of the Rock Observation Deck • 9/11 Memorial & Museum • Edge • One World Observatory • Statue of Liberty Ferry & Ellis Island Immigration Museum • Best of NYC Cruise by Circle Line • Madame Tussauds New York • Central Park Bike Rental by Unlimited Biking • Guggenheim Museum • The RIDE Museums & Galleries • American Museum of Natural History • MoMA - Museum of Modern Art • Intrepid Museum • Museum of Sex • Whitney Museum of American Art • Fotografiska New York • Museum of the City of New York • New York Historical Society • Museum of Arts and Design • Museum of Jewish Heritage • Skyscraper Museum • New York Hall of Science • Museum at Eldridge Street • International Center of Photography • MOMA PS 1 • Staten Island Museum • The Paley Center for Media • Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum Family-friendly • Central Park Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking • 9/11 Museum Workshop: Hands-On 9/11 Tour • Marvel & DC Superheroes Walking Tour • Yankee Stadium Tour • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, New Jersey or Westchester • Staten Island Zoo • Staten Island Children’s Museum Hidden Gems • New York Botanical Garden • Catacombs by Candlelight Tour • Harlem Jazz Series – Tuesday and Friday • Cathedral of St. John the Divine • Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden • ARTECHOUSE New York Tours & Cruises • Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour • Rockefeller Center Tour • The Official Chinatown Walking Tour • How Money Was Made: Wall Street Walking Tour • Harbor Lights Cruise by Circle Line • Clipper City Tall Ship – Statue of Liberty Cruise (seasonal) • The Official Little Italy Walking Tour • New York City News Media Tour • Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Walking Tour • Brooklyn Bridge Guided Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking • See 30+ Top New York Sights Walking Tour Attractions and tours are subject to change. Check the digital guide for an up-to-date attraction line-up including opening times and instructions on how to access each attraction before you go. Some tours and attractions require advance reservations. * Savings based on sample itineraries on Go City website.

NYC: Circle Line Best of NYC Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise

10. NYC: Circle Line Best of NYC Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing cruise of New York Harbor and Manhattan Island as you discover the secrets of the city. You will circle Manhattan, passing 3 rivers, 7 major bridges – including the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge – 5 boroughs, and more than 101 sights in New York’s legendary skyline. Get up close to the Statue of Liberty and see Manhattan just as the great explorers would have seen it at the end of their long ocean journeys. Tour the city by water and see the outer boroughs drift by. Fun and knowledgeable tour guides will bring the city that never sleeps to life, telling fascinating stories about the breathtaking sights as you sail. See it all as you marvel at the best that New York has to offer. Cruise highlights include close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, Randall’s Island, High Bridge, Columbia University, Harlem, Gracie Mansion, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, The Cloisters, Grant’s Tomb, and The Little Red Lighthouse.

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Frequently asked questions about Upper Manhattan

Other Sightseeing Options in Upper Manhattan

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What people are saying about Upper Manhattan

Overall rating

4.5
(18,303 reviews)

Almost a Must Do, an unmissable activity, a magnificent view, walking on the transparent platform is a nice experience, my 5 year old daughter loved it. In the morning around 11 a.m., there was no wait, very few people, and the view was clear.

Really enjoyable and informative experience. Adam was really friendly and welcoming. We appreciated adam taking photos of us. We were able to feed destiny the horse carrots. Overall a fab experience and would highly recommend😁

We had a lovely time the guides was very friendly and knowledgeable we went with friends and we all stayed together

Amazing trip! Would definitely recommend the explorer pass!

Amazing New York is so much fun with so much to do