Menu
Expat.com

Things to do in New York with your partner, your family or your friends

Things to do in New York
shutterstock.com
Updated byAnne-Lise Mtyon 04 October 2023

New York is a world-class city that attracts millions of tourists a year. From galleries to live music, boutique restaurants, and flea markets, there is so much to do and see in New York that it is easy to get overwhelmed. Of course, we've had to leave out a lot, but we've collated a few suggested activities to do whether you're flying solo, with your partner, or out with your family and your friends.

With your partner in New York

New York is bustling and lively, but it's also a city for romance. No matter the season, you can take long walks with your partner in Central Park and feel like the famous movie couples who have walked there before you. On sunny days, go for a boat ride on The Lake – it's like being in a romantic comedy.

One of the most romantic things you can do in the city is walking hand in hand across the Brooklyn Bridge. Try to go early in the morning: watching the sun rise behind the skyscrapers will leave you amazed. And to end your day right, catch the sunset from a rooftop bar with a view of the skyscrapers – The Press Lounge and The Refinery are cozy options.

With your family in New York

There are lots of playgrounds in New York scattered among parks and neighborhoods. They're a great place to take kids. They can play there, have ice cream, or even see goats, cows, and pigs at the Tisch Children's Zoo on the east side of Central Park.

If you like museums, there are a few in New York that are suitable for families. The Museum of Natural History is a huge museum with great exhibitions about nature and past civilizations that appeal to kids and adults alike. A must: visiting the real-size dinosaurs! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum attracts children (and parents) who love space and gadgets. The Metropolitan Museum has Egyptian mummies that are sure to intrigue kids.

Check out what is playing on Broadway, as there are often family-friendly shows available.

With friends in New York

There are so many possibilities for entertainment in New York, day and night. For an offbeat adventure with friends, consider an Escape Room – the city boasts numerous options, each with its own distinctive theme. Take it a step further with tickets to Sleep No More, a captivating, immersive theater experience set in a five-story 1930s hotel.

For something different, why not look into food tours? These guided excursions allow you to branch out and try culinary delights you might not have had on your radar. Night owls have many options, too – from whiskey bars, nightclubs for techno enthusiasts, extraordinary dining experiences, late-night performance arts, and so much more.

Useful links:

Activities for kids

The nightlife in New York

New York for the romantics

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

Back to New York expat guide

Comments

See also

All of New York's guide articles