The Best Things to Do in New York City
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The best first-time things to do in New York City are walking Central Park, the High Line and the Brooklyn Bridge, and taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. All four are outdoors. Only the ferry requires a ticket.
What should I do first in New York City?
Pick one outdoor walk and one landmark. Central Park and the High Line are both on Manhattan and need no ticket. The Statue of Liberty ferry is the one landmark here that does.
Where is Central Park, and is it worth a visit?
Central Park is in Manhattan. It is entirely man-made, according to the Central Park Conservancy, and open 6:00 am to 1:00 am daily. Acreage differs by source (NYC Parks lists 840.01 acres, the Conservancy lists 843), so this page does not quote one.
What is the High Line?
A public park built on an elevated rail structure on the West Side of Manhattan, 1.45 miles long, free to enter.
Can I walk the Brooklyn Bridge?
Yes. The bridge opened in 1883 with an elevated promenade for pedestrians and cyclists, according to NYC DOT. The city has run projects to reduce crowding on it. This page gives no walkway layout or closure details, so check NYC DOT before you go.
How do I get to the Statue of Liberty?
Take the ferry. Ferries leave from The Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan and from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. From The Battery, ferries stop at Liberty Island first, then Ellis Island. From Liberty State Park the order is reversed. NPS says to buy tickets only through the operator, Statue City Cruises. This page lists no ticket prices or ferry times, so check statuecitycruises.com.
What is NYCUnlocked?
A New York City travel and shopping guide. Every page shows the date it was last updated.
Frequently asked questions
Is the High Line free?
Yes. The High Line is free to enter. It is a 1.45-mile elevated park on Manhattan's West Side, running from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street.
Where do the Statue of Liberty ferries leave from?
Two places: The Battery in Lower Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Statue City Cruises is the only ferry operator authorized by the National Park Service.
What are the hours for Central Park?
Central Park is open 6:00 am to 1:00 am every day, per the Central Park Conservancy.