Three unique things to do in Midtown NYC are going to “The FRIENDS Experience,” trying the City Climb at Edge, and visiting the Edge Observation Center for the best view of the city.
New York City, especially Midtown, is a labyrinth where you can keep moving in circles, but only because there is so much to be explored in the city. There are fun things to do in Midtown NYC at every corner of the street.
If you’re traveling to Midtown NYC, do not expect to explore everything, since the city keeps surprising even the locals with new things to do in Midtown NYC from time to time.
We really had to summon the Hawk vision for this one! So follow through the list of a variety of free things to do in Midtown NYC today that you can instantly get to exploring!
Table of Contents:
What Is the Best Thing to Do in Midtown NYC?
Visiting The FRIENDS Experience is the best thing to do in NYC, because it lets you see New York the exact way you’d imagined it. The set from the TV show FRIENDS has itself become an inseparable part of the New York experience, and hence must be visited!
Move the pivot couch, chill at the Central Perk, and immerse in the millennial dream! However, several other activities in NYC are equally exciting; find the list in the next section.
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10 Best Things to Do in Midtown NYC for Children, Couples, and Young Adults
Here’s a list of all the things to do in Midtown NYC:
- The FRIENDS Experience– A Set of the FRIENDS TV show.
- Rooftop Cinema Club– Movie at sunset.
- Horizon of Khufu– Ancient Egypt VR experience.
- Coney Island Beach– Adventure activities & amusement park.
- The Edge– City climb & observation center.
- Mercer Labs Museum of Arts & Technology– Science & technology exhibitions.
- Gotham Archery Range– Introductory archery classes.
- Xanadu– Roller skating rink.
- Bronx Children’s Museum– A museum with interactive exhibitions
- Paradise Club– Partying and clubbing.
1. The FRIENDS Experience: The One in New York City
Here’s an interesting one! If anybody is a part of the FRIENDS fandom, this walk through the Flatiron District is going to be your dreams come to life.
It is kind of like being in your own FRIENDS episode, titled after the name of the place, “The FRIENDS Experience: One in New York City.” You must certainly visit the Central Perk, and who is to say, you might even find the “Por-Shuh” parked outside!
Top Experiences: Pivot the ‘pivot couch’, costume, artworks, script, Monica’s apartment, visit Central Perk, and more.
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Sunday: 10 am–7:00 pm (last entry)
Ticket Prices: Flexible entry (arrive at any date at any time) – $62
Standard entry (10 am -11:30 am)- $60
Early afternoon (12 pm-2:30 pm)- $57
Late afternoon and evening (3 pm-7 pm)- $54
2. Movie at Rooftop Cinema Club During Sunset
Watching an amazing movie at the top of a skyscraper is easily one of the best things to do in Midtown NYC. Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown offers this experience the best. Imagine a stunning view in the background, loved ones by your side, and the fresh NYC breeze brushing your hair.
For the movie buffs, this is undeniably a unique thing to do in Midtown NYC.
Top Experiences: Click photos, enjoy the view, fun and relaxing movie night.
3. Experience Ancient Egypt Through VR at Horizon of Khufu
A treasure trove of history awaits to be explored through Horizon of Khufu in NYC. Walking right through a major historical event is much preferable any day over reading about it in a book.
Experience this unique journey where you’ll witness the enormity of the Great Pyramids of Giza and attend the last rites of an Egyptian king. It is definitely one of the unique things to do in Midtown NYC due to its cinematic and dramatic experience.
Top Experiences: Experience virtual reality, exposure to Egyptian culture, dramatic and thrilling.
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Monday—Closed
Ticket Prices: Adult- $44
Child (8-17), Student and Military (with valid ID)- $39
Group Booking (min 4)- $40
4. Escape to Coney Island Beach
Nostalgia hits while talking about Coney Island because of its unique look and neon lights that remind us of our childhood days. There’s a lot to do here, like a boardwalk, and surfing, you can even take the children to the amusement park and click a bunch of photos.
Well, New Yorkers love a good tan, and this makes the perfect place for it, so maybe make a visit for the love of tinted skin!
Top Experiences: Fireworks show, mermaid parade, movie night, amusement park rides, and more.
5. City Climb at Edge
Get the main character’s feels by doing the highest external building climb in the world at City Climb by Edge. This is your chance to steal a Tom Cruise moment from life and feature in your own “Mission Impossible.”
Secured with a strong harness, climb on the skyscraper 1200 ft. above the ground. It is among the most unique things to do in Midtown NYC. Be ready to witness a lot of crowds in the Edge observation deck, which has seen a surge ever since the release of Final Destination Bloodlines.
Top Experiences: VIP sunset experience, champagne experience, observation deck, and an amazing view of the city are a few other things to do at Edge.
Operational Hours: 9 am to 11 pm (last climb starting at 10:10 pm)
Ticket Price: City Climb general package – $185
City Climb combo package (includes photos, edge access, digital video)- $215
6. Mercer Labs Museum of Arts and Technology
There hasn’t been a more coming-of-age combination of art and technology elsewhere in the world. The incredible exhibitions at Mercer Labs Museum of Arts and Technology feature dynamic and outstanding artworks.
Their artworks engage multiple senses at a time, creating a stunning amalgamation of art and technology, and redefining creativity the way we know it.
Top Experiences: Pneumatic Transmission, The Dragon, 4D Sound, The Line, The Infinite, The Music Box, and many more.
Operational Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 10 am to 8 pm
Thursday-Sunday: 10 am to 11 pm
Ticket Prices: Adult – $52
Children (4–17 years), students (with ID), and senior citizens (65+) – $46
Child under 3 years – Free entry
7. Gotham Archery Range
Put your aim to the test and live out your fantasy of being a medieval-age archer vicariously. Gotham Archery is an amazing and safe place to try it and makes it count among fun things to do in Midtown NYC.
This can be an opportunity to unlock a new experience with kids, where you can engage in learning a unique and exciting skill together.
Top Experiences: Introductory archery class, archery rentals, corporate events, party events, and more.
Operational Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm
Ticket Prices: Introductory Archery (1 hour for ages 10+) – $45
8. Go Skating at Xanadu
Skate in style at Xanadu skating rink in their American-made roller skates, designed by Reidell. The buttery Canadian maple floor, stretching across an area of 7000 square feet, is entirely hand-painted to match the modern and fiery look that skating calls for.
This counts among the most fun things to do in Midtown NYC for those who are sporty or just love trying out new hobbies.
Top Experiences: Bookings available for a group parties, private parties, and brand events.
Operational Hours: The timing for each workshop is different; check out Xanadu’s events calendar.
Ticket Prices: Check out the ticket prices for different classes and experiences in the events calendar (starting at $10).
9. Bronx Children’s Museum
Safeguard the curiosity and zeal in your child and foster their confidence in experimenting through various activities at the Bronx Children’s Museum. Help them unleash their imagination with the various interactive exhibitions available here.
The directors themselves are a diverse mix of individuals, thus fostering a wonderful space that encourages team building and cooperation among kids. This is an inclusive way to spend time with kids and thus one of the most fun things to do in Midtown NYC today.
Top Experiences: Exhibitions like The Wonder Room, The Enchanted Garden, The Waterways, The Woods, The Block, and many more.
Operational Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10 am to 1 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 1 pm; 2 pm to 5 pm
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Ticket Prices: Adult – $14
Children – $8
Senior citizen – $10
10. Paradise Club
When in NYC, there’s no missing out on clubbing, and Paradise Club has made a big name for itself in that arena. With the best music, an amazing crowd and even better service and snacks, it offers the most decent clubbing experience in the city.
Clubbing is at the top of the list when thinking about things to do in Midtown NYC on a weekend and Paradise is the best at it!
Top Experiences: Clubbing, music, socializing, and event booking.
Operational Hours: Friday & Saturday: 11 pm to 4 am
Ticket Prices: General admission starting at $75
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10 Fun & Free Experiences in Midtown NYC
Despite it being one of the most expensive cities in the world, it has plenty of free things to do in NYC:
- Day Trip to Governor’s Island
- Bryant Park
- Boat tour to Staten Island
- Central Park
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Times Square, NYC
- Grand Central Terminal
- Little Island
- New York Public Library
1. Day Trip to Governor’s Island
Escaping to Governor’s Island feels like going on a vacation, but without the hectic traveling and planning. Shopping at the FAD market, attending festivals, and strolling through the city are among the free things to do in Midtown NYC.
There are a lot of things to keep you busy, especially if you decide to get a massage treatment at the QC Italian spa; the day trip will be over before you know it.
Top Experiences: Sunset Soirée, NYC Lavender Festival, FAD Market, and more. Explore the latest events here.
2. Bryant Park
Hunt down free things to do in Midtown NYC today by finding out about daily events at Bryant Park. Activities available here are bird watching, painting, and sketching, which keep recurring every few days.
Even if you don’t wish to participate in any of the activities mentioned above, just a slow stroll around the park is quite leisurely in itself.
Top Experiences: Fitness activities, kids’ camp, kids’ creativity corner, arts & culture activities, and Bryant Park Shop.
3. Free Boat Tour on Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry has a long history of transporting individuals from Manhattan to areas surrounding it, and it is now one of the last remaining ferry systems in NYC.
Beware of scammers asking for money, as this ride is sponsored by the city of New York and thus, one of the free things to do in Midtown NYC. Find the detailed Staten Island Ferry schedule here.
Top Experiences: Enjoy the views of the Statue of Liberty, the Lower Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Downtown Jersey City skyline.
4. Central Park in the Core of NYC
Central Park is the most renowned conservation park in NYC, and for good reasons. The park has some of the most iconic spots that you must not miss.
However, if you’re one to be interested in simple activities, choose to go for the horse-drawn carriage ride, have a leisurely picnic watching the sunset, and the option to rent a bike is also available. If you have kids coming along, take them to the Central Park Zoo.
Top Experiences: Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, great lawns, and Bow Bridge.
5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most revered churches in NYC. Fostering a strong sense of community, this church is also known for its beautiful Neo-Gothic infrastructure, which you must not miss!
Sit in the church to spend some quality time connecting with God, and light a candle of hope to watch your thoughts illuminate with positivity. Be a part of their virtual community by subscribing to St. Patrick’s YouTube channel, where they often host live streams.
Top Experiences: Light a candle, sit through the prayers, seek forgiveness in the confession box, and find some solitude.
6. Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Brooklyn Bridge Park is located on the Brooklyn side of the East River. Visiting the Brooklyn Bridge Park is among the free things to do in Midtown NYC, which is a waterfront park.
Take a bike ride along the scenic shoreline or a calming stroll down the riverwalk. There are a plenty of things to do in the park, a few of them being ice skating, ping-pong, roller skating, basketball, biking, volleyball,
Top Experiences: Check out the places to see in the park, like Bird Island, Jane’s Carousel, Pier 4 Beach, Pier 3 Terrace, and more.
7. Times Square, NYC
Times Square, NYC, is an important commercial hub, entertainment hub, and tourist destination. It is more like the heart of NYC, constantly pumping life into the entire city.
There are artworks that are displayed in big hoardings here, and then there are creative pieces concealed in sounds, which take a keen eye to be noticed. Basically, just being present at the Square is a stimulating experience and definitely one of the best free things to do in Midtown NYC.
Top Experiences: Broadway, restaurants, shopping, public events, public art, etc.
8. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central is more than just a transit hub; there’s more to the experience, with history, architecture, dining and shopping, all under one magnificent roof.
See the Vanderbilt Hall, the Whispering Gallery, and the Grand Central Clock, and learn about the history of the terminal through a guided tour.
Top Experiences: Movie theater, Lexington Avenue, Chrysler Building, Grand Central Market, Tiffany Clock, New York Transit Museum Gallery and Store, and much more.
9. Little Island
Little Island is an artificial island extended out of the Hudson River. It is very interactive, with optical illusions, outdoor musical instruments, etc., and perfect for an escape from city life.
This is one of the best free things to do in Midtown NYC with kids that you can find. Especially because it helps them reconnect with nature, with an opportunity for bird-watching. Don’t miss the spectacular view from each lookout point when you’re here!
Top Experiences: Chelsea Market, High Line, and Whitney Museum of American Art from the Southeast Overlook. Verrazano Narrows Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island from the Southwest Overlook. Hoboken, Hudson Yards, and Pier 57 from the Northwest Lookout.
10. New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a sanctum of books and knowledge in NYC and a safe haven for bibliophiles. Starting from the architecture to the large collection of books, and impressive workshops, everything leaves you in awe.
It is made as a research hotspot, where you can access all the original sources! Participate in the events held at the library, like trivia, author talks, book discussions, arts and crafts, and more.
Top Experiences: Art exhibits, book collections, exhibition tours, and splendid architecture.
Time to wind up the things to do in Midtown NYC by heading down to the summary.
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Summary
Right in the heart of the city, there are plenty of things to do in Midtown NYC for everyone. Fun things to do in Midtown NYC are scattered throughout the town and are easily navigable.
There are so many places that offer a collective experience for all age groups, which makes them ideal for family hangouts. All these places and memories will be yours by the time you leave the city, and they’ll definitely find their way to your dreams!
FAQs
What are three amazing things you can do in New York?
What do people do in NYC for fun?
Fun things to do in Midtown NYC include visiting Bryant Park and Central Park and participating in various activities and sports. Young adults mostly prefer clubbing for fun.
What are the things to do in NYC this weekend?
You can go to Little Island for some relaxation, Central Park for fun activities, and go clubbing and make friends, as that’s what a typical weekend for a New Yorker looks like.
What is Midtown New York known for?
Midtown New York is known for its cinematic spots, which are often featured on-screen, like the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, Broadway, and various art galleries.
What are the things to do in Midtown NYC at night?
The unique things to do in Midtown NYC at night are watching a Broadway show, clubbing, having dinner at the rooftop of the Empire State Building, and going to a speakeasy bar that has jazz.
Sources:
Free Things to do in NYC by Brooklyn Bridge Park Organization
Staten Island Ferry by The City of New York
