As temperatures rise and schools let out for summer break, thousands of visitors are expected to head to New York City for vacations, sightseeing and special events.
To help travelers plan their trips, Tripadvisor released its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do, highlighting some of the top-rated attractions and tours in New York City based on visitor reviews.
Here are some of the experiences visitors say you should not miss this summer in New York City.
Central Park pedicab guided tours
Skip some of the walking and explore Central Park by pedicab while taking in landmarks like Bethesda Fountain, the lake and its famous swan boats, and scenic tree-lined paths throughout the park.
Many tours include guides who share historical facts and stop for photos along the way.
9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero tour
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan remains one of the city’s most emotional and meaningful destinations.
The memorial’s twin reflecting pools sit where the World Trade Center towers once stood, with the names of victims etched into bronze panels surrounding the waterfalls. Nearby, the museum documents the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the city’s recovery.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour
A ferry ride from Battery Park takes visitors to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, two of New York’s most iconic historic sites.
Tours typically include views of the Statue of Liberty, as well as exhibits detailing the history of immigration through Ellis Island.
Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens bus tour
Many visitors never make it beyond Manhattan, but guided tours through Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens offer a broader look at New York City’s culture, neighborhoods, food and history.
Stops often include street art, local landmarks and well-known food spots.
Chinatown and Little Italy food tour
Chinatown and Little Italy sit side-by-side in Lower Manhattan, making them popular destinations for food tours.
Visitors can sample foods ranging from dim sum to cannoli while learning about the immigrant communities that shaped the neighborhoods.
Greenwich Village food tour
Greenwich Village food tours often feature New York staples like pizza, bagels and desserts while showcasing one of Manhattan’s most historic neighborhoods.
Many tours also highlight the area’s arts and music history.
Empire State Building observation deck
The Empire State Building remains one of New York City’s most recognizable attractions.
Visitors can take in panoramic views from the 86th-floor observatory, while upgraded tickets provide access to the 102nd-floor deck.
Greenwich Village walking tour
Walking tours through Greenwich Village focus on the neighborhood’s role in New York’s arts scene and LGBTQ+ history.
Popular stops often include Washington Square Park and the Stonewall Inn.
High Line and Chelsea tour
The High Line, a former elevated rail line transformed into a public park, continues to be one of Manhattan’s most visited outdoor spaces.
Many tours combine the High Line with nearby destinations like Chelsea Market and Hudson River Park.
Guided tour of The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses more than 2 million works spanning thousands of years of history.
Guided tours often highlight major collections, including Greek and Roman artifacts, Egyptian art and famous European paintings.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Tourists say these are the best things to do in NYC this summer
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
