7 Fun Things To Do In NYC For Young Adults - Exciting Adventures Await!

Fun Things To Do In NYC For Young Adults

New York City! Whether you’re a young adult ready to dive into your first big city experience or a parent planning an awesome trip with your teen, New York City is the place to be! From visiting museums and enjoying picnics in the park to shopping and checking out famous landmarks, there’s so much fun to be had in the city that never sleeps. Get ready for some awesome adventures!

 

1) Taste The City – Join A Fun Food Tour!

Let’s be real – who doesn’t love delicious food? Young adults are always searching for tasty bites and new experiences. At Eyes On Manhattan, we’re all about exploring the vibrant food scene in NYC!

Imagine enjoying delicious dishes in Chinatown and Little Italy or discovering cool new spots from local eateries. Our walking food tours are a great way to taste what makes this city so unique. Plus, you’ll get to see historic buildings and learn about New York’s rich history along the way.

As you stroll through the city, you’ll pass by iconic landmarks like Penn Station and Grand Central Station, where you can soak in the hustle and bustle of NYC residents going about their day. It’s a perfect blend of food and culture that you won’t want to miss!

Ready to munch your way through NYC? Don’t wait – book your tour today and step into the vibrant heart of the city!

 

2) Enjoy Some Cultural Activities

New York is known for its artistic flair, and there’s plenty of sights and activities to explore! Whether you’re a ballet, theater, or film buff, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few exciting options:

  • New York City Ballet – They believe ballet is for everyone! Enjoy a family-friendly program or even take a class made just for young adults.

  • Broadway Shows – Experience the magic of live theater! Catch a Broadway show or an off-Broadway play for a truly unforgettable night.

  • Lincoln Center For The Performing Arts – This cultural hub is the place to go for everything from opera to film. Don’t let it pass you by!

  • Central Park – In the summer, enjoy free theater performances right in the heart of the park. What a great way to soak in some culture!

Pro Tip: Check for discounted tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square for Broadway shows. It’s a great way to catch a performance without breaking the bank!

 

3) Outdoor Fun For Everyone

If you love the outdoors, NYC is like a giant playground! There’s plenty of activities to enjoy, whether you prefer biking, strolling, or seeking thrills. Here are some fun outdoor options:

  • Governors Island – Rent a bike and ride around the 7 miles of car-free paths with stunning views of Lady Liberty and the NYC skyline. After biking, chill out at Hammock Grove or explore Fort Jay and Castle Williams.

  • Luna Park – Thrill-seekers, this one’s for you! Head to Coney Island for an amusement park filled with fun rides and tasty treats.

  • Brooklyn Heights Promenade – Take a walk along the promenade for breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.

  • Hudson River Park – This park runs along Manhattan’s western edge and features green spaces, sports facilities, and beautiful waterfront views.

  • Madison Square Park – Located in the Flatiron District, this park is perfect for relaxing, enjoying art installations, and soaking up the sun.

  • Battery Park – With stunning views of New York Harbor, you can explore historical monuments and enjoy lovely waterfront walks.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Governors Island was once a military base? Today, it’s a popular spot for outdoor activities and events, making it a great escape from the city hustle!

 

4) Dive Into NYC’s Rich History

New York City is packed with history, and there are so many cool places to explore! Here are some spots where you can learn about the city’s past:

  • The New York Historical – Explore exhibitions covering everything from the Revolutionary War to modern art.

  • New York Transit Museum – This museum gives you a peek at vintage subway cars, buses, and the history of the city’s transit system.

  • American Museum Of Natural History – One of the largest museums in the world, it’s home to amazing exhibits about everything from dinosaurs to outer space.

  • Empire State Building – Don’t forget to visit the observation decks for jaw-dropping views of Manhattan!

Get ready to dig into New York’s history and uncover some really cool stories that have helped shape this city and its culture! Each landmark and museum is like a time machine, with quirky facts and fun tidbits that will make you feel like a history detective.

 

5) Where To Hang Out At Night

When the sun goes down, NYC comes alive! There are tons of fun places for young adults to hang out. Here are some favorite spots:

  • Bryant Park – This park changes with the seasons. Enjoy ice skating and hot chocolate in winter, and free concerts in summer!

  • Soda Club – A great spot for those under 21, this is a great spot to chill with friends and enjoy yummy ice cream treats.

  • East Village – Known for its vibrant nightlife, this area is filled with clubs, bars, and music venues.

  • The High Line – This elevated park offers a unique nighttime stroll with beautiful views of the city lights. It’s a perfect spot to unwind, take in the sights, and maybe even catch a pop-up art installation!

No matter where you choose to hang out, the energy of NYC at night is contagious! From cozy parks to lively streets, there’s always something happening. Get ready to explore the city’s nightlife, and make some unforgettable memories under the bright lights of the Big Apple!

 

6) Time To Shop!

For shopaholics, NYC is a dream destination! There are so many options to suit every style and budget. Here’s where young adults love to shop:

  • Fifth Avenue: Stroll down this iconic street in Midtown Manhattan, where you’ll find famous stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., and Apple.

  • SoHo: This trendy neighborhood is a haven for fashion lovers, featuring a mix of high-end boutiques, unique shops, and popular chain stores.

  • Chinatown – Don’t miss the vibrant streets of Chinatown, where you can find unique souvenirs like handmade trinkets, traditional Chinese herbs, and delicious snacks to take home.

  • Union Square – Check out the Union Square Greenmarket for fresh produce, artisan goodies, and local crafts.

Whether you’re hunting for the latest fashion trends, unique souvenirs, or just browsing for fun, NYC has it all! The vibrant atmosphere and diverse shopping options make every trip an adventure – you never know what hidden gems you might find!

 

7) Unique Experiences And Interactive Exhibits

NYC is full of unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Here are some must-see exhibits:

  • Museum Of Ice Cream – This whimsical, Instagram-worthy spot lets you play in a pool of sprinkles and sample delicious treats. It’s a sweet dream come true!

  • Color Factory – An interactive art exhibit filled with colorful installations and sensory experiences for everyone to enjoy.

  • Greenwich Village – Known for its bohemian vibe, you never know what cool discoveries await you here!

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for special events or pop-up experiences happening around the city – NYC is always buzzing with something new and exciting!

 

Ready For Your NYC Adventure?

At Eyes On Manhattan Tours, we’re all about creating unforgettable adventures just for you! From cultural landmarks to hidden gems, our expert guides will help you experience the very best of the city.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, we tailor our tours to make sure you discover the magic that makes NYC so special.

Don’t miss out on the chance to explore NYC like never before. Visit our website to learn more and book your tour today! Your NYC adventure awaits – let’s make it epic together!

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

1830s Gotham in Lower Manhattan: From Moving Day to The Great Fire of 1835

Dramatic events from 19th-century New York come to life on this unique tour!

While New York is a city continually changing and evolving in almost every aspect, it’s hard to top the upheaval of the 1830s. Between the worst fire in New York City history to absolute pandemonium surrounding Moving Day — when all NYC leases expired on the exact same day — it was truly one of the city’s wildest periods. It’s time to hit the streets and uncover the stories and remnants of 1830s New York like never before.

Join Eyes On Manhattan for an exploration of lower Manhattan and the notable sights and scandals of 1830s New York, with a close look at 1835 and how a single year forever changed New York City in big ways.

Led by James Scully — NYC tour guide and director / co-creator of the award-winning historical audio fiction soap opera, Burning Gotham

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

Secrets of the Lower East Side Tour and Tasting

Delve into the rich history of the Lower East Side, once the most densely populated district in the world. This tour offers a glimpse into the past, focusing on the era of Jewish immigration and the transformation of the neighborhood over the last hundred years. Explore the remaining vestiges of this vibrant history and enjoy tastings at some of the area's iconic food establishments.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

Secrets of the Upper West Side

Embark on a captivating tour of the Upper West Side, one of Manhattan's most desirable neighborhoods. This area is renowned for its magnificent architecture and rich history. Our guided tour will take you through the scenic streets along Central Park and Riverside Park, where you'll learn about the transformation of this area from farmland to a bustling urban neighborhood.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

Chinatown, Little Italy & The Lower East Side

Explore the vibrant history and culture of New York City's Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side. This walking tour offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the transformation of historic buildings into modern spaces while sampling traditional Chinese, Italian, and Jewish foods. Discover the impact of immigration on these neighborhoods and uncover the stories of tenement life.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

The History of Old New York

Embark on a journey through time with our 'The History of Old New York' walking tour. Discover how New York City evolved from a Dutch trading post to one of the greatest cities in the world. This tour will take you through the pivotal moments in history that shaped the city and the nation, including the Revolutionary War and the influence of key figures like Alexander Hamilton.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

42nd Street from West to East

Explore the iconic 42nd Street in Manhattan, a vibrant hub of history and culture. This guided walking tour takes you through the heart of New York City, showcasing its transformation from farmland to a bustling urban center. Discover the stories behind famous landmarks and hidden gems as you stroll along this legendary street.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

The History and Secrets of the Bowery

Explore the rich history and hidden secrets of the Bowery, one of New York City's most architecturally and historically diverse streets. This tour takes you through a 1.5-mile stretch filled with stories of theaters, grand bank buildings, and flophouses. Discover how this major thoroughfare, once a Native American trail, became a hub of wild fun and cultural significance.