Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan (You Haven’t Done Before)

You’ll have noticed by now that Midtown is pretty popular with tourists but, locals, how well do you know the area? Not as well as you think, probably.

Discover Midtown like never before on a self-guided scavenger hunt that blends adventure with the city’s glittering and occasionally gasp-worthy history. Solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and weave through iconic spots like Macy’s and Broadway Theater District. Perfect for locals, tourists, and corporate team-building alike.

Looking for things to do in Midtown Manhattan you won’t have done before? This is for you.

Become the detective in a thrilling outdoor murder mystery game that takes you through the darker corners of Midtown and Chelsea. With cryptic clues and gripping storytelling, this immersive experience is perfect for murder mystery-lovers looking for something different to do in NYC.

What’s the phrase: it’d be rude not to? 

Listen, it’s not every day you get to sip on something delicious in a fancy part of town, so make the most of it by raising a glass at some of Midtown Manhattan’s most legendary and stylish bars. 

Here’s where we recommend:

• Monkey Bar: A classic, cinematic cocktail bar with a glamorous legacy that goes back to the ‘30s.
• King Cole Bar: Home of the original Bloody Mary, with iconic art and five-star vibes.
• Dear Irving: A two-floor time-traveling speakeasy with skyline views.
• The Rum House: Old-school charm meets jazz-infused cocktails near Times Square.

As one of Midtown’s most beloved green spaces, chances are you’ve already been to Bryant Park before. 

So why are we listing it here? Because Bryant Park is never the same place two days in a row. This place is a retreat from urban life with seasonal markets, ice skating in the winter, outdoor movie nights in summer, and a rotating list of free events year-round, right behind the New York Public Library.

Looking for things to do in Midtown Manhattan that put a spring back in your step? Then you’ve gotta check out these espresso bars. 

Fuel your Midtown adventure with a cup of artisanal coffee from our favorite spots:

• Little Collins: Aussie café vibes and killer flat whites. Seriously, Melbourne coffee isn’t like other coffee. It’s just…better. Trust us on this one. 
• Zibetto: Authentic Italian espresso standing bar. Can’t go wrong. 
• Stumptown Coffee Roasters: A pioneer of NYC’s third-wave coffee movement.
• Macchiato: A cozy gem for those in need of caffeine and calm.

With 40+ beers on tap, rooftop seating, and all the sports you could want, The Perfect Pint definitely  lives up to its name. 

This classic Midtown pub is ideal for happy hour, game day, or casual drinks with friends. Plus, losing a few hours here with some of your best buddies is what I call one of the best things to do in Midtown Manhattan.

A beloved local dive with free karaoke Tuesday through Saturday, Keats Karaoke Bar is Midtown’s best-kept secret for a fun night out.

Friendly crowds, great drink specials, and zero judgment, just pure vocal joy. No, it doesn’t get better than that.

Undoubtedly one of my favorite things about NYC is the sheer diversity in the food on offer in this city. I mean, imagine. People from smaller cities never get the opportunity to sample all the world’s best cuisine within city limits.

Make the most of it by exploring Midtown’s foodie spots. And hey, while we’re here: South Asian cuisine is super diverse. Not all of it is spicy, it’s often vegetarian and gluten-free friendly, and most of all, it’s just delicious. 

• Bungalow: Modern Indian cuisine with bold flavors and stylish décor.
• Bengal Tiger: A hidden gem known for its hearty curries and lunch specials.

Looking for things to do in Midtown Manhattan that fill your stomach? 

Joe’s Pizza is an NYC icon for a reason. Serving up crispy, classic, no-frills slices since 1975, this Midtown pizzeria brings authentic New York pizza to the heart of the city.

Another park, I hear you say? This isn’t just a park. This is a floating park above the Hudson River, and thanks to 32 tulip-shaped pots, it helped a devastated area regenerate. 

Apart from being a seriously cool piece of landscape design, Little Island has public art and stunning city views. Just a short walk from Midtown, it’s a great place to hang out with a friend or just get a breath of fresh air.

Told you our list of things to do in Midtown Manhattan wouldn’t be the same-old stuff.

This unique Midtown museum is dedicated to the art and cultures of the Himalayas, India, and neighboring regions such as Nepal. Honestly, it’s incredible that this museum has stayed off of so many people’s radars, and it’s packed full of thought-provoking exhibits and calming spaces. 

Check it out if you get the chance!

When they say poster, they mean poster. And not just the ones that decorated the walls of your teenage bedroom, either. 

Like the name suggests, Poster House is the first museum in the U.S. dedicated to the global history of posters. Political posters, fun posters, interesting posters, they’re all here and located in Chelsea. 

Visiting it is an awesome way to appreciate a vibrant, design-forward space showcasing how visual communication has shaped politics, pop culture, and art. A must-visit if you’re into graphic design!

We’ll end the list on a calming note, and there’s nowhere better than Stuyvesant Cove Park. Stroll along this peaceful East River green space for waterfront views and garden-lined paths, and there’s even an area for dogs if you want to bring your pup along. 

Shout out to the nearby Bellevue Sobriety Garden which has some really cool sculptures in, too.