Things to Do in New York: Living in an exciting city brings a curiosity and desire to explore things. Often called ‘the Big Apple’ or ‘the city that never sleeps’, New York is one of the best cities to live in. The city is not only known for its artistic heritage but also for adventure, fun, and entertainment. There are plenty of cool things to do in New York for international students.
In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the things that international students must do in this amazing city. So, let’s dive right into it!
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Top 5 Things to Do in New York
New York City is bursting with iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re new to the city or just looking to explore, here are the top 5 must-do activities every international student should have on their NYC bucket list.
Watch an Exciting Broadway Show
One of the coolest things to do in New York is to see the best Broadway shows in New York. New York City is famous for its Broadway shows, where you can see blockbusters and exciting new productions. Some of the great options worth considering include ‘The Lion King’, ‘Hamilton’, ‘Hadestown’, etc. There is perhaps no better place than New York to watch famous worldwide musicals and to have an experience like no other!
Further Read: If You Are Living In Manchester, Don’t Miss Check Out Our Blog On UK Food Festivals!
Visit Famous Filming Locations
Many popular movies and TV shows are filmed in New York, and while you live in this city, you can visit some of the big screen sights. You can visit places where famous works of television like Friends, were shot. Located in Greenwich Village, the Friends Apartment is one of the most iconic buildings in New York. You’ll get to see the exact building that was used to take the exterior shots.
While you are there, you can also pop into a nearby restaurant, ‘Little Owl’, to grab lunch. Some other famous filming locations are the ones used for The Sopranos, Gossip Girl, Home Alone, etc. You can relive the moment of your favourite show and pose at some of these famous locations.
Enjoy a Day at Central Park
Central Park is probably one of the most iconic places in New York to hang out. Planning a day out or having a picnic in Central Park is one of the coolest things you can do in New York. You can also take a guided bike tour around the park and nearby sights close to your student accommodation in USA. The 843-acre park attracts over a million visitors every year and offers plenty of things to do, including options for food and drinks. Do visit it with your friends over the weekend!
Further Read: If you are planning to travel solo then you must read our blog Solo Travel Destinations From New York
Visit the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a must-see tourist attraction in New York City. The 305-foot-tall statue stands on Liberty Island as a symbol of freedom and hope to the immigrants who came through New York Harbour. You can take a ferry tour around the statue and explore its grounds. You can also take a beautiful view from The Crown or the pedestal. To get a good view of the statue, you can also go to Liberty Island. The museum here is also worth exploring!
Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
If you’re a student visiting New York, you’ve gotta check out the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). From Picasso to Warhol, you’ll see some of the coolest and most famous artworks ever created in this amazing museum. The best part? As a student, you might even get discounted tickets. This museum is filled with paintings, sculptures, photography, and more. Plus, there are often special exhibitions and events happening, so there’s always something new for everyone.
Safety, Etiquette & Tips for International Students
Navigating a new city like New York can be both exciting and overwhelming for international students. To help you settle in smoothly, it’s important to understand basic safety practices, cultural etiquette, and a few insider tips that will make your experience safer and more enjoyable.
1. Be Smart on Public Transport
New York’s subway is efficient but can be confusing at first. Always keep your belongings close, avoid empty subway cars late at night, and be aware of your surroundings. Use apps like Citymapper or Transit to plan your route safely and efficiently.
2. Follow Basic Street Smarts
Stick to well-lit, busy streets after dark, and avoid displaying expensive gadgets or large amounts of cash. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, move to a safer, public area. Save the NYPD non-emergency number (311) and emergency number (911).
3. Respect Local Etiquette
New Yorkers walk fast and value personal space. Avoid blocking sidewalks or talking loudly on public transport. It’s also polite to tip service staff (usually 15–20% in restaurants).
4. Learn and Adapt to Cultural Norms
NYC is diverse, but cultural misunderstandings can still happen. Stay open-minded, ask questions when unsure, and observe how locals behave in public, classrooms, or social gatherings.
5. Stay Connected and Informed
Join international student groups at your university for support. Register with your home country’s consulate in NYC in case of emergencies. Keep copies of important documents and be aware of local laws regarding alcohol, identification, and public conduct.
FAQs on Cool Things to Do in New York
The coolest thing in New York is to visit the famous Broadway shows.
New York is famous for its top-notch universities, food and cuisine, and its lifestyle.
One of the most interesting things about New York is that more than 800 languages are spoken throughout the city.
Some of the cool things to do in New York are visiting Broadway shows and planning a picnic at Central Park.
New York is one of the best study-abroad destinations. The city has world-famous universities and the lifestyle in New York for international students is also amazing, with lots of opportunities and extracurricular activities.
Absolutely—try public libraries like the New York Public Library or cafés like Think Coffee, Bluestone Lane, and Birch Coffee for a cozy study vibe.
Check out Roosevelt Island, the High Line, Bushwick’s street art, and the Noguchi Museum for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Yes, but there are restrictions. F-1 visa holders can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during the semester. Off-campus work requires authorization (like CPT or OPT).
Helpful apps include Citymapper (transport), Yelp (food), Meetup (events), and NYU Safe or your campus safety app if available.
Join campus clubs, attend cultural events, or use platforms like Meetup and Facebook groups for international student meetups.
This blog was all about the cool things to do in New York. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience, you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
| Additional Reads: |
| Earn Like a Pro: Amazing Money-Earning Apps For Students |
| A Guide to the Student Lifestyle in New York |
| Some Weirdest Laws in the US that Will Leave You Amazed! |
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