From free “SNL” tickets to hidden-gem restaurants to discounted Broadway shows, here are allllll my tips for the best things to do, see, and eat in NYC.

I’m the Editorial Director at BuzzFeed — where I’ve reported on TV, film, and lifestyle trends (travel, fitness, and food) since 2013 — and I also post about the latest in pop culture news to my 850k+ followers on TikTok.

Some of these suggestions will be totally underrated, while others will be a little more touristy because, after all, you're visiting the greatest city in the world and only have a finite amount of time to explore. Hopefully this will serve as a helpful guide for your next (or first!) visit, so feel free to take what you want and leave the rest.

Also, there are incredible places to visit in all five boroughs (yes, even in Staten Island), but for this specific article we're only focusing on Manhattan. Expect future recommendations down the line, but for now you can share your own favorites in the comments. Enjoy!

Aside from talk shows, 1iota also offers free tickets for sitcom tapings (all of those are in California), competition shows like The Voice, and movie screenings + premieres. You're welcome.

Howeverrrrr, I will say that going to a taping of SNL was easily one of my favorite New York experiences I've ever had. If you're not as lucky with the lottery but still want to attend, then you can try waiting in line at 30 Rock the night before for standby tickets. Just know that this is a LONG, boring, and sometimes cold process, and even if you're given a ticket, it's not guaranteed until your butt is physically in a seat at Studio 8H. Like, I've had friends "win" standby tickets, get into the elevator at the studio, and watch people who were in that very elevator with them get turned away AT THE SEATS because the last one was just taken. Talk about bad luck.

Here are my Playbills from the 2025 and 2024 seasons. I'm too embarrassed to share how many I have from 2026 so far...but just know it's a lot.

In-person rush tickets are harder to strategize for because most shows don't announce how many rush tickets they save. Like, I've been lucky enough to get tickets for popular shows several hours after their box office opened, but there have also been times when I've waited in line for over an hour and the person in front of me got the last seat. Personally, if the line is decently long, then I don't take the chance. But if you're traveling with another person, then I suggest splitting up so you can increase your chances at multiple rush lines.

currently losing my mind at how expensive tickets are to see Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal in Othello on Broadway. over $1,000 for mezzanine lol help pic.twitter.com/lZtxFtHZxl

For what it's worth, I've been to LUMA before. They used to host a free Rocky Horror drag bingo at their AperiBar, and even though I lost every single round, the drinks were flowingggg, so I still had a great time. They also had an on-theme drink called the "Time Warp" (pictured above), with gin and lemon and glitter and stuff, and it was DANGEROUS. I don't know if it's still in their rotation, but if you ever go and see arancini on their menu, then you need to get it. That's always my favorite thing to eat there.

Also, sue me, but you can't go wrong with a fast and cheap slice from 2 Bros. It only costs $1.50 for a big slice that genuinely tastes great, and it hits EVERY single time (especially if you're stumbling home from a tipsy night out).

Karakatta in Greenwich Village is also a great spot for ramen, too!

And if you ever need a place to relax for a bit, Bibliotheque doubles as a bookstore and wine bar, so it's a cute spot to take a breather after a full day of walking and sightseeing.