New York City is a mecca for design aficionados, offering a myriad of experiences that span architecture, fashion, and the arts. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, there’s an abundance of design-centric activities to explore. Here are the 19 best things to do in New York City for those who have a passion for design.

1. Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Home to an extraordinary collection of modern and contemporary art including architecture and design.

2. Explore the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum – America’s only museum dedicated to historic and contemporary design.

3. Walk the High Line – Enjoy this elevated park’s landscape architecture, outdoor art installations, and city views.

4. Browse the galleries in Chelsea – Known for its concentration of art galleries showcasing both up-and-coming and established artists.

5. Take an architecture tour – Discover NYC’s iconic skyscrapers and hidden architectural gems with guided tours.

6. Discover the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Museum – Offers innovative and award-winning exhibitions on fashion.

7. Stroll around SoHo – Admire cast-iron buildings and visit boutiques featuring cutting-edge interior design.

8. Check out the New York Design Center – A hub for interior designers with 100+ showrooms you can visit.

9. Attend a Broadway set design – Take in a Broadway show and appreciate the intricate set designs that bring stories to life.

10. Experience The Met’s Costume Institute – View high-fashion through the ages in thematic exhibitions.

11. Look for street art in Bushwick, Brooklyn – An outdoor gallery full of vibrant, expansive murals by renowned street artists.

12. Tour Galleries at 200 Lex – Experience an array of indoor design from antique furnishing to contemporary art within The New York Design Center.

13. Visit Artists & Fleas Market – Shop or just browse through unique, artisan-crafted goods in markets located in Chelsea, SoHo, and Williamsburg.

14. Enjoy Public Design Installations – Engage with public artwork and installations throughout city parks and plazas curated by various arts organizations.

15. Explore the Museum at FIT – Another fashion haven which features innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions often focusing on avant-garde designers.

16. Shop at Design Stores like MoMA Design Store – Find products by influential designers that blend functionality with cutting-edge design aesthetic.

17. Admire Grand Central Terminal’s Beaux-Arts Architecture – A magnificent example of American Beaux-Arts design that is as functional as it is beautiful.

18. Relax at Seaport District NYC – With its revitalized historic architecture mixed with modern design elements it’s a great place to unwind by the water.

19. Take Part in NYCxDESIGN Festival (Seasonal) – Attend this annual event celebrating New York City’s bustling creative community, with exhibitions, installations, trade shows, panels, product launches, open studios, and more.