25 of the Best Things to Do in New York City

1. Take in the Views from the Prime of The Rock

A metropolis as sprawling as New York, the solely means to get a grasp of the sheer dimension of the metropolis is from above and there’s no higher view than these on supply atop the Rockefeller Heart.

45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York

2. Uncover Midtown’s Artwork Deco Structure

There are numerous causes to love Midtown however for me, there’s none higher than the plethora of Artwork Deco structure to uncover. The obvious place to begin could be the Chrysler Constructing on Lexington Ave, which was as soon as the tallest constructing in the world. The neighbourhood surrounding the Chrysler is full of Artwork Deco structure, particularly if you happen to survey the buildings for the intricate detailing.

The Chrysler Constructing, 405 Lexington Ave

3. Stroll the Brooklyn Bridge and Discover DUMBO

When you’ve checked off all of the prime sights and points of interest to see in Manhattan, there’s the complete of Brooklyn to discover. Start by crossing the Brooklyn Bridge and making your means to DUMBO, one of the most charming and occurring areas of the neighbourhood.

Brooklyn Bridge

4. Afternoon Tea at the Baccarat Resort

Regardless of being an English custom, afternoon teas have had a whole increase in reputation in New York over latest years and have develop into a staple at many of Midtown’s main luxurious inns. Not solely is that this an indulgent afternoon to unwind, chill out and replicate in your day to date, however it is usually a good way to see and expertise some of the most lovely inns in the metropolis. The Baccarat is one of Midtown’s finest saved secrets and techniques and particularly so for afternoon tea – they provide a spread of teas themed on completely different locations equivalent to a standard English afternoon tea setting, Tsars of Russia tea providing and even a Moroccan themed tea with Arabic pastries.

28 W 53rd Road

5. Strive NYC’s Best Cookies from Levain Bakery

One of the finest methods to expertise New York City is to eat it and there’s no place in city that does cookies fairly in addition to Levain Bakery in the Higher West. Strive the home particular Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie first however if you happen to’re sport, order a comply with up Darkish Chocolate Peanut Chip Cookie for a really decadent afternoon pick-me-up.

167 W 74th Road

6. Discover the West Village

Again over in Manhattan you’ll discover one of the most charming neighbourhoods to discover in all of the metropolis: The West Village. Right here is the place you possibly can go to Magnolia Bakery’s flagship retailer (attempt the hummingbird cupcake – you gained’t remorse it), go to the Perry Road facade made well-known for being the exterior shot of Carrie Bradshaw’s condo in Intercourse and the City and wander the homely streets stuffed with costly brownstones and heat + cozy eating places with solely a handful of seats and even fewer tables.

West Village, New York

7. See Occasions Sq. at Night time

Regardless of being the most chaotic space of city after 5:00pm, Occasions Sq. is a must-visit at the least as soon as in your journey to New York, even whether it is simply in passing en route to a Broadway present.

Occasions Sq.

8. Go to Grand Central Terminal

Should you’re a fan of the hit collection Gossip Lady you’ll need to go to GCT for one of the most recognisable (opening) scenes in the collection and likewise to go to the Campbell Bar inside the constructing, which was additionally used to movie one of the opening scenes. Regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of the present or not, Grand Central Terminal is one of NYC’s important prepare stations and a mecca of exercise. Twice I’ve witnessed proposals right here!

89 E 42nd Road

9. Madison Sq. Park in Spring

Should you tire of the skyscrapers and large metropolis life and need to discover an oasis in the metropolis, there are a handful of lovely public parks to take pleasure in all through New York – one of my favorite being Madison Sq. Park. Probably the most lovely time of 12 months is to go to in Spring when the blossoms come to life and body the Flatiron constructing from afar.

11 Madison Ave

10. Marvel at the Flatiron Constructing

Talking of the Flatiron, that is one other intriguing piece of structure not to be missed whereas visiting New York City. Named solely for the indisputable fact that the form resembles a flat iron from a birdseye view, this has develop into one of New York’s most photographed landmarks.

175 fifth Avenue

11. Stroll the Williamsburg Bridge

Should you fancy a distinct facet to the metropolis and are wanting to go a bit of additional off the vacationer path, there’s a lot to uncover over in Brooklyn and particularly so once you break free from the hoards of vacationers in DUMBO to go to Williamsburg, a bit of additional North in Brooklyn. One of the simplest ways to see this neighbourhood in my opinion is to stroll from the Decrease East Facet (LES) to Williamsburg by way of the W’burg Bridge. The views again towards Manhattan are some of the finest in the metropolis, particularly at golden hour.

Williamsburg Bridge, Brooklyn, New York

12. Take in the View from North Williamsburg Pier

Whereas over in Brooklyn ensure to go to North Williamsburg Pier for one of the finest sundown places the place you possibly can see unobstructed views of Manhattan.

North Williamsburg Pier and Park, Brooklyn

13. Take a look at the Best Rooftop Bars in the City

There are countless rooftop bars in New York City and infrequently you’ll discover they supply the finest views of the metropolis – particularly at sundown. Some of our favourites embrace Salon De Ning in Midtown and Bar Hugo in Soho.

14. Vegan Ice Cream at Van Leeuwen

Vegans rejoice as a result of New York City is an absolute haven for plant meals and particularly when it comes to sweets. You’ll discover an countless provide of candy treats at By Chloe in Soho or at the Erin Mckenna Bakery on Broome Road, nonetheless it’s Van Leeuwen vegan ice cream that may really blow your thoughts. The darkish chocolate is life altering and their seasonal flavours are at all times price the journey the your native location.

A number of places | 152 W 10th Road

15. Row a Boat on Central Park Lake

One other quintessential NYC expertise is to not solely step foot in central park, however to make your means to the lake, lease a ship and row your means round the largest physique of water in the park.

16. Go to the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork

While in Central Park ensure to make your means over to the MET and stroll by means of the famed halls of artwork historical past. The gathering is large and warrants a whole day for a go to, particularly if you happen to’re visiting on the weekend and dealing with the crowds!

1000 fifth Avenue

17. Go to the John Lennon Think about Memorial

Over on the West facet of the park you’ll discover Strawberry Fields and the John Lennon Think about memorial – each of that are worthy of a go to, particularly if you happen to’re a John Lennon fan.

Think about, Terrace Dr

18. See a Broadway Present

Seeing new exhibits on Broadway has shortly develop into my favorite factor to do in New York City and oh boy, have I seen just a few! Common exhibits equivalent to Depraved, The Lion King and Ebook of Mormon are a secure wager, however it’s the exhibits I by no means anticipated to like that actually hit me arduous: Stunning (The Carole King Musical), Jersey Boys and Newsies are some of my favorite exhibits.

19. Eat a Pastry from Supermoon Bakehouse

Transfer over cronuts and rainbow colored bagels: Supermoon Bakehouse has taken New York City by storm with their luxe croissants, cruffins (a croissant muffin hybrid) and surprisingly good espresso (it doesn’t harm that Aussie baristas are behind them!)

120 Rivington Road

20. See the Statue of Liberty at Sundown

Seeing the Statue of Liberty has at all times been on my listing of issues to do in New York City, however for one motive to one other it has by no means occurred as an up-close encounter. One of the finest methods to see the statue is from the water itself, with the Staten Island Ferry being a preferred (and free) means to see the statue from afar. It’s also possible to take a sundown/night cruise on the Hudson River and see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge.

21. See a present at Radio City Music Corridor

A metropolis as sprawling as New York, there are sometimes worldwide artists passing by means of city with exhibits round the metropolis. Radio City Music Corridor is one of the key places for gigs and at all times has a present to look ahead to – test ticket grasp for upcoming exhibits.

1260 sixth Avenue

22. Strive Cereal Milk Ice Cream from Milk Bar

An offshoot from Momofuku, Milk Bar is legendary for his or her cereal milk delicate serve ice cream which, as you might need guessed, tastes identical to the milk leftover after a bowl of cereal. This has develop into a should cease for me each journey to New York and I promise you it’ll develop into your new go-to!

251 E 13th Road, East Village

23. Go to the New York Public Library

Should you’re a bookworm like me then be sure to don’t miss the likelihood to step inside the New York Public Library. From a map assortment to public research areas, there are completely different rooms and flooring to discover.

476 fifth Avenue

24. Go Procuring in Noho and Soho

If boutique procuring is your factor, head over to Noho and Soho for the final procuring expertise. Though you’ll discover all the worldwide designers on Broadway, there are oodles of nice native designers on the facet streets.

25. Fly over the metropolis

Should you’re keen to get a view of New York City from above then there’s no higher means to achieve this than boarding a helicopter flight over the metropolis. Though costly, it is a smart way to get a really feel for the dimension of the metropolis and see the metropolis skyline from a birds-eye view.