New York City is a magical place, with something for everyone to enjoy. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums and theaters, the Big Apple is a destination that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a culture vulture, foodie, or sports fan, New York City is a place like no other, with endless opportunities. Don’t miss out on these top 10 things to do in New York!
Top 10 things to do in New York
1. Visit the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, located in Midtown Manhattan, is a world-famous skyscraper. It was erected in 1931 and held the world record for the tallest skyscraper until 1970. Take the elevator to the 86th-floor observation deck for spectacular views of the city. On the 102nd story, there is a smaller observation deck. Aside from the observation decks, the Empire State Building features several other attractions, including a gift store and a multimedia display about the building’s history.
2. Explore Central Park
Central Park is an 843-acre urban park in Manhattan’s heart. It is a famous tourist and local destination, with numerous renowned sites such as the Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo. Central Park is an excellent spot for a stroll, a bike ride, or enjoy a picnic. Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of events and activities, including concerts, festivals, and athletic events.
3. Check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met, or Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a massive art museum located on the eastern side of Central Park. With nearly 2 million works of art on exhibit, it is one of the world’s largest and most famous art museums. The Met’s collection includes everything from ancient Egyptian antiquities to current and contemporary paintings and sculptures. Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of significant special exhibitions. If you visit New York, you definitely must see one of these incredible exhibitions.
4. Visit the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a must-see site for travelers to New York City and an iconic monument of the United States. Liberty Island, a tiny island in New York Harbor, is home to the landmark. To get to the island, take a boat from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Once on the island, you may enter inside the statue’s pedestal or take a ranger-led trip to the top of the pedestal for city views.
Pro tip: Get your tickets early if you want to go inside the pedestal; they sell out quickly! It’s first come, first served! If you want to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you must book ahead of time.
5. See a show on Broadway
The theatrical district in Midtown Manhattan is known as Broadway. It is the home of several of the world’s most famous theaters and is a must-see for theater enthusiasts. A broad variety of shows are available, including musicals, plays, and other live acts. The Lion King, Hamilton, and Wicked are among the most popular Broadway shows. You can’t go wrong with either of these options. My personal fave is The Lion King!
6. Shop on Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is a well-known retail corridor in Midtown Manhattan. Many of the world’s most prominent and luxury businesses, including Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue, are located here. It’s a terrific spot to go shopping and people-watch, and it’s also home to some famous monuments, such as the New York Public Library and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
More On The Famous Monuments
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City is a magnificent Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral. It is the United States’ largest ornamented Neo-Gothic-style Catholic cathedral. You should visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral to admire its architectural beauty and complex detailing. Furthermore, the cathedral has a long history and is a significant religious and cultural monument in New York City. It also provides a peaceful and quiet setting for reflection and prayer. Visitors are welcome to enter St. Patrick’s Cathedral and explore the inside. Every day, the Cathedral is available to the public for visitation and prayer. There are also guided tours offered!
- The New York Public Library is a system of public libraries in New York City, one of which is the landmarked Beaux-Arts Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. It is the flagship branch of the New York Public Library system and one of the world’s most recognized libraries. The library has a substantial collection of books, manuscripts, and other resources, including rare and unusual materials not found elsewhere. Visitors are welcome to enter the New York Public Library and tour its interior. The Library is available to the public for visiting and studying on a daily basis. There are guided tours available to explore the history, architecture, and collections of the library!
7. Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks. It’s located at the site of the former World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. The memorial consists of two large pools, each surrounded by the names of the victims of the attacks. The museum features artifacts, images, and human tales related to the attacks and their aftermath.
Visiting the 9/11 Museum is a powerful and heartbreaking experience that allows people to reflect and pay tribute to the victims of the attacks while also gaining a greater knowledge of the events and their impact. The museum is also a valuable teaching resource, giving context and information about the assaults, their causes, and their consequences. It also provides a time to reflect on the bravery and perseverance of first responders and the community that pulled together in the aftermath of the attacks.
8. Take a stroll through Times Square
Times Square is a bustling, vibrant neighborhood located in Midtown Manhattan. It’s known for its bright lights, billboards, and entertainment, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Times Square is a great place to take a walk and soak up the energy of the city. You can also find a wide range of restaurants, shops, and other attractions in the area…
Some popular things to do in Times Square include watching a Broadway show, seeing a performance at the Times Square Visitor Center, or taking a tour of the city. At night, you should not miss the street entertainers; there is usually a different show every night.
9. Go to a baseball game at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium is the home of the New York Yankees, one of baseball’s most successful and iconic teams. Going to a game is a terrific opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s sports culture while also seeing some top-tier baseball action.
In addition to watching the game, you may explore the stadium’s many facilities, which include food and beverage outlets, souvenir shops, and a number of exhibitions highlighting the team’s history. Being in the stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
10. Try some of the city’s famous food
New York is famous for its wide and delicious culinary scene, and there are several must-try items to eat during your stay. Pizza, bagels, pastrami sandwiches, and hot dogs are some of the most famous meals associated with New York. Other cuisines available in the city include Italian, Chinese, and French, as well as various trendy restaurants and food markets. If you are thinking about eating Chinese or Italian food. You must visit China Town and Little Italy.
There is a reason New Yorkers say ” There is no food like New York Food” and others have said New York is the culinary capital of the world. You need to visit and find out for yourself-You will not be disappointed!
Review of Top 10 things to do in New York
New York City is a vibrant and dynamic destination that offers something for everyone. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums and theaters, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in the city that never sleeps. Make sure you check out everything on this list, you will not regret it!
The Big Apple has congested streets and a complex transit system, New York City may be intimidating for newcomers. To make the most of your vacation, you need to know how to move about. The subway is the most efficient mode of transportation inside the city, yet it can be confusing for first-time travelers, but if you can figure it out. It is well worth it! Consider buying a MetroCard, which can be used on the metro as well as the bus…
Taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts are also available, although traffic may be congested and the cost can rapidly add up. Walking is another excellent option to see the city (My favorite), but be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye out for heavy traffic.
Day Trips To Take While In New York
There are so many fantastic things to see and do in New York as an adventurous traveler who loves the city! However, to completely enjoy all that New York has to offer, you must occasionally venture outside the city and explore the surrounding areas. Here are some of my favorite day trips from the city that will take you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure…
The Hudson Valley
A short train journey away, this lovely region provides a wealth of natural beauty and historic charm. You’ll enjoy getting lost in the tranquil countryside, whether hiking in the Hudson River Valley or touring the beautiful community of Cold Spring. And if you’re a history enthusiast, you must go to West Point Military Academy; it’s an absolute must-see.
Fire Island
This barrier island is a nature lover’s paradise and a great spot to get away from the city. Take the ferry to Fire Island and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or hiking among the many nature preserves on the island. It’s a wonderful haven in the heart of the metropolis.
Storm King Art Center – Located in the Hudson Valley, this outdoor sculpture park displays over 100 works by prominent artists. It’s the ideal location to spend a leisurely day roaming the gardens and admiring the art.
The Hamptons
This upscale beachfront community is ideal for a day at the beach followed by some high-end shopping. The neighborhood is home to some of New York’s most stunning beaches as well as a large range of luxury stores and art galleries, making it the ideal destination to indulge and unwind.
Philadelphia
Just a short train trip from New York City, this historic city is a must-see. Philadelphia offers something for everyone, from seeing Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Reading Terminal Market to strolling around the gorgeous Rittenhouse Square.
Bear Mountain
If you want to go on an outdoor adventure, Bear Mountain is the place to go. This state park, is approximately an hour north of the city, with stunning scenery of the Hudson River and the surrounding mountains. Explore the lake via hiking, biking, swimming, or renting a boat, and don’t miss out on the zoo, which is absolutely amazing.
Dream Vacations:
- Blue Ridge, GA;
- Tampa, FL
- Florida
- Yellowstone, WY
- Cincinnati, OH
- Las Vegas, NV
- Hawaii, HI
- Nashville, TN
- Vancouver, CA
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