New York City is arguably the most famous city in the world, and with such a huge range of things to do it’s no wonder it’s been nicknamed the city that never sleeps! The list is almost endless, but here is a round up of the best things to do in NYC, including some of the most famous attractions New York is known for, and some that you may not have heard of.
View the iconic skyline from a different perspective
The New York City skyline is far too iconic to be seen from only one angle, and the spectacular view is best experienced from a bit of a distance, so you can fully apreciate just how big the Big Apple really is.
A number of boat cruises allow you to do exactly that, taking you away from the hustle and bustle to give a panoramic view of the metropolis, perfect for photographers. Add to the experience with an all you can eat buffet lunch as you float past the Statue of Liberty, or a 3 course gourmet dinner while the city glitters under the night sky.
For the more active adventurers, Hudson River Park in Brooklyn offers paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing, while jet skis can be rented from the opposite side of the city along the New Jersey side of the Hudson.
Alternatively, if you don’t have great sea legs, or if you just want to soar above the tallest skyscrapers, why not take to the skies on an awe-inspiring helicopter flight for a birds eye view of the city’s most famous landmarks?
Soak up the culture at some of the world’s finest museums
The stretch of 5th Avenue alongside Central Park, known as Museum Mile, is home to the world renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of the City of New Yorksome and features the city’s most impressive collections of art, history and culture, .
Head across to the other side of Central Park for the Natural History Museum, perfect for all ages, or for a slightly less well known option head to the Cloisters, a subsidiary of the MET in a stunning building reminiscent of a medieval castle.
For more unique options, or for families with children, perhaps try the Museum of Ice Cream, or SPYSCAPE, an interactive spy museum where you can dodge lasers, crack codes and learn about all things espionage.
The best value option for entry into many of these top museums plus 100 more of New York’s biggest attractions is the city pass, allowing you to save big on entry prices.
Eat and drink to your heart’s content
New York City is a food lover’s paradise. Indulge in a 3 course meal at one of the 72 Michelin starred restaurants, or discover an enormous variety of cuisine at a food festival, such as Smorgasburg, a weekend market in Brooklyn which runs from April to November, with over 100 vendors offering delicious options from every corner of the world.
The Lower East Side is particularly well known for its selection of restaurants and bars, and includes Chinatown and Little Italy. Opt for a walking tour, discovering the history of this intruiging area all while tasting a selection of delicacies along the way.
If cocktails are more your thing, 230 Fifth is a rooftop bar with an absolutely stunning view of the Empire State Building.
Cycle Central Park
At 693 acres, Central Park is almost 6 times the size of Monaco! With 58 miles of pathways, only a fraction of the park can be covered in a day on foot, so cycling is a fantastic alternative option to get around. Sights such as the John Lennon Memorial, Bethesda Fountain and the Shakespeare Garden are easily accessible by bike, and a cycling tour is the perfect way to experience the best that Central Park has to offer with a knowledgable local guide.
Follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters
New York City has been the back drop to a plethora of movies and TV series, and recognisable sets can be found all over the city. Central Park, Grand Central Station and the Brooklyn Bridge are among the most filmed locations in the city, but there is so much more to be seen, from the Ghostbusters headquarters to the Friends apartment building.
To keep you nourished while you discover your film favourites, stop of at Katz’s Deli, made famous by When Harry Met Sally, or head to Tiffany & Co.’s flagship store on 5th Avenue, where the recently opened Blue Box Cafe means you really can have Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
To visit as many filming locations as possible, consider a tour of New York’s most famous movie and TV locations while a knowledgable guide gives insight into some of the industry’s best kept secrets.
Cheer for your favourite team
No visit to America would be complete without catching a sports match, and with two professional teams for each of the four major sports in the US, you’re not short of options on a visit to New York City. Get to grips with American Football with the Giants or the Jets, get pumped up at a fast-paced basketball game with the Knicks or the Nets, or get rowdy at a Hockey game supporting the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. And if you want to really immerse yourself in US sporting culture, head to the world famous Yankee Stadium for an afternoon of America’s Favourite Pastime, baseball.
Embrace your inner child at Coney Island
The nearly 3 miles of sandy beaches at Coney Island are lined with numerous family freindly attractions, most notably the theme park, featuring attractions such as the Cyclone roller coaster and the Wonder Wheel. Fill a day with lazing on the beach, adrenaline pumping rides, a visit to the aquarium, or even watch a minor league baseball game at the MCU Park stadium, and top it all off with an ice cream from Coney Island Cones.
If Coney Island is a bit too hectic for your liking, consider Brighton Beach in Brooklyn or Rockaway Beach in Queen – New York City isn’t known as a beach destination but there are some great options not too far out of the city if you’ve got a spare afternoon on a hot day.
Experience the glitz and glamour of a Broadway show
The fantastic performances put on by some of the world’s most talented singers, dancers and actors, is a classic New York experience not to be missed. With 41 proffesional theatres you’re bound to find a show to suit you, but unsurprisingly they are all incredibly popular, so book early to avoid disappointment! Current performances include Wicked, Chicago, Matilda, The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera.
Off Broadway shows and the Metropolitan Opera also offer great entertainment, and in the summer months you can head to Central Park for Shakespeare in the Park, a series of free open-air theatre productions running from May to August.
Make the most of the time of year
New York is a popular desination year round, and no matter when you visit there will be countless festivals and annual events taking place across the city. Make your visit more unique by taking advantage and experiencing something that visitors at other times of the year can’t!
See our blog post on the best time of year to visit New York for further inspiration, but a couple of my favourites would be the Cherry Blossom festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens in April, the summertime outdoor movie nights at Bryant Park, or ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre under the enormous Christmas tree from late November to early January.
Relax!
After all that exploring and sightseeing, you definitely deserve some relaxation time, so here’s my last tip – Aire Ancient Baths is an underground spa in Lower Manhattan, a definite hidden gem and the perfect place to treat yourself!
“Things to Do in New York: From Well-Trodden Attractions to Hidden Gems” was originally written for Trailfinders: Tales From The Trail