New York, one of the most popular tourist destinations has some great attractions for everyone to enjoy. Having visited myself I can safely say it’s somewhere you should try to visit at least once. As you walk down the streets you are amazed by the sheer size of many of the buildings that surround you. The architecture of some these can be quite breathtaking. If you do intend to go to New York for a visit, you will want to do a little or a lot of site seeing and also squeeze in some fun activities too. What you ultimately decide to do will depend on your interests. In this post we will look at a range of the best things to do in New York to help give you some inspiration when planning your trip.
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Best Things to do in New York
Visit The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island combined are the top attractions in New York. Many flock to see the iconic statue that was give to the USA by the French to honour their alliance during the America Revolution. The statue can be found on Liberty Island adjacent to the Statue of Liberty Museum. This is located a short ferry ride from Ellis Island where Americas most famous immigration center is located. This closed in 1954 and has been restored so visitors can step back in time and see history come to life. Tickets for both can be found at https://www.statueofliberty.org/visit/. Tickets to each site include entry to the respective museums.
Central Park
We’ve all seen parts of this world famous park in a many a movie (think Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Enchanted, Elf, etc) but to go see it in person is a whole new experience. The numerous paths in this park offer a massive 58 miles worth of steps. As you explore, you will discover man made gardens, meadows, forests, sculptures, bridges, arches, 21 playground, a zoo within over 840 acres. If you go in the winter, there is even an ice skating rink. This park is a super romantic place to propose, to a loved one!!! Just putting it out there.
Aerial View of New York
One way to see a number of sites and take in some spectacular views all at once is to take a helicopter trip over the city. This is such a great option for tourists and a popular one too. There are various options available. These tours will take you to see the main sites that Manhattan has to offer. The basic packages will take you to see some must see sights. These include the statue of liberty and Ellis Island, Ground Zero, the One World Observatory, The Empire State Building along side plenty of other skyscrapers, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bridge etc. Longer tours (5 more mins) will mean you’ll be able to see even more sights like Times Square and Madison Gardens. Even longer tours (5-10 more mins) will also include The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island. Prices and flight duration vary depending on the option you choose.
There are many options available to choose from but it’s best to go with a company that is highly rated by others to get the best for your money. Hello Tickets with a 4.9 Google Rating and over 27,000 reviews is a good choice. You can get tickets from www.hellotickets.co.uk.
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The High Line
The High Line is a free attraction that many tourists enjoy visiting each year. This is an elevated park that is perfect to visit when the weather is dry. This unique park has beautiful wildflowers, greenery and a selection of pieces of art. This park has been built on a historic freight line. As it is elevated above the streets of Manhattan it offers stunning views of Manhattans West Side. It takes about 30 minutes to walk the 1.45 mile long stretch and is certainly worth visiting.
Enjoy a Broadway Show
This can be a really amazing experience and one many have on their bucket list. So far I’ve watched a number of great shows in London but doing this in New York can be an equally magical experience. You’ll be able to see a range of shows in the many theatres on Broadway including plays and musicals. Their theatrical productions are believed to be some of the best in the world. It’s important to be aware that Thursdays are the most popular nights, closely followed by Tuesday nights. If you are looking for something more budget friendly, a matinee (afternoon) performance may be your best bet.
Times Square
If you do head on down to Broadway to catch a show you might also want to go see Times Square. Here you’ll see plenty of bright lights, billboards, and crowds of tourists. For those that love to shop there are plenty of stores including Flagship stores such as Adidas, Gap, Saks, Banana Republic etc. There are some wonderful unique boutiques and a range of cafes and restaurants to allow you to refuel and get back to more shopping.
The Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center located in the heart of Manhattan. Go to see the historic art and architecture. It’s free to walk around the complex. On the ground level visitors can see a the bronze Atlas statue and also the ‘Today Show’ plaza. Buy a ticket to Top of the Rocks that consists of 3 decks. This is located at the top of the building. Here you can enjoy the breath taking 360 degree views of the city. Want a unique look at the center? Why not book a tour and learn about the history and architecture, see the art, gardens and spaces.
There are plenty of upscale shops and also great restaurants within the complex. If you are heading down over the festive season there is an ice rink you can book. People flock in their thousand to see this with the gold statue located behind it and behind that the huge Christmas tree. It’s such a pretty sight and one that I will never forget!
Chinatown
Another place you’ll have seen in the movies. Here you’ll find a feast for the eyes with the vibrant coloured shop fronts and neon lights. Go shopping, you’ll find some great bargains there. Make sure you visit Mott Street, said to be the coolest street in Chinatown. Whilst in the area, why not also visit the Museum of Chinese in America that preserves the history and culture of the Chinese people.
You’ll have built up a good appetite by this stage so why not indulge in a delicious meal at one of the great restaurants there. Super Taste is a no frills restaurant known for it’s hand pulled noodles, served with meat, fish and broth. Or, you could try Jin Mei Dumpling House, a hidden gem that serves a lovely array of dumplings and buns. The perfect budget friendly restaurant for a snack on the go or head on in and take the weight of your feet and recoup before you head out for to shop until you drop or take in some of the sights.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the fourth largest museum in the world. Here visitors will find a staggering 1.5 million works of art. These span 50000 years of world culture. You will find prehistoric pieces to modern day art. Some of the most famous pieces of art exhibited here include “The Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh, “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer, “Madame X” by John Singer Sargent and others. It’s important to get tickets in advance as these often sell out fast.
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Madison Square Gardens
A must see for sports fans. Madison Square Gardens the worlds most famous arena. This is the home of the New York Knicks, The Rangers, professional boxing, and also a favourite location for college basketball and more. Many will come to see their favourite teams play in this stadium with capacity for 19,500 people. It’s an amazing sight to behold. This is also somewhere many will go to in order to catch some big names performing such as the likes of Justin Timberlake, Adele, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj to name but a few.
Make Memories to Treasure
Whilst you are out visiting all of these amazing sites make sure you take lots of pictures. These are great to look back on and can also be used to make great keepsakes such as a mixbook photo calendar, photobook and more. They can also make lovely gifts for those that accompanied you on your travels.
Summary
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my post, Best Things to do in New York. As you can see there are plenty of great things to see and do whilst visiting. These are just a few of the sites and activities that you might like to consider on a visit to New York. Many of these options are also suitable for children so whether you go with a partner, friends, or as a family there are plenty of activities to suit everyone. It’s lovely to visit at any time of year but from experience, Christmas time can be very magical with all the decorations. If you decide to head over to New York during Christmas, you will want to take a look at my post, The Top 5 Places to Visit in New York During Christmas.
Have you visited New York? If not, is this somewhere you might like to visit?
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We love New York so much! I cannot wait to go back. You have such a wonderful list. We went to a lot of these spots and need to hit some of the others. I want to do more in Central Park next time.
That’s great to hear. Oh yes, you should go to Central Park. There is so much there, you could spend the day there easily.
I have been to New York many times and I do love visiting central park. Time Square is also a must visit spot.
I really appreciate all the suggestions you’ve provided. It’s great to have such a variety of options, from visiting iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty to exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown.
These would be great things to do while in New York and visiting the city! I’d really like to see musicals in Broadway!
There is sooooo much to do in New York! I love it, I only fear the large crown at times but one thing for sure there is a lot to see and do and many great restaurants.
There are some great attractions that you can see. It’s such a lovely place to visit.
Thank you for this fantastic guide on the best things to do in New York! On my last trip, I was fortunate enough to experience some of the attractions you mentioned, and I can attest to their allure. New York City has a unique way of making you feel both overwhelmed and completely at home at the same time.
Ha, I can say I know the feeling. It really is an amazing and tall place!!!
There are so many great things to choose from in NYC! We went over the summer and had a tough time deciding just what to see. These are all great options! Rockefeller Center is great during the holidays.
love visiting NY and while we have been there a couple of times already, there is still so much to see so i know we will be there again
There really is. I hope you enjoy your next visit.
New York has special place in my heart. It is the very first city that I’ve been to. So many things to do here and this city that dont sleep is worth visiting for.
It is a really amazing place to visit!! I’m glad you enjoyed your visit.
Great guide! New York is on my bucket list! I hope to visit these places in New York with my family someday soon 😍.
I hope you get to go. It is such a fun place to visit!
These iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square to hidden gems like the High Line and Brooklyn Flea Market, are the must-see attractions in New York City.
They certainly are great places to go see when in New York.
What a detailed and insightful post, it really is an amazing city. Bookmarking this for next time.
Have a lovely time!!!
This is a great list of best things to do in New York! I haven’t been but will definitely keep this in mind.
It’s such a great place to visit and high up on many peoples bucket lists.
New York is one of my favorite places in the world and I agree with you that there is so much to see and do. Enjoying a broadway show is definitely a must and a trip to Metropolitan Museum of Art should be on top of the list for first time visitors.
Ha, yes they are both really great options when there. There are so many things to do and see you’d need months to fit them all in.
Last time I was there I was too busy to see a show. I need to make time next time!!
I hope you get to do that as it can be such an amazing experience.
Yes, we visited New York at Christmas a few years back and had a blast. The city was just magical with all the Christmas decor. We didn’t get to visit all of those places that you mentioned, but I’d love to go back and explore more .
It is so lovely at Christmas time. I love that all the shops go all out to decorate and there are decorations. The tree and ice rink at the Rockefeller Center look so lovely.
Looks amazing, never been before but would love to one day
Oh I miss New York so much. There is so much to see and to eat. To be honest, our trip was mostly a foodie trip so we went to where the ‘popular’ ‘infamous’ restaurants were and missed a lot of the famous sights. But saying that, I did love Central Park and our cocktail evening at the Rockefeller building. The Grand Central station itself was pretty impressive.
I loved new york – so many things to do – would love to go at xmas!
I woiuld love to visit New York one day, and go to see a Broadway show!
Wouldn’t that be amazing. The shows are really something else.
I’d love to go to Chinatown in NYC and visit the Highline afterwards perhaps
Those would be great places to visit whilst there, I’m sure you’d have an amazing time.
It’s on my Bucket List. Maybe one day. In the meantime, thank you for the post with the suggestions.
I’ve always wanted to visit New York and hope to one day!
My daughter is going to New York next month and I will get her to read this bog post
I hope she has a lovely time.
We visited in 2002 and it was amazing, I’ve always wanted to go back!
It’s a great place to visit with plenty to see.
I have neven been to the USA, but this does look amazing
It’s a great travel destination with plenty to fill your time.
I love New York and its always interesting to see what others do there, something new is always good
It’s a lovely place to visit and has plenty to keep you entertained.
I’ve been a couple of times in December /January and would love to go in spring/autumn. Been to most of the attractions you mentioned but never even heard of the high line!. So much to do and see
Would love to explore New York,but don’t think my Social Anxiety will
It is very busy there. If you can make it you’ll have the most amazing time!