There are so many things to do in New York City that it can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. With its world-class museums, iconic attractions, diverse shops, delicious restaurants, and exciting tours…it’s the ultimate metropolitan destination!
Having lived less than two hours away, we visited the Big Apple many times over the years. But it wasn’t until we had family and friends visiting us that I truly learned how to make the most of our time in the city, trying to fit everything into an NYC trip.
In this guide, I’ll share 25 must-visit places in NYC, including popular tourist spots and some hidden gems that many visitors miss. At the end, I’ll recommend my favorite hotels in Manhattan, food to try, and some additional activities to explore if you have extra time.
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NYC FIRST-TIME VISITOR TIPS
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Now, let’s dive into the best tourist attractions in New York City and some fun activities to do during your trip.
1. Central Park, one of the best places to see in New York City
First, Central Park is one of the most famous spots to visit in NYC. The park takes up 51 city blocks, so it’s pretty hard to miss!
As one of New York’s best parks, Central Park features gardens, green spaces, playgrounds, and other attractions. Some of the highlights include The Lake, Belvedere Castle, the Conservatory Garden, Bow Bridge, and the Strawberry Fields memorial to John Lennon. One of the best ways to get around Central Park is by renting a bike or taking a guided tour. Both options are included in the New York Pass.
1. Central Park, one of the best places to see in New York City
This place is a delight year-round, especially during the spring and fall. Even during the winter, you can go ice skating and enjoy holiday festivities. Best of all, the park is surrounded by other interesting places and some of NYC’s top museums.
2. Brooklyn Bridge, a popular site to visit in New York City
The Brooklyn Bridge is another iconic landmark you shouldn’t miss. Not only is it a popular tourist spot in New York City, but it’s an integral part of the city’s infrastructure, connecting Lower Manhattan to the Brooklyn neighborhoods of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights.
2. Brooklyn Bridge, a popular site to visit in New York City
You can walk, jog, bike, or drive across the bridge to take in some of the best views of NYC, day or night. From this suspension bridge, you’ll get a panorama of the city, particularly the East River, Lower Manhattan, and Brooklyn’s northwest corner.
As you cross this famed New York bridge, you’ll approach Brooklyn Bridge Park. This waterfront park is a popular hangout spot among locals, so it’s a fun place to people-watch. There are also several piers, playgrounds, and sports fields, offering some free things to do in NYC.
3. Empire State Building, a popular place to visit in New York City
You can’t think of New York City without picturing the Empire State Building. Besides being a world-famous landmark, it’s one of NYC’s best observation decks, so if you want a breathtaking view of Manhattan, this is the place to go.
The Empire State Building has two observatories. The main one is on the 86th floor and features an open-air deck, while the 102nd-floor observatory is enclosed and has floor-to-ceiling windows, offering views for miles.
3. Empire State Building, a popular place to visit in New York City
There are also exhibits, shops, and restaurants on the building’s lower floors, making this a fun place to go in NYC as a family. Tickets to the observation deck aren’t cheap, but you can save money by getting the New York Pass.
4. Times Square, the spot to visit in NYC for first-timers
Times Square is in the heart of the Theater District, which is, in a way, like the heart of NYC. Everyone, from first-time tourists and busy locals to aspiring performers, passes through Times Square every day, making it a prime attraction in New York.
I’ll admit, the bright lights, billboard ads, taxi cabs, and crowds of people can be overwhelming at first, but that’s kind of part of the allure. That said, you can make things easier for yourself by planning out what you want to do in Times Square before visiting.
4. Times Square, the spot to visit in NYC for first-timers
Despite being just a few blocks long, Times Square is jam-packed with attractions like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, MTV Studios, and the Red Stairs, where you can snag Broadway tickets for up to 50% off. You’ll also find lots of street performers ready to serenade you and people dressed as cartoon characters. If you take a photo with them, make sure you tip!
And if you think things calm down at the end of the day, think again! Times Square is one of the best places to visit in NYC at night, with Broadway shows, restaurants, and cocktail bars filled to capacity.
5. See a Broadway show, a must-do activity in New York City
Speaking of Times Square, you can’t visit New York without seeing a Broadway show. Well, you can, but you’ll definitely be missing out on one of the best things to do in New York City!
There are dozens of Broadway theaters, as well as off-Broadway venues, so you can find a wide variety of performances here. There is everything from long-running productions like Wicked and The Lion King to newer plays and musicals.
5. See a Broadway show, a must-do activity in New York City
Of course, the more well-known and established shows are going to cost more, so if the ticket prices are a bit steep for your liking, head to the Red Stairs in Times Square. The TKTS Pavilion there offers discounted seats, although you can’t always choose which show you’ll see. Don’t worry; they’re all fabulous.
So far, we’ve seen Aladdin, Chicago, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked. Every show was a high-quality production with the best thespians in the country and amazing costumes and sets. Even if you aren’t a theater person, I highly recommend taking in a show. You can find more tickets online here.
6. One World Observatory & 9/11 Memorial & Museum
One World Observatory is another incredible observation deck in NYC. Also known as the Freedom Tower, it’s part of One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, so you can easily combine your visit with the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. This touching museum honors the lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks and the 1993 bombing, and there is a beautiful outdoor memorial where you can reach the names of the victims and reflect in silence.
6. One World Observatory & 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Next to the museum, One World Observatory. From the 100th floor, you can admire a panorama of the city, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. In addition to the stunning views, the Freedom Tower has a theater and interactive installations, including a see-through portion of the floor where you can see the streets below. You can even have dinner on the 101st floor at ONE Dine.
Without a doubt, One World Observatory is a must-do in NYC for any traveler. You can use your New York Pass or get a skip-the-line ticket here. If you want to see the observation deck and the 9/11 Museum, I recommend this combo ticket.
7. Go to Wall Street & the Financial District, an interesting thing to do in New York City
The Financial District is another place of interest in New York’s Lower Manhattan. Here, you can stroll among some of the most historical places in New York City, like Federal Hall, Trinity Church, and the state’s first City Hall.
Also, don’t forget to walk down Wall Street, where several of the world’s most prestigious banks and investment companies are located. You’ll also see the New York Stock Exchange and the famous Fearless Girl statue.
7. Go to Wall Street & the Financial District, an interesting thing to do in New York City
Then, check out the Bowling Green, the oldest public park in NYC. At the northern tip of the park stands the Charging Bull, a well-known sculpture and symbol of prosperity. After visiting the Bowling Green, I recommend stopping at Fraunces Tavern, an old pub where General George Washington addressed his troops in 1783.
The Financial District is one of the most interesting places in Lower Manhattan, especially for history buffs. If you want to learn more, I suggest this Wall Street tour; it’s one of the best walking tours in NYC.
8. Grand Central Terminal & Chrysler Building, two top attractions in NYC
Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building are two famous places in New York City that you can’t miss. They’re right in the center of Midtown Manhattan, so they’re hard to miss!
First, Grand Central Terminal is a major transportation hub, seeing around 100,000 visitors per day. Watching the daily commuters and tourists filter through the Main Concourse is mesmerizing. However, I recommend pausing to admire this over-100-year-old station’s architecture.
Built in the Beaux-Arts style, it boasts gorgeous structural elements and an enchanting celestial fresco on the ceiling. There are also shops and restaurants, as well as Vanderbilt Hall, a beautiful space that hosts public and private events.
8. Grand Central Terminal & Chrysler Building, two top attractions in NYC
After visiting the terminal, walk a block over to see the Chrysler Building, another New York City landmark. This skyscraper is known for its Art Deco-style elements, such as ornamental eagles, gargoyles, and a distinctive sunburst crown and spire.
The Chrysler Building is mainly filled with offices, but you can go inside and check out the impressive ground-floor lobby.
9. Visit MoMA & other top-rated museums in NYC
It wouldn’t be a trip to the Big Apple without visiting one of NYC’s best museums. The city is known for its world-class institutions, so whether you’re interested in art, history, or science, you’ll find a museum you love.
One of the most popular ones is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which houses artworks from the 1880s to today. Some highlights include Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Picasso’s Young Ladies of Avignon, and The Persistence of Memory by Dalí.
9. Visit MoMA & other top-rated museums in NYC
Another fan favorite is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which features over 2 million pieces. Its Egyptian and Roman galleries are particularly popular, thanks to the wealth of artifacts. The Guggenheim is another top-rated museum that stands out for its abstract art and mesmerizing rotunda built by Frank Lloyd Wright.
If art isn’t your thing, I recommend going to the American Museum of Natural History and exploring the incredible collections of fossils, gems, minerals, and plant specimens. It’s also worth visiting the Tenement Museum, a series of old boarding houses where around 15,000 immigrants lived between 1863 and 2011.
Several museums are included in the New York Pass, but you can also read our guide to NYC’s free museums if you’re looking for cheap things to do in New York.
10. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, two places you must visit in New York City
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most prominent symbols of the United States, so it’s one of the places you should visit in New York City. Lady Liberty stands in New York Harbor and used to welcome immigrants as they passed through Ellis Island. Today, she’s still a reminder of the freedom and opportunity that many people seek when moving to the U.S.
You can see the Statue of Liberty from land by visiting Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Another option is taking the Staten Island Ferry, a free attraction in New York City that passes by the statue. That said, it’s worth taking a tour, especially if you want an up-close view.
10. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, two places you must visit in New York City
There are different Statue of Liberty tours, ranging from this self-guided tour with a ferry ride to this guided excursion to Liberty and Ellis Islands. There are even several tour options that are part of the New York Pass.
We have a complete guide to visiting the Statue of Liberty, so I recommend reading that to better understand your tour and ticket options. Keep in mind that if you want to go inside the statue, you should buy your tickets in advance since only a limited number are available each day. Also, while you’re stopping at Liberty Island, you might as well visit nearby Ellis Island, where you can see the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
11. Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, a cool place to visit in NYC at night
The Top of the Rock is one of the coolest landmarks in New York City, and it puts you in the center of the excitement. This observation deck is in Rockefeller Center, a famous complex that also includes NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and more.
There are multiple viewing platforms on the observatory’s 68th and 69th floors, so you can get different perspectives of the city. The 360° panorama includes views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and other important attractions. While you can visit the observation deck day or night, I recommend going at sunset since the Top of the Rock is one of the best places to take pictures in NYC at golden hour.
11. Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, a cool place to visit in NYC at night
After dark, stay for the beautiful nighttime views, then head back to ground level and check out Rockefeller Plaza. This area is surrounded by all kinds of shops, and in the winter, it’s one of the best places to go ice skating.
You can use your New York Pass to visit the Top of the Rock or get your ticket online.
12. Visit The EDGE, something to do in NYC as a couple
The EDGE at Hudson Yards is another observation deck to consider. It’s one of the newest observatories in the city, standing 1,100 feet tall and featuring some of the most unique architectural elements. For example, the Eastern Point of the deck juts out 80 feet from the facade and tapers off to a triangular point. Standing here, you literally feel like you’re at the edge of the world!
12. Visit The EDGE, something to do in NYC as a couple
Even just standing on the viewing deck makes you feel like you’re flying above the city. There’s a section of the floor that’s made of glass, so you can peer down at the city streets below, and the walls are angled to give you an even more intense feeling.
The EDGE also has a champagne bar, so spending an evening here is a fun thing for couples to do in New York City. You can get a skip-the-line ticket here or use your New York Pass.
13. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, a breathtaking attraction in New York City
Yet another observation deck that I must recommend is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. It’s another newer tourist attraction in New York and is currently the 4th-tallest building in the city. Standing 1,401 feet tall and featuring glass balconies, the SUMMIT guarantees spectacular views.
It stands out from other observatories thanks to its sophisticated and artistic approach. The viewing platform immerses visitors with special exhibits, digital installations, and reflective surfaces, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. It was definitely one of the most memorable places we visited in New York City.
13. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, a breathtaking attraction in New York City
Admission to the SUMMIT includes access to the 93rd-floor observatory, where you’ll see Kenzo Digital’s Air exhibit and the Levitation glass ledge. You can upgrade your ticket to include access to the Ascent glass elevator that travels along the side of the building and goes to the highest point of the deck.
In addition to the all-encompassing views, the SUMMIT has a bar and restaurant, so it’s a great place to visit as a couple or with friends. Just be sure to reserve your ticket in advance.
14. Helicopter tour, an exciting thing to do in NYC
Besides observation decks, there are helicopter rides in New York that can give you a birds-eye view of the city. These are some of the best tours in NYC, and soaring over Manhattan’s top landmarks will certainly make your visit unforgettable.
14. Helicopter tour, an exciting thing to do in NYC
You can read through our article to see the different flight options. If it’s your first time, I suggest this basic tour, which gives you a nice overview of the city from above. You’ll fly over Central Park, New York Harbor, and the most iconic structures in Midtown. It’s one of the most adventurous things to do in New York City, and if you’re on the fence, I say go for it! You won’t regret it, and the photo opportunities are unmatched.
15. Walk the High Line, a unique thing to do in New York City
Back on the ground, the High Line is a cool place in NYC that you can take your time exploring. These elevated train tracks have been transformed into a park and garden trail, stretching 1.5 miles from the Meatpacking District to Chelsea.
15. Walk the High Line, a unique thing to do in New York City
The High Line is open daily, and taking a stroll here is one of the best free things to do in NYC. As you make your way along the trail, keep an eye out for public art and famous landmarks. The walkway winds past several interesting attractions, including Chelsea Market, the Whitney Museum, and The Vessel, a beehive-like observation deck.
There are also benches scattered throughout the park, so you can take a rest and travel at your leisure. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour of the High Line by booking your ticket here or using your New York Pass.
16. Chelsea Market, a fascinating place to explore in New York
Chelsea Market takes up an entire city block and is known as one of the best spots in New York for specialty foods and artisan products. The market is in the former Nabisco cookie factory and, in addition to the vendor stalls, it houses office spaces and studios.
16. Chelsea Market, a fascinating place to explore in New York
As you step inside, the various sights, sounds, and smells envelop you. Here, you can find almost anything you can imagine, from fresh produce and gourmet sweets to crafts, clothes, and housewares. The market is also a great place to try different ethnic foods, including French, German, Indian, Jamaican, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Thai.
While you’re there, it’s also worth checking out ARTECHOUSE, an immersive experience that’s part art installation, part interactive science exhibit.
17. Fifth Avenue & St. Patrick’s Cathedral, two incredible places to explore in New York
In addition to Wall Street, Fifth Avenue is one of the most famous streets in New York. It’s a great place to go sightseeing around NYC since it extends from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to 143rd Street in Harlem. Fifth Avenue is known for its luxury stores, such as Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Versace.
17. Fifth Avenue & St. Patrick’s Cathedral, two incredible places to explore in New York
In the past, Fifth Avenue was home to several Gilded Age mansions and was nicknamed “Millionaire’s Row.” While most of them have been demolished, a few remain and serve as non-profits, museums, and cultural institutions. A few examples include the Harry F. Sinclair House at Fifth Avenue and 79th Street, the Payne Whitney House at 972 Fifth Avenue, and the Irish American Historical Society at 991 Fifth Avenue.
The avenue also goes past Central Park, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Flatiron Building, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The latter is a huge cathedral with large bronze doors, relief sculptures, and stained glass windows. Inside, it has a 3,000-person capacity, beautiful altars, shrines, and a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà.
18. Flatiron Building, another cool attraction in NYC
Further along Fifth Avenue, at the intersection with Broadway, stands the Flatiron Building, another famous building in New York. The 285-foot skyscraper has been featured in various movies and TV shows, but seeing it in person is another story!
18. Flatiron Building, another cool attraction in NYC
The Flatiron Building is mostly used for office space, so you can’t go inside. Even so, just standing next to it will give you an idea of its dizzying dimensions. The structure is 22 stories high and just 6.5 feet wide at its narrowest point, creating a 25° angle.
While looking up at the building, keep an eye out for the decorative terracotta panels with motifs like leaves, flowers, and Medusa masks. If that’s too much or gives you vertigo, head to Madison Square Park next door. The park is the perfect spot to sit and admire this unique NYC attraction.
19. New York Public Library & Bryant Park, two free places to visit in NYC
If you’re looking for something to do as a family in New York City, check out the New York Public Library. The library has 92 locations across NYC, but this one is the main branch and the most popular one. Out front, you can see the two lion statues, Patience and Fortitude, who stand guard before the Beaux Arts-style building.
19. New York Public Library & Bryant Park, two free places to visit in NYC
Inside, the library has four floors and 20 rooms, including a children’s area, a computer lab, and several gorgeous study rooms. It’s free to visit, and there are often special exhibits and events throughout the year, so it’s a fun place to go in NYC with kids.
Once you’re done at the library, you can visit another beautiful site: Bryant Park. Located right outside the NY Public Library, the park has French-style gardens, a fountain, a carousel, and various sculptures. During the winter, the park transforms into the Winter Village, where you can buy gifts, go ice skating, and celebrate Christmas in New York.
20. Chinatown & Little Italy, two neighborhoods with lots of stuff to do in NYC
Exploring the different neighborhoods in New York City is a fun way to experience new cultures, go sightseeing in NYC, and learn some history. Two of the best places to check out are Chinatown and Little Italy.
First, Chinatown is a bustling area of outdoor markets and unique attractions like the Mahayana Buddhist Temple and the Museum of Chinese in America. Here, you can people-watch at Columbus Park and stroll along Doyers Street, the “Bloody Angle” that saw lots of gang-related activity in the early 20th century. Then, tuck in for a delicious meal at Joe’s Shanghai or Xi’an Famous Foods.
20. Chinatown & Little Italy, two neighborhoods with lots of stuff to do in NYC
Just north of Chinatown, Little Italy is another excellent place to explore in New York, especially if you love great food. Handmade pasta, freshly-made cheeses, and delights like homemade cannoli await. Just a few blocks away, The Museum of Ice Cream is an immersive museum the whole family will love.
You can even combine your visits to Little Italy and Chinatown by taking this food tour. Another option is this historical walking tour through Chinatown, Little Italy, and SoHo, another beautiful Manhattan neighborhood.
21. Coney Island, one of the best places to go in NYC with kids
Coney Island is another fun attraction in New York City for all ages. It’s in the south of Brooklyn borough, about an hour-long subway ride from Manhattan.
Most people come to Coney Island in the summer to enjoy Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, two of the best amusement parks in New York. They’ve got dozens of carnival games and rides, including the Cyclone Rollercoaster, the B&B Carousell, and the Wonder Wheel.
21. Coney Island, one of the best places to go in NYC with kids
Of course, there are other things to do here, even if you don’t visit during the height of summer. The Coney Island Boardwalk has shops and restaurants, including Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. There is also the New York Aquarium and the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, where you can watch acrobats, jugglers, and contortionists.
Right next to Coney Island, Brighton Beach is one of the top beaches in NYC. It’s open for swimming from Memorial Day to Labor Day and has playgrounds, sports fields, and a charming neighborhood full of Eastern European immigrants known as “Little Russia.”
22. Madison Square Garden, one of the coolest spots to visit in NYC
Back in Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is a premier venue for sporting events and concerts. Depending on the time of year, you can watch popular sports in New York like basketball, hockey, and wrestling. If you want to see the New York Knicks, you should get your tickets in advance since they’re in high demand.
22. Madison Square Garden, one of the coolest spots to visit in NYC
You can also get New York Rangers tickets online here. If sports aren’t your thing, you can still check out the event schedule to see if any upcoming concerts or performances interest you.
There is also the Madison Square Garden all-access tour, during which a guide will lead you to certain backstage areas, locker rooms, and luxury box seats. You’ll also see special exhibits detailing the venue’s 130-year history. It’s a fun thing to do in New York, especially if you’re a music or sports fan, so get your ticket here or use your New York Pass.
23. Cruise on the Hudson River, a fun thing to do in NYC as a couple
As a port city, NYC has a rich maritime history. Taking a boat ride in New York is one way to learn about the past while enjoying spectacular views.
I particularly like this evening cruise since you can admire the glittering Manhattan skyline from the water while sipping on your favorite cocktail. It’s a nice thing to do in NYC as a couple, so keep it in mind if you’re planning a special getaway.
23. Cruise on the Hudson River, a fun thing to do in NYC as a couple
There is also this sunset sailing tour aboard a schooner that takes you through New York Harbor. You’ll be able to see the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks at golden hour, so it’s a pretty romantic thing to do in NYC.
Several of these types of tours are included in the New York Pass, so be sure to check before booking.
24. Bus tour of Harlem, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn
If you prefer to be on land, consider this bus tour through the boroughs of NYC. It’s one of the best tours in New York City since you’ll get to experience the highlights of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx in just a short time.
First, you’ll check out Harlem, a center for Black culture, jazz music, and multicultural art. If you visit on your own, be sure to visit The Apollo Theater, walk through the Museo del Barrio, or attend a gospel service.
Next on the tour, you’ll go to The Bronx. It might be known as J-Lo’s hometown, but there are plenty of other cool things about the Bronx, like the New York Botanical Garden and Yankee Stadium.
24. Bus tour of Harlem, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn
After that, it’s time to visit Queens, a borough known for outdoor spaces like Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and Socrates Sculpture Park.
Then, circle back around to Brooklyn, an area full of art, culture, and nightlife. The bus tour includes stops at some of the coolest neighborhoods in this borough, like DUMBO and Williamsburg.
Finally, you’ll go through the Manhattan neighborhoods of Little Italy and Chinatown, two must-visit places in NYC that I already mentioned.
25. Go shopping at the outlets, something to do in NYC if it rains
If you’re hit with bad weather during your trip, don’t worry, because there are plenty of indoor things to do in New York City. For example, the shopping scene in the Big Apple is excellent, as the city boasts all kinds of specialty shops, luxury stores, and popular chains.
25. Go shopping at the outlets, something to do in NYC if it rains
Plus, if you don’t mind traveling outside the city, you can visit the New York outlets, which offer a more budget-friendly alternative to the boutiques along Fifth Avenue. The Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is one of the best outlet malls in the area where you can snag discounted luxury items and huge deals on your favorite brands. It’s about an hour north of Manhattan, so if you don’t have a car, consider this day tour.
Alternatively, you can try your luck at one of the flea markets in NYC. Most of them are outdoors, but if you love thrifting, browsing the stalls can be a fun thing to do in NYC with friends.
NYC attractions map
This New York attractions map will make it easier to plan your ideal itinerary. It includes all the points of interest I mentioned in this guide, as well as my top recommendations for day trips, hotels, and restaurants.
We have several other useful New York maps that you can download or print out and bring with you.
Best day trips from NYC
There are so many places to visit in NYC, but this guide wouldn’t be complete without sharing some day trip ideas. Thanks to the Big Apple’s convenient location, you’re never too far from other beautiful sites in New York state, like Niagara Falls.
Best day trips from NYC
New York City is about 2.5 hours from Philadelphia and 4.5 hours from Washington, DC, so if you have the time, you can rent a car in NYC and explore another famous city.
Even if you don’t want to drive, there are tours that depart from Manhattan, so you can still discover some nearby attractions. The possibilities are endless, so to help you out, these are my favorite day trips from NYC:
Where to stay in NYC
While planning your New York sightseeing adventure, you’ll also want to decide where to stay in NYC. Obviously, there are countless options, but I recommend staying in a comfortable place in Manhattan, so you won’t have to travel far. These are my top picks, depending on how much you want to spend:
- Luxury: 1 Hotel Central Park is one of the most luxurious hotels in NYC, boasting modern rooms with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private rainfall showers. Connecting rooms are available, so you can still enjoy some sophistication if you’re traveling with family.
- Mid-price: I also like The Knickerbocker, especially if you want to stay in a central part of the city. This is one of the best hotels in Midtown, so you’ll be within walking distance of Times Square. But don’t worry, each room has blackout curtains so you can get a restful night’s sleep.
- Budget: Pod 39 is a cheap New York City hotel that doesn’t sacrifice quality for price. It’s a hostel-style accommodation with extra perks like Queen beds and private bathrooms. It also has fun guest amenities like a game room, lounge, and rooftop bar.
Best foods you must try in NYC
Finally, the Big Apple is known as an amazing U.S. city for foodies, so you can’t leave without trying some of the best foods in NYC:
- Pizza: New York-style pizza has thin crust and flavorful sauce, so enjoying a slice while sightseeing is one of the best things to do in NYC. Some top spots for pizza include Lombardi’s in Little Italy, Patsy’s Pizzeria in Midtown, and John’s of Bleecker Street. Over in Brooklyn, Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s are bitter rivals across the street from each other in DUMBO.
- Bagels: The breakfast of choice for busy New Yorkers on the go, NY-style bagels stand out for their signature texture and taste. Bite into one at Leo’s Bagels in Lower Manhattan, Absolute Bagels on the Upper West Side, or Tal Bagels on the Upper East Side.
Best foods you must try in NYC
- Hotdogs: For a quick bite, order a NY-style hotdog with spicy brown mustard, sauerkraut, or onions. Many people are familiar with Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs in Coney Island, but it’s also worth checking out the originators: Gray’s Papaya on the Upper West Side and Papaya King on the Upper East Side.
- Burgers: If hotdogs aren’t your thing, dig into a nice, juicy burger. We have a complete guide to the best burgers in NYC, from the little-known Burger Joint by Central Park to the mouth-watering burgers at Corner Bistro near the High Line.
- Cocktails: The City That Never Sleeps will treat you to some of the most delicious cocktails, often with a great view. 230 Fifth, JIMMY, and Mr. Purple are some of the best rooftop bars in NYC, but if you prefer something more low-key, check out one of New York City’s speakeasies.
Don’t forget that there are countless food tours in NYC, and they’re a fun way to enjoy some tasty treats while learning about different cultures and traditions. I also recommend reading our article on the best restaurants in New York City, especially if you want to celebrate a special occasion or have a date night.
That’s all of the interesting things to do in New York City! I’m sure you’ll love this city as much as we do. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d also love to hear about your favorite places and activities in New York!
Enjoy the Big Apple!
