Whether you’re on holiday or you’ve been in New York City for years, there’s always something to discover. Sure, everyone rushes to see Times Square, a central point for all activities and attractions, but that’s clearly not everything.
This massive urban jungle has a bit of everything for everyone. With these ideas in mind, let’s go through some of the best rated things to do while in New York City.
Visit Central Park
Taking a stroll through Central Park is a must. Arm yourself with patience and maybe a few snacks. It’s a completely different world. You’re messing about busy and crowded streets, only to enter a mass of green. There are forests, meadows, gardens, you name it. Nearly 700 acres of greenery are at your disposal.
There are about 60 miles of paths, so you have plenty to explore. There are playgrounds, too, if you have kids, bridges, sculptures, and even a small zoo. Some landmarks stand out, such as the Bow Bridge or Bethesda Fountain. The Belvedere Castle is not to be overlooked either.
Rather than going in blindly, get a map or play your walk accordingly to make the most out of it. Give yourself a few hours for a thorough experience.
Explore Chinatown
No matter what you prefer to do, what food you like, or what you want to see, you’ll definitely gain something from exploring Chinatown. Everyone does. It’s one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in New York City and definitely an experience for those who visit for the first time.
You’ll find everything in there. Succulent foods, classic or modern restaurants, shops, neon lights, plenty of people everywhere you look, fashion goods, all sorts of small and big things.
The neighborhood has an impressive history, as the first Chinese immigrants settled there nearly 200 years ago. You can just have a walk around, do some window shopping, smash a roast duck, or get some oolong tea. Whatever you’re up to, you’ll love it there.
Go to the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge was built in the 19th century. Covering almost 1,600 feet, it represents the main connection between Brooklyn Heights and Manhattan. Back then, it was the longest bridge in the world. Today, it’s just a representative landmark in New York City.
There’s intense car traffic, but pedestrians can also use the pathways above. It’s not just busy and interesting, but it also offers some amazing views. If you’re into photography, find a spot between the arches with the skyscrapers in the background.
What makes this bridge unique is its inspiration. Walk on it and you’ll experience a feeling of grandiosity.
Head to the Yankee Stadium
Even if you’re not interested in sports, the Yankee Stadium is a representative landmark in New York City. It’s not necessarily about sports, but about the overall experience. Spending a day at the ballpark is a classic activity for pretty much everyone visiting New York City.
The Yankee Stadium is located in the Bronx. It’s the home field of some of the most reputable teams in the USA. It can be easily accessed from Manhattan if you use the subway. You should be there in about half an hour.
If there’s a game, you might want to head there earlier, as the crowds will make traffic difficult.
The original stadium was built in 1923. A new one was built in the same place in 2009. At the moment, it’s among the most expensive stadiums in the world and can host just over 50,000 people. You can attend all kinds of games there, but you should obviously try to attend a New York Yankees game.
Take a Boat to Staten Island
Most tours around the Big Apple will suggest seeing the Statue of Liberty. Sure, those cruises are worth a visit, but they’re expensive. Plus, there’s something better to do. There are official ferries to Staten Island, as well as lighter and less expensive services, including some free ones.
While you can do it anytime, it’s highly recommended to take this boat trip around sunset. You’ll be able to admire Lady Liberty on such a tour, too. It takes 25 minutes to get there and 25 minutes back. If you go earlier in the day, you can also spend a few hours on Staten Island.
There are quite a few attractions there, such as the Botanical Garden. It’s also free. Simply put, you can spend a few hours on this trip without spending a single penny. Of course, if you do visit Staten Island, you may want to try out some of the local restaurants, too. You just can’t go wrong there.
Book a Broadway Show
Whether you’re a local or you’re visiting New York City for the first time, a Broadway show is a must. It makes no difference if you like such shows or not. It’s just part of the New York City experience and then, this is exclusive to the Big Apple anyway.
It all starts with a stroll around Times Square. Then, hang around Manhattan for those bright lights and massive billboards. A show on Broadway will keep you in the exact same mood. Good stories, amazing costumes, songs, and sets will pleasantly surprise you.
Some of the best shows that keep coming back include The Book of Mormon, Wicked, and Hamilton. But if you can’t get tickets for any of the big titles, you can literally settle for anything. It might as well be a debut, everything’s worth a shot.
Check Out the New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden gives you a bit of a break from all the hustle in the city. If you need a break from the crowds, head over to this nature spot. Indeed, you’ll find plenty of tourists there as well, but at least you’re surrounded by nature, so it feels a little better.
Once in there, you’ll love the green fields, a few interesting hikes, some beautiful flower gardens, and astonishing greenhouses. There are also a few spaces that feel private and intimate if you want to stay away from the crowds.
Again, you don’t have to be a big fan of gardening to visit this attraction. You can spend some good hours there. And if you really love nature, make sure you pack a picnic, as there are plenty of spots to relax for a bit.
Hang Around the Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Manhattan is a pleasure to see from two different directions. You can be right in the middle of it and enjoy the intense activities all around you. But then, it might feel even better to look at it from across the river, especially if the crowds exhaust you.
You can get to Brooklyn Heights by subway, just a few stops away from Manhattan. The promenade gives you the best view of the skyline. It’s lined with trees, it’s peaceful, and the traffic doesn’t feel too bad either. You can also access a footbridge towards the Brooklyn Bridge Park from there.
It’s a lovely neighborhood, so don’t hesitate to hang around for a while. Since you’re there, you might as well visit some local attractions, such as the New York Transit Museum. Besides, there are quite a few good restaurants in the area.
Check Out the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the must-visit museums in NYC. Visitors to this amazing museum gave it very high ratings and the chances of the Metropolitan Museum of Art not impressing you is really low. Just the building design exterior alone looks impressive, not to mention, the interior architecture is equally amazing.
More importantly, is the content within the museum itself. There are so many things to see and explore, so much to learn and broaden your mind. If you appreciate art, there is content for you as well. To know more about the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, you can check out their website.
Visit the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building shouldn’t be missed from your plan. Visiting this architectural marvel is a must. Located in midtown Manhattan, it always has long queues by the main door. Sure, you may have to wait a little, but it’s worth it.
Keep in mind that prices are higher if you visit around sunset. However, if it’s been a nice day, you’ll snap some of the best pictures ever.
You’ll be over 1,200 feet in the air. You’ll get all the way to the top too, so give yourself a few hours for a full visit.
In Conclusion
In a nutshell, New York City is full of amazing things to do and see, no matter what you’re into. Whether it’s the ambience of the museums, the natural beauty of the New York Botanical Garden, or the vibrant energy of Brooklyn Heights, each place has its own charm and is worth spending some time on. FYI, the images shown on this post are meant for illustration purposes only. Thank you for reading and have a great day ahead of you.
