New York

What To See and Do in New York City

Planning a trip to New York City? This guide helps you find top attractions and hidden gems, offering something for both first-timers and seasoned travelers in the city that never sleeps.

Upper East Side + Midtown

Fifth Ave

If you want to explore New York's art, culture, and history, head to 5th Avenue, where you can visit the Museum of the City of New York, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If shopping is on your mind, you'll come across famous stores like Tiffany & Co. and Bergdorf Goodman as you stroll along. And as you keep walking toward Midtown, you'll also find Saks Fifth Avenue.

St. Patricks's Cathedral

Designed in the Neo-Gothic style in 1878, this Cathedral is a prominent landmark in NYC.

Rockefeller Plaza

Take a walk through Rockefeller Plaza. Keep an eye out for the Lego Store and the Atlas Statue. In the winter, you can enjoy the ice rink at the plaza's center, adorned with a massive Christmas tree!

Top of the Rock

Don't miss the Top of the Rock's observation deck for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, featuring the iconic Empire State Building at its center.

Grand Central Station

It's as busy as it appears! A fantastic place to relax and watch people. Don't forget to check out the ceiling with its constellation murals.

New York Public Library

Get a glimpse at the second-largest library in the United States and the third-largest in the world!

FlatIron Building

Get some nearby pizza and relax at Flatiron Plaza while admiring the iconic 22-story triangular landmark building.

Empire State Building

A symbol of NYC! The Empire State Building provides stunning panoramic city views. They're quite similar to those at the Top of the Rock, so consider going up just once.

Times Square

Discover one of the world's most famous spots! I recommend visiting at night to experience the dazzling lights and towering billboards.

Hudson Yards + Greenwich Village

The Vessel

The Vessel, New York City's latest attraction, is an architectural masterpiece. It's a unique 150-foot-tall staircase with over 2,000 individual steps. You can climb to the top or use the elevator.

Washington Square Park

From street performances to rallies, there's always something going on at Washington Square Park. It's located right next to New York University, so you'll get a glimpse of NYC college life.

Friend's Apartment Building

The apartment building is located at 90 Bedford Street. The neighborhood is surprisingly peaceful filled with beautiful green trees all around.

Central Park

Consider spending a whole day enjoying Central Park's beauty and attractions, perfect for photos. If you're pressed for time, renting a bike is a great way to cover more ground quickly.

The Mall & Literacy Walk

Take a walk along the enchanting tree-lined path with canopy elm trees. At the south end, you'll encounter the Literacy Walk adorned with statues of renowned writers. This path leads directly to the Bethesda Fountain.

Bethesda Terrace & Arcade

The Bethesda Terrace is among Central Park's oldest structures. Its Arcade boasts a striking tiled ceiling from England's renowned Minton Tile Company. If you're a Gossip Girl fan, it's where Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf tied the knot. On the terrace, you'll discover the famous Bethesda Fountain, one of New York's largest fountains.

Bow Bridge & The Lake

The Bow Bridge in Central Park is a true icon, offering a view of rowboats on the lake. For a closer look at the water, you can rent a rowboat at The Loeb Boathouse. If you're seeking a romantic lakeside restaurant with delicious cuisine, this is the place to go. Alternatively, you can set up a picnic blanket on the slopes of Cherry Hill, overlooking the bridge, for a wonderfully romantic picnic in the city.

The Great Lawn & Sheep Meadow

Relax and soak up the sun or have a lovely picnic at these prime Central Park locations. The Great Lawn is a vast, open area near the park's center, where people gather to enjoy music, play sports, and escape the city's hustle and bustle. For a quieter and more peaceful experience, opt for Sheep Meadow, designated as a "quiet zone." If you're in the mood for lunch, Tavern on the Green is just a short walk from Sheep Meadow.

Other Spots in Central Park

Belvedere Castle

Conservatory Garden

Gapstow Bridge

The Obelisk

Shakespeare Garden

Central Park Zoo

Lower Manhattan + Financial District

Brooklyn Bridge

For a stunning view of the NYC skyline, visit the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset. You'll witness the city's skyline transforming into a beautiful spectacle. The pedestrian walkway on the bridge is a bit over 1.1 miles long. Be mindful of the bustling New Yorkers and cyclists while crossing.

Statue of Liberty

A visit to New York isn't complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of the friendship between France and the US. There are various ways to view it, but the classic method is buying a ferry ticket to Liberty Island from Battery Park. I suggest booking your ticket ahead of time, and if you want to visit the crown, make a reservation. Other options include an NYC dinner cruise or a helicopter tour for a different perspective.

9/11 Tribute & World Trace Center

Pay your respect at the 9/11 Tribute, which includes sunken twin pools where the Twin Towers once stood.

Charging Bull

Visit the famous Charging Bull at the Broadway and Morris Street intersection. Rubbing its bronze balls is believed to bring good luck!

Wall Street & NY Exchange

Wander through the Financial District and take a stroll down Wall Street.