The Top 10 Things To Do and See in New York City: A Big Apple Blitz

Last updated on January 17th, 2024 at 05:28 pm

New York City! The city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, the land of pizza bagels and hot dog stands. 🗽

It’s a place on most people’s bucket lists (it had been on ours since we first met each other in 1998. The first trip we wanted to do was NYC, it took us just 26 years to get there), and for good reason.

There’s just so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming. But fear not, intrepid traveling lodgers!

We are here to guide you through the Big Apple with our top 10 picks for things to do and see in NYC.

Read until the very end for some extra tips on where we booked tickets for various sites and a few extra tips.

1. Get Your Gaze on the Skyline:

No trip to New York City is complete without taking in the iconic skyline, and the city offers numerous vantage points to experience its breathtaking views.

In addition to the favorites, such as Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, and the Edge Observation Deck, several other notable locations provide stunning perspectives of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

One World Observatory, located on the 102nd floor of the One World Trade Center, offers incredible 360-degree views of the city, including the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson River, and the five boroughs. 

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The Edge (one of our particular favourites), one of New York’s newest outdoor viewing platforms, is situated 100 floors above the Manhattan sidewalks and provides unparalleled views of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and Central Park.

It’s also home to the glass floor which you can walk over and look down 100 floors to the pavement below if you can stomach it. It made Nick feel a bit queasy

Moreover, several parks and waterfront areas in the city are renowned for offering exceptional views of Manhattan’s skyline.

For instance, Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn provides a close-up view of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. 

Additionally, Hunters Point South Park in Queens offers a direct view of the United Nations Building and a panoramic view of New York City along the East River.

Furthermore, there are various rooftop bars and high-rise buildings across the city that offer spectacular views of the skyline.

For those seeking a free vantage point, waterfront parks in Brooklyn, such as Brooklyn Bridge Park and Domino Park, are recommended for their great views of the New York skyline

In summary, New York City’s skyline can be admired from a multitude of vantage points, including observation decks, parks, and rooftop bars, each offering a unique and unforgettable perspective of this iconic metropolis

We took the skyline in from various places which you can see in our videos (below).

We didn’t do this but we would recommend booking two observation decks and doing one during the day and one during the evening.

We just didn’t get time to fit that in but we would have loved to see the skyline at night.

2. Wander Through Central Park:

Escape the urban jungle and discover tranquility in Central Park, a sprawling green oasis that offers a retreat for nature lovers in the heart of New York City.

Visitors can rent a rowboat and glide across the picturesque Lake, explore the enchanting Shakespeare Garden, or simply unwind with a picnic on the expansive Great Lawn.

Central Park provides a serene respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing individuals to reconnect with nature and find inner peace amidst its stunning landscapes (or you can just eat at the many food places around the park and look for Home Alone 2 filming locations as we did 😂)

Additionally, the park offers unique experiences such as yoga classes with a view, providing an opportunity to practice mindfulness surrounded by the park’s natural beauty (I would have loved to have seen Nick doing this in the freezing cold 🧘)

Whether it’s a moment of solitude, a leisurely stroll, or a structured activity, Central Park’s timeless charm and natural allure make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful escape amid the hustle of New York City.

You can also take a horse and carriage ride.

Of course, for us, it’s all about the movie locations, and Central Park was featured in Home Alone 2 Lost in New York.

We ventured to the place where Kevin meets the Bird lady and into the hotel lobby also featured in the film.

We walked around the park and spotted the Hotel from Ghostbusters. We love movie location spotting!

3. Hit a Broadway Show: No trip to NYC would be complete without experiencing the magic of Broadway (So we need to go back and do one)

From dazzling musicals to thought-provoking dramas, there’s something for everyone on the Great White Way.

Check out what’s playing during your visit and snag some tickets for an unforgettable night.

We didn’t have a chance to see a show but two we noticed that could tempt us while we were there: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Back to the Future. (Let us know in the comments below if you have seen them and how they were)

4. Explore the Museums:

NYC is home to some of the world’s best museums, so take your pick!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must for art lovers, with its vast collection spanning centuries and cultures.

The Museum of Modern Art is home to iconic modern and contemporary art.

At the same time, the American Museum of Natural History is a wonderland for dinosaur enthusiasts and anyone curious about the natural world.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, located at the World Trade Center site in New York City, stands as a poignant tribute to the lives lost during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The memorial’s twin reflecting pools, each nearly an acre in size, are positioned within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, surrounded by a contemplative 8-acre park featuring nearly 400 white oak trees and the largest manmade waterfalls in the United States.

The names of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed around the pools, honouring those who perished in the tragic events.

The museum, situated within the archaeological heart of the site, serves as the country’s principal institution dedicated to exploring the historic and human impact of the attacks through state-of-the-art multimedia exhibits, archives, and monumental artifacts. Additionally, the museum pays tribute to the extraordinary courage and compassion demonstrated by thousands of individuals in the aftermath of the attacks.

The Survivor Tree, a Callery pear tree that endured the 2001 attacks, stands as a symbol of resilience and rebirth within the memorial plaza, further embodying the spirit of hope and remembrance that permeates this hallowed space

We thought, as so much time had passed since 9 11 that we knew everything we could about that day and that it wouldn’t affect us emotionally. We were so wrong.

It’s such a somber experience walking around the museum but we would say a MUST DO when you go. Just to honour and remember the lives that were lost that day and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of still being alive.

We were very quiet and reflective when we left and just wanted to sit and take it all in for a while. A very moving place to visit.

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5. Bite into the Big Apple:

You haven’t truly experienced NYC until you’ve tried a New York-style pizza.

Sure, you can find pizza anywhere, but there’s just something special about a New York slice.

Head to Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village or Patsy’s in Midtown for a classic experience. And don’t forget to grab a hot dog from a street vendor while you’re at it!

We had a few eateries on our to-do list which we wanted to try. Some of them were places Nicks’s Mum had visited on her trip to NYC so it was important to Nick to follow in her footsteps.

• Buddakan NYC. Not only did Nicks’s mum eat here but it was featured in the Sex and the City movie which of course we love. The food was amazing, not huge portions but just enough to be satisfied. Buddakan, located at 75 9th Avenue in the Meatpacking District of New York City, offers a unique dining experience that blends the vibrant flavors of the Far East with a surreal atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its grand clubstaurant ambiance and is a popular destination, evoking memories of its feature in “Sex and the City.”

• Mandarin Oriental New York. With stunning views across Central Park and excellent food, we loved this place and met up with our Friends the Bazzas there for lunch. You really can’t beat the view here, you could sit for hours just staring out over Central Park. Mandarin Oriental, New York, located in the heart of Manhattan at 80 Columbus Circle, offers a luxurious and iconic experience. The hotel provides stunning views of Central Park, the Hudson River, and the Manhattan skyline from its prime location in the Deutsche Bank Center

• Liberty Bagels. We headed here after a walk around Central Park for the rainbow bagel (you can’t not choose that colorful bagel when you see it. The menu features a variety of options, including chef specialty sandwiches, specialty egg sandwiches, omelettes, and healthier choices such as seafood delight and signature sandwiches. In addition to its diverse sandwich offerings, Liberty Bagels is known for its assortment of bagels, including the Liberty Bagel, a seasonal bagel with a unique, colorful pattern that changes based on the month of the year

• Ellen’s stardust diner. We had breakfast here with the lovely Bazza’s.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner, located at 1650 Broadway in the Theater District of Manhattan, is a retro 1950s-themed restaurant renowned for its unique dining experience.

The diner is celebrated for its singing waitstaff, who entertain guests with a diverse repertoire of Broadway and pop music, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

The establishment is adorned with retro-themed memorabilia, including photos of past Miss Subways, a 1956 Predicta television, and an indoor train, evoking a nostalgic ambiance for visitors of all ages.

While the singing performances are a highlight for many patrons, the food was also very good on our visit.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience that seamlessly blends entertainment and nostalgia. You may find you have to queue a while outside as it’s such a tourist spot but we feel the wait was worth it

• Serafina Italian Restaurant Meatpacking is Another restaurant we visited as Nicks’s mum had been here on her trip. She sat outside and enjoyed the ambiance of the square out front. It was a little colder for us so we ate inside. Serafina Italian Restaurant in the Meatpacking District of New York City offers a delightful dining experience with a menu that showcases classic Italian dishes. The restaurant’s location at 7 Ninth Ave, New York, NY 10014, provides both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a versatile choice for various dining preferences. The menu features a wide array of options, including antipasti, insalate, pasta, secondi piatti, sides, pizza, and desserts.

6. Take a Walk on the Brooklyn Bridge:

This iconic bridge offers stunning views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Walk or bike across, and then explore the charming Brooklyn Heights neighborhood on the other side.

We visited NYC in March so it was freezing walking over the bridge. We purchased some wooly hats from a stall at the beginning of the walk.

Make sure you wrap up well if you are going in winter months as the wind can get very chilly on the bridge.

The Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) district in Brooklyn is a popular spot for capturing the iconic photo that many visitors seek.

We weren’t 100 percent sure what the appeal was but apparently, if you get your photo in just the right position then you get the bridge and the NYC skyline all in the same shot.

This area is known for its cobblestone streets, refurbished warehouses that house shops and restaurants, and its unique view of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges.

In addition to being a great location for photos, Dumbo offers a vibrant atmosphere and is a must-visit for anyone exploring New York City.

We called in at “Front Street Pizza” for breakfast after we had taken our Dumbo photo.

The district is also near the Brooklyn Bridge and offers a unique perspective of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, making it a perfect destination for both photography and sightseeing

7. Catch a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty:

The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, is a symbol of freedom and hope and is a must-see for any visitor to New York City. ⛴️

To visit the statue, you can take a ferry to Liberty Island, which offers a close and personal experience with this American icon.

The ferry ride from Battery Park to Liberty Island takes just 15 minutes, and the ferry docks for about 10 minutes at each island before departing. 

Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the NYC skyline and the One World Trade Center during the cruise to the island. It’s important to note that the only authorized ferry service to sell tickets and provide transportation to Liberty and Ellis Islands is Statue City Cruises. 

The ferry is accessible for wheelchairs, but seating can be limited during the busy season, and visitors are required to undergo an airport-style security screening before boarding the ferry

8. Shop Til You Drop:

From Fifth Avenue to SoHo, New York City offers a diverse and vibrant shopping experience, making it a true paradise for shoppers. 🛍️

Fifth Avenue is renowned for its high-end designer stores and flagship boutiques, including names like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Prada, and more. 

On the other hand, SoHo is a dynamic neighborhood with a mix of traditional and contemporary shops, offering a wide range of products from fashion to unique souvenirs.

The area is known for its open layout and large windows in former factory buildings, providing a distinct shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, vintage finds, or quirky souvenirs, both Fifth Avenue and SoHo are sure to cater to your shopping needs.

Additionally, other notable shopping areas in New York City include the Meatpacking District, Union Square, and the Shops at Hudson Yards, each offering its own unique shopping scene. 

So, whether you’re into luxury shopping or hunting for budget-friendly deals, New York City has something to offer for every type of shopper.

I particularly loved the Nintendo store! (Love from Leigh 💖)

9. Helicopter Ride:

A helicopter ride in New York City offers a breathtaking opportunity to witness the iconic skyline and the Statue of Liberty from a unique perspective.

Several companies, such as Zip Aviation, Liberty Helicopters, and Viator, provide helicopter tours that allow passengers to enjoy unparalleled views of the city’s landmarks. 🚁

These tours typically offer an unforgettable experience, allowing passengers to capture remarkable aerial photos of the city’s most renowned attractions

The ride was very smooth with no sharp turns so none of us felt queasy.

Don’t worry if you get sat on the opposite side of the Skyline as the helicopter turns around so both sides get to see the views of the NYC skyline.

10. Visit some Famous Movie and TV sites

New York City is a treasure trove of famous filming locations, offering a chance to step into the scenes of beloved movies and TV shows. Fans of “Sex and the City” can visit the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where numerous memorable moments from the series were filmed.

If you know us then you know we LOVE our filming location searches. We love to explore all the places we see on TV and New York is just teaming with places to spot.

One of our favourite TV shows is “Sex and the City” and we love the movies also (and the latest series “And Just Like That”) So we knew we couldn’t visit New York without seeing Carrie’s apartment

Additionally, the city is home to the fire station used in “Ghostbusters,” located at Hook and Ladder 8 in Tribeca, allowing visitors to relive the classic film’s supernatural adventures.

For enthusiasts of “Friends,” a pilgrimage to the building used for the exterior shots of the characters’ apartments is a must, situated at 90 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village.

These are just a few examples of the many renowned filming locations that await exploration in the bustling streets of New York City. There are many more you can find with a quick Google search.

Summary

So there you have it! Our top 10 picks for things to do and see in New York City.

With so much to offer, you will surely have an unforgettable time in the Big Apple.

Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, and warm clothes if it’s winter months, pack your appetite, and be prepared to be amazed!

After waiting so long to finally visit NYC and with Nick not being a particular fan of busy cities we did wonder if we would be underwhelmed.

We ended up LOVING NYC.

The cold didn’t stop us from having an amazing time (apart from one thing, see below) and we know we want to go back in warmer months to see the city as it blooms in spring or summer.

Some other noteworthy things to do while in NYC

Take a walk on the High Line: The High Line is an elevated park in Manhattan that you can walk across and stop off at various eating locations along the way. Unfortunately for us, it was a particularly cold and windy day so we didn’t get to really enjoy it. Try and pick a warm day for this

Times Square: Everyone has to visit Times Square when they go to NYC. This was the only thing that really was spoilt on our trip by the weather. We went in freezing cold and windy temperatures and only stayed for a quick look around. Again, try and pick a warmer day for a visit here so you can really enjoy your time there.

Ride the Subway: An underground subway station was conveniently located right next to our hotel and they are scattered around the city so you won’t have far to walk to get on a train. We used Google to get train times and once we had gotten used to it we found it pretty easy to get around the city. We used our travel card to pay at the barriers to get through the turnstiles.

Where we booked tickets from

City pass: We would recommend purchasing one of the many city passes available for your trip as it includes various sites at discounted prices. We worked with CityPass on our New York trip who kindly offered us a pass to explore the city. The pass included the following:

Includes prepaid admission to:

• Empire State Building — reservations required.
• American Museum of Natural History — reservations required.
• Plus, your choice of any 3 of the following:
  • Top of the Rock® Observation Deck — reservations recommended.
  • Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island — reservations required.
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum — reservations required.
  •  Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises — reservations required.
  •  Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum — reservations required.
  • Guggenheim Museum — reservations recommended.

Viator: We used Viator for our helicopter ride

Our New York Video Series

You can watch our full New York Series of videos below

You can watch our lovely friends Theme Park Bazza’s videos of the same trip below

Thanks for reading, we hope you find this useful and we will see you in the next blog post

Leigh & Nick

TLG