The Big Apple Beckons: Top 10 Things To Do For Tourists in New York City
Find our top 10 things to do in NYC here!
New York City, the city that truly never sleeps, is one of the top travel destinations in not only the United States but the entire world. As a frequent jetsetter to NYC, I'm often asked for recommendations by first-time visitors on the best attractions, sights, neighborhoods, and overall things to do to maximize their New York City vacation experience. After much thought, I've put together this lista of my ten absolute must-see things to do for tourists to fully embrace the excitement and energy that the Big Apple has to offer.
1. Take In Panoramic City Skyline Views from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Getting a bird's eye view of New York City’s world-famous skyline is a quintessential part of any tourist itinerary. Travelers have two stellar options – ascending to the open-air top deck of the iconic Empire State Building or visiting its newer observation deck rival, the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. Perched 70 stories high atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the Top of the Rock provides jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramic views of key NYC landmarks like Central Park, the Hudson River, the towering skyscrapers, and even the Statue of Liberty in the distance. I highly recommend visiting near sunset when you can view the city transitioning from day to night with the building lights sparkling against the night sky.
2. Escape the Hustle and Bustle with a Stroll Through Central Park
Manhattan may be known for its concrete sidewalks crammed with people and towering buildings that block out the sun, but Central Park offers tourists a welcome respite filled with lush green landscaping, glistening lakes, rocky outcroppings, and peaceful spots to relax. Meander along its winding trails and bridges past highlights like the Central Park Zoo or Strawberry Fields memorial on your own or experience it on two wheels by renting a bike. Have an impromptu picnic on the Great Lawn, rent a row boat, catch a performance at the Delacorte outdoor theater, or simply claim a park bench to sit back and take in the city views.
3. Experience NYC Bright Lights at a Broadway Theater Show
For the full New York City experience many jetsetters dream of, nothing quite beats the over-the-top spectacle of catching a Broadway show with its lavish production value and show-stopping song and dance numbers. Snag tickets to an all-time classic show like “The Lion King” or “Wicked” or opt for modern triple threats like “Hamilton” for a one-of-a-kind theater performance unlike anything back home. You’re guaranteed to leave the theater replaying the musical score and memorizing signature show tunes whether you choose a long-running hit or a new show that just opened.
4. Pay Respects at The September 11 Memorial
While New York City undoubtedly offers plenty of high-energy entertainment, one of the most somber yet meaningful attractions that should be on any first-time travel itinerary is the National September 11 Memorial & Museum on the former World Trade Center complex. The names of the nearly 3,000 victims who perished in the 2001 attacks and 1993 WTC bombings are etched into the bronze panels that surround the memorial’s twin reflecting pools marking the footprints of the collapsed Twin Towers. Touring the museum provides visitors the opportunity to honor the lives lost through a collection of artifacts from 9/11 that allow you to emotionally journey back in time to relive accounts from that tragic day in history.
5. Check Out New York City’s Quintessential Landmarks - Big Bus Hop on Hop Off City Tour
Of course what’s a trip to The Big Apple without checking out sites featured in virtually every NYC-based movie or television show including NYC Times Square? Even first time visitors will instantly recognize the chaotic energy of Times Square with its towering canyon of billboards and flashing neon lights as quintessential New York. Lady Liberty standing proudly on Liberty Island holding her torch high remains a global icon of freedom and democracy that travelers flock to see up close. For art lovers and museum aficionados, destinations like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or Guggenheim with extensive exhibitions from Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh and more famed creators are not to be missed. You’ll also pass by Columbia University in city of New York.
6. Indulge in Iconic NYC Foods - NYC Food Tour
Between the incredible sights and nonstop itineraries, New York City visitors undoubtedly work up appetites exploring the concrete jungle by foot. Fuel up by sampling signature local eats like massive pastrami or corned beef sandwiches stacked high at old-school delis like Katz’s Delicatessen. Bagel lovers must try New York’s doughy, chewy signature specialty served up fresh and hot from iconic spots like Absolute Bagels and Ess-a-Bagel. And of course no tourist should leave the city without indulging in a quintessential New York slice of thin, crispy coal brick oven pizza overflowing with mozzarella cheese at classic joints like Joe’s Pizza or Juliana’s Pizza. End your food journey on a sweet note with a traditional black-and-white cookie while taking in a world-famous city view.
7. Shop Till You Drop on Iconic 5th Avenue
Those who like to shop ‘til they drop will think they’ve arrived in paradise when exploring 5th Avenue and the adjacent Midtown neighborhoods packed with famous retail flagships. Fashionistas flock to this high-end stretch to peruse the designer duds at Bergdorf Goodman or Saks Fifth Avenue department stores or visit brand flagship boutiques from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada or other iconic high fashion houses. Even travelers with more modest budgets will delight in gazing at the ornate seasonal window display designs of stores they’ve seen featured in popular media and films over the years.
8. Wander Through New York City's Unique Neighborhoods
In addition to its world-famous Manhattan landmarks, New York City entices tourists to stray from the chaotic Midtown area to experience its unique outer borough neighborhoods that offer a sample of distinct city vibes. Make the iconic walk over the Brooklyn Bridge to check out charming brownstone-lined streets and indie shops and eateries around Brooklyn Heights. Or immerse yourself in art from local creators and hip bars and cafes in the eclectic Williamsburg neighborhood. Head to the West Village to see historic sites tied to events like prohibition and gay rights history while browsing boutiques and celebrity hot spot restaurants in Greenwich Village.
9. Relax with Scenic City Views Along The High Line
All the walking around New York’s concrete jungle will likely leave tourists in need of a break for weary feet while still soakling up city sights. Luckily the High Line public park gives travelers a chance to take a load off by sitting or strolling along a 1.45-mile historic freight rail line that’s been transformed into an urban walkway roughly 30 feet above the hustling city streets below it. Visitors can take in one-of-a-kind aerial views of city blocks, the Hudson River waterfront area, architectural wonders like the Vessel structure, and street level happenings while perched above it all with lush greenery surrounding the unique elevated green space.
10. Indulge in a Smorgasbord of Eats At NYC's Famed Food Halls
If you want a taste of a wide variety of eats under one roof, make a beeline for one of New York’s famed indoor food halls like Chelsea Market, Essex Market, or Gansevoort Market tucked away from noisy main drags. With the opulent setting of European-style markets packed with countless vendors and stalls, these foodie havens allow tourists to sample everything from fresh seafood, ravioli, tacos, barbecue ribs, tapas, pizza, and more culinary treats. Once you grab whatever delicacies catch your eye, snag a seat at a communal table to literally savor the flavors of New York City's restaurant scene.
With new things to experience around virtually every corner, it’s impossible to tackle New York City’s entire extensive checklist of iconic attractions in just one visit. But this list of must-see sights, quintessential foodie pilgrimages, and fascinating neighborhoods to explore will jumpstart first-timers on their maiden voyage to New York, New York. Just pace yourself as you navigate the concrete jungle so you don’t need an entire second vacation to recover once you return home! But without a doubt, the nonstop energy and one-of-a-kind sights will leave you with enough vivid memories from your NYC trip to last a lifetime.
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