Planning a visit to New York but don’t know where to start? In this blog we share our TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK!
Arriving in New York is like walking into a movie set! The all too familiar sights of the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Central Park are places we have seen many a time in movies such as King Kong, Home Alone, Breakfast At Tiffany’s and more.
In the city that truly never sleeps, you can shop till you drop, dance until sunrise and feel like a movie star as you dine in world class restaurants.
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Having said all that, New York is definitely NOT one of the cheapest cities to visit!
Your New York adventure will be so much easier, and less expensive, with the all-inclusive NEW YORK PASS that gives you access to more than 100 things to do. From the Big Apple’s most iconic attractions, including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty Ferry, and 9/11 memorial, to the hidden gems and tours with locals. Your New York Pass includes a few extra perks at many locations, including discounts at gift stores, as well as a digital guide to help plan your itinerary.
I have been fortunate enough to have visited New York four times and each time I discover something new and there is still so much I want to see, so I can’t wait to go back!
In the meantime here are my Top 10 Things To Do In New York (and boy was it hard to narrow it down!)
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK
1. WALK ACROSS THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE
The Brooklyn Bridge was the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world. Construction started in 1870 and was completed in 1883, this suspension/cable-stay bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn.
It is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the USA. With a length of 1825 meters, it was the longest bridge in the world at the time of completion. Sadly, 27 lives were lost during its construction, 12 of which were killed during a stampede 6 days after it opened to the public, amid rumours the bridge would collapse.
These days the bridge allows trains, cars and pedestrians to cross the river and makes for a scenic stroll for tourists. When we were in New York last, we walked across from Manhattan, stopping for photos of the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
Once we were in Brooklyn we headed down to the waterfront and discovered the carousel (I had never noticed it on previous trips) so I just had to release my inner child and have a ride.
It was probably one of the most unique carousel rides I have experienced as it’s not everyday you ride a carousel with the iconic New York City skyscrapers as the backdrop. Definitely high on my list of TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK!
Next stop was lunch and we had heard that Grimaldi’s had the best pizza in Brooklyn, if not New York. This is the original Grimaldi’s restaurant, there are now others across the USA. The queue of people waiting outside did not deter us. We waited about 40 minutes to be seated but we were confident we would not be disappointed.
Inside you could watch the pizza being freshly cooked in coal burning ovens, which are heated to a temperature of 1200 degrees. The aroma in the air made my stomach rumble just that little bit more! Considering how busy the restaurant was, we really didn’t have to wait too long for our food. The pepperoni pizza was absolutely delicious and definitely worth the wait! You must experience it for yourself!
Another must do in Brooklyn is to get an ice-cream from the Brooklyn Ice-Cream Factory at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. Perhaps the perfect place to grab some dessert to enjoy as you walk back across the bridge to Manhattan?
2. SEE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY
There are a few ways to see the Statue of Liberty.
One would be to line up at Battery Park (the line can be seriously LONG, we were there on a bitterly cold day in March and the line was at least a 90 minutes wait time) and catch the ferry over to the Statue, wander around for an hour or two, perhaps grab a bite to eat at the café and then head back.
The ferry ride from Battery Park to Liberty Island takes just 15 minutes and cost approx. USD$24 return (if you purchase a New York Pass it is included). Enjoy views of the NYC skyline as you cruise to the Statue of Liberty.
Anyone boarding the Statue of Liberty ferry has to undergo an airport-style security screening. Large bags, markers, sharp objects, and weapons aren’t allowed on board the ferry.
Another option is to catch the Staten Island Ferry (which is free) and see the Statue Of Liberty, taking as many photos as you like, as you pass her on the way to Staten Island.
My favourite way to see her though is from above! This is something I strongly recommend on my list of TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK!
I did a helicopter flight over Manhattan, taking in the sights of Central Park, the Hudson River, The Chrysler Building and a loop above the Statue of Liberty giving me a fantastic birds eye view. Taking a helicopter flight really gives you a better perspective of the sheer size of places like Central Park. I would definitely recommend doing this Manhattan Helicopter Flight whilst in New York!
3. THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
The main reason I wanted to visit the American Museum of Natural History was because the movie ‘Night At The Museum’ was filmed there! A movie I had watched MANY times with the kids over the years. For those who don’t remember it, here’s a trailer…
After wandering around trying to find familiar places from the movie, we spoke to a security guard and asked where we could find things related to the movie? He gave us a special map (apparently we weren’t the first people to go there for this reason) and we headed off on our own adventure, in search of Dexter, who tormented Ben Stiller’s character.
I was so excited when I came face to face with him, although Dexter wasn’t much of a threat to me ‘stuffed’ behind glass. Next on my list was Dum Dum, who we eventually found. Sadly I didn’t take him any gum gum (if you’ve seen the movie you will know the reference). We also found T-Rex and President Roosevelt on his horse.
If you are not really interested in the movie and want to actually visit the museum for the history and displays, it has an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons and diverse animal taxidermies. Founded in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History NYC specialises in exhibitions that show all kinds of animals in their natural habitat. See-through the “windows on nature” into an enchanted world of natural history.
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest natural history museums on earth, so it’s easy to get lost. It’s best to decide in advance what you want to see. Take a look at the 45 fascinating permanent exhibition halls (if you have the time) that showcase the history of nature on the American continent and earth in general. With 33 million artefacts, you will find something interesting for sure! If you are travelling with kids then be sure to include this in your TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK!
Entry is USD$23 per adult, however once again entry is covered if you get the New York Pass.
4. EXPLORE CENTRAL PARK
Central Park is by far my favourite place in New York City and a place we had to add to our list of TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK. An 843 acre oasis in the midst of New York’s skyscrapers, it is a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
One of the reasons Central Park might feel so familiar is that it features in so many movies. From the famous scene in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ filmed at Central Park Boathouse Restaurant, to the ice-skating scene in ‘Serendipity’ filmed at the Wollman Rink and who could forget probably the most famous of them all, scenes from ‘Home Alone 2’ where Kevin meets the homeless woman and gets chassed by the two thieves. Other movies filmed here include Made of Honor, Stuart Little 2, Enchanted, Ghostbusters and Edward Scissorhands.
Central Park has something to do for everyone at all times of the year. From ice skating in winter, yoga and bike riding in summer and perhaps a visit to the zoo for those with families.
You can even take a horse drawn carriage around the park, ride a carousel, take a boat on the lake in summer, hire a bike or e-scooter, take a tour or enjoy a picnic.
If you are keen to go Ice Skating in Central Park, you need to visit between late October to Early April. Currently there is only one ice rink in Central Park as the Lasker Rink is closed for renovations until Nov 2024. The Wollman Rink is the rink often featured in movies and TV shows and probably the one you are visualising! Adult tickets range from $14-$23 and children’s tickets are $6.
If you are travelling with children, check out Central Park Zoo, just a few yards from 5th Ave. You’ll find over 130 different species ranging from Snow Leopards to Tropical Birds. A walk around the Zoo’s five plus acres will take you through a variety of habitats, all carefully designed to recreate the natural environment of the animals they house. You can get your tickets HERE.
5. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
Another famous landmark often seen in movies, The Empire State Building can be seen from almost anywhere in NYC. This is defintely a must see on our list of TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK. It’s height counting the spire and antenna, is a mighty 1,454 feet (443 meters). The Empire State Building is currently the 4th tallest building in New York City, the 6th tallest in the United States, and the 43rd tallest tower in the world.
The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year, rain or shine, including all holidays.
Due to it’s popularity, the queues are infamously long, especially in peak periods. We recommend going first thing in the morning or late at night to beat the queue or get yourself a ticket that includes ‘skip the line’. You can get the Empire State Building Ticket with Optional Upgrade to Skip-the-Line and 102nd Deck here.
We were fortunate on our last visit that it was Saint Patrick’s Day and most tourists were lining the streets to watch the parade, so we were able to pretty much head straight up to the top viewing platform without a wait.
From the observation deck you have views across New York City and beyond, in fact the panorama takes in 6 states! Don’t forget to have your photo taken with King Kong before you head up to the top!
We higly recommend pre-purchasing your tickets to the Empire State Building (unless you have the New York Pass as entry is included)
The views from the top of the Empire State Building truly are spectacular and you will enjoy loooking for famous landmarks across the city and beyond.
6. VISIT THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER
The Rockefeller Center is famous for its Ice Rink, Christmas Tree and views from Top of The Rock.
TOP OF THE ROCK: From our experience we believe the view from Top Of The Rock is BETTER than that from the Empire State Building and is one we could not miss of our list of TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK. Firstly because there are three floors of indoor and outdoor viewing areas and you can admire the Big Apple’s popular landmarks, such as One World Trade Center, the Chrysler Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty AND you can get a great photo looking right AT the Empire State Building. Unlike the Empire State Building which has wire fencing around the viewing platforms, at Top of the Rock you are surrounded by glass and if you go to the 3rd platform it is an open air view with no glass or fencing blocking those spectacular photo shots. If I had to choose between going up the Empire State Building or Top of The Rock, I would choose Top Of The Rock as a better choice from my personal experience. You can purchase your tickets HERE.
ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE: This tree is a MUST SEE if you are in New York during the Christmas season. I visited it in 2006 and it definitely has the wow factor. Of course most people know it from the movie ‘Home Alone 2’ when Kevin finally reunites with his Mum after being lost in New York. (such a touching moment right?)
Did you know there are more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights on approximately 5 miles (8 km) of wire. The star that sits on top of the tree was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018. The three dimensional Swarovski star weighs approximately 900 pounds (408.23 kg) and features 70 spikes covered in 3 million crystals.
For those lucky enough to be in New York this coming Christmas, the 2022 lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 30th, 2022. Starting December 1, 2022, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit daily from 6am to midnight.
On Christmas Day, the tree is lit for 24 hours and on New Year’s Eve it is lit from 6am to 9pm.
To get there you can take the B/D/F/M train to the 47th-50th Sts-Rockefeller Center stop. If you are visiting the Rockefeller Christmas Tree after 4pm, make sure you also go to 5th Avenue to view the amazing lights show of Saks 5th Avenue.
ROCKEFELLER ICE RINK: Legend has it that the idea for ‘The Rink’ was inspired by a Depression-era skate salesman who demonstrated his product by skating on the frozen water of the Rockefeller Center fountain. The rink officially opened on Christmas Day 1936. Originally planned as a temporary exhibit, The rink was so popular it became a permanent addition, with the Prometheus Statue and the Christmas Tree providing one of the most familiar backdrops in the world.
Tickets go on sale each fall and include skate rental. Be prepared for a long wait in line as it is one of the most popular destinations in New York for tourists visiting the city in the colder seasons.
Did you know there is a rooftop bar on level 65 of the Rockefeller Center? Which leads me to number seven on my list….
7. DRINKS AT A ROOF TOP BAR
(photo by André Maier)
Number 7 on our list of Top 10 Things To Do In New York is a not-so-well-kept secret among New Yorkers, tucked away on the 65th Floor of the Rockefeller Center is Bar SixtyFive. With the skyline just outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, every moment here is perfectly crafted. There are so many roof top bars in New York to choose from ,but this one would have to be one of the best. (UPDATE: as of March 2024, this bar is currently only available for private functions)
8. VISIT TIMES SQUARE
O.K so there are mixed feelings about Times Square by many who visit this iconic part of New York City. Most visit because they have seen it so many times on TV or in movies…its just one of those places you have to experience once.
Times Square got it’s name from the famous newspaper ‘The Times’ which used to call the Times Tower home. Although no longer in this building, the name remains. Times Square is the meeting point of 42nd & 43rd Streets.
The first time I visited Times Square I was in awe of the many billboards that tower above and the buzz you could feel. It almost felt like it was the heartbeat of New York. I remember hearing the subway as it rushed beneath my feet, as I stood on an air vent in the centre of Times Square. There are many street performers and you can’t help but notice a strong police presence. It is an incredibly busy place, so keep your wits about you at all times.
My favourite stores to visit in Times Square are M&M World, which has over three floors of M&M heaven. The walls are filled with M&M’s in almost every colour and you can even make your own personalised M&M’s to take home. We also enjoyed Hershey’s Chocolate World and the Disney Store.
Whilst in the area be sure to check out a Broadway Show. From shows such as Phantom Of The Opera, Aladdin and Wicked…there is something for everyone. I personally recommend MJ The Musical if you are a fan of Michael Jackson like me. The show takes audiences inside the creative process of one of the greatest entertainers in history. Featuring over 25 of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits, MJ allows us to rediscover the man in the mirror – with an explosion of music and theatricality as unforgettable as the artist himself.
9. DINE AT SERENDIPITY 3
As you can probably tell I love to visit the set locations of my favourite movies and Serendipity is one of my top 5 romance movies, so I just had to make a reservation at Serendipity 3, the very place that Jonathan Trager and Sara enjoy a frozen hot chocolate together after a chance meeting. If you would like to dine at Serendipity 3 you must make a reservation as it books out well in advance most nights. Even with a reservation we still had to wait for our table! It was worth the wait though! The food was delicious! We even ordered a frozen hot chocolate to share and had our own Serendipity moment. You can book your table HERE.
For those not familiar with this restaurant, here is a video showing just some movies/shows that have been filmed here over the years…
10.BREAKFAST AT THE PLAZA HOTEL
One of the most iconic hotels in New York is The Plaza Hotel.
Once again this hotel was made famous (well for me anyway) by the movie ‘Home Alone 2’ when Kevin McCallister books himself a room whilst lost in New York.
It is situated across from Central Park on 5th Avenue and is a New York icon hosting world leaders, dignitaries, captains of industry, Broadway legends, and Hollywood royalty. As an established staple for lavish society affairs and blockbuster films, The Plaza has welcomed guests from around the world to enjoy its magic at the castle on Central Park South for more than 100 years.
We actually enjoyed a delicious breakfast at The Plaza Hotel in their Palm Court Restaurant, on the morning of our Central Park Wedding (more about eloping in New York in a future blog) and it was the perfect start to our day. The room’s signature feature is a soaring stained-glass dome reminiscent of the original built in 1907. The Palm Court is a timelessly elegant setting for breakfast, afternoon tea, evening fare and crafted cocktails making it one of the most iconic New York restaurant and bars still taking reservations.
Breakfast starts from USD $45 per person and The Manhatten High Tea starts from USD$110 per person.
So, that is my list of Top 10 Things To Do In New York, however there are so many honourable mentions that I recommend…
Edge Observation Deck is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere with a one-of-a-kind design. It’s suspended in mid-air, giving you the feeling of floating in the sky with 360-degree views you can’t get anywhere else. Look 100 stories down from the thrilling glass floor, lean out over the city on angled glass walls and sip champagne in the sky. You’ve never experienced New York like this before.
Visit the 9/11 memorial to pay your respects to the victims lost in the 9-11 attacks and visit the museum.
Watch a basketball game or concert at Maddison Square Garden (we did this and the atmosphere was electric).
New York has something for everyone and is definitely a place I recommend visiting at least once in your life.
If you are travelling from Australia, I also recommend breaking the long journey with a stop over in Hawaii. You can read our Top 10 Things To Do In Hawaii blog HERE. Alternatively if you are travelling to New York from Europe, why not stop in Paris on the way.
What are your favourite places in New York? Are any of them in our list of TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK? Share them in the comments below, so we can all visit them on our future visits to New York.
Be sure to watch my NEW YORK TRAVEL GUIDES over on my YouTube channel for more exciting things to do in the Big Apple. You can watch those HERE.
Until next time…
Happy Travels!
Rebecca
Rebecca Henley
Rebecca was first bitten by the travel bug after emigrating to Australia with her parents at the age of 7. Ten years later she packed her bags and headed back to the UK to live, work and study before travelling to destinations across Europe as well as the USA, Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, New Zealand and more. She has worked in the travel industry for over 15 years and sees herself as a bit of a free spirit, who prefers to explore new places than staying in one place for too long. Her big dream is to travel around the world in a motorhome.
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