Things to do in New York City
There’s nowhere in the world quite like New York City. Of course, the list of things to do extends beyond what’s featured in this blog. However, we’ve picked out some of our favourite attractions, neighbourhoods and landmarks below to give you a flavour of what to expect.
Places such as the One World Observatory, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway, Chinatown and lots more are ready and waiting for you. All you need to do is book your holiday with us and count down the days until you arrive.
We have a great selection of New York multi-centre holidays that allow you to experience the best of ‘The City That Never Sleeps’ and several other wonderful destinations in the US, Caribbean and Canada.
Planning your itinerary before landing in New York is a good idea because of the abundance of things to see and do. It’s time to take a whistle-stop tour of New York - the star of so many movies and TV shows over the years.
5th Avenue
There aren’t many shopping thoroughfares in the world that stretch as far as 10km. However, 5th Avenue is New York’s most famous street and runs from Greenwich Village all the way to West 143rd Street in Harlem.
5th Avenue is also known as Millionaire’s Row. As you make your way along this prestigious street with the most expensive retail space in the world, you’ll come across many high-end shops, designer boutiques, museums and stunning architecture.
Spending your entire day shopping on one street is easily done on 5th Avenue. But, if you’re on holiday for a special occasion, why not treat yourself and buy some great new outfits for the next part of your New York multi-centre holiday?
There are also many fabulous restaurants to be found on 5th Avenue, so make sure you take a break from browsing the stores and enjoy a leisurely lunch in style.
Broadway
Whether you’re on your honeymoon or having a family holiday in New York, going out for a delicious meal followed by a musical on Broadway is just one of the many great things to do. If there’s a specific show you’d like to see, it’s best to book well in advance to avoid disappointment, as they can sell out quickly. Some of Broadway’s most famous theatres include Broadway Theatre, Palace Theatre and New Amsterdam Theatre.
Broadway theatres aren’t just for musicals, though. They also host plays, so you can choose something to suit your tastes. In addition, there’s a plentiful choice of places to eat in and around Broadway with something for all budgets and appetites.
Broadway at night is a magical place with a buzz in the air and bright lights. The street itself is actually 33 miles long, but the section with theatres is thankfully compact enough to walk around easily.
Times Square
Times Square is at the intersection of Broadway, Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street and is home to dozens of theatres and great entertainment. It’s also famous for the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and its giant digital screens and billboards that light up this part of Manhattan.
Times Square started as Long Acre Square, but its name was changed in the early 1900s and has remained since. There are theatres, street performers, shops and great places to eat around Times Square too. It’s not somewhere you’d spend an entire day, but if you’re looking for that New York experience with the ‘wow’ factor, Times Square will bring all of your senses to life.
The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building was opened in 1931 and stands at 102-storeys high. This art-deco skyscraper is a hugely popular tourist destination, so you’ll need to book your tickets in advance. It’s hard to describe just how incredible the views are from the top, and it’s certainly somewhere you’ll want to spend some time taking selfies and panoramic shots of the cityscape sprawled out in front of you.
For an extra special experience, you can be one of just 100 people each morning to watch a spectacular sunrise from the 86th-floor observation deck. This is an incredible way to start your day and will leave you feeling inspired and energised as you prepare for another exciting day in New York City.
Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty
The world-renowned Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island - a short ferry ride from Manhattan. The statue was a gift from France to the United States in the late 19th century. It stands 93m tall, including its foundations. And while it’s still a hugely impressive statue, the nearby modern Skyscrapers in Manhattan are significantly higher.
As well as the statue itself, Liberty Island is also home to a museum which tells you more about the fascinating history of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. The Liberty Vista is located on top of the museum and gives you amazing views of the statue and across the harbour area. Have you really been to NYC if you don’t have a selfie with the Statue of Liberty in the background?
One World Observatory
Walking the streets of New York on a typical day is a fantastic experience as a holidaymaker, but viewing the city’s skyline from high above is incredible too. The One World Observatory provides 360-degree views of the Big Apple from over 100 storeys up. You can go from ground level to the top in the SkyPod elevators in less than one minute.
One World Observatory is also a great place to unwind and enjoy some time with your family or partner. So whether you’re travelling in a group or as a couple, you can look forward to having a special lunch or dinner. The highest point in New York is a beautiful place to plan the rest of your holiday and marvel at the views.
A trip to One World Observatory is an immersive experience you can’t get anywhere else. So make sure to add it to your holiday plans and book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Chinatown
New York’s Chinatown neighbourhood dates back to the 1870s. It’s a thriving area with lots of shops, places to eat and traditional teahouses. It may be located in one of America’s big cities, but you’ll definitely feel like you’re in a completely different world. Mott Street is a great place to pick up souvenirs or take a trip back in time to play retro video games at the arcade.
If you enjoy a spot of haggling (something you won’t be able to do on 5th Avenue), then Canal Street in Chinatown is the place to go. There are many small shops here for you to browse and hopefully grab a bargain.
No trip to Chinatown would be complete without sampling some authentic cuisine. Noodles, dumplings, seafood and more are on the menu, and guided tours are available to ensure you experience all the finest flavours and aromas.
Diamond District
New York City’s famous Diamond District is on 47th Street, between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue (also known as the Avenue of the Americas).
This is the place to go for jewellery when you’re in the city. So whether you’ve just proposed to your partner and want to splash out on a beautiful engagement ring or are celebrating a special occasion such as a wedding anniversary or birthday, you’ll be spoilt for choice. In fact, there are over 2,600 independent shops in the Diamond District, so you might want to narrow down your search a bit before you visit.
The area also has many great places to eat and is close to other attractions such as the Rockefeller Centre and Broadway.
Central Park
Central Park is a vast oasis in Manhattan covering 843 acres. You can visit the Central Park Zoo, go on a horse-drawn carriage ride, boating on the lake, have a romantic picnic, watch the locals playing sports, and so much more.
Within the park, you’ll also find Strawberry Fields - a quiet area that pays tribute to John Lennon of The Beatles. If you’d like a change of scene from the noise and busyness of the city, hiring a bike and cycling around Central Park is a lovely way to spend an afternoon and recharge your batteries surrounded by nature.
Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle and the Alice in Wonderland sculpture are also worth visiting for photo opportunities.
The American Museum of Natural History
You’ll find the American Museum of Natural History on Central Park West. You’ll certainly not be short of things to see as the museum contains well over 30 million exhibits. You’ll learn lots about mammals, marine life, dinosaurs, and so much more on your visit. It’s a great place to take children on a family holiday to New York and let their imaginations run wild.
You can also discover fascinating facts about forests, birdlife, reptiles, fossils, and space, amongst other things. So much work has gone into curating an awe-inspiring collection of artefacts and specimens, and it will take more than one trip to see even a small percentage of everything displayed.
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village, or just ‘The Village’ as it’s known locally, is in Lower Manhattan and has a relaxed vibe. Washington Square Park and its famous arch is one place you’ll definitely want to visit. It’s a wonderful place to sit with a coffee and just watch the world go by. It attracts a diverse range of people and has a real community feel to it.
Bleecker Street is a good port of call if you’re looking for great food and fantastic nightlife. There are also shops full of character and vintage goods, live music and more in Greenwich Village, making it a great place to explore on foot away from the larger crowds of 5th Avenue.
The Village is also home to Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment from Sex and the City and the block used for outside shots of the Friends building. There are off-Broadway theatres here too, so you can catch a show away from the main buzz, and who knows, you might even see a future star on stage.
SoHo
Another nice Lower Manhattan neighbourhood to spend some time in is SoHo. The name SoHo is derived from ‘South of Houston Street’. It’s packed with stylish designer boutiques, stunning art galleries and cast-iron architecture you’ll have seen on the big screen.
SoHo’s culinary scene is pretty special too. It has plenty of options for a memorable meal in NYC if you’re looking to celebrate or kickstart your New York holiday in style.
SoHo is within walking distance of the Brooklyn Bridge - another New York landmark that holidaymakers flock to in their thousands every year.
The Brooklyn Bridge
Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn serves up some of the finest views in the city. Opened in 1883 and spanning the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge provides incredible panoramas, so taking a leisurely stroll across will be full of pauses to take snaps of the water or skyscrapers in the distance.
As the seemingly non-stop traffic drives below, you get a real sense of the vastness of New York but also the relaxation of the river. The bridge walkway is around one mile long, but it’s often busy, so leave a bit more time than you usually would for a walk of this distance. On the other hand, there’s nothing quite like it on a clear, sunny day.
The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located at number 1000 5th Avenue and is host to over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years. There are a number of masterpieces on display at The Met, as well as exhibitions from across the globe.
Even if art isn’t a big passion of yours, you’ll still find plenty to surprise and amaze you as you stroll through the incredible interior of this world-famous art museum. If you venture out onto the roof, you’ll find an informal bar with stunning views. On Friday and Saturday nights, it’s open for visitors to watch the sun setting on another brilliant day in the Big Apple. So get there early, grab yourself a cocktail and take some of the best photographs you’ll probably ever capture.
Rockefeller Centre
Another New York icon with amazing vistas is the Rockefeller Centre. While it’s also famous for its winter ice skating rink, the Top of the Rock experience is truly spectacular. You’ll enjoy unrivalled 360-degree views over Manhattan’s unique skyline.
There are three observation decks in total, two being outdoors. And once you’ve scaled the heights, don’t forget the Rockefeller Centre has over 100 shops and restaurants so that you can make a day of it.
If you’re in the city between mid-November and mid-March, then you may want to get your skates on and take to the ice. Skating at the Rockefeller Centre has been featured in many movies and is something the whole family can enjoy during your magical trip to New York.
Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall has seen some legendary performers over the years since it opened its doors in December 1932. Arts, theatre and comedy also take place here and even if there are no events during your visit, or they’re sold out, you can still get a behind-the-scenes tour and see how everything works backstage.
The High Line
While Central Park gets most of the attention from visitors to New York, the High Line is a more recent addition to the city. This former railway line is now an elevated park and runs for just short of a mile and a half.
There’s plenty of outdoor art to hold your attention and get photographs of, as well as magnificent views and lots of greenery, contrasting the busy city streets. If you’re planning on visiting Chelsea to browse the art galleries or have a bite to eat, the High Line is a scenic and relaxing way to get there on foot.
Chelsea Market
Shopping, food, culture and more are combined at Chelsea Market. So it’s best to rise early and get here before it gets busy. It’s a wonderful place to browse and chat with local vendors, pick up some tasty snacks and also souvenirs for those back home.
A visit to Chelsea Market is included in many city tours. It’s situated in the Meatpacking District and gets around 6 million visitors every year, keen to sample a wide range of delicious food from different countries.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is also known as Grand Central Station. If you like your history, you can get guided tours around this magnificent building to learn more about its past. Even if you’re not travelling onwards from New York, it’s worth visiting Grand Central Terminal during your stay. The sheer scale of Grand Central and its classic interior will leave you lost for words.
There’s an Apple Store inside and other shops and places to eat and drink. The Oyster Bar & Restaurant is a seafood lover’s paradise and a great place to stop for a light lunch or delicious dinner. Grand Central Terminal first opened in 1913, and the restaurant followed suit just a few weeks later. The daily-changing menu is due to the fact that all the produce is brought in fresh each morning from Fulton Fish Market.
Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts
As the name suggests, this is the place in NYC to catch a variety of great shows. There’s so much on offer here, so planning ahead and booking tickets for what you want to see before you fly to the US is worthwhile.
You’ll find dance, opera, film, theatre, family events, talks, workshops, exhibitions and lots more. It has indoor and outdoor facilities and attracts visitors and performers from all over the world annually. At over 16 acres in size, the Lincoln Centre is a vast space for performances of all genres and sizes to be brought to life. There are many free events on offer, so you can go along and get a taste of the great entertainment without breaking the bank.
Wall Street
While in New York, you might want to wander along Wall Street in the city’s Financial District. The New York Stock Exchange building is worth a look and imposing from the outside. In addition, many tourists like to take photos with the iconic Charging Bull bronze sculpture nearby. This is also known as the Bull of Wall Street. Finally, if you’re interested in architecture, Wall Street has many fine examples from what was known as the Gilded Age between 1870 and 1900.
River Cruises
There’s more to Manhattan and New York than the city streets and sights. While you’re on holiday, you might want to take a relaxing cruise up the Hudson River, feel the wind blowing in your hair, and appreciate more natural surroundings. These cruises also provide a different vantage point to admire the skyline and just how big a city New York actually is.
Alternatively, a dining cruise on the East River might float your boat so you can take it easy after a busy day discovering just some of what New York City has to offer.
New York in a nutshell
The places, sights and landmarks listed above are just a snapshot of the exciting things you can experience in New York. You may not have time to visit them all during your multi-centre holiday, but you can have a lot of fun making a shortlist before you fly.
There’s one thing for sure when you take a bite out of the Big Apple; it will stay with you forever. With so much to enliven your senses in one city, you’ll definitely want to return time and time again.
Browse our New York multi-centre holidays and book yours today. Our team is here until 9pm on weekdays and 8pm on weekends to take your call.
