It’s time for a long overdue post about the place that I call home and that many dream of visiting, so here is the ultimate guide to things to do and see in NYC! This guide is perfect for first-timers; however, NYC is one of the best places to be a tourist in your own city (in my opinion), so this guide is still great for your hundredth visit, too. Since my expertise is efficiency, I have organized all of the below by area (Uptown, Midtown, Downtown, and Brooklyn), so that you can make the most of your time navigating NYC.
In this travel guide, I will share my top recommendations of things to do and see in NYC!
Don’t miss my complete travel guide to Christmas in NYC HERE, as well as my complete guide to the best restaurants in NYC HERE!
Table of Contents
GETTING AROUND
BOROUGHS
There are five boroughs that make up NYC – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Most first-time visitors will spend all of their time in Manhattan (the smallest geographically but the most densely populated of the boroughs)!
NAVIGATION
Most of Manhattan is laid out on a grid that is easy to navigate – avenues run north-south (ascending to the west) and streets run east-west (ascending to the north). If you get lost and feel confused, then just ask someone for help! It is one of my greatest honors to give a tourist directions, because it is a reminder that I also used to get lost and feel confused but have officially mastered the art of navigating NYC. Stay humble.
Tip: Save locations to a list on Google Maps – your hotel, bars and restaurants, sights, etc. for planning your days efficiently. This will help you see which sights, bars, and restaurants are in the same areas.
TRANSPORTATION
NYC is literally the most walkable city in the United States, so walking is my recommended means of transportation. You will see and experience so much more by foot. The next best option is the subway, which is definitely more confusing than walking, but it is the most efficient way to get around. Lastly, car services like Uber and Lyft are always available, but this option is the most expensive and you may have to deal with waiting in traffic. The same goes for hailing a taxi. I cannot speak to riding a bike in NYC, but plenty of people do – just do your research on the proper etiquette.
Tip: Walking is like driving in NYC – stay on the right side of the sidewalk or escalator.
UPTOWN THINGS TO SEE & DO
Uptown is comprised of the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Central Park – all north of 59th street. I am admittedly more of a downtown girl, but these are the things to do and see in NYC that bring me uptown.
1. CENTRAL PARK
A trip to Central Park is a non-negotiable when in NYC. When the weather is nice, one of my favorite things to do in NYC is have a picnic in Sheep’s Meadow (disclaimer: there are not real sheep here). If you just want to walk or bike around, don’t miss the Gapstow Bridge, Mall & Literary Walk, Bethesda Terrace, Loeb Boathouse, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and Strawberry Fields. Bonus if you visit Central Park when the leaves are turning in late October or early November – it’s beautiful!
2. MUSEUM HOP
The Upper East and Upper West Sides are lined with incredible museums. There is something for everyone, but these are a few favorites: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (“The Met”), The American Museum of Natural History, The Frick Collection, and The Guggenheim.
3. COLUMBUS CIRCLE
Columbus Circle serves as the intersection of several busy streets at the southwest corner of Central Park. It is also a hub for shopping and dining. Head to MO Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental for striking views from the 35th floor.
4. LINCOLN CENTER
Lincoln Center is a complex of performing arts buildings where audiences gather to watch the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, etc. Attending any performance here is bound to be a fabulous experience!
MIDTOWN THINGS TO SEE & DO
Midtown is the epitome of NYC tourism. This is where the hustle and bustle happens and where you will find the “concrete jungle.” It’s magic and it’s madness. First-timers will undoubtedly spend some time here, but make it quick – there’s so much more to see and do!
5. FIFTH AVENUE
In this instance, I am referencing the section of Fifth Avenue that runs between Central Park and Bryant Park. It is full of luxury flagship storefronts, prestigious hotels, and several architectural gems. Take a stroll and maybe even treat yourself.
6. ROCKEFELLER CENTER & RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
You probably recognize the Rockefeller Center from seeing photos of the famous Christmas tree or watching The Today Show. If you’re lucky, you can win free tickets to a recording of Saturday Night Live or The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza – read more about how to sign up for the latter of the two HERE.
Within Rockefeller Center is Radio City Music Hall. Did you know that Radio City Music Hall is the largest indoor theater in the world? The ideal show to see here is the Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes, but there are plenty of other concerts and shows that happen here throughout the year.
Lastly, my favorite observation deck in the city is here – Top of the Rock. More on that later (#27).
7. GRAND CENTRAL
Grand Central Terminal is one of the main transportation hubs in NYC; however, it is worth a visit even if you aren’t traveling anywhere. Come for shopping, dining, and admiring the beautiful design details of the main concourse.
8. BRYANT PARK
This is a small but lively park. When the weather is nice, the park plays movies on a large projector. During the holidays, you can visit the Winter Village, as well as go ice skating. Bryant Park shares the block with the splendorous New York Public Library – it is the fourth largest library in the world and it is open to the public.
9. TIMES SQUARE
Everyone should visit Times Square at least once. It’s wild – it feels like daytime 24/7 because of the bright lights. If you do not like crowds, then I recommend coming here very early in the morning or not at all. Truthfully, most New Yorkers try to avoid Times Square at all costs.
10. BROADWAY
Growing up as a dancer, I have always loved musicals, but there are also many award-winning plays if you are not a fan of song and dance. Find last minute tickets and deals on TodayTix.
11. HUDSON YARDS
One of the newest developments in NYC, Hudson Yards is home to shopping and dining. This is one of my favorite places during the holidays. It also makes a great place to spend a rainy day, as it is predominately indoors.
12. THE HIGH LINE
The High Line is an elevated park built on a historical rail line – it is open to the public, lush with plants and flowers, and connects the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards.
13. CHELSEA MARKET
The Chelsea neighborhood is home to many art galleries and unique building designs. Chelsea Market is primarily a food hall, but it also offers some shopping and architectural interest.
DOWNTOWN THINGS TO SEE & DO
When I am not being a tourist, I am usually downtown (or in Brooklyn). Downtown is comprised of my favorite neighborhoods – SoHo, West Village, Lower East Side, and TriBeCa to name a few.
14. WEST VILLAGE
The West Village is a favorite neighborhood to many. Walk among the iron clad townhouses, charming corners, boutique shops on Bleecker Street, and iconic filming locations (the Friends apartment building is at 90 Bedford Street and Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment stoop is at 66 Perry Street). There are also a plethora of places to grab a drink, a meal, or a treat (i.e. the banana pudding at the original Magnolia Bakery).
15. WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
A park for all seasons – somehow I always end up here on the springiest, rainiest, and snowiest days (according to my photo library). This is a great people-watching park, as well as a lovely diagonal shortcut for crossing from the East Village to the West Village.
16. SEE A COMEDY SHOW
Unsurprisingly, NYC offers top notch entertainment, and that includes comedy shows. The city is littered with venue options, but my pick is the Comedy Cellar, which has been around for decades and is known for its famous drop-ins.
17. SHOP IN SOHO
SoHo is the trendiest shopping destination in the city. You’ll find high-end brands, boutiques, chains, pop-ups, and street vendors in this neighborhood. It’s always buzzing on the weekends with a mix of locals and tourists, but, alas, I love a ‘SoHo Sunday’ as I like to call it.
18. CHINATOWN & LITTLE ITALY
Chinatown and Little Italy are neighboring historic districts that can be seen back-to-back. In Chinatown, you should walk down Mott Street and Doyers Street, as well as take a dim sum food tour (official or self-guided will do). In Little Italy, you should walk down Mulberry Street, as well as sample foods from the Italian specialty shops like Parisi Bakery and Di Palo’s. Do not be tempted by the restaurants in Little Italy – this is not the best place for an Italian meal.
19. 9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM
A respectful and educational tribute to those lost in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center’s twin towers in 2001. A visit to the memorial and museum is sure to be a moving experience.
20. SHOP AT THE OCULUS
You can’t miss this skeletal building when you’re walking around Lower Manhattan. It is not clear from the outside, but you will find a combination of shopping and transportation options upon entering. I think it is worth a peak inside!
21. THE SEAPORT & FINANCIAL DISTRICT
The Seaport has a series of piers, solid views of the Brooklyn Bridge, cute cobblestone streets, and regularly scheduled outdoor entertainment. You will pass through the Financial District on your way to the Seaport, so you should go ahead and check off the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street, the Fearless Girl and Charging Bull statues, and Trinity Church.
BROOKLYN THINGS TO SEE & DO
Brooklyn is separated from Manhattan by the East River. You can travel between the two boroughs in a matter of minutes via one of the bridges or the subway. Brooklyn is made up of several neighborhoods that each have their own little personality – some with historical charm, others with modern establishments, and some with a mix of both.
22. WALK THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of my favorite activities to share with visitors. The views are amazing in either direction and especially if you come for sunrise or sunset. Note that the bridge does get crowded, so you should try to avoid the middle of the day. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to walk across the bridge depending on how often you stop to admire the view.
23. DUMBO
DUMBO stands for ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’ and is a neighborhood that is just that. While you are here, check out Time Out Market, the views from the intersection of Water Street and Washington Street, Pebble Beach, Jane’s Carousel, and the cobblestone streets connecting trendy converted warehouses.
24. DOMINO PARK
This park is named after the historic Domino Sugar Refinery and is located along the Williamsburg waterfront along the East River. The park has been thriving ever since it opened in 2018, as there is a lot to do here (athletes can play sand volleyball, friends can catch up over a picnic, children can play in the splash pad, dogs can have their space to play, etc.). The views of the sunset with the skyline are unmatched at Domino Park!
25. BEER TASTING AT A BREWERY
There is no shortage of breweries in Brooklyn – Brooklyn Brewery, TALEA Beer Co., EBBS Brewing Co., Grimm Artisanal Ales, and Threes Brewing to name a few. This is a great activity to keep in mind for a rainy day or if you are looking for something group-friendly.
26. HOTEL ROOFTOPS
There are several luxury hotels along the waterfront in Brooklyn. Anyone can check out their rooftop bars for amazing views of the Manhattan skyline. Fan favorites include the William Vale, Wythe Hotel, the Williamsburg Hotel, and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.
MORE THINGS TO SEE & DO
27. VISIT AN OBSERVATION DECK
The best view of NYC is from the top, so head to one of the many well-designed observation decks. My favorite is Top of the Rock, because there are incredible 360° views of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Summit One Vanderbilt, One World Trade, the Empire State Building, and the Edge are also popular.
Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance!
28. YANKEE STADIUM
Take me out to the ball game! Hop on the subway to get to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx – it’s worth the longer train ride! Stop by Billy’s Sports Bar for a fun-filled pregame.
Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance!
29. EAT!
Don’t miss the best bagels, the best pizza, the best pasta, the best of a wide range of cuisines while you are in NYC. Read THIS POST for my complete guide to the best restaurants in NYC. Follow me on Instagram for even more foodie content!
30. GO OUT EAST OR UPSTATE
Take a day or weekend trip outside of the city – either out east toward the beaches of the Hamptons and Montauk or upstate along the Hudson River or in the Catskill Mountains.
THINGS TO SKIP
STATUE OF LIBERTY
First of all, if you’re sitting on the left side of the plane when you’re landing at LGA, then you can quickly check off seeing the Statue of Liberty before you even land – just look out the window. If you missed her from the sky, then you can head to Brookfield Place shopping center (near the Oculus in Battery Park City) to see her from the edge of the Hudson River. Why am I telling you to skip this NYC icon? Seeing this sight will take several hours of your day and is not free, so I simply recommend prioritizing other things on this list.
CONEY ISLAND
I know it’s historic and nostalgic, but I think there are much better amusement parks across the country that will be less expensive, less crowded, less dirty, and less smelly. If you still want to go, I recommend the evening on a weekday, as I must admit it is pleasant to watch the sunset from the top of the Wonder Wheel. Note that Coney Island is no less than 45 minutes away from Lower Manhattan.
I hope you enjoyed this NYC travel guide with my top recommendations of things to do and see! My #1 tip is to explore more than just the tourist attractions of Midtown – the entire city is rich in culture, charm, and entertainment. Living here has exceeded all of the expectations from my childhood dreams. I hope that you love it and it exceeds your expectations, too!
TIPS
BEST TIME TO VISIT
There will always be something to see and do in NYC. My personal favorite months in the city are September, October, and November – pleasant weather, turning leaves, and fall fashion. December, of course, is magical when Christmas takes over. Winter tends to be miserably cold. Summer tends to be miserably hot. Spring…well, it doesn’t really exist.
AIRPORTS
To/From LGA Airport: The subway does not connect LGA to the city. Using a ride service like Uber or Lyft is your best option.
To/From JFK Airport: The AirTrain connects JFK to the A and E lines of the subway. You can also opt for a ride service like Uber or Lyft.
To/From EWR Airport: The AirTrain connects EWR to NJ Transit which will stop at New York Penn Station – you can take the subway from there. You can opt for a ride service like Uber or Lyft; however, you will likely face a lot of traffic. This is definitely the most complicated airport to fly into, so just prepare to be patient.
PACKING
My two biggest pieces of advice are 1) to pack layers because indoor and outdoor temperatures can vary dramatically and 2) to pack comfortable walking shoes.
My complete guide to how to pack for travel is saved HERE!
COVID-19
With the spread of COVID-19, all travelers should prioritize their health and safety. Rules and restrictions are constantly changing, so stay updated HERE for related rules and restrictions in New York City.
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