The Ultimate Guide to Discovering the Best of New York: From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Gems
Welcome to the Big Apple! New York City is one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world, with something for everyone.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there is always something new and exciting to discover in this bustling metropolis. From towering skyscrapers to world-famous museums, there are countless attractions that draw millions of visitors each year.
The city never sleeps, which means that you can always find something to do no matter when you visit. Whether you enjoy exploring nature or prefer the hustle and bustle of city life, there is sure to be something that captures your interest in New York City.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top things to do in this amazing city. So put on your walking shoes and get ready for an adventure!
Explore the City
Take a walk around Central Park
Central Park is one of New York City’s most famous landmarks and for good reason. It’s over 840 acres and offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to take a stroll, have a picnic, or play some sports, Central Park has got you covered.
Take a walk through the winding paths, stop by one of the many lakes, or visit the Central Park Zoo. You’ll forget that you’re in the middle of a bustling city.
Visit the Empire State Building for a stunning view of the city skyline
If you want to get even higher than Central Park, then visiting the Empire State Building is an absolute must-do activity. Take an elevator ride up to one of two observation decks and enjoy breathtaking views from over 1,200 feet above ground level. See iconic landmarks like The Statue of Liberty and The Brooklyn Bridge as well as other less well-known but equally beautiful parts of New York City.
Stroll through Times Square at night
Times Square is known as “The Crossroads of the World” and it’s easy to see why. This vibrant area is filled with bright lights, billboards, street performers, and people from all over the world enjoying their time in New York City.
This area never sleeps so make sure to head there at night when it’s truly alive with energy. Take in all that Times Square has to offer while grabbing some food or drinks from nearby restaurants or vendors on every corner – just be prepared for crowds!
Experience the Culture
Culture at its Finest: World-Renowned Museums
New York City is home to some of the best museums in the world, and no trip to this bustling city is complete without a visit to at least one of them. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as simply “the Met,” is an iconic museum that boasts an impressive collection of over two million works of art. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern American paintings, the Met has it all.
Take your time exploring its many exhibits and galleries, including the Temple of Dendur and the American Wing. For lovers of contemporary art, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a must-see.
It features an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world, including pieces by iconic artists like Jackson Pollock and Vincent van Gogh. You’ll be able to view paintings, sculptures, photographs, films and more at MoMA’s permanent collection exhibits or check out one of their rotating temporary exhibitions.
Broadway Dreams: Catching a Show
New York City’s theater scene is unmatched in terms of quality and variety. Broadway productions are known for their grandeur while off-Broadway shows offer more intimate experiences.
Be sure to catch a show during your visit – there’s something for everyone! Some popular Broadway shows include Hamilton which tells the story about Alexander Hamilton who was one of America’s Founding Fathers through music or Wicked which tells a story about witches from Wizard Of Oz before Dorothy visited Oz. If you’re looking for something with a little more edge or quirkiness then you can opt for off-Broadway productions like Sleep No More which gives you an interactive experience where actors perform within an abandoned hotel.
A World Tour through Food: Chinatown And Little Italy
New York City is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is that more evident than in the city’s vibrant food scene. For some authentic ethnic cuisine, head to Chinatown or Little Italy where you can sample everything from dumplings to cannoli.
Chinatown offers a wide range of Chinese delicacies like dim sum, Peking duck and hot pot. You can also find Vietnamese pho and Korean barbecue here.
Don’t leave without trying bubble tea or Chinese pastries at a local bakery. Little Italy is known for its Italian flavors.
The streets are lined with restaurants serving classic dishes like pizza, pasta, and lasagna. You’ll also find Italian delis selling fresh mozzarella and cured meats.
Be sure to save room for dessert – cannolis are a must-try! No matter what culture you’re interested in exploring, New York City has something to offer you!
Shop ’til You Drop
Browse Fifth Avenue’s Luxury Shops
New York City has no shortage of luxury shopping, and Fifth Avenue is the place to go for high-end stores. From designer labels like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton to iconic department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, you’ll find something for every taste. You can even window-shop at places like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Harry Winston.
But be warned: this area is definitely on the pricier side. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly shopping experience, you might want to check out some of the other options in New York City.
Check Out SoHo’s Trendy Boutiques
For a more eclectic shopping experience, head to SoHo (South of Houston) in Lower Manhattan. This neighborhood is known for its trendy boutiques and unique shops that offer everything from vintage clothing and handmade jewelry to funky home goods and artisanal foods.
Some must-visit shops include The Evolution Store (which sells unusual taxidermy specimens), Opening Ceremony (a popular clothing store with a rotating selection of designer collaborations), and Housing Works Bookstore Cafe (which has an excellent selection of used books). SoHo also has plenty of street vendors selling handmade items such as jewelry or leather goods.
Hunt For Bargains At Brooklyn Flea Market
If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind finds at affordable prices, Brooklyn Flea Market is the spot for you. Held on weekends in various locations around Brooklyn, this market offers everything from vintage clothing to antique furniture to unique artwork. You can find great deals on everything from vinyl records to old cameras or even classic comic books; some vendors have been known to sell vintage Rolex watches at reasonable prices!
Plus, there are always food vendors on hand to keep you fueled up while you shop. Be sure to check the market’s website for exact dates and locations, as they do change frequently.
Foodie Adventures
NY-Style Pizza: Lombardi’s or Di Fara Pizza?
New York-style pizza is an experience not to be missed! The thin crust, crispy base and the perfect amount of tangy tomato sauce that blends with mozzarella cheese, New Yorkers are undoubtedly experts in making delicious pizza.
But which pizzeria should you choose? Two of the top contenders for the best New York pizza are Lombardi’s and Di Fara Pizza.
Lombardi’s, established in 1905, is one of the oldest pizzerias in America. Located in Little Italy, this iconic spot serves up classic coal-fired pizza with a variety of toppings to choose from.
The atmosphere inside Lombardi’s is just as charming as the pizza itself; it has a classic Italian restaurant feel with checkered tablecloths and old photos lining the walls. Di Fara Pizza, on the other hand, has been named “America’s Best Pizza” by Food Network and hailed by many as one of the greatest pizzerias in NYC.
Located in Brooklyn, this family-owned spot was founded by Domenico DeMarco who makes every pie by hand himself. The wait can be long here but it’s worth it for that first bite into a fresh-out-of-the-oven slice.
Bagels & Lox: Russ & Daughters
If you’re looking for something quintessentially New York to try for breakfast or brunch then look no further than bagels and lox from Russ & Daughters. This 100-year-old Jewish deli on Houston Street is legendary for its appetizing offerings like smoked fish platters and bagels with cream cheese. The classic combo of fresh-baked bagel topped with a layer of cream cheese followed by slices of salty smoked salmon known as lox is simply divine at Russ & Daughters.
You can customize your order with toppings like capers, red onion and tomato. Don’t forget to try some of their other delicious offerings like pickled herring or whitefish salad.
Cronuts: Dominique Ansel Bakery
Dominique Ansel’s bakery in SoHo is the birthplace of the cronut; a croissant-doughnut hybrid pastry that took the world by storm when it first debuted in 2013. The cronut is a pastry has layers of flaky croissant dough that are deep-fried and rolled in sugar, then filled with flavored cream and topped with glaze. At Dominique Ansel Bakery, you’ll find seasonal flavors that change throughout the year, as well as classics like vanilla cream or chocolate-hazelnut filling.
The lines can be long but trust us when we say it’s worth the wait to sink your teeth into one of these sweet treats! Plus, their other baked goods are just as delicious; don’t miss out on their freshly baked madeleines or kouign-amanns.
Hidden Gems
Visit The Cloisters, a Medieval Art Museum in Upper Manhattan
If you’re looking for a unique museum experience, look no further than The Cloisters. Located in Upper Manhattan, this museum is dedicated to medieval art and architecture. The building itself is designed to resemble a medieval monastery, and its beautiful gardens and courtyard provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Inside, you can admire stunning artifacts such as tapestries, illuminated manuscripts, and sculptures from the 12th – 15th centuries. One of the most impressive pieces on display at The Cloisters is the Unicorn Tapestries.
These six intricate tapestries depict the hunt for a mythical creature – the unicorn – and are considered some of the greatest works of art from medieval Europe. Don’t forget to stop by the museum’s cafe for a delicious meal or snack before you leave!
Explore Roosevelt Island via Tram
Roosevelt Island may not be as well-known as some other New York attractions, but it’s certainly worth a visit! This narrow strip of land between Manhattan and Queens can be easily accessed via tramway.
As you soar above the East River on your way to Roosevelt Island, take in breathtaking views of both Manhattan’s skyline and Queensboro Bridge. Once you arrive on Roosevelt Island, there are plenty of things to see and do.
You can visit Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park – an inspiring memorial dedicated to President Roosevelt – or explore Blackwell House Museum for fascinating insights into early life on this island. Don’t forget to take a stroll along Southpoint Park’s scenic waterfront walkway before hopping back on the tram!
Conclusion
New York City is truly one-of-a-kind with so much to see and do that it’s often hard to know where to begin. With its vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems, there’s never a dull moment in this city that never sleeps.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. So grab your walking shoes and an adventurous spirit – let’s explore the Big Apple together!