Niklas Brenner

Jul 30

11 min read

11 Best Things to Do in New York City: Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems

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New York City offers infinite attractions, making it difficult to choose. Let me tell you that not all of them are equally impressive.

In this blog post, I will highlight my 11 favorite activities for a vacation in New York City. I aim to differentiate between what is truly worth your time and money and what doesn’t live up to the hype. I try to be as honest as possible. Pinky promise!

Top Things to Do for Vacation in New York City

New York City is a bustling metropolis with iconic landmarks and unique experiences. Here are my top recommendations for things to do during your vacation in NYC:

1. Experience Times Square at Night

Crowd at Times Square in New York City at night with vibrant billboards and lights. — A bustling night scene at Times Square, New York City, with vibrant billboards and lights.

Times Square is a must-visit, especially after dark. The neon lights, giant digital billboards, and bustling energy make it a vibrant and unforgettable experience. Get ready for a total sensory overload.

Crazy Advertising Fees at Times Square
‍Advertising in Times Square can be quite pricey. Renting a billboard for a day can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. For longer durations, the prices vary, and monthly rates could potentially reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially for iconic and highly visible billboards like the Coca-Cola 3D robotic billboard.

2. Walk the High Line

The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated greenway in Western Chelsea, Manhattan. Built on a historic railway, it offers a relaxing break from the chaos of the city with beautiful gardens, art installations, and stunning city views—all free. You can even hear the birds, which is a rarity in this vibrant metropolis. Pro tip: There are plenty of great eateries near the High Line, so you might want to check out one or two places after visiting.

100% Funded By Public
Donations from people like you finance nearly 100% of the High Line’s annual budget. The money goes into activities that sustain the gardens, art, performances, family programs, and everything else that makes this unusual public space so vibrant—and always free for all 365 days a year.

3. Visit the RISENY Museum

The RiseNY Museum near 42nd Street explores New York’s history with engaging exhibits and a stunning 4D virtual experience. It’s educational, entertaining, and fun, with the 4D ride at the end being breathtaking. Tickets for adults start at $44. Learn more on the RISENY website.

4. Climb to the 102nd Floor of the Empire State Building

Panoramic view from the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building onto Times Square at night. — View from the Empire State Building onto Times Square at night.

Though tickets can be pricey ($79 excl. VAT + $5 booking fee), the view from the 102nd floor is breathtaking. This floor offers a more immersive experience with fewer crowds and a stunning panoramic city view. Pro tip: Start queuing 1.5 - 2 hours before dusk to enjoy a spectacular sunset and the city’s transition from day to night. The Empire State Building even offers one of the best views of Times Square at night.

Historic Construction Speed
The Empire State Building was completed in a record 13 months during the Great Depression, from March 17, 1930, to April 11, 1931.

5. Explore FAD Market and Made in NYC Initiatives

FAD Market is a seasonal pop-up market showcasing fashion, art, and design in various vibrant locations across NYC. It’s a great place to connect with locals and be inspired by unique, creative products. Made in NYC supports community-based groups, small businesses, and policymakers. Visiting these markets offers a fantastic opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind items that truly capture the local spirit of NYC. I bought some incredible tea leaves from Kai, who recently founded Teazert Tea to create dessert-flavored tea—a must-try!

6. Visit the Haredi Jewish Community at Borough Park

Borough Park is home to the Haredi or ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and tradition. They reject modern values that conflict with their beliefs.

Visiting Borough Park allows you to step into this fascinating world and see how the Haredi live. I’m sure you will leave this place with lots of new discussions and your mind running treadmills.

Important: Please respect their customs and remember not to take pictures.

Growth of the Haredi Population
The Haredi population is growing rapidly, with around 1.2 million in Israel and 700,000 in the United States, concentrated in areas like New York and New Jersey.

7. Visit the Statue of Liberty For Free with the Staten Island Ferry

View of the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry with a hazy skyline in the background. — A picturesque view of the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, with New York City's hazy skyline in the background.

The Staten Island Ferry is a budget-friendly way to get a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. No need for expensive tours! The ferry operates 24/7 and departs every 30 minutes from the Whitehall Terminal near Wall Street. Check the ferry timetable for the latest departure information.

8. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Niklas Brenner sitting on the Brooklyn Bridge with the New York City skyline in the background. — Me enjoying a sunny day on the Brooklyn Bridge with the stunning New York City skyline in the background. Wonderful spot to take stunning pics!

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. For the best experience, walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan to keep the Manhattan skyline in front of you. It’s a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos!

9. Explore Local Markets at the Upper East Side

Street view of the Upper East Side in New York City with green trees and buildings. — A serene street view of the Upper East Side in New York City, lined with green trees and buildings.

On weekends, you can visit the street markets on the Upper East Side, where you can purchase local produce. It’s a great place to wander around and soak up the authentic atmosphere. The street markets are located around 2 Av East 90th St to 2 Av 75th St.

10. Experience SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown

SoHo offers one of the best shopping experiences in NYC, Little Italy has fantastic Italian cuisine, and Chinatown provides a unique cultural experience with bustling markets and authentic Chinese restaurants. Spend at least half a day exploring these vibrant neighborhoods.

11. Stroll through Central Park

People relaxing and enjoying activities on a green lawn in Central Park, New York City — A picturesque scene of people relaxing and enjoying various activities in Central Park, New York City.

Central Park is a green oasis in the middle of Manhattan, known for its picturesque lakes and iconic sites. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic.

NYC's Most Famous Bridge
Did you know that Gapstow Bridge (62nd Street) in Central Park is New York’s most famous bridge? This is where a memorable scene from Home Alone 2 was filmed, where Kevin meets the pigeon lady. Many other movies have also used this spot in the park for their scenes, from Weekend at Bernie’s to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Final Words

New York City is one of the few places to find everything you want and need. The abundance of offerings and the constant barrage of big-scale advertising create an exhilarating experience. From the sensory overload of Times Square to the intimate interactions at local markets and the breathtaking views from the Empire State Building, NYC offers a dynamic blend of cultures, iconic sights, and endless activities that make it a unique travel destination.

If you’re planning a trip to this incredible city, check out my ultimate guide for first-time visitors to New York. It provides all the essential information you need to make your NYC vacation perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Visit in New York

Is it worth visiting the Empire State Building in New York?

Absolutely. Especially climbing to the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building provides a breathtaking, panoramic view of New York City. Despite the ticket price ($79 excl. VAT + $5 booking fee), the experience is more immersive and less crowded than the 86th floor, making it worth every penny.

What are some budget-friendly things to do in New York?

New York has so many free activities to offer. My favorite ones include:

Visit Free Attractions: Explore iconic spots like Times Square, Central Park, and the High Line, and take the Staten Island Ferry for a free view of the Statue of Liberty.
Enjoy Free Events: NYC hosts numerous concerts, festivals, and cultural events. Check out the New York Times’ list of free NYC events for annual highlights.
Explore Local Markets: Discover unique items and local culture at the FAD Market, Made in NYC Initiatives, and public street markets on the Upper East Side. When visiting from June till September you might want to check out many economic and free open-air events at Little Island.
Admire Stunning Views: Take in the breathtaking Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy the iconic view of the Manhattan bridge from DUMBO.
Visit the Haredi Jewish Community: Experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the Haredi Jewish community in Borough Park.

What are some essential New York travel tips for first-time visitors?

Don’t Over-schedule: Aim for 3-4 main activities each day to ensure you fully immerse yourself in the experience without feeling overwhelmed.
Use Google Maps Wisely: While Google Maps is excellent for navigation, it often underestimates travel times. This is why I recommend allowing for extra time and potential delays, especially when using public transport.
Get a Data Plan: Public Wi-Fi in NYC can be unreliable. Get a local SIM card or an international data plan to stay connected. You will need it to get around the city.
Plan Your Itinerary in Advance: Utilize Google Maps to chart out travel times and prioritize your visits to maximize your trip.

For more insider tips, check out my ultimate guide for visiting New York for the first time

What are some unique things to visit in New York?

For a truly unique experience, connect with locals and delve into the authentic culture of New York City. These hidden gems aren’t typically on the standard travel itinerary but are well worth exploring:

Explore FAD Market and Made in NYC Initiatives: These markets offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and discover unique items that capture the spirit of NYC.
Visit the Haredi Jewish Community in Borough Park: Step into a completely different world and see how the Haredi Jewish community lives. It’s a fascinating and enriching experience.
Walk the High Line: This 1.45-mile elevated greenway in Western Chelsea, Manhattan, is built on a historic railway and offers a peaceful escape from city chaos with beautiful gardens and art installations.

Which museums in New York are worth visiting?

The RiseNY Museum stands out with its multisensory, interactive exhibits and a stunning 4D virtual experience. Located near Time Square, this museum is my top recommendation for its educational, entertaining, and fun value. Adult tickets start at $44. Learn more on the RISENY website.

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11 Best Things to Do in New York City: Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems

TD;LR