25 Things Everyone Should Do In New York Before You Die
New York is one of the most iconic cities in the world. It doesn’t only represent the gateway to the land of dreams for over a century now, it is also one of the most diverse urban centers where anyone can achieve anything if they put their minds to it.
New York is a vibrant city bursting with culture, food, wine and entertainment. There is always something to do in this ever busy city. So, here are some fun things everyone must do in “The Big Apple” before they kiss the world goodbye.
In a hurry and need help quick?
Making last-minute plans for your NYC Trip? We’ve got you covered. Our recommended hotels and tours for a getaway are listed below.
Recommended hotels:
- Hostel: West Side YMCA
- Budget: Hilton Garden Inn Long Island City
- Mid range: Walker Hotel Greenwich Village
- Family: Park Lane New York
- Luxury: Hard Rock Hotel New York
Recommended tours:
- New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
- All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory
- Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours
- Guided Food Tour of Chinatown and Little Italy
Other Helpful Links
- Cheap flights
- Savings on accommodation from hostels to luxury hotels
- Affordable car rental options
- Affordable sightseeing tours and day trips
- Travel Adapter – All in one so you don’t have to carry a bunch around
- Wise Card : hold up to 40+ currencies at once to spend in in over 150 countries
- Don’t be silly and forget Travel Insurance! Get hurt and you’ll regret it…
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Brooklyn Bridge
For couples, taking a walk on the Brooklyn bridge while holding hands can be super romantic. Being a recognized landmark, it has an elevated boardwalk for pedestrians.
Things to do:
- Manhattan to Brooklyn NYC Walking Tour: Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo
- Brooklyn Bridge Guided Bike Tour
- Brooklyn Bridge Photography Tour
- Viator VIP: NYC Helicopter Flight and Statue of Liberty Cruise
The High Line
Although formerly a railroad track for goods, it has become a walking park with plants and walkways. It had amazing views, as you can get a great picture of the Hudson River.
Things to do:
- High Line and Hudson Yards
- High Line and Chelsea Walking Tour
- Small Group New York Meatpacking District Chelsea Market and The Highline Walking Tour
- Private Meatpacking District Chelsea Market and The Highline Walking Tour
Statue of Liberty
Perhaps this is one of the top reasons why New York City is popular. This huge statue is mesmerizing to look at and it can serve as a great background for your travel photos.
Things to do:
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ticket
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour
- Viator Exclusive: Statue of Liberty Monument Access and 9/11 Memorial
- Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
Lincoln Center For The Performing Arts
Home to over twenty theaters, this location is one of the art hubs in the entire country. For art lovers, it would be the perfect place to be.
Time Warner Center
This uptown mall has everything you need; organic supermarket, designer stores, and fast internet connection. It’s perfect for all your shopping needs too!
East River State Park
This large waterfront park offers a magnificent view of the Manhattan skyline. Take your beau with you for sightseeing. You could also, wait till nighttime just to check out the stars.
The Cloisters
It’s a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and it gives tourists a great view of the many different arts. Beautiful and enlightening!
Coney Island
This island has been there for decades and it is still home to thousands of visitors, because of attractions like; the circus, amusement parks, and parades.
- Coney Island Ocean Jet Ski Tour
- Luna Park Coney Island Pass
- Boroughs Tour: Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Coney Island
9/11 Memorial
Take a trip down memory lane at this 30ft waterfall where the Twin Towers once stood. The waterfall is the largest man made waterfall in the whole of North America.
Things to do:
Central Park, Manhattan
This is America’s first public space. The urban park is currently one of the most visited parks in the entire country. It is breathtaking, as you navigate through the space.
Things to do:
- Small-Group Central Park Bike Tour
- Central Park Walking Tour
- Sunset Tour of Central Park
- Horseback Riding in Central Park
- Central Park Pedicab Tours
Times Square
Dubbed the most frenetic part of the city, this space is filled with billboards, flashing lights, displays, and television broadcasts. It is usually filled with lots of people from all over the world.
Things to do:
- NFL Experience Times Square
- Times Square Walking Tour
- Times Square Ghost Pub Crawl
- Times Square and Midtown Manhattan Scavenger Hunt
Empire State Building
This building is recognized anywhere in the world because of its pencil-silhouette. Although it represents progress, a trip here with your lover could be romantic.
Things to do:
- Empire State Building Tickets – Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Tickets
- Viator VIP: Empire State Building Sunrise Experience
- Viator Exclusive: Empire State Building Experience – Top Deck Express Pass & STATE Grill and Bar Dinner
- Empire State Building Premium VIP Tour
Grand Central Terminal
It is the busiest railway station in America, so it is best you don’t visit it at rush hour. When it is relatively empty, you can stare at the huge chandeliers on the ceiling.
Things to do:
- Tour of the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal
- Grand Central Indoor Food Tour
- Manhattan Architecture Photography Tour
Broadway
There are over ten broadway theaters you can visit to have a good time. Don’t worry about finding something you like; there’s always a show for everyone!
Things to do:
- Phantom of the Opera On Broadway
- The Lion King On Broadway
- Wicked on Broadway
- Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway
- Chicago On Broadway
Greenwood Cemetery
As creepy as it sounds, this ancient cemetery has mausoleums and statues you might want to check out.
Abyssinian Baptist Church
This is the first African-American church in New York. It is the perfect place for you to worship and enjoy the religious presence you desire.
Washington Square Park and The West Village
This is the perfect way to explore neighborhoods in the city. Even though it was once a site for public executions, it has now become a place where little children come to play.
Grand Army Plaza
If you seek fresh seasonal produce, this is your go-to place. The farmers have it ready for you; all you need to do is request for what you need.
Top of The Rock
Just right at the top of the Rockefeller building, you can have a view of the entire city. Don’t forget to take pictures!
Things to do:
Morris-Jumel Mansion
Although it is the oldest house in borough, it still stands strong as the best vintage looking building in New York City.
Chrysler Building
Opened only on weekdays, you need not go inside to appreciate the architecture and beauty of the Chrysler building. Its breathtaking design is simply iconic and like no other.
Strawberry Fields
Dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, this beautiful sight usually has someone playing the guitar. A trip there would allow you bask in the nostalgic feeling gotten from listening to your favorite track.
The Strand Book Store
This is the perfect paradise if you are a bookworm. It is filled with over two million books! The store is so large, you would probably have to use a tour guide to take you through.
United Nations Headquarters
A trip here is perfect for educative and informative purposes. Take your pen and paper along with you.
Central Park Zoo
It is one of the best attractions in the city. Filled with exotic wildlife species, it is the perfect place to see all kinds of animals.
The Big Apple is a great place to be, no doubt. But make sure you visit all these places before you leave. You will definitely have a swell time!
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