Must See Things To Do In New York

Visit The Empire State Building

Probably one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world, seeing the Empire State Building is pretty hard to miss.;

You see, the Empire State Building actually dominates Midtown and is easy to visit.;

If you fancy, head to the top of the Empire State Building which has some great views across the city. Just like the Top of the Rock, its a perfect place to see the city from above.;

Things To Do At Night

There is no lack of things to do at night in NYC and many of the items in other sections of this post are also great night options.

Below are just a few more examples of the many things to do at night in the city that never sleeps.

;For even more ideas, check out our master post on things to do at night in NYC.

See The Statue Of Liberty & Visit Ellis Island

;TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins;

You’ll undoubtedly be sharing the experience with throngs of other tourists, but navigating the lines and crowds is well worth it for the chance to gaze upon the modern-day colossus that is the Statue of Liberty. A symbol of American democracyand a one-time beacon of hope and promise for immigrants arriving at U.S. shores by boat via New York Harboris indeed, still today, an inspiring sight to behold. Dating to 1886 , the monumental 151-foot-high sculpture sits atop a pedestal out on Liberty Island, which guests reach via Statue Cruises ferry service from Battery Park in Downtown Manhattan. Just be sure to plan ahead, since access to the statue’s pedestal or interior can be arranged with reservations only.

While the statue may garner most of the glory, don’t overlook a visit to nearby attraction Ellis Island. Now a national museum of immigration, the complex once served as federal immigration station and processing center for new arrivals to the U.S. between 1892 and 1954. Expect an altogether insightful presentation, via artifacts, photographs, and multimedia exhibits, of the immigrant experience in America. Best of all, entry’s included with your ferry fare, so plan ahead to make a day of it.

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Go See Santa Claus At Macys

Theres nothing you cant do in New York City. During the holidays, you should set up a date with Santa Claus at Macys and share your wish list. Santaland at Macys is a whole experience with a meet & greet with Santa in the end. Both kids and adults come to Santaland to talk to the big guy. Its a special thing to do in New York on Christmas Eve.

Every year, Macys Santaland is the main highlight of Macys Christmas celebrations. The history of Santaland goes back to 1861 when the store advertised that Santa Claus would come to stock their counters with the finest and most special Christmas gifts. Fast forward to today, close to 200,000 Santa fans are visiting Santaland at Macys every season. If youd like to be one of them make your reservation online beforehand.

Observation Decks: Empire State Top Of The Rock One World Observatory Edge

New York City has an amazing urban skyline, and weve got the observation decks to go with it. The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and the One World Observatory are three of the best. No matter which one you choose, youll be guaranteed an amazing view and an unforgettable experience.

However, doing all three isnt worth the time and money for most people, so I suggest choosing one and take lots of photos. Each has its own benefits. Here are some highlights at a glance, but Ive linked each one to an in-depth blog post about that attraction so you can read more and decide which one works for you.

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Spot Celebrities In Nyc

Where to find celebrities in NYC or which celebrities are living in NYC today are common questions by all, but celebrity sightings in NYC are way easier than you may think and happen all the time. You will, of course, see them on the subway, in Central Park, at the gym, in restaurants, at all the current hotspots, at shows and more. But here are some unique ways to see celebrities all over the city.

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How The New York Citypass Works:

They have made it easy for you to purchase the CityPASS online and then you get a QR code either on your phone or printed on paper.

When you go to any of these attractions you will scan your code at a special kiosk or ticket booth. Once you scan, youll received an official ticket and you are good to go.;

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Have Fun In Central Park

No visit to New York is complete without popping over to Central Park, the iconic green hub sitting pretty in the middle of Manhattan. The grounds are a great place for a picnic or horse-drawn carriage ride, and the wild inhabitants of Central Park Zoo are a favorite with families.

Feeling energetic? Then jump in the saddle for a guided bike tour around the park and nearby sights.

What Is The Best Family

Exploring New York with the family is huge fun – I myself have been to our favorite city with my kids numerous times. Among my personal highlights is a trip to the Statue of Liberty, the visit to the One World Observatory, and Central Park with its lakes and playgrounds. Also really exciting is the Museum of Natural History, which will be familiar to many from the movie “Night at the Museum”.

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New York Harbour And Statue Of Liberty Evening Cruise

Downtown New York is stunning from the water by day, but the sight of the harbour and skyline at night is one of those experiences that will stay with you long after youve gone home.

GetYourGuide.com has an hour-long cruise after sunset, with running commentary imparting titbits you might not have known.

The cruise departs from Pier 16 at South Street Seaport, and arcs around Lower Manhattan to take in the Statue of Liberty, the forest of skyscrapers including the likes of One World Trade Center, and then under the Brooklyn Bridge and up as far as the Empire State Building.

Incredible Things To Do In New York City

There are so many things to do in New York that youre never quite done exploring.

You may not know it, but I used to live in New York City. I visited for the first time in December 2000, when I had a long layover on my way back to Sardinia, and decided one day Id call it home, so this is a city I know inside out.

For all New York first timers and also for those who will be traveling there for their second, third or millionth time I thought Id pick the very best things to do in New York, and share a few tips that will help you make the most of the city.

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Check Out Some Broadway Shows

If you love live productions then you know one of the top things to do in NYC is to take in a Broadway show. Times Square is in the heart of Broadway and streets jutting off from the square have marquee billboards showcasing the latest Broadway productions.

Movie stars always flex their acting chops on Broadway and theres no better way to see your favorite star than to go and see them in a play. The New York Pass app lets you know what deals you can get while you are in town. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, especially if you plan on taking in one of the more popular shows.

Walk Across The Brooklyn Bridge

TripSavvy / Winifred Lao;

A leading NYC landmark and the city’s most celebrated bridge, traversing the neo-Gothic span of the Brooklyn Bridge on foot has marked a New York rite of passage since it first debuted in 1883. Architecturally elegant, with twin arched towers and an artful web of suspension cables, the bridge not only proposes a practical means of connecting pedestrian traffic between Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, but it also presents exhilarating panoramas over both borough’s skylines, as well as out over New York Harbor and onto the East River.

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Bric House And Bric Celebrate Brooklyn Concert Series

Flanked by the Brooklyn Museum of Art and the Mark Morris Dance Theater, the BRIC media center is in the middle of the thriving Brooklyn art scene and a leading presenter of no-cost cultural programming in the borough, with free admission to two performance spaces and a gallery.

In the summer, the organization curates the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! series in Prospect Park, with a majority of the concerts and performances which in the past has included tUnE-yArDs, Ailey II, Chaka Khan and Janelle Monae free of charge, with no ticket necessary.

Darwin D Martin House Complex

This multi-structure complex was built in 1904 by Frank Lloyd Wright after being commissioned by Darwin and Isabelle Martin. Located in Buffalo, the house is considered to be Wrights finest work. Basic or in-depth tours are available to the public and help guests to understand and appreciate the building and its construction. Currently, works are being undertaken to restore several areas of estate that were previously torn down.

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South Street Ferry Statue Of Liberty Ferry

The Staten Island, or South Street, ferry is a great way to get a sweet look at Downtown Manhattan, and even a nice peak at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The ferry takes about 25 minutes each way, and costs you the price of a Metro Card swipe. So, basically, the South Street Ferry is the most budget friendly way to watch great views of southern Manhattan. As such we think its one of the main attractions in New York City for those traveling on a budget.

If you want to do a full on tour of Liberty Island and Ellis Island you will have to commit to taking a much longer trip on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry. Tickets for this amazing trip costs around $24.50 for adults, and is totally worth it, especially if you have the time and the weather is nice.

Visit The Morgan Library

Not too far from the Empire State Building, the Morgan Library was once the private library on JP Morgan.

After his death, he wrote it into his will that he wanted it opened to the public to enjoy, which is why, almost one-hundred years later, you can explore it.;

Now, you do need to pay a small fee for entrance, but its totally worth if for a stroll around the reading room and library itself.

A visit here might take about fifty minutes, so its easily one of the best things to do in Manhattan if you need a little break from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

It really is worth a visit and its so grand.;

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African Burial Ground National Monument

In 1991, construction workers uncovered a burial ground filled;more than 400 caskets containing the bodies of enslaved Africans from the 17th and 18th century ;an age when New York had more slaves than any American city outside Charleston, South Carolina. Today, visitors can tour the;African Burial Ground National Monument;site and visit the compact visitors center to learn about African-American history in the city.

See The New Whitney Museum Of American Art

;Wikimedia Commons

Set in one of the most exciting new buildings in Manhattan in decades, the Whitney’s Renzo Piano-designed building opened in 2015 to many accolades. The museum’s collect spans six floors and 50,000 square feet of indoor gallery space, all dedicated to American artists across centuries. In addition to the expansive galleries, outdoor space showcases more art as well as offering views of the Hudson River, lower Manhattan, and the surrounding Meatpacking District.

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Where To Stay In New York

A city like New York has no shortages of places to stay. However, accommodation is expensive, and location is everything.

I used to live in Manhattan and I loved it, though it could be chaotic at times. The southern bits are definitely quieter and give more of a feeling of neighborhoods where it is pleasant to walk around, and I would recommend staying there.

These are the best places to stay:

• Archer Hotel is a great mid-range option in Manhattan. Rooms arent massive, but they are comfortable.
• The Pierre, A Taj Hotel is right by Fifth Avenue. If you have the budget to splurge, youll enjoy the spacious rooms.
• HI NYC Hostel is a great option for travelers on a budget.

Heres an even more detailed list of where to stay in Manhattan;for under $200 a night.

Another option could be staying in Brooklyn after all, the public transportation system in New York works really well. These are the best places to stay in Brooklyn:

• Wythe Hotelis located in what used to be a factory so in a charming building. Rooms there are large with stylish decorations.
• Pod Brooklyn offers small but incredibly well organized and comfortable pods.
• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has very modern spacious rooms with unbeatable views.

How Many Days To Spend In New York

Spend at least five days in order to see New York like a local. Manhattan is the ultimate walking city, densely packed and not very long or wide. You won’t have to go very far and you’ll find Broadway plays to see, districts and restaurants to explore, drinks to be had, bookstores and botanical gardens to browse. And dont miss a walk on the Highline or the Brooklyn Bridge!

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Best New Years Eve Nyc Hotels

If watching the world’s most famous ball drop at midnight from your own New Year’s Eve NYC Hotel is on your bucket list, then don’t miss your chance to reserve a special NYE package in NYC.Some of our favorites include:

• New York Marriott Marquis – rooms with Ball Drop views, multiple parties in hotel
• Casablanca Hotel Times Square – champagne on the rooftop close enough to “touch” the ball
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – special hotel access to Times Square all night and to watch ball drop

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Earn Your Freedom And Escape The Room

Solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategies to complete the objectives at hand. Get out of the room on time and earn your freedom. You have 60 minutes max, so be quick!

The Escape Rooms of Clue Chase are suitable for everyone and fun is guaranteed! It is rated as one of the top things to do in NYC by Tripadvisor.

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Grand Central Terminal Nyc

Our journey continues to 42nd Street and Park Avenue where we find the fabled Grand Central Terminal. Day in, day out suburban commuters pour through Grand Central. At its peak, 65 million passengers passed under the main concourse’s barrel vaulted ceiling.

Pause in the great hall and admire the elaborate celestial mural containing over 2,500 stars set in golden bands against a turquoise backdrop. Sunlight streams through large windows in long shafts extending to the floor below and the station takes on the grandeur that earned it its name.

When you descend from the main concourse towards track level, you may encounter people appearing to talk to the walls. The so-called whispering gallery is a popular attraction where the architectural design creates an acoustic effect allowing people to converse at a whisper despite standing on opposite sides of an otherwise noisy passage. Having undergone a recent revitalization, Grand Central features a range of upscale shopping and dining.

Many New Yorkers will venture here from nearby offices to visit the Oyster Bar or Agern. With its many connections to New York Citys light rail and subway networks, Grand Central is an easy way into and out of New York City. Chances are youre going to pass through here at some point, so you might as well take a moment to appreciate one of the citys top attractions.

Things to do in New York

The Flatiron Building Nyc

Roads above 14th Street are a built on a grid system. Lacking the many corners and sharp edges found in Lower Manhattan, Midtown can seem a tad dull. Fortunately city planners allowed Broadway to slice across the island and create ample opportunities for memorable architectural creations. Among the most famous is the Flatiron Building on Fifth Avenue between 22nd and 23rd Streets. Built in 1902, the Flatiron is a National Historic Landmark and one of the more photographed buildings in New York City. Give yourself some time to see it from different angles before wandering through Madison Square Park, which is quite lively in the evenings and on weekends. There are plenty of restaurants in the vicinity so this is a good place to spend some time.

Things to do in New York

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