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.
Run Around Central Park Reservoir
No, were not joking! Running is romantic
During our first visit to Central Park we saw hundreds of couples running together and we had to get in on the action.
The entire park is great for runners, but one of the more popular spots is a 1.5 mile lap around the Jacqueline Kenny Onassis Reservoir around two thirds of the way up Central Park.
Heres what you need to know:
- Watch out for cyclists, other runners and dog walkers.
- If you time it right at the start of November, you might catch the famous New York Marathon.
Go Stargazing On The High Line
Have you ever looked up at the stars and had no idea what you were looking at? Join the Amateur Astronomers Association on the High Line to look through high-powered telescopes and take in just how big our solar system is. The stargazing is completely free and doesnt require a reservation- just show up on the High Line at 14th Street at dusk every Tuesday between April and October.
Read Also: New York Times Poetry
Visit Times Square At Night
TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins
As one of the most iconic places in the world, Times Square, where the New Years Eve ball drops, is worth a visit any time of day, but especially at night. You’ll be struck by the neon signs, glowing billboards, and gridlock traffic 24 hours a day. You won’t see much of a difference at 11 a.m. versus 11 p.m.! While there are plenty of stores for shopping and restaurants, merely walking around the few block radius will be interesting enough: There are always charactersin costume and otherwiseto spot!
Watch A Broadway Show
TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins
Nowhere does theater bigger or better than Broadway! Take a stroll through Manhattan’s Theater District, off-shooting the Times Square area, and you’ll be spoiled for choice, with marquees set aglow with ads for the latest shows and stars . The options are plentiful and ever-changing, with the hottest tickets requiring booking well in advance.
Of course, Broadway’s pricey, so do try to scout for savings. Hit up the TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day theater ticket discounted at up to 50 percent off or, time your visit to coincide with the biannual Broadway Week to nab two-for-one deals on select shows.
Also Check: Tolls From Va To Nyc
Visit The Naked Cowboy In Times Square
A bit like Londoners and Leicester Square, New Yorkers do their best to avoid Times Square. Considered the dead zone for quality restaurants, youd think it had an invisible electric fence around it . However, a visit to Times Square is a rite of passage. Go and marvel at the billboards, the Coke sign and, er, the man wearing only a guitar, underwear, a cowboy hat and cowboy boots. Yep, theres a Naked Cowboy, and hes become a bit of an icon.
The Empire State Building observation deck
Statue Of Liberty And Ellis Island Guided Tour
Both islands have a unique experience to offer that you should discover for yourself at least once. You can always visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with a guide to make your visit that much richer adding in historical context and local insight but however you choose to visit, these two deserve top billing on your NYC bucket list.
You May Like: Pay New York Ticket
Grand Central Station Whispering Wall
Grand Central Station is one of those iconic places that shows up in all sorts of movies and TV shows, so its pretty cool to see in real life if you have time. Its likely that youll need to make a transfer here anyway, so pop upstairs and take a quick look.
The ceiling is painted with constellations, and is a sight in itself. But one of the things many people dont know about is the Whispering Wall.
There is a section of the walkway that allows you to stand in opposite corners of your travel partner and you can whisper to each other. It is pretty cool, and kids will have a fun time acting nonchalant while whispering secrets that only your partner on the other side of the walkway can hear. The passersby wont be able to hear a thing! Another great tip from Carmela from No Wrong Turns.
How to get there: In Grand Central Station, head to the lower concourse right in front of Oysters Bar and there you will see an arched 4-way passway. Stand in opposite corners and start whispering.
Cost: Free
The 33 New York Attractions That You Must See
While the mention of NYC undoubtedly brings to mind many of its famous buildings and attractions, it can be very difficult picking which ones you want to visit during your trip. Our list below of 33 best attractions in New York is in no particular order and is based on our experiences with each attraction as well as what we think makes for a good trip to the Big Apple!
Further down, you will find the best New York attractions on a map.
Also Check: Registering A Car In Nys
Things To Do At Night In New York State Click Here
Night owls listen up, this is New York State after dark Never boring, never sleeping and always up for a laugh, New York State is like your long distance best friend that you stay up late to talk to. The best way to see this city in all her glory is to get stuck into the spread of events at night in New York State. With Sohos red light past, an all-night party addiction and enough events going on to keep you busy for years to come, were here to make getting up to no good in this city a whole lot easier. So, looking for a low-down of the top things to do in New York State at night? Seek. No. More.
New York State has one of the best nightlife scenes in the world, so it should come at no surprise that there are many fabulous nightclubs that party on until the wee hours of the morning.
Below is our list of the top 10 things to do at night in New York State. There are so much more than just 10, of course, so we also include links to our pages within our blog as well as external resources.
Things To Do For Couples In New York State
Whether youre on your first date or have been with your partner for years, there are lots of fun things to do in New York State for couples. Londin has many unique attractions that are perfect for romantic dates.
Valentines Day falls on a Tuesday this year. So if youve got someone to impress or just fancy a love-in with your mates, youll be wanting some options on either the weekends either side, or on the day itself. Alternatively, you could just stay in and watch TV in your pyjamas, no judgement here. If you dont want to do anything official, weve got a few suggestions for romantic things you can do in New York State , no bookings required.
In a city as big as New York State, the opportunities for fun dates are pretty much endless. But where do you go when youre struggling for inspiration for date choices? Whether its a first date with someone you meet on an app, a romantic night with a long-term love or a friend date, trying something new is always fun. Weve made a list of slightly quirkier date-night alternatives and if you end up not liking the date idea, at least youre doing it with someone youre really into.
It feels like the city is always changing, surprising its residents and visitors with new things to do and places to explore. As a couple that loves date night, though, we have learned to find the romance amidst the hustle and bustle. Here are fifteen romantic things to do and romantic places to go in New York State
Read Also: Submissions Poetry To The New Yorker
Eat A Classic New York Pizza
TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins
Among other things New York is famous for, pizza is undoubtedly one of them. Is it the water? The flour? Generations of pizzaiolo knowledge passed down among families? Who knows, but it goes without saying that New York City pizza is a must-try for anyone’s first visit to the city. Among our favorites: Patsy’s, which has been slinging pies since the 1930s in Harlem, Lombardi’s, which calls itself America’s first pizzeria, and Prince Street Pizza, whose square slices are loaded up with the best pepperoni you’ve ever eaten,
Tour An Ice Cream Museum
At Ample Hills interactive ice cream museum in their 15,000-square-foot Red Hook factory, you can watch ice cream being made and even make flavor suggestions on their every flavor tells a story board.If you get hungry after , try The Hook, a flavor unique to the factory made of burnt sugar ice cream mixed with salty fudge bites and Dutch stroopwafels.
Recommended Reading: How Much Is A Loft In New York
Recover A Priceless Painting In 60 Minutes Or Less
Challenge your friends to solve an art heist in this escape room! Located in Manhattan, The Escape Game will immerse you and your friends in a one of a kind adventure. Can you escape in time?
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!
Go To A Broadway Show
One of the major Bucket List experiences in New York City is to see a Broadway Show. If you have a show in mind, be sure to make reservations in advance.
If youre on a budget, dont write off Broadway shows. You can actually find tickets for cheap on TodayTix or by following these tips.
Cost: Tickets typically range from $35 to $55 when you get them discounted, but can be upwards of $100 if you pay full price.
Recommended Reading: Flights New York To Italy
Take A Sightseeing Tour
Many people visiting NYC will look into taking a bus tour, particularly a hop-on-hop-off tour but there are many different options.
Check out our comparison guide on NYC bus tours to see which, if any, may be right for you.
We offer approximately 40 different tours, including free, self-guided, guided, and GPS-enabled audio tours of every neighborhood that you will likely visit as a tourist in NYC.
We also compare several “See NYC in a Day” tours.
Interesting Facts About New York City
New York City was founded by Dutch colonists in 1624. It was originally named New Amsterdam. The name was changed to New York in 1664 when the land was granted to the Duke of York, King Charles II of Englands brother.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, New York City welcomed millions of immigrants. They entered through Ellis Island and then took up residence in New York City, or other parts of the United States. One of the best things to do in New York City is to visit Ellis Island and tour the tenement buildings, which are now historic landmarks.
New York City is made of up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. With a population of almost 9 million people, this is the most densely populated city in the USA.
New York City is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. NYC is home to more than 3 million residents who were born outside of the United States, which is the largest foreign born population of any city in the world.
This city is also home to the UN Headquarters, as well as the worlds two largest stock exchanges , making it a leading city for international diplomacy and finance.
Finally, New York City is home to some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty.
Don’t Miss: Birth Records Nyc
A Tall Ship In Brooklyn
The Statsraad Lehmkuhl is Norways oldest and largest square-rigged tall ship. Over the next few weeks, it’s paying a visit to Brooklyn at Brooklyn Bridge Park. There is an Open Ship day on December 27th, free to the public. Learn how this century-old vessel was converted to a state-of-the-art mobile research laboratory with plans to circumnavigate the globe.
A Quick & Cheap: Staten Island Ferry
If youve got limited time and youre on a budget, the best way to see the Statue of Liberty is by hopping on the Staten Island Ferry. This is free and will bring you quite close to the iconic statue.
Ferries leave every 30 minutes from the South Ferry terminal in Manhattan, and all you have to do is show up! Since its free theres no need to buy tickets.
As the ferry is about to board everyone heads to the exit in one massive crowd.
Insider Tip: If you want to see the Statue of Liberty, you will need to be on the right-hand side of the ferry when you are leaving Manhattan.
Enter the ferry through the left doors which are less crowded and immediately head up to the third floor, then cross over to the right side and snag a spot on the railing. This will help you get ahead of the crowds. As you approach Staten Island, go down to the first floor so you can be at the front of the crowd when getting off the boat.
The ferry ride takes about 25 minutes, and when you dock at Staten Island you will need to get off the vessel, walk around the corner and get back on the same ferry .
Have more time? If you have time to kill, weve heard there are great Sri Lankan restaurants in Staten Island not far from the ferry terminal. Lakruwana and New Asha look good!
Cost: FREE
Also Check: Price To Register A Car In Ny
Hotel Highlight: Kimpton Muse Hotel Nyc
As we mentioned earlier, we disliked Times Square, however, we stayed just a few blocks away and found this location to be ultra convenient for visiting all the top sights.
This sleek and comfortable hotel is everything you need for a great stay in NYC. From a fitness center to free bike rentals to free wine happy hour, there are lots of perks! Check out what we thought of staying at the Kimpton Muse Hotel.
If you are going to stay near Times Square, this is a fantastic choice. Check availability on Booking.com.
*We were guests of Kimpton Muse NYC. As always, all opinions are our own.
See A Frozen Niagara Falls
Mother Natures power roars over Niagara Falls as 3160 tons of water flow over the natural wonder every second.
The only thing more magical than beholding that strength is seeing it all come to a standstill or at least the illusion of one. During particular weather events, the surface water and mist falling through the air turn to ice, and the ice chunks collect below, stacking up to 40ft thick. Water is technically still flowing, but it sure makes for some stunning photos.
Recommended Reading: How Much To Register A Car In Ny
Things To Do By Neighborhood And Month
One way to organize your trip to New York is by neighborhood. NYC is very much a patchwork of many neighborhoods with defined boundaries.
You can explore on your own and we’ve created over 40 self-guided tours, many of which also provide tips on things to do, restaurants and places to stay, as well as several GPS audio tours.
Of course, you can join us for one of our many pay-what-you-wish walking tours for deeper insight into the neighborhoods shared by one of our knowledgeable and personable guides.
Below is a list of 13 top areas. You can also use our interactive neighborhood map, which will help you visualize where each area is in relation to the others.
- Columbus Day Parade
Relax In The Sand At The Citys Public Beaches
You dont need to go all the way to the Hamptons to find a good beach near the city. Head to Coney Island to combine the beach with a trip to the amusement park or head further down to Brighton Beach where you can also find some great Russian restaurants. Hop on the ferry for the cost of a MetroCard ticket and head to Rockaway Beach where you can combine a day of sand and surf with good food .
Also Check: Nys Dmv Registering A Vehicle