Visit The Best Outlet In New York
If you love shopping but are looking for the best deals, in New York you are in luck, because you can visit the Premium Outlets, where you will find dozens of luxury brand stores at deeply discounted prices. Being a bit far from Manhattan, there are organized tours so you can go shopping without having to worry about the logistics of how to get there. I’ll tell you how I did it and give you some tips on how to organize your shopping day here: Premium Outlet Day Trips from New York.
Vessel At Hudson Yards
Forming an extraordinary spiral structure of connected staircases between buildings, Vessel is the stunning centrepiece of Hudson Yards.
Soaring 16 storeys high and designed to enable people to enjoy new perspectives of the city from different heights, angles and vantage points this structure is truly unique.
Unfortunately, Vessel has been closed to the public since January 2021 after several people used the structure to commit suicide. Access to the ground-level base is still open and free to the public.
Even without climbing the staircase, this unique structure is worth seeing as a stand alone, amazing piece of architecture.
It is hoped that Vessel will open again soon, once measures are in place that will reduce the risk of any further tragedies.
In the mean time there is the New York City: High Line & Hudson Yards Walking Tour available.
Rest In Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is often packed with NYU students during the school year but can be a nice place to sit down and take in the city. If you’re feeling lucky, challenge one of the many chess hustlers to a game or, grab a bite from one of the many food trucks that line the park perimeter. When you’re ready to move on, the West Village beckons.
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Visit The Beautiful Holiday Markets
Holiday Markets are pretty popular in New York City and should be on top of your list of things to do in New York City during Christmas time. To me, there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than grabbing a hot cup of cocoa and strolling through some of the best Christmas markets in New York.
You will love the booths with local crafts, savory treats, and hot specialty drinks. The Christmas Markets in the city is the most authentic environment to have a wonderful time and wrap up your gift shopping. Heres where to find the best Christmas markets in NYC and this is the most popular New York City Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour.
The World’s Best Basketball Live
Whether you’re a basketball fan or not, going to an NBA game is something you won’t experience anywhere else. The iconic Madison Square Garden is the home of the New York Knicks, the local team, and it is in this stadium where you will be able to see the NBA stars leave their skin on the court. Definitely an experience that will add a lot to your trip and a must if you are passionate about basketball. If you already know you are not going to miss it, buy your NBA tickets here.
If you want to read a little more about the experience, understand what you will find there or discover why it is one of the top experiences you can live in New York, let me convince you in my article on How to Buy Tickets for an NBA Game in New York.
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Try An Alternative Christmas Atmosphere At Santas Secrets
Do you wonder what keeps Santa Claus busy when hes out of the public eye? Hes running a secret vintage nightclub at Hudson Yards!
Discover Santas secret in a captivating experience this Christmas season with cocktails and variety shows filled with sensational performances, including ballets and burlesque. Before making it to his secret speakeasy, youll wander through a wonderland and encounter the gingerbread girls, lumberjacks and ice queens.
Youll see not only six immersive installations and multidisciplinary interactive shows, but also a live band with New Yorks Inyang Bassey. This two-hour holiday experience runs from Dec. 1 to Jan. 2.
Ready for a spooky night? Go behind the scenes at the Basilica of St. Patricks Old Cathedral. Get access to the off-limits and hidden areas of the Basilica grounds, and step into the only active catacombs in New York City.
Visit Harvard University Boston From New York City
As you read it: visiting Harvard is possible and you don’t have to be an educated person to do so. One of the most famous universities in the world opens its doors for travelers to visit on a guided tour. By taking a trip to Boston from New York, you can also explore the historic center of the city of Boston, where one of the most important episodes of American history was forged: the American War of Independence.
On this tour you will also see MIT and learn everything you need to know about the city and its customs, which contrast with the hustle and bustle of New York. The best part? In the evening you’ll be back at your hotel in the Big Apple ready to continue your trip.
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The Guggenheim In New York
This incredible museum will steal your heart, not only for the incredible works it houses, but also for its design and structure, unique in the world. Enter its majestic staircase and feel how you lose track of time in the heart of Manhattan inside the Guggenheim New York, you won’t regret it!
/11 Memorial Pools & Museum
Located at the World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial Pools and Museum are a tribute of remembrance for the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks on September 11th 2001.
As well as the 6 people killed in the World Trade Center bombing on February 26th 1993.
The pools outside are free to visit, however youll need a NYC: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Timed-Entry Ticket to enter the museum.
The Memorials twin reflecting pools are both just under an acre in size and feature the largest man-made waterfalls in North America.
Furthermore, the names of all those who were killed are inscribed on plaques around the pools.
The 9/11 Memorial Museum tells the story of this tragic event through media, narratives, and a collection of impactful and authentic artifacts, giving visitors personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope.
Visiting this place of peace and tranquility was an unbelievably moving and humbling experience. This is a beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives and it really is worth spending some time here.
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Go Shopping At Smorgasburg
The alternative to touristy Chelsea Market is Smorgasburg. This amazing food festival is a perfect choice for all the foodies out there. And its a place many locals flock to because, well, we guess they know how awesome the food is there.
Because of its outdoor setting and wider selection of food vendors, long lines are cut short here. At Smorgasburg, you will always find the next biggest food trend. There is such a variety of food you can try.
You are guaranteed to have an awesome time as long as you try as much of the food as possible.
Exhibition Of The Week: Native New York
What makes New York a Native place? A new exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian, Native New York, journeys through city, state, and time to explore this question. Through objects, media, interactives, and narrative comics the exhibition takes visitors to 12 places in present-day New York to demonstrate how the state is, and always has been, a Native place. From Haudenosaunee ironworkers who helped build Manhattans iconic skyscrapers to Lenape teens visiting their ancestral home, stories of Native New Yorkers provide an expanded understanding of the regions history and present.
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Take A Tour Of The New York Public Library
The New York Public Librarys Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in Midtown Manhattan has a storied past, touching on some of the most important moments in world history. During World War II, Allied military intelligence used the librarys Map Division for research, and the library collected materials from the left and the right during the McCarthyism era, despite objections. Sex and the City fans may remember it as the setting where Carrie wanted to marry Big. Now, you can visit the iconic institution with a free one-hour daily tour.
What To Do In Nyc
Every passing day there’s more to dosafelyin the city. Stay in the loop with:
- The weeks best activities delivered to your email box with our free newsletter
- , which has real-time tips and advice from New York City experts
- The city’s latest openings and happenings on City Guide’s
- Activities geared to parents and families on our sister site nymetroparents.com
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/11 Memorial And Museum
One of the most important places in all of NYC is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, located on the site of the former World Trade Center. This moving attraction recounts the tragic history of one of the darkest days in recent US history in informative and moving exhibits.
The Museum has three separate sections, detailing the lead-up to, day of, and aftermath of the attacks, as well as the stories of the lives lost and the relics that remain from the rubble. The outside Memorial is also popular for photographs and is well-known for its signature water feature and lighting.
Be Wowed By Times Square
This is probably one of the most touristy things to do in New York, butyou cant miss visiting it. There is a reason that this is square is world-famous. Walk around and be amazed by all the neon billboards and skyscrapers that completely surround you. Revel in the hustle and bustle that happens here 7 days a week. You definitely have to make sure to visit if this will be your first time in New York. Read more: Things to do in Times Square A Walking Tour and Nearby Attractions
We also almost always stay in or near this area when we are in the city. Its just one of the best people watching place on earth. There is always something going on and going up to sit on the red steps to take it all in is a must!
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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.
Month By Month Guide To Do Free Things In Nyc
When you are visiting NYC you can get to enjoy a few things absolutely free of cost. However, free events are not always available.
You can take a free audio tour or can visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree if you go there during Christmas, go to Chelsea market , go to Ellis Island, visit the Hudson River, prospect park, empire state building, NYC skyline, watch lady liberty, and other amazing free things.
Below we have prepared a list of completely free things to do in NYC. Lets have a look at the free things to do in NYC.
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Tips And Tours: How To Make The Most Of Your Visit To New York
With so much to see and do in New York, purchasing a couple of tours can really help cover all the main attractions and make sightseeing easy and enjoyable. Walking everywhere can be tiring, and figuring out the subway isn’t for everyone. There are many tours to choose from, but the following offer a good mix of attractions and experiences, and they are all guaranteed lowest prices.
Explore the City:
- For getting your bearings, seeing the sights, and learning a little history, there is no beating the traditional open-top sightseeing bus. Take a Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Tour to cover all the top sights and save yourself a whole lot of walking, so you will still have some energy to take in dinner or a show in the evening.
- If you are spending several days in the city and plan on sightseeing each day, you can save yourself money and hassle by picking up a New York CityPASS, which covers all the major attractions and will allow you to bypass the lines.
See the Sights from the Water:
- Indulge yourself with a Big Apple Helicopter Tour and fly over one of the most amazing cities in the world. These 15-minute flights take you past the landmark buildings in downtown, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. This tour will give you a whole new appreciation for the density of the buildings and the size of Central Park.
The Best Attractions Of New York On A Map
A map with all attractions of New York City with a View can be found here just click on FULL MAP if you want to see more. You can click on each attraction on the map to find out everything you need to know!
I’m a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 20 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On this blog, I want to share everything I have learned and discovered, so you can have the best time in the greatest city in the world.
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Remember To Bring Your Visa With You
Most likely, to enter New York as a tourist you will need to take the ESTA visa. You will be able to fill it online and pay the fee also online, which makes the process much easier. If you have doubts about how to do it because you have never done it before, you can check my article on how to get the ESTA visa to travel to New York.
Discover The Secrets Of The City
If you’re not a big fan of guided tours and prefer to tour the city at your own pace and without explanations from a guide, I recommend that you make your own itinerary to make sure you don’t miss anything. If it’s not your first time in the city and you feel like discovering alternative or hidden places that are less visited by tourists, don’t miss my guide about secret places in the city.
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National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The National 9/11 Memorial is located where the World Trade Center Twin Towers once stood. It features sobering tributes to the lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, most poignantly two sunken pools with cascades of water pouring into the fallen towers’ footprints. Adjacent to the memorial is a profoundly moving museum with remnants and reminders of the tragic day. The memorial is free museum tickets are best bought online in advance.
Holiday Pop Up Lower East Side
Lower East Side bar and lounge The Skinny is now the most extra holiday bar in town. The Naughty or Nice Holiday Pop Up Bar at The Skinny is open to the public through the end of January 2022. The space is decked in floor-to-ceiling over-the-top Christmas decor and boasts interactive games like a Wheel of Misfortune and a calendar full of surprises. Events that might place you on the naughty list include burlesque, Christmas caroling, and karaoke, with live music nightly and visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a drag queen Grinch. Holiday bites include a turducken burger, a holiday leftovers sandwich , and a Monte Kris Kringle. On the drinks side, look for a series of “Coping Mechanism” cocktails.
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What To Do In Nyc: Day 5
Walk the High Line & Whitney MuseumThe High Line is a converted train track that is now an urban walking park. It goes from 34th Street down to the Meatpacking District . Lined with overlooks, gardens, public art, food stalls, and greenery, this walk is one of the best things to do in the city, especially on a nice day. Go for a walk, sit with a book, people-watch the High Line is a must-see and a true favorite among locals.
Next to it, in the Meatpacking District, theres the new building for the Whitney Museum of American Art . Even if you dont go inside, the building is worth seeing, as it is a work of art in itself. But I would recommend going inside as there is a wonderful exhibit of American art.
99 Gansevoort Street, Chelsea, +1 212 570 3600, whitney.org. Open Mondays 10:30am-5pm, Thursdays 10:30-6pm, Fridays from 10:30am-10pm, Saturdays from 10:30am-7pm, and Sundays from 10:30-6pm. Admission is $25 USD and pay-what-you-can on Fridays from 7pm-10pm.
Enjoy the view from the Empire State BuildingAfter you finish up with lower Manhattan, jet up to this historic landmark. Standing 1,453-feet tall and completed in 1931, the 1930s art deco interior of this building is absolutely beautiful and the view from the top is breathtaking. Its one of the most iconic buildings in the city and you can get a real feel for how densely populated New York is as you take in the view. Get here early or during lunchtime to avoid the lines and tour groups.