Visit The Intrepid Sea Air And Space Museum
Have you ever been on a submarine? You can do just that at this museum, which proudly charts Americas military and maritime history from Word War II to the space race.
Explore the Space Shuttle Pavilion and be amazed at original artifacts from the Marine Corps and NASA. There is an aircraft carrier and a supersonic reconnaissance plane to check out too.
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.
Slow Down With An Nyc Spa Day Visit
This concrete jungle is about as fast-paced as any place on the planet, so its important to take an opportunity to catch your breath once in a while.
Whether youre traveling solo or as part of a couple, a number of massage options await, with the option to add steam rooms, reflexology, or even chocolate facial treatments!
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Little Italy / Chinatown Food Tour
While Little Italy is not as big as it once was, it is still a great place to find a good pizza or a good cannoli. Remember to look for a cannoli that is freshly filled just before you eat it. Much of what used to be Little Italy is now Chinatown and a great way to explore both is a Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour.
Enjoy A Frozen Hot Chocolate At Serendipitys

This eatery has been around for over 50 years and is known for its signature dessert, the Frozen Hot Chocolate.
Enjoying this dessert is a quintessential New York experience, so much so that it has been the locale of several films and TV series, including, of course, the 2001 comedy Serendipity, Girls and Gossip Girl.
We also have a GPS-enhanced Audio Tour as well as a printable self-guided tour you can take any time.
Reviews: We are proud to say that on TripAdvisor we are rated 5-stars with over 5,500 reviews. Take a look at our full calendar of offerings.
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The New Yorker Festival
The New Yorker Festival, organized by the publisher of the same name, will take place for the 21st time. It is one of the most popular fall festivals in New York, bringing you the biggest names in politics, literature, film, music, art, and pop culture on panels, discussions, and performances over 7 days.
Click here to see our Guide to The New Yorker Festival.
Best Outlets And Malls In And Around New York
New York City is home to many great shopping experiences and malls. Many of these malls are huge and feature numerous designer stores across their expansive grounds.
When it comes to outlets in New York, theres currently only one in NYC, but more are located just outside of the city. You will definitely find some great deals here and not only on last seasons items. Make sure to check these out as you will often find large discounts on designer items too!
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Which Are The Best Shopping Streets In Nyc
As mentioned before, 5th Avenue is one of the most famous and also most expensive shopping streets in NYC. Every shopping street in New York City is as diverse as the city itself. From hip and casual in Williamsburg to super fancy at Hudson Yards. Besides 5th Avenue we recommend checking out:
- Madison Avenue
Chelsea & Hells Kitchen
Some people ask: Is Hells Kitchen dangerous? A mine for crime, Hell’s Kitchen was infamous for gang violence as Chelsea used to be filled with drug traffickers. Even with the drop in crime rate, violence is still apparent in these areas. For 8th and 9th Avenues which are usually busy, its safe to go about at night. Even ladies dont need to travel with partners. There are always people moving about way past evening. The hotels at the west side usually have good security.
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East Village Where To Stay In New York City For The Best Nightlife
With its youthful vibe and independent spirit, East Village is one of the most dynamic and distinct neighbourhoods in New York. It combines old-school charm and modern luxury, creating an atmosphere that encourages locals and visitors to explore its lively streets.
The East Village is also where youll find some of New York Citys top nightlife. From cool dive bars and craft beer pubs to rooftop terraces and all-night clubs, this is where you want to stay if youre looking to experience the best of New York after dark.
Visit St Patricks Cathedral
St. Pats, as it is commonly referred to by locals, is the largest Catholic cathedral in America.
Its neo-gothic style is stunning and it is free to enter and admire. You can also attend services there.
Our post on visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral explains how to visit for free and also how you can take an official guided tour.
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Visit To The Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum New York
The what?
In the short introduction above, I mentioned the fact that NY houses some world-famous museums. For that reason, you could expect me to grant the #2 spot to one of them, like for example the Museum of Natural History or the Metropolitan Museum, but no
My number #2 spot is taken by the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
- The USS Intrepid is an aircraft carrier which was active worldwide between 1943 and 1974. Build during the second World War, it served the US Military, mainly in the Pacific Ocean. Not only during the second World War, but also after in Korea and Vietnam. Later on, it served as a recovery ship for the Mercury and Gemini space missions of the NASA. Picking up the astronauts in mid-Ocean.
- Although a museum since 1982 and completely renovated between 2006 and 2008 it functioned as an FBI operations center temporary after the 9/11 attack.
Besides getting a chance to explore an historic aircraft carrier, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum houses thousands of interesting items.
To name some highlights:
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Manhattan, NY.
2. Also on view are replicas of space capsules from the US , as well as a former Soviet one .
The Mercury capsule .
3. On the upper deck you can admire some famous airplanes. Mostly military ones, but also a Concorde.
5. And last, but not least, the Space Shuttle Endeavour
Encounter Residents Of The Marine Kingdom

For one of the most fun things to do in NYC, head to the famous New York Aquarium on Coney Island and come face to face with sea lions, sharks, and even a giant octopus.
Let your imagination run wild at the Lost City of Atlantis-themed Long Island Aquarium, or enjoy an immersive ocean odyssey in virtual reality at the National Geographic Encounter in Times Square.
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Head To The American Museum Of Natural History
In NYC with children or have an extra day to burn? NYCs Natural History Museum is one of the premier collection of dinosaur bones out there. Why?
They were one of the first museums to aggressively go after dinosaur remains in the US, which were originally discovered in the UK, but became wildly abundant in the US.
It is most definitely more than just dinosaurs as well which is why it is even exciting to visit this museum even if you dont have kids. They have exhibits on just about everything you could imagine!
New Yorks Top Of The Rock:
Start off your trip with the unforgettable views that you get to see from the top of the Top of the Rock. It is an observatory on top of Rockefeller Center and offers outstanding views of the city. The sweeping views of Central Park, Manhattan Midtown, the picture-perfect view of the Empire State building, and also a gorgeous view of the sunset catch these incredible views from this observation deck and enjoy the best moments with your friends and family. It is truly unforgettable and a must-visit attraction in Manhattan, New York.
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Open House New York Weekend
The annual Open House New York event allows tourists and locals to access the citys main buildings for 2 days. The main thing here is to experience the city differently and to meet the people who design and build New York. All sorts of buildings can be visited, from the very historic to modern apartments or industrial buildings that are scattered all over the five boroughs.
There will be tours, lectures, performances and events around the meaning of architecture and urban design. All the information about this cool event can be found here.
Things To See And Do In Midtown
- Visit the iconic home of Broadway and watch an incredible play or musical performance.
- Snack on one of NYCs finest bagels at Best Bagel and Coffee.
- Stand at the center of Time Square, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of New York City.
- Climb to the Top of the Rock and take in the incredible views of NYC from the Rockefeller Center Observation Desk.
- See unbelievable works of art at the Museum of Modern Art .
- Excite your senses at Spice Symphony.
- Grab a pint at the Carnegie Club.
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Garden State Plaza Mall
There are many malls in NYC, but we cant forget about the malls close to the city as well. Approx. 200,000 square meters filled with 400 stores Garden State Plaza promises the ultimate shopping experience. It is the largest mall in the state of New Jersey, and it is only 12.5 miles away from Manhattan. If you are an avid shopper, your pulse will double once you arrive in the small town of Paramus, New Jersey. You will also be saving here as you shop due to New Jersey not having a sales tax on shoes and clothing.
Due to its size, the selection at the Garden State Plaza Mall is huge. Outlets often feature many unknown brands trying to pedal their leftover products from the previous season but not here. Our jaws dropped when we looked at the map to see which stores could be found in the mall. In addition to the big department stores like Macys, J.C. Penney, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, and Neiman Marcus you will also find other great name-brand stores like Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Superdry, Apple, and Abercrombie.
The list goes on with Converse, Gap, Hollister, Steve Madden, H& M, GUESS, COACH, MAC Cosmetics, and Lacoste. And this is just a small sample of what you can expect. Check out the complete list of stores in the Garden State Mall!
/11 Memorial And Museum
More than one person highly recommended I visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum before my last trip to the city, My friend Mike advises that you should sign up in advance for the guided tour. You get to crawl around the foundation of the 2 towers, many amazing artifacts. Spoiler alert, you will cry.
I was at the 9/11 site within 4 months of the attack when the site was still covered with memorials and pictures of those who were missing and it was moving and very interesting to return to the site now that it is a memorial. The memorial is at ground level and open to the public. The original shape of the foundations of the towers of the World Trade Center have been turned into a memorial reflecting pool with the names of the victims engraved on the side.
The 9/11 museum is much more about the victims and the heroic response than the act of terrorism. If you dont take a tour you can still save yourself some time by buying skip the line tickets ahead of time.
- Admission to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is included in .
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Explore Grand Central Terminal
Located in the heart of Midtown, this famed train terminus is free to explore.
Find out more from our post on Grand Central. This post also includes details on things you can do without a guide if you visit Grand Central.
If you do go to Grand Central Terminal, you can also visit the lobby of the Chrysler Building, which is located next door and is also free.
For more free activities, see the free things to do section below.
Best Hostel In Lower East Side Blue Moon Hotel

The Blue Moon Hotel is our top recommendation for where to stay on the Lower East Side. Walking distance to some of New Yorks most famous landmarks, this hotel is close to shopping, dining, drinking and more. It boasts private bathrooms and balconies, as well as refrigerators, coffeemakers, and minibars.
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Nordstrom Nyc Womens Flagship
The Seattle-based company opened its first Nordstrom NYC flagship store here in the city in October 2019. Situated on 57th and Broadway right at the base of the worlds tallest residential building in the western hemisphere, the store sells your favorite designer brands as well as other amenities. Known for its exceptional customer service, this is a place worth shopping at.
Location:
Midtown: 225 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Store Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:00am 9:00pm, Sun: 11:00am 7:00pm
Broadway Shows For Kids
To find out about saving money on tickets, read our post on how to get discount Broadway tickets.
Also, if you are traveling to NYC in February, be on the lookout for Kids’ Night on Broadway when young people aged 18 and under can see a participating Broadway show for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
Our post on things to do in NYC in February will keep you informed about the date.
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New York Neighborhood Guide
New York City is one of the most massive and sprawling cities in the world. A epicentre for food, fashion, culture, finance and trade, NYC is truly a global metropolis.
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet each year New York City attracts more than 50 million domestic and international visitors to tour its museums, gawk at its iconic sights, and stand at the center of Time Square.
Divided into six boroughs, New York City is home to 59 neighborhoods. Each borough has its own unique culture and atmosphere, and could be a city all on its own. In fact, if Brooklyn was its own city, it would still be one of the biggest cities in the US. For that reason, we are going to focus on accommodation in Manhattan, NYCs most famous and touristy borough.
Midtown is the heart of Manhattan, and where you will find NYs most iconic landmarks, like Time Square, Rockefeller Centre, Broadway and Bryant Park.
North of Midtown are the charming neighbourhoods, Upper West and Upper East Side. On either side of Central Park, these neighbourhoods are home to world-class museums, verdant parks, and famous addresses like Madison and Park Avenues.
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Top Tourist Attractions In Manhattan New York You Have To Visit
The most densely populated and geographically smallest of the five boroughs of New York City, Manhattan is the truest symbol of NYC and the most attractive of all too. From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square and Central Park Manhattan, New York houses some of the most iconic attractions of the United States. So if you are planning to make a visit to NYC, you must start exploring it from the glamourous borough of Manhattan. Iconic skyscrapers, best restaurants in New York, so many places, especially the Broadway to enjoy musicals and theatre, taking a selfie from over the Brooklyn Bridge, and more and more Manhattan is so full of attractions that you may even need a month or so to get done with all of them.
So if you are coming to spend a weekend here or want to explore the most vibrant attractions of the Big Apple, these are the best and top tourist attractions in Manhattan, New York that you have gotta check out.
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