10 Things You Must Do In New York City
THE BEST EXPERIENCES OF NEW YORK
New York City is truly a place like no other. You can find just about every culture represented, the most unique experiences, and some of the best pizza in America. People wait and dream their whole lives to explore this city. So when you get your chance to walk this concrete jungle make sure you add these 10 Experiences in New York City to your list!
Visit The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is an icon of New York city. Not only is it one of the tallest buildings in the city - but it one of the most visited too. A trip to NYC is almost incomplete without seeing the city from above, and the Empire is the perfect place to do it. You can visit the observations decks on the 86th or 102nd floors, and from either will be blessed with 360 degrees of Concrete Jungle. Read more info on their website.
Savs Tips
This is SUCH a popular spot. The line can be a few hours long! So arrive early, plan ahead, and just be prepared to wait like a ride at Disney Land. You can avoid the line if you pre buy your tickets or use City Pass (which you know I love). Also consider if you want to see the city in the day time or all lit up at night! Check the weather and dress appropriately because the weather is at lest 10 degrees cooler up top.
Address: 9 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
Website: https://www.esbnyc.com/
Hours of Operation: 8 am - 2 am
2. Take a Walk Through Central Park
Oh Central Park. Maybe one of the most iconic spots of the city. From Movies being shot, to HONY walking around, and just the everyday hustle and bustle, I truly think it is magical. Not to mention if you step back and think of the logistics of this MASSIVE park in the middle of all this city it is pretty amazing. Central park is so big there is lakes, waterfalls, gardens, carousals, and a ZOO! Yes even a zoo. It is dog walking central, and their are so many fit people it will make you want to run a 5K! I cannot stress coming to take a walk in the park enough.
Address: New York, NY
Park Hours: 6am - 1 am
Park Website + Info: http://www.centralparknyc.org/
3. See The Flat Iron Building
This iconic building has been on my list for yearsss. I am so happy to finally have checked it off my sight seeing list. I love visiting iconic monuments when I travel because, let’s face it, they are iconic for a reason! This building is a truly remarkable sight. The architecture of New York is already so impressive, to see a building almost flat is unreal! It is just as impressive as the Cube Houses in Rotterdam. This building is now used as offices and of course a sight to see!
Address: 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
History: https://www.history.com/topics/landmarks/flatiron-building
4. Eat A Slice of New York Pizza
A trip to New York is not the complete without a slice of New York Pizza. This thin crust specialty is an icon of the city and can be found on just about any street corner. My favorite is Originals - with garlic nots and a slice of Grandma (trust me). But you can taste test your way through every slice! There are stands for 99 cents up to two dollars - but one tip is to always have cash!
5. Walk The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most beautiful sights in my opinion. It is just so iconic! The beautiful brown stone bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan. You can drive across, bike across, and walk across it. It is only 1.1 miles long - so it will only take about 30 min or so, just keep in mind the time you take to stop and look at the insane views!! There is lots of pull out view points and benches to stop at.
Savs Tips
Make sure you are paying attention to where you are going! The bikes on this bridge do not care who they have to run over to get by!! There is a dedicated bike lane and walk lane, but during popular times, it is a free for all! So just be really aware. You will access the bridge entrance via a small park on either side. Feel free to walk part and turn around too - you do not have to go all the way across! Oh and don’t worry, this is a TOLL FREE bridge!
Address: Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038
Bridge Hours: 24 hours a day 365
6. See the arch at washington square
If you have been around here a lil while, you know I have a thing for Arches. From France to Spain and even New York City, these are an iconic structure all around the World. The New York Arch has made its home in Washington Square Park. This park is full of people, hot dog stands, and New York Life buzzing all around. During the holidays there are lots of get togethers like caroling by the arch, or splash pads for kids in the summer! More details on events can be found on the park website. I love seeing famous monuments in new places - might have to make a goal to see all the arches around the world!
Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park
Address: New York, NY 10012
Park Hours: 6am - 1am
7. Walk Through Times Square
Oh Times Square. Perhaps the heartbeat of the city! This is a spot that every New Yorker and visiter has been too, you just have to see it. It defiantly is a tourist hot spot and catered to the visitors, but still such a fun atmosphere to be apart of. People are dressed up as characters walking the street (similar to Las Vegas) where you can tip them for photos. Take your picture on the iconic red stairs, have breakfast at Tiffanys, or see a Broadway show! There is so much to see, eat, and do in Times Square that many people opt for a hotel right here! Times Square can also be seen from justttt about anywhere in the city because of all the lights and blinking signs! There truly is no place like Times Square.
Website: https://www.timessquarenyc.org/
Address: Manhattan, NY 10036
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day 356
8. Pay Respects at the Freedom Tower
Perhaps on of the saddest days in US history was 9/11. It is impossible to think about it and the major life impact that day had on this city. Every time we view the Skyline, I get goosebumps thinking about the horror of that day. Last year we visited the Freedom One World Tower and got to pay our respects. The have made the most beautiful memorial for the other tower - a stunning in depth fountain with the victims names engraved all around. It is free to visit the monument and walk around the grounds. You do have to pay to visit inside the One World Tower, and visit the observation desks. I think everyone should come here to pay respects and remember that life is and always will be our greatest gift.
Website: https://oneworldobservatory.com/en-US
Address: 285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10006
Hours of Operation: 9am -9pm
9. see lady liberty
The Statue of Liberty. One of the great symbols of our Country! Seeing the Statue of Liberty in person with your own eyeballs, is truly an experience I want everyone to have, especially if this is your homeland! This is such an iconic structure and has so much meaning behind it. Being the frugal traveler I am, I still have yet to explore her, but I got to see her for free from the water so my gratitude tank is full! By taking the Staten Island Ferry, you can check out Lady Liberty for FREE! I have all the details on where to catch it, what to expect, and more listed in this post. You can pay for an actual tour where you can explore the statue and museum here which i’ll link here.
10. walk the high line
The high line is one of the most unique parks I have ever been too! This trail was built on an old freight train tracks. There are tons of view points, benches, art galleries and the Hudson Yards to explore along the way! The Hudson Yards vessel is not one to miss. The project took 10 years and is free to wonder around! Read all the details you need to know in this post. You can also explore the new fancy mall in Hudson Yards!
Website: https://www.thehighline.org/visit/
Hours of Operation: 7 am - 10 pm every day
Address of Start: 820 Washington Street New York, NY 10014