So, you’re headed to New York City for the World Cup – how exciting! Whether you’re popping in for the weekend or planning an extended stay, this legendary city has something for everyone.
From must-see landmarks like Times Square and Central Park to those hidden gems tucked away in vibrant neighborhoods, NYC is teeming with unique things to do. But with so much to see, where do you even begin?
Don’t worry, navigating the City That Never Sleeps doesn’t have to be a headache. We’ve got you covered with this guide to all the best New York Tours & Sightseeing. We’ve even included our top tips on where to stay and the best ways to see the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty. By the end, you’ll be ready to soak up the magic of the Big Apple!
What are New York City’s Most Famous Landmarks?
In a city as big as New York, there’s something to see and do around every corner. But to help you make the most of your time, here are ten of the Big Apple’s most famous landmarks:
1. Statue of Liberty: This colossal statue has been welcoming visitors to the United States since 1886 – and she’s still as awe-inspiring as ever!
2. Empire State Building: If you’re looking for one of the best views around, don’t miss this legendary skyscraper.
3. Central Park: Imagine a huge green playground in the middle of the city – that’s Central Park!
4. Times Square: This entertainment hub is known for its bright lights, big screens, and a never ending buzz.
5. Brooklyn Bridge: This historic suspension bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. Ride, bike, or walk across the bridge for a jaw-dropping view of the city.
6. One World Trade Center: Also known as the Freedom Tower, this skyscraper stands as a symbol of resilience and remembrance.
7. Rockefeller Center: If you’re visiting during the holidays, put this one at the top of your to-do list.
8. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The MET is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces from around the world.
9. Broadway: Home of the world’s best shows and live performances. Need we say more?
10. Fifth Avenue: Looking for some NYC glam? Fifth Avenue is the perfect spot for snagging a stunning outfit or enjoying some high-end window shopping.
Iconic Things to Do in New York
1. Visit an Observation Deck
Where’s the best place to soak up the sights and sounds of NYC? An observation deck, of course! From high above, you can take in the city’s skyline, bustling streets, and surrounding landmarks. Sounds dreamy, right? Check out these must-see observation decks:
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience: Discover the perfect blend of immersive art and epic views. There’s even a room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a wrap-around terrace!
- Top of the Rock: Located 70 floors above Rockefeller Center, this deck is the perfect place to admire Central Park, the Empire State Building, and more.
- One World Observatory: Soak up panoramic views, explore multimedia exhibits, and more at the top of the One World Trade Center.
- Empire State Building Observatory: A true classic! Step inside the world’s most famous building and visit NYC’s only unobstructed 360-degree open-air deck.
- Edge NY: Visit the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor sky deck. Or, push your limits with the daring City Climb Experience, which lets you scale the outside of this 1,200+ foot supertall building!
2. Fly Over the City
Sure, you could just walk the streets of NYC, but why not take your adventure to new heights? These helicopter tours are your ticket to the skies – and trust us, you’ll never forget the thrill of seeing the city’s iconic landmarks, glittering skyline, and sprawling neighborhoods from a bird’s eye view.
3. Go to a Broadway Show
Even if you’re not a big fan of showbiz, catching a performance on Broadway is an absolute NYC must. No matter the show, you’ll be blown away by the energy, talent, and spectacle that these live performers deliver night after night. Looking for the ultimate VIP experience? Don’t miss the chance to see Hamilton and dine with one of the cast members!
4. Sail Across New York Harbor
See the city from one of the most magical spots: the water! Whether you’re looking to escape the bustling streets or need a unique dinner idea, these cruises are the best way explore the Big Apple’s waterways:
- Dining Cruises: Gourmet food, drinks, and jaw-dropping views? Sign us up.
- Scenic Cruises: Float past some of the city’s most iconic sites including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and more.
- Sunset Sails: You’ll feel like you’re sailing into a painting!
- Cocktail Sail: Sip cocktails on a historic tall ship – now that’s a NYC adventure we can happily raise our glasses to!
5. Indulge in World-Class Dining
Let’s be honest—New York City is a foodie’s paradise. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall eateries, there are delicious options around every corner. When we’re on the hunt for something tasty, these are our go-tos:
- Sushi: Feast on some of the best omakase in town at Sushi by Bou.
- Italian: Whether you’re craving pizza, fresh mozzarella, or a hearty Italian classic, NYC has you covered.
- Michelin-Starred: Award-winning dishes? Coming right out. Check out our top picks Francie and Le Pavillon
- Classic American: Indulge in all the best comfort food at The Fox or The Malt House.
6. Admire Artistic Masterpieces
If you’re an art lover, you’re in for a treat! The Big Apple boasts some of the world’s finest art collections. Whether you want to admire masterpieces from the biggest names in art or explore smaller, hidden gems, these are a few of our favorite spots:
- MoMA: Admire over 200,000 masterpieces by legendary artists such as Frida Kahlo, Van Gogh, Monet, Dalí, Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, and more.
- The MET: The Museum of Metropolitan Art is one of the crown jewels of NYC, housing one of the nation’s largest collections of art – from sculptures and paintings, to historic artifacts, and everything in between.
- ARTECHOUSE: What happens when science, technology, and art collide? Find out during this immersive art experience.
- Mercer Labs: Introducing NYC’s newest must-see museum! This multi-sensory gallery features 15 interactive exhibition spaces with infinity rooms, colossal projections, and more.
- The Whitney: Admire a variety of American masterpieces including paintings, prints, sculptures, video, digital art, and more.
7. Book a Food Tour
Food tours are a great way to sample the best bites in town, all in a short amount of time. You’ll taste a little bit of this and a little bit of that while exploring some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Our tastiest recommendations? We could never say no to a Brooklyn Sandwich Tour, Downtown Donut Tour, or NYC Pizza, Beer and History Tour.
8. Central Park Carriage Ride
Carriage rides are easily one of the most magical ways to experience Central Park. Just imagine rolling past Cherry Hill, Strawberry Fields, and the Bandshell – all while listening to the clip-clop of horse hooves.
9. Indulge in a Little R&R
Amid the hustle and bustle of NYC, taking some time for rest and relaxation is a must. And lucky for you, NYC is home to some of the world’s most incredible spas. These oases are the perfect places to relax, unwind, and escape the city:
- QC NY Luxury Spa: Over 20 wellness experiences are waiting for you on Governors Island, just a 5-minute ferry ride from Manhattan.
- WORLD SPA: Discover a world of spa treatments (without having to leave Brooklyn)! Recharge inside a Himalayan Salt Room, Moroccan Hammam, a one-of-a-kind Snow Room, and more.
10. Cheer on the Home Team
NYC boasts some of the best sports teams around. Grab tickets to a hockey, football, or basketball game and cheer on your favorite players. And for the baseball fans, score tickets to the Yankees or book a behind-the-scenes tour of Citi Field, Home of the NY Mets!
Best Ways to See the Empire State Building
It’s no secret—the Empire State Building offers some of the best views around. Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience this iconic skyscraper:
1. Visit at Sunset: Sure, standing above NYC is magical at any time of day, but just imagine it at sunset! Be sure to plan ahead—this is one of the busiest times to visit (and for good reason).
2. From the Water: You don’t have to go inside the building to experience its splendor. Admire it from afar (and tons of other NYC gems) on a scenic cruise.
3. Weekday Trips: Looking for a quieter time to visit? Weekdays are the way to go!
4. Nighttime Splendor: You won’t believe your eyes as you stand above the city lights, all glittering beneath your feet.
Best Ways to See the Statue of Liberty
If you’ve never been to NYC, chances are Lady Liberty is on your bucket list. But did you know there’s several ways you can admire this colossal statue? Here’s our top picks:
1. By Land: Get up close and personal by visiting Liberty Island itself. Walk around the base of the statue, explore the museum, and take in the views of Manhattan.
2. By Sea: Hop on a ferry or take a scenic boat tour to see Lady Liberty from the water. This perspective is especially magical at sunset.
3. By Air: Trust us, there’s nothing like soaring above the Statue of Liberty from the seat of a helicopter!
Where to Stay in New York City
From five-star hotels to one-of-a-kind bed and breakfasts, there’s plenty of places to rest your head. However, where you stay will ultimately come down to what you want to see and do. Whether you’re looking to be in the heart of the action or tucked away in a quieter neighborhood, these are our go-to places to stay:
1. Brooklyn
Best for: Trendy vibes, local culture, and eclectic neighborhoods.
Things to Consider: Travel times to major Manhattan attractions can be longer. It’s perfect for those who don’t mind using public transit or want to explore NYC’s hidden gems.
2. The Upper East Side
Best for: Classic NYC elegance, proximity to Central Park, and access to world-class museums like The MET and The Guggenheim. Ideal for those who appreciate a more refined and quieter stay.
Things to Consider: This area is known for luxury, so accommodations, dining, and shopping can be on the pricier side.
3. Midtown
Best for: First-time visitors who want to be close to everything including Times Square, Broadway, and the Empire State Building.
Things to Consider: It’s bustling, busy, and often crowded. If you prefer a quieter or more relaxed atmosphere, this may not be the best fit.
4. NoMad
Best for: Those who want a stylish, central location with a unique vibe.
Things to Consider: It’s a rapidly developing area, so it’s best for visitors who appreciate a mix of old and new, but it can be a bit more expensive.
5. Chelsea
Best for: Art lovers, foodies, and those who enjoy a vibrant nightlife.
Things to Consider: It’s a lively area, so it may not be as quiet as other neighborhoods. However, it’s great for those who want to stay in an energetic, culturally rich part of the city.
Summary
So, there you have it: the most iconic places to visit in New York City. Now that you’ve got the inside scoop, you’re all set to experience everything the Big Apple has to offer. Whether you’re marveling at the skyline from an observation deck, relaxing in a spa, or indulging in world-class dining, there’s something to see and do around every corner.
Still hunting for things to do? Our full range of New York experience gifts & things to do are just a few clicks away.
