Top 12 Things to Do in New York City

First Things First

NYC is huge.   Even Manhattan is deceptively large.  And very, very busy.

First rule is that traffic and streets are hectic in NYC, so if you estimate a time to get somewhere you should double it as a rough estimate (especially getting to airports on the way home).

Navigating your way around in NYC is easy.  Streets and avenues form a grid.  Avenues 1-11 run vertically, and Streets (1 to 200) go horizontally.  Only exception is Broadway which is diagonal.  Most addresses are a combination of a street and an avenue.

Tour buses pretty much go everywhere.  Remember though there are about a million people trying to do the same thing as you!

So here is my list – just about doable in 3 days!

1. Tour Bus – Getting around

We went on the Big Bus New York tour.  Highly recommend getting a two day hop on /off ticket.

https://theexplorepass.com/product/new-york-city-big-bus-tours/

Tickets can be bought from most hotel concierges or a ticket office just north of Times Square (712 7th Ave).  Alternatively, plenty of operators walk the streets near stops.  Ticket combinations when buying on the street can be confusing so best ask at a ticket office.

Also, a Night-time Tour (once a night I think) is available which I recommend as you’ll go over Brooklyn Bridge.

Warning – Bus stops around NYC away from main tourists’ sites can be difficult to spot as streets are busy.

2. Empire State Building

A must.  Expect long queues and airport-style security.  Give yourself 1-2 hours.

I recommend going up late afternoon / evening at sunset and you’ll see two different views of NYC as the sun goes down and the neon lights take over.

3. Statue of Liberty

Another must.  Expect long queues and airport-style security again.  Give yourself 3-4 hours minimum.

I recommend getting your tickets in the two-day tour Big Bus fare together to save queuing at the ferry port.  Then get the first /earliest bus you can to get there when queues are less.

Fast food /drinks available on Liberty island.

Ferry also goes to Ellis Island which is an interesting tour for adults.

4. World Trade Centre One

Iconic centre of the old Twin Towers of 9/11.  Never been up the new tower but if you have time highly recommended along with 9/11 Memorial.

Expect long queues and airport-style security.  Also the memorial can be quite emotional. 

5. Times Square / Broadway / Ellen’s Stardust Diner

The centre of everything.  Plenty of places to eat and an iconic place to see the night lights.

The Marriott Marquis on Times Square has a restaurant / bar on the 48th floor which revolves (where I had my first ever ‘Manhattan’ Cocktail).  Ideal for a ‘quiet’ drink – kids will be allowed.

Here you will find Hard Rock Café and many of the Broadway Theatres.  Grab yourself at least one show.  Depends on taste but plenty of discounts available either from hotel concierges or ticket offices on Times Square.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner is on the corner of Broadway / W 51st St just north of Times Square.

Becoming very popular venue to eat. Waiters are Broadway actors/singers who will sing songs.  Expect the microphone to be shoved under your mouth!  Recommended. Expect long queues as very popular.  Food is typical fast food.

6. Rockefeller Centre

Worth a visit whilst on 5th Ave.  Plenty to see on the ground floor.  If you have time you can go to the top of the tower and get the best view of the Empire State building.

7. Eat at a Restaurant

Plenty of fab restaurants in NYC to eat and be seen in.  A few recommendations are:

There is also a fine dining restaurant called ‘Daniel’ on the East side that I’m yet to go to that looks amazing. – https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d457808-Reviews-Daniel-New_York_City_New_York.html

8. Central Park / The Met Museum.

A must.  And it’s a big park so give yourself at least 2 hours and more for the Met.  There’s a zoo on the East Side.  Treat yourselves to a Horse & Carriage ride opposite the Plaza Hotel.

The Met is on the East side of Central Park.  See the famous Faberge Eggs.  Worth a visit if bad weather. 

9. Shopping

Well it is NYC!  There are two main shopping areas:

  • 5th Avenue – just south of Central Park
  • Madison Avenue (very, very high end) – just East of central park

There is also a shopping mall (Manhattan Mall) on the West Side.

Macys on 34th Street (where the film “Miracle on 34th St” is based) – reputably largest store in the world.  Nice brunch place in the basement for food and wine.

Tiffanys is on 727 5th Ave – as seen in the opening clip of the movie with Audrey eating Breakfast.

10. Little Italy

One of my favourite out-of-the-way parts of Manhattan.

When you’re a bit fed-up with Downtown or Uptown sightseeing (trust me!) this is a nice place to get away for lovely Italian food and culture.

11. Highline Walk

West side of the Island.  Recommended to me but never done it.  Good for a walk to get away from the busyness of the City.  http://www.thehighline.org/

12. USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier

Also West Side – Pier 86.  There’s a BA Concorde on show outside – worth a look if you’ve never seen it

A Few Don’ts

Don’t bother looking for the cafe “Central Perk” acclaimed from the sitcom “Friends” – it doesn’t exist

The Subway is safe during office hours but never get into an empty train.

If you are not local then do not into Brooklyn / Queens / Bronx unless on an escorted tour.  Manhattan is safe until north of Central Park.

Have fun!

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