New York City feels endless. Obviously whilst you are in New York you’ll check out a museum, maybe a Broadway show, and you’ll probably see Times Square at both daytime and night time (a must). I could never make a list with everything you could possibly do in New York. However, from my experiences, here’s a list of my top 10 cool things to do in New York City!
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1. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Of all the awesome things we did in New York, this was my favourite. The walk each way, whilst it is just over 1 mile long, will take you probably an hour due to stops for photographs and taking in the splendid view.
If you only have time to walk one way, walk FROM Brooklyn TO Manhattan! Make sure to spend ample time in DUMBO and along the East River!
2. Meander along the Chelsea High Line
Another free activity in New York is to walk along the old rail tracks in Chelsea. This old railroad has been transformed into a raised park running over 2kms from the Meat Packing to Hells Kitchen (11th to 34th).
Along the way you’ll find inspiring art! From large installations to quirky graffiti art, many gardens and seating areas and fantastic view points. We also enjoyed the food market at both ends of the park. I had hands down the best ever ice cream sandwich of my life… red velvet cheesecake *drooling.
3. Go to a show at the famous Apollo Theater
The Apollo, located on 125th in Harlem is SO famous. And for around $20 and up you can get a seat inside this historic theatre for one of their regular shows! We went on Wednesday to their legendary “Amateur Night”! You get to cheer and boo performers as they try to make their musical dreams a reality (or not so..).
Their comedy show is also super famous, always hosting well-known comics to the up & coming youngsters. As with anything, it could always be hit or miss with performers but what isn’t is how truly cool this place is to check out once inside!
4. Bike Ride, Rickshaw, or Row a Boat in Central Park
New York has now taken on the dock-station bicycle system all over the city. You can find a bike almost anywhere. So, why not utilise this awesome initiative by bicycling around Central Park!
Another mode of transportation is the seen-everywhere rickshaws. With your very own tour guide, you will be pedalled around central park, seeing many of the important points, all much quicker than it would take to walk it! Central Park is just too big to see all in one day, so make use of these guys!
For the romantic in all of us, rowing your very own boat in Central Park is the best. With stunning views, you can almost get away from the hum of the city traffic as you paddle your way into a secluded spot on the lake to relax in the sunshine. Bliss.
5. See Manhattan from the water on the Staten Island Ferry
Free activity – check! Yep, bringing you another free thing to do in expensive New York. For anyone travelling around New York, the free Staten Island Ferry is a MUST. With spectacular views of the Financial District and the Statue of Liberty, there’s no better option for seeing her up close (for free, that is).
Tip – Stand at the back of the ferry when leaving Manhattan as the back remains open, so your photos will be clear and void of finger prints from the windows.
6. Check out a Sporting Match
The New York Yankees are an institution, and baseball is America’s past time – so if you are in New York during baseball season, you must get down to the ball park.
If baseball isn’t your thing, New York has top teams in the NBA (Basketball), the NFL (American Football) and the MLS (Soccer) leagues.
7. See the city from an insiders perspective on a TV & Movies Tour
New York City is the most filmed place in the world. From any of your favourite tv shows or movies, you’ve probably become pretty familiar with New York, even if you have never been before.
An On Location Tours tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the city, receive a tour of New York, AND see many locations filmed in many tv shows and movies! Some of the sites along the way included the Seinfeld Soup Nazi soup shop (No Soup for You!), Washington Square Park where Will Smith lived and fought for humanity in I Am Legend, the Ghostbusters Firehouse (zomg!), finishing at McLaren’s pub from How I Met Your Mother!
Growing up an avid FRIENDS fan, I’ve always wanted to see the building they lived in. Well, I was in luck, as the On Location Tours TV & Movies Tour took us there! Also at this stop on our tour we were given a delicious black & white cookie – a super New York snack.
The On Location Tours TV & Movies tour uses a bus for the duration of the tour which was a great way to get our bearings with exceptionally large Manhattan. Whilst on the tour bus, you watch snippets of film right as you are passing different filming locations, which is a great way to remember locations whilst seeing them in real life! For the tv or movie buff in you, this is a great tour to do whilst in New York!
8. Check out the View from Above
New York has some tall buildings. But to see it in all of it’s glory, you just have got to go up. My favourite viewing deck is from the Top of The Rock. Whilst the Empire State Building is the most popular, it is also much more beautiful than the Rock to look at, so for me, I’d prefer to have it IN my photos. As its location is in mid-town, you get both a view of many tall buildings, and also the beautiful central park. Here is where you can really get an appreciation for the city’s size.
Another option is the newly opened Freedom Tower’s ONE Observation deck. This is located in the financial district where the twin towers once stood. After taking in the breath-taking and humbling tribute to 9/11 fountains, you can make your way to the entrance of the Freedom Tower. Once up top, you are greeted with an epic entrance (I won’t spoil the surprise) and a remarkable view of the city, and the Statue of Liberty!
At a price tag around a hefty $35, both observatory decks are expensive (in my opinion) however, they are a once in a lifetime view and cannot be missed!
9. Enjoy drinks with a view
Whilst checking out the view of Manhattan is a must from at least one observation deck, getting another glimpse from up high should be attained via a rooftop bar! There’s nothing better than having a drink with a stunning backdrop, take for example either of these bars: Refinery and 230 Fifth.
Refinery sits atop the Refinery hotel and is a small space. Perfect! This rooftop does have a view on the Empire State Building if in the right spot. However, this places attracts me as it feels more like a large secret balcony than a bar. I love it because I felt whisked away from most of the traffic noise. With a superb menu and divine cocktails, this place was a real winner in my book!
230 Fifth is pretty well known as being the biggest rooftop bar in the city. For us, the atmosphere wasn’t as cosy as at Refinery Rooftop. However, what 230 Fifth really wins on is it’s one-of-a-kind view of the Empire State Building. Go during Happy Hour (every week day 4pm-6pm) to make the most of your time, cheaply!
10. Eat an array of deliciousness
During one week in New York, and over 20,000 steps done each day, I managed to gain 3kgs. How you ask? Well, it has something to do with the food. Some of my recommendations for a good meal include:
Katz Deli – the most famous Italian sandwich. Packed full of meat, you better know what you want when you order – and don’t forget to ask for cheese!
Red Rooster – a Harlem staple in soul food. This place is the hippest restaurant in Harlem. Serving up fancier style soul food than it’s neighbour, Sylvia’s, this one is a must!
Woodland – New American cuisine in Brooklyn. The space is inviting and the food, outstanding!
Two Little Red Hens – the best Cheesecake you’ll ever eat. This bakery is known for its cupcakes – which are perfect! However, the New York Cheesecake is second to none.
Mad Dog & Beans – Mexican food amongst old world charm. Stone street, where this restaurant is located, was the first paved street in New York, back when it was New Amsterdam. Amongst the charm of this street you can eat the best guacamole of your life! Better yet, you can wash it down with some delicious (and strong) margaritas!
SEE ALSO: 10 Dutch Foods You Need To Try
Besides these 10 things, there are endless places to see, things to do, and bites to eat! Enjoy yourself in the city that never sleeps!
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Australian expat, married to a Dutch guy, living in Amsterdam. Previously lived in London for 3 years, too! Lover of travel, coffee, brunch, beaches, fresh flowers, and family. Now a new mum, navigating life with a baby!
6 thoughts on “10 Cool Things To Do In New York City”
I’m still full from New York. Best list imo!
What an awesome list! The red velvet ice cream sandwich looks delish!
Thanks a lot! Yes – I miss that ice-cream sandwich everyday!
awesome list! i am planning a trip to new york city later this year, so will definitely be following this post! glad to have found your travel blog and can’t wait to see what comes! i have just started a bucket list blog; if you wouldn’t mind checking it out: livefiner.wordpress.com
Awesome pictures. I can sense your love for travel
Thanks a lot! i appreciate that you enjoyed the post! 🙂