There is never a bad time for planning a trip to New York. This dream-like metropolis has something or the other for anyone, visiting any time of the year. What is New York known for? The Big Apple is famous for unmatched tourist destinations, cultural landmarks, shopping centers, and, obviously the food! More importantly, the history of New York is filled with rich artistic colors—whether it be the famous people who live in New York or the countless iconic movie features.
New York City can make you feel like a celebrity like no other city in the world!
So, let’s break New York down into three of our favorite categories: places to see, food to eat, and things to do…
Places to Visit in New York City
These are some of the must-see places to visit in New York that you cannot miss by any chance if you’re visiting.
1. The Empire State Building
This one is really hard to miss (and we quite literally mean that). If you’re visiting New York for the first time then you cannot miss a trip to the iconic observation deck on top of the Empire State Building. It has a view of the infamous skyline like no other. If you’re a movie nerd (or a buff, we don’t judge), you can recreate endless scenes here with your friends and loved ones.
Remember Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother walking up to every single lady on the deck on Valentine’s Day? He got a few dates eventually. Speaking of Valentine’s Day, the deck has inspired many love stories. In fact, it has somewhat of a reputation for being the uniting spot of old lovers. Remember Sleepless in Seattle? Well, that’s still a thing and a very romantic one for sure.
2. Times Square
You’re out of this world if you have never dreamt of visiting Times Square at least once in your life…
Times Square is one of the most fun things to do with friends in New York. Museums, galleries, award-winning Broadway shows and musicals, street performances, caricature artists, restaurants, and who can forget the iconic Radio City Music Hall? How can you not fall in love with this place? Oh, and if you happen to catch yourself here on New Year’s Eve then the parade is a sight that you can’t get tired of.
3. Metropolitan Museum of Art
This place has one of the largest collections of classic art in the entire States making it one of the must-see cultural landmarks in New York. It boasts a collection of over 1.5 million works of art from around the world dating back to the past 5000 years of human life. The Met’s main collection consists of seven departments which include works from classical antiquity, ancient Egypt, modern and pre-modern Americas, Eastern, as well as modern art. It is located in the heart of Manhattan and if you’re a history buff or someone who has good taste in art, then you should definitely visit this stop or book a group tour.
4. Yankees Stadium
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in town during a New York Yankees game, then the stadium is a must-visit destination! You don’t even have to like baseball to appreciate the might of this place. The electricity and the buzz of the crowd are unmatched anywhere in the world. Witness people laughing and crying and (if you’re truly lucky) confessing their love on big screens. Located in the Bronx neighborhood, this giant of a stadium can hold more than 46,000 people and we highly recommend it for any baseball or soccer fan.
5. Brooklyn Bridge
The thrill associated with the Brooklyn Bridge has nothing to do with the bridge itself; it has everything to do with the experience. The facts about Brooklyn Bridge will amaze you. It has a mile-long walk with some of the best panoramic views of the city, and it is a great place to stop and take pictures of the East River, especially at sunrise when the sun rays are glistening against the steel structure, giving it a spectacular hue. There is much to do on the other side as well—Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and you can’t miss the pier.
Brooklyn Bridge is another iconic Hollywood landmark, making it one of the busiest tourist attractions in New York.
Things to Do in New York City
There is no place in New York that we can consider boring because this land of dreamers is filled with surprises all around the corner. These are our four favorite picks for anyone visiting New York any time of the year!
1. Visit Jazz Bars in Harlem
This place can channel your inner Ryan Gosling like no other. Once again, you don’t need to like jazz to appreciate the beauty of it but we highly suggest you visit Harlem precisely if you don’t like jazz—we believe you’ll walk out with a changed mind!
Harlem is the music joint of New York. It hosts some of the world’s most well-known jazz clubs, such as Showman’s Jazz Club and Bill’s Place, and if you haven’t heard some of the impromptu performances here, then you are missing out. While getting around New York, you can also learn more about the history of jazz as a genre by visiting the free-of-charge National Jazz Museum.
2. Book a Ferry Cruise to Liberty Island
Lady Liberty can get extremely crowded at times, and if you’re not one for waiting in line, then we definitely suggest this alternate route to you, which can be as equally fulfilling. Book a guided ferry tour (these are free by the way) from New York City to Liberty Island which will take you close enough to the statue to take pictures. Your guide will also fill you in with random anecdotes about the history of New York and the message behind Lady Liberty (question: did you know that the statue was actually a gift from the French?).
3. Explore China Town
China Town is Lower Manhattan’s local collection of Asian heritage. This place has endless things you can explore. The bustling streets are filled with endless surprises from restaurants, souvenir shops, bakeries, to local fish markets. We will share one favorite spot of ours here. China Town is filled with small businesses that give life to the neighborhood. One of these is Joy’s Flower Pot which is a small, Vietnamese-owned floral shop hosting a huge selection of houseplants and handmade pots. The beautiful plants and unique pots will bring color and identity to any plain desk (they also make a very pretty gift!)
4. Visit the Morgan Library and Museum
If you’re a literary buff, then the Morgan Library and Museum is a must-see place in New York. Just a short walk from Grand Central Station, this museum hosts an incredible collection of literature, fine art, and music. It’s one of New York’s prized literary treasures, featuring rare aristocratic book collections in a serene environment with rarely any crowds. Moreover, the area boasts some of the best fine dining places in the city, making it a perfect spot to visit. You can watch a concert, play, or musical and then enjoy some delicious sushi at Izakaya MEW. Don’t forget to grab some wine on the way back for a perfect evening.
Food to Eat in New York City
We know this is what you were really waiting for and rightfully so! From world-class fine dining restaurants to still-world-class street food, New York City has it all! Here are our five favorite food experiences.
1. Classic New York Style Pizza at Joe’s
Chances are, you’ve already heard of old Joe’s pizza. It is one of New York City’s finest, serving piping-hot, counter-served, classic New-York-style pizza since 1975 and you can recognize their branches from afar due to the long waiting lines of hungry and eager customers. That first bite into just the right consistency of cheese and pizza sauce is one to die for!
2. Bagels to Die for
Some people go as far as to claim that it was New York that led to the crazy popularity of bagels in the 50s and 60s. Whether or not that is true doesn’t really matter because we are here for the classic salmon and cream cheese bagel that has become a staple New York delicacy.
Bo’s Bagels, Absolute Bagels, Riverdale Bagels, you take your pick! You can’t go wrong with a bagel in New York City.
3. Humble and Heavenly Cheesecake
Just thinking about the classic New York-style cheesecake is bringing water to our mouths!
This version of the infamous cheesecake is notorious for its generous use of cream cheese, which gives it a thick and rich texture that you can’t find anywhere in the world! Nothing fancy, just a smooth combination of pure cream cheese and vanilla resting on a soft bed of graham crackers (we’re melting as we speak!)
4. Deli Culture
New York is infamous for the delis that are scattered throughout the city. Some of these have stayed intact since the 40s and 50s. Generations of loyal customers are all crazy after the same quintessential New York experience: the pastrami on rye sandwich. It’s unbeaten in its flavor profile and a perfect way to start your day.
Smoked beef pastrami on rye bread, topped with a generous serving of mustard. Sweet, salty, savory, spicy, everything you could die for!
5. Shawarma and Chicken and Gyro Platter at Halal Guys
The Halal guys have been here since forever now and there is no one else who does halal meat dishes like them anywhere else in the city. Their shawarmas have become a brand throughout New York but have you heard of their chicken and gyro platter? Well, you bring a napkin because your mouth is about to water!
Crispy pita, 12-hour marinated chicken, tender strips of beef gyro, steamed yellow basmati rice, all on the same platter. An unreal explosion of flavors that we can barely even describe.
If you want the all-in-one New York experience but don’t know when to start then we have another great recommendation for you.
Book a New York City Walking Tour
Exploring New York City through a walking tour can be an exciting and interactive experience, especially if you’re wondering about the best time to visit New York. These tours offer a unique blend of adventure and learning, where participants are grouped and provided with clues and puzzles on their phones. This scavenger hunt-style tour guides you to various locations across the city, sharing interesting tidbits and brief history lessons along the way. Plus, if you’re looking for budget tips for visiting New York, this type of tour can be a cost-effective and memorable way to explore the iconic sights of the city.
Conclusion
If you’re planning on visiting anytime soon, make sure to check out these pros and cons of living in New York so that you know what to prepare for. Be sure to create a schedule and plan out your days. Don’t worry about sticking too much to it though, like we said, New York has something new or the other, just around the corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New York best known as?
New York is best known as “The Empire State”. This moniker is due to its global significance, economic power, cultural diversity, and historical importance. It’s also often referred to as “The Big Apple,” a nickname that originated in the 1920s and became popularized in the 1970s, symbolizing the city’s allure and opportunities.
What is a famous thing about New York?
One of the most famous landmarks in New York is the Statue of Liberty. Gifted to the United States by France in 1886, it stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Additionally, New York City’s skyline, particularly the iconic skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, is globally recognized.
Why did New York become so famous?
New York’s fame can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, its status as a financial hub with Wall Street at its core has been a source of global economic prominence. Secondly, its role as a cultural melting pot, attracting immigrants from around the world, has made it a vibrant and diverse metropolis. Thirdly, its influence in various fields such as arts, fashion, media, and entertainment, has contributed to its fame. Moreover, New York’s historical significance, from being a colonial trading post to a pivotal location during the American Revolution, adds to its charm. It’s a little bit of everything when it comes to New York City.
