The big apple. The city that never sleeps. The centre of the Universe. Let’s face it, New York has a huge reputation. It’s a place that is on most people’s bucket lists, including mine, and I wanted to share some awesome things to do on your visit.

The first time I went I was hugely overwhelmed by basically everything. The skyscrapers, busy streets, loud noises and huge amount of activities to do. It wasn’t until my second trip a few years later that I truly enjoyed my time, thanks to the seven things I recommend in this blog.

But let’s get this clear first of all.

There are loads of touristy places that I haven’t detailed in this guide. Examples are:

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• Ferry to the statue of Liberty. Book your ferry months in advance to secure a spot, especially if you want crown access!
• A walk and boat ride in Central park. Maybe you love Friends or Home Alone? Either way, the park is gorgeous to wander through.
• Catch a Broadway show. I saw Mean Girls, Frozen and Beetlejuice. Dream come true. Here’s how to get discount tickets.
• Feel cinematic at Grand Central Terminal It’s in so many movies and the inside is really quite special.
• Educate yourself at the Museum of Natural History. Famous from the Ben Stiller movie and generally a fun day out.
• Be wowed by the Empire State Building. It’s totally iconic and looks so striking inside and out.

I’ve done all of them. They were fab. But I wanted to throw in some slightly less expected destinations, which happen to be my favourite things to do in New York.

I highly recommend purchasing a 7-day metro card for $34 at any kiosk. It gives you unlimited access on the metro and buses. You’ll need it, NYC is huge!

7 things to do in New York

1. Enter the Vessel at Hudson Yard

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Oh em gee. The Vessel is a gigantic honeycomb like installation that sits right in the middle of Hudson Yards public square. It’s a photographers dream and a fabulous structure to explore. Oh yes, you can go inside.

There are 16 stories and 154 flights of stairs in this this golden vertical maze. From every angle you can take in the views. Actually the view itself isn’t the best, but exploring the Vessel is so exciting.

It was only built in March 2019 so fairly new to the New York attractions scene. We visited in September, which felt pretty exclusive.

You can get FREE tickets online, 14 days ahead. Or get on the day tickets using the various digital kiosks. You will be given the next available time slot. Arrive before midday to secure your spot.

2. Walk the High Line

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The High Line is an elevated public park built on a disused railroad. It’s really quite innovative and a creative way to make green spaces in the city. The Vessel is only a few metres from the start of the High Line and once you’re on it, it’s a 1.5 mile walk from start to finish.

We loved snaking along the railroad between the brick buildings and high rises either side. It was joyous to see artwork and installations along the way, all whilst floating 9 metres above ground. There’s plenty of chances to stop and enjoy the views. We loved watching the yellow cabs weave through the avenues.

3. Shop at Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is an indoor market where you will find all kinds of goodies from gifts to food. It’s a lively place with lots of local and international traders. Its brick architecture adds to its character and somehow makes it feel even more authentic. It does feel very hipster, but I kind of liked pretending to be cool for a hot second.

BTW, we noshed on jerk salmon and rice at TING and ate the yummiest hot, sugared doughnuts from Doughnuttery. There we so many topping options! We basically went here to eat.

Looking for more American trips? Make sure you read my Florida and California road trip guides.

4. Get THAT bridge shot in Dumbo, Brooklyn

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I binged Gossip Girl before visiting New York for a second time, so I was desperate to see the exterior of Dan Humphrey’s loft in Dumbo, Brooklyn. And this is exactly where you can get the iconic shot with brick buildings, cobbled streets and Manhattan Bridge smack bang central in the background. It’s picture perfect.

Whilst you’re here, make sure you have a rest in Brig Park before taking the 5 minute walk to Brooklyn bridge (the really famous one). It was once the longest suspension bridge in the world. It’s almost a 2000 metre walk under epic steel cables and across several granite towers. Views across the river are spectacular.

5. Feel hip in Greenwich Village

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Greenwich Village is a very bohemian neighbourhood in New York. It’s a friendly, relaxed and diverse area full of creatives. It feels completely different to central New York. Like a suburb with smaller buildings, independent cafes and more locals. I felt incredibly comfortable and we spent most of our time resting in Washington Square public park.

If you’re a fan of the TV show Friends, who isn’t, then go find the apartment nearby! Location tagged in the map below.

6. Find the best city views at Top of the Rock

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Top of the Rock is by far the best place to get a birds eye view in New York. There is an observation deck, 70 floors above the Rockefeller Centre. The Rockefeller is where you can shop, eat and drink. It’s also well known for its illuminated Christmas Tree and for being where Saturday Night Live is filmed.

You can get unobstructed, 360 views across New York. I love it because you have a much better view of Central Park, the river and you can admire the Empire State Building, which is more impressive than being on top of it.

Pre book your tickets online for $38. You might want to look into city passes for discount deals if you’re seeing several attractions. Find different options here.

7. Catch an NFL game

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This may or may not be your cup of tea, but I’m a sports fan and love American Football. I could not visit America without catching a game live. Obviously, Jets and Giants are New York teams but we are Eagles fans. Philadelphia is only a couple of hours train/bus ride away so we made a trip out of state.

Game day is an experience that gave me such a buzz. From passing the tail gate parties, to the pre-match entertainment and the game itself, it’s a whirlwind. The energy and atmosphere is something else. It was a full day show. I had a (foot) ball and I would definitely do it again, even though the Eagles lost that day.

We booked games tickets from ticketmaster for $180 each. Pricey but worth it if you’re a fan. In advance, we booked the coach to Philly for cheap as chips and it was then a short train to the Lincoln Financial Field.

A handy map

New York is a trip you will never forget

Like I said, it wasn’t until my second trip that I truly appreciated and fell in love with New York. I hope this guide helps you to decide on things to do that will make your visit extra special.

Let me know if you’re planning on visiting and if you found this guide helpful!

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