New York City is a bustling metropolis bursting with energy, culture, and endless possibilities. It’s a place where towering skyscrapers meet historic landmarks, where diverse neighborhoods offer unique experiences, and where you can taste cuisines from around the world on every corner. From iconic attractions like Times Square and Central Park to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, NYC is a city that never sleeps, always inviting you to explore and be amazed.
I have travelled to New York City around three times, and I have cumulated the 10 best things to do in New York City to help inspire your future trip to the Big Apple.
Table of contents
- 1. Take the elevator to the top of the Empire State Building
- 2. Walk across Brooklyn Bridge
- 3. Have a pizza at Lucali’s
- 4. Attend a baseball or a basketball game
- 5. Go to the Radio City Music Hall to watch the Rockettes
- 6. Take a cruise along the Hudson River
- 7. Walk around the Grand Central Terminal
- 8. Visit the Statue of Liberty
- 9. Go to the top of Summit One Vanderbilt
- 10. Spend NYE in Times Square
1. Take the elevator to the top of the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most famous landmarks in New York City. It’s a tall skyscraper, standing 102 stories high, and was once the tallest building in the world. Located in Midtown Manhattan, it offers incredible views of the city from its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. The building’s Art Deco design is iconic, and at night, its top is lit up in different colors, making it even more eye-catching.
The entrance includes a ride up the speedy elevator to the top of the Empire State Building and a visit at the top.
I have been to the top of the Empire State Building once during the day and once at night. I think that in deciding the best time, it really depends on what suits you. Both provide a unique view of New York City, and I felt that both were as crowded. During the day, the views are more clear so you can see better the different structures around the Empire State Building whereas at night, you get to see all of the lights of NYC shine.
2. Walk across Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City. Opened in 1883, it’s one of the oldest bridges in the U.S. and is known for its beautiful design, with tall stone towers and steel cables. Walking or biking across the bridge gives you stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty. It’s a great spot for photos and a fun way to explore the city while enjoying a bit of history. The bridge is free to visit and a must-see when in New York.
I loved walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. If you want to visit during a quieter time, I recommend coming in the morning. Throughout the day, it gets crowded, and it stays as crowded even in the late evenings. It is a bit less than 2km (but I was surprised by this number because it felt shorter). Walking from Brooklyn yo Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge is also a great way to go visit attractions such as the World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
3. Have a pizza at Lucali
Lucali is a cozy, famous pizzeria located in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Known for its delicious, thin-crust pizzas and calzones, Lucali’s offers a simple menu with fresh ingredients and a rustic, candle-lit setting. The pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven, giving them a crispy, flavorful crust. It’s a small spot, so there’s often a long wait, but many say it’s worth it for some of the best pizza in the city. Lucali doesn’t take reservations and is cash-only, adding to its old-school charm.
If you want to get a reservation, the only method is to line up at the restaurant the day of. At 4pm, they will start taking reservations. However, even before 4pm, there will be a line that will start to form in front of the restaurant because guests will be waiting to be one of the first people to get a reservation that evening. The restaurant opens officially at 5pm.
Our decision to try Lucali was quite last minute, so we went in line at around 4:30-5:00pm. The only reservation we were able to get was at 11pm, but we took it anyways since it was a once in a lifetime chance to eat there. We definitely did not regret our choice.
I am not the biggest foodie, but Lucali’s was the best pizza place I have been to. We ordered a pizza and calzones, and it was so much food that we took some for home.
4. Attend a baseball or a basketball game
Basketball holds a special place in American culture, both as a popular sport and a symbol of community and passion. It’s played everywhere—from professional NBA arenas to school gyms, parks, and driveways. For many, basketball represents opportunity, as it provides a path for young athletes to develop skills, build character, and even earn scholarships or professional careers. The NBA, with its superstar players, is a major part of American entertainment, drawing millions of fans who follow games, championships, and player stories.
We decided to go watch a basketball game of the Brooklyn Nets. Although I am not the biggest basketball fan (I in fact know almost nothing about basketball), it was really fun getting to experience the feeling of going to a game for the first time! The whole thing is much more of an experience with the crowd’s physical energy, so don’t worry if you don’t know much about the sport!
5. Go to the Radio City Music Hall to watch the Rockettes
The Rockettes are a world-famous dance group known for their precise, high-energy performances, especially during the holiday season in New York City. They perform at Radio City Music Hall, most famously in the “Christmas Spectacular,” where they showcase their signature high kicks, perfectly synchronized choreography, and dazzling costumes.
The Rockettes have been an NYC tradition since the 1930s, blending elements of ballet, tap, and jazz into their routines. Their shows are family-friendly, filled with festive music, and a must-see for anyone visiting the city during the holidays.
6. Take a cruise along the Hudson River
A cruise along the Hudson River in New York City offers a relaxing and scenic way to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks from the water. As you glide along the river, you’ll get stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The gentle pace of the boat gives you time to take in the sights, snap photos, and enjoy the fresh air. Whether it’s a daytime trip or an evening cruise with the city lights sparkling, it’s a great way to experience NYC from a unique perspective.
7. Walk around the Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is a historic and beautiful train station located in the heart of New York City. Known for its grand architecture, the terminal features a massive main concourse with a stunning star-filled ceiling, marble floors, and the famous four-faced clock. It’s not just a transportation hub; it’s also a popular spot for visitors, with shops, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re catching a train or just exploring, Grand Central offers a glimpse into New York’s past and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
PS: if you are a big movie lover, you will also recognize this location from many movie sets.
8. Visit the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous landmarks in the world, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from France to the United States and stands as a symbol of freedom and hope. The statue depicts Lady Liberty holding a torch in one hand and a tablet with the date of America’s independence in the other.
Visitors can take a ferry to the island, explore the museum, and even climb up to the crown for a great view.
9. Go to the top of Summit One Vanderbilt
Summit One Vanderbilt is a thrilling observation deck located near Grand Central in New York City. It offers breathtaking views of the city from high above, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and mirrored spaces that create a unique, immersive experience. There are outdoor terraces where you can feel the wind and take in panoramic views of famous landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park. Summit also has art installations, glass sky boxes, and even a café to enjoy while admiring the skyline.
The concept of Summit One Vanderbilt is super unique. You enter lots of different rooms throughout your experience. You get to be in a huge mirrored room, in a room with big grey balloons, all while being surrounded by a 360 view of New York City.
If you want to get to explore the place a bit before the bigger crowds arrive, I recommend going at the opening time and getting there early to be the first ones to get there for that time. Even if your ticket is for the earliest entry time and you arrive on time, if you are one of the last people to enter in your selected time, it will still be pretty crowded.
10. Spend NYE in Times Square
The New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square is one of the most famous celebrations in the world. Every year on December 31st, a large crystal ball slowly drops down a pole on top of One Times Square, marking the final countdown to the new year. Thousands of people gather in the square to watch, while millions more tune in on TV.
The event is filled with live performances, music, and tons of confetti. As the clock strikes midnight, the ball reaches the bottom, fireworks light up the sky, and the crowd celebrates the start of a new year with cheers and excitement!
Jessie Across the World 