10 Must-Do Things in New York City

What to do in New York City if you are visiting for the first time? Here is a guide of 10 must-do things in New York City.

New York City, or else called The Big Apple can be confusing and overwhelming for people visiting for the first time. That is why one definitely needs a well-prepared itinerary to follow during their stay in the city, especially if it is for a short period of time, for ex. 4 or 5 days.

Here is a list of ideas of what to do in New York City and the popular places to visit if you are there for the first time. The perfect guide that is also picture-worthy.

1. Visit an observation deck to check out the amazing views

One of the must-do things in New York City for tourists definitely is visiting an observation deck. There are few popular observation decks in New York:

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

One Vanderbilt is the Midtown tallest skyscraper that opened in 2020. It is located just West of Grand Central Terminal and the exhibition SUMMIT can be accessed from Grand Central, as well as from the street. I do recommend to visit the exhibition as it`s an amazing experience and the views are breathtaking. You can see both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler building, as well as Central Park. Actually, this was one of my favorite activities in New York when I visited. The exhibition is very interesting with all the mirror floors and walls. Tickets range from $42 to $62.

Top of the Rock NYC Observation Deck

Located in the Rockefeller Centre in NYC, this observation deck is one of the oldest ones and I can say it´s not that crowded as SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or others (at least not during the day). It has the iconic view of the NYC Empire State Building that you can see on posters and other NY prints. General admission tickets are from $34.

The Edge NYC Observation Deck

This is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. It may be a bit scary for some and if you have a fear of heights, it may not be the best idea to visit. The ticket costs $40.82.

The Empire State Building Observation Deck

The Empire State Building is the most famous building in the whole world. It was built in 1931 and was back in the days the world`s tallest building. However, note that you cannot see the Empire State Building from the Empire State Building, so if you have to pick only one observation deck to visit, there may be some better view from the others on the list. Tickets range from $44 to $79.

One World Observatory

An observatory located on floors 100-102 of One World Trade Center featuring views from the highest point in NYC. Tickets range from $39 to $69.

Which one to pick?

I did not have the time to visit all of these viewpoints. In fact, I chose to visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock. That`s why I can speak only about my experiences on these two attractions. The rest of the places on the list are only ideas for people who wonder which ones to pick.

SUMMIT One is an extraordinary place to visit if you are in NYC and it is also Instagram worthy. The Top of the Rock offers the iconic view of the Empire State Building that I wanted to shoot for a very long time.

2. Do A Manhattan Helicopter Tour

This is my absolutely favorite activity in New York. Some people would argue that it is not a must-do thing when visiting New York. However, for me it was 100% worth the experience. When I visited New York, we chose the open-door helicopter tour by a company called FlyNYON. They have a shorter 15-20min tour above financial district and the statue of liberty or a 30min tour above whole Manhattan, including Central Park. I would recommend that you book the longer tour and not be afraid to be in an open-door helicopter for 30min. It is one-in-a-lifetime experience and you cannot get these shots otherwise.

Tip 1: Bring a jacket, it gets really windy up there.

Tip 2: There are often discounts on helicopter tickets, even 70% sometimes, so you better take advantage of these discounts.

Tip 3: If you are staying in Manhattan or Brooklyn, better take an Uber to New Jersey where this open-door helicopter takes off. Otherwise you have to change multiple transportations, including metro, train and bus.

3. Get Lost in Central Park

This is the fifth largest park in NYC and the largest one in Manhattan. It is also the most visited park in the US. But why is it one of the must-visit places in New York City? Central Park is just simply iconic. There you can escape the constantly running engines of the city and relax under the green trees. Central Park is basically an escape from the city in the city.

What can you do in Central Park?

• Ride a bike. The park is enormous and you cannot walk from one end to the other just like this. Trust me, soon you will be very tired.
• Enjoy the view from the famous rocks in Central Park, such as Cats Rock.
• Take some food and drinks with your and sit on the grass to enjoy your meal in the nature.
• Visit some of tourist attractions, such as belvedere Castle or the Central Park Zoo.

4. Visit Financial District

This is the buzzing heart of New York where Wall Street and the One World Trade Centre are located. Check out more information on the observation deck in One World Trade Centre.

Interesting things to do in Financial District include:

• The 9/11 Memorial – When visiting Financial District, don`t forget to pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial. There is also a museum that you can visit right next to the memorial.
• Federal Hall – where George Washington was sworn is as the first president of the United States; the birthplace of America.
• Visit the National Museum of the American Indian
• Hang out at the park The Battery
• Visit City Hall (the oldest city hall in the US)
• Check out the New York Stock Exchange
• Visit the Charging Bull and the Fearless girl (but be careful, these places are really touristy)
• Take a shopping trip to the Oculus – the largest shopping mall in Manhattan
• Visit One World Observatory observation deck

5. Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge

One of my favorite views of New York City are the ones of the Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge. Therefore, a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the must-do things when visiting New York City.

This place is absolutely iconic and the best thing is that this walk can be combined with a day-trip to Brooklyn since the Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. There is a large pedestrian area and I actually did not expect to see that many people there. It takes around 30 min one way to cross the bridge by foot but time flies when you are having fun or when you are busy taking all the pictures.

6. Visit DUMBO

DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass and it`s currently one of the coolest areas in Brooklyn. DUMBO area is right after you get off the Brooklyn Bridge and it is characterized by industrial brick buildings. In the past, workers who worked in the area lived here in small apartments above the cobblestone streets of this neighborhood. Now, the are is inhabited by mostly young people. During the past 20-30 years DUMBO has become an expensive area to live in and is getting more and more touristy as well. The most popular spot to take pictures is the Manhattan Bridge view spot located along Washington Street.

7. Go to a Broadway show

One of the must-visit places in New York City and one of the most famous corners of the world for theatre – Broadway! There are currently 41 operating theatres on Broadway. So, you have a lot of options to choose from. Every evening there is something to see, so just pick!

We chose to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and it was really incredible being in one of the best and most famous theatres in the world watching this play in the heart of New York. We went to Lyric theatre which is one of the most famous ones since it as hosted some of the most popular shows in Broadway history.

I managed to get a discount on my tickets using an app called “tix” and saved myself 30% of our tickets.

8. Visit Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal has been built for the New York Central Railroad. It is called “terminal” because trains originate and terminate there. But why would you visit a train station when you come to New York?

Here`s the thing, the Grand Central Terminal has an absolutely stunning interior. Just look at the ceiling! It is a beautiful star map it gold on a green background. Also, you have to say when you get back home that you have visited the largest train station in the world. It has 44 platforms and 67 tracks on two levels.

The fun thing is that if you are visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, you can access it from Grand Central Terminal. This way you can pass by the station on the way there and here you go, you have also seen this historical building of NYC.

9. Visit Times Square

Many people would wonder why is Times Square actually famous?

It wasn`t always called Times Square. The previous name was Longacre square until 1904 when it was renamed after the newspaper New York Times which was residing there at that time. So, the name stuck. Times Square became famous after WWI when a lot of theatres, music halls and cafes opened.

Now, Times Square is full of flashing lights and billboards, theatres, restaurants and shops. It is actually one of the most crowded places in the city. There are so many people hanging out there that it can become a bit overwhelming for some.

Although is crowded and crazy, it is a must-visit place in New York City if you come here for the first time.

10. Explore the High Line and Hudson Yard

The High Line is a former railroad track part of the New York Central Railroad. It used to deliver food to central Manhattan since the mid 1800. It was in use until 1980. Now, the High Line is a city park with grass and plants and trees. You can walk on it while being between skyscrapers at the same time. It is free to visit and there are multiple elevators from where you can reach it, located at:

• Gansevoort Street and Washington Street (Northwest corner)
• 14th Street and 10th Avenue (Southwest side)
• 23rd Street and 10th Avenue (Southeast side)
• 30th Street and 10th Avenue (Southeast side)

You can find a lot more information on the official website.

Another interesting place just at the end of the High Line is Hudson Yard. Hudson Yard is an neighborhood with restaurants, bars, shops and residences. You have probably seen pictures of the famous structure “The Vessel” which is at the moment temporarily closed to the public.

Thank you for reading!