Unforgettable Experiences: Things to Do in New York

Highlights

• New York rivals every other metropolis in the world because it has countless eclectic neighborhoods to explore.
• From the pristine architecture of the Upper East Side to the gritty excitement of the Lower East Side, there’s something for everyone in this cultural touchstone. 
• You’ll find over 40 museums to explore, 23,000 restaurants in Manhattan alone, and shocking waves of green in oases like Central and Bryant Park. 
• Bring your wallet because, even though there are plenty of things to do for free, you’ll want to experience the type of fine dining that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. 
• Whether you’re a solo traveler or looking for some family fun, New York will graciously host and bring something to the table for everyone in your party. 

They say New York is the city that never sleeps. But, the truth is, it’s far too fascinating to be boxed into a cliché like that. 

If you ever stroll the quiet streets before the busy bustle of a workday, you’ll be amazed these are the same sidewalks that just hosted millions of people in its bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Manhattan is no one thing, making it difficult to contain a list of things to do in New York. But that’s also its appeal, as there’s something within this metropolis for everyone. 

If you’ve had one of the greatest cities on earth in your sights, it’s time for a new travel blog to add to your growing trove of treasured getaways. 

Together, we’ll mainly focus on Manhattan before expanding our horizons into the rich history of New York’s Hudson River Valley.

Window Shop on 5th Avenue

Grand Central Station is one of the hubs in and out of New York City. It’ll help you spider out in any direction you want to go throughout the five boroughs or up through New York State, thanks to the highly efficient Metro North train line. 

The terminal is centrally located to help you kickstart your New York City trip of a lifetime. There are several exit points out of the terminal but, if you choose the 49th Street doors, you can make a clean break for 5th Avenue, the land where top-shelf shopping dreams come true. 

We’re talking Tiffany’s, Cartier, Saks, and more. Along the way, you’ll spot Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the flagship stores for brand names from Banana Republic to Bergdorf Goodman. 

Towards the end of this high-end retail paradise, you can’t miss The Plaza Hotel. If you have time to step inside for a cocktail in The Champagne Bar, you won’t be disappointed. The splendor and decadence of this world-class hotel rivals the Ritz and the Waldorf Astoria. 

Once your taste buds are satiated, all you have to do is walk across the street to step into one of the most spectacular oases in the world: an 843-acre greenscape right, smack, dab in the middle of one of the bustiest metropolises in the world. 

Stroll Through Central Park

Central Park is a great place to stroll whether you’d like to gather your thoughts with some alone time or travel in a pack of family and friends. Given the relatively small size of the island of Manhattan, it’s astonishing to consider Central Park is larger than, say, Monaco. 

If you’re with the whole family, the Central Park Zoo is well worth the time you dedicate to it. To qualify for a list of free things to do with kids in New York, there are also 21 official playgrounds for the kiddos to giggle and climb their way through. 

All throughout, you’ll find fountains, lakes, and surprising views that feature both greenery and skyscrapers. Even though you’ve already trekked all over Midtown Manhattan, there are an additional 58 miles of pedestrian routes within these green walls. 

Be sure to take a little time to study a map before entering the park to avoid getting too far down the rabbit hole. That said, you can also pick up a pedicab to get back to 5th Avenue, so fear not. 

When your feet need a rest, stretch out on the expansive green meadows that stretch over this sacred space of land in the midst of a bustling city. You can also paddle out on the water for a little while or rent a bike to sail through the park with a bit more ease. 

If you time it right, this is one of the most spectacular spaces to take in an evening concert under the starry New York City skyline.

Stay a Night at the Library Hotel

If you’re a bookworm traveling alone or share a love of reading with your partner, you simply must stay at the Library Hotel. It could quickly top your list of the best things to do in New York for couples who like to bond over their shared love of reading.

Since you’ve already made it this far, splurge on one of their packages so you can receive a book-themed tote bag upon check-in and a basket of treats on your bed.  

The views from the hotel are spectacular, as it’s centrally located in midtown on 41st and Madison. While there, be absolutely certain you head to the rooftop for an evening cocktail. 

The hotel is aptly named because it’s blocks away from the New York Public Library, housed in the architecturally stunning Schwarzman Building. 

Right behind the library is Bryant Park, another one of the best things to do in New York for free. Take a seat for a shady break with your favorite book. It’ll be very reminiscent of Les Jardin des Tuileries in Paris.

If you’re here around Christmas time, Bryant Park showcases Christmas stalls cute enough to rival any of the European Christmas markets.