There’s a reason New York City is dubbed “the city that never sleeps.” As we quickly found out on our first trip to the iconic city over a decade ago, the dazzling metropolis truly has something to offer everyone. Whether it be world-class museums, Michelin-star restaurants, glittering skyline views or outdoor adventures, sometimes the hardest part of planning a trip to New York City is figuring out the perfect itinerary.
For the ultimate guide to New York City you can read our top 50 things to do in NYC. But if you just want some of the highlights, here is a more condensed version of our favorite things to see and do in The Big Apple.
The Statue of Liberty
Does the Statue of Liberty even need an explanation? Located in the New York Harbor, what started as a gift of friendship between France and the United States is now one of the most recognized and replicated statues in the world. Take the free Staten Island Ferry for gorgeous views of Lady Liberty. For everything you ever wanted to know about this iconic symbol, this guide is packed full of information about Statue of Liberty.
MoMA Museum of Modern Art
You don’t need to be an art aficionado to appreciate MoMA.
Home to incredible works of art such as van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lilies, and Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, you can easily spend an entire day here—or just enjoy the highlights. Make sure you get your tickets in advance so you can skip the line.
Paddle Boarding on the Hudson
Get a different perspective of the city skyline by grabbing a paddle board and cruising down the Hudson River. It’s especially magical at sunset, when the glittering skyline begins to light up to a backdrop of pink and orange. If paddle boarding isn’t your forte, opt for a kayak for an equally impressive experience.
Broadway
Continue your epic New York City getaway by catching a show on Broadway. We’ve seen The Lion King—and it was every bit as wonderful as the reviews. Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, and Dear Evan Hansen are all on the top of our list to see the next time we’re exploring the city.
Eat Your Heart Out
Start at Chelsea Market. It gets busy quick here, but the buzz is enjoyable and the restaurants are delicious. The Chelsea Market is a particularly good stop if you find yourself on the nearby High Line or stuck in some miserable weather. From here, head to Harlem. Frederick Douglass Blvd. is where you’ll find Restaurant Row, where there are plenty of unique restaurants to choose from. We’ve dined at Harlem Tavern, and loved both the menu and the ambience. Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company is one of our favorite places to grab breakfast, And of course, be sure to eat as much pizza as you can! It might sound cliche, but NY pizza is one of our favorite things in the world. No one seems able to agree on where you can actually find the best slice in town although a pizza walking tour of Manhattan will give you more than a few options to choose from.
