New York City Guide for Attractions & Places to Visit

Things to do in New York City

Welcome to the dream destination of millions of tourists: New York, the city that never sleeps. It is the city of the most recognizable and cherished landmarks in the world. For extra pleasure, try to tailor your activities to the season: Coney Island—with sports games, an aquarium, and seaside concerts—is spectacular for summer; there's Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in November; Christmas becomes a wonderland dream on Fifth Avenue; and the New Year couldn't possibly begin without the unparalleled festivities in Times Square.

Landmarks and Attractions in New York City

Enjoy a warm reception from the proud Statue of Liberty, the lighthouse on the city skyline and the emblem of American independence and refuge. Take a free ride to Staten Island for Manhattan views and Ellis Island to hear your footsteps echo with those of myriad immigrant ghosts. The Empire State Building is another must, as NY's tallest structure with an observation desk on the 86th floor (it's best to reserve tickets online). Another unforgettable view is from the Top of the Rock observation deck of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, open until midnight. Here you'll also find the Radio City Music Hall, and gorgeous Christmas décor (and the Tree) if ‘tis the season.

Enjoy the 843-acre Central Park with summer boating around the lake and winter skating at Wollman Rink. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge, taking pictures from this amazing vantage point and savoring dessert from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Choose a destination via the Grand Central Terminal to admire its ceiling murals, Whispering Gallery, and legendary bars.

Times Square will dazzle you at the heart of New York, but don't forget to dedicate some time to Carnegie Hall, full of delicious restaurants, museums, and one of the nation's premier concert halls.

Nightlife and Family Fun in New York City

Film Forum—as its name suggests—is the Mecca for this city's movie-lovers. For music lovers, it is the Bowery Ballroom, with the best sound system around. Be sure to see one of the finest art collections in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, pose alongside the stunningly accurate figures in Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and of course catch a timeless show on Broadway. Other favorite family retreats include Coney Island Aquarium, the Bronx Zoo, the Museum of Modern Art. and the impressive New York Public Library. Other delightful places for young (and old) include The Museum of the Moving Image and the New York Transit Museum (where 3-year-old are allowed to drive buses).

NYC boasts a plethora of jazz clubs, dance clubs, comedy clubs, bars and pubs, lounges, pool and bowling alleys, and other music venues open till dawn. Times Square is the hottest spot for NY nightlife, either for dining, catching a Broadway Show, or simply being immersed in the glowing lights and energy vibes.

Off the Beaten Path in New York City

For an old-timey and picturesque retreat, grab a pizza near the Brooklyn Bridge at Grimaldi's, a coal-fire pizzeria with a Sinatra-filled jukebox. There's an interminable (and tasty) debate in NY about the best pizza in town, so now you can add your own yummy input. Another delicious urban oasis is the charming Horace Greely Square with a lovely morning bagel shop you must try on your way downtown.

Restaurants and Shopping in New York City

Be sure to visit the Time Warner Center for a glitzy retail emporium experience with more than 50 high-end stores to choose from. Here you can dine at two of New York's best restaurants (Per Se and Takayama's Sushi Restaurant), or sip cocktails to the sounds of smooth and jazz and the spectacular sights of Central Park. Browse the exquisite and expensive Bergdorf Goodman, the sole remaining NY-centric department store.

Ethnicity and diversity are the norm in New York, and this variety encapsulates the cuisine scene. Visit the colorful ethnic communities—and sample the exotic and scrumptious cuisines that accompanies the cultures—of Chinatown, Little Italy, Astoria (little Greece), Central Greenwich Village (bohemian), a Little Manila (Philipona), Alphabet City (Germany), and so many more. Foods of New York Tours offers unique food tasting and cultural walking tours in historic neighborhoods. Don't forget to visit New York Cake and Baking Distributors who will theme your dessert to create a memorable souvenir!

Photos provided by: Joiseyshowaa, Wilhelm Joys Andersen

Map of New York