23 Absolute Best Things To Do In New York City
Traveling to New York City in a weekend! Wow sounds so much fun. It is like spending the best weekend of your life and why not from Times Square to The Statue Of Liberty, Manhattan to Empire State Building, from the biggest of shopping malls to pristine beaches, Big Apple has everything for everyone.
Honestly,it is not possible to visit all the places in New York in just a weekend so I have chosen the best of the lot.
This travel guide will give you the complete weekend New York itinerary .
Before starting your weekend trip I would suggest you to get a New York City Pass ,you will end up saving a lot of money.
Let’s look at the
Best Things To Do In New York City
1.Central Park
What better than Central Park as your first spot. It is one of the most famous parks in the world. I visited Bethesda Terrace first as I am a big fan of architecture.
Belvedere Castle is a treat to watch. Other attractions include Strawberry Fields which is a memorial of Beatle, Central Park zoo, Central Park Carousel.
On the east side of the park, you can see Alice in Wonderland Statue. You must see the beautiful Conservatory Garden. Wollman Rink is a popular ice rink in winter. In other seasons it becomes an amusement park.
I am sure after visiting these incredible places you will be hungry so why not have a pizza at the very famous Joe’s Pizza.
If you are planning for a cheap weekend trip to New York City then Central Park is a must because it is almost free.
2.Statue Of Liberty
The Visitor Information Centre will show you a video of how the statue is made. It is quite interesting. Liberty Island audio tour is also fascinating.
The best way to take a close look is to take a ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island. You will also get to see Ellis Island through the ferry.
If you want to reach the top of the statue you have to plan much more in advance because only 240 people are permitted per day.
3.Washington Square Park
Located in Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is one of the most popular public parks in New York. You will see a number of street performers there. Want to eat crispy South Indian dosa? then visit NY Dosas. If you are a fan of retro fashion then visit Hamlet’s Vintage. After strolling through the park if you want to have a bite and drink then go to 8th Street Wineceller.
Washington Square Arch is one of the best places to get pictures for Instagram.
4.Empire State Building
Visiting Empire State Building is always a memorable experience. One of the most iconic buildings ever Empire State Building is the perfect place to take selfies. The view from there is terrific, especially from the 86th floor.
I visited Rockefeller Centre also and took pictures from Top Of the Rock observatory. The view was spectacular. The other observation deck I liked was Edge in the Western Hemisphere.
Just a few minutes from Empire State Building, Macy’s in Herald Square offers one of the best shopping experiences. To taste the best food visit Katz’s Delicatessen.
Read:9 Hidden Gems In New York City
5.Bronx Zoo
The biggest metropolitan zoo in the US, Bronx Zoo has over 720 animal species. They have both free and paid exhibitions. Free exhibits include Birds of Prey, Sea Lion Pool, and more. The paid exhibits include Children’s Zoo, Jungle World, and more.
6.9/11 Memorial and Museum
From the Empire State Building, it will take around 15 minutes to reach the 9/11 Memorial. There is a huge rush in the museum so it is better to get the tickets well in advance. It pays homage to people who have lost lives in Twin Tower.
Another eatery which serves amazing food is Tony’s Di Napoli so after visiting the museum I went there. The service and the food both were top class.
Read:New York In Fall-Things To Do
7.New York Botanical Garden
Located in Bronx Park, This botanical garden is a great place to unwind. The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden is great for kids. Holiday Train Show is another attraction where you will see all the landmarks in the form of miniature replicas.
8.Times Square
If there is a place that is filled with fun and glamour it is Times Square. One of the famous hot spots Madame Tussaud’s museum is one of the most famous attractions here. The other major attraction is Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
M&M’s World is another good place to hangout.
Even if you don’t want to spend your money in any of these you can watch street performers and artists for free. I saw Lion King and Hamilton Broadway at TKTS on the 47th street.
Read: Best Hikes-New York
9.Grand Central Terminal
It is one of the National Historic Landmarks because of its beautiful architecture. Known as Crown Jewel Of Grand Central, one of the most famous attractions is Information Booth Clock.
10.Brooklyn Bridge
Take a stroll to one of the most iconic bridges ever in Lower Manhattan. You can either get access to it through Washington Street or Tillary Street. It takes half an hour to cross this 2 km long bridge. If you are in the mood for delicious steak Brooklyn is the place.
You must see the third largest museum in New York, Brooklyn Museum. They have a very good art collection. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is another highlight of Brooklyn.
11.American Museum Of National History
There are 45 exhibition halls along with a planetarium. There are beautiful museums. I loved The Great Blue Whale model in Milstein Hall Of Ocean Life. Dinosaur Floor is my other favorite. There are 100 huge dinosaur samples.
12.Guggenheim Museum
If you are a an art lover Guggenheim is a must .Works of Picasso,Calder and many other artists are on display.
13.High Line
This elevated linear public park offers walking tours,Tai Chi sessions and many other events.
Spending time in High Line and exploring the Whitney Museum Of American Art and Met Cloisters with your partner are the best ways to spend a romantic weekend in NYC. The Met Cloisters museum displays the architecture of the medieval period. Metropolitan Museum Of Art is the biggest art museum in the US so don’t miss it.
Read:What should I Avoid In New York-Top 9
14.Cafe and Restaurants
I was looking for the best Matcha Latte and finally found Chalait on the fourth street. The taste was out of this world. My other favorite coffee joint is Toby’s Estate in Manhattan.
I was looking for Mexican food so I headed to Toloache. It was an amazing treat. For seafood lovers, I would recommend the very famous Oyster Bar and for French food visit Le Bernardin.
Chinatown or Little Italy is famous for some amazing restaurants especially for the award winning Joe’s Shanghai.
New York Times Award winner Gotham Bar and Grill serve some amazing oysters and shrimps. Minetta Tavern in Greenwich Village is one upscale restaurant that serves some very expensive but delicious food.
My last meal was at Tanner Smith’s and the wine was top class.
Chelsea Street is one of the most famous indoor food halls and every food lover’s dream. There were so many options to eat; I was perplexed about my choice.
Another good choice for a good restaurant is The Frying Pan,it is highly recommended by locals.
It’s time for dessert and my favorite was Ample Hills Creamery.
I was very fortunate that I visited New York City in May because I attended Smorgasburg, a seasonal food fair held between April to October. I have never seen so much variety ever in one place.
Dover Street Market is a great place to shop for high-end clothes and there you have Rose Bakery, an amazing brunch restaurant.
Read:
Best Rooftop Bars In New York City-Top 17
15.Bushwick
It is another famous place for art lovers especially street art. The place is also famous for thrift shopping, the most famous thrift shop here is Brand Hunters.
16.Museum Of Modern Art( MOMA)
It truly lives up to the expectations. A mecca of modern art, especially avant-garde paintings and sculptures, this museum has the works of famous artists across the globe. The gift shop has some amazing collections.
17.Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum
Intrepid is a military museum and has a huge collection of museum ships. You will learn a lot about naval ships and aircraft.
Read:Things to do in Columbia South Carolina
18.Madison Square Garden
It is a multi-purpose garden known for organizing various sporting events like boxing, basketball, ice shows and concerts. You have to check their website for upcoming events. I was there and had a really good time.
19.Wall Street
I always wanted to come here as I have watched the Bronze Bull and Fearless Girl in many Hollywood movies.
Read: 20 Rules Of Living In New York
20.Governors Island
It is open from April-October. You can reach here by ferry. This 172-acre island is very near to Lower Manhattan. Governors island is home to amazing art exhibitions, biking, concerts, and beautiful parks. Governors Island hills section offers a surreal view. This island is a great place for a picnic. Get your own food and enjoy yourself with family and friends.
21.Coney Island
It is a massive entertainment area in the neighborhood of Brooklyn. Wonder Wheel and Cyclone Roller Coaster are the most popular rides here. There are beautiful public parks here. Coney Island Creek Park is one of the most beautiful parks. New York Aquarium is one of the most popular spots.
Coney Island Mermaid Parade held every May-June is one of the most sought-after events. Watch the fireworks every Friday. It is spectacular. Williams Candy Shop is known for amazing desserts. The boardwalks and beaches are visitors’ delight. Don’t miss Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.
22.Clubs, Bars, and Parties
If you are in NYC and you are not partying you are missing something. New York City is the hub of most extravagant parties, upscale bars, and nightclubs.
I loved Paul’s Cocktail Lounge,House Of Yes and Avant Gardner.
23. Vessel At Hudson Yards
This is one of the most Instagrammable spots in New York.
It is just spectacular.
New York City Weekend Events
Check the website for upcoming events.
I stayed at the Kimpton Muse Hotel and liked the ambiance and service and had an amazing time during this New York weekend trip .
Next time I will come here at least for a week.
I can visit New York City any time and date of the year and I know I won’t regret a bit.
If you want to share your experience of your New York vacation let us know I would love to share with my readers.
Few Other important places are Strand Bookstore-Gigantic book store, Museum Of Comic And Cartoon Art, Essex Market for food products, Morgan Library And Museum, Domino Park, Prospect Park Zoo, and Yankee Stadium for baseball fans.
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