Things to Do

New York City

Brief Overview of City:

New York City is one of the most iconic cities in the world, boasting an unparalleled skyline, extremely rich history, and a one of kind vibrance. Moreover, it’s home to some of the world’s most well-known attractions such as: Times Square, The Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. Yet, while this is all great, The Big Apple has much more to offer beyond its alluring surface. Underneath lies an endless array of incredible food, experiences, and sights that are just as worth of your time. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about all of the places, popular and not, that make New York one of the greatest cities in the world.

Best Areas/Neighborhoods

  • Union Square/Flatiron District

These two neighborhoods collide to form one of the most exciting areas in city. It’s centrally located, enabling you to travel to any other part of the city with ease, and had endless activities for you to enjoy. Some highlights include:

  1. Shopping on 5th Ave
  2. Walking through the Farmers Market in Union Square Park
  3. Eating at the Original Shake Shack in Madison Square Park
  4. Visiting the Iconic Flatiron Building
  • Upper East Side:

If you’ve ever seen a movie or TV show highlighting the glamorous lifestyle of New York City, it’s most likely that it took place on the Upper East Side. This affluent neighborhood is filled with beautifully designed buildings and is home to some of the world’s finest museums. Some highlights include:

  1. Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET) or the Solomon R.  Guggenheim Museum (the Guggenheim)
  2. Walking or Biking through Central Park
  3. Boutique Shopping
  • Meatpacking District:

The Meatpacking District is one of the more underrated areas New York has to offer. Home to some great food, shopping, and attractions, the Meatpacking District should certainly be on your list of places to visit while in New York. Some highlights include:

  1. Walking along the High Line
  2. Visiting the Whitney Museum
  3. Eating at either Chelsea or Gansevoort Market
  • Battery Park

Battery Park is a beautiful extensive area, which is situated right by the Hudson river on the bottom of Manhattan. Located just by New York’s Financial District, this park acts as a calming oasis from New York’s hectic downtown. Some highlights include:

  1. Visiting Brookfield Place
  2. Strolling through Cove Park
  3. Biking along the Hudson
  • Koreatown

As one of New York’s many ethnic neighborhoods, Koreatown offers great food and nightlife options right in the heart of Midtown. Some highlights include:

  1. Eating Korean Barbecue
  2. Going out to a Karaoke Lounge
  3. Enjoy a relaxing Korean Spa
  • Williamsburg, Brooklyn

In New York you can’t say Williamsburg without immediately thinking “hipster”. This Brooklyn neighborhood is one of New York’s trendiest areas, home to some seriously amazing food and drink. Some highlights include:

  • Eat at one of their many delicious restaurants
  • Visit Brooklyn Brewery
  • Go vintage shopping

Food Highlights:

  • John’s Pizzeria

It’s no secret that New York is known for its pizza, and John’s Pizzeria down on Bleecker Street is among the best the city has to offer. As a classic, no frills, brick oven pizza joint, John’s doesn’t try to do anything more than make a great pie. It’s important to note that, unlike most NYC pizza spots, John’s doesn’t sell by the slice. So, if you go, be sure to bring both your friends and appetite.

  • Artichoke Pizza

Artichoke, located in a few locations around the city, is a delicious alternative to John’s for people who want a more creative take on their pizza. Open until 4am, Artichoke is one the most satisfying late night meals you never knew you wanted. Known for their signature artichoke slice – a massive and cheesy white cream pizza topped with artichoke hearts and spinach – Artichoke will leave you with questioning why this odd topping combination isn’t universally loved.

  • Russ & Daughters Shop

Russ & Daughters, located downtown on Orchard Street, is one of New York’s most famous restaurants. Known for their legendary bagels & lox, no trip to New York would be complete without waiting in their seemingly endless line, for a delicious breakfast. If you’re going in a group, definitely try one of their platters, which feature a variety of incredible smoked fish, a basket of their homemade breads and bagels, as well as all the fixings you could ever want.

  • Veselka

Veselka, a no-frills 24 hour Ukrainian Diner, is an East Village gem that serves some amazing Eastern European comfort food. Definitely look to try their famous pierogies, stuffed with a variety of fillings, or their crisp potato pancakes.

  • Peter Luger’s Steakhouse

If you’re in the mood to spend some money on a great meal, then take a trip down to Brooklyn to try Peter Luger’s Steakhouse. Luger’s is more than just a fantastic steakhouse, it is a quintessential New York institution, which has been in business for over a century. Start off with their sliced tomatoes and onions with Luger sauce, before digging into one of their legendary steaks. You truly can’t get much better than Luger’s.

Nightlife Options:

  • Old Town Bar

Old Town is one of New York City’s oldest establishments, a true gem with an unique ambience that will send you back in time. Go here to get yourself some classic bar fare and a cold beer on draft.

  • Comedy Cellar

As one of New York’s most famous comedy clubs, the Comedy Cellar is a great place to go and have a good laugh with friends. There is always a solid lineup of comedians night in and night out, so get yourself a few drinks and enjoy laughing your heart out.

Interested in learning more about specific shows at the Comedy Cellar? Click here for showtimes and ticket prices.

  • Clubbing

Like any other city in the world, New York is home to countless clubs where you can drink and dance the night away. There are plenty of good options, so there’s no need to single out a specific club. However, if you need some suggestions, Lavo and Cielo are decent options.

Transportation:

  • MTA

New York is famous for its extensive public transportation system, operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which services over 2.5 billion riders per year. Constantly hectic, the subway is one of the best ways for you to experience New York City’s notorious hustle and bustle. Try taking the 4,5,6 train uptown to the Upper East Side, the N,Q,R to Times Square, or the L to Williamsburg. Regardless of your destination, the subway is one of your best transportation options.

  • Taxi

Another one of New York’s iconic modes of transportation is the classic yellow taxi. You can find these cabs just about anywhere in Manhattan and they’ll take you directly to your destination. If you happen to find yourself exploring another borough and still want to take a taxi aside from Uber or Lyft, there are still plenty of taxis around, they’ll just be green instead of yellow.

  • Citi Bike

Lastly, Citi Bike is New York City’s bike sharing program which has docking stations all around the city. As a visitor, you can get a Citi Bike day pass which will give you unlimited access to the bikes for 24 hours. This will provide you with the freedom to bike around without having to worry about locking up a bike. If you plan on using this service, two of the most beautiful and scenic bike rides are the Central Park Loop and the Hudson River Greenway.

Looking for a more in depth New York travel guide to living and learning in the city? Click here to gain insight on how to maximize your experience.

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