New York City, or the Big Apple, is immortalised in countless films, songs and books, and is a larger-than-life metropolis positively brimming with culture. With its soaring skyline, bustling street life and nonstop entertainment, Manhattan is the island heart of this global hub for all things artsy, sporty, foodie and more. A trip to New York City can be a whirlwind of activities and tightly scheduled sightseeing, but regardless of the pace you choose to set, there’s always more to draw you back year after year.
Latest New York Articles
Hotel Rooms for When You Want to Treat Yourself
Read more7 of New York City’s Best Lookout Spots
Read moreWorld’s Best Afternoon Teas
Read moreShoot for the Stars: USA’s Award-Winning Michelin Restaurants
Read moreDiscover the USA’s Great Outdoors with 7 Must-Do Nature Experiences
Read moreNew York City’s Best Hidden Bars & Under-the-Radar Restaurants
Read more7 Things Not to Miss in New York’s NoMad Neighborhood
Read moreFeel Welcomed at the Best Boutique Hotels in New York City
Read moreNew York City Hotels to Escape the Buzz
Read moreBest New York City Hotels for Rooftop Views
Read moreThe Most Historic Hotels in New York City
Read moreWhich Manhattan attractions are a must-see?
You could take several jam-packed trips to New York City and still have more to see, but there are some things that are both easy to tick off the list and worth the time to do so. Paying a visit to the Top of the Rock observation deck is the best sky-high view in the NYC, guaranteeing you photos from Central Park to downtown with stellar views of the Empire State Building. Back at ground level, a stroll through Central Park is non-negotiable, and a cookie from the nearby Levain Bakery is the perfect companion. Art-lovers can visit the Guggenheim, MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and theatre fanatics can snap a picture on the Red Stairs at ever-moving Times Square before catching a dazzling Broadway musical.
What to see in New York City beyond Times Square
New York City still has few lesser-known gems to be discovered. The High Line may be the city’s worst-kept secret, but this scenic walk above the streets of Manhattan is a great break from the hustle and bustle. Across the East River you’ll find the trendy cafes, pleasant parks and industrial-chic artist spaces of Brooklyn. Foodies can spend days lost in the streets of Chinatown and Little Italy, seeking the perfect slice of New York-style pizza, while nature-lovers can book in a day trip to the state’s north for a visit to thundering Niagara Falls.
Christmas in New York City
Winter brings New York City to life in a whole new way with glittering lights and exciting festive events. For the requisite ice-skating experience, book early for a spot on Wollman Rink in Central Park or under the mammoth Christmas tree on the Rink at Rockefeller Centre, or take a spin on the rink at Union Square before wandering the annual Holiday Market. Families can marvel at the fantastical Christmas window displays on Fifth Avenue, and the Times Square Ball Drop is a perennially favourite of locals and travellers alike.