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A Bite of the Big Apple: The Best Things to Do in New York City
Written by Dana Cape
Few cities can compete with New York for its breadth of things to do, see, taste and treat yourself to.
Since humble beginnings as a Dutch colony 400 years ago, somewhere along the way, New York City transformed into the worldwide centre of culture, society and business. It’s loud and proud. It’s cool, and a city that truly lives in its streets. And it has a whole heap of ways to entertain any type of traveller.
While it’d be impossible to list every offering, this is our roundup of some of the best.
Best things to do in New York City: arts and culture
Take in world-class art
You’ve probably heard of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) – famous for housing masterpieces like Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night. For a more contemporary experience, stroll down to the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural gem designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Or travel to medieval times among unicorn tapestries and Romanesque artefacts at The Cloisters in Washington Heights.
Look up the largest landmarks
New York’s unique skyline helped build its international reputation. A visit is incomplete without looking upon Lady Liberty, the Empire State Building and the rebuilt World Trade Center, keeping watch over Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange and the 9/11 Memorial Museum.
Take a pause in the parks
It’s almost impossible to visit New York and miss Central Park. Head to the Battery for insight to the city’s foundational history paired with refreshing views across the water to New Jersey, Staten Island, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty. Animal lovers shouldn’t miss the Bronx Zoo, acclaimed as one of the best in the world.
Snap a photo at the most scenic sites
The Shibuya Scramble, Piccadilly Circus… few intersections can compete with the lights and action of Times Square. Walk east on 42nd Street at its south end to stand beneath Grand Central Station’s starry Art Deco atrium, then take the subway south to the Brooklyn Bridge, perhaps one of the most recognisable water-crossings in the world.
Shop till you drop
For major label designers and department stores of the rich and famous, stroll up Fifth Avenue from 42nd to 60th Street, where it hits Central Park. After boutique and vintage fashion? SoHo has you covered. And a little farther south, Little Italy and Chinatown offer a breadth of international culinary treasures and souvenirs.
Book yourself a spot on the Sex in the City tour for a fashionable city-wide experience.
Best things to do in New York City: entertainment
Sit down for a show
Broadway is New York’s ultimate theatre destination, but catching something off-Broadway (in a smaller theatre) can be just as satisfying. If you’re around in summer, attend a period piece at the Delacorte Theater’s original Shakespeare in the Park. Or visit the Lincoln Center if dance and classical music is more your thing.
Catch a concert
For musicians of every genre, performing at Madison Square Garden is one of the signs you’ve made it, so making it to a show here means seeing them at their best. For something more toned down or a touch of comedy, there’s always Carnegie Hall. The Bowery Ballroom and Music Hall of Williamsburg have fun and dynamic line-ups if you prefer standing room and smaller-scale performances.
Go to a game
New York has some of the most recognisable sporting teams in America – just pick your sport and season. Head to Yankee Stadium March to September for a baseball home game, follow the Giants (American football) at the MetLife Stadium from September to January or watch the Knicks (basketball) and the Rangers (ice hockey) at Madison Square Garden, dependent on the season.
Best things to do in New York City: food and drink
Eat on the street
This is one American city famous for its street foods. For the most reputable interpretations, try an all-beef hot dog at Nathan’s Famous, a big flat slice of pie at Joe’s Pizza and the original bagel with lox and schmear at Russ & Daughters.
For a genuine New-Yorker-on-the-go meal, snag a platter from any of the halal trucks that line the borough blocks.
Taste city history
New York’s oldest deli, Katz’s Delicatessen, serves some of the best egg creams and matzo ball soups. For something finer, do high tea off Central Park with blinis (an Eastern European pancake) and caviar at the Russian Tea Room, a traditional favourite of high-profile film and music personalities. Or carve out the ultimate American steakhouse experience at Peter Luger’s, just below the Brooklyn Bridge.
Mull about the markets
For international gourmet fare and craftworks, spend a day sampling at trendy Chelsea Market. The farmers, fishmongers, bakers and beekeepers of Union Square Greenmarket will cover you for local, small-batch produce. On the Lower East Side, Essex Market is New York City’s oldest indoor food hall, specialising in flavours from the Americas and Europe.
Sip on more than just Manhattans
Like mixology? So does PDT (aka. ‘Please Don’t Tell’) – the hidden East Village bar that made speakeasies a modern trend during the 2000s cocktail renaissance. Earlier history is alive within the timbers of McSorley’s Old Ale House, the oldest continuously operating bar in New York City. For something fancier, head to the Financial District and ascend to the 64th floor rooftop where Overstory serves retro cocktails on red-velvet banquettes, paired with 360-degree views.
Best things to do in New York City: events
Celebrate at the Times Square ball drop
In addition to live pop performances and stalls vending hot cocoa, cider and doughnuts in the streets, hotels and restaurants within view of the world’s favourite New Year’s tradition offer paid entry to their parties full of bubbly and feasting. On your way to the main event, stop by the Rockefeller Center for a few laps around the ice beneath its glitzy Christmas tree or join a tour to see where your favourite holiday movies were filmed.
See the Fourth of July fireworks
New York City lets off a lengthy display of innovative explosives on Independence Day. Most impressive of all, the show runs in three separate places along the East River simultaneously, perfectly in sync. Imagine watching the best fireworks of your life in triple.
Stay ahead of trends at New York Fashion Week
First of the bi-annual Big Four (preceding London, Milan and Paris), New York Fashion Week is the most innovative and edgy. It conducts the busiest event schedule, debuting the most up-and-coming designers.
Discover New York City
Featured image: New York City skyline. Source: supplied.
