The best things to do in New York

Every New Yorker will tell you, it is impossible to discover all the places in this city in one visit. New York is on the ultimate travel bucket list of every traveler. There are many things to do and visit in New York City. And if you are traveling for a short period, you would like to know in advance the best places to visit. So instead of trying to see everything, we've put together a list of the best things to do in New York. These iconic sites are the favorite places every New Yorker loves to visit.

Statue of Liberty

Walk up to the Statue of Liberty for a beautiful view of the river and Manhattan. The most iconic copper statue of the world was designed by Frederick Augustus Bartholdi. It was a gift from France in 1886 on the occasion of the centenary of the United States of America. The Statue of Liberty stands proudly on Liberty Island. So you should take a boat or a cruise to reach the statue. Liberty Island is open every day except from Thanksgiving and December 25. The boat schedules are fixed upon the period of the year. So it’s better to check them out before planning your day. If you want to save money, you can take a public ferry for free. The first ferry starts operating at 8:30 A.M. The departure time of the last ferry connecting the island with the mainland is not fixed. However, the ferry will not make a tour of the island. So for a better view of Manhattan, you better take a harbor cruise. In regards to the Statue of Liberty, you have the option between accessing the pedestrial and crown parts.

Empire State Building

What if you reach the highest peaks in New York? Situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is the most famous skyscraper in New York. Since the attacks of 2001, it has become the second tallest building in the world. You will feel powerful sensations from its 86th and 102nd floors. Up there, all you have to do is enjoy the breathtaking view of New York City. The world's most famous observatory, the 86th floor has been home to dozens of films and TV shows. From there, you'll enjoy views of Central Park, Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Statue of Liberty. You can also visit the 102nd-floor observation deck which guarantees a far better experience.

Central Park

Strolling in Central Park is definitely a must during your trip to New York. Created in 1857, this huge green area of 341 hectares is considered the green lung of the city. Moreover, it is possible to do a multitude of activities depending on the time of year. There are a lot of ways to enjoy the park at your own pace. You can visit the park by bike, by walk. You can even practice yoga and muscle awakening. The 4 seasons of the year are very diverse, and there is always something to see. During spring it is possible to see blooming flowers. Summer is very hot at Central Park. From mid-October, the trees in Central Park begin to change slowly. When the snow comes, the park is really beautiful to take photos.

Chinatown

This is a real Asian getaway inside New York City. You can find some authentic Asian markets, restaurants, temples, etc. The overall atmosphere is very unique. The New York Chinatown is the second oldest one in the USA after that of San Francisco. During your tour, you’ll discover how the Chinatown of New York has been created.

Times Square

Visiting Times Square can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-time visitors. It’s so diverse, moving and dynamic that you’ll feel in another world. Many New Yorkers avoid passing by Times Square because of the large number of tourists. However, it remains an iconic place to visit while in New York.

High Line Park

New Yorkers love to walk along the High Line. It’s a 2.3 km long urban linear park. The park runs from the Meatpacking neighborhood across Chelsea on an abandoned railroad. If you want to discover the history of this public park which dates back to 1847, you can take a group tour. During the tour, the guide will tell you the story of the West Side Cowboys New York. You will also discover the many beautiful plants in the park. After the tour of the park, you can visit the White Star Pier. This is where the survivors of the Titanic landed.

Wall Street

The financial district of New York City, Wall Street symbolizes the economic heart of the city. With its skyscrapers and its particular atmosphere, Wall Street is one of the essential things to see. This is where the One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial are located. Here are some of the main things to see in Wall Street: One World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park, Wall Street Bull, Trinity Church, South Street Seaport, etc.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Brilliant and intimidating, the Metropolitan Museum of Art ranks among the best art museums in the world. It’s home to medieval and expressionist masterpieces as well as an Egyptian temple complex. The museum presents 5,000 years of art. It is located in 3 different areas of New York City. Besides being a depository of artwork, the museum is home to scientific research.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

The memorial is a tribute to the victims of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center. The memorial consists of two twin reflecting pools. The pools are located within a footprint of the place where the twin towers were standing before the attack. Besides the memorial, visitors can take a tour of the 9/11 museum. The main exhibition consists of 3 parts: before the attack day, the day of the attack, and after 9/11. The 9/11 museum is open from 10 A.M. to 17:30 P.M. from Sunday to Thursday and 10 A.M. to 21 P.M. from Friday to Saturday.

Brooklyn Bridge

Admire the city’s famous skyline as you stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian path. It is located in the Downtown district of Brooklyn. This is the most touristic district. You can find here beautiful buildings, museums, restaurants, and a stunning view of Manhattan. The bridge opened in 1883. The view is better if you leave Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge is very popular. It has been featured in many movies and documentaries like The Seven Wonders of the Industrial World by BBC.

However, try to avoid Brooklyn as some districts may be dangerous for tourists. Here are some of the most dangerous districts in Brooklyn:

• East New York
• Brownsville
• Bushwick