Whether it’s your first time traveling to New York City or you’re a seasoned visitor looking for new adventures, use this practical guide to plan a memorable visit. From stops along the iconic New York City skyline to hidden gems, here is your complete guide to the greatest city in the world.
This guide features various must-see sights that make for a fantastic and efficient trip. Find all the central spots that will make your itinerary worthwhile. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices, as they all feature several activities that can be done within the radius of the main attraction.
A Day in Hudson Yards
Spend a perfect day walking the High Line, elevated train tracks that were converted into a beautiful park. The Highline spans from 34th st all the way down to the Whitney Museum of American Art. Over in nearby Hudson Yards, you can also visit the large shopping center and the Vessel! The Vessel is a honeycomb-like structure that rises 150 feet and consists of various interconnecting flights of stairs and landings, providing visitors with wonderful views of the Hudson River.
Rockefeller Center
Take some time to visit Rockefeller Center, which is known as “a city within a city.”
There are plenty of things to do and see. Whether you’re after the incredible views from Top of the Rock, the observation deck that features three levels of views of the city skyline, or you’re just looking to shop and dine, Rockefeller Center is the place for you. 30 Rockefeller Plaza is also the home of NBC Studios, including Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show, and they offer and behind-the-scenes access.
A Night on Broadway
While in New York City, make sure to catch a Broadway show! With 28 shows currently running on Broadway, and 13 new ones set to open before May, there are plenty to choose from. Check out the complete list here.
Whether you want to see some of your favorite TV shows and movies on stage, big stars, or some long-running classics, here are some to help you find your perfect Broadway evening:
Favorite film and TV on stage:
Featuring your favorite stars:
Long-running classics:
For the family:
A Central Park Moment
You can’t miss visiting Central Park while in New York City. The 843-acre park sits in the middle of Manhattan, providing everyone an escape from big-city skyscrapers. The park is home to the monumental Bethesda Fountain, a spot that has been featured in various films and TV shows. The park also sits in between the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Both museums have plenty of exhibits to visit!
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is a shopping, dining, and cultural destination with more than 80 shops and restaurants. The history and the architecture make it a rich destination to add to your itinerary. The celestial ceiling features a mural of the winter sky, displaying various constellations and zodiac signs in reverse order. The constellations are arranged backwards to share the perspective from above rather than from Earth. They offer guided tours of the terminal, uncovering several secrets and taking you through Grand Central’s 150-plus years of history. Grand Central is conveniently located, just two short blocks away from the New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, home of the beautiful and historic Rose Main Reading room.
The Brooklyn Bridge
Take a stroll across the iconic bridge with a panoramic view of the beautiful Manhattan skyline. The bridge spans a little over a mile and takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to stroll across. If you want a great view of the bridge itself, visit Pebble Beach in Brooklyn for a gorgeous view of the bridge and the skyline. While you’re in Brooklyn, explore more of what it has to offer. There is a Time Out Market food hall right by the water with plenty of food options.
