New York City

Although New York is relatively small, the abundance of activities can be overwhelming. Unlike car-centric cities, getting around New York involves taking the subway or doing a lot of walking, often three to four hours a day. NYC is also expensive, so make sure to create a budget beforehand otherwise your spending will easily spiral out of control.

The beauty of New York, though, is that every four to five years, the city seems to unveil something new: The Oculus, Little Island, the High Line, the Vessel… It’s hard to keep up if you don’t live in the city. This blog won't cover everything, but here are some of the things worth exploring.

The Oculus at the World Trade Center

The Oculus was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava to replace the building that was destroyed in the 9/11 attacks. Opened in 2016, it’s a stunning piece of work; and it’s worth visiting this transportation hub even if you don’t plan to take any trains. (There are 12 subway trains as well as the PATH trains that go to and from New Jersey.) The Oculus isn’t just for daily commuters, though. You can shop at the Apple store or buy clothes at some of the retail stores. The hub is open 24/7, so you can visit any time. To get some great photos, try to be there outside of rush hour or late afternoon when the light streams through the windows.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

While you’re in the area, you can also walk the Brooklyn Bridge. If you're at the World Trade Center, walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Alternatively, you can start in Dumbo, Brooklyn. Dumbo has some of the best waterfront views in NYC. Plus, there's the added benefit of the neighborhood's cobblestone streets. There are lots of events that pop up there, too, like the weekend flea market and live events at the Archway. Walking across Brooklyn Bridge will take 30-45 min (45 minutes if you stop to take photos).

The Little Island at the Hudson River Parkway

Making your way up, try to picnic at Little Island which is just at the end of the High Line. This gorgeous stretch of greenery opened to the public in May of 2021, and it’s one of the best ways to enjoy a NYC afternoon. What makes the Little Island unique is that it’s essentially a floating park. The place is simply eye candy, and it boasts killer views. There are concerts and different summer events, too.

The High Line

When the High Line first opened, the crowds were so thick, the visit wasn't worth it. The crowds are still there, but they are "thinner", which means you can actually take a photo and get a nice view rather than just seeing a wall of people. The high line is a former rail line that’s 30 feet above street level. It has been turned into a public park with plants and sculptures lining the sides. What’s nice about the high line is that you can walk through the park instead of walking at street level. Or, if you don’t have somewhere to be, you can simply sit for a while and enjoy the surroundings.

Hudson Yards

If you walk along the Hudson River, you’ll walk straight into Hudson Yards Public Square, the latest offering from New York City. Hudson Yards has a mall and the infamous Vessel. Opened to the public in March of 2019, this stunning structure lets visitors climb up winding staircases. It closed in May 2021 after four suicides, but it is expected to open again once the structure has been better protected. Besides the Vessel, there are retail stores and a giant TV screen that lets audiences watch sports games for free. Need a pick-me-upper? Head to the Muji store in the mall where Jarvis the Robot will make you a cup of coffee.

Times Square and Broadway

Yes, Times Square is tacky, but if you’re visiting New York City, seeing Times Square is a must. Besides, it’s one of the only ways you can score cheap Broadway tickets. You can try to get cheap tickets online or head to the TKTS Booth in Times Square, where you can get tickets for about $80-$90 per person on the day of the performance. The booth is located below the bleachers at Times Square.

Columbus Circle Mall

Don’t’ miss the Columbus Circle Mall as you make your way up Manhattan. These upscale shops and restaurants extend across three floors. There are over 50 retail stores and boutiques. Prefer not to shop? You can stop in anytime to catch stunning views of the city. And just a stone’s throw away, catch live jazz at Lincoln Center.

Central Park

If the city feels too busy, take some time to get away for an afternoon in Central Park. This oasis of green offers a meditative space for residents and tourists. Have a cup of coffee and pastry at Le Pain Quotidien above Sheep's Meadow and watch the carriage rides. If you feel like eating at one of NYC’s historic restaurants, book lunch at Tavern on the Green.

Bethesda Terrace

Located in Central Park, Bethesda Terrace is one of New York’s historical landmarks. At the center of the terrace is the Bethesda Fountain, which is also known as Angel of Waters. This place gets relatively packed, but it’s worth it to spend some time admiring the architecture or listening to the musician (there’s always one).

Museums
And finally, the museums. NYC has the most museums of any city in the United States — there are currently over 170. You won’t be able to visit them all, but you should try to fit a couple into your itinerary. Start with the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The Whitney Museum of American Art and Guggenheim are great choices, too, but they cost a pretty penny. The 9/11 Memoriam Museum is another museum worth your time.

New York City is one of those cities where there will always be something to do, and you have to accept that you simply won't be able to see it all. But even taking a small chunk out of the Big Apple every few years can be satisfying.