Discover the best of NYC's iconic landmarks, cultural diversity, and vibrant food scene. From Broadway shows to delicious bagels, explore top attractions and must-visit eateries in the Big Apple.
Curious to learn more about NYC? Read on to discover our favorite, most recommended things to do and indulgent places to eat in New York.
Best Things To Do in New York
Admire the Statue of Liberty and Visit Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty is a renowned symbol of freedom and democracy, and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the US. Did you know it was in fact a gift from France to the US?
It stands at 305 feet and was constructed in 1886. You can take a ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island and then proceed to Ellis Island, which used to serve as a federal immigration station, processing over 12 million between 1892 and 1954.
Here you can visit the Immigration Museum to gain insight into the immigrant experience, thanks to the personal stories, photographs, and artefacts on display.
Explore the Outdoors: Visit Central Park & Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Find respite from the concrete jungle in Central Park, a beautiful urban oasis where you can walk, boat on the lake, visit Central Park Zoo or enjoy a picnic in Sheep Meadow. There are plenty of fun activities for families in Central Park.
Another must-do outdoor activity is to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering incredible views of both. Walk or cycle across the bridge, and factor in plenty of time for photos with the East River and the Statue of Liberty in the distance!
Experience Times Square & Watch a Broadway Show
You can’t go to NYC and not visit Times Square. Often referred to as "The Crossroads of the World," it’s renowned for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and bustling energy.
It’s worth going just to take photos and soak in the buzzing atmosphere, though there are plenty of other things to do in Times Square, such as visiting Madame Tussauds or Ripley's Believe It or Not!.
Fun activities in NYC include catching a Broadway Show. Escape the business of Times Square and step into the world of live entertainment. This will be an unparalleled experience. Broadway, with its historic theaters in the Theater District, offers world-class productions ranging from timeless classics like "The Phantom of the Opera" to contemporary hits like "Hamilton."
History and Culture in NYC: Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art & 9/11 Memorial and Museum
Make sure to factor in a trip to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as The Met, as it is one of the world's largest and finest art museums.
The Met boasts a collection of over 2 million works, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern American art. Key highlights include the Temple of Dendur, the American Wing, and the rooftop garden, which offers stunning views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. It’s worth a visit and tickets can be bought in advance to guarantee admission.
Another important site is the 9/11 Memorial which honors the victims of the terrorist attacks in 2001. Located at the World Trade Center site, the Memorial features two reflecting pools set in the footprints of the Twin Towers, each with the names of the victims inscribed. The Museum provides a profound account of the events, with artifacts, testimonies, and multimedia displays.
New York Food: Where and What to Eat in NYC
You might have spent the day on your feet and are now ravenous for dinner, or maybe you’re planning your day around where you’re going to eat. Either way, there's an infinite choice of food places in New York and we’re here to break them down for you.
Join a New York Food Tour
Exploring NYC's delicious culinary scene through a guided food tour is the perfect way to learn about the city and try an impressive amount of food.
Popular neighborhoods for food tours include Greenwich Village, Lower East Side, and Williamsburg. These tours often include tastings at historic delis, artisanal bakeries, ethnic eateries, and trendy food spots, offering a comprehensive gastronomic experience and some history lessons as you go! Eatwith tours are often run by locals, so you can get an insight into their local life in New York and come away with a list of recommendations of other places to eat!
There’s plenty of choice of food tours in NYC, from fun and interactive sandwich tours that take you to hidden gems and teach you about the history of the people who created the signature sandwiches you will try, to specific food market tours where you can meet local vendors and taste delicious fresh produce. Chelsea Market, located in the Meatpacking District, offers a variety of gourmet food vendors, while Smorgasburg, held in Williamsburg and Prospect Park, is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, featuring a wide array of international street foods.
Unique New York Food: Savor Iconic New York Street Food
NYC's street food scene is legendary and you’ll always find something quick to keep you going throughout your day of tourism. From hot dogs and pretzels to the famous Halal cart chicken and rice, street vendors are an integral part of the city's culinary fabric. There are approximately 20,000 street food vendors!
If you’re looking for New York famous food places, spots like the Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th or Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island are must-tries for any foodie in New York.
Bagels also make the perfect snack: A New York bagel with lox and cream cheese is a quintessential NYC breakfast. Iconic delis like Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side serve some of the best bagels in the city. Did you know New Yorkers consume about 80 million bagels each year?
Pizza slice on the go always helps boost energy levels and in NYC pizza is a culinary institution, offering some of the best in the world. Whether it's a classic New York slice from Joe's Pizza, a coal-oven pie from Lombardi's (America’s first pizzeria), or a gourmet pizza from Di Fara in Brooklyn, you’re going to find something you love.
Top Michelin-Starred Restaurants in New York City 2024
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, New York is not short of options. NYC boasts some of the finest dining establishments in the world. Michelin-starred restaurants like Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernardin, and Per Se promise exquisite culinary experiences and fall under the best fine dining restaurants in the US. These restaurants are known and celebrated for their innovative menus, fantastic service, and elegant ambiance.
You can find other high-end dining experiences on Eatwith, as well as local family-style meals where you can meet and dine with locals in their home.
After Dinner Drinks and Desserts in NYC
There’s nothing like watching the sunset with a drink in hand, a leisurely walk after dinner, or a sweet treat to end the night. You’re promised a breathtaking view of the city from the Empire State Building, especially at sunset or nighttime.
We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to drinks and desserts in New York, but here are some of our favorite spots for the best desserts in New York and classy cocktail spots for cocktails:
- Mah Ze Dahr for the sweetest doughnuts
- Ferrara Bakery for Italian cannoli
- Levain Bakery for New York’s famous cookies
- Long Island Bar for elegant cocktails in a retro interior
- Sugar Monk for drinks and live jazz
- Harry’s Signature Cocktail Class to learn to make your own
New York is a world of its own and there’s so much to do and see. There are plenty of fun activities for adults in NYC, romantic dining experiences for couples, outdoor activities for children, and numerous places to eat in New York.
In our opinion, the best way to understand a city is to connect with those who live there. Whatever you end up doing on your trip to NYC, make sure to talk to locals, and if you want to try something new, dine with locals in New York!
We will be sharing more travel and food recommendations so stay posted and, in the meantime, enjoy New York!
If you are based in New York and want to host a culinary activity, sign up for free here!
