Cool Things To See And Do In New York City

Often referred to as the world’s cultural capital, there’s no end of things to do and see on a trip to New York City. We all have our preconceived notions of the Big Apple due to its ubiquitous place in popular culture. And while we may have seen the city countless times on TV or at the movies, in reality, New York needs to be seen in person to be understood.

With such a wealth of cultural hotspots and landmarks, it can be hard to know where to start. But as a city on the cusp of the zeitgeist New York is constantly changing, so what are the best things to do and see know? Well, read on… 


High Line NYC Image Nan Palmero, Flickr Creative Commons license 

The High Line

New York’s newest public park is also it's most unique. Taking the shape of an old disused railway, the High Line was inspired by a similar project Promenade Plantée in Paris. The 1.5 miles of landscaped gardens offer an excellent way to cross the lower West Side and grant you a different perspective on the city below. There are multiple trendy stalls lining sections of the park that offer everything from gourmet macarons to artwork – you can easily lose an afternoon walking along it.



Image by Franck_Michel, Flickr Creative Commons license 

Chinatown

As the apotheosis of a melting pot, New York has rich influences from every corner of the globe, but there are few places where these international influences are so vividly apparent. Walking through Chinatown in southern Manhattan, you as easily be walking through a market in Shanghai. Discover ingredients you’ve never heard of and cuts of meat you didn’t know existed, all while you enjoy the unique smells and sounds of this atmospheric district.

Brooklyn Flea 

We all know that New York is one of the finest shopping destinations in the world. Fifth Avenue is lined with high-quality shops including some of the world’s premier luxury brands. But away from the high-end boutiques New York also host numerous quality markets selling all sorts of produce. One of the best is Brooklyn Flea. Found in the DUMBO district of the Borough, Brooklyn Flea sells arts & crafts, clothes, antiques, vintage furniture and various other curiosities.

Image by Randy Lemoine, Flickr Creative Commons License

Top of The Rock Observation Deck

While the Empire State Building and the One World Trade Center may be the tallest and most famous buildings in the city, the best views are found elsewhere. The Top of the Rock Observation Deck, is as its name suggests, is found atop the Rockefeller Center and has the best panoramic views in the city by far. 

Elma Humpries is a content writer, photographer, and blogger. She loves exploring the world and discovering new cultures and food.

19 comments

  1. Lovely photos. Your post made me miss New York. I haven't been for ages now. Would love to go again, especially since I have family in the States :)

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    1. You have to go and combine visiting your family with a trip to NYC!

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  2. Oh, I love New York. We went there for our 10th Wedding Anniversary and we are going back in 2018 for our 20th...WIth the kids!! Can't wait. You've mentioned places I haven't been yet. Love the idea of the Brooklyn Flea Market!

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  3. I'd really love to visit New York one day, it's just so iconic and I bet there's enough to keep you busy for years, let alone a couple of days!

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  4. I regret not going to the High Line when I was in NYC. I agree about Top Of The Rock, it's the best view, especially at night

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    1. Now I would love to go to the Top Of The Rock at night.

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  5. I would love to visit New York, so much to see and do!
    And what a breath taking view from Top of The Rock Observation Deck :)

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  6. I'd love to visit to take in the view of the skyline which is something that has always fascinated me x

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  7. I went to New York last year and had the best of time, I can not wait to go back and explore more especially Brooklyn flea

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    1. When you visit, you see all the places you have watched in the movies :)

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  8. Oh wow, I have always wanted to visit New York, hopefully one day. Beautiful pictures :)

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  9. My folks visited NYC over Thanksgiving last year and enjoyed the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Black Friday sales. They were there for 4 days and loved Central Park and the Museums too! The Rock views were amazing much better than the Empire State xx

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    1. What great tips, haven't been to Macy's in New York but have in Orlando.

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  10. I'd love to be able to visit NYC, as large as it is there's so much to visit and do x

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  11. I really want to do New York, without kids though!! Keep dropping hints to hubby, maybe I need to be less subtle

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    1. Tell him he needs to take you as a Christmas present!

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