This is our free city guide to New York! The “Big Apple” is a great city to visit at any time of the year and there’s always plenty to do! It’s huge though, so plan where you stay and map out your time to make the most of it. Here are our personal recommendations of what to see…
WHAT TO DO IN NEW YORK
Statue Of Liberty – She’s the icon of New York and you’ll find her just off the southern edge of Manhattan Island. You can book a trip to Liberty Island on the Statue City Cruises website as there are limited numbers of ‘on the day’ tickets. Your island ticket includes an audio tour and a trip to Ellis Island below. You can also get tickets for the statue’s ‘pedestal’ which offers slightly better views. Book 3 months or so in advance though to get the much sought after ‘crown tickets’ which allow you to climb up the statue. The cruises to the island are always busy, so if you can’t get a ticket, our advice would be to hop on board the Staten Island Ferry which is free. It will give you some great views of the New York skyline as well as taking you nearer to the Statue of Liberty. The only downside is that you have to wait for a ferry back – they are frequent though.
Statue of Liberty: Read More, Ticket Prices & Map…
Ellis Island – Just off the southern tip of Manhattan, this island and its grand buildings were the gateway to a new life in the USA for immigrants arriving between 1892 and 1954. It’s now the National Immigration Museum after being restored in the late 1980s. Many original features remain so you get a real taste of what it would have been like to arrive as an immigrant and we thought it was fascinating. Access to the museum and island are free, but you’ll need to pay for a joint ticket with the Statue of Liberty cruises to get you there.
Ellis Island: Read More, Ferry Information & Map…
Brooklyn Bridge – Another icon of New York which you can see from the Staten Island Ferry. Walking across the bridge is a fantastic NYC passtime though and it’s definitely worth seeing it up close. You can walk from City Hall on Manhattan Island to the small park in Brooklyn or vice versa. On a nice day it’s another great way to see the ever-changing city skyline. We’ve done this at night too and we felt entirely safe.
Brooklyn Bridge: Read More, Directions & Map…
Central Park – Covering 843 acres, this park is absolutely huge! You probably won’t have time to walk around it all, so decide which bits you want to see before you go. Highlights include the mini castle, a large lake, ice skating rink, the zoo, the reservoir, sport pitches and plenty of long walks. We’d recommend taking some sandwiches and heading for the first lake (parallel to 71st to 78th Streets). There are plenty of benches, seating areas, pagodas, or just grass to sit down and eat whilst watching the joggers and tourists. On a Sunday, the park is full of New Yorkers enjoying their free time. It’s probably best not to visit the park after dark.
Central Park: Read More, Pictures & Map…
Times Square – You can hardly move here on a busy day, but you have to see it! It’s most impressive at night and you’ll find it where Broadway crosses 7th Avenue at 44th and 45th Street. Apart from the illuminated signs and street performers, you’ll also find some of the biggest shops here like the M&M’s Store and Disney Store. Just down from the square on Broadway, the authorities have widened the pavements and added seating. Grab a coffee or smoothie, take a seat and watch NYC bustle around you.
Times Square: Read More, Pictures & Map…
Empire State Building – This historic building is on 34th Street West at the junction with 5th Ave, but you can see it almost everywhere on Manhattan Island. If you take the trip up it, be prepared for lots of elevator rides and an incredible view. It’s always busy though so be prepared to wait in line. You really feel the sense of history when you go up the Empire State Building and the art deco interior is beautiful. The downside is that the viewing platform is small and cramped and your photos won’t contain the most iconic skyscraper in the city because you’re on it! There are lots of other viewing towers to try if you want to see the Empire State Building in the skyline. We like the Top of The Rock (see below) but one of the newest nearby is Summit: One Vanderbilt (see below).
Empire State Building: Read More, Ticket Prices & Map..
Rockefeller Center – This is almost a district in itself, but the highlights are the ice rink in the winter and the “Top of the Rock” observation area. Personally we preferred this to the Empire State Building as the views were better and it was much less busy. You can also take pics of the NY Skyline with the Empire State Building actually in them! There are shopping and dining options on the lower two floors, and you can marvel at the art deco interiors. Take in a show at the Radio City Music Hall (see below) and for kids, you’ll also find the Lego Store & Nintendo Store here.
Rockefeller Center: Read More, Tickets & Map…
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt – One of New York’s newest viewing platforms covers 3 floors of a tower block near Grand Central station. Each area has a different theme surrounding the incredible views in all directions. The floor and wall mirrors are a little disorientating and you need to wear shoe coverings to visit. We enjoyed the outdoor section most and our 8 year-old was a huge fan of the room with the mirrored balloons! It’s an experience we will all remember although it comes with a hefty price tag.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Read More, Pictures, Ticket Prices & Map…
Grand Central – This has to be one of the most beautiful train stations we have ever been in. If you like impressive architecture, then you must go. It’s almost more like a stately home than a station. The main concourse echoes like a cathedral! Downstairs there are lots of food outlets too and don’t miss the stunning market. Grand Central is on 42nd Street at the junction with Park Avenue.
Grand Central Terminus: What To See, More Pictures & Map…
9/11 Memorial & World Trade Center – The terror attacks in 2001 are remembered with a memorial park using the footings of the original twin towers. We found it a thought-provoking and moving place to be, with the names of the victims displayed all around each water feature. You can learn more about the attacks in the 9/11 Museum. For fantastic views of New York, head up to the One World Observatory in the new One World Trade Center tower and there’s an impressive underground shopping and eating venue here too.
9/11 Memorial & World Trade Center: Read More, Pictures & Map…
Bryant Park – This park is a little oasis of peace and greenery that should not be missed on a trip to New York. Take a seat on one of the little green chairs and watch the hustle and bustle around you. There are often craft markets and music events here too. We really love this park – it has so much character!
Bryant Park: Read More, What To See & Map…
New York Public Library – It’s free to go inside and despite the movie “The Day After Tomorrow” it remains fully intact! The solid marble architecture is grand, and there are free tours available too. Strangely, you hardly see any books in the library, but if you look at the building from the adjacent Bryant Park, the narrow windows that you see are where most of the books are kept. There are also storage areas under the park itself. The library is on 42nd Street at the junction 5th Avenue.
New York Public Library: Read More, Tour Times & Map…
St Patrick’s Cathedral – This historic Gothic church is nestled amongst the mirrored skyscrapers of 5th Avenue opposite the Rockefeller Center. It’s free to visit and it’s well worth calling in to marvel at the vaulted ceiling, see the mini chapels and take a walk around the wooden screen. You are invited to light a candle for a loved one while you’re there too.
St Patrick’s Cathedral: What To See, Pictures & Map…
Roosevelt Island – Remember the iconic cable car scene from the Spiderman 2 movie? It’s a real tram car in New York and it’s a fabulous experience to take it to Roosevelt Island in the East River. There are great views of the skyline when you’re making the trip too. Once you’re there, you can explore the lovely park on the southern tip of the island, see the lighthouse and call in at some of the oldest buildings here. Then you can hop back on board the tram to return to Manhattan.
Roosevelt Island: Read More, Tram Location, Pictures & Map…
Radio City Music Hall – Some of the worlds biggest acts have performed in this hall and it’s still famous for its “Rockette” dancing girls. The art deco interior is amazing and the behind the scenes tour is thoroughly recommended – we loved it. Check out show details when you’re in town as there are often big names performing.
Radio City Music Hall: Tour Review & Tickets…
The United Nations – Not the most impressive of buildings, but the flags outside are certainly eye catching. It’s a building you’ll have seen many times on TV and you can do a tour inside too which includes the huge Assembly Hall. It’s at the East end of 42nd Street.
United Nations HQ: Read More, Tours & Map…
Greenwich Village – In this residential district of New York, you’ll find a real village feel with tree-lined streets packed with lovely town-houses and sweeping stairways. Some highlights in “The Village” include the Magnolia Bakery with its infamous cupcakes and the fictional home of Sex & The City’s Carrie Bradshaw. We think the best bits of Greenwich Village surround Greenwich Avenue, between West 14th Street and 6th Avenue.
Greenwich Village: Read More, Pictures & Map…
NYC: Sex & The City Filming Locations…
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum – If you love any of the things in the title, you’ll love this floating museum. It’s based around the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier on the Hudson River at the end of 48th St West. Other highlights include a Concorde and a submarine.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Read More, Hours, Ticket Prices & Map…
The Met – Inside this huge museum on the edge of Central Park you’ll find treasures galore from world history. It’s the perfect place to go on a rainy day to immerse yourself in the past. You can explore an Egyptian temple, get up close with incredible sculptures or visit an American mansion. There’s so much to see here that you’ll need several hours to get around it all. The admission fee is steep and it might seem like something you wouldn’t want to do on holiday when there are so many other sights to see, but if you love history, it’s a must.
The Met: What To See, Hours & Map… (Coming Soon)
Union Square – This square was originally the heart of fashionable New York life and a home for political protest. Nowadays its a location for good food, from both the restaurants that surround the square and from the Farmers’ Market that’s held here several times a week. The square is also often used as an exhibition space too. You’ll find it on Broadway at 14th Street and it has it’s own subway stop too.
Union Square: Read More, Pictures & Map…
Chelsea – A pretty district in Midtown with loads of things to see and do. Call into Chelsea Market for artisan food, walk the High Line urban park here or explore the banks of the Hudson. There’s even a beach!
Chelsea: What To See & Do… (Coming Soon)
Wall Street – To be honest, apart from the grand frontage of the New York Stock Exchange, there’s not a lot to see in Wall Street itself. While you’re here though, make sure you call into Trinity Church which is on Broadway at the end of Wall Street. It’s a beautiful building and there’s something quite calming about being inside too.
Wall Street: Read More, Pictures & Map…
Lincoln Center – This collection of buildings is dedicated to the performing arts. It was completed in the 1960s has provided homes for the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York State Theater and the Julliard School for the Performing Arts. We enjoyed just walking around the plaza, watching the water fountain and looking at the buildings. You can take a guided tour if you want to see inside the buildings. Lincoln Center is on Broadway at 64th Street.
Lincoln Center: Read More, Tours & Map…
Hudson River Park – Large parts of the western side of lower Manhattan are now known as Hudson River Park. Basically, it’s a series of piers and other waterside areas which all link into one area dedicated to leisure and recreation. Joggers run along the riverside path and there are some really interesting places to hang out. Top of the list for us is ‘Little Island’ (pictured above) which is a park that sits on concrete columns in the Hudson itself. There’s also a lovely sandy beach nearby with sun loungers.
Hudson River Park: What To See & Do… (Coming Soon)
South Street & Pier 17 – This former port area on the lower east side is now a funky shopping area with restaurants and designer shops. It includes several piers, of which Pier 17 is a huge shopping and dining complex. It’s also worth visiting to get great views of Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge.
South Street & Pier 17: Read More, Pictures & Map…
OUR TOP TIP IN NEW YORK
The High Line – A former overhead railway line has been turned into a beautiful linear urban park. This is one of our favourite things to do in New York for several reasons. Firstly, it’s so well designed and we loved the little sections of railway track which have been left in place and planted around. There are even bits of track you can walk on. Secondly, it’s a great way to experience New York as it’s traffic free. You don’t have to stop every block and wait for the ‘walk’ sign. Thirdly, it’s so relaxing to walk the 1.45 mile route. You can take it at your own pace and there are regular seating areas. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The High Line: Read More, Location, Pictures & Map… (Coming Soon)
MORE THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK
RECOMMENDED HOTEL
We have stayed in a number of hotels in New York and you certainly pay for the location! Most recently we stayed at Four Points Midtown Times Square which was luxurious and spacious. The staff were super-friendly and the hotel consistently gets good reviews. We’d certainly recommend it and it’s in a great location in Midtown with a subway station at the end of the street.
GETTING AROUND NEW YORK
Don’t be scared to use the Subway. The dark stairways down to some stations can seem daunting, but it really is quite safe and most stations are manned. It’s impossible to walk everywhere in Manhattan and the Subway is a cheap and quick way to get around. Buy your tickets at the machines – they’re easy to use, but bear in mind they usually only take small denomination notes. If you really don’t want to use the Subway, opt for the busses. They follow major roads and are easy to use but they do get stuck in the traffic. There are also tour busses which run a variety of Hop-on, Hop-off routes and some include admission to popular attractions like the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock or the Statue of Liberty.
New York is served by 3 major airports – La Guardia, John F Kennedy and Newark (New Jersey). All have good public transport links to Manhattan but if you’d like a more personal option, check out the latest prices here: Private or Shared NYC Airport Transfers. If you’re planning to get a taxi you can expect to pay a set fee plus tip, tolls and surcharges from JFK from LGA and Newark. Beware of anyone approaching you at the airports and offering a taxi ride – only use taxis in the official taxi hailing area. Some family members were caught out in a scam like this where a man in an official looking outfit approached them in the baggage hall offering a taxi ride for a fixed fee. They later realised they’d paid well over the correct price, plus the vehicle didn’t seem to be licensed and probably wasn’t insured to take fee paying passengers either!
MORE ON NEW YORK
10 Best Hotels In New York – Booking.com
Sex And The City Filming Locations
New York CityPass – Great value admission to major NYC attractions
NYC Tourism – Official visitor site
New York Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk