Welcome to the best and some quirky things to do in New York – the city that never sleeps and nor did I! Also known as the Big Apple, this vibrant and bustling metropolis offers a everything you need for the ultimate city break. Though it also boasts a beach! From the classic bucket list must do’s to the more quirky out of the box activities to the best rooftop bars. Maybe you are a culture guru or a ‘Friends’ addict like me or you are simply wanting to ensure you tick off as much as possible, then my guide has you covered. Get ready to embark on an incredible unforgettable adventure through the heart of the city of dreams. (Just book a day off when you get home to recover!)
Spend your first night on a rooftop bar with views of Empire State Building
When you first land in New York, the excitement, the anticipation of adventures ahead is infectious. One way to harness this energy and kick off your trip in style is how you see the Empire State Building for the first time. Whether this is your first or 50th trip! There is something awe inspiring about seeing it up close and by up close, I mean from a rooftop bar. It’s always how I spend my first night in this infectious city. To help choose, here’s a list of all the rooftop bars with the best views of the Empire State Building so you can too!
Hang out in Times Square
Times Square is the ultimate tourist trap: chaotic, manic and overwhelming. It is often a New Yorker’s least favourite part of the city and having done it once, I haven’t been back. But if this is your first time – you have to go – if you can coup with large crowds. The lights, the noise, the bustle is iconic and a lot. There is something about this square that can make you feel humbled at being such a tiny a piece in this puzzle of life.
Best done at night for the for the dazzling lights but it’s not just about just absorbing the atmosphere of this famous square, there so much to do – think Leicester Square dialled up! You have the famous Broadway, shops, but also fun experiences like getting your photo on a billboard, or posing on the insta famed red stairs oh and there’s even drunk Shakespeare performances!
Visit Dumbo
Dumbo, which stands for ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’ and not the Elephant from the film! This is an area in Brooklyn for the keen photographer or instagrammer. There’s one particular spot that is the ‘insta’ spot of Brooklyn Bridge. If you fancy posing here, then it is where Water Street meets Washington Street. Go early if this is important to capture without the crowds or pay for your own photo shoot!
But Dumbo isn’t just about the perfect bridge picture for Instagram is it a bustling neighbourhood on the waterfront with shops, cafes and famous Mr chocolate’s shop and even the first children’s museum.
Drink a classic Loopy Droopy cocktail
Loopy Droopy rooftop bar’s logo is of an upside popsicle in a glass and has become an iconic cocktail in NYC. Coupled with unique rooftop bar views of the Statue of Liberty, makes this rooftop bar a must in the summer.
Walk over Brooklyn Bridge – at night
Probably one of my most favourite things to do in New York is to walk over this bridge at night. But the key is to walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan for those impressive skyline views. It’s absolutely magical – and completely free! Though the first time I did it I got a bit lost getting on the bridge at night but there are signs and this guide is really helpful or do an organised walking tour. The bridge comes into Manhattan’s financial district - which can be pretty deserted on weekends. So if it is late do order an uber or take a cab if there’s one.
See the Statue of Liberty for free from the Staten Island Ferry
This famous ferry made it’s mark on the world through the 80s film classic, ‘Working Girl’. This was Melanie Griffiths character’s commute to work. Now it is known for being a free way to see the Statue of Liberty. I will caveat that you are not up close to the statue but it is clearly visible. It depends how important this landmark is to you. If you want to be closer and sail around it then you’ll need to book a proper tour or a guided cruise which at sunset is magical. Or you could take a tour to Ellis island that she is on and make an afternoon of it.
If you just want to say you have seen this legendary New York figure then head down to Pier 79 and hop on board the next commuter ferry due – usually every 15-30 minutes. Essential tip when you board is to ensure you go to the righthand side of the ferry or you will will sail all the way to Staten Island wondering where it is! And be prepared for it to be busy. Once you arrive in Staten Island most people will get straight back on the next one back but you can stay and explore…
Visit Staten Island
If you have got the ferry out to this island you and you have some extra time then why not explore a very different New York. Firstly don’t walk off the ferry to explore, have a plan. It’s a good 40 minutes walk to the first place we wanted to visit and I felt a bit unsafe walking. So hop in an Uber and I’d recommend heading to gorgeous ‘New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden‘ which is part of the Staten Island Botanical Garden. There’s also a zoo and cafes and a little community to explore on the island. However if pushed for time, save for another trip as it is off the beaten track.
Go to a Brooklyn festival
From Jazz to reggae to film and there’s even a tea and coffee festival. Brooklyn’s arty electric energy has a festival for everyone. However summer at Prospect Park in Brooklyn becomes home to one of New York’s longest running free festivals. Bric: Celebrate Brooklyn. Bric celebrated it’s 45th year in 2023 of providing free entertainment throughout the steamy sticky New York summers. Bring a picnic, blankets and enjoy a chilled day or evening.
Drink a cosmopolitan or Manhattan cocktail
The Cosmo, famed by the NYC TV show, ‘Sex in the City’ this cocktail screams New York. Or maybe you fancy having a Manhattan in Manhattan. Just remember the legal drinking age is 21 and you will need your ID whatever your age!
Watch a baseball game at the Yankee Stadium
Baseball is the national sport of American and the Yankee stadium has been made famous as the home to it. It is further north in New York – up in the Bronx but easily commutable on the subway. As I am not a sports fan this blog will tell you all you need to know!
Lunch on the Hudson River
My last trip I discovered this gem of a seafood restaurant – on an anchored boat on the river. Grand Banks is a seasonal Oyster Bar with some delicious platters and cocktails with a unique view point. Perfect if you are on the west side of NYC.
See a concert at Maddison Square Gardens
This is the Wembley arena of New York where the likes of Frank Sinatra, Madonna even Elvis have performed. Though the current stadium has been in place since 1969, the original was built in 1879. You can take a tour of the stadium if you cant get tickets to see a performer. As like Wembley it doubles up as a sports pitch! It is home to the New York rangers (Ice Hockey) and New York Knicks (Basketball). So a must for a sports fan too!
Eat supersized food
America is known for its supersized portions of food and there’s plenty of options from brunches to burgers to these pretzels in Central Park. Pizza is also extremely popular in New York – and there’s even a pizza place – Pizza barn up in the Bronx where you can get the super slice – claimed to be the biggest slice of pizza in the world.
Watch a Show on Broadway
Calling all theatre lovers – if you love London’s West End then this is the NYC equivalent. You can find plays and musicals galore! Only 3 theatres are actually at Broadway and the road name has nothing to do with theatre but names so due to the wide length of the street! The theatres are mainly situated in Times Square. Be sure to book up before you go or take pot luck when you arrive!
Visit the ‘Friends’ set
The Friends Experience started on their 20th anniversary with a pop up café. I was beyond excited to have been in NYC at that time. It was everything I had hoped it would be and being an American brand it has now been supersized to a permanent experience covering much more than the café at Central Perk! Have your picture taken on the famous sofa, be a floating head in the door of Monica and Rachels apartment, stare wistfully out of the window while pretending to be a heartbroken Rachel… yes I have done all these! If you can’t fit this in then there is a touring version called Friends fest though currently there are no dates for 2024. Or you can follow my guide for 14 Friends filming locations to see in NYC yourself!
Spent a day in Central Park.
Coming to New York and not going to Central Park is like coming to a London and not getting that snap of Buckingham Palace! It’s iconic. You could spend an entire day walking through all the gardens and still have more to do.
Allow a good day to enjoy it, go running in it (yes there’s an official running map) or you could just run your way – like Phoebe in friends, take a boat out, see the statues from Alice in Wonderland to Hans Christian Anderson or dine at the Boathouse Loeb, This was one of my favourite places in New York with both a fancy restaurant and a café facing the water. sadly the café has moved round the corner facing the park and the restaurant is temporarily closed but plans to reopen spring 2024.
You can also get your portrait drawn or stop and play a game of chess! This park is a playground of activities but you can just bring a book (in summer time!) and sit and read away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Or maybe you are a Friends fanatic as here is where you will find the Bethesda Fountain that was the inspiration for the opening credits in the celebrated TV show.
Admire Grand Central Terminal Station
If you come in on the air train then you may well arrive into this station so don’t forget to stop and admire it. Built in 1913 this is a tourist destination in it’s own right let alone being a fully running station. Famed for its stunning constellation art on its celling consisting of 2,500 gold stars set on a turquoise green back ground.
The station is also a popular location for film and TV sets. Gossip Girl fans may even remember it as the opening scene when we first meet Serena. Yes I may have tried to recreate this! But it’s so much more than a station – it has a wealth of restaurants and bars and shops. Highly recommend The Campbell for a speak easy jazz vibe in red velvet chairs and cocktails to match!
Have a New York brunch
Despite brunch being invented by British writer, Guy Beringer it was America that first adopted the concept. Pancakes, waffles, eggs, you name it! He also encouraged alcohol be served with this popular meal…. which means in New York brunchers tend to not start till 12pm (when alcohol can legally be sold)!
For somewhere insta worthy then Jack’s Wife Freda is a great chain that is also delicious with quirky names for things – like a nana tea! For somewhere a bit different and rum inspired then head to Miss Lily in the east Village for a fun Jamaican cocktail vibe.
Have afternoon tea at The Plaza or just prance and pose around it!
This iconic hotel has featured in films from Home Alone to Brides Wars to episodes of Sopranos to Sex in the City. It’s also referenced to as much as it’s featured – Friends fans will remember where Monica and Chandler were going to go for their engagement drinks but Rachel stole their thunder!
However it’s pricey so if like me you can’t afford to stay here then you can still soak in the atmosphere by booking their afternoon tea or pop in for a cocktail. Set in the opulent Palm Court this is a must to see how the other half live!
If that’s over budget you could just pose and prance around the hotel! Yes we had great fun exploring the hotel this way!
Walk the High Line
Opened in 2009 this public park meets art and design runs over the city on an old railway line. You can take guided tours or just wander to see the city from a different perspective, stopping for a coffee. There are many entrance points and from there you can then explore the west of the city.
Do a TV or Movie Tour
New York is it’s own character in many of the most popular TV and movies shows. Often inspiring visits to this city you can see some of those iconic spots whether through an organised tour. Or as a Friends fan I created my own guide for 14 locations you can wander round at your leisure.
And from Friends to Sex in the City to a limo ride for Home Alone to combined tours. There’s something for every fan! You can also do your own research for your favourite shows – just remember many shows use sets or use different locations or in one rookie mistake I made was finding the actress Sarah Jessica Parkers house rather her character’s, Carrie Bradshaw!
Enjoy Bryant Park
Bryant park isn’t a huge space like Central Park but it is a gem of greenery and activities. In the summer it is filled with sun soakers and picnic performances. Winter brings an ice rink and bumper cars! Or you can just sit and have coffee and read a book.
Wander round Little Island at Pier 55 and Rooftop Garden at Pier 57
A new addition to the city following the pandemic, Little Island opened in 2021 after almost 10 years in the making. The timing provided a much needed space for New Yorkers to escape to and has become an Instagram favourite with the 132 ‘tulip’ structures. I couldn’t help think they looked more like high heels or even a coup glass!
Next to Little island is Pier 57 with a new Rooftop urban Garden another good to escape for some quiet time. It also contains a winery, community spaces and a food market. For all piers click here.
See New York from above
There are many ways to see New York from above the city. Everyone needs to do one of these once. The views are breathtaking, it’s a classic tourist bucket list and well worth the winds up there! The most famous and popular are from The Empire State Building, from The Rockefeller Centre – Top of the Rock. Summit One Vanderbilt or the newest The Edge. This is the photo op of the moment. However the reviews of the latter with no air con, made to wait, a packed viewing deck, and then my favourite – hand prints all over the glass that shone when the sun did (and ruined all the photos) I decided to give it a miss but I am including as it is a popular bucket list for some. Of course there are some restaurants and rooftop bars that offer some incredible views too. Notably The Crown has most distant skyline views, Somewhere Nowhere rooftop bar has some incredible city views and The Met offers a stunning skyline. My personal favourite is from Harriet’s in Brooklyn back over Manhattan skyline.
Eat Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Fan’s of the film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s this is for you. Fans of the store – also for you! The smartly named ‘Blue Box Café‘ opened first in 2017, I was obsessed about getting a reservation as I was over that year. It was not easy. Buckle up as you have to be on your game for this experience. Reservations open 30 days in advance at midnight – NYC time and they go in minutes. There are a few tables held for walk in’s but there is usually a long queue so if this is a must for you set that alarm 30 days ahead and read their guide to getting a table.
Naturally breakfast is the most popular time slot. I didn’t get that first go so took an afternoon slot and went on the ‘notify list’ for a breakfast slot. Happily one came up and dropped into my inbox as I landed in NYC and I snapped it up before anyone else did. The time before that trip as the café hadn’t existed my friend and I grabbed coffee and stood outside! Much more Audrey like! So worse case you could do that and check out the little exhibition on the film inside.
Walk down 5th Avenue
5th Avenue is one of those streets we have all seen featured in various movies. It spans the whole of Manhattan and is known as millionaire row. Home to the famous Tiffany store and many other designer outlets. It’s also the road that the Met, the beautiful St Patricks Cathedral, and Maddison Square Gardens are situation on. It’s a must to simply stroll down, take in the buildings, the architecture, the noises, it’s good to get your bearings with and pinch me In in NYC moment!
Pay your respects at Ground Zero.
To memorialise 9/11 this is the place to come and pay your respects to those who lost their lives that dreadful day. A sobering and sombre experience and not for everyone ground zero sits where the Twin Towers were. There is a museum and tours for those that want more information. I don’t have photos of this as didn’t feel right to but it is worth visiting. If you are unsure this is a useful blog.
Visit NYC at Christmas
I have mentioned a lot of warmer weather activities – mainly because from spring to Halloween it is glorious for sun seekers though can be stinky hot in the height of summer! But one of the most magical times to visit is in Winter – at Christmas. This was when I first met this city – almost 30 years ago. It was freezing but with the bluest skies and an electric energy. If you love Christmas then just like with rooftop bars this is the city to experience the magic of this holiday.
Go to a Rooftop Party
This isn’t as simple as booking a ticket you’ll need to befriend a local for this one or get on a PR guest list! I did the former! Rooftop party’s are huge in New York. So many building have rooftop’s that residents turn into party venues in the summer. But fear not if you don’t make friends there are plenty of rooftop bars that have DJ’s for you to dance under the stars in NYC. A firm favourite for party vibes would be The Standards, Le Bain. or there is the highest rooftop nightclub, Somewhere Nowhere!
Museums are a must in New York
As in any city there’s the museums and art gallery’s. From the stunning building the Guggenheim – one of the first I ever visited. To the Met with a rooftop bar to even the Museum of Ice Cream.
There’s something for everyone. From old to modern to all the pink for the gram! Here’s a list for the best 38 Museums in NYC according to Time Out.
Fake an Orgasm in the ‘Harry Met Sally’ Diner!
Yes this diner exists – it was not a set! Katz Diner is also the oldest deli in New York found on the lower east. And you can fake an orgasm too or maybe just order their famous Pastrami on Rye! Whilst this is a no frills diner the prices are not!
Go dancing in the daytime in New York
For something different and a bit old school (talking for the over 40s here) check out Herbert Holler. It’s an old-school dance party running since 2003 with every type of music possible on different dates. And the best thing…. some of them start at 6pm and go till 10pm. Hello day drinking and home at Cinderella o’clock hangover free the next day!
Pose on Brownstone steps in Brooklyn
Brownstone steps have become a popular landmark in their own right. They were once a way to expand housing in New York using brown stone rather than marble or stone making it more affordable. But due to a flooding of the quarry that made this famous coloured stone the production ceased in 2012. This now means that despite the stone not wearing weather well it has become a hot commodity in property. Famed for us in popular shows such as Sex in The City.
Go to the beach in New York
The city that never sleeps also happens to be by several beaches which makes summer in the sweltering heat in New York that bit more bearable. If you are in the city then a day trip is a must. However note these beaches aren’t your boujee beach clubs – you will need a sun umbrella, blankets – even a bucket and spade if you have kids or are a big kid! Rockaway beach, the longest beach in America was my latest visit and super easy to get to. I got the ferry from Pier 11 at Wall Street and it drops you right at Rockaway. Cross over the road and voila the sea is in sight. There is a cute café on the corner if you didn’t bring a picnic. On Beach 116th Street is a liquor store though do be aware it is illegal to drink on the beaches. If you fancy a drink then there is a rooftop bar just between the port and the beach at the hotel Rockway should you wish to stay – they have a pool and the boujee party vibes!
Drink a Long Island Ice Tea in Long Island
When in Rome! Though I don’t actually recommend this cocktail – it is for die hard drinkers only! I remembered it as alcoholic cola, how wrong was I but still was a fun bucket list to do!
Visit Coney Island
Not actually an island, anymore but where the first roller coaster in the USA was developed. The Switchback railway wasn’t a rollercoaster as we know them today but travelled at 6mph and was the beginning of what Coney Island is now known for – an amusement park. There is also tons of other fun activities happening in this part of Brooklyn including in June the famous Mermaid Parade. Definitely one for those with kids or big kids!
Eat a big apple in the big apple!
This is for the seriously silly / fun loving because well, you are in the big apple!!! It has to be done.
Visit the Best Rooftop bars in New York
This is the home of the rooftop bar, the city that bore the idea back in 1800’s in Manhattan. It also was the centre of a famous love triangle that ended in tragedy on Maddison rooftop in 1906! When a husband shot his wife’s lover! Thankfully rooftop bars have not had that kind of drama since.
And you’ll find some of the world’s most quirky, stylish, boujee, fun rooftop bars in this city. I have mentioned a few of the key ones already but I have curated 25 of the best for you. Whether you are looking for one in Manhattan, Queens or Brooklyn – I have you covered.
Go Shopping in New York
Of course I haven’t forgotten the shopping but it required it’s own page – coming soon!
Whatever you decide to do this infectious city don’t under estimate how exhausting and incredible this trip is – you might just need a holiday to recover!