28 Dec What to do in New York: A Comprehensive Guide

New York is one of the most visited and admired cities in the world, a place that offers endless possibilities to enjoy an unforgettable vacation. If you want to know what to see in New York, we present you with a complete guide to the most recommended places, activities, dishes, and times to explore the Big Apple.

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What to see in New York: Must-visit places

New York has so many attractions that it’s impossible to see them all in a single visit, but there are some that are essential and you shouldn’t miss. Here are some of them:

• Empire State Building: The most famous skyscraper in New York and one of the tallest in the world, with 102 floors and 381 meters in height. From its observatory on the 86th floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
• Statue of Liberty: The symbol of New York and the United States, a gift from France in 1886 to commemorate the centenary of American independence. The statue depicts a woman with a torch in hand and a seven-pointed crown, symbolizing the seven continents and seven seas. It is located on Liberty Island, accessible by ferry from Battery Park. You can also climb to the crown or pedestal of the statue, but reservations must be made well in advance.
• Brooklyn Bridge: The oldest suspension bridge in the United States, connecting the neighborhoods of Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. It was inaugurated in 1883 and has a length of 1.8 kilometers. You can cross it on foot, by bike, or by car, offering spectacular views of the city and the harbor. It is especially beautiful at sunset or at night when it is illuminated with thousands of lights.
• Central Park: The largest and most famous urban park in New York, covering an area of 341 hectares in the center of Manhattan. It is an oasis of nature and tranquility amid the bustle of the city, where you can stroll, play sports, row a boat, visit the zoo, Belvedere Castle, the lake, the pond, the John Lennon Memorial, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, located on the east edge of the park.
• Times Square: The heart of New York, a square full of life, color, and movement, home to Broadway theaters, cinemas, shops, restaurants, and the world’s largest and most vibrant billboards. It is the ideal place to feel the pulse of the city, both day and night, and to celebrate New Year’s, when the famous countdown takes place, and the crystal ball drops from the top of a building.
• Rockefeller Center: A complex of 19 buildings housing offices, TV studios, shops, restaurants, and the Top of the Rock Observatory, where you can enjoy an impressive view of New York, including the Empire State Building and Central Park. In winter, an ice skating rink and a huge Christmas tree are set up in the central plaza of the complex.
• Metropolitan Museum of Art: The largest and most visited museum in New York, with a collection of over two million works of art from all eras and cultures, from ancient Egypt to contemporary art. The museum has several branches, but the main one is located on Fifth Avenue, next to Central Park. Some of the highlights include the Temple of Dendur, the Hall of Terracotta Warriors, Madame X Portrait, Waterloo Bridge, or the Garden of Earthly Delights.
• 9/11 Memorial: A memorial to the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which destroyed the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. The memorial consists of two enormous square-shaped fountains, occupying the site where the towers stood, engraved with the names of the nearly 3,000 people who died that day. Next to the memorial is the 9/11 Museum, which tells the story and impact of the attacks, and the One World Trade Center, the new skyscraper that stands as the tallest in New York and the United States, at 541 meters in height.
• Broadway: The most famous avenue in New York, crossing Manhattan from north to south and hosting the most prestigious theaters in the world, where the most successful and acclaimed musicals are performed. Some of the most popular musicals include The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Hamilton, or The Book of Mormon. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance or look for offers at the TKTS ticket booths.

What to do in New York: The most fun activities

New York is a city that offers endless activities for all tastes and ages, from the most cultural to the most adventurous. Here are some things you can do:

• Contrast Tour: One of the best ways to experience the diversity and cultural richness of New York is to take a contrast tour, which takes you to visit different neighborhoods such as the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, or Harlem. Here, you can see their social, architectural, and artistic contrasts and learn about their history and customs.
• Visit an Observation Deck: Another essential activity in New York is to visit one of its many observation decks, where you can admire the impressive silhouette of the city and its skyscrapers. Some of the most popular observatories are the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, or the Edge, the newest and highest, at 335 meters with a glass platform that protrudes from the building.
• Attend a Musical or Comedy Show: If you enjoy theater, you must attend a musical or comedy show in New York, the entertainment capital of the world. You can enjoy the best productions with top-notch actors, singers, and dancers, as well as the best comedians who will make you laugh out loud with their monologues and improvisations.
• Stroll the High Line: The High Line is an elevated park built on a former abandoned train track, running through the west side of Manhattan from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. It is an ideal place to walk, relax, and enjoy views of the city, the river, and urban art displayed along the route.
• Take a Hudson River Cruise: Another way to see New York from a different perspective is to take a cruise on the Hudson River, allowing you to contemplate the main monuments and buildings of the city from the water, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, or One World Trade Center. There are different cruise options, from shorter and more economical ones to longer and luxurious ones, including dinner, music, and dancing on board.
• Go Shopping on Fifth Avenue: If you enjoy shopping, New York is your paradise, offering a wide range of stores from the most exclusive and expensive to the cheapest and most original. Fifth Avenue is the most famous and elegant street in the city, where you will find stores of the most prestigious brands such as Tiffany, Gucci, Prada, or Apple, as well as the iconic Macy’s department store, the largest in the world. You can also visit other shopping areas such as Soho, Chinatown, Greenwich Village, or the Woodbury Common Outlet.

What to Eat in New York: Typical Dishes and Best Places

New York is a city that offers a great variety of gastronomic options, from fast and street food to international and haute cuisine. Here are some typical dishes and the best places to try them:

• Hot Dogs: The most popular and inexpensive snack in New York, consisting of a boiled or grilled sausage inside a bun, which can be accompanied by mustard, ketchup, onions, sauerkraut, or chili. You can find them at numerous food stands throughout the city, especially in Central Park, Times Square, or Coney Island. One of the most famous places to eat hot dogs is Nathan’s, which organizes an annual contest for who can eat the most in 10 minutes.
• Burgers: Another of the most consumed and varied dishes in New York, consisting of minced and seasoned meat, grilled or griddled and served between two buns, with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, bacon, egg, or any other ingredient you can think of. There are many burger chains in the city, but one of the most recommended is Shake Shack, which offers quality burgers with 100% natural meat and artisanal buns, as well as shakes, ice cream, and fries.
• Pizzas: Another dish that cannot be missed on a visit to New York, characterized by having a thin and crispy crust, a tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, and other ingredients to taste, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, chicken, pineapple, or jalapeños. Pizzas are usually sold by the slice, which is folded in half and eaten with your hands, or whole, which is cut into triangles and served on a cardboard tray. Some of the most famous places to eat pizza are Lombardi’s, the first to open in New York in 1905, Grimaldi’s, located under the Brooklyn Bridge, or Joe’s, which appears in several movies and TV series.
• Bagels: The most typical breakfast or brunch in New York, consisting of a round roll with a hole in the center, boiled and baked, giving it a dense and chewy texture. Bagels can be eaten plain or filled with cream cheese, jam, peanut butter, smoked salmon, egg, bacon, or any other ingredient you fancy. You can find them in any coffee shop or bakery in the city, but one of the most iconic places is Ess-a-Bagel, which has been making delicious homemade bagels for over 40 years.
• International Cuisine: New York is a multicultural city, where people of all nationalities and backgrounds live, reflected in its cuisine, offering dishes from all the kitchens of the world, including Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Greek, French, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Lebanese, Turkish, Ethiopian, Peruvian, Brazilian, Cuban, Jamaican, Moroccan, Spanish, German, Swedish, Russian, Polish, Irish, English, Scottish, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, Hawaiian, Texan, Californian, Southern, Cajun, Creole, Hawaiian, Tex-Mex, Fusion, or Vegan. Each neighborhood has its own restaurants, where you can taste the most authentic and flavorful dishes of each culture, with prices for every budget.

Best Time of Year to Visit New York: Pros and Cons of Each Season

New York is a city that can be visited at any time of the year, as it always has something to offer and surprise. However, each season has its advantages and disadvantages, which you should consider when planning your trip. Here are some characteristics of each one:

• Spring: It is one of the most pleasant seasons to visit New York, with mild temperatures, longer days, and parks filled with flowers and color. It is a good time for walking around the city, having a picnic in Central Park, visiting museums, or shopping. However, there can also be days of rain, wind, or cold, so it is advisable to bring warm clothes and an umbrella. In addition, spring is a time of high tourist demand, so flight and hotel prices may be higher, and attractions more crowded.
• Summer: It is the hottest and most humid time in New York, with temperatures that can exceed 30 degrees and a very high heat index. It is a good time to enjoy the beaches near the city, such as Coney Island or Long Island, or public pools throughout the city. It is also a lively time, with many outdoor events and festivals, such as free concerts in Central Park, Fourth of July fireworks, or the Gay Pride Parade. However, there can also be days of storms, rain, or power outages, so it is advisable to wear light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle. Additionally, summer is a time of high tourist influx, so flight and hotel prices may be higher, and attractions more crowded.
• Fall: Another beautiful season to visit New York, with mild temperatures, sunny days, and parks adorned in shades of red, yellow, and orange. It’s a great time for strolling through the city, taking a cruise on the Hudson River, visiting farmers’ markets, or celebrating Halloween and Thanksgiving. However, there may be days of rain, wind, or snow, so it’s advisable to wear warm clothes and bring an umbrella. Additionally, autumn is a peak tourist season, so flight and hotel prices may be higher, and attractions more crowded.
• Winter: The coldest and snowiest season in New York, with temperatures dropping below 0 degrees and strong snowstorms that can impact transportation and mobility. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy the holiday decorations, ice skate at Rockefeller Center, see the world’s largest Christmas tree, attend a Broadway musical, or watch the crystal ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. However, there can also be days of storms, rain, or frost, so it’s essential to wear very warm clothing, gloves, a hat, scarf, and boots. Winter is also a peak tourist season, resulting in higher flight and hotel prices and crowded attractions.

Brief History of New York: Key Events

New York was founded in 1624 by the Dutch, who called it New Amsterdam, transforming it into a significant commercial center. In 1664, the English seized control and renamed it New York in honor of the Duke of York. During the 18th century, the city played a crucial role in events like the Declaration of Independence and the Battle of New York during the American Revolution. In the 19th century, New York became one of the world’s most populous and prosperous cities due to the influx of millions of immigrants, the construction of the Erie Canal connecting it to the interior of the country, and the growth of industry, trade, and culture. In the 20th century, New York emerged as the world’s capital, hosting the United Nations and symbolizing freedom, democracy, and diversity. In the 21st century, New York remains a vibrant, innovative, and cosmopolitan city that has recovered from the tragic events of September 11, 2001, continuing to attract millions of visitors each year.

Prepare for your trip to New York by obtaining your travel visa or electronic travel authorization for the United States in advance, and make sure to plan your visit according to your interests and the time of year. Don’t wait any longer to discover all that New York has to offer!