It can be tough to plan the perfect trip to The City That Never Sleeps due to the sheer amount of fantastic excursions on offer, from world-famous cultural attractions to dozens of iconic landmarks. Planning an itinerary for NYC can be overwhelming; however, there are several activities that can’t be missed when exploring the Big Apple.
After checking your bags with NYC luggage storage service, follow this ultimate Gotham travel guide to make sure you don’t miss out on the best excursions in this bustling metropolis.
Take a cruise down the historic Hudson River
The Statue of Liberty is one of America’s most famous landmarks, and no trip to NYC would be complete without seeing this iconic monument. One of the best ways to visit Lady Liberty is by booking a cruise with Statue Cruises, the official operator of ferries along the Hudson River.
This cruise will pick you up from Battery Park and take you past Liberty and Ellis Island. All tickets let you disembark at Ellis Island and tour the Immigration Museum. For an extra fee, visitors can even stop off at Liberty Island and climb up to the top of the Statue of Liberty, which boasts sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Spend the day in Central Park
The Empire City is one of the busiest cities in the world, and holidaymakers looking for some respite from the crowded streets should spend the day in Central Park. Central Park covers over 800 acres of impeccably managed woodlands, meadows, and lakes, making it ideal for families looking to spend some quality time together.
Central Park contains over 20 playgrounds where your kids can burn off some additional energy, and the Central Park Zoo is excellent if you fancy seeing some exotic critters, including snow leopards, red pandas, and sea lions.
Experience the eclectic culture of Times Square
Times Square is another favorite spot for tourists traveling to the Big Apple. This jam-packed intersection is one of the most famous in the world, thanks to its sky-high advertisements, vibrant street art, and a plethora of performers. You’ll no doubt see something unique and unusual while navigating this bustling junction, making Times Square a must-see for anybody planning a trip to The City That Never Sleeps.
Get a birdseye view of the Big Apple
New York is a city of towering skyscrapers, and tourists looking to see the city streets from high above will want to head to the top of the Empire State Building. Standing at over 1,400 feet tall, this Art Deco icon is one of the most significant buildings in the city.
The Empire State Building has observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, which boast panoramas of the city from over 1,000 feet in the air. If you get peckish after trekking to the top of the tower, you can grab a bite to eat the 33rd floor, with eateries like State Bar and Grill offering quality dining experiences.
Plan a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge
Another superb way to experience the Big Apple while stretching your legs is by ambling across the Brooklyn Bridge. Positioned along the East River, this famous suspension bridge has a pedestrian walkway, which affords stunning vistas of the New York skyline and the scenic East River. If you fancy crossing the bridge in style, you can rent a bicycle from Citi Bikes for as little as $12 for the whole day.
Soak up some history at NYC’s world-class museums
You’ll find dozens of museums dotted across New York City, many of which contain some of the best historical and cultural exhibits in the world. One museum worth perusing is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which features over 5,000 years of art history, with paintings by tons of internationally renowned artists, including van Gogh, Monet, and da Vinci.
Alternatively, you might want to stop off at the American Museum of National History. This museum contains some of the best natural history displays in the world, with exhibits that are sure to please all ages. You’ll find countless amazing sights to marvel at in this museum, including the full fossilized remains of a T-Rex, Native American relics dating back to the 17th century, a massive scale model of our Solar System, and much more.
There are tons of other exemplary institutions worth visiting in NYC, and other museums worth visiting include:
- The Museum of Modern Art
- The Guggenheim Museum
- The Whitney Museum of American Art
- The Museum of the City of New York
- The Morgan Library and Museum
Wander down the boardwalks of Coney Island
Anybody holidaying with their family in the Empire City should consider a trip to Coney Island. Coney Island provides an array of entertainment, from circus sideshows to street art to world-famous food stands.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is one of the best attractions in Coney Island and affords a range of rides, including thrilling rollercoasters to the namesake Wonder Wheel. After getting your adrenaline pumping, why not grab a Nathan’s Famous hot dog and enjoy a family walk down Coney Island’s sandy beach?
Pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial
One of the most emotional and moving sights in NYC is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. You’ll find this memorial where the World Trade Center once stood, with reflecting pools paying homage to the brave souls lost in the 9/11 attacks. You can also tour the museum and see news reports from 9/11, as well as artifacts recovered from the scene and heart-wrenching stories from the families of victims.
