What to see in New York City

There is no perfect itinerary for New York. Below are the sites and attractions I managed to see on my trips to the Big Apple.

Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to get a picturesque view of the New York skyline and harbour. It’s a long walk but good food and drinks await you on the other side. Stopping to take photos and meandering along the way makes the walk about 40 minutes. Sadly, the morning I arrived the rain was torrential and had to forfeit this and gained a photo instead from the Manhattan side of the bridge.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

You say the words New York and the Statue of Liberty is probably the first image you conjure up. The Statue of Liberty is a massive statue gifted to the USA from France to celebrate the Centenary of the United States, and is based on the original on the River Seine in Paris. It was dedicated in 1886 and stands 305 feet tall. Not only do you get to see the Lady Liberty up close but you’ll also get to take a little trip on a ferry to Ellis Island. Ellis Island was the entry point for many immigrants in the mid-1800s to early 1900s who shaped New York City into the metropolis it is today were you can learn about the immigrant experience.

Make your way to Battery Park to board the ferry that departs every 25 minutes. Tickets can be found here.

Wall Street

This is the Financial District of Lower Manhattan. It runs between Broadway to the East River. Wall Street has become synonymous with the financial markets of the United States. Wall Street was originally known by the Dutch as “Het Cingel” (“The Belt”) when it was part of New Amsterdam in the 17th century. An actual wall existed on the street from 1653 to 1699. During the 18th century Wall Street was a slave trading marketplace.

Ground Zero and 9/11 attacks

A rather solemn and thought provoking area lies 2 pool fountains on the actual sites where the two World Trade Center towers (Twin Towers) once stood as well as a memorial that lists the names of all the victims of the September 11 2001 terrorist attack on the city.

There is the 9/11 Museum on site. The museum did a great job collecting photos, personal stories, the actual terrorist boarding passes and even soundbites from that day.

This is a popular attraction and would suggest purchasing tickets beforehand.

The Oculous and One World Trade Center

All within the 9/11 memorial make your way to see The Oculus. Opened in 2016 you can’t miss this white structure from the outside as it is very eye catching. It looks like large wings on the outside and once inside it looks like a huge rib cages.

The Oculus is actually a shopping centre and a transport hub. You can go inside to take that iconic shot from the middle of the shopping centre – it is truly something else.

The One World Trade Center now stands next to where the original Twin Towers stood.

Trinity Church

Built in 1698 the original Trinity Church was a small parish church constructed by the Church of England. When the British seized New York after George Washington’s retreat it was used as a British base of operations. After the war of American Independence George Washington regularly worshipped here. The graveyard dates back to the 1700s and holds many a famous Americans including Hamilton and his wife Elizabeth, Francis Lewis (signatory on the Declaration of Independence), and John Alsop (Continental Congress delegate).

Empire State Building

This building really requires no introduction it’s the most iconic building in NYC. You have the option to go to the 86th floor or go even higher to the 102nd floor. Tickets cost $50 (GB£44).

Chrysler Building

One of New York City’s Art Deco skyscrapers with a distinctly pointed spire and arched crown.

Grand Central Station

Not too far a stroll from the Empire State Building you’ll find Grand Central Station. It’s a hive of activity and is a working tube and rail station.

New York Library

Located in Mid-Town at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue is one of the most famous libraries in New York City and is famed in many films such as Ghostbusters, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Thomas Brown Affair, amongst others.

Ghostbusters Firehouse

This is another of New York’s iconic buildings. Located at 14 North Moore Street is the home of Ghostbusters HQ in the 1984 film.

Ghostbusters Building

Another iconic building associated with the 1984 film Ghostbusters is the Shandor building located at 55 Central Park West. It was portrayed much taller and with the rooftop temple via the eight floors that were added to exterior shots of it by a painting by Production designer/Art director John DeCuir.

Central Park

It’s free. There are lots of little paths to walk spanning over 40 blocks. During the summer months there are often free concerts and theatre productions too. Central Park is populated by statues and sculptures, ponds, parks, and famous filming sites.

The High Line

The High Line park is a scenic 1.5 mile elevated trail built on a former New York Central Railroad. You can enter the High Line park from the very beginning near the W 34 St & 12 Ave corner. The elevated platform means it’s possible to have a nice peaceful walk through the city. Walking from one end of the High Line park to the other should take about 25 minutes.

The Vessel

Located at 20 Hudson Yards is one of the newer attractions in New York City built as part of the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project. You will have seen The Vessel all over Social Media with its unique architecture that resembles a honeycomb. The Vessel is located at one end of The Highline.

Chelsea Market

The High Line park goes under Chelsea Market so as soon as you see signs for Chelsea Market you can simply follow it. It’s a great place to stop for refreshments. There are heaps of options at Chelsea Market with independent food stalls.

Times Square and Broadway

Located at Broadway and 42nd Street is Times Square. Arguably is one of the most touristy yet must visit locations in Manhattan. It has a different feel about it both during the day and of a night. Once the sun goes down you can really feel the excitement around this area from the brightly lit billboards.

Times Square is also in the Theatre District. You must check out some Broadway shows while you’re in the city such as Hamilton, The Lion King or Wicked.

Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center is a large complex consisting of 19 commercial buildings between 48th Street and 51st Street. The 14 original Art Deco buildings commissioned by the Rockefeller family span the area between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue separated by a large sunken square and a private street called Rockefeller Plaza. At Christmas the Plaza is home to a huge Christmas Tree and ice rink.

Where to eat in New York City

There is absolutely no way I could list all the great places to eat in this city and everyone will have their own personal favourites. With this in mind I’m listing the places I visited.

Pershing Square – pershingsquare.com

Located opposite Grand Central Terminal is a funky bistro cocktail bar that opens early to serve breakfast and into the night. A little bit on the pricey side but worth a stop especially for a drink.

Tavern on the Green – tavernonthegreen.com

Located W 67th Street opposite Central Park and the Ghostbusters building you’ll discover Tavern on the Green. It has become very popular with actors, musicians and politicians. Tavern on the Green has also been used in films such as Ghostbusters, Edward Scissorhands and Beaches.

5th Avenue Pizza – 6 E 42nd Street

No visit to the Big Apple is complete without having a slice from the city’s pizza scene. It’s cheap, quick and filling.

Final Thought

Anyone that has been to New York City knows that there isn’t one single thing that you could honestly write about without someone else suggesting something different. The city is huge, never sleeps and can be rather overwhelming at times.

There is noise, bright lights and people everywhere you turn. Out of all the cities in the world you have to have New York City on your bucket list. To experience it fully you’d need to spend years there but certainly a trip of 4 days to begin with is a good head start. Know what you want to see and do. Make an itinerary. Download the transport apps and wear comfortable footwear.

It’s a city I have visited many times in the past and although it isn’t my favourite American city (I do think there are nicer ones by far) I’m always happy to repay a visit from time to time.