A BUCKET LIST GUIDE TO THE BEST OF NYC

New York City can seem quite overwhelming as it’s bursting with so much to see, do, eat and drink. In our experience it is the ultimate city break and has something for everyone. Read on to discover our guide on some of our best spots in New York City including accommodation options, where to eat and drink and of course the sights you cannot miss, especially if you are visiting for the first time. This bucket list guide to the best of NYC will be your trusted companion in crafting your own itinerary in the city that never sleeps.

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Best Time to Visit New York

New York City is an all year round destination to visit depending on what your interests are. The summer months are bustling and lively with green foliage, lots of visitors, outdoor events happening, but quite hard to get reservations at restaurants and there will most certainly be queues at many of the attractions. So opting for the skip the line, or booking way ahead will be a must. Winter time is magical, especially Christmas, with snow and pretty Central Park scenes, when the famous ice rink is set. although it can be very very cold and you may want to opt for indoor activities such as museums and art galleries.

Autumn and Spring are great to visit, with less crowds, decent weather conditions and it’s always beautiful to see the city as it transitions through the seasons, these are also particularly nice times to hang out at Central Park

How Long to Spend in New York City

Again, this is totally up to what you’d like to do. Anything from three nights at the weekend to a seven days is great but allow us to warn you, however long you spend here, it will NOT be enough. But that’s why many return, plus New York is a place that has been evolving and changing from year to year, let alone season to season! There really is no place like New York York City.

How to Get to New York City: Flights

The majority of people will arrive internationally into New York via a number of options if arriving by plane. Arrivals would either be at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which are both in Queens. Alternatively you’d arrive into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in neighbouring New Jersey. LaGuardia Airport serves domestic destinations, and also offers flights to selected Canadian locations. When flying from the UK, you’ll ether arrive and depart from JFK and Newark Liberty. Flight time takes on average seven hours form London Heathrow or London Gatwick.

How to Get to New York City From The Airports

Public Transport

Manhattan is generally where most people stay on a first visit to NYC. The best way to travel from JFK Airport to the centre is via AirTrain or subway. This usually takes around 50 minutes and costs around $8-$15. Look for the signs at the airport after collecting your luggage.

From Newark Airport the quickest and most cost effective way to Manhattan is to take the NJ Transit train. Get on the NorthEast Corridor line heading towards New York Penn Station. From here you can get the subway, walk or get a cab to your exact hotel location. The journey takes around 30 minutes, with a single ticket fare of $19.

Taxi

It is possible to get a taxi but these are often quite pricey and you can be stuck in traffic for a long time, especially if it’s peak commuter time. A taxi can cost around $60-70 (we’ve paid $62 + a 15-20% tip) or more at certain times. In peak traffic times, you may be charged a surcharge (16:00-20:00) or a toll to enter the city. It has taken us around an hour in bad traffic for a one way journey from JFK airport.

A taxi from Newark airport to Manhattan can cost between $50 and $75 on average, but it can be as much as $100-$120. Travel time is around 30 minutes but also up to 90 minutes in heavy traffic.

Ubers will be a little cheaper from both JFK and Newark Airport.

How to Get Around New York City

NYC Subway & New York City Pass

Firstly, in our opinion, if you’re short of time, get yourself a subway card. It may not be the most glamourous way to travel  but its good value for money, you avoid the traffic and you”ll cover a lot of ground. We purchased a seven day card for $33 and trust us we saved time and money.

More information on the Subway including Fares & Schedules: NYC Subway: Schedule & Prices.

Secondly we purchased THE NEW YORK PASS online for a one off fee, which gives you access to over a hundred sights and experiences and in many cases you can skip the line! We purchased a three day pass and it worked out that we only had to visit three sights and we’d already made what we got the card for back. Additionally it gives you access to certain Broadway shows (for example we saved 20% on Lion King premium tickets!) and also other experiences and restaurants in the city. It is possible to buy passes for one, two, three, four, five, seven and ten days so you can choose depending on your length of stay. They start from £117 and go up with the number of days you’re buying for. We worked out that we had a 50% saving on attractions than if we’d paid for them all individually.

Where to Stay in New York City

When in New York City, we prefer to stay on Manhattan Island as its where many of the attractions and points of interest are but also there are good transport and subway links to the rest of the city. We also love Brooklyn as a base due to its more warehouse red brick feel and the views out to Manhattan Island. Our personal view on hotels in NYC is that they are a good base for sleeping, showering and relaxing post exploring the city so we tend to opt for entry level rooms. Here are a few of our personal recommendations, where we have stayed on a few visits to NYC.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Style: Sustainable Luxury

This gem of a hotel that’s located on the waterfront with incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge, East River and the most beautiful rooms and suites is a complete luxury to stay in. This is a place to splash out. The service is impeccable as are the standards in every way.

After a day of sightseeing head to the rooftop bar and pool for some relaxation or drinks at Harriet’s rooftop. Taste is the farm to table outlet which serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner as well as snacks in between.

We particularly love the use of reclaimed materials and the brands energy conservation policies as well as lots of other plant saving and eco friendly initiatives.

• Street Address: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 I Tel. +1 347 69 62 500.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Nearest Subway: High Street, York Street, Clark Street, Court Street and Borough Hall.
• Details: Check In: 16:00, Check-out: 12:00.
• Price Range: $$$$.
• Why we love it: The rooftop pool and bar, the most perfect views ever over the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. The eco friendly considerations throughout and impressive service.

**Click the button below and add 1 Hotel Brooklyn and your desired dates in the search box

The Hudson New York

Style: Midrange Classic

Located a stones throw from Central Park, The Hudson is well located for Broadway, Times Square and if you like your food, Hells Kitchen. It is also a two minute walk from Columbus station, which has great subway links.

Rooms are small and panelled and can appear quite dark, depending on room position and choice however the hotel is beautifully designed with foliage and open brick work. It has a lovely warehouse loft feel in the communal spots.

The bar has. a wonderful selection. of beers and other drinks as well as a restaurant that serves America fare throughout the day.

• Street Address: 356 West 58th Street, New York, 10019 I Tel. +1 212-554-6000. 
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Nearest Subway: Columbus Circle.
• Details: Check In: 15:00, Check-out: 12:00.
• Price Range: $$/$.
• Why we love it: Perfect location opposite Central Park, Spacious communal areas to hang out in, Roof terrace and a great breakfast hall.

**Click the button below and add Hudson Hotel and your desired dates in the search box

Yotel

Style: Modern, cool and good value.

A super cool mid town hotel, affiliated to the Yo Sushi group, think bright airy, funky, and cabin style rooms that have everything you need, including a fabulous view of the Manhattan skyline! Additionally there’s a very cool rooftop terrace and a Yobot, yep you heard that right, a robot that stores and retrieves your luggage.

We think this is the perfect pied a terre in New York. Yotel is reasonable priced, in a great central location and has a great fun vibe. The concierge team and staff are very friendly with some great recommendations in the city.

• Street Address: 570 10th Avenue, New York  10036 I Tel. +1 646-449-7700. 
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Nearest Subway: Times Square – 42nd Street / Port Authority Bus Terminal two blocks away.
• Details: Check In: 15:00, Check-out: 11:00.
• Price Range: $$.
• Why we love it: The cool modernistic rooms with great views from the slim floor to ceiling windows. The rooftop bar and fun communal spaces.

Sights & City Views

Top of The Rock at The Rockefeller Centre

Breath taking panoramas stretching miles in all directions, Top of the Rock has the best view in NYC with its perfect view of the Empire State Building, whether you’re visiting day or night. Located 850 ft above ground atop the Art Deco Comcast Building, gives you picture-perfect views of that perfect NYC Skyline.

Be-lavie Tip: Best Time to visit: Early morning or for sunset photography. Great views of The Empire State Building.

• Street Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 10112 I Tel.  +1 212-698-2000.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Opening Times & details: Plan your visit.
• Reviews: See what fellow visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Centre Station.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is an American icon and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Head to the top and enjoy views of up to 80 miles on a clear day, taking in Central Park, Manhattan, New Jersey, Connecticut and even out to Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the views from its 86th floor observation decks are phenomenal. As with the Top of the Rock, this is included with the NYC pass.

• Street Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001 I Tel +1 212-736-3100.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Opening Times & Further Information: Plan your visit.
• Reviews: See what fellow visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: From 123 or ACE lines, exit the train at 34nd Street – Penn Station. From Penn Station, it’s a five minute walk to the building entrance.

Statue of Liberty & Staten Island Ferry

If you don’t fancy making the trip to Ellis Island to get a glimpse of The Statue of Liberty, then you can catch the local Staten island commuter ferry, which is absolutely free. I have previously visited Ellis Island and learnt of the immigration history so was keen to get a different perspective on Lady Liberty this time.

The Ferry is every half hour and does get very busy. I was told you can get around 3,000 people on it! Watch out there is a stampede when the doors open to get a window spot!

Be-lavie Tip: Avoid the ferry in commuter times and weekends as it can get very crowded. Try and head for an open view as soon as you get on. There can be a lot of tourists on board, so try and get a good spot, preferably on the right hand side on the way there and left hand side on the way back from Staten Island. The Staten Island Ferry is FREE to use.

• Street Address: Upper New York Bay.
• Find it Here: Map Location (Ferry Terminal).
• Details & Mow Information: Staten Island Ferry.
• Ferry Times:  Schedules.
• Review: See what fellow visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: South Ferry Station and Whitehall Street.

If you want to go and see the Statue to Liberty, up close and personal and learn about the history of Ellis Island and the immigrants who arrived in NYC, then make sure you book the tour below…

Central Park

One of the world’s most iconic parks! I love spending Sunday morning strolling around the park, from the carousel, Belvedere Castle, the reservoir, the Zoo, Bethesda Fountain, Minton Tile ceiling, Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields, there is just so much to do in this much loved green space.

• Street Address: 59th-110th Street. New York.
• Find it here: Map Location.
• Things to do: Plan your visit.
• Must Visit: Loeb Boathouse (brunch or dinner with lake views in Central Park).
• Reviews: See what other visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: 86 Street. It’s an eight min walk away.

Be-lavie Tip: Central Park is a vast space, the entire space is around 840 acres, so factor in about half a day for a wander and boating or even ice skating in the winter months.

Greenwich Village & Sex & The City

Having been an avid fan of Sex & The City from day 1, I love walking the streets of Greenwich and reminiscing about what Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte got up to. It’s a leafy suburb full of pretty boutiques, steep stepped townhouses and delicious bakeries and cutesy shops in general. It used to be well known for it’s artist and bohemian hangouts in the 19th century.

• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Reviews: What fellow visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway:  Christopher St Stonewall. It’s a one min walk away.

Take a stroll past Carrie’s house on Perry Street or grab a cupcake and coffee as the girls did in SATC from The Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street.

Things to do in Greenwich Village

• What To See: Visit Carrie Bradshaw’s front door in Sex & The City.
• Don’t Miss: Grab a Red Velvet Cupcake at The Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street just like the SATC ladies!

The Meatpacking District

One of my favourite neighbourhoods on a par with Brooklyn, is made up of warm toned warehouse style blocks, wide streets and a cool hip urban industrial vibe filled with bars and restaurants galore. Definitely worth a meander during the week or weekend! As the name suggests, the converted warehouses were used for the meat packing businesses that once monopolised the area.

• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Further Details: Things to do and places to eat in the Meatpacking district.
• Reviews: What fellow visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: Christopher Street-Stonewall and 14 Street / eighth Avenue. The closest one is a seven min walk away.

Recommended Meatpacking Tours

Chelsea Market

Located minutes away from the High Line, in the Meatpacking District, lies the uber cool Chelsea Market. If you like your food and locally produced and sourced food and drink, this is your place. There is a huge selection of eateries from pancakes, to Ethiopian food to steak, pizza, fab desserts and coffee houses. If you go before you walk the High Line, you’ll even get a chance to walk it off!!

• Address: 75 9th Ave, New York 10011. I Tel. +1 212-652-2111 I Retailers & Opening Hours: Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Reviews: What fellow visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: A, C, E, or L train to the 14th Street (8th Avenue) station. Walk West to Ninth Avenue and 15th Street.Reviews: Read what others are saying about Chelsea Market.

Recommended Chelsea Market Tours

The High Line

The famous High Line starts in the Meatpacking district and is a must do experience. It stretches 1.45 miles above street level and is a greenway with over five hundred species of plants and trees. It also features some fantastic art works and sculptures as well as drinks and snacks stalls. The High line was an elevated disused former railway line. It goes right up to near the Vessel at Hudson Yards. The park is maintained, operated, and programmed by Friends of the High Line in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.

• Street Address: (High Line Start). New York, NY 10011.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Further Information: High Line Website.
• Nearest Subway: To start at the bottom of the park, take the A/C/E or L to 14th Street and Eighth Avenue; for the top, take the A/C/E or 1/2/3 to Penn Station or the 7 to 34th Street-Hudson Yards.
• Reviews: what fellow visitors are saying.

Recommended High Line Tour

Stairway to Nowhere (The Vessel)

Right at the end of The Highline, sits a tall structure known as the ‘Stairway to Nowhere’, aka The Vessel. It takes pride of place in the new Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project and has been designed by British Heatherwick Studio. I would definitely recommend climbing to the top! Something tells me this part of town is going to look very different when I return to NYC.

• Address: 20 Hudson Yards  New York  10001 I Tel. +1 33 22 04 85 00.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details & More Information: Website.
• Nearest Subway: the 7 train to 34th Street-Hudson Yards station.
• Reviews: See what others are saying about The Vessel.

Bryant Park

This little outdoor space in the middle of mid town Manhattan has so many things going on from concerts to games, to petanque tournaments, readings and recitals. There’s also a lovely café set up. It can get a little busy but has a great local atmosphere.

• Street Address: New York, NY 10018 I Tel. +1 212-768-4242. 
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details & More Information: Bryant Park.
• Reviews: What other visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: B, D, F, or M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park. Take the 7 train to 5th Avenue.

The Flatiron Building & District

The iconic FlatIron building was built as the headquarters of a construction company but was later renamed the Flat Iron due to it’s unusual shape of the triangular plot! It’s 22 storeys high and opened in 1902 and has been said to be a very popular photo spot ever since it opened. When you see it in person, you’ll know what I mean.

• Street Address: 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Reviews: What other visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: W 23 St/5 Av is 68 yards away, one min walk. E 23 St/Broadway is 85 yards away, two min walk. 5 Av/W 23 St is 107 yards away, two min walk.22 Aug 2024.

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, it has a main span of 4.83 miles and is one of the oldest roadway bridges in the United States and was the world’s first steel wire suspension bridge! Walking the bridge is a must and you have to take the walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn and back again.

It takes about 20 minutes but stick to the walking lane as cyclists will get annoyed if you’re in their lane!! It’s only fair! You get some great pics of Manhattan Island and the skyscrapers from here.

• Street Address: Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Reviews: What other visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: From Manhattan Take the 4, 5, 6 trains to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Stop or the J or Z trains to Chambers St. Stop.

Dumbo, Brooklyn

It’s unbelievable to think that Dumbo didn’t exist a few years ago, it was a bunch of warehouse and businesses. Today it’s a trendy, cool hub of small creatives, aesthetically eye catching restaurants and small green spaces. Architecturally industrial but with the most jaw dropping views of The Brooklyn Bridge and Washington Bridge, captured in one panorama.

For a great Rooftop bar experience, check out The 1 hotel at Brooklyn Bridge and tell me what you thought! Dumbo is located right below the bridge and a few minutes’ walk from High Street Station in Brooklyn. Additionally Washington Street is Dumbo’s most Instagrammable street. We stumbled upon it by accidents and there were swarms of tourists and wedding parties there however, it started thundering and the crowds cleared at sunset, so I thought it would be rude not to take a snap! Sometimes Mother Nature works her magic!

• Street Location: New York, NY 10038,
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• More Information & Website: Brooklyn.
• Reviews: What other visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: High St and York Street. The closest one is a six min walk away.

Williamsburg & The Bushwick Arts Collective (Brooklyn)

If you’re a street art fiend like we are, this tour is for you. It introduces and takes you through the history of street art, which originated in the streets of The Bronx right up to modern day and how these artists are now commissioned to paint on the sides of the warehouses and buildings. It’s truly fascinating.

• Find it Here: Map Location.
• More Information & Website: Williamsburg.
• Reviews: what other visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: G to Lorimer St, Metropolitan Ave, Broadway; J, M, Z to Marcy Ave, Hewes St, Lorimer St; L to Bedford Ave, Lorimer St, Graham Ave, Grand St.

Related Article: Bushwick Collective Street Art Tour

Grand Central Terminal

This historic world famous landmark in Midtown Manhattan is not simply a hub for transportation but also has 60 shops, a phenomenal food hall with 35 eateries and a full calendar of events. The grand clock has been a meeting point for decades.

• Street Address: 89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017 I Tel:  +1 212-340-2583.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• More Information & Website: Grand Central Station.
• Reviews: What other visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: Grand Central Terminal is serviced by the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S subway lines.

911 Memorial

Located on the site of the original World Trade Centre, the 9/11 memorial pays homage to the 2983 victims of the 1993 and 2001 attacks. The  museum takes an in depth look at the story through artefacts, testimonies and first hand accounts. Look at the reflecting pools and take in the tranquil pavilion of the 9/11 memorial before learning more about the Twin Towers tragedies through respectful interactive exhibits. Just to note, this is a truly emotional and overwhelming experience.

• Street Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007 I Tel. +1 212-312-8800.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• More Information & Website: 911 Memorial.
• Reviews: What fellow visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: Chambers Street: Accessible by the A, C, J, Z, 1, 2, or 3 subway lines, Fulton Street: Accessible by the A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, or 5 subway lines, Park Place: Accessible by the 2 or 3 subway lines, Rector Street: Accessible by the R subway line, Cortlandt Street: Accessible by the R subway line, WTC Cortlandt: Accessible by the 1 subway line.

Recommended 911 Tours

The Oculus

Possibly the world’s most glamorous Westfield, In New York’s Lower Manhattan, architect Santiago Calatrava’s Oculus transportation hub rose from the debris of the September 11th terrorist attacks, as an organic form within a field of towers and the memorials representing them. It is situated in the World Trade Centre and serves as a transportation hub, shopping mall and restaurant complex. Definitely a pieces of architecture worth visiting.

• Street Address: New York, NY 10007.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• More Information & Website: The Oculus at The World Trade Centre.
• Reviews: What fellow visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: 1 train at WTC Cortlandt and the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, and Z trains at Fulton Street.

Times Square

The most famous square in the world, you most certainly won’t miss it, located in mid town Manhattan! Personally I try and stay away from this area as it’s very crowded but I do think it looks better at night illuminated than during daylight hours. It’s very touristy and you won’t see many locals around here, but you have to visit, it’s iconic! 

• Street Address: Manhattan, NY 10036.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• More Information & Website: Times Square.
• Reviews: What fellow visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: 42 St-Bryant Park – a one min walk away.

Radio City Music Hall

Situated inside The Rockefeller centre, this music venue has seen some pretty famous acts perform here. Check out their website to see if there is anything that takes your fancy! It also houses the Rockettes, who are an American precision dance company. If you like your art, I believe there are a few collections available here for your perusal.

• Street Address: 1260 6th Ave, New York 10020. I Tel. +1 212-465-6741. 
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• More information & Website: Radio City Music Hall.
• Reviews: What fellow visitors are saying.
• Nearest Subway: 47-50 Street- Rockefeller Center subway stop on the B, D, F, and M line.

Must do Tours & Experiences in NYC

Here area some of our personally recommended tours that we think are perfect for first time visitors as well as those who want greater depth of knowledge about the history and background behind New York City’s most loved sights,

Be-lavie Tip: If you’re short of time, we’d recommend you opt for skip the line tickets for attractions or pre booked tours to maximise time on your NYC visit. This way your daily itinerary will be fixed.

Unusual Tours In NYC

Here are some more unusual tours that we’d recommend doing in NYC for culture, heritage and getting to know other areas of the city.