The Best Things to See and Do in NYC: A Tourist Guide

New York City is one of the most iconic locations in the world. From the bright lights of Broadway to the sprawling skyscrapers of Manhattan, it’s no wonder why millions of tourists flock to the city each year. With so many sights and activities, it’s difficult to decide what to do and see in NYC. In this blog post, we’ll provide an in-depth guide to all the best things to do in NYC, from iconic landmarks to exciting attractions.

History of NYC

New York City has a rich history that dates back centuries. The first settlement in what is now NYC was founded by Dutch colonists in 1624. The settlement was called New Amsterdam, and it quickly grew into a bustling port city. In 1664, the British seized control of New Amsterdam and renamed it New York City.

The city continued to grow in size and importance over the next few centuries, becoming a major hub for trade and commerce. In 1790, the population of NYC topped 33,000 and it quickly became the largest city in the United States. By the mid-1800s, NYC was home to over 600,000 people and had become one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Today, NYC is a global center of commerce, finance, culture, art, fashion, entertainment, and more. It’s home to 8.6 million people and is one of the most visited cities in the world.

Popular Sights & Attractions

There are so many attractions in NYC that it can be hard to decide which ones are worth seeing. Here are a few of our top picks for sights and attractions in NYC:

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic symbols of NYC. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States and was dedicated in 1886. The Statue stands at a height of over 151 feet and is made from copper sheets that form her robe and crown. The Statue’s iconic torch is visible for miles around and is a symbol of hope for many who visit it.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of NYC’s most recognizable landmarks. Located at 5th Avenue and 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan, the building stands at 1,454 feet tall and offers stunning views of the city from its 86th floor observatory deck. The building was completed in 1931 and remains one of the most visited attractions in NYC.

Central Park

Central Park is one of the most beloved attractions in NYC. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is an 843-acre oasis with lush green lawns, winding paths, peaceful ponds, and more. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy nature in an urban setting. It’s also home to many attractions such as Central Park Zoo, Belvedere Castle, and Strawberry Fields Memorial.

Times Square

Times Square is one of the most iconic spots in NYC. Located at 7th Avenue and 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, Times Square is a bustling hub of activity day and night. The area is home to many popular attractions such as Madame Tussauds wax museum, restaurants, theatres, and more. It’s also a great spot to take a picture with one of the many iconic billboards that line the area.

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is another iconic symbol of NYC. Spanning over a mile across the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan, the bridge offers stunning views of both boroughs as well as the Statue of Liberty. The bridge was completed in 1883 and is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. It’s also one of the most photographed attractions in NYC.

Unique Experiences

In addition to the popular sights and attractions mentioned above, there are plenty of unique experiences that can be had in NYC. Here are a few unique experiences that you won’t want to miss:

Take a Food Tour

NYC is home to some of the best food in the world, so it’s well worth taking a food tour while you’re there. A food tour will give you a chance to sample some of the city’s delicious cuisine while learning about its history and culture. From Italian food in Little Italy to Chinese food in Chinatown, there’s something delicious for everyone on a NYC food tour.

Ride a Bike Along the Hudson River

Riding a bike along the Hudson River is one of the best ways to experience NYC. You’ll get stunning views of the city skyline as you ride along the river, as well as plenty of fresh air and exercise. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one from one of many bike rental shops along the river.

Visit Governors Island

Governors Island is a 172-acre island located just off Manhattan’s southern tip. While it was once a military base, it’s now home to plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy such as art galleries, picnic areas, playgrounds, and more. Visitors can also take scenic ferry rides around the island for stunning views of NYC from the water.

Explore Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is an indoor market located near Chelsea Piers on Manhattan’s West Side. The market is home to dozens of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and more. It’s also home to several art galleries, restaurants, and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat or browse local artwork.

Popular Tours

In addition to all these sights and experiences, there are plenty of popular tours you can take while visiting NYC. Here are two popular tours you won’t want to miss:

NYC Downtown Tour

This tour takes you on an exploration of downtown Manhattan including iconic landmarks such as Wall Street, Battery Park, Trinity Church, St Paul’s Chapel and more. You’ll also get great views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park before taking a ferry ride around Manhattan for amazing skyline views from the water. Book an NYC Downtown Tour here.

NYC Nightlife Tour

This tour takes you on an exploration of some of NYC’s best nightlife spots including bars, clubs, jazz lounges, live music venues and more. You’ll also get insight into some lesser known gems off the beaten path as well as tips on where to find great food late at night. Book an NYC Nightlife Tour here.

Conclusion

New York City has something for everyone – whether you’re looking for iconic sights or unique experiences, there’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant city. From food tours to nightlife tours, there are plenty of ways to explore NYC like a local. We hope our guide has provided you with some helpful information about all the best things to do and see in NYC!