Fun Things To Do In NYC This Summer

New York City is one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the world. Its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, renowned museums and galleries, and endless entertainment options make it a dream destination for travelers from all over the world. As the unofficial cultural capital of the United States, New York City is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. Whether you are looking for a luxurious shopping spree, an inspiring cultural experience, or simply a place to have some fun, NYC has something for everyone.

A Brief History of NYC

The city began as a trading post called “New Amsterdam” in 1624, founded by the Dutch West India Company. For the next century, the city flourished as an important port for trade between Europe and the New World. In 1789, New York City was chosen as the first capital of the United States, hosting both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. In 1811, the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811 created Manhattan’s iconic street grid, which still stands today.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, New York City became an important center of culture and commerce, with its population growing exponentially. Today, it is home to over 8.5 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. The city is also the most linguistically diverse urban area in the world, with over 800 languages spoken throughout its five boroughs.

Famous Attractions in NYC

From iconic landmarks to world-class museums and galleries, there is no shortage of attractions to explore in New York City. Some of the most well-known attractions include the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Empire State Building is an Art Deco skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986 and is one of the most recognizable buildings in New York City. On a clear day from its observation deck on the 86th floor, you can see up to five states!

Times Square is a major intersection and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan. It is best known for its massive digital billboards, colorful lights, and costumed characters that roam its streets. It is also considered by many to be the cultural center of New York City and is home to many major media outlets and entertainment venues.

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture located on Liberty Island in Upper New York Harbor. It was given to the United States by France in 1886 and has become an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island to get up close and personal with Lady Liberty and explore her iconic torch and crown.

Central Park is an 843-acre public park located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. It is one of the most visited urban parks in the world and features beautiful paths for walking or biking, horse-drawn carriages, a lake for boating, numerous playgrounds, and many other attractions.

The Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. It was opened to traffic in 1883 and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge for stunning views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Unique Experiences in NYC

New York City has something for everyone, from fine dining experiences to thrilling nightlife options. Here are some of the unique experiences that you can have in NYC:

Rooftop Bars

New York City is known for its exciting nightlife scene and its many rooftop bars are some of its most popular attractions. From sleek sky-high lounges to open-air bars with stunning views of the city skyline, there are plenty of rooftop bars where you can enjoy a few drinks with friends or even watch the sunset over Manhattan. Some popular rooftop bars include The Press Lounge in Hell’s Kitchen, The Rooftop at The William Vale in Brooklyn, and Mr. Purple at Hotel Indigo Lower East Side.

Museums & Galleries

New York City has some of the best art museums and galleries in the world. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of its most popular museums, featuring works by iconic modern artists such as Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso. Other notable museums include The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), which houses over 5,000 years worth of art from around the world; The Whitney Museum of American Art; The Guggenheim; and the American Museum of Natural History.

Broadway Shows

No trip to New York City would be complete without seeing a Broadway show! From classic musicals like The Phantom of the Opera to modern hits like Hamilton, there are plenty of shows for everyone to enjoy. Some popular shows include Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked, Aladdin, The Lion King, and Chicago: The Musical.

Popular Tours in NYC

Whether you want to explore the city on your own or join one of its many guided tours, there are plenty of options to choose from – here are two popular tours that you should consider:

Empire State Building & Rockefeller Center Tour

On this tour you will get to visit two iconic landmarks in Midtown Manhattan – The Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. Start your tour at The Empire State Building where you will take an elevator up to its 86th floor observation deck for stunning 360-degree views of New York City. Then walk over to Rockefeller Center to explore its gardens, ice skating rink (seasonal), Radio City Music Hall, and Top of the Rock Observation Deck for breathtaking views of Central Park and beyond. Book this Empire State Building & Rockefeller Center Tour for a memorable experience!

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour

This tour will take you to Liberty Island where you will get to explore the Statue of Liberty up close. You will also visit Ellis Island where you can learn more about American immigration history at its interactive museum and see its historic Great Hall where millions of immigrants were processed before entering the United States. Book this Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour to see these two iconic landmarks!