I’ve been to New York City four times now, and there are always plenty of fun things to do when visiting.

NYC is full of diverse cultures and contains an immensely intriguing and exciting group of people living within its bounding streets. There’s always something to do, and it’s true: the city never sleeps.

On our last trip to New York City, we arrived on a Thursday and had a full Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to explore. We then went home early on Monday morning.

Here are some of our highlights from our packed weekend:

  • Friday – On Friday, we walked to a café near our Hilton Hotel in Midtown and had croissants and coffee to get us started. Then we took a taxi to the Vessel. Although you can’t walk its ramps any longer, it’s still fun to see. After that, we walked the Highline to Chelsea Market. I wasn’t overly impressed with the Chelsea Market, but probably because the food wasn’t yet open at 10 am when we visited, so it was primarily only available retail stores and shops. After Chelsea Market, we took a subway to the 9/11 Memorial Pools and then had Mexican food at Toro Loco in the Financial District. As we were walking to see the Fearless Girl statute, I saw Peter Tuchman right in front of the large New York Stock Exchange building, the most photographed trader on Wall Street. It was phenomenal! He was taking pictures with fans and then walked back inside. After, we took a ride on the Staten Island Ferry to go and see the Statue of Liberty and then had drinks at Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington hung out and spoke to cohorts. The evening concluded with a walk through Little Italy and Chinatown and had dinner at New York City’s oldest pizza stop, Lombardi’s. We finished the evening at New York City’s many gay clubs on 9th Ave, including Flaming Saddles Saloon and Rise Bar.
  • Saturday – A wandering meander through Central Park was on the books for Saturday. We stopped by the Gapstow Bridge, took pictures at my favorite Balto Statue, went to the Bethesda Terrace, saw the Loeb Boathouse, and then made our way via taxi to Jack’s Wife Freda for brunch. It was absolutely delicious! We then went on a walk on 5th Avenue, with iconic spotlights noted, including the Flatiron Building, the 42nd St Library/The New York Public Library Rockefeller Center, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and Bryant Park. We ended our walk with drinks at Grand Central Station’s bar, The Campbell. It was low-light and vintage inside and loved enjoying the various drinks. After dinner, we went to see a Broadway showing of Wicked. It was my second time seeing the show, and felt the cast was a bit sedated. In the evening, we went back to the gay clubs and walked around Times Square.
  • Sunday – In the morning, we took a subway to Brooklyn and paid a visit to Jane’s Carousel out along the water. I then had my fill of macaroni and cheese at Time Out Market, with its many black shutters and beautiful brick exterior. We then walked the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade, and I was initially terrified. I can’t believe you must walk on wooden slats the entire way across the bridge! I enjoyed people-watching and seeing the many vendors displaying their products. After our bridge walk, we stopped by Washington Square Park to see the dog costume competition and walk happening on Halloween weekend. Afterward, we went to The Stonewall Inn for drinks, but they weren’t open yet and a little grumpy at the bar entrance. I’ve already been there but wanted to bring my husband to enjoy the experience. Ultimately, we decided to skip The Stonewall Inn and go down the street to the Galway Hooker Bar. Their drinks were incredible! We then visited Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment from Sex and the City and also saw the apartment from friends. The evening was finished with a trip to Au Cheval for dinner, and their burgers were phenomenal. We sealed the deal in NYC with third trip to the gay bars in midtown.

It was sad to see our trip come to an end but leaving was nice and easy.

We flew in from JFK airport but left via LaGuardia. Taxis come and go to both airports, so traveling to and from your hotel isn’t a difficult experience.

What should I do in New York City for a day?

New York City is an amazingly vibrant and exciting city with many activities and attractions. Some fun things to do in New York City include:

  • Visit the landmarks: New York City is home to many iconic landmarks and parks, such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Prospect Park, and the Empire State Building. You can spend the day visiting these landmarks and taking in the many sights and sounds of the city.
  • Go shopping: New York City is a shopper’s paradise, with department stores, boutiques, and markets selling everything from designer clothing to one-of-a-kind handmade items. You can spend the day exploring the city’s many shopping districts, such as Fifth Avenue and SoHo.
  • Visit a museum: New York City is home to many world-class museums, such as the very large Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. You can spend the day exploring the city’s rich cultural history and seeing some of the world’s most famous works of art.
  • Go to a show: New York City is known for its vibrant theater scene, and you can spend the day taking in a Broadway show or seeing a performance at one of the city’s many other theaters.
  • Eat your way through the city: New York City is home to some of the greatest restaurants in the world, offering a vast variety of cuisines to choose from. You can spend the day trying different restaurants and sampling the city’s famous food. Remember to try your share of pizza, hot dogs, and bagels.
  • Go on a walk: Take a walk or a bike ride through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, such as Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Chinatown.

These are few examples of the many fun things to do in New York City. The city has something for everyone, from culture and history to shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Ultimately, there are many things you can do in New York City in one day, and the best activities will depend on your interests and available time.

What is so great about New York City?

New York City is an exciting place that offers something for everyone. Here are a few reasons why people love visiting and living in New York City:

  1. The Culture: New York City is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all around the world living and working in the city. This diversity is shown in the city’s food, music, art, and fashion scenes, which are some of the best in the world.
  2. The Landmarks: New York City hosts some of the most iconic landmarks in the entire world, such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square. These landmarks are must-see attractions for anyone visiting the city.
  3. The Shopping: New York City is a shopper’s paradise, with department stores, boutiques, and markets selling everything from designer clothing to one-of-a-kind handmade items.
  4. The Food: New York City is home to some of the best restaurants in the whole world, offering a very wide variety of cuisines to choose from. Whether you’re in the perfect mood for a classic slice of pizza or a gourmet meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you’ll find it in New York City.
  5. The Nightlife: New York City is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a great variety of bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Whether you want to hear live music, dance the night away, or relax with a drink at a cozy bar, you’ll find it in New York City.

Overall, New York City is a unique and exciting place that offers something for everyone. It’s where you can experience the best of everything, from culture and entertainment to food and shopping.

What is the #1 attraction in New York City?

It’s difficult to pinpoint a single “number one” attraction in New York City, as it is home to many iconic landmarks and world-famous attractions. Some of the most popular attractions in New York City include:

  1. The Statue of Liberty: The iconic statue symbolizes freedom and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting New York City. You can take a quick ferry to Liberty Island to see the statue up close or view it from a distance from the Staten Island Ferry.
  2. Central Park: This world-famous park is a must-see for any visitor to New York City. You can take a nice, leisurely stroll through the park, ride a bike, or relax on the grass and enjoy the scenery.
  3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: This world-renowned and popular museum is home to a vast collection of art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.
  4. Times Square: This iconic intersection is a must-see for any visitor to New York City. It’s known for its bright lights, giant billboards, and bustling crowds.
  5. The Empire State Building: This iconic skyscraper offers breathtaking views of the iconic city from its observation deck on the 86th floor. It’s a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Ultimately, the “number one” attraction in New York City will depend on your interests and what you want to experience while in the city.

What are the dos and don’ts of New York City?

New York City is large, and with any big city, there are some inherent rules to follow.

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting New York City:

Dos:

  1. Do take public transportation: New York City has an extensive public transportation system, including the subway, buses, and ferries. It’s an efficient and cost-effective way to get around the city.
  2. Be mindful of your surroundings: As with any big city, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions to keep yourself safe. Keep an eye on your valuable belongings, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and use common sense.
  3. Do try new things: New York City is a place that offers something for everyone, so don’t be afraid to step outside your familiar comfort zone and try new things. Whether trying a new type of food, seeing a show, or visiting an unfamiliar neighborhood, there’s always something new and super exciting to discover in the city.
  4. Be respectful: New York City is home to people from all walks of life, and respecting the city’s diverse population is essential. Be mindful of your actions and words, and be respectful of other people’s cultures and backgrounds.

Don’ts:

  1. Don’t be rude: New Yorkers are known for their blunt and direct communication style, but it’s important to be respectful and polite when interacting with others. Avoid being rude or argumentative, and be mindful of your tone and body language.
  2. Don’t block pedestrian traffic: New York City is a busy place, and it’s important to be mindful of others when walking around the city. Avoid stopping in the middle of the sidewalk or blocking pedestrian traffic, and be mindful of your surroundings when walking around.
  3. Don’t litter: New York City is clean and well-maintained, and it’s important to do your part to keep it that way. Avoid littering and dispose of your trash properly.
  4. Don’t get stuck in a tourist trap: New York City is full of tourist traps, and it’s important to be aware of them and avoid falling for them. Be cautious of overly-aggressive street vendors and avoid paying inflated prices for souvenirs or activities.

What should you wear when visiting New York City?

When visiting New York City, it’s important to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather.

The weather in New York can vary greatly, with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer, it’s a good idea to wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes, as the city can be pretty humid and temperatures can reach 90s Fahrenheit (32-37 Celsius). In the winter, you’ll want to wear warm layers, a coat, and a hat, scarf, and gloves to protect yourself from the cold. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking while you’re in the city.

In terms of style, New York City is known for its diverse and eclectic fashion sense, so you’ll see people wearing a wide range of styles. It’s generally a good idea to dress appropriately for the occasion, whether going to a fancy restaurant or a casual tourist attraction. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to err on caution and dress a little more formally than you might in other cities, as New Yorkers tend to be well-dressed.

Overall, when visiting New York City, the most important thing is to be comfortable and practical while keeping the weather and the occasion in mind.

What is the history of New York City?

New York City is a major city located in the northeastern United States.

It was founded in 1624 by Dutch traders as a commercial center and port city, and it quickly became a vital hub of trade and commerce. New York City increased in the 18th and 19th centuries, fueled by immigration and industry expansion.

In the early 20th century, the iconic New York City became a global center of finance, media, and culture. It was home to many of the world’s largest and most influential companies and a major hub of international trade and commerce.

New York City has a rich and diverse history, with many different cultural influences. It was once a Dutch colony, and it has been home to many other ethnic and cultural groups over the years, including African Americans, Irish, Jews, and Puerto Ricans.

The city has faced many challenges, including crime, poverty, and inequality. However, it has also been a center of creativity and innovation, and it remains one of the world’s most important and influential cities.