Discovering the Best of the Big Apple
Ah, New York City. The city where bagels are their own food group, the skyline looks Photoshopped, and you can hear over 800 languages spoken — probably all in one subway ride. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city that never sleeps, NYC has a never-ending list of things to do. Fasten your seatbelts; we’re going on an epic journey through Gotham, packed with fun, excitement, and maybe even a little mystery.
Walks in Central Park: A Jaunt for the Soul
Kick off your NYC adventure with a stroll through walks in New York‘s famous Central Park. This iconic oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle is perfect for a leisurely walk, a jog, or a surprise run-in with a guy playing guitar in the bushes attempting to be the next Bob Dylan. Don’t forget to visit Strawberry Fields and pay homage to John Lennon while marveling at the diversity of street performers — and squirrels.
Museum Marvels: The Art of Knowing Stuff
New York boasts monumental museums that can both impress and confuse you. Start with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where you can drift through more than two million works of art. If history is your thing, head over to the American Museum of Natural History. Trust us, dioramas of extinct animals are surprisingly entertaining. Just don’t walk into the wall while you’re looking at the dinosaur skeletons; it happens more often than you think.
Empire State Building: High, Higher, Highest
What’s a visit to New York without ascending to dizzying heights? Head to the Empire State Building for panoramic views that will make you realize just how many Starbucks locations there are. Fun fact: King Kong climbed it, and you can too, but you’ll have to use the elevator like everyone else. Snap some photos unless you’re afraid of heights. Don’t worry; the deck railing is solid — we think.
Food Fix: The Good, the Great, and the Delicious
Onto satisfying those hunger pangs. Seeking pizza in NYC is like searching for water in the ocean — it’s everywhere and usually pretty salty. Joe’s Pizza is a classic choice, but if you want to wade into a doughy debate, rave about Connecticut-style pizza to a true New Yorker and see what happens. For a quintessential Jewish deli experience, Katz’s Delicatessen offers monumental pastrami sandwiches that could tackle your appetite into submission.
Broadway Shows: Dramatic Notes in the Air
No trip to New York is complete without a Broadway show. Whether you’re in for the drama, the music, or the sheer magic, there’s something for everyone. Can’t afford the top-tier tickets? Explore the last-minute ticket lines or enter lotteries. Just don’t mistake it for the line to a new Supreme drop, that’s another kind of drama entirely.
Night Owls Unite: Bars All Around
The night may be dark but it’s full of wonderful neon lights, and libations! Check out some of the quirky bars in New York, like Please Don’t Tell, hidden behind an old phone booth inside a hotdog joint. Trust us, it’ll be one heck of a night. Remember to call your mom and reassure her when she inevitably calls midway through your third cocktail.
Staying Over: The Big Apple Sleepover
After all this adventure, you’re going to need a place to crash. Luckily, there are countless options from luxurious hotels in New York to more affordable hostels. Whether you’re crashing in the lap of luxury or channeling your inner minimalist in a shoebox room (also known as a New York studio apartment), you’ll rest easy knowing that every night is another opportunity for tomorrow’s thrill.
And there you have it — a wild ride through the endless adventures New York City offers. Whether you’re a local looking for new things to do or a tourist exploring for the first time, the city always finds a way to surprise and delight. Just remember, the Times Square Elmo might not have your best interests at heart. Happy exploring!