What to Do in New York City - Unique Experiences Across Boroughs
Visiting New York for the first time is daunting. It's bustling, beautiful, and packed full of more things to do than you could experience in years of living there. But even more, New York City is much more than the island of Manhattan. It truly is a robust mosaic comprised of the five boroughs. So when you plan a trip to New York, the two most important things to remember:
You'll never see everything in your first visit. And maybe not even on the second or third visit. (I've made the pilgrimmage four times, and I've still not walked in Central Park)
There isn't a wrong way to experience it
My best guidance, pick two to three items from the 'Things to Do in New York City' list for each day. Anything more, you may burn out quickly. The best part, New York is a very walkable city so planning a route where you can see multiple things along the way is preferable. And even better, if your feet are about to fall off, the subway system is also great for hopping on and off as needed, especially when the distance is good 20 or 30 blocks away.
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Things to Do in New York City
Experience the New York Theater
There is so much artistic talent in New York City. When I began to scratch the surface of theater in New York, and saw the range of theaters, shows, ticket prices, neighborhoods, and beyond which comprise the theater industry, it became clear to me why it is a hub for actors, writers, and directors.
Bringing me to a very important part about going to the theater in New York City, the show doesn't need to be on Broadway. Broadway shows can be very expensive and potentially out of reach for an already expensive trip. So look beyond to places like Lincoln Center or theaters in one of the other boroughs.
Additionally, certain sites like tkts.com have discounted tickets available for different groups, making the usually pricier shows more accessible. There are all styles, movies to broadway, remakes, musicals, comedies, dramas, Shakespeare. Some shows have Hollywood actors as leads (usually a more expensive ticket) while others may be a cast full of up and coming talent. I'm going out on a limb, but I think there is a show for everyone.
Find the right one for you. But most importantly, make time for at least one show each time you visit.
Visit a Museum
Just like every major city, New York has museums spanning the spectrum from the Tenement Museum to The Met, from small and local to big and famous. I tend to start with art museums, so the only museum I've visited so far is The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It has more than just art as it also has historical artifacts as well. Even more, it's home to the fashion gala of the year, making it an icon in itself.
A quick guide to visiting the Met:
🏺 Start in the Egyptian Art room and marvel at the Temple of Dendur. The large glass wall lets in the best natural light to truly take in these marvels.
🏦 Move towards the The Charles Engelhard Court that has the Branch Bank of the United States enclosed in the glass ceiling room. Again, lots of beautiful light. The room is also full of beautiful statues to admire.
🛋️ See how furniture design changed in the 19th century in The Classical Galleries. I was tempted to want to sit on the different couches on display.
🍷 Enjoy a beverage on the rooftop, and take in some fantastic views of the NYC skyline and Central Park.
☀️ Sit outside on the steps of The Met and have your Gossip Girl moment.
Go to a Baseball Game
New York is a two team city. They have the Yankees and the Mets. From the months of March to October spending time outside, catching fresh air and maybe a foul ball is another way to get an authentic New York experience. I've not made it to Yankee stadium, but I have caught a night time summer game watching the Mets beat the Pirates.
The Mets stadium is in Queens, so the other added benefit is that it gives you one of many good reasons to explore beyond the boundary of Manhattan. The game itself ended in a torrential thunderstorm making for an entertaining walk home, but it was overall a good way to get a vibe of the city, and especially another borough.
Walking Tours to Explore New York City in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn
This section is probably the most important. If anything, just get outside and walk. Walk to dinner, walk to a show, walk through Times Square. Just get out there and experience the city as New Yorkers do and take in the sights, sounds, smells, of the city. One of my favorite ways to do that is to plan a route where I'm moving through a couple of neighborhoods or getting to fully experience one in particular. Here are couple of quick guides.
The Vessel > The Highline > Chelsea Walk
The Vessel
A photogenic structure built in the development of Hudson Yards, it's a great spot to kick off a walking tour. I think it looks like a bee hive. I've heard others say shawarma. what do you think? And from there, you're at the start of the High Line
High Line
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated park and greenway created on a former New York Central Railroad line. It's so unique and a bit futuristic. A super smart reuse of space that now many can enjoy.
Chelsea
Full of art galleries, restaurants, and shops, it's a great place to get lunch or dinner at the end of your walk. We picked up pastries at Artisan Bakery Fabrique.
An Afternoon in Soho Walk
This walk is perfect for a day shopping (window and in store) sprinkled with some food stops along the way to refuel.
Start at Little Market NYC
It's small, cute, and packed full of sections of different purveyors and designers. When I say sections, it might be a corner of the store for one designer or a row or two of shelves for some jewelry. The store is mostly accessories, but has some clothing as well. It's the latest of the fun trinkets to bring back from a visit to NYC. The latest sunglass shapes. That flat-brimmed hat you've been eying. A tie dyed ironic saying sweatshirt. All there.
From there, explore the neighborhood. Browse the windows of stores to make the shortlist of the one's you want to give your time to. There's something for everyone so have a good look around.
Dominique Ansel
Make your exploration in the direction of Dominique Ansel, home of the many times famous cronut. I recently was told that the cronut is no longer the 'it' pastry, but for someone like me who had never had one before, a stop was worthy. We didn't plan specifically for the cronut though so by noon, they were already sold out. But guess what, the cronut is just the marketing to bring you in to this pastry shop -- patisserie -- that has so many other exciting sweet wonders to enjoy. I was overwhelmed. I almost ordered two or three just for me. Again, another moment where no matter what you order, you can't go wrong.
More Shopping
Now that you've powered up on mass amounts of sugar and caffeine, move onto more shopping. This is the moment to return to the stores that you peeked into and want to spend your time and maybe even your money too. Even better, this neighborhood is full of online retailers who have ventured into brick and mortar: All Birds, Sezane, Reformation just to name a few. Most companies who you've seen online and wondered what their store experience would be like or what it would be like to actually try on a few different styles or sizes without having to place a massive order, this is your shot!
Drinks and Dinner
Wrap up your afternoon in Soho with a drink, maybe some food for a snack or early dinner. We dined at Rin Tin Tin. The perfect vibe to match the neighborhood, they have a cute intimate interior, tables that spill out onto the sidewalk perfect for a NYC summer moment, classic cocktails with updates, and tasty mediterranean food.
Brooklyn Bridge at Sunset Walk
Start on the Brooklyn side
Imagine this. You take your first steps on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, the sun setting off to your left. Facing the city, with each step, more buildings turn their lights on.
Take in the Views
When you're half way across and the whole city has lit up before your eyes. As you walk, don't forget to stop for a few photos. Be aware of runners and cyclists, but take your time and enjoy yourself.
Grab an Ice Cream at Van Leeuwen
By the time you the mile across the bridge, reward yourself with an ice cream at Van Leeuwen. Raise your ice cream cone, a toast in honor of the sparkling city in front of you.
Bushwick Foodie and Vintage Shopping Walk
A true urban adventure, Bushwick is full of color and flavor.
First thing - Tacos
Start your tour with a tacos at Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos. Try the different options: a taco, a torta, a tostada to get a true sample and pair it with a beer or Mexican coke.
Murals and Pics
Once you step outside, admire the murals at every turn. @Surfaceofbeauty has been bringing bright, meaningful murals to this neighborhood for years. Explore the different blocks to find your favorite and maybe even get a picture with one.
Vintage Shopping
This neighborhood is also full of vintage shops -- too many to choose from. So if thrifting is near the top of your list, leave yourself plenty of time to explore the multitude of shops. We opted for 28 Scott Vintage and all left with some good vibes thanks to the nice soundtrack, sips of some elixirs (alcoholic and non), and great selection of vintage.
Stop for Cocktails
Either in between or after thrifting, feel transported to a summer on the Mediterranean at Palmetto. It's aesthetic, calming with great cocktails full and zero proof. Cozy booths work well for a group with cute seating options at the bar and small tables.
End with Pizza
End your Bushwick tour with another famous food stop -- Roberta’s. We only went for the pizza based on our schedule, but there seemed to be a whole other side to Roberta's in the beer garden. I'm guessing dj and beer and maybe even some dancing. The pizza was insanely good -- I'm a sucker for a good crust and sauce -- and I'd love to come back to explore the more energetic side on another summer's day.
Palmetto
Roberta’s
Thai Town, Queens Foodie Walk
This walking tour is for the foodie who is always chasing the next flavor. I love it for how it takes you to another fascinating part outside of Manhattan and into the culinary adventure that is Queens. In an afternoon you can transport your tastebuds to Thailand and feel like you just got back from the Southeast Asian destination -- even on a rainy NYC afternoon.
Sa Ran Rom Thai
It wasn't our intended first stop, but after walking up and down the street looking for a cafe we found out wasn't open, we turned our sights to Sa Ran Rom. The street it's on is full of other restaurants, all with great reviews and tasty looking menus. This one stood out with it's Michelin Guide review out front and dark wooded, intimate interior, and an open seat in the window. We came to Thai Town to break away from our usual orders of pad thai or pad see ew, so we asked for guidance from the waiter. We ended up with curry puffs, fried catfish salad, and two Thai iced teas to start the day. At this point we thought we were 'ordering light' by not ordering entrees, but yeah, two big starters to start the day. And two delicious starters they were. The curry puffs were light, fluffy, and almost sweet served with a contrasting vinegar dipping sauce. The fried catfish salad stole the show though. I had never had flaked and fried fish like that and it added a crunchy, salty texture to the fresh salad.
Thai Thai Grocery Store
Nondescript, small, and off on a side street, even the name makes it elusive to search for on maps. We weren't sure we were even at the right place until we were fully inside. The couple before us was discussing the plans for a neighborhood party with the owner while also picking up the right herbs for whatever they were trying to heal. Once they left, we were the only ones with the shopkeeper. The shop is small with random goods packed into tight spaces. It makes it easy to quickly look through, but hard to find something specific unless you ask for help. I was in search of unique snacks, not prepared for the ingredients, pre made delicacies, and spirituality books in the front. The woman running the store already gave a feeling that we were supposed to come her with a problem she can solve for us. So I asked for recommendations on snacks. She pointed me in the right direction. Shortly after we found ourselves guessing her age, shocked that she was 10-20 years older than how she looked, and getting tips on how to remain youthful which involved no fried food, no chips, no cold water, and hot water with ginger, lemon, and turmeric every morning. I left with some lime, chili, and pepper flavored Lays; my friend left with some sticky rice; and we both left with a whole new perspective on how to look youthful.
Tea Cup Cafe
It was the perfect mid stop on our rainy, dreary day. We warmed up with hot vietnamese coffees and toatsted bread with thai custard. They offer more beyond just dessert, but we were in between our meals so we went with a sweet treat.
Patap Paplean
It was almost happy hour time, and we were pretty much next door, so drinks at Patap Paplean was next. I could tell it becomes a full on bar and night out spot later in the evening, but mid afternoon was quiet and chill. The drinks were sweet yet strong so one was good for us. We could have easily seen ourselves having a second and then another and slowly sinking into the chairs, but we had more food to eat.
Ayada
The last stop of our tour, we weren't necessarily starving, but it was dinner time, so we thought why not. By this point we were ready to settle down with our usual favorites so we opted for Drunken noodles with thai flavored classic cocktails. We explained away our 'smaller' order of sharing one main dish by explaining the food tour we had created for ourselves. Our waitress was shocked at the feat we had accomplished, and she didn't even know the time we did it in. Might be sad to say, but we felt proud and validated that we did it right.
Embrace the Energy of New York City
New York City is a destination that defies simple description - a vibrant tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered across its five distinct boroughs. As you've seen throughout this guide, the city offers countless ways to immerse yourself in its unique culture, from world-class theater and museums to neighborhood food tours and iconic bridges at sunset.
Remember that the best way to experience New York is to embrace its energy while accepting you can't see it all in one visit. Plan thoughtfully, mixing the iconic attractions with off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. Take time to walk the streets, ride the subway, and observe the daily rhythm of city life. Let yourself get lost in the charm of different neighborhoods, from the artsy streets of Bushwick to the culinary paradise of Thai Town in Queens.
Whether you're catching a baseball game, savoring a cronut in SoHo, or watching the sunset from Brooklyn Bridge, New York rewards those who approach it with curiosity and openness. So pack comfortable shoes, bring your appetite for adventure, and prepare to create your own unique New York story. The city that never sleeps is waiting for you.
