The 8 best things to do in New York

Index

New York is one of the biggest cities in the world. There are famous sites around every corner, mouth-watering restaurants, award-winning Broadway shows and something happening any time of day.

When it comes to planning a trip to NYC, it's hard to decide what you want to do – especially if you have limited time.

This makes it nearly impossible to choose between the world-class museums, incredible buildings, and all the Gossip Girl filming locations.

Here are my top 8 things to do in New York City to help you see the best of the Big Apple in a short amount of time!

Try the delicious NYC Eats

Let's be honest, one of the best things to do in NYC is to eat! There are so many different markets, restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from – it's a foodie's paradise!

Pizzas and Breads: Two of the best things in life done better in New York. No one will agree on the “best” place for pizza OR bagels, but one of the best pizza spots is Joe's Pizza near Chailait and Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn. I also love pizza on the side B. For bagels, H&H Midtown Bagels it's the right choice.

It can take an hour to get a $ 5 slice of pizza, but it will be worth every bite of cheese!

Markets: One of my favorite things to do in New York is to go to Gansevoort Market?? It's been in business since 1884 and it's where you'll find amazing ice cream, New York-style pizza, ramen and more! Another great option is Chelsea Market, open from Monday to Saturday. It has over 35 vendors and attracts over 6 million people every year.

Hot dogs and pretzels: If you're looking for hot dogs and pretzels, any old street stall will do. They're NYC staples, but they're not the most gourmet thing you'll taste in town. Head to Katz Deli in East Houston for a proper hot dog (and don't miss their delicious dill pickles). Known for its corned beef, the family-owned place has been around for over 100 years.

Italian: Mamma Mia, I can't get enough of Italian when I'm in New York! This is also something locals will argue about where is best. I love Briciola. It's an intimate wine bar with cheap and delicious food and wine. They also have some great midweek lunch specials and happy hour!

Take a dose of caffeine

New York City has almost more cafes than restaurants and bars. If you want to find the best places for a cup of Joe, I definitely recommend asking the locals.

New places are popping up all the time, and you might discover a hidden gem!

Here are some of my favorite cafes in New York. I keep coming back to these places every time I visit, without fail.

Chalait: Located at Hudson Square, NoMad and Chelsea Market, Chalait is known for its avocado toast and signature matcha tea. Stop here for delicious gourmet sandwiches, bowls of quinoa and a buzz to take you on all the NYC sightseeing!

Toby's Coffee Property: There are five locations in New York, but I think the ones on 5th Ave or Brooklyn are the cutest. There are shelves full of vintage goodies, marble countertops, tin ceilings and more at each location. It's an Instagrammer's paradise!

Blue Bottle Coffee: Williamsburg, Brooklyn (aka my favorite spot) was built on the bottom floor of a 1930s industrial building that was converted into lofts. Visitation from Monday to Friday from 18:30 to 19:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 to 19:30.

Small leaps: If you're an artist or freelancer, this will be your audience. Little Skips has coffee, baked goods, sandwiches and even wine and beer. Plus, there's rotating art and music, so you'll always experience something different.

Ninth Street Express: With six locations, you'll find some of the most beautiful (and tastiest) espressos in New York. Remember to snap a photo of the cafe's stunning art before taking a sip!

Two hands: No one does coffee like Australia, so you can trust the Australian-owned Two Hands to serve a medium cup. Head to the Tribeca location and check out the “ladies room” downstairs for an awesome Instagram photo. 🇧🇷

stroll through the gardens

When most people think of the Big Apple, they think of Central Park. What they don't realize is that it has a beautiful place called the Conservatory Garden.

Located at 5th Avenue and 105th Street, it is open from 8 am until dusk and is the only formal garden found in Central Park.

Another nice option is Washington Square Park on 5th Ave and Macdougal (near Chailait). It is best known for its bow that honors George Washington, as well as a fountain.

If you're in Brooklyn, there's the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. It costs $15 to enter, and you will find many events and exhibitions.

take the subway

Taking the subway in New York is a cultural experience. It's one of my top things to do in NYC if you want to get a feel for the heart of the city.

While it might not be the most comfortable way to get around (especially in the summer), it's a melting pot of people. Everyone uses the subway, and there are even live performances at the different stations.

My favorite is Lucky Chops, the funk band that plays at 34th Station.

On 42nd Street, you'll find a lady playing a saw like a cello, Union Square has a raucous jazz-funk band, and if you walk down 2nd Avenue, you can hear a rock 'n roll accordion!

Shop in NYC

Whether you're looking for vintage or designer clothing, NYC has it all. From the West Village to SoHo to Brooklyn, there are unique stores everywhere.

Awake Vintage in Brooklyn: If you're like me and love vintage shopping, you have to stop by Awoke. They have the cutest storefront and some of the best vintage clothes and bags!

Pink Olive in Brooklyn: If you're looking for household items and paper, go to Pink Olive. They have everything from books, greeting cards, stationery and home decor.

Raw business records store: Stroll through hallways filled with classic vinyl. There is a huge selection to choose from, as well as a cafe, bookstore and bar.

There's also Urban Jungle, a vintage shopping mecca in Brooklyn. If you're looking for vintage in the East Village, don't miss Ladies and Gentlemen.

Main tourist attractions

high line: The High Line is a 1.45 mile long park that was built on an old elevated railroad. The park features food vendors, art, and incredible views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. The best time to visit is early in the morning or in the evening. You'll avoid the crowds and have the amazing views all to yourself.

Washington Square Park: Washington Square Park is a 9.75 acre park in Greenwich Village and one of the top things to do in New York. He has made appearances in numerous films such as Ghostbusters; I am legend and when Harry met Sally.

Liberty Tower and 9/11 Memorial: Freedom Tower is a tribute to all those who lost their lives on 9/11. While it's a troubling experience, it's a chance to delve deeper into the tragedy. The memorial features two twin ponds and the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. The names of everyone who died that horrible day are inscribed on golden panels that surround the pools.

Empire State Building: Want an iconic photo of the New York skyline? Go to the 86th or 102nd floor of the Empire State Building! There is an observation deck that offers 360-degree views of Central Park, the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Make sure you bring a wide-angle lens if you want to get the most out of it!

Great center: Grand Central Station is much more than a bustling transportation hub. It's a place to shop, dine and experience everything New York has to offer. The station is housed inside a beautiful Beaux-Arts building and has been open to the public since 1913. It's also where that famous scene of Serena returning to NYC in Gossip Girl was filmed! Don't forget to look up – the restored ceiling features an incredible celestial scene!

Flatiron Building: This iconic 21-story building is known for its triangular shape. It may not be the tallest building in the city, but it has appeared on more postcards than any other building. It is currently a private office building, but there are plans to turn it into a hotel. You still can't explore the countryside, but it's one of my favorite Instagram spots in NYC!

Brooklyn Bridge: Can you say I like Brooklyn still? Visit the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset if you want amazing photos of the city's skyline. Cross over and take in views of Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.

Top of the Rock: For US $ 50, you can visit the roof of Rockafeller Center, also known as Top of the Rock. You'll have access to three floors of 360-degree views of Manhattan! Just be prepared for long lines waiting to buy tickets and dress well during autumn – it can be very windy! On the way up, stop at the sunken square of Centro. The stairs here are the best spot to take a picture of the massive statue of Prometheus.

Time Square: One of the best things to do in New York is to visit Times Square. It's a staple on any New York itinerary, with its massive billboards and screens lighting up the night. If you can, plan your visit for Christmas or the holidays and watch the famous “ball drop” at midnight!

The date: The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870 and displays over 5,000 years of art. With ever-changing exhibits, there's plenty of history to see at The Met. General admission is just $$ 25, making it one of the cheapest things to do in NYC. If you are a student, make sure you have your ID with you and your admission will drop to $ 12.

Head to Brooklyn

Brooklyn is a must-visit when traveling to NYC. Street art is becoming more and more popular and is popping up everywhere, especially in Brooklyn. There are a few places you'll definitely want to check out (and Instagram).

The Bushwick Collective: Located off Flushing Ave, the Bushwick neighborhood highlights the work of different local artists. There are nearly 100 blocks of art in and around the Bushwick Collective area. All artwork is temporary and typically lasts for about 12 months before being replaced.

DUMBO walls: DUMBO walls are made up of 8 walls with art pieces from CAM, DALeast, Eltono, Shepard Fairey and more. You can find all the murals at 20 Jay St.

Star Project: Start on Starr St and Cyprus Ave and then head towards St. Nicholas Ave. You'll see amazing street art murals, including a huge mural by Frida Kahlo.

See a Broadway show

Of all my trips to New York, the highlight is always going to a Broadway show. There are hundreds of plays showing every day, from long-running classics like Wicked to new additions (and my current favorite), Mean Girls.

If you want to see one of the best shows, make sure you buy your tickets as soon as possible. Tickets sell out quickly and you may not be able to get a seat for your dates in the city.

Helpful tip: I totally thought seeing a Broadway show was like going to the Opera. My boyfriend and I dressed fully in formal attire and planned a sophisticated evening. We were definitely the best dressed on the show!

In reality, most people wear jeans and t-shirts. You also get wine “in the coffee mug” full. (You'll understand what I mean when you go.) It's not as elegant as I imagined, but it makes it even more fun!

The Big Apple has a lot to offer and it's almost impossible not to fall in love with the big city. Between the markets, amazing food, gardens, rides, shows and more, there is so much to see and love.

So what are you waiting for? Book this trip to NYC!