What to Do in New York: Highlights + Hidden Gems
- Plan the Essentials
New York is overwhelming—in the best possible way. But to make the most of your days, plan the highlights you really don’t want to miss. Then build the rest of your itinerary around that, and leave space for spontaneous adventures (those are often the best!).
🎨 Museum tip: MoMA is a must!
- Go Beyond Manhattan
Manhattan is iconic, but NYC is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island—and each has its own vibe. Want to explore quickly? Hop on a bike. It’s fast, fun, and gives you a feel for the real city.
🚲 A guided bike tour with Baja Bikes is perfect if it’s your first time!
🌉 Brooklyn: Walk or bike across the Brooklyn Bridge into Williamsburg. Think cool cafés, street art, and food trucks like Caribbean King.
⚾ The Bronx: Visit the Yankees Stadium and catch a baseball game—tickets are available online or at the gate.
🧁 SoHo: Think cute bakeries and boutique shops. A must-visit for Sex and the City fans!
🌆 New Jersey: Take the Holland Tunnel to Hoboken or Jersey City for skyline views, a calmer vibe, and local gems like Carlo’s Bakery from TLC. Bonus: shop American brands at Kohl’s for a bargain.
💡 Money-saving tip: Planning to visit several attractions? Get a Go City Explorer Pass and save up to 45%!
- Walk in the Footsteps of Movie & TV Stars
New York is one giant movie set. From the “Joker Stairs” in The Bronx to Carrie Bradshaw’s house in SoHo and Magnolia Bakery’s famous red velvet cupcakes, the city is full of filming locations.
🎥 Instead of booking expensive movie tours, create your own route or join a custom walking tour with a local guide.
🥪 Tip: For a more relaxed Katz’s Delicatessen experience (from When Harry Met Sally), go to the branch in Dekalb Market Hall in Brooklyn!
- Taste New York
If you love food (who doesn’t?), NYC is paradise. Every street has something to try—from food trucks to fine dining, every culture is represented here.
🍕 Little Italy in The Bronx feels more authentic than the Manhattan version.
🥢 Chinatown: Amazing food and a real change of scenery.
🍔 Burgers & fries: Go classic at Five Guys, Friedmans, or Corner Bistro.
🍽 Smorgasburg: A weekend food market where you can sample dishes from around the world—perfect after a walk or ride through Brooklyn.
Want even more foodie tips? All our favorite restaurants are listed on our Travelicious New York List!
- Go Up the Empire State Building
This is a must. Head to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building for an epic 360° view of New York.
⏰ Go about an hour before sunset to experience daylight, twilight, and the city lights all in one visit. Book tickets in advance to avoid queues!
🍸 Afterwards, grab a drink at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar—just across the street. You’ll be sipping cocktails with a front-row view of the glowing Empire State Building.
- Discover the High Line
Sure, Central Park is lovely, but the High Line is pure New York. This elevated park is built on an old railway line in the trendy Chelsea district. The 3 km walk offers greenery, views, art, and architecture—all in one.
👣 Start at Gansevoort & Washington Street. Easy for families or anyone who enjoys a scenic stroll.
- Hop-On Hop-Off… the Local Way
The red tourist buses are fun, but for a more local feel, take the bus or subway. Especially bus M101, which runs from south to north Manhattan and passes stops like Grand Central, Central Park, and the Guggenheim Museum.
🚌 A perfect way to rest your feet while still sightseeing!
- Where to Stay in New York
🏨 In Manhattan: Try Arlo SoHo – a boutique-style hotel in a cozy neighborhood full of bars and restaurants. Around €150–€185 per night and even has a rooftop!
🏨 In New Jersey: Want to save money and still have skyline views? Stay in Jersey City (like at the Holiday Inn Express). You’re just 10 minutes from Manhattan and rooms are around €100 per night.
Good to Know Before You Go
- You’ll need a valid passport (at least 6 months on arrival)
- Fill out an ESTA form at least 72 hours before departure
- Don’t rely on your Dutch mobile plan—get an eSIM for easy internet access
Ready to explore New York like a local—with all the must-sees, hidden gems, and foodie finds? ✨
Let Travelicious be your guide.
And remember… in NYC, every street corner tells a story.