1. Times Square

 

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When you first arrive in NYC, Times Square is most likely going to be the first stop you make – and there’s nothing wrong with that! The bustling city is just as it appears in the photos and you won’t be let down by the amount to do here.

Take some time to just walk up and down Times Square as there’s plenty of entertaining street artists everywhere you look! People watching is one of the best free experiences New York has to offer. Once you’ve done this, don’t forget to hit up the stores! We promise you, you won’t be disappointed. If you lose your friends in the Disney shop and M&M world then you know you’ve done it properly.

TIP: Check out the red steps named ‘Father Duffy Square’ by the TKTS booth for an elevated spot to sit and enjoy Times Square at its finest. 

2. Empire State Building

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The top of the Empire State Building provides one of the most spectacular views you'll find in NYC and we believe it isn’t to be missed. If you’re looking for that #nofilter Instagram shot, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll be on top of a world-famous landmark with exceptional panoramic views!

Fancy seeing the city at night? The Empire State Building is open until 2am! Don’t forget to tag your photos with #empirestatebuilding for a chance to get featured on their website!

TIP: If you want to beat the crowds, we suggest an early morning trip of visiting between 8-11am. 

3. Statue of Liberty

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The Statue of Liberty is another famous landmark and with a variety of ways to experience it, there’s bound to be an option for you.

If you want to see the Statue of Liberty up close, you can buy a ticket and grab a ferry to Ellis Island. Here, you can climb Lady Liberty’s crown.. just be prepared for the 354 steps - eeek! You can then finish off your day at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. We recommend heading off early in the morning to avoid the hottest time of the day and to beat the crowds.

TIP: On a budget? No worries! Take a free trip on the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty from a little further away and grab your pictures as you pass by. 

4. Ground Zero

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Ground Zero is the Memorial and Museum for 9/11, and is without a doubt a worthwhile visit to pay tribute to the 3000+ victims of the attack. The memorial, which has twin reflecting pools, is a beautiful place to visit.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum opened to the public in 2014 and everyone is encouraged to explore at their own pace. An average visit takes around 2 hours but you are also given the opportunity to be taken on an expert led tour.

TIP: This is a hugely significant monument in NYC, so make sure to be respectful at all times.

5. Brooklyn Bridge

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We highly recommend taking some time out of your busy schedule in NYC to take a walk over the Brooklyn bridge. Whichever way you come from, there’s going to be fantastic sights awaiting you at either end and is not a walk to be missed. If you’re walking to Brooklyn, make sure you reward yourself with some pizza from Grimaldi’s or Lombardi’s – NYC’s first pizzerias! You deserve it after that walk, right?

TIP: Want the best possible view? We recommend walking over during sunset to get your picturesque moments and to watch all the sights light up!

6. Central Park 

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Whether you have 1 hour to kill in the city or a whole day, Central Park is ready and waiting for you! You can take a stroll through the park and enjoy the street artists, or hire a bike and go exploring. Proposals and weddings are very common here so watch out for them!

Central Park is not only a prime location for many filming locations, but is also the most visited urban park in America, so relax and enjoy the surroundings.

TIP: If you have time, pack some food and have a picnic in your favourite spot in the park. 

7. Museums

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Fancy getting cultured on your travels? NYC is full of museums to help you do just that. If you’re into Art, we recommend checking out the Metropolitan Museum of Art that hosts over 2 million works of art! If History is more your thing, the American Museum of National History has something for everyone and even has its own app just in case you get lost!

TIP: Always give yourself more time than you expect when visiting Museums as you could spend hours in them and not even cover the surface! Don’t forget to grab a souvenir too.. 

8. Walking Tour 

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Whilst you can hop on a bus tour, we definitely think you should consider walking tours to discover the real NYC. Many of these are completely free and also take you into less touristy parts of the city such as Midtown and Greenwich Village that you may not have thought to visit beforehand.

If you’re into films and TV, why not check out all the best NYC filming locations on a walking tour? Hit shows such as Friends, Glee, Sex and the City and How I Met Your Mother were filmed in the Big Apple, and you could stand in front of the famous Friends apartment and make all your mates jealous.

TIP: Make sure your camera is fully charged because this is a photo op you won’t want to miss!

9. Broadway

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Theatre is the heart of NYC and a trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting a show. They can be pricey, so we recommend heading to the TKTS booth in the middle of Times Square to grab yourself some cheap deals.

Whether you want to see a play, comedy show or musical theatre, there’s something for everyone. Many celebrities star in huge Broadway shows so if you wait at the stage door after you could be in for a treat! If you’re really into Musical Theatre, check out Ellen’s Stardust Diner which is full of singing waiters!

TIP: Broadway isn’t the only way you can experience theatre. Check out ‘Off Broadway’ and even ‘Off-Off Broadway’ to find smaller theatres scattered around the city and many great comedy clubs. 

10. Food

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And last but certainly not least, food food and more food. It wouldn’t be a complete trip to NYC without eating more than your body can handle! Head to Davey's ice cream in China Town where they mix the flavours in-house for you. Ever fancied roasted pistachio ice cream flavour? Now`s your chance...

If you want some variety, head to the outdoor food market Smorgasburg. It’s the largest weekly open-air food market in America and is hosted in Brooklyn every weekend and has over 100 vendors!

If you have your own NYC tips, get in touch by emailing [email protected] so we can share them!