These 20 Must Do’s Will Have You Feeling Like a Real New Yorker
- Get up close to the wildlife at the Natural History Museum
Wonder at the natural world in the fascinating exhibit halls filled with exotic and more-familiar animals. A great escape from the rain. - Reach your next destination by train
Chances are you’ll be exploring via the city’s extensive subway and train system. Enjoy every moment. - Check out a game at Yankee Stadium
The hometown fan favorite, nothing beats a game at Yankee Stadium on a summer afternoon. Bonus points if you can catch your hometown team playing the Yankees during your visit. - Dip your toes in the sand
It may come as a surprise, but in summer, the beach is the place to be in New York City. There are a number of excellent spots throughout the city, and no matter where you go the sparkling blue water will be a relief on a steaming hot day. - Grab a slice of authentic New York-style pizza
For every pizza joint in the city, there’s an argument waiting to happen about which one is the best. To feel like a real New Yorker, try several slices as you wander your way through the city. - Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at Central Park
Pack a picnic, find a spot in the shade, and relax in the world’s biggest backyard. - Take a stroll on the High Line
This popular park was once an elevated railway track, stretching from the Meatpacking District through Chelsea. Now, it’s a fantastic 1.5 mile stroll through flowering gardens, water features, and contemporary architecture. - Look up to the Statue of Liberty
While you can see her crowning glory from many spots in the city, you can’t go wrong with a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. - Admire art from across the world at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Open seven days a week, the museum has something for everyone. From ancient Egyptian temples to Roman sculptures, Medieval masterpieces to exotic works from Oceania, the collection here feels endless. A great escape on a cold, dreary day. - Stay up to date on modern art at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
If classic art isn’t your thing, consider spending an afternoon with the modern and contemporary art at the Guggenheim Museum, where even the building itself is a work of art. - Get lost amongst the lights of Times Square
Although many New Yorkers claim to avoid Times Square at all costs, there is a certain appeal to the glimmering lights and the endless shopping. Be sure to bring your camera and be prepared for crowds taking more selfies than you thought possible - People watch at Grand Central Station
Always bustling, 750,000 commuters and travelers pass through Grand Central Station every day. Even if you’re not on your way out of town, it’s worth grabbing a coffee or a snack from the dining concourse, taking a seat, and watching the sea of people flow through the beautiful walls of the station. - Tantalize your taste buds at Harlem’s Restaurant Row
Come hungry and meander down W 110th Street to W 120th Street in Harlem, where you can find an endless supply of global food favorites. Offering something for everyone, you certainly won’t leave famished. - Bicycle from Brooklyn to Manhattan on the Brooklyn Bridge
Since 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has been a favorite place for strollers, joggers, and cyclists. Enjoy the stunning view of the city’s skyline as the sunsets in the late afternoon. - Pay respect at the 9/11 Memorial
When the World Trade Center’s twin towers fell on September 11, 2001, the world saw a different side of New York City. New Yorkers from across the city came together and showed the world their generosity and resilience. Pay respect to the lives that were lost and the heroes of that day at the reflecting pools of the 9/11 Memorial. - Wake up your inner child with a visit to Coney Island
Grab a hot dog and stroll the boardwalk anytime of the year. If it’s summer, channel your inner child and take a ride on the 87-year old wooden roller coaster, Cyclone. - Catch the view from Rockefeller Center
There are several places in the city to enjoy the view from up high, but the outdoor decks at Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center are a local favorite. - Plan a shopping trip to the Brooklyn Flea
A local favorite, this flea market is filled with unique and affordable finds. With over one hundred vendors, you’ll be sure to find something you’ll love without breaking the bank. - Get lost amongst the books at the New York Public Library
The library is a favorite for book lovers and history geeks and their collection is nearly endless. This is a great escape from the bustling crowds and noisy streets. - Catch a show on Broadway
The home of New York theater for over 150 years, there are shows for any taste. Book ahead to catch the latest blockbuster, or catch a theater classic on the fly.
Feeling Like a Real New Yorker
