Armchair Travelling: Must-See Places in New York, USA

We visited New York one icy cold February half term – many years ago, before the children came along. We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria and whenever we went out for a walk, the bitingly cold air drove us indoors. Needless to say, the weather detracted from our visit. It’s always been on our ‘to revisit’ list, but we’ve been waiting until the children were old enough to enjoy it. I think that time is around now.

So, this week we are armchair travelling through New York. I’ve asked my travel blogging friends to suggest a single ‘must do’ experience within The Big Apple. They’ve already helped build itineraries for Hawaii, Hong Kong, Cape Town, Bali, Sri Lanka, Vancouver, Iceland, Tokyo, Paris and the Great Ocean Road in Australia!

Walking the New York High Line

Walking the New York High Line has become a solid feature of most New York itineraries. Now one of the newest and most innovative attractions the High Line stretches 1.45 miles and will take you past the Meatpacking District and Chelsea along the west side of Manhattan. Built along the disused elevated railway about 30 feet off the ground, you’ll be rewarded with typically breathtaking New York City views and the Hudson River. Work on the High Line commenced in 2006 and was complete 5 years later. 

Maintained by Friends of the High Line volunteers the year-round gardens change with the seasons. We did it in the peak of winter only a few days after Christmas and whilst it was cold it still had all the allure it would have in the summer and was definitely less packed, in fact there were very few of us. We stopped at Chelsea Market Place for some warm soup and a look around the retro quirky shops. 

The High Line is accessible via multiple subway stops so walk as much as you want, the whole length is also wheelchairs accessible. Note due to how busy the walkway gets, bikes and dogs are not allowed.  Stroll leisurely and take in the food and gift stalls, seasonal gardens and public art and best of all its a free. 

Contributed by Sally, OUR3KIDSVTHEWORLD

Window shopping on Fifth Avenue and a cocktail at The Plaza Hotel

There are certain luxuries that you feel you can take when you visit New York City. Enjoying an amazing meal, taking in a Broadway show or touring Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage. Two other options are steeped in tradition: window shopping on Fifth Avenue and a cocktail at The Plaza Hotel. Both could cost you a little or a lot, it all depends on how you’re feeling that day, right?

Starting at the New York Public Library, walk the twenty blocks (which is actually less than a mile) up Fifth Avenue 39th to 60th Street.  Every major designer and retailer has a space on this grand avenue but its luxurious designers like Louis Vuitton, Armani, Prada and Tiffany’s who are the stars of the show. Every one of their windows is worth a peek into. During Christmas time the windows are decorated to the nines and are a treat to see.

Once you get to Pulitzer Fountain, turn left and head towards The Plaza Hotel. Just imagine the luxurious suites overlooking Central Park and picture your very own Great Gatsby moment. In the Palm Court (open since 1907) enjoy a cocktail and order a tall cold Long Island Iced Tea. If you’re hungry enjoy a traditional High Tea and enjoy one of 25-variety collection of Palais des Thés teas, as well as sandwiches, snacks and fine pastries. Indulge. You’re worth it!

Contributed by Margarita, DownshiftingPRO.com

The Statue of Liberty

As touristy as it may be, the Statue of Liberty remains one of the top things to do in New York City. You can’t visit NYC and not visit the Statue of Liberty.

The charm of the iconic Lady Liberty draws visitors year-round. The statue very well symbolizes the USA. Located on Liberty Island, a ferry from Battery Park in New York and Liberty State Park in New Jersey takes you to the statue. Most travelers choose to climb the pedestal of the statue as climbing the crown doesn’t come easy. It needs you to climb the 162 narrow steps, and thus, is a bit difficult for kids and senior citizens. The views of the New York Skyline from pedestal are as stunning as from the crown.

A walk around the statue grounds unfolds spectacular views of the Manhattan Skyline as well as the Hudson River. You can even take selfies (cliché but worth it) with the Lady Liberty from here.

If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to get them involved in the Junior Ranger Program, where they can learn about the history of Lady Liberty in a fun way.

Contributed by Anjali, Travel Melodies

World Trade Center Memorial

One of the must-visit places in New York City is the World Trade Centre Memorial. This park and museum are located at the site where the original Twin Towers stood and are a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

In the WTC Memorial you will find two huge, stunning pools exactly where the North and South Towers stood before that infamous day. Along the wall of both are the names of over 3000 people, inscribed in the bronze parapets, who lost their lives when the towers fell. Take time to read through some. We even found people who shared our last names.

Surrounding the park is a glade in which you’ll find a beautiful garden which is dedicated to those who are sick or have died as a result of exposure to toxins in the aftermath of the attacks. There is also a museum at the memorial which spans 70-acres under Memorial Plaza. You can learn more about the history of the attacks, as well as the bombing of the World Trade Centre in 1993.

And when you are visiting WTC Memorial, remember to look up and see how tall the new One World Trade Centre building is. The World Trade Centre is a must-visit, even when visiting New York with kids. You can still visit it with smaller children, although the museum might not be suitable for them.

Contributed by Cath, Passports and Adventures

Street Art

NYC is one of the best cities in the world when it comes to street art. While you can find murals in all five boroughs, my favorite area for street art is the Bushwick neighborhood in Brooklyn where you can see the artwork that makes up the Bushwick Collective.

Joseph Ficalora is the curator for the Bushwick Collective, meaning he obtained permission from building owners and chose the artists to participate. He wanted artwork that would be therapeutic and beautify the community. The murals were not supposed to be political. No artists are paid for their contributions to the Bushwick Collective. Since the murals are replaced about every twelve months, you will see layers on some murals.

To get to Bushwick, take a Brooklyn-bound L train to the Jefferson Ave or Morgan Ave stops. If you are interested in learning more about the artists and the murals, consider taking a Brooklyn street art walking tour.

Contributed by Anisa, Two Traveling Texans

The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most famous sights in New York City. It has been an icon of the city since 1883 when it opened. The bridge goes over the East River and connects the financial district in Manhattan and the neighborhood of DUMBO in Brooklyn. 

It is a nice walk anytime of day or night with views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn. If you are walking the bridge in the evening it is nice to walk towards Manhattan so you can enjoy the spectacular skyline. Many people cross the bridge and just head right back to Manhattan. If you are walking the bridge during the day I recommend going towards Brooklyn and then spending the day in the borough. Brooklyn is so much more than just the bridge! 

New York City is known to be an expensive city. Another reason to walk the Brooklyn Bridge is that it is a free activity and provides free transportation to and from Brooklyn!

Walking across the bridge should be on anyone’s list of things to do on their first visit to the Big Apple!

Contributed by Elizabeth, The Fearless Foreigner

Madison Square Garden

For me the real joy of a trip to any bucket list destination is not just to visit its famous landmarks but to join the thousands supporting one of the local sports teams. New York, home to Madison Square Garden, the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’ must be one of the world’s greatest sports cities in which to enjoy such entertainment. Located just moments from famed Broadway shows and the iconic Macy’s between 31st and 33rd Streets, visitors of all ages will not regret investing a few hours away from these traditional New York sights.

Home to both NHL’s New York Rangers and NBA’s New York Knicks, any trip to NYC between October and April will inevitably collide with a home fixture of one or both. Having experienced both I would strongly recommend seeing the New York Rangers. One of NHL’s original six franchises Rangers fans are representative of the city – raucous and passionate. Qualities that undoubtedly urge the team forward and create an atmosphere enviable across the world.

A visit to MSG will leave you with fantastic memories and a Rangers fan for life.

Contributed by Paul, thetwothatdo.com

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is arguably the greatest museum on the entire planet. No visit to New York City is complete without a stop here. A person could spend an entire week in the Met, as locals call it, and not see everything there is to see.

The most famous section of the Met is probably the Egyptian Wing. Here you can meet William, the Met’s mascot, which is a small statue of a blue hippo. The Temple of Dendur, an authentic Egyptian temple that was transported to the United States as a gift from Egypt, is also located in this wing. Part of the movie When Harry Met Sally was filmed in this temple.

After you explore the Egyptian Wing, see if there are any special exhibits that strike your fancy. Admission to the special exhibits is included with regular admission. The Costume Institute always puts on amazing displays about the history of fashion. And if you visit on a Friday or Saturday, the Met stays open later so you can enjoy cocktails and free music at the stunning Great Balcony!

Contributed by Stella Jane, Around The World in 24 Hours

Foodie Highlights

One of my favorite things to do in New York City is to try the fun foods. Of course, there are classic New York foods you must try, like New York cheesecake (Juniors is my restaurant of choice); pizza (you can buy a slice at any pizza place, but for a sit-down experience, try John’s of Bleecker Street or Lombardi’s); and hot dogs (Nathan’s is hard to beat). Plus, of course, a classic, mile-high pastrami on rye at Katz’s Deli.

However, there are also plenty of modern food fads that started in NYC and have become classics that you mustn’t miss. Why not try a cronut from Ansel’s bakery in Soho? It is flaky like a croissant, shaped like a donut, filled with a flavored crème and topped with ganache. Flavors change monthly, but I can assure you, having tried at least half a dozen different ones, they are all absolutely delicious! Also, don’t miss Crack Pie at Momofuku’s Milk Bar. There are several outlets around Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is a sugary, tasty pie so addictive, it is like, well … crack! You can – and should – eat your way around NYC!

Contributed by James, Travel Collecting

Movie Locations

So many movies and TV series have chosen New York City and its major attractions as a filming location. Greenwich Village in particular has played home to some iconic movie and TV scenes! The apartment from Friends is located at 90 Bedford Street, at the crossing of Bedford and Grove streets. It’s featured in every episode of the TV show! Not too far away is Carrie Bradshaw’s fictional apartment from Sex and the City. While her address in the show is on the Upper East Side, Carrie’s beautiful brownstone apartment is located in Greenwich Village: 66 Perry Street. For the first three seasons, the crew used 64 Perry Street, but afterwards they switched to the larger (and more attractive) brownstone next door at number 66.

Washington Square Park was also used as a film location in several different films. For example, Will Smith’s character in I am Legend lives overlooking the park at 11 Washington Square Park North. The park is also featured in When Harry Met Sally. Once you’re in Greenwich Village, it’s easy to walk around to see all these locations and more on foot!

Contributed by Maja, Away With Maja

Central Park

Any New York itinerary for first timers must include visiting Central Park. It’s one of the top things to do in NYC for visitors and locals, like myself, alike. It’s just a beautiful place that you can enjoy any time of the year.

There’s a reason why Central Park is highlighted in many movies. From its famous Bethesda Fountain, going on a gondola ride or renting a rowboat at Loeb Boathouse, visiting the John Lennon Memorial, relaxing on the Grand Lawn, to enjoying an interactive 3D cartoon for kids of all ages at the Central Park Zoo or simply admiring the amazing views from inside and surrounding the park – there’s just so much to see and do that you’ll usually find something new at every turn!

It’s especially wonderful when visiting during summer to find that perfect spot for a picnic or, in the spring, to see the cherry blossoms, during the fall to admire the leaves changing color, and during the winter for ice skating and enjoying the Christmas Markets. There is something for everyone all the year round at Central Park, which is why it is a place where you can make many priceless memories regardless if you go alone, on a date, with friends, or family. You just can’t go wrong when you decide to escape the City for a little bit and enjoy this magical place!

Contributed by Olga Maria, Dreamsinheels.com

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Its 45 permanent exhibits educate about the natural world, including galleries exploring human origin, the universe, biomes, mammals, and dinosaurs.

Some of the most famous galleries or halls include the Hall of Ocean Life, with the iconic blue whale, or the two halls of dinosaurs. One of the best destinations for dinosaur lovers, the AMNH features the world’s largest fossil collection and models of various dinosaurs, including a Giganotosaurus, in their two massive dinosaur halls. Visitors won’t want to miss the Hayden Planetarium, the wooly mammoth, and the 15.5 ton iron meteorite, as well.

A trip to New York City is not complete without a visit to the American Museum of Natural History, especially for those into science, space, culture, and history. Children, as well, will love the museum and its Discovery Center.

Of course when your museum trip is complete, pop across the street for a relaxing stroll through Central Park or grab the subway downstairs to anywhere you’d like to visit next.

It is located at 200 Central Park West, New York NY 10024. General admission is $23 for adults, $13 for children, or pay what you wish in person.

Contributed by Tori, tori-leigh.com

Top of the Rock

There’s so many reasons to consider visiting the “Top of the Rock” when you’re in New York City! As someone who has been both to the top of the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center, there are a number of reasons to consider the latter as the best way to see Gotham’s skyline. Not only are there plates of glass that allow you a clear view without any obstructions (perfect for your photos), but you also get a view of the Empire State Building itself.

While visiting any time during the day is great (though mid-afternoon tends to be the busiest time) I recommend heading there in the evening in order to catch the sunset and the lights of Manhattan just starting to emerge. There’s no better way to experience the heartbeat of this amazing city and to see it in its best light than by getting a ticket to visit Top of the Rock.

Contributed by Alex, Alex on the Map