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Must do's and try's in New York City
New York City isn’t just a destination; it’s an exhilarating buffet of flavors, traditions, and experiences waiting to be devoured. Forget the tourist traps and dive into the city’s vibrant underbelly, where each neighborhood offers a unique taste of local life. Get ready for an adventure that tickles your taste buds and expands your horizons!
- Bagels with Lox: You haven’t truly lived until you’ve sunk your teeth into a New York bagel, chewy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with silky cream cheese and thinly sliced lox. It’s a breakfast fit for royalty—just don’t forget to say “schmear” like a local!
- Smorgasburg: This outdoor food market is a foodie’s paradise. Every weekend, hundreds of vendors serve up everything from ramen burgers to artisanal donuts. Warning: you may need a second stomach to handle this culinary overload!
- The Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Terminal: Slip away from the hustle and bustle to discover this stunning hidden gem. Stand at opposite corners of the archway, whisper, and be amazed as your voice travels across the dome. It’s like a magic trick, minus the top hat!
- Brooklyn’s Pizza Tour: Forget dining at fancy restaurants; join a pizza crawl through Brooklyn’s best pizzerias. Indulge in slices that will make you question every other pizza you’ve ever had. Cheese pulls and sauce drips included, of course!
With so much to uncover, every street corner in New York City beckons with its own story, flavor, or quirky surprise, making it a place where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary.
Sightseeing in New York City
- Statue of Liberty
- Central Park
- Times Square
- Empire State Building
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Brooklyn Bridge
- One World Observatory (for the best view of your wallet disappearing!)
Plan your activity
What to do in New York City?
Where to go?
The best areas in New York City
New York City is a treasure trove of unique neighborhoods, each with its own personality and charm. While the iconic landmarks are a must-see, the real magic often lies in the vibrant districts that showcase local culture, tantalizing cuisine, and a dash of quirkiness. So, put on your walking shoes and prepare to explore the NYC areas that will leave you with stories (and maybe a few embarrassing selfies) to tell!
Williamsburg
Once a haven for artists and hipsters, Williamsburg now boasts trendy boutiques, artisanal coffee shops, and enough street art to make your Instagram followers jealous. Don't forget to sample some craft beers while you're there—because who needs a budget when you’re on vacation?
Greenwich Village
Home to NYU students and bohemian vibes, Greenwich Village is where you can sip coffee at historic cafés and catch a live jazz show. Just be careful not to get too lost in the maze of charming streets—there's a rumor that some people never make it out!
SoHo
Known for its cast-iron buildings and high-end shopping, SoHo is the place to flex your credit card (or at least your window-shopping skills). Take a break from splurging to admire the street art—it's free, and you might just find your next favorite piece of decor!
Chinatown
Chinatown is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and oh-so-delicious smells. With authentic dim sum and vibrant markets, it’s a culinary paradise. Just be sure to practice your chopstick skills—no one wants to be that person who struggles with dumplings!
Astoria
A melting pot of cultures, Astoria is famous for its diverse food scene, from Greek to Egyptian cuisine. It’s the perfect place to eat your way around the world without leaving the borough. Just remember to leave room for dessert—because calories don't count on vacation, right?
Transportation tips
How to get around in New York City
Navigating New York City can feel like a game of Tetris, but with a bit of planning, you'll find your way around like a local.
Public Transit Pro
The NYC subway is your best friend. With 24/7 service, it connects all five boroughs. Grab a MetroCard for easy access—just swipe and go! Don’t forget to download a subway map app for real-time updates.
Riding the subway will cost you $2.90 per ride. If you're planning to hop on and off frequently, consider a weekly unlimited pass for $34.
Taxi Tactics
Yellow cabs are iconic. Hail one on the street or use an app like Uber or Lyft. Just remember, they may not stop for you if you're standing on the wrong side of the street—choose wisely!
Taxi fares start at $3.50 plus $0.50 per additional city block. Don’t forget about surge pricing during peak hours!
Bike it Out
Biking is a great way to see the city. Use Citi Bike, NYC's bike-sharing program, with stations all over. Just remember, bike lanes are your friends, not the sidewalks.
A single ride costs $3.50, but a day pass is just $12 for unlimited 30-minute rides. Just keep an eye on the time to avoid extra charges!
Plan your journey
Ready-to use itineraries for New York City
Browse our itineraries and find the perfect plan for your trip!
Get to know New York City
Frequently asked questions about New York City
Can I bring a giant inflatable unicorn to Central Park?
Not without a fight! Central Park is a free-for-all, but good luck trying to inflate that thing without attracting a crowd—or a park ranger. While you can technically bring it, just know that if you’re caught trying to launch it in the lake, you might get a stern talking-to. Also, be prepared for a ton of selfies from strangers. New Yorkers love a good spectacle, and nothing says "look at me" like a unicorn in the middle of the park!
What’s the deal with subway musicians and can I join in?
Yes, but only if you’re ready for some serious competition! The MTA has a permit system for subway performers, and let’s just say, it’s a cutthroat world. If you think you can strum a guitar and get a crowd, you better be ready to compete with some of the best buskers in the city. If you don’t have a permit, you might get a friendly nudge from a transit cop. But if you’re just there to jam, bring your A-game and a lot of charisma!
Is it illegal to eat on the subway?
Technically, yes—but good luck enforcing that! While there’s an MTA rule against eating on the subway, it’s more of a suggestion than a law. You’ll see everything from bagels to full-on meals being consumed. Just don’t bring anything too pungent (no one wants to smell your tuna salad at 8 AM), and be prepared for some side-eye if you’re munching on a messy burger during rush hour.
Can I legally walk my pet iguana in NYC?
Absolutely, but keep it on a leash! NYC is pretty chill about exotic pets, but if you’re walking your iguana down the street, you better have it leashed and under control. Be prepared for some confused looks and questions about whether it’s a lizard or a new breed of dog. Just remember, the city’s not ready for a reptilian social media star—yet!
Why do New Yorkers yell ‘Taxi’ like it’s a competitive sport?
Because it totally is! Hailing a cab in NYC is an art form. It’s all about timing, precision, and a dash of aggression. If you’re not yelling “Taxi!” with the ferocity of a Broadway star, you’ll be left watching cabs zoom by. Just remember, if you’re trying to catch one, make sure you’re not standing in the middle of the street—it’s not just a sport, it’s a dangerous game!
Can I bring my own food to a Broadway show?
Only if you want to be ‘that person’! Theaters have strict rules about outside food, and while you might sneak in a granola bar, anything more substantial will likely get you the stink-eye from an usher. If you’re really hungry, grab a pre-show snack at one of the many delis nearby. Just remember, the only thing you should be munching on during the show is popcorn—preferably from the theater itself!
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