Whether you’re looking to break up the monotony of your daily commute or you simply want to explore the area around your home and work, this travel guide is for you. From top attractions to hidden gems, outdoor adventures to cultural immersion, this guide will help you discover everything there is to see and do along your route.
Top Attractions
If you’re looking for some must-see sights, be sure to check out the following:
The Empire State Building
The Statue of Liberty
Central Park
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Brooklyn Bridge
Hidden Gems
If you’re willing to venture a bit off the beaten path, you’ll find some truly unique experiences. Consider checking out:
The High Line
The Cloisters
The Tenement Museum
The City Reliquary
The Green-Wood Cemetery
Food Scene
New York City is known for its incredible food, and there are plenty of options to choose from along your route. Some of our favorites include:
Pizza at Di Fara in Midwood
Bagels at Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown East
Ramen at Ippudo in the East Village
Hot dogs at Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island
Cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery in the West Village
Budget-Friendly Tips
While New York City can be expensive, there are ways to enjoy it on a budget. Consider:
Packing your lunch instead of eating out
Taking advantage of free admission days at museums
Using public transportation instead of cabs
Exploring parks and other outdoor spaces
Looking for happy hour specials at bars and restaurants
Outdoor Adventures
From hiking to kayaking, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Consider trying:
Biking along the Hudson River Greenway
Hiking in the Palisades Interstate Park
Kayaking in Jamaica Bay
Playing tennis in Prospect Park
Picnicking in Central Park
Historical Landmarks
New York City is steeped in history, and there are plenty of landmarks that reflect that. Consider visiting:
The Flatiron Building
The Woolworth Building
The New York Stock Exchange
The United Nations Headquarters
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Family-Friendly Activities
There are plenty of activities that are fun for the whole family. Consider trying:
Visiting the Bronx Zoo
Exploring the American Museum of Natural History
Riding the Cyclone roller coaster at Luna Park
Watching a puppet show at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
Playing mini-golf at Pier 25
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a bit different, try these off-the-beaten-path experiences:
Visiting the Coney Island Circus Sideshow
Exploring the abandoned City Hall subway station
Attending a performance at the Blue Note jazz club
Visiting the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria
Going on a street art tour in Bushwick
Natural Wonders
While New York City may be a concrete jungle, there are still plenty of natural wonders to explore. Consider visiting:
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The New York Botanical Garden
The Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
The Hudson River Park
Vibrant Nightlife
New York City is known for its nightlife, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Consider:
Visiting a rooftop bar, such as The Ides in Williamsburg
Checking out a comedy show, such as at the Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village
Attending a concert at the Bowery Ballroom on the Lower East Side
Dancing the night away at a club, such as Output in Williamsburg
Enjoying a craft cocktail at a speakeasy, such as The Raines Law Room in Chelsea
Local Markets
New York City is home to many markets where you can find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique souvenirs. Consider visiting:
The Union Square Greenmarket
The Brooklyn Flea
The Chelsea Market
The Smorgasburg in Williamsburg
The Grand Bazaar NYC on the Upper West Side
Beaches and Mountains
While New York City may not be the first place you think of for outdoor adventures, there are still plenty of opportunities to hit the beach or the mountains. Consider visiting:
The Rockaway Beach in Queens
The Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk
The Catskill Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains
The Shawangunk Mountains
Cultural Immersion
New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in different cultures. Consider:
Visiting the Museum of Chinese in America
Exploring Little Italy and Chinatown
Attending a performance at the Apollo Theater in Harlem
Visiting the Jewish Museum on the Upper East Side
Checking out the National Museum of the American Indian in Lower Manhattan
Art and Music Scene
New York City has a rich history of art and music, and there are plenty of venues to explore. Consider:
Visiting the Museum of Modern Art
Exploring the galleries in Chelsea
Attending a performance at Carnegie Hall
Checking out a show at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Visiting the Apollo Theater in Harlem
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to see the city is on foot. Consider taking a walking tour of:
The Brooklyn Bridge
The High Line
Central Park
Historic Harlem
The Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Architectural Marvels
New York City is home to some of the most iconic and recognizable buildings in the world. Consider visiting:
The Empire State Building
The Chrysler Building
The Flatiron Building
The One World Trade Center
The Guggenheim Museum
Historical Sites
New York City played a pivotal role in the history of the United States, and there are plenty of sites to explore. Consider visiting:
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Federal Hall National Memorial
The Tenement Museum
The New-York Historical Society
The Fraunces Tavern Museum
Biking Routes
If you’re looking for a more active way to explore the city, consider renting a bike and checking out:
