New York really is the city that never sleeps! There’s always some cool spot or things to do that’s perched around every corner. Though it can be tough to narrow it down to a manageable list of the best places in New York to explore.
This is especially true if you’re on a tight schedule and only have a few days in the city.
Plus, on top of all the hidden spots and free things to see, there’s a heap of different neighbourhoods and areas of New York that are amazing to experience. This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the best places in New York you should certainly think of visiting next time you visit.
Honestly, New York is a totally vibrant city, and you won’t be lost for anything to do. Just make sure to plan your trip well and be efficient with your time. This way, you can see as much as humanly possible. Take a look below at the best places in New York to visit on your trip to the Big Apple. Have the best time.
1.) Climb the Vessel
Perched in Manhattan, at Hudson Yards, the Vessel is one of the newer art installations that call New York City home.
Looking like a giant spiderweb funnel, it’s a huge and interactive art and public space that’s totally free to visit. Just make sure to book a free ticket online before you visit, as they do use tickets for crowd control.
It really is one of the best places in New York to see, especially if you want to experience something totally unique.
Read more: Best things to do in New York
2.) Explore the Lower East Side
The Lower East Side was once a historic tenement and industrial district of Manhattan that has, in recent decades, seen a surge of cool spots arise.
The Lower East Side is totally unique and feels quite a lot like Camden Town (in London), with all its eclectic fare. Once you’re here, make sure to stop off at Katz Deli for some of the best sandwiches in New York. Honestly, they’re huge, so you’d best arrive starving. It’s pretty no-frills but something of an institution in New York.
Plus, you’ve got spots like the Tenement Museum that’s just around the corner and well worth a visit if you’re interested in the history of New York itself.
Getting peckish? Head over to Freemans Restaurant, which is about a 12-minute stroll from Katz’s Deli. It feels like a speakeasy in the city, especially as it’s tucked away down the alleyways of the Lower East Side. Once inside, you’ll quickly realise why this place is special. It feels like you’ve been transported back to the early part of the 20th Century. It’s so cosy, and the food is beyond delicious. Good, hearty and healthy American-influenced meals. So good.
Looking for one of the best hotels in NYC? Check out The Ludlow Hotel. It’s right in the heart of the Lower East Side and the perfect place to base yourself if you want an easy walk to heaps of good restaurants and cocktail bars. Plus, the rooms are so nice, and it has this epic rooftop that’s only for hotel guests, with views all across Manhattan. We loved it!
Read more: Best areas of New York to visit
3.) See the sunset at Top Of The Rock
Okay, so, Top Of The Rock is easily one of the best places in New York to watch the sunset. You see, it has some stunning views all across Manhattan and is perfectly placed to also see the Empire State Building, too. Just make sure to book your tickets before you arrive in the city; tickets sell out faster for the sunset slots.
Read more: How to visit Top Of The Rock
4.) Visit the Met Breuer
Okay, so visiting the Met Breuer is easily one of the best places in New York to enjoy some world-class art.
You see, the Met Breuer is dedicated to contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries, which features an exciting mix of residencies, performances and displays that’s totally cool. Just make sure to plan your time well! If you love art, you’ll likely spend hours inside.
Getting hungry? Hop on the subway or cab and get yourself over to Motek (West Village). This restaurant is such a vibe, and they serve up some of the best and freshest food on this side of Manhattan. Now, it does get busy (with good reason), so expect to wait for a table or reserve one in advance. Their seafood is so good, by the way. Plus, their mezze is all made in-house! So good.
Read more: Best free things to do in New York
5.) See the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum has become a global focal point for preserving the awful events of September 11th, documenting the impact of the attacks and exploring their continuing significance around the world.
This is a sombre and emotional exhibition of an event that left such a deep cut in the fabric of New York.
6.) The Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum of American Art’s new building in the Meatpacking District is easily one of the best places in New York to visit for art lovers.
Designed by Renzo Piano between the High Line and the Hudson River, the nine-story building houses some of the best examples of American art in the world. It’s honestly amazing to visit, though, if you’re not a lover of art, then you’ll probably want to give it a miss.
7.) Head To MoMA
Yeah, I know; another art gallery! The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is another hot spot to visit that’s not too far away from the likes of Times Square. In fact, it’s about a 15-minute stroll and is one of the best places in New York to explore whilst in the city.
Plus, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, then it’s all indoors to keep you nice and dry.
Read more: Best things to do in New York
8.) One World Observatory
The One World Observatory is the tallest viewing point in the Western Hemisphere and a new symbol for New York City.
Occupying floors 100-102, the One World Observatory has some pretty epic views across New York and is one of the highest viewpoints in the city. Plus, with these One World Observatory tickets, you can actually skip the line! Which means more time exploring NYC!
Now, for me, Top Of The Rock is still my favourite viewpoint, but this is certainly a great spot, too. I’ll let you decide which you love most.
9.) The Highline
The Highline has to be one of the best places in New York to go for a stroll! You see, it’s a whole walkway that’s come about from disused metro lines that once circulated in Manhattan. Nowadays, you can walk the route and enjoy the green spaces that are proper relaxing.
Plus, the end of the Highline is right at Hudson Yards. This means you can easily pair this with a visit to the Vessel and even a little wander around the nearby Hell’s Kitchen for a tipple or two.
10.) See a Broadway show
Honestly, New York has some of the best theatre productions and musicals in all the world! This is why Broadway is easily one of the best places in New York to visit if you love a good show.
Don’t forget to make your tickets even cheaper by heading to the TKTS booth in Times Square. Discounted day tickets are usually released for shows that have yet to sell out.
Read more: The best shows and guide to Broadway
11.) NYC Food (tours and restaurants)
If you want to take a break after all that sightseeing, grab a sweet treat from Doughnut Plant. There’s a whole heap of other tasty doughnut spots in New York, too; all are great no matter what area of the city you’re in.
Though, if you fancy more of a sit-down dinner, then pop over to Buddakan near Chelsea Market (also great), which has the best Asian-fusion dishes in the city. Alternatively, if it’s a grill you’re after, check out Blue Smoke, which even has live Jazz playing on certain nights.
Finally, pop into the Press Lounge, a rooftop bar on top of Ink48 Hotel, for some sundowners in the evening.
Read more: Best things to do in New York
