What are some of the best spots/places to see in NYC?

[ManOnFire]

I'll be going there soon, it'll be my second time. First time was short and not so great so didn't really get to do a lot. I've already seen Times Square and a little bit of Central Park, but do wanna go further into that. Anybody have suggestions on best places to eat, towers to go up in, areas to see?

Updates

1 mo

Thank you all for the great answers, just came back from NYC and had a fantastic time. Every single day was an adventure with interesting characters lol.

[abc3643]

Hop Kee at 21 Mott Street in Chinatown in Manhattan.
It was the late, great Anthony Bourdain's favorite.

https://vimeo.com/3340886

Since the early 1970s, I've grown-up eating there when my father and I went to the city.
(In New York City parlance, "the city" means Manhattan although "The City" means NYC Government. We lived "out on the island" - Long Island.)

https://www.youtube.com/embed/_3osYxdM278https://www.youtube.com/embed/u_S2UuNmn2chttps://www.youtube.com/embed/bGxHIVvSHqkhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/Uc7x-GY1qlo

You remember this: When you want Chinese food, you go to where the actual Chinese go. This is the real deal. Consider skipping anything Americanized and request what the Chinese eat. When I was young in the 1970s and early 1980s, I used to get Wor Shu Opp (duck), but at my age now (63), duck is too fatty (but still delish!) so I have to get other things now.

[ManOnFire]

Oh hell yeah, I'm gonna try that Hop place. I already learned long ago that most of the "Chinese food" we eat in America is not sincere Chinese, it's Americanized to appeal to American palates. I'm always looking for a genuine Chinese joint so I won't go wrong there.

[abc3643]

Then make sure that you ask for the "real menu". Those videos explain that a bit.

[loveslongnails]

I'm going to stick to the food part, because that's what I know.

There are countless great places to eat in NYC, just stay away from tourist traps. For example, if you want pizza, don't go to Ray's which is the name people know. Instead, go to Mariella's at 965 Lexington Ave. If you want Chinese food or Italian food, go downtown to Chinatown and Little Italy, but again, stay away from the tourists spots.

If you want the best Chinese food, walk around and eat in the little hole in the wall places where the Asians are. Also good is Xian's Famous Foods for Szechuan dishes and Wo Hop for Cantonese (it's below street level and it's cash only).

For Italian, it's all over the city. Here's a reliable link for Little Italy.
12 Non tourist traps in Little Italy

There's every cuisine imaginable in NYC. Korean, Turkish, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, you name it. Generally speaking, the smaller, more neighborhood like places are the best. If you're staying at a big hotel in Manhattan, don't trust the concierge alone to give you the best advice. Ask the bartenders, the staff, the valets too.

Stay safe, do not carry ANYTHING in you back pockets, and get RFID protectors for your phone and credit cards.

[ManOnFire]

Very helpful stuff, and great recommendations.

[loveslongnails]

Let me know how it goes. I'm interested in hearing about your food adventure! Oh, one other recommendation. All over the city you will find street vendors. If you are ok with eating a hot dog, find a street vendor with a Sabrett or Nathan's umbrella. If not, any vendor will do. These hot dogs, or "franks" as they are called (short for frankfurter), are known as "dwf's) or "dirty water franks".

You have to try one. The recommended topping is cooked onions, kraut and mustard of your choice, either yellow or spicy brown. It's an experience unto itself. If you're out during the work week over lunch hour and see a few people in line for a particular cart, that's a GOOD sign.

[ManOnFire]

I had a street dog near Central Park last time I went, and it was just okay. But that was probably because I got mustard on it and nothing else. Plus we were in a rush to just eat and get back to the station.

[loveslongnails]

That's why I said to look for Sabrett or Nathan's first. And yes, you have to get more stuff on it.

[Sirenboobzilla]

Really depends on where you want to go. Manhattan is usually where every tourist wants to go, so there's endless things.
My go to places in Manhattan are the High Line Deck. It's an old train track. Now it's a park above the roads. Lots of greenery and places to sit. Passes by some really nice buildings and one modern deco building that I've been dying to get into.
Haandi is a great place to eat. It's a Pakistani place near the Empire State building.

If you venture to the other boroughs, Brooklyn Botanical Garden is beautiful. The museum there has some really neat exhibits.

If you like exploring old areas, Fort Tilden at Rochaway Beach is a great place to go. Old military ruins and all.

[ManOnFire]

Googled High Line Deck, that one doesn't seem so interesting but Brooklyn Botanical Garden will definitely get added to my itenarary.

[DeeDeeDeVour]

Activities I'm fond of repeatedly doing in NYC that I'd recommend:

1. Go to the One World Observatory of the Freedom Tower provides magnificent views of the Big Apple.

2. Walking over the East River on the Brooklyn Bridge.

3. Ferry rides on the Hudson River.

4. For those who like gigantic pastrami sandwiches, eat at Katz's Deli on Houston Street.

5. Jogging or just strolling in Central Park.

6. Watch a Broadway musical.

7. Visit the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier.

8. Explore Hudson Yards.

9. Visit the National September 11 Memorial.

10. Ride a bicycle in Governors Island.

11. Visit the Bronx Zoo.

[ManOnFire]

Katz's is already 100% on my list, I've watched so many videos about their sandwiches I'm dying to try one. I think One World it is then. Looks good. I was debating between ESB and One Summit tower.

[DeeDeeDeVour]

ESB is also nice but you won't get views of the bustling waterways surrounding lower Manhattan.
Meanwhile, avoid going to Katz's for dinner. It's too crowded because it's too popular.

[ManOnFire]

And I also hear that I should order online early for Katz and then you can go in and get a table, is that right?

[DeeDeeDeVour]

Yes, I think that's true since my friends have done that.

Me? I like the full experience which includes lining up and shouting my orders.

[ManOnFire]

Lol. I'm like that too.

[exitseven]

Everyone told me that the Statue of Liberty would be a disappointment but it really was pretty spectacular.

[msc545]

Classic NYC Highlights
Statue of Liberty – One of the most famous landmarks in the world. Take the ferry for great skyline views.
Central Park – A massive urban park with lakes, bridges, gardens, and walking trails.
Times Square – Bright lights, giant screens, and the quintessential "busy NYC" experience.
Brooklyn Bridge – Walk across it for some of the best views of Manhattan.
Empire State Building – Still one of the city's best observation decks.

Best Views of the Skyline
Top of the Rock – Many locals consider this the best skyline view because you can see the Empire State Building.
One World Observatory – Incredible views from Lower Manhattan.
Edge – Dramatic outdoor platform extending over the city.
Staten Island Ferry – Free ride with excellent views of the harbor and Statue of Liberty.

Museums
Metropolitan Museum of Art – One of the world's greatest art museums.
American Museum of Natural History – Dinosaurs, space exhibits, and natural science.
Museum of Modern Art – Home to many famous modern masterpieces.
9/11 Memorial & Museum – Powerful and moving historical site.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
Greenwich Village – Charming streets, cafés, and classic New York character.
SoHo – Architecture, shopping, and galleries.
Chinatown – Fantastic food and culture.
DUMBO – One of the best photo spots in NYC.

Hidden Gems
The High Line – Elevated park built on a former railway.
Grand Central Terminal – Beautiful architecture even if you're not catching a train.
Bryant Park – Great place to relax in Midtown.
New York Public Library – One of the most beautiful public buildings in America.

Only 2 days? SEE:

Statue of Liberty
Central Park
Brooklyn Bridge walk
Top of the Rock
The High Line
Greenwich Village
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

[ManOnFire]

Edge looks awesome, damn!

[Cidknee]

We rode that barge type thing to get close to the Statue of Liberty when we got tired. The gyros are delicious. I liked the beef and that lamb one. If you don't know they're like a overly dramatic sandwich that is great. Yeah, the park and up Wmpire State. Rode the subway a couple times which was plenty for the rest of my life. Checked out street performers. Those guys that act like they're stuck in a box or som- mime, I think. Messed with Rolex salesmen and movie pirates. And walked about a hundred and ten miles.

[ManOnFire]

Gyros are okay.

[HelpfulWoman_]

To experience New York City properly, you should spend your entire visit standing in the middle of the Times Square intersection during peak rush hour. Attempting to cross the street will provide the most authentic cultural immersion. Once you have exhausted that location, head directly to the Staten Island Ferry, but do not board the vessel. Instead, remain at the terminal entrance and offer unsolicited directions to tourists, regardless of whether you know the city layout. For dining, avoid all reputable establishments and consume only the lukewarm hot dogs sold by unlicensed street carts located in the most congested sidewalk areas. Conclude your trip by sleeping on a park bench in a remote section of the Bronx after dark, as this offers the most unobstructed views of the city skyline without the interference of crowded observation decks.

[Darcey]

I'm from New Zealand. I first went to New York in 2018.

I loved The Empire State Building. The views from up there were stunning.

It will hold a special place in my heart.

I hope I get to go back there.

Grand Central Station and Central Park were cool.

I didn't have time to do the Library or Museum but I'll be doing that if I go back.

[ElenaSeluna]

I went there a few years back.. Empire State Building was nice and you have to do the helicopter ride if it’s still there and the cruise around the city..

[Shiprex]

The whole city has a load of good things to see.

[andreasderjuengere]

JFK airport. Imternational departures.
And don't buy one of these silly coffee mugs.

[Godihateyou]

Nothing is good to see in NYC. The entire area is trash. Worst 500 mile radius in the entire country. New Jersey, trash, Philadelphia, trash.

[ManOnFire]

I feel that way too but I'm open to seeing more. Maybe it'll change my mind.

[queenofcardio]

I hope you have an amazing trip !

[Anonymous]

NewYork is full of Rats when showing
The homeless Rats are all over them
Streets are full of trash piles over your head

[ManOnFire]

The rats part is what I'm also concerned about, yeah.

[TheGreatCornholio79]

I enjoyed being at where world trade center was.