You have imagined it, seen it in movies, series, or novels, and seen it in your wildest dreams. New York embodies American excessiveness, the decision-making center of the world and the Dorado of the daring. In short, New York is the city of all possibilities! To not lose a precious minute of your stay, follow our list of 10 things to do in this legendary city.
Brooklyn, Manhattan, Harlem, Chinatown… these names are bound to be familiar to you. And yet, the reality will exceed all your expectations. From Brooklyn, you will appreciate the famous brownstones, those rows of houses built in red sandstone. Manhattan will immerse you in the heart of the city lights. Look up, it’s up there that it’s happening! Skyscrapers and buildings reign supreme. To the north, Harlem is well worth a visit. African-American neighborhood par excellence, place of all social struggles, today it is a must for anyone wishing to capture the New York spirit. And for a little exoticism, go to Chinatown. This hotbed of Chinese immigration is a tasty mix of Asia and America.
If there is one place where culture is in the spotlight, it’s New York. The greatest artistic institutions have made their home there. The Metropolitan Museum of Art or MET is one of the must-sees. This museum is one of the largest in the world! There are more than 250,000 pieces on display, dating from Antiquity to the present day. Other temples of culture, the MoMa or Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum are recognizable among all by their helical shape. As for scientists, it is at the Natural History Museum that they will find their happiness. Mineralogy, biology, paleontology, there will be something for everyone! If you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, the many art galleries in Greenwich Village will also be able to satisfy your thirst for culture.
City and nature are compatible, New York is living proof. Many green spaces will allow you to escape the ambient frenzy. Obviously, no stay in New York without a walk in Central Park. On foot or by bike, you will enjoy the stroll over nearly 350 hectares, in the company of no less than 500,000 trees. A real forest in the city. Liberty State Park, Battery Park, Lincoln Park, or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden will also satisfy your greenery cravings. More original still, the High Line will be the occasion for an escape in height. Built on a former overhead railway line, this plant and shrub-strewn track run through the city for 2.5 km. Possibility to take a nap in peace, armchairs are installed for this purpose!
Americans consider New York to be their gastronomic capital. So expect to have mouth-watering around every corner. The city, which has been built with the arrival of thousands of immigrants since the beginning of the 19th century, boasts an international cuisine, where all flavors are represented. Of course, we do not derogate from the famous hamburger, an unbeatable classic. At the bend of a window, let yourself be tempted by bagels, pizzas, donuts, and cupcakes, all more tempting than the others. On Sunday, treat yourself to a brunch. New Yorkers are fond of it and for good reason! Half-breakfast, half-lunch, this original meal combines salty and sweetness to delight your taste buds.
New York’s history is as rich as it is fascinating. A dive into the city’s past will convince you. On Fifth Avenue, venture into the Museum of the City of New York. Through photographs, objects, furniture, and manuscripts, you will learn about the events that made the city what it is, from its foundation to today. Even more poignant, the 9/11 Memorial commemorates the victims of attacks that have marked the history of the country and the world. Open since 2011 on the site of the twin towers, it is made up of two large pools, a park, and a museum. The opportunity to discover a symbolic place, where New Yorkers love to meditate and show their solidarity.
Few cities offer as many shopping opportunities as New York. So take advantage of your stay to shop. On Fifth Avenue, you will meet the biggest brands, from Dior to Apple, including Tiffany & Co, Abercrombie & Fitch, or Gucci. All the big names are also answering the call at Macy’s, one of America’s largest shopping malls, spread over 10 floors. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, head to the Brooklyn Flea Market. Who knows, maybe you will find the rare pearl there? To be hip all the way, head to SoHo and Tribeca, where you’ll find unique boutiques, thrift stores, and golden opportunities.
New York is “a standing city”, to use the words of Louis-Ferdinand Céline. In this vertical race where skyscrapers compete for height, dare to reach the peaks … the view will only get better! From the top of its 104th floor, One World Trade Center has recently offered New York’s highest vantage point. But it’s the Empire State Building, 380 meters high, that appeals to travelers the most. Another alternative is to climb to the top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. As a result, a breathtaking panorama of the Empire State Building and Central Park, all the more striking at sunset. And if you want to stand out, it is always possible to fly over the city by helicopter, to make the fun last!
New York is also worth a visit at night. In the evening, the city shines with a thousand lights and takes on the appearance of a postcard. To take the famous shot of New York by night, head for the Brooklyn suspension bridge: a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline. But the night is far from over! The next step is none other than Times Square. New York’s best-known intersection lights up with thousands of neon lights, and that’s who gets the biggest billboard. To fully experience your New York night, attend a Broadway musical. With its 38 theaters, the legendary avenue has become a symbol of American entertainment. Another option for a memorable and chic evening at the same time, attend a performance at the Metropolitan Opera (Met).
Stroll through the streets of the city, you will quickly feel like you are in the center of the world! Beyond the cosmopolitanism of the city, in which all nationalities are represented in a generous melting pot, you will not escape the fact that the greatest institutions of this world are based in New York. By booking in advance, you may have the chance to visit the United Nations (United Nations) Headquarters, built along the East River. Perhaps you will follow in the footsteps of the greatest in the halls of the General Assembly and the Security Council. New York is also a global financial capital. Walk around Wall Street and pass the New York Stock Exchange or the Federal Hall: traders around the world have their eyes on these places!
Want to escape outside the city walls? In New York, ferries are never far away to give you moments of escape. The most famous island nearby remains Liberty Island. This is where you can get to know the Statue of Liberty, it’s 200 tons of metal and 92 meters high. Along the way, take advantage of a stopover on Ellis Island to visit the Immigration Museum. If you are staying in New York in the summer, be aware that Governors Island is only accessible to the public at this time of year. Markets, concerts, small restaurants, gardens… People come here to escape the cacophony of the city and find an almost village atmosphere! Like what, New York has not finished surprising you.
