I came up with the top New York Sightseeing destinations for the city. We finally made it to the “Big Apple” and what a trip it was. Although we were only able to spend three nights and four days in this amazing metropolis, we fit in as much as we could. This city never sleeps, always on the go. This trip was great because we not only got to meet family there, but we were able to cross off some of our bucket list. I’m sure you can start making a list of things you want to see without even doing research, but I am going to give you a great start for things to do.
From airports to fly into, to hotels to stay in, to tourist destinations, to food places to eat at, even non tourist things to do. This city is amazing and a great destination to visit or possibly even live if that is what you are looking for. There are so many things to write about so I chose a few of my favorites. I truly hope they help you have the best trip to New York that you possibly could have. Here we go….
Getting there to start with
There are three airports that you can fly into, which in itself tells you how big and busy New York City really is. The funny part is, we used all three of them. My wife and I flew into JFK International Airport, a big airport but definitely outdated. Our family flew into LaGuardia Airport, and told us it is very nice, updated. The last one is the one we flew out of and it’s actually in New Jersey. Newark Liberty International Airport, which is very outdated and unorganized. I would not recommend this airport to anyone. What I do recommend is checking each for the best ticket.
Once there you have a few options of getting into the big city. You can take a taxi but it is going to cost you a pretty penny. They even have black SUV service which is more expensive but obviously more comfortable. The next option would be UBER, similar cost to a taxi. Any of these rides from Newark you will have to pay a toll and probably crossing state line tax. The last one is the one I recommend. Taking the air train and subway is available, which is what we did. It is actually pretty simple with lots of signs to guide you, and if not just ask someone to help you out
Now on to the top New York sightseeing tourist destinations. Bookmark this page because it is a lot of information and you don’t want to forget.
Top New York Sightseeing Destinations!
World Trade Center
I started with this one because it means the most to me. This is the top New York Sightseeing destination and is a must see. If you are going to have anything on your list of sites to see, the memorial of 911 should be #1. Take a look here to get more information about it and see how my experience was when I stepped foot there. Please remember when you do visit, that it might seem like a tourist destination but in reality it IS a memorial. Not only for the Heroes that lost their lives, but for the ones that survived that terrible day in 2001.
The “Edge”
Walking up to the Edge which is located in Hudson Yards, the buildings are incredible and the site is worth the trip alone. Right in front of the building is a piece of art called the Vessel, which was erected as part of Hudson Yard and a tourist attraction. It’s been closed for a while during COVID because several people have committed suicide on it. They aren’t sure when it is going to open back up. When you get into the building, you make your way to the forth floor. The cool part is, this attraction is in a mall so you get to see everything in the mall too.
You take an incredible elevator ride to the 100th floor and step out into a wide open room. Instantly you can see the amazing view through large windows that go from floor to ceiling. They have a café, bar, and restrooms all on this floor. Plenty of places to sit, to view, and to hang out with friends and family and enjoy the moment. They have another option and that is to climb the edge (in harnesses obviously) to the top so you can lean over the side of the building. The observation deck is the highest one in all of the Western Hemisphere which gives you an incredible view. They even have some glass in the floor so you can see or get a picture to the ground floor.
Summit One Vanderbilt
Summit One Vanderbilt is a very cool place to visit and one of the newest observation decks in New York. You will make your way up to the 91st floor. The cool thing about this is, there are three floors of different things to see and do. Side note: all floors are mirrors so if you don’t mind people seeing your knickers you can wear skirts or dresses. Also, this is a very crowded tour.
First Floor
Big room with great views and mirrors all around. Makes the room look much bigger than it really is. This is where you can get some great Instagram photo’s at different angles. Then you make your way through some hallways and into other rooms with different things to see and do.
Second floor
Looks down onto first floor. Also some cool window areas that you stand in a box (all windows) and can look straight down. You will probably have to stand in line for this attraction. Then you make your way around to another room with a big wall with digital sky and clouds. When you take pictures it looks like you are flying in the clouds.
Third floor
This is where the observation deck is. Great views but kind of crowded. They even have a bar outside with some snacks.
All and all, a nice tour but very popular. While you are there make sure you visit Bryant Park which is about a block down. There are some great history plaques and it’s right next to the library. Find a seat in the lawn or a table around the edge of the park and enjoy a cup a joe. There are a few places to get coffee, one being Joe & The Juice across the street from the park. They make some great drinks besides coffee.
Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island
Another Top New York Sightseeing Destination. Most people know what and where the Statue of Liberty is but have never seen it in person. It was hot when we got there but we splurged and spent the extra couple of dollars to go up in the pedestal. You have the option when you get inside to take the elevator or the stairs. If you can I highly recommend taking the stairs. They have information on plaques every so often that gives some great history and information about the Statue of Liberty.
When you get to the top (of the pedestal) you can look up through some glass and see the inside of the statue and see how it is really put together. It is completely made of brass and a bunch of sections. Then when you walk outside there is not a lot of room but the view is incredible. And you can walk all the way around it so you can see New Jersey, New York, and all of the bay. I will say it is a very humbling experience to see the spots where some of the first immigrants came into the U.S. To think my ancestors came through this area.
Ellis Island
Once you leave the Statue of Liberty you get to head over to Ellis Island where everyone was processed into the States. Honestly this is one of the most memorable places, and historical knowledge I have ever been to and gained. It was eye opening to read some of the statements (quotes) and stories of immigrants coming into the States back then. It also made me see the difference in what actually happened to the History class I had back in High School. These two islands were beautiful and such a great experience that I will definitely be going back when I visit New York.
Top New York Sightseeing Destinations Continued!
Subway
An interesting place, definitely can tell it is an old overused public commodity. Could use some maintenance and cleaning up, or as I like to call it TLC. Pretty easy to use, especially once you get the hang of it. We first experienced the subway when we left the airport. Instead of taking a cab or Uber we opted to ride the train. Mainly to save us quite a bit of money. Uber or Cab was going to be about $100, and the train ended up costing us about $14 each. Yes we had luggage and we did have to change trains a couple times, but at the end of the day we made it to our hotel.
Anyways, back to the subway. We started at JFK international airport. We took the sky train to Jamaica Station and then had to walk about 4 minutes to the subway at Sutphin Blvd. From there we caught the E train to 7th Ave, one block from our hotel. At the beginning I bought two subway cards for $1 each. Then we found out we can just swipe our credit card to pay for the rides, I think it was about $1.75 a ride. All in all, a good experience with the subway, minus the smell. LOL I can’t wait until you read about our experience in the subway looking for the Best Pizza in New York.
Top New York Sightseeing Pizza in New York
This is a big one because like Starbucks in Seattle, there is a pizza joint on every corner of New York City. For this reason, it is hard to say you have the best pizza. The way we found it, ask a local. I asked someone at the hotel, I asked a friend that lives in NY, and a police officer in the Subway. And all three of them named the same pizzeria. When we walked in you just got the feeling that it had been around for a long time and they were doing it right. This was one thing I had on my bucket list, now to try a real deep dish Chicago Pizza, LOL! This will give you a great idea of the Pizza experience we had!
Queen’s New York
Purple Dough, a great little Filipino dessert shop in downtown Queen’s. The menu consists of cakes, cookies, flan, cake donuts, and many more including coffee. They also do custom cakes, all made onsite with their all-electric operation. You will want to get something to go.
Max’s Restaurant, a wonderful little restaurant that started out as a little ma and pa business. It has grown from the first café in Quezon City, Philippine to globally, the Middle East and North America. We took our family there because it was authentic food. They had quick service and large plates of food. We were able to take the subway to get to Queen’s which made it very easy to get there and back.
Central Park
One of the many FREE things to do in the city. This park is huge, spanning 2.5 miles long and .5 miles wide. If you wanted to walk the outside of it, you would walk a mere 6 miles. Talking about getting your steps in. There are many things to see in the park, from lakes, to sporting events, even a mall, but supposedly the East side is the best part of the park. I’m not sure if that is true but you might want to schedule an entire day to take your time and visit this fantastic place.
Top New York Sightseeing Destinations If You Have Time
It is an opinion of what the Top New York Sightseeing Destination is but here are some other places if you get time you will want to visit. Times Square, MOMA, Radio City, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Rockefeller Square.