Top 5 Things You Must Do When Visiting New York City

Have you ever walked around New York city and experienced amazing activities here? Do you know what to do when discovering this beautiful and busy place? It is the time for you to find out 5 best things to do in New York city!

Top 5 tourist destinations in New York

1. See New York City From Above

New York City From Above. Photo: twowanderingsoles

There's no better way to get a feeling of the the sheer size of this city than by seeing it from above.

There are many buildings and rooftop bars that offer good view of the Big Apple, but two of the most popular views are the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building. Luckily, both are part of the NYC CityPASS.

However, if you only have time for one, we would recommend Top of the Rock because you'll be able to see the Empire State Building in the skyline, which is the iconic view of New York.

2. Eat Ice Cream at Ample Hills Creamery

Ice Cream at Ample Hills Creamery. Photo: WDW News Today

There is always room for ice cream. This is my life motto and I stick by it, especially when there are as many ice cream options as there are in New York City.

Before our trip, we got messages from several readers with recommendations for NYC, and one place we kept seeing over and over again was Ample Hills Creamery.

There are a few locations around the city; one being conveniently located right next to one of the entrances to the High Line. And let me tell you, it was every bit as delicious as people told us. So good, in fact, that we returned the next day and ordered the same exact flavors. A big thanks to Carmela from No Wrong Turns for the awesome recommendation, said by Two Wandering Soles.

3. Take in some Impressive Street Art

Impressive Street Art. Photo: Trip101

According to Timeout. New York is the city where street art was born, and it’s still the best place to see it in the world.

Catching art on the street is a far more visceral experience that seeing it on a museum wall. For proof, check out the Bowery Graffiti Wall on the corner of Houston and Bowery to see what world-class street artist is currently on display (past artists have included Banksy, JR and Shepard Fairey) or peep the rotating lineup of artists at Coney Island Art Walls.

If you’re looking for an arty outing after dark, head down to the Lower East Side for the 100 Gates Project, which displays impressive works on the grates that cover businesses at night.

It's fun to wander one of the most famous streets in the world and see men and women in business suits power-walking down the street. Watching them will make you appreciate being on vacation!

4. Stroll The High Line

Strolling The High Line. Photo: Citi Bike

Chelsea's above-ground park and garden set on old train tracks offers a natural respite and 1.4 miles of car-free walking space set between the daring skyscrapers of Manhattan's west side.

The High Line just opened in July and now has timed entry to lessen the amount of visitors. It's been months since the park has been open to the public. It was sorely missed.

Works by Sam Falls and Lara Schnitger that were part of the park's En Plein Air exhibit are still up. Look for four ceramic archways supported by the steel rail tracks from the High Line’s original railway and a large-scale sculpture Sister of the Road, made in painted aluminum.

5. See Sunset on West Street Highway

West Street Highway at sunset. Photo: twowanderingsoles

Strolling on the 9A West Street Highway at sunset is a local favorite. Stop at some of the grassy areas on the Hudson River Greenway for picnicking or people watching. The colors over the Hudson River are pretty spectacular!

And if you're visiting in the summertime and are up for a beer and a lively atmosphere, the Frying Pan is a fun place to stop for live music and libations.