Amazing Experiences Not To Miss In New York

The best of the best in the big apple! Tips and recommendations of must-do experiences while visiting New York City for a long weekend stay.

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If you have limited time but still want the best experiences in New York City, I can relate!

I recently had an opportunity to make a stop in New York City for a few days between flights and wanted to make the most of it.

Having limited time means maximizing each day is of upmost importance. I wanted to see all the major sights I could in my limited timeframe.

In just 72 hours I completed all of the following activities without feeling stressed or rushed. If it is your first visit to New York City, I recommend starting with these experiences and if you have more time, adding on more as you go.

Where To Stay

Staying close to the action can make the most of your experience, especially when you only have a few days to spend in New York City.

1 Hotel Central Park is the perfect choice when trying to find a convenient, cost effective hotel with all the best amenities!

As the name implies, it is about half a block from Central Park, a few blocks from Times Square, and just steps from about a million other great things to do, see, and places to eat.

Walking in the hotel you are truly walking into an urban retreat. There is greenery all around and the design showcases many natural reclaimed materials. The rooms are beautiful, clean, and well appointed.

You can find the best deals for your stay at 1 Hotel Central Park by clicking HERE!

My List of The Best Experiences in New York:

Helicopter Tour of New York

I have to start with the best of my experiences in New York: a helicopter tour! Without a doubt this was the most memorable thing I did during my stay in NYC.

To experience this: Simply book the tour HERE, show up at your designated time, and you will be escorted to your helicopter. From there they take you up for a jaw dropping tour of the amazing city. You’ll see the sights in a completely new way that will forever change your perspective – literally and figuratively!

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Explore Central Park

In the heart of Manhattan is the 843 acres of ponds and green space: Central Park!

One loop of Central Park can be as long as 6.1 miles, circled with paved paths, and containing the Central Park Zoo, a skating rink, gardens, fountains and more. Not only is there so much to see, there are so many amazing ways to see all that Central Park has to offer.

Just a few amazing options for ways to explore Central Park:

• See Central Park By Carriage Ride
• A Central Park Walking Tour
• Take A Bike Tour Through Central Park
• Have A Gourmet Picnic In The Park
• Hop In A Pedicab For A Central Park Tour
• A Central Park Walking Tour For Movie and TV Buffs
• Rent A Bike and Take A Self-Guided Tour
• A Scavenger Hunt Through Central Park
• Running Tours Of Central Park

Take A Ride In A Pedicab

To have a truly unique view of the city, consider taking a Pedicab instead of a taxi.

When out sightseeing I opted to hop in a pedicab to head to my next location and it was a really fun experience. I loved being able to see the city at ground level while gazing up at the towering buildings around me without anything obstructing my view.

I noticed they were out and about near tourist attractions so they shouldn’t be too hard to spot. You’ll just have to keep your eyes open to grab one as they peddle past.

While it’ll run you about twice the cost of a taxi, it is a fun and unique experience to have at least once while you’re out and about in the city.

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Empire State Building – Including 86th Floor Observatory

Breathtaking views and fascinating history, all in one stop! Without a doubt, the Empire State Building is one of the absolute best experiences you need to have in New York City.

I recommend going up to the 86th Floor Observatory for the best unobstructed views. Although I do have a fear of heights, I still wouldn’t trade the experience for the world.

Lines at the Empire State Building can get really long, so I recommend buying your tickets ahead and springing for the VIP access to allow you to skip the lines. It’ll save you time so you can see everything on your list!

Harbor Tour – See The City By Water!

In my opinion, no trip to New York City during the summer would be complete without a tour on the water.

In just one hour, you can get a tour on the water – listen to an audio tour as you cruise past the Statue Of Liberty, Ellis Island, see the bridges, grab a snack and enjoy the weather. It is a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time.

Now if you have more time in your trip, I recommend going for the 4 hour tour that includes a ferry ride and tour of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. You won’t regret it!

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Visit Times Square At Night

Visiting Times Square at night is on my list of best experiences in New York City because it is unlike anything else you will ever see in the US!

Soak up the neon lights and the energy of the city by making a stop in Times Square after dark. Whether you opt for a tour, or just make a stop to do some people watching after dinner, it is well worth your time. It is something that must be experienced in person and no picture can fully do it justice!

9/11 Memorial and Museum

September 11th, 2001 is a date that will forever be in our hearts and minds. Make every effort to make a stop at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to take time to remember the events of that day and honor those who lost their lives and the heroism of so many.

On a guided tour, you can see ground zero, the twin reflecting pools of the 9/11 Memorial and the September 11 Museum. This is something that should not be missed. The experience will impact you in such a powerful way!

Conclusion

I hope this list of the best experiences in New York City will help you make the most of your visit. Whether you have a few days or a few weeks, don’t miss out on these amazing, life-changing experiences in the big apple! I know you’ll be happy you crossed these off your bucket list.

I want to hear from you! What experience are you most excited to try while in New York City? Is there anything else you would add to this list?

My Travel Must-haves: