21 Things To Do While In New York

Affiliate Summit East 2019 is almost here, and Revolution Force is going! We’re excited to be visiting the Big Apple a.k.a New York again and can’t wait to see some of our favorite spots.  

We understand New York can be overwhelming with the endless possibilities for adventure. So, we’ve tried to narrow down your options by creating a travel guide. Here is a list of 21 things to do while in New York.  

But wait! Before we begin, if you plan to see many of New York City’s most prominent attractions:

  1. The Empire State Building
  2. Statue of Liberty
  3. American Museum of Natural History
  4. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
  5. Guggenheim Museum
  6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  7. Madison Square Garden Tour

Then we recommend getting the NYC CityPASS. The pass will save you a tremendous amount of money when visiting these attractions.  

How does it work?

First, you’ll purchase the pass online and get a QR code on your phone or you’ll print it out on paper. Next, you’ll visit the attractions from above and use your code at the special kiosk. After you scan your code, you’ll be able to receive your ticket. It’s as easy as that!

The Empire State Building

There is no better way to see New York City’s (NYC) sheer size than by seeing it from above. The Empire State Building is the 44th tallest skyscraper in the world and gives viewers access to look out into all of NYC. The Main Deck on the 86th floor is open until 2 a.m. for the night owls who want a late-night perspective.

Staten Island Ferry

One of the best free things to do in New York is taking the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry travels across the Upper New York Bay 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ride takes about 25 minutes and is full of beautiful views.

You’ll be able to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and all lower Manhattan’s skyscrapers.

Statue of Liberty

From 1886, immigrants were welcomed to New York by the inspiring symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty. The symbol was conceived by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built with a metal framework by Gustave Eiffel.

There are two ways to visit the famous Lady Liberty:

  1. Ride the Staten Island Ferry (it’s free). We recommend this option if you’re limited on time.
  2. Take a Tour.  If you want to be up close and personal, then taking a tour is the better option.

American Museum of Natural History

New York City has more than 80 museums, making it challenging to decide on which ones to visit. However, the American Museum of Natural History is one you should visit. With its four floors and 45 exhibit halls, this museum is one of the world’s most distinguished scientific and cultural institutions. 

9/11 Memorial and Museum

Visiting Ground Zero is an unforgettable experience. Although a somber remembrance of 9/11, the tribute built for the lives lost in the 2001 bombing, is still something that should be seen. The construction includes twin reflecting pools, marking the exact layouts of the Twin Towers, walled with the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. 

Guggenheim Museum

The Museum of Non-Objective Painting opened in 1939 in Midtown Manhattan. However, the museum didn’t gain its start until it moved buildings and changed names. In 1959 the museum moved to Frank Lloyd Wright building located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and East 89th Street and became the Guggenheim Museum.

This museum is iconic for its collection of Impressionist and early modern art, as well as its world-class temporary exhibitions.  

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET)

Art fan? Then head to the MET located on Museum Mile. There you will be able to experience 5000 years of art as you stroll through one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the world. The museum holds over two million works of art featuring an Egyptian exhibit and eight medieval art galleries.

*Special note, there is a rooftop bar at the MET which has fantastic views!

One World Trade Center Observatory

One way to truly see all of New York is to visit the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere- One World Trade Center Observatory. As of 2019, it is the sixth tallest building in the world standing at 1776 feet, referring to the year the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Rockefeller Center

A national historic landmark in the heart of Midtown Manhattan is made up of 19 buildings. It’s hard to believe this complex was built throughout the Great Depression.

Here you’ll be able to enjoy some of New York’s popular shopping and dining. If you ever find yourself visiting during Christmas time, then you’ll want to head to the infamous ice-skating rink and Christmas tree held at the Rockefeller plaza.

Radio City Music Hall

Part of Rockefeller Center is the well-known Art Deco live entertainment venue. It opened in 1932 where it would host concerts, live broadcasts of TV shows, and award ceremonies. This building is easy to find as it features a giant marquee sign on the corner of 6th Avenue and 50th Street. Radio City Music Hall also showcases the nations famous American precision dance company the Rockettes.

Yankees Game/ Yankee Stadium

Calling all sports lovers, Yankees are in town the week of Affiliate Summit East! If you have time to slip away, then we recommend heading to a game. If you can’t, we still recommend visiting the stadium. Remodeled in 2009 the stadium is one of the most famous baseball stadiums in the country.

Brooklyn Bridge

Another landmark to check out is the Brooklyn Bridge. Completed in 1883 the Brooklyn Bridge was the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge. When you visit, make sure you do it on foot. Walking on the bridge will give you one of the most satisfying views of New York City and Brooklyn.

Madison Square Garden

Labeled the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, has represented the top sports, entertainment, and cultural events for the last 130 years. Home to the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, this arena still finds time to be the second busiest arena in the world in terms of concert sales. Sports fan? Then you’ll want to peek inside. You can get an all-access tour of the sports arena with your New York CityPASS.

Times Square

If you’re a first-timer to New York, then you’ll want to see Times Square. The area is filled with dazzling electronic billboards, non-stop traffic, and crowds of people everywhere. Don’t let the crowds stop you from going to Times Square because the people are all part of the experience. Listen to the hustle and bustle of the city and soak it all in.

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central is one of the most iconic places viewed on TV and movies, and pretty awesome to see in real life. Plus, it’s free. The building itself has 44 platforms, more than any other train station in the world.

*Bonus fact: There is a place in the terminal called the “whispering wall.” This section of the walkway allows you and your traveling partner to stand in opposite corners and whisper to each other. Only you and your partner can hear one another, no other passersby. Cool, huh?

New York Botanical Garden

With over 250 acres, the New York Botanical Garden grows more than a million individual plants and is the leading botanical institution, conducting research and conservation programs. This National Historic Landmark was established in 1891 after botanists Nathaniel Lord Britton and his wife, Elizabeth visited New York. The Brittons took to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, near London and believed New York needed a botanical garden to advance people in the understanding of plants.

Central Park

Central Park is massive! From 5th to 8th Avenue, and from 59th to 110th Street, this park covers 843 acres of beautiful landscape. All within the boundaries of the park is a lake, multiple ponds, a reservoir, fountains, playgrounds, a zoo, and more than 25,000 trees.

Wall Street

When you visit this street, it’s going to be really crowded, and I mean really crowded as people hurry to and from work. But that is all part of the fun. Wall Street, home to the New York Stock Exchange and financial insinuations, is one of the most famous streets in the world. It’s located in lower Manhattan with an eight- block-long stretch.

Oculus

The state-of-the-art World Trade Center Transportation Hub was completed in 2016 and serves more than 250,000 daily commuters and millions of annual visitors from around the world. This impressive glass and steel structure resembling a dove taking off was built as a replacement after the original building was destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attack.

Also, don’t forget to shop while you’re at the Oculus. The building offers more than 50 stores to shop from.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a decorated Neo-Gothic- style Roman Catholic church located on the east side of Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets.  The church opened in 1879 and was created to affirm the ascendance of religious freedom and tolerance. Its sheer beauty is something to appreciate.  

Food to try while visiting:

  • Pizza
  • Hot dog
  • Pastrami sandwich
  • Bagel and lox
  • Ramen
  • Shawarma platter
  • Food trucks
  • New York Cheesecake
  • Black and white cookie

We hope this helps and you all enjoy your stay in New York. Make sure to say hello to us at the Meet Market 1120!!

By: Lauren Van Sloten