Trendy Tourist

Travel in Style

  • Travel Fashion
    • Packing
  • Style
    • Trends
    • Outfits
    • Key Pieces
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Makeup
    • Skincare
  • Travel
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Guides
      • Asia
      • Europe
      • North America
      • Oceania
  • Lifestyle
    • Health and Wellness
    • Relationships
    • Stories
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Advertise
    • Guest Posting
    • Contact
  • Shop
    • SS22 Favourites
    • Travel Fashion
    • Travel Beauty
    • Travel Accessories

Explore

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Guest Posting
  • Shop
  • Contact

Connect

North America, Travel Guides · May 9, 2015

10 Things to Do in New York City

If there’s one thing that you must do while you’re on this beautiful planet, it’s visit the iconic New York City.

Also known as the Concrete Jungle, Big Apple or just simply NYC, New York is a place where dreams are made.

I’ve been a grand total of five times now and each and every trip has exceeded my expectations.

There’s nowhere quite like it anywhere else in the world. And if anybody says otherwise then they’re lying!

10 Things to Do in New York City

How to Get to New York City

First things first, NYC has three main airports: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty International (located in Newark, New Jersey but serving the greater NYC area) and La Guardia.

You can easily get direct flights to one of these airports from the following cities in the UK:

  • London
  • Manchester
  • Leeds
  • Birmingham
  • Nottingham
  • Newcastle (seasonally)

How to Get Around New York City

Getting around NYC is pretty simple. You have the following options.

  • Use the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) subway
    • Runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
    • Purchase a MetroCard, which can be used on subways and buses
    • Initial card has a fee of $1.00 and can be filled with a single ride for $2.75 (but there’s a two ride purchase minimum) or you can use it unlimited for 7 days for $33 (or for 30 days for $127)
  • Ride the Staten Island Ferry for FREE from theWhitehall Ferry Terminal
  • Ride share through Lyft or Uber

Or you could pretend you’re Carrie Bradshaw and flag down one of the city’s famous yellow taxis. Squee!

Top Things to Do in New York City

Now that you’re clued up when it comes to how to get there and get around, let’s get to the good stuff!

Read on for my top 10 things to do in New York City.

1. Have a Picnic in Central Park

Things to do in New York City 101: a Central Park picnic.

(This is obviously weather permitting as no one wants to sit on wet grass in the rain eating soggy sandwiches when they’re on holiday – or ever!)

Central Park goes on for blocks and blocks so there’s quite a lot of ground to cover. It surrounds a lake and, in the summer, it’s rather nice to buy an ice-cream, set up camp in the sun and just people-watch the day away.

In the winter, you can go ice-skating!

Central Park Ice Skating Rink

2. Sail Past the Statue of Liberty

A lot of tourists spend tons of dollars to go on the trip to Liberty Island. However, if you’re on a budget, you can just take the free Staten Island ferry.

This sails right past the Statue of Liberty which allows you to get some amazing full length shots without spending a penny! Then you can simply hop on the next ferry back to return to Manhattan.

Awesome, right?

3. Visit the One World Trade Centre and Twin Towers Memorial

When I was a young wee girl (aged nine) on my first trip EVER to NYC, I was lucky enough to ride the elevator to the top of one of the Twin Towers before the 9/11 tragedy occurred.

This meant that when I visited Ground Zero for the first time post-9/11, I was even more overwhelmed with sadness for what happened on that devastating day as I remembered how the World Trade Centre was previously.

I’m not going to lie, visiting the memorial is heartbreaking. That said, it’s worth going to both pay your respects and learn more about what happened on that fateful day.

Things to Do in New York City

4. Shop Until Your Heart’s Content in Soho

Another one of my top things to do in New York City is shop around Soho.

The majority of the shops in Soho are all on one street and go on for about 26 blocks. Have fun but try not to spend all your money!

Spoiler alert: you will end up spending all your money.

Pro traveller tip: learn from my past mistakes and always remember your suitcase space limitations. Having to panic pack and sit on your suitcase while your travel companion tries their best to zip it up a couple of hours before your flight is nobody’s idea of a fun time.

5. Take Your Camera to Seaport

Seaport is a cute little shopping district at the most southern point of Manhattan (hence the name Seaport as it’s right on the sea!).

From here you can see both the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges which means there’s some pretty awesome photo opportunities.

You could even walk cross the Brooklyn bridge to check out this quirky, artsy area.

6. Go Up the Rockefeller Centre Skyscraper

Now, you might have heard that going up the Empire State Building is one of THE BEST things to do in New York City.

Don’t get me wrong, a lot of people do it and thoroughly enjoy it. Having said that, my advice is NOT to go up the Empire State Building. Go up
the Rockefeller Centre instead.

By hitting the Top of the Rock, you get spectacular views of the city INCLUDING the Empire State Building. Also, if you’re strategic with your timing, you can get incredible photos of both the daytime and sunset views, as well as seeing how pretty everything looks lit up in the dark.

Thank me later.

7. Stroll Down Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue caters to all your shopping needs, therefore, a hotspot for all tourists.

If you want to shop for luxury goods (a la Louis Vuitton), you can find them here. But if trashy souvenir shops are more your style, there’s plenty of them to go around too.

Do me a favour and go in Trump Tower on the way down/up. It’s rather cool both inside and outside – and they do nice coffee to boot.

8. Explore Times Square

Times Square is, undoubtedly, the best bit of the Big Apple (in my opinion). It’s the most visited place globally with over 360,000 pedestrians per day.

And the dazzling lights, skyscraper buildings and charged atmosphere are what the city’s all about.

Plus, you’re very likely to stumble across the next big premiere or marketing event right in the middle of it, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

When I visited Times Square for the fourth time, I walked right into the middle of the Transformers 3 premiere and got to see the cast and crew being interviewed on the red carpet. Happy days!

Times Square

9. Go to See a Broadway Show

To put it simply: the shows on Broadway are unbelievably
amazing.

I’ve seen Peter Pan, West Side Story, Chicago and The Lion King and loved each and every one (especially The Lion King as that’s one of my
favourite films of all time!).

Pro traveller tip: keep in mind that tickets can be a bit pricey, so make sure you ask your hotel Concierge for deals. Or you can wander through Times Square where a lot of show reps will approach you.

There’s also a ticket booth in Times Square where you can queue early in the day for discounted show tickets for the following night.

Whatever you see, I guarantee that you will enjoy it.

10. Have Lunch at The Plaza

Finally, are there any Home Alone lovers out there? I ask as the hotel where Kevin McCallister stays when he gets lost in NYC in the movie is right next to the south entrance to Central Park.

It’s a gorgeous building and a great place for lunch.

It also has a food hall on the bottom floor, a bit like the food hall in Harrods, and there are plenty of yummy choices on offer. Bon Appetit!

The Plaza

NYC: Blink and You’ll Miss It

Whatever you do in NYC, try to make the most of your time there as the city is so fast-paced that you might blink and miss it.

Then you’ll be home before you know it, chewing your friends’ ears off and reminiscing about your time in the Big Apple.

And just wishing you’ll have a future opportunity to take another bite.

Have you been to NYC before? What’s your favourite thing to do?

Katie Davies

Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.

  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    7 Reasons Why Stray New Zealand Changed My Life
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    East Coast Australia Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    Top Things to Do in Wilmington NC

Posted By: Katie Davies · In: North America, Travel Guides

Top Things to Do in Boston in Winter
7 Exciting Things to Do in Dubai

You’ll Also Love

Smathers Beach OceanUnique Things to Do in Key West: A Travel Guide
God's Own Country10 Things to Do in the Yorkshire Golden Triangle
Orrest Head ViewpointThe Best Lake District Road Trip for Beginners

Sign Up to Our Mailing List to Get the FREE “Prep Like a Pro” Travel Checklist for Your Next Trip!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get on the List

Shop My Picks

  • Travel Fashion
  • SS22 Favourites
  • Travel Accessories
MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨ …that are comfy yet styl MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨
…that are comfy yet stylish!
1. Jumpsuit Queen
(For those who want to feel like they can breathe and move comfortably on the go while looking super chic for summer)
2. Cute and Cool
(Featuring an on-trend co-ord for sleek airplane style that you can effortlessly throw together)
3. Modern Simplicity
(A contemporary update on the jeans-and-a-tee classic clothing uniform ideal for travelling, with key pieces like the shacket and jeggings) 
Which one would you wear? 1, 2 or 3?
All products shown are in stock right now! I’ve linked them via my LTK shop but I’ll also link them in my Story for you guys. 🔗
Copy and paste this @shop.ltk in your browser: https://liketk.it/3Im8t 💕
#virtualstyling #virtualstyle #virtualstylists #virtualstylist #travelcapsule #travelthursday #travelcapsulewardrobe #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportfashion #airportlook #airportlooks #travellook #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #millennialfashion #outfitideas4you #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkeurope #ltktravel #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100
Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized sh Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized shirt, high-waisted jeans and square-toed strappy heels. 💃🏼
This is basically the 2022 version of “jeans and a nice top” — comfortable and practical for a long day/evening out but still contemporary and stylish.
I went for a soft colour palette for Saturday’s brunch in York because I thought it would look fresher for the summer season. 👀 
I also usually add a light jacket to tackle the pesky British elements but I didn’t need one last weekend. 🥵
The gorgeous mint green satin shirt is from @zara and my straight-leg jeans are @topshop (old), adding some nineties nostalgia to the mix.
I’ll link all pieces in my Story. 💕 
#bottomlessbrunch #goingoutoutfit #zarashirt #zarastyle #springlooks #springlook #oversizedshirt #straightjeans #topshopstyle #topshopgirls #jeansandanicetop #millennialfashion #sheingb #outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
Seeing all these news headlines about airport queu Seeing all these news headlines about airport queues is so frustrating. 😖
A trip abroad starts at the airport, and it breaks my heart that people who haven’t been able to travel or go on holiday for years and have worked so hard to save up are now experiencing delays and cancellations when it’s finally time for their trip to begin.
Speaking from experience, these queues stress you out before you’ve even got to your final destination. ✈️
I’ve flown from Leeds Bradford airport three times in the last nine months and Manchester airport once in the last few weeks. Each trip to the airport has taught me something different.
That said, I wanted to share a few things you can do to speed up your time at the airport so that you can make your flight and have the much-needed holiday you deserve. 🤗
Above all, follow your specific airline or airport recommendations. (These usually come in the form of an email or text message a couple of days before your flight.)
To read more about my recent airport experiences, check out the full article either via the link in bio or my Story.
Hope this helps. 💕
#airportdiaries #airportsecurity #traveltip #traveltipsandtricks #traveltiptuesday #traveltipstuesday #traveltips101 #traveltuesday #traveltuesdays #tblogger #tbloggers #tblogs #tbloggersuk #travelbloggervibes #travelblogs #travelbloggerslife #yorkshireblogger #yorkshirebloggers #leedsbradfordairport #leedsbradford #manchesterairport #tripplanning #tripprep #holidayprep
“…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️ (Wi “…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️
(With a shirt to match!)
I went for a bronzed, natural makeup look last weekend for drinks with the girls.
I’m really enjoying makeup more now that I’m older - it’s just so fun to play around with when you’ve got the time. 
Here are the products I used: 🤗
Primer - @nyxcosmetics_uk Pore Filler
Tinted Moisturiser - @tartecosmetics Skin Treat in shade “Medium”
Concealer - @esteelauderuk Double Wear Stay in Place in shade “Light Medium (Cool)”
Blush - NYX Sweet Cheeks in shade “Bang Bang”
Setting Spray - @urbandecayuki All Nighter
Eyeshadow - @toofacedlovestheuk “Teddy Bare” Palette
Mascara - Tarte Cosmetics “Big Ego”
Eyeliner - @kvdbeauty Tattoo Eyeliner
Brushes - @realtechniques Essential Eye Brushes
Eyebrows - @anastasiabeverlyhills Brow Wiz in “Medium Brown”
Lipstick - Tarte Cosmetics Lip Paint in shade “Bestie”
Shirt - @targetstyle 
All products (or similar) linked via my @shop.ltk app (find it in my bio or latest Stories). 💕
#liketkit #LTKbeauty #LTKunder100 #ltkeurope #ltkunder50 #nyxcosmetics_uk #realtechniques #abhbrows #targetfinds #targetrun #targetstyle #beautybloggeruk #beautyblogging #beautybloggersuk #naturalmakeuplook #naturalmakeuplooks #makeupbloggeruk #makeupbloggers #makeupblogs #makeupcommunity #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #makeupproducts #makeupessentials #bronzedmakeup #holidaymakeup #vacationmakeup
Mentally I’m still here… 💭 I wish I could Mentally I’m still here… 💭
I wish I could say that one of the yachts in the background is mine but I think I’ve got a fair few more articles to write first. 😩
Anyone else loving sixties-inspired prints for Spring/Summer? 🌞
This cute little shirt dress is ideal for those warmer evenings on holiday when you want to flash your tan and feel comfortable but still look like you’ve made an effort. 💁🏼‍♀️ 
Entire outfit is @shein_gb and will link all products via @shop.ltk app (head over to my Stories for the dress link - currently 41% off!).
Ltk shop link: https://liketk.it/3G3Yb 💕 
#liketkit #LTKunder50 #LTKstyletip #ltkeurope #ltkunder100 #ltkfashion #ltkstyle #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #sheingb #sheinforall #vacationdress #holidaydress #summerdresses #anotheroutfitpost #outfitblog #outfitbloggers #outfitblogger #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk #bloggerstyle #fbloggerstyle #fashionbloggeruk #ukfashionblogger #styleblogging
Courtyard strollin’… (Looking for my next cup Courtyard strollin’…
(Looking for my next cup of coffee or glass of sangria — it all depends on the time of day!) 😉☕️🍹
This cute courtyard was in the middle of Palma city. The architecture and restaurants huddled in the square with al fresco drinking and dining instantly transported me back to Italy.
It reminded me of past cruise ship holidays with my parents where we visited the likes of Naples, Capri, Rome, Florence and Pisa and we would be in awe of the charm and beauty of these places.
But this post is about Palma in Majorca. 🇪🇸
Palma itself is a delight!
There’s so much going on in the centre, so much life and hustle and bustle, which is refreshing to experience after over two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions. 😅
I enjoyed our leisurely peruse of the city, soaking up the sun and seeing historic sights such as The Cathedral of Santa Maria, which dates back to 1601.
We even spent some time getting lost amongst the cobbled backstreets, popping in and out of shops before we regained our bearings once again. 😍
Our day in Palma reminded me how much I love exploring and how much travelling makes me feel fulfilled.
You just can’t beat it, right? ❤️
I already can’t wait for my next European city break (which hasn’t even been booked yet!).
What are some of your fave European cities? 👇🏻
#palmamallorca #trendytouristuk #palmacity #europetravels #exploreeurope #spaintravel  #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #tbloggers #tbloggersuk #travelbloggersofig #travelbloggeruk #uktravelblogger #uktravelbloggers #visitpalma #travelgram #travelsquad #visitmallorca #mallorcaisland #mallorcagram #balearicisland #balearicislands
Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 One of Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 
One of my all-time favourite travel fashion pieces is the blue denim “mom-style” shorts.
You know, the relaxed-fit and high-waisted type that go with just about anything? 😉
You can pair them with a strappy top and sandals or flip flops for those warm summer days.
Or you can take them from day to night by swapping the strappy top for a chic blouse or cropped shirt and the flat sandals or flip flops for heels.
They’re just so comfy and cute! J’adore. ❤️
These ones are from @marksandspencerfashionpr which I’ll link via the @shop.LTK app along with some similar options.
(Check out the post here: https://liketk.it/3F1wG)
I lived in mine for my most recent trip to Majorca - even throwing them on over a bikini with a kaftan for those lazy pool days. ✌🏻 
Who else is a fan of denim shorts for summer holidays? ☀️
#liketkit #LTKswim #LTKunder50 #ltkunder100 #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkstyletip #ltkstyle #ltkeurope 
#swimwearfashion #bikinistyle #bikinifashion #denimshorts #denimshort #jeanshorts #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #poolfashion #poolstyle #beachlook #beachfashion #beachstyle #beachoutfit #momshorts
That post-holiday feeling! You know, when you lan That post-holiday feeling!
You know, when you land after a few days in the sun and you feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world again. 🙌🏻
And it helps if you travel in comfy clothes.
Plane, train and bus rides can be time-consuming (and stressful when things go wrong) so comfy travel gear makes the journey that little bit more bearable. ✈️ 
I’m currently loving lounge sets to travel in, such as this “Bon Voyage” lemon number from @lornaluxe x @inthestyle . 🍋
You can still get your hands on the shorts but, unfortunately, the sweatshirt is out of stock.
Not to worry though - I’ve linked some more pretty lounge sets to travel in via my shop on the @shop.LTK app. 
Shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content by visiting: https://liketk.it/3EAx9.
#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKeurope #ltktravel #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100 #trendytourist #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportlook #airportfashion #airportvibes #travelfashion #travelstyles #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #travelfashionista #travellook #travelclothes #travelclothing #inthestyle #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk
One of the best feelings in the world is those nig One of the best feelings in the world is those night-before-the-airport butterflies. 🦋
You know, when the suitcase is finally packed, the plane outfit is laid out and there’s nothing left to do other than get a good night’s sleep before you head to your new destination ✨ tomorrow ✨!
(But then you’re so excited that you end up not having the best sleep! 🤦🏼‍♀️)
Are you one of those travellers who gets to the airport super early or one of those super last minute people? ✈️ 
(I’m the former!)
#travelquote #travelquotes #travelquotestoliveby #travelquoteoftheday #travelthursday #travelthoughts #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #travelinspirations #travelpassion #lifeinspiration #lifeinspo #quoteofday #quoteoflife #quoteoftoday #trendytourist #tbloggers #tbloggersuk 
#travelsquad #travelgirlsgo #travelgirlshub #planelife #airportlife
I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶 Okay so I uni I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶
Okay so I unintentionally wore blue, white and black all weekend.
Outfit one was for a Betty’s brunch for the hubby’s birthday and exploring Thirsk. 👀
The blue denim dress and checked shacket combo felt a bit sixties inspired and sassy teamed with black tights and white boots.
Then outfit two was for a pub lunch and drinks with the family (hubby’s birthday celebrations part two).
I went for a blue floral top, comfy black jeggings, a blue denim shearling jacket and those white boots again. 👢
This felt more seventies rocker vibes so naturally I had to wear it with attitude!
Which outfit is your fave? Details below. ✌🏻
Denim dress, shacket, tights, boots: all @marksandspencerfashionpr
Bag: @coach
Floral top and boots as before: @marksandspencerfashionpr
Jeggings: @uniqlo_uk 
Jacket: @levis_uk 
Sunglasses: vintage
Bag: @nastygal 
#outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitlook #outfitselfie #outfitshot #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #outfitrepeater #denimdress #denimdresses #denimjackets #denimjacketstyle #fashionblogging #ootddetails #ootdbloggers #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 Trendy Tourist · Theme by 17th Avenue