Ultimate Guide to New York

When it comes to USA, New York is the first thing that comes in mind. It is the most amazing city I have experienced so far. It is actually the city that never sleeps and is so diverse that you can experience entire world in this place. You might not like it in the beginning but New York grows on you and I have found my eternal love with this place.

But as a first timer it can get overwhelming and often people miss out on lot of things that new York has to offer hence I have curated an extensive list of things to do in New York especially for you:

1. The Vessel

It's a modern day architectural marvel.

You can book same day entry tickets for free online. But they will be for a specific time slot and entry is not allowed at other time however you can buy paid flexi ticket at 10 dollar for any time entry

2. Central Park

Have a chilled out Sunday picnic at Central park. You can cycle, walk or just relax. I highly recommend to sit near Central park lake. It is most serene place with rocky landscape and skyline view

3.Rockefeller center and Top of rock

If you want unrestricted view of city light and empire state building then Opt of Top of Rock. I highly recommend taking a night entry so you can enjoy the city lights. its has panoramic glass window hence pictures can be taken without any obstacle.

4. Statue of Liberty

Honestly no visit to NYC is complete without a trip to Statue of liberty. There are multiple cruises that run, I recommend going both in day and night time so you can enjoy the marvelous statue at both day and night.

For day time I took city circle line cruise and for night I opted for habour cruise at night. with harbour cruise, you can not only see Statue of liberty all lit up but it also takes you around the entire manhattan and you can see entire skyline and iconic places from cruise . Also it goes under the Brooklyn bridge too.

Both cruises are included in NYC city pass

5. Dumbo Brooklyn

In case you want to spend a chilled out Sunday then head to dumbo. It's a picnic spot in Brooklyn with many food outlets and boutique shops. If I have to choose between Central Park and Dumbo then my pick would be DUMBO. It also offers the best panoramic view of manhattan skyline as well as Brooklyn bridge. You can either take a subway to dumbo or walk across the Brooklyn bridge from manhattan side. I highly recommend walking the down the Brooklyn bridge once. It's an experience in itself.

6. Time Square

Well this place need to no words. If you want to experience true NYC then you have to visit here. Its hub of broadways, street performances, larger than life hoardings and shopping brands. You will never get bored even after sitting for ours at time square. But a word of caution: Times square is loaded with crowd and its hard to take a pic without having bundle of photo bombers

7. Explore speakeasies

Well if drinks are your thing then you have to try NYC speakeasy. In earlier times of prohibition, Speakeasies were illicit establishments that used to sell alcohol secretly. Now keeping the tradition on, many bars are designed like Speakeasies and their entry is usually an illusion. My fav speakeasy in NYC are "Please don't Tell" and "The back room".

8. Shop till you drop at The Mills at Jersey Gardens

If you are a shopaholic and crave for amazing deals on high end brands then head to this outlet mall. It is 2 hour bus ride away from manhattan and you can easily get the ticket at St-Port Authority Subway Station.

Tip: Please carry a luggage bag coz the deals are like a steal and you will end up buying more than you thought. Also mall closes at 5pm on Sunday avoid going there on Sunday.

9. Try burger at shake shack

You have to try Burger if you are in NYC. Shake shack is by far my fav. Do try their mushroom burger.

10. 5th Avenue

It a high fashion street and world famous after Rodeo drive. It is home to all luxury and designer brands while buying stuff from here could seem impossible but window shopping never harms anyone. You can also find mid-range brands like Zara and UniqLo having awesome collection. You can also walk into St. Patrick's cathedral along your 5th avenue walk.

11. The Charging Bull

Located in financial district, NY charging bull is iconic landmark. there is local myth that if you rub balls of the bull then you can bag a fortune. hence you will see a line all the time a the back side of bull. Honestly I don't believe it, but when in NYC why not try your luck!

12. Empire State Building

You can take an NYC city pass and take any 3 sightseeing option. Empire state building cab be one of them. It's an iconic building where Sleepless in Seattle was shot. The only drawback is that it has mesh wiring on the top so the view is restricted. You can go there in weekday afternoon and get less crowd hence don't spend extra money on skip the line option.

13. Washington Square park

It's a public park located in Greenwich Village. It's home to famous NY university and also been shot in many Bollywood movies. You can enjoy a pleasant afternoon sitting beside huge fountain. You can also walk a little around and reach the famous Friends apartment to re-Kindle your memories.

14. SOHO

Also called little Italy, This area is under major influence of Italian culture and has many Italian shops as well as restaurants.

Word of caution: The Italian restaurants here are over priced and a little bit hyped.

15. American museum of natural history

It might sound boring but in case you want a date with dinosaurs then you must visit this place. It has world's largest collection of dinosaurs fossils. Even if you are not into museums, this one will not disappoint you.