Whenever I take a trip to the Big Apple, I always choose to stay at INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel.

There are several reasons why this is my favorite hotel in NYC, which I will uncover for you in this complete review of the hotel.

About INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel

The INNSiDE New York Nomad is the first American hotel from the contemporary European INNSiDE by Melia Hotels International.

Located in Chelsea in the heart of Manhattan, between 6th and 7th Avenue, you’ll find this stylish residence standing tall in the trendy NoMad district (North of Madison Square Park).

The full address is 132 West 27th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenue.

The nearby historic and classy Flatiron district has obviously rubbed off on it.

Not only is it close to major shopping areas, but it’s also a stone’s throw from some of New York City’s major tourist attractions such as the Empire State Building, Chelsea Market, Javits Center, and Broadway Theaters.

The nearest city’s main subway lines are 34th Street Penn Station and West 23rd Street Station.

It’s a 6.8 mile drive to Laguardia Airport.

We loved our stay at this New York hotel.

It was a fabulous way to start our trip to New York City at Christmas as it put me in a very bright, and well rested mood.

We did stay as a partner of a sponsored campaign with INNSiDE by Melia, but all our opinions are my own.

The INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel proved to be an exceptional hotel for us as a family, as business travelers running our travel blog, (actually anyone) visiting New York.

It’s one of my favorite hotels for 2017 (we have stayed in a lot) for it’s sleek and contemporary designs, its comfort, excellent service, location and fantastic room size (rare for NYC).

We have since stayed at the hotel on two subsequent visits to New York, which we organized and paid for ourselves. It will be our first choice for New York accommodation from now on.

Our Experience Staying at INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel 

We pulled up to the INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel in a frazzled state.

Unlike most tourists who visit New York City, we had chosen to arrive by car.

We only had a short drive from the tunnel in New Jersey to get to the hotel, but in that time I was beeped at almost every second, cut off every other minute, had bikes and people zooming out in front of me, and narrowly avoided collision about three times.

Get me out of the car!

When we arrived out the front of the INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel the friendly bell man from Jamaica came straight to the car.

He help us unload with smiles and a helpful tip to stay with the car until the valet came as the traffic police were brutal and he didn’t want us to get a fine.

I started to relax and when I walked inside the zen-like hotel lobby, the chaotic world zipping around the streets of Manhattan slipped from memory.

The entry way was decorated with plants and flowers and floor-to-ceiling glass covered the façade.

Relaxed guests were sipping cocktails on the lobby bar terrace and others lazing around on the softly padded lounge chairs.

The front desk and lobby was open and light with splashes of color to raise your energy but keep it subdued enough to feel relaxed.

I breathed deep and had a feeling we had arrived at an Oasis in the city that never sleeps.

It was not what I was expecting at all for a New York hotel and I was pleasantly surprised by my first experience of the INNSiDE by Melia hotel chain.

Facilities at INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel

There are many great facilities at the INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel, such as the usual expectations of free Wi-Fi, towels and toiletries in your room, and room service.

It also has laundry service and dry cleaning, parking (a premium in NYC), 24-hour reception and room service, 24-hour security, luggage storage, bicycle hire, air conditioning and heating, adjoining rooms for families, tea and coffee facilities in the room and ironing facilities.

In public areas, you will find an ATM and vending machines.

What I like about INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel 

In this INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel review, we’ll explain in more detail the features of this hotel in NYC that we loved and you care about.

1. Modern, Contemporary Design

This Chelsea Hotel in New York is one of the new hotels in NYC (only eight months old) and oozes contemporary sophistication and charm.

The stylish ambiance begins in the lobby with minimalist furnishings, inviting sofas and ambient purple lighting guiding you to the front desk.

The same effective simplistic style continues in the hotel rooms and dining areas.

The fresh and innovative design even continues at the elevator with doodles on the door inspiring travel and work adventures and videos within the elevator showcasing the features of the hotel that can make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

2. Location, Location

Location is key when searching for hotels in any city, but especially when looking for places to stay in NYC.

Centrally located in Chelsea on west 27th street between 6th and 7th Ave, I loved that the INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel was within walking distance from Times Square, but away from all the flashing light frenzy (we walked straight up 7th Ave with our 10 and 6 year old’s).

It’s location couldn’t be more perfect to explore the neighborhood of Chelsea and iconic Flatiron and the relaxing ambiance of Madison Square Park.

Chelsea is an awesome location in NYC, and one of my favorite areas to meander in New York.

The area has more of a neighborhood feel with a lovely touch of sophistication and class.

Its also right near the popular High Line and bustling Chelsea Markets, a six-minute walk to Madison Square Garden and Penn Station at 34th street (Red line) and a 12-minute walk to the Empire State Building.

It was also right on the subway line at 23rd street (Yellow line) which meant we could get to wherever we wanted in NYC very quickly.

Plus, it’s on a one way street that is not too chaotic traffic wise.

It was quiet and peaceful. We have stayed in other hotels right in Times Square which have been noisy 24/7.

In fact I could walk on the road when I went for my 7am blow out appointment just around the corner to prepare for our TV interviews.

One of my TV interviews was a short walk around the corner, the other a short drive around the corner (I didn’t drive, Fox Business News sent a driver!!), and the third a short subway ride down to Wall Street.

So if you’re looking for hotels in midtown NYC for business (or pleasure), then staying at the INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel puts you in a fantastic location.

3. Comfortable, Stylish and Spacious Rooms

Hotel rooms in NYC are notoriously small, and especially cramped for families.

We’ve stayed in plenty of NYC hotels where all four of us can barely fit in the room, let alone our luggage.

So we appreciated having so much space.

Having a family suite with the girls in a separate room next door was wonderful as they could relax on their bed watching Disney after a busy day exploring while we had quiet space to do some blogging work.

Having two bathrooms also made a world of difference getting out the door early in the mornings!

The room maintained the simple, yet stylish design of the hotel: white with splashes of lime green with the cushions and chairs.

Over sized floor-to-ceiling windows offered ample natural light during the day.

The family rooms include a king size bed and two double beds, high speed Wi-Fi and refreshment center (Nespresso machine, free minibar (soft drinks)) as well as a comfortable work space, which is really important to us.

Don’t fear a good night sleep here either. The beds are comfortable and there is not a New York sound to be heard.

There are a range of rooms to suit your style and budget at the INNSiDE from doubles, queen, and king rooms and suites to family rooms and rooms with terraces.

Rates are reasonable for New York standards.

Some of the rooms (17th – 20th floors) at the INNSiDE New York Nomad have beautiful Manhattan skyline views. The Terrace Suites have breathtaking views of the Empire State building,

We had views that I called ‘local living’, which, believe it or not, I liked. I liked peering at the urban garden rooftops and into the urban office spaces in the metal fire escape-fronted brick buildings.

Completing a winning set up is the open bathroom (a signature of the INNSiDE concept), complete with rain shower and luxurious bathroom products.

I think the bathroom was bigger than our previous New York accommodation rooms.

And this may seem like a bizarre thing to mention, but the showers had faucets (taps) that were easy to  turn on.

If you are a member of our Facebook group, you may remember my update saying how complicated US shower faucets/taps were. There was a huge response of people admitting they face the same issues!!

Thanks for making my shower time easier INNSiDE.

The only negative of the bathroom is the feature frosted glass wall that separates the bathroom from the bedroom – when the bathroom light is turned on in the middle of the night it lights up the whole room!

4. Lobby Area

The front desk and lobby embraces space and light with a balance of color with the comfortable padded lounge chairs awaiting your tired feet.

It’s beautifully designed with pineapple-yellow love seats, accent pillows and a cosmopolitan looking bar, which spills out onto a side terrace partially enclosed with plant-lined walls that feels open yet private.

It’s popular with locals and guests of an evening and weekend for cocktails.

Take your pick:

• Laze around on the couch as you update your social media accounts or browse through the day’s photos.
• Open the lap top to get a bit of work done (with classy cocktail in hand)
• Or, indulge in happy hour: a glass of well earned wine with a chease board. We were celebrating making dreams happen in New York and being interviewed on TV! I will always have this memory of New York!

Don’t miss the daily Happy Hour from 5-8pm and DJ music on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays.

5. INNSiDE Brasserie

Reached by a hidden stairwell behind the bar, you are first greeted by a gigantic mural made of preserved moss decorating the wall.

It’s a scene of energetic dancers showcasing the diverse and entertaining spirit of New York and maintaining the atmosphere of a calm oasis helping you to stay connected to nature.

It’s one for the Instagram feed.

The wood paneling, booth seating and stylish lighting of the room complements the artistic style of the room.

The breakfast buffet spans the likes of bagels, salmon, scrambled eggs, charred asparagus spears, ham, cheese and bircher muesli.

You’re spoilt for choice and the girls delighted in sneaking a few mini doughnuts and chocolate croissants to give them the energy for the streets of New York.

Breakfast is excluded from the price of the room, and you can also get cooked-to-order breakfast. 

Although bed and breakfast packages can be purchased when reserving your room.

6. Exceptional Service

Check in staff, who double as concierge, were personable and professional and offered us many tips and recommendations on places to eat in the area and how to get around Manhattan easily.

I already mentioned the kindness of the bellman from Jamaica.

We had a lovely conversation with him in the elevator and in our room about cricket! Obsessed as the Aussies are.

I was impressed with the wait staff in the breakfast room who were very kind and attentive to my daughters, asking me where were my princesses when I went for an early breakfast on my own before my TV interview.

In the lobby they came over to chat with the girls about their American girl dolls and interacted with them beautifully.

In a city that is so fast paced and energetic like New York , this slow, genuine interacting with my kids was very much appreciated.

7. Ideal for business travelers or work trippers

The INNSiDE New York Nomad hotel has been designed with the modern day traveler in mind – those that work from their lap tops and are searching for accommodation that suits their needs.

The hotel has all the technology for demanding travelers including:

• Work spaces
• Conferences areas
• and a 24-hour fitness center to keep up with your important fitness regime

It’s provides a great balance of business and pleasure.

Things to Consider When Stayings At INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel

Of course, no where is perfect, and there are some downsides to the INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel. When staying at this hotel, here are some things to consider…

1. There’s a resort fee

It’s not often made clear at the time of purchase, but there is a resort fee at the INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel.

This isn’t a mandatory fee in NYC and so if you’re not happy to pay this, then you may want to look at other hotel choices.

2. Check in at 3pm

The check-in time is 3pm, which isn’t too late, but if you arrive earlier in the day it can be a pain. The good news is there is baggage storage, so you can drop off your belongings and come back later to check-in.

And check-out is at 12pm, so you don’t have to worry about waking up too early to have breakfast and leave.

Final Thoughts on Staying at INNSiDE New York Nomad Hotel

This was the first time I’d heard of the INNSiDE by Melia brand. I was very impressed and will be seeking them out on further travels.

Following on from their success across Europe, INNSiDE by Meliá New York Nomad is the first in the United States. I hope they start appearing in more US cities.

Even though this is a hip, sleek and New York hotel refuge, it is the perfect place to stay in New York with kids. It will have a calming effect on them. The girls loved it.

INSIDE New York NoMad, I’ll be back.

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If you don’t know where to stay in New York City, to save you some time I’ve researched the best New York accommodation options and narrowed down your choices to a few select properties in the popular areas of Manhattan – the best neighborhood to stay in for first timers.

I’ve selected the top 3, 4 and 5 star hotels in NYC you can find – from budget to luxury hotels.

From budget to luxury, we hope this list of NYC hotels helps you figure out where to stay in NYC and hopefully saves you some money!

So when you’re ready to find your dream accommodation in New York City, let’s get started!

Where to Stay in New York City: The Best Neighborhoods

When it comes to finding the best places to stay in New York City, you first need to think about your location.

I’ve focused on properties in Manhattan so you can walk to the main attractions, restaurants, cafes, bars, and have easy access to the Metro (subway).

Whether it’s your first time in NYC or your tenth, Manhattan is the ideal location for those wanting to see tourist attractions.

Base yourself in a central location in Manhattan and you will be within walking distance of so many famous NYC attractions like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Statue of Liberty, Museum of Modern Art, and Broadway shows!

Sure you can stay outside of Manhattan to potentially save some money and get a larger room, but if this is your first visit to NYC or you’re on a short stay you want to be in the center of the Big Apple.

If you stay in an outer borough you won’t have the luxury of popping back to your room for a quick rest, to drop off your shopping, or to freshen up before hitting the town at night.

This can really make a difference to your New York vacation.

Sometimes the trade-off between saving money on accommodations in New York and saving time on commuting by being central to the action cancels each other out, particularly on short getaways!

Why Book Your New York Accommodation With Booking.com?

For my list below, each property had to meet specific criteria and for my research, and I used the Booking.com website to help with that.

I like that you can book a variety of New York accommodation types on the one website – hotels, apartments, and hostels, even holiday homes.

And I love how simple their website is to use! Booking.com is the world leader in booking accommodation online and has over 28,000,000 properties worldwide, and over 900 in NYC.

With Booking.com you get free cancellation up to 24 hours before on most rooms and a best price guarantee. Plus, they have verified reviews from guests who have actually stayed at the property so you can see what your experience might be like.

They are always our first port of call when booking hotel stays.

What To Look For In The Best New York Accommodation?

Every hotel in this guide is within Manhattan. But we broke it down into these 4 popular Manhattan districts:

• Times Square / Midtown Manhattan
• Lower Manhattan
• Central Park
• Chelsea

The criteria I used to select the best hotels for this list took into consideration:

• Free WiFi
• Metro station nearby
• Parking
• Air Conditioning
• Restaurants either nearby or onsite
• Family rooms
• Free cancellation
• Review Score of 8+

3 Star Hotels in Times Square/Midtown

If you are researching where to stay in NYC on a budget and within walking distance of New York Times Square and Grand Central Terminal, these are the best 3-star hotels.

1. Homewood Suites Midtown

This hotel is only 1,600 feet from the iconic Madison Square Garden and Penn Train Station. It offers luxury suites that have all the comforts of home including a fully-equipped kitchenette. Plus, 24-hour complimentary coffee service.

Although you get a suite, there is also an onsite restaurant offering a complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet each day.

Whether you choose a studio or a 2-3 bedroom suite, you can expect to find a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries, plus 24 hour front desk and a mini market.

Each studio and suite at the Homewood Suites Midtown Manhattan Times Square South features a flat-screen HD cable TV and a fully equipped kitchenette. In addition, each studio and suite also includes a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free luxury toiletries.

It’s also within a stone’s throw from Times Square but without the noise.

2. The Hotel at Fifth Avenue

Stay a short 4-minute walk from the Empire State Building.

The Hotel at Fifth Avenue are known for their low prices and top-notch customer service. It is located on 5th Avenue near a variety of popular shopping areas.

For me, the decor feels very New York style, with wooden furnishings and brown carpet.

In each room, you will have free WiFi, Cable TV and a coffee machine. When you want to catch up on your work out routine, there. isa on-site fitness center and if you need to get work done, head to the 24/7 business center.

4-Star Hotels in Times Square/Midtown

If your budget can stretch a bit further to something more luxury, then these are the best four-star hotels in NYC…

3. Residence Inn by Marriott Times Square 

You can always count on Residence Inns to be clean and welcoming places with large rooms and this is no different.

It is 2,650 feet from Times Square, a 12 minute walk to Grand Central Station, and close to shopping destinations such as Tiffany & Co and Apple.

It has free WiFi and a free breakfast buffet each morning, as well as some rooms have a kitchenette so you can cook up your own snacks.

There’s a fitness center, as well as a lovely bar with a lounge and pool table.

4. Hyatt Centric Times Square

The rooftop lounge gives you views of the entire city. And some rooms offer floor to ceiling windows that welcome in the light and bustle of the city.

Plus, you are only 450 feet from Times Square and just 2,100 feet from Rockefeller Center.

With a 24 hour fitness center and business center, it’s a great option for those who work on their travels.

5. The Kimberly Hotel & Suites

Although this hotel could use some modernizing with the decor, the rooms are still comfortable and cozy.

Enjoy evening drinks in luxury on the all-seasons rooftop bar or feast on American, Italian and Steakhouse cuisine in the on-site restaurant.

On weekdays, a breakfast buffet is served on the terrace. It has heated floors and retractable glass walls and roof. And the end of your busy shopping and dining day, sleep cozily on the white Italian bedding.

The Kimberly also boasts a fitness center, private parking, and a 24 hour front desk.

Some rooms also come with a kitchenette with a fridge and a microwave.

6. The Pearl Hotel 

The Pearl Hotel is right in Times Square and couldn’t be closer to the action. From the 24-hour room service to the subway that’s only 800 feet away, it’s a convenient and beautiful place to stay.

It also boasts a fitness center and has ticket services for those in need of booking attractions of Broadways show.

All rooms come with iPod docking stations, Cable, and coffee machines.

There’s no on-site restaurant, but you can order food with 24 hour room service.

7. Royalton Park Avenue

Whether you decide to use the on-site spa or take a swim on the rooftop pool, you’ll find something you love about the Royalton Park Avenue.

It has a real nomad vibe, with spacious lounge areas and colorful decor.

It’s located 0.9 miles from Times Square and just 250 feet from the subway.

5-Star Hotels in Times Square/Midtown

For those looking for something special, you can’t go wrong with these five-star hotels…

8. Intercontinental Times Square

You will never forget your relaxing stay at the Intercontinental. It has an expansive 36 stories and some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with amazing views. It’s only 1,050 feet from Times Square.

Plus, each room comes with a work station and a beautiful bathroom with walk-in rain shower.

There’s a 24 hour gym and a cocktail bar, The Stinger Cockail Bar, which has a lively atmosphere and menu.

9. Langham Place, 5th Avenue

Everything about Langham Place is impressive.

From the stunning decor to the way they pamper their guests. It doesn’t even feel like a hotel room. While you are here, eat at the Ai Fiori, the onsite Michelin-star restaurant.

Or if you want a cocktail before hitting Broadway, head to Bar Fiori.

It’s also primely located between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building, and Grand Central Station is just a short walk away.

Each room comes with an espresso maker and free WiFi.

10. The Chatwal, A Luxury Collection Hotel 

The Chatwal is an art-deco boutique hotel that treats every person like a VIP. You wouldn’t believe something so cozy and quiet would exist in the middle of NYC.

Every room has a 42-inch flat-screen TV, personal butler service, and 400-thread-count linens and down duvets. While you are here, indulge in the prestigious MYND Spa & Salon or take a dip in the infinity pool.

If you enjoy going to the gym, the fitness center is open 24 hours and you can even arrange personal training.

Not to mention it’s only a 5-minute walk to Broadway.

3-Star Hotels in Lower Manhattan

There are lots of museums and things to do in lower Manhattan as well. Catch a ferry and go to Staten Island or take a tour of Ellis Island. These are the best places to stay in lower Manhattan.

These hotels offer the best customer service and all have amazing reviews from previous guests.

11. Four Points by Sheraton Downtown

From the Four Points, you are just a 5-minute walk from Wall Street. They offer complimentary bottled-water to guests, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Each room comes with a stylish decor and comfortable bed. Bathrooms are simple but they have free toiletries and a hair dryer.

12. Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan Downtown

Another hotel that is nearby the financial district of NYC is the Hilton Garden Inn.

In fact, Battery park is just 550 feet away. The Garden Grille & Bar offers guests breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is just 400 feet from the South Ferry subway station.

13. Courtyard by Marriott New York Downtown

If you enjoy stunning skyline views, then this is a perfect hotel.

It’s just 1,050 feet from the World Trade Center and you are surrounded by the most impressive architecture.

Every room has free WiFi and there is a convenient restaurant right on site.

4 Star Hotels in Lower Manhattan

Browse these impressive 4-star hotels all located near the financial district of Manhattan.

14. Hyatt Union Square New York 

The Hyatt is elegance and luxury and comfort all rolled into one.

They offer suites with a private terrace for extra privacy. Plus it is only 1,050 feet from Union Square Park and is surrounded by places to shop and eat.

15. Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center

Located right on a beautiful corner in busy lower Manhattan, each room has stunning city views. They also offer complimentary coffee and tea and a relaxing rooftop terrace.

After a day of exploring, head to the shared lounge or get a work out in the fitness center.

You will also find a bar and delicious American cuisine at the on-site Morton’s Steakhouse.

The location cannot be beaten, just a 10 minute stroll to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and Ground Zero.

16. The Frederick Hotel

Every guest room exudes luxury in the details. The beds are fitted with Italian Frette linen and plush, comfortable seating.

You will be a short walk of 0.9 miles from Chinatown and are even closer to 1,650 feet from New York City Hall.

It’s right in the heart of Tribeca with fantastic food and shopping.

The hotel also boasts a fitness center, valet parking and laundry services.

5 Star Hotels in Lower Manhattan

If you are researching where to stay in New York City near the Financial District, these 5-star hotels in lower Manhattan all have scores of positive reviews.

Their goal is to give you the most pampered stay possible.

17. SIXTY SoHo

Experience how it feels to be a celebrity when you stay at SIXTY.

Every luxurious room has a well-stocked mini bar, marble bathrooms, and bathrobes with slippers. Plus, they serve French cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Bistrot Leo.

18. NoMo SoHo

This incredible hotel is inspired by Jean Cocteau’s Film, “La Belle et la Bête.”

In-room spa services are available or just relax on the super-soft down bedding while you gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows. This is a short 5-minute walk from Little Italy.

19. The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel 

The Beekman Hotel is the definition of opulence and relaxation.

The rooms and beds have custom beds with leather headboards and solid oak floors. This hotel has a 9-story atrium with a pyramidal glass ceiling at the top.

3 Star Hotels near Central Park NYC

Central Park is literally in the middle of New York City. It’s a green oasis where you can walk, relax, have a picnic, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Each of these hotels is an affordable option close to the beauty of Central Park.

20. Residence Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/ Central Park 

Get a room that overlooks Central Park’s greenery, it’s worth it.

Residence Inn is 2,100 feet away from the iconic park. They offer complimentary breakfast and the on-site restaurant Nosh! offers breakfast and lunch.

21. The Historic Blue Angel Hotel

The Historic Blue Angel Hotel is just a short walk away from Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art, as well as 53rd Street Subway Station.

It has cozy and comfortable rooms with 24-hour room service available.

You will be instantly impressed with the architecture and attention to detail in the decor. Head to the outdoor terrace for some incredible views of the Manhattan skyline.

22. Mandarin Oriental

At a mere 2 minute walk from Central Park, this hotel is one of the closest ones.

If you want tickets to a broadway show, stop by their tour desk. It has beautiful views of the Central Park, Manhattan skyline and Hudson River from its terrace, or from the floor-to-ceiling windows in your guest room.

Take advantage of the full-service spa with massage rooms and a sauna, or get a work out in at the fitness center.

When you don’t feel like eating out, head to MO Lounge, which serves contemporary American cuisine and cocktails with a view.

4 Star Hotels Near Central Park

For a taste of luxury, stay in one of these 4-star hotels close to the park.

23. Sonder Chambers Hotel

The Sonder Chambers Hotel is a pet-friendly place with lots of space and 1,600 feet from Central Park. Plus they offer a delicious continental breakfast every day.

24. Loews Regency New York Hotel 

Centrally located on Park Avenue, Loews Regency is 2 blocks from Central Park and a 15-minute walk from Rockefeller Center.

All the rooms have a minibar. Guests have access to the 24-hour concierge services which proves really helpful when you are a tourist.

25. AKA Central Park

The AKA Central Park Hotel is a condo-hotel that offers studio, 1-2 bedroom, and penthouse suites with living areas and fully-equipped kitchens.

If you are looking to get away to a place that is spacious and welcoming, this is the one for you.

5 Star Hotels Near Central Park

Researching where to stay in New York City near Central Park?

From the service to the atmosphere and decor details, these 5-star hotels are a cut above the rest.

26. The Ritz Carlton Central Park 

Put on the ritz! This place is synonymous with extravagance.

It’s a 6-minute walk to Central Park and 5-minutes from Barneys New York. The staff pays close attention to every guest, treating them as though they are the only ones in the entire hotel.

27. Trump International Hotel 

The Trump International Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in New York City.

From the iconic globe sculpture in the front to the impressively spacious rooms, this is a hotel fit for a President. There is plenty to do right in the hotel. Swim in the indoor heated pool or treat yourself to the health club with saunas and yoga classes.

28. 1 Hotel Central Park 

People that stay here love the friendly staff and the beautifully decorated rooms. This hotel has an eye for minute details and welcomes you to a relaxing stay close to Carnegie Hall.

The rooms are spacious and welcoming, with air conditioning and a living area. There’s also a desk for those who need to catch up on work, as well as a laptop safe, Nespresso machine and yoga mat.

In the evenings, head to the bar for a cocktail before hitting the theaters, or dine at Jams, the open kitchen restaurant.

3 Star Hotels in Chelsea, New York City

If you love art, you will enjoy visiting the west side of Manhattan in an area called Chelsea. This area has lots of townhomes and residential areas. These are the best hotels you can stay at in this beautiful area.

These are the best lower-priced hotels in Chelsea. Browse them and book your favorite today.

29. Courtyard by Marriott New York Chelsea

You can always count on Residence Inns to be welcoming places that are family-friendly.

This is a wonderful choice for tourists. It has a Go Board with maps to local attractions. Plus it’s close to two different subway stations and only 2,100 feet away from Macy’s.

30. Cambria Hotel New York/Chelsea

On the edge of Chelsea sits the artsy Cambria hotel.

You can easily walk to the Empire State Building or Madison Square Garden. The hotel rooms all come with a microwave, mini-refrigerator, and coffee machine.

31. Hilton Garden Inn New York/Chelsea

This hotel sits right in the heart of the romantic flower district.

It is within walking distance of Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building. This is the perfect location if you are interested in culture, art, and parks.

4 Star Hotels in Chelsea NYC

These 4-star hotels are on the west side of New York City. They offer a higher level of attention and care.

32. INNSide New York Nomad

There is so much to love about this stunning boutique hotel. Read our full review of INNSide New York Nomad for the inside scoop!

33. Moxy NYC Chelsea

Stay at the Moxy and see what everyone is raving about.

It was voted one of Travel Weekly’s best midscale hotels. Maybe it’s because guests receive a complimentary glass of prosecco upon check-in.

Or maybe it’s the artistic design of the guest rooms and their stunning city-views. Stay here and see what you love about it most.

34. The Maritime Hotel 

The guest rooms are all designed with a nautical theme because this hotel sits only 0.6 miles from Chelsea Piers.

Enjoy the exquisite food at the on-site restaurant CATCH STEAK. It features the world’s best cuts and globally influenced dishes.

5-Star Hotel in Chelsea NYC

There is only one 5-star hotel in Chelsea that we love enough to recommend. It provides exquisite service and details.

35. Kimpton Hotel Eventi

This hotel is one of the best-sellers on Booking.com and for good reason.

You can relax with the in-room spa treatments or go down to their full-service spa. Plus, it’s just a 3-minute walk from the 8 Street underground subway station.

They also have complimentary morning coffee and an evening wine hour from 17:00 – 18:00 every day.

Final Thoughts on NYC Accommodation

I hope this page helped you to find the best hotel offers and New York accommodation to suit your needs.

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I definitely knew there were interesting things to do in Gettysburg PA, but my outdoor adventure mind is more pointed towards hikes, bike rides and kayaking adventures.

But, as I grew up hearing about the heroes of Gettysburg from my Dad and we were passing through it on our way from Lake Lure to New York City, I penciled it into our multi-generational family road trip itinerary.

It ended up being one of my favorite destinations on the trip.

If you’re thinking of visiting Gettysburg but you’re not sure what there is to do besides the battlefields, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, I’ve listed what to do in Gettysburg for any first time visitor.

Is Gettysburg worth visiting?

I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this quaint Pennsylvania country town, but also how much I got personally from experiencing the history of the Gettysburg battle.

It’s the places that help our soul evolve that we remember most.

Gettysburg, PA is one of the most patriotic destinations in America and a wonderful place for you to immerse yourself, and the kids, in history.

Not just Civil War history, but the area’s connection to two American Presidents – Abraham Lincoln and his famous Gettysburg address, and Dwight Eisenhower who’s home is now a museum the Eisenhower National Historic Site dedicated to his life in Gettysburg.

Gettysburg and Adams County, where it is situated, is picture perfect Pennsylvania rolling countryside.

This means there is plenty for my outdoor loving mind to enjoy.

From culinary experiences, wineries and breweries, and outdoor adventures to arts festivals and food tours, there is so many more great things to do in Gettysburg that don’t involve battle fields, museums and tours.

How many days do you need in Gettysburg?

We only had a short stay, so didn’t get to experience too much; it was more about exploring the Gettysburg Battlefield and living a little Civil War History.

We’d love to come back to diver deeper into the local flavors of the destination. To see all the highlights, I recommend staying 2-3 days, but if you have more time at your disposal you could spend 4-5 days here without getting bored.

Things to Do in Gettysburg PA

The most unmissable thing to do in Gettysburg is to explore the Gettysburg National Military Park.

Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania, where a three-day Civil War battle in 1863 took the lives of 51,000 people, is now the Gettysburg National Military Park.

What happened in Gettysburg over 150 years ago was very important to the final outcome of the Civil War.

1. Visit The Visitor Center and Museum

The best place to start your trip to Gettysburg is at the Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg Military Park.

I recommend visiting here before doing the Battlefield tour so you have a good grasp of how the battle started and why and how it affected all those involved, soldiers and civilians.

This is a popular Gettysburg attraction so it can get busy and leave yourself plenty of time.

We ran out of time and only got about 2/3 of the way through the museum galleries, which we found the informative and fascinating.

In the museum’s 11 galleries, you’ll see artifacts, artillery, and displays about the battle, the war, and its aftermath, as well as interactive exhibits and theaters with videos and voice accounts by military leaders, common soldiers, and civilians.

The Museum experience begins with a film narrated by Morgan Freedom which gives a fantastic overview of the Civil War and Gettysburg battle.

A highlight of the museum is the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama, painted in the late 1880s by the French artist Paul Philippoteaux.

The cyclorama within the Museum is the largest oil painting in North America and tells the story of the infamous Pickett’s Charge that ended the Battle of Gettysburg.

The painting wraps around the room and shares intricate details of the parts of the battle, the charges the cannon fire, the deaths all of which is simulated with sounds and light effects.

I teared up feeling that battle and thinking of all those young men walking to almost certain death.

Such a tragic loss of life. As Robert E Lee said:

It’s well that war is so terrible – so we don’t grow too fond of it.

2. Take One of the Gettysburg Battlefield Tours

Gettysburg moved and inspired me more than I realized. I wrote more about it in this post.

We travel to learn, reflect, and understand people and events in our past so that we may create better futures. Gettysburg is one of those transformative places.

Even though during the Civil War it was a place of horror and death, it’s now a memorial to the spirit of peace, unity, and togetherness.

Out of that bloodshed, the seeds for a better way were planted.

It’s a fascinating story in a beautiful landscape that has an ethereal spiritual peace about it. It was one of the highlight on our Dallas to Boston road trip, and of our American unplugged journey so far.

Touring the Gettysburg Battlefield is a half to full day experience, depending on how deep you want to go.

There are 1,400 monuments and statues places around the battlefields.

Most of these monuments have been placed where the particular units fought, with small square stones indicating the lines of the unit’s formation.

This helps you to piece together the different parts of the battle over the three days and just how many men were involved.

Previous to 1886, only Union Monuments were allowed such was the bitterness over this horrendous war. Now there are monuments to commemorate both armies and unite those once divided.

As Lincoln reminded us – so they did not die in vain.

The North Carolina Memorial, depicting five soldiers advancing in Pickett’s Charge, is said to be similar to Iwo Jima and so is a popular memorial to visit.

The Pennsylvania Memorial, is the largest and most complex of the park’s monuments and the only memorial recording the names of all the soldiers from the state who fought at Gettysburg.

Gettysburg Battlefield Tour Options

We recommend a Gettysburg auto tour with licensed battlefield guide as the best way to visit the Gettysburg Battlefields.

A Licensed Battlefield Guide will drive your car to points of interest around the battlefield sharing facts and interesting stories of generals, soldiers and townspeople.

Our guide had over 30 years of experiences and was a wealth of knowledge.

He really brought it to life for us and helped us to understand what Union and Confederate soldiers, and the local people went through.

I loved standing on top of Little Round Top and seeing the battlefield stretched out before us and imagining the chaos happening all around.

It’s amazing how peaceful and beautiful it is now.

Alternatively, you can do a self-guided driving tour to the various sites using an app with narration.

You’ll miss a good deal of the stories which help give you a better understanding and feel for what happened here if you guide yourself.

There are also bus tours of the battlefield, guided bike tours of the battlefield, horseback riding tours of the Battlefield, Segway or GettyPed guided tour, and horse-drawn carriage tours of the battlefield.

Each July, on the anniversary of the battle (July 1-3), a Gettysburg Civil War Reenactment happens.

Re-enactors in authentic uniforms take on the roles of those who fought here, from generals to common foot soldiers, firing cannons and authentic weapons.

It’s meant to be quite the experience.

A popular scenic and historic bridge we missed is the red Sachs Covered Bridge, a 100-foot-long covered bridge spanning Marsh Creek.

During the Civil War, the bridge was used by both the Union and Confederate Armies. It was a major escape route for the Confederate army as it retreated to Virginia after the Battle of Gettysburg.

It’s a pedestrian only bridge.

3. Visit Soldier’s National Cemetery, Gettysburg PA

The Gettysburg National Cemetery is the first of the USA’s National Cemeteries and famous as the site where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg address.

3,500 Union soldiers who died at Gettysburg share a final resting place here in graves arranged in a wide semi circle radiating out from the Soldiers’ National Monument.

Even after careful examinations of bodies and anything else that could be used to identify them, half of the Gettysburg soldiers buried in the National Cemetery are unknown.

It really brings to light just how catastrophic the Battle of Gettysburg was.

There is also a 3,307 post Civil-War burials in the National Cemetery containing the remains of American soldiers and their dependents from the Civil War through to Vietnam.

Upon walking in, the President Lincoln Speech Monument has the words of the infamous Gettysburg address and is worth reflecting on.

20,000 people gathered for National Cemetery dedication to hear Lincoln remind them of the Founding Fathers declaration of liberty and equality.

A walking tour takes you through five main spots in the National Cemetery and takes about 40 minutes.

The tour stops are marked but you can pick up a walking tour map from the visitor Center to guide you.

4. Check Out The Shriver House Museum

The events of Gettysburg did not just happen on the battlefields and impact only those fighting.

This battle raged across Gettysburg town, a small town of 2,400 people.

It’s important on your visit to Gettysburg, that you don’t forget to learn about what happened to the townspeople on the streets of Gettysburg.

The Shriver House Museum gives a wonderful insight into what happened in the home owned by one of the wealthiest in town and was occupied by Confederate Sharpshooters during the battle.

We were taken through the restored 1860 home of the Shriver family by a costume interpreter who was engaging and informative.

She brought to life the world of the Shriver family and pain the townspeople went through during the battle.

Upstairs is the sharpshooters nest, which has been restored to show how it looked when confederate soldiers knocked two holes through its brick wall to fire at Union troops on nearby Cemetery Hill.

We saw how one of them was killed and then the destruction they left behind in the house.

Although the confederate soldiers did not kill any residents when taking over their houses, they certainly took and destroyed a lot of things – they were the enemy after all.

This was a fabulous tour which helped us to see the story from the perspective of the people who lived in Gettysburg and the mess they were left with to clean up.

You can also tour the Jennie Wade House and hear the story of the only civilian killed in the three-day battle at Gettysburg.

5. Wander Around Downtown Gettysburg

The Downtown area of Gettysburg has a charming American Main Street lined with a variety of shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants and leading right up to historic Lincoln Square.

Many of the stores in Gettysburg sell Civil War memorabilia and artifacts.

Others are gifts shops that specialize in related themes such as folk art and Americana.

There are many historic buildings, many of which tell the story of the Gettysburg battle with bullet holes still present in the brick walls.

You’ll find good homemade ice cream at Mr G’s. There is a pretty garden you can sit in and watch the Gettysburg life roll by.

On Lincoln Square is The David Willis House where Lincoln stayed the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address and prepared his famous speech.

The Wills House Museum illustrates life in Gettysburg after the battle and how local people were left with the tasks of cleanup and caring for the wounded.

If you don’t visit the inside, you can get a photo with a Lincoln statue out the front.

6. Take One of The Gettysburg Ghost Tours

Ghost tours are one of the most popular things to do in Gettysburg PA.

It is known to be the most haunted place in America, and with good reason.

Unfortunately we did not notice any spooky specters, but we did not have time to do a ghost tour. Kalyra was so very keen to experience it. She was probably the only one in our group who would go with me.

It’s definitely on our list of things to do in Gettysburg, PA when we return.

Walk down the main street of Gettysburg and you’ll find many ghost walking tours advertised and happening!

You’ll love seeing the guides dressed in period costume and the looks of anticipation and fear on the faces of those following along.

Some are more involved than others, so if going out in the night with energy reading gear is your thing, there’s a tour for you.

Visit the haunted spots through town and learn a history tidbit or two along the way. And who knows, you might spot a ghost!

7. Explore the Seminary Ridge Museum

Houses inside the old university, the oldest building in Gettysburg is the Seminary Ridge Museum, a non-profit museum dedicated to showcasing and preserving civil war memorabilia.

While the museum itself is interesting with civil war displays, if you have already been to the History Center and Military Park visitor center, you might be over the history now and have a pretty good idea of what happened here.

However, the museum is worth stopping by to check out the architecture. The building was constructed. in1826 and is iconic for its red exterior.

8. Go Wine and Spirit Tasting

Surrounding Gettysburg is a vast countryside which is home to wineries and vineyards. One of the best wineries to visit is the Adams County Winery which is the fifth oldest winery in Pennsylvania.

Surrounded by forest and wildflowers, it’s the perfect place to sit and relax whilst enjoying a glass of crisp local wine.

Or you can take a guided tour of the farm’s winery or take part in a tasting experience.

If you prefer spirits such as vodka, rum and whiskey, then head over to Mason Dixon Distillery which has been producing top-class spirits for over 100 years.

You can take behind the scenes of tours of the distillery or head to the tasting room to sample some spirits.

9. Check Out Devils Den

Devil’s Den is a huge rock formation on the south end of Houck’s Ridge and is well known for being the location where more than 5,000 soldiers from nine states fought in a bloody battle in the 19th century during the Civil War.

On July 2nd, 1863, chaos was set loose as artillery and infantry fought on the second day of fighting, which caused many soldiers to lose their life.

While the boulder isn’t anything special in terms of what it looks like, the site that it lays on is historically important.

10. Visit David Wills House

Another one of Gettysburg’s historical landmarks is David Wills House, which is operated by the National Parks Service.

David Wills house is famous for being where President Lincoln stayed the night before he gave his address on 19th November 1863.

Today the house is a museum that focuses on Lincoln’s life and his address at Gettysburg.

11. See the Gettysburg Diorama and History Center

Just across the road from the National Cemetery is the Gettysburg Diorama and History Center, which features a diarama of the entire 6000 acre battlefield site in miniature form.

You can see 20,000 hand-painted soldiers as well as their horses and cannons, as well as buildings and key monuments in the battle.

It’s a great way to bring history to life and visualize what really happened on the battlefield.

12. Visit the Gettysburg Museum of History

If you’re not over history, then a visit to Gettysburg Museum of History is a must. While the other museums on this list focus on the civil war battle, the Gettysburg Museum of History accounts for all wars and historical moments that are of national importance, such as WWI.

You can find exhibits dedicated to US presidents, see snap shots of Bonnie and Clyde’s gang, see an Egyptian mummy head, or see religious relics belonging to the Christian church.

It really is a mash up of history.

13. Take the Kids to Land of Little Horses

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Gettysburg with kids, then a visit to see the miniature horses of Land of Little Horses is a must.

This interactive theme park allows you to get up close to miniature horses and pet and feed them.

This family-owned park has been operating since 1970, who breed and care for these tiny horses.

14. Watch a Show at Majestic Theater

The Majestic Theater is a historic theater that has been showing performances since the 1920s.

It’s a small theater that shows everything from movie screenings to jazz concerts to stand up comedy.

If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Gettysburg at night, then check out the “what’s on” calendar and see what’s happening.

Places to Eat in Gettysburg, PA

With the surrounding farmland of Adams County, Gettysburg is becoming quite the culinary destination and notable craft brew and cider (hello Apple Country) is on the rise.

We didn’t get much time to dive into these modern culinary delights, but here are the restaurants and cafes we did experience.

15. Go Colonial at the Historic Dobbin House Tavern

Eat, drink and be merry at an authentic colonial tavern known to be one of the best restaurants in Gettysburg .

Dobbin House Tavern is the oldest standing structure in Gettysburg and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This Gettysburg attraction is not just a delicious meal but a step back into charming colonial times.

Completed in 1776, the Dobbin House served as both a home and classical school. In the mid-1800’s, a secret crawl space served as a “station” for hiding runaway slaves on the “Underground Railroad.”

It also served as a hospital for wounded soldiers of both the North and the South.

Today it is a restaurant, colonial tavern, ballroom, store and Inn.

Today the historic house appears virtually the same as it did over 200 years ago.

Its native stone walls, seven fireplaces, and hand carved woodwork have been painstakingly restored to their original beauty and character, with interior décor in the traditional eighteenth century manner.

The wait staff wear period costume and are very attentive.

You can roam around the rooms to glimpse life as it was once in the parlor, library and secret Underground Railroad room.

The homemade colonial bread is absolutely delicious. Every table gets a huge basket upon ordering. I’m gluten free, but sneaked a couple of bites it was so irresistible.

It may take you awhile to order as you read through the Olde English style menu, not just for the unusual spelling styles but the unique dishes.

Our mains were equally delicious: roast duck with Adam’s Apples and hard cider. Served with cider sauce and citrus herbs!! I like Colonial style.

Kalyra loved the fact that Dobbin House is meant to be one of the most haunted places in Gettysburg.

She eagerly did her Google research on the haunted stories and spent the entire time at dinner, writing secret notes to the ghosts to come out and say hello!

I told her to add a P.S. Make sure you say hi to Mum too!

16. Grab Lunch & Cold Brew at Appalachian Brewing Co

Housed in an abandoned 100 year old building, the Appalachian Brewing Co have been doing since 1997, long before craft brewing it became trendy.

They began in nearby Harrisburg and their Gettysburg location is one of 6 restaurants in Pennsylvania.

It’s very family friendly, has an innovative brewpub menu and delicious brews.

My Nutty Fruity Salad was delicious with greens, crisp apples, Craisins, walnuts and bleu cheese crumbles and happy poppy dressing.

There’s a lovely beer garden to the side and they often have live music at the pub.

17. Have a classic diner breakfast at Lincoln Diner

My parents were stoked to walk into the the Lincoln Diner – a 60 year old local’s favorite diner – and see the counter stools.

Thankfully, a local moved over so we could all take a seat. It made talking in a party of six difficult, but my parents sure loved the authentic experience and grabbed a couple of photos for evidence.

They do really do diners like this in America!

It’s diner food so your standard bacon, eggs and hash browns kinda deal. Nothing fancy to report, but the food was pretty good and incredibly cheap, and the service was friendly and fast.

18. Gettysburg Eddies

This sports bar and restaurant pays tribute to Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, Eddy Plank who was born 10 years afar the Civil War on his parents farm north of Gettysburg.

He had quite the illustrious career ranking 13th on the All Time Win List.

Gettysburg Eddies specializes in homestyle dishes, NY-style deli sandwiches, Maryland crab cakes, and burgers.

It’s across from the National Cemetery and makes for a casual restaurant lunch. We visited on a Monday evening, and took advantage of the cheaper Steak Night specials.

Where to Stay in Gettysburg

If you’re undecided on places to stay in Gettysburg, then here are some places we stayed and enjoyed.

The Lodges at Gettysburg

We stayed in a lovely cottage about 15 minutes from Downtown Gettysburg, as guests at the Lodges of Gettysburg.

The cottages overlook the countryside with views of the Gettysburg Battlefield in the distance. They’re comfortable and quiet and the property has a walking trail and a lovely pond on site.

The Lodges are a great option if you have a big traveling party and also want access to your own kitchen.

Gettysburg Hotel

If you want to be closer to the restaurants and attractions in Downtown Gettysburg, then we recommend the Gettysburg Hotel.

It’s located on Lincoln Square and is walking distance to most of downtown and a three minute drive to the Gettysburg Battlefields.

It was established in 1979, so is a very historic hotel. President Eisenhower and his wife once stayed there. And some residents from a different time and place are said to frequently visit!!

Put some thrills and chills into your Gettysburg trip.

Final thoughts on things to do in Gettysburg

Gettysburg is a worthwhile destination, especially if oyu love history. It’s a surprisingly spiritual and peaceful place with much for us to learn from. Not only this, it has many other fun things to do and a thriving food, beer and wine scene.

(Sadly, we lost most of our photos on our failed external hard drive. Many thanks to Destination Gettysburg for supplying some images where needed).

Video of Gettysburg

Other Historical Experiences in the US

If you love history, you may enjoy these other historical attractions in the USA.

• The Historical and Hilarious Boston Freedom Freedom Trail Tour
• See History Come alive in Greater Williamsburg, VA
• Reflecting on Freedom and how to visit the Statue of Liberty
• 5 Important Experiences on The Civil Rights Trail
• Remember the Alamo, San Antonio Texas
• An East Coast Revolutionary War Road Trip

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It’s almost as if, from the blood, agony, and sacrifice, the spirit has risen and said; “Enough. Only peace and only beauty can live here now.”

As soon as we drove into Gettysburg and saw the first of hundreds of monuments rising up over the fields with magnetic power and grandeur, I felt an overwhelming presence of peace and wonder.

We had to make sure that on this visit to Gettysburg, we visit the battlefields and learn about the events that took place there, and hear stories of those who fought there.

In this guide, I have shared my experience, reflections, and inspiration on a thought-provoking Gettysburg Battlefields Tour and how you can see it too…

Is A Gettysburg Tour Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether a tour is worth it, then it really depends on you as the traveler.

You can find self-guided tours and audio tours, but for me, there is something more inspiring and moving about hearing the stories come from the mouth of someone who cares about this part of American history.

What makes a Gettysburg tour unique is the people who run them. Their passion for the job is a testament to what occurred here and a reminder that love is the only way forward. We absolutely loved our driving tour with a licensed Gettysburg guide, who drove our vehicle and told many fascinating stories.

Whether you choose to do a self-guided tour or a bus tour, it is definitely worth doing a tour and hearing about the history. Just looking at plaques and monuments is not enough to really get a sense of what happened here.

About Gettysburg Battlefield

On the battlefield of Gettysburg, 7,000 soldiers died and 51,000 were wounded or captured.

The Gettysburg Battlefield is 5 miles long and 5 miles wide and holds over 1,300 monuments and memorials dedicated to the historic three-day battle.

You can also see close to 400 cannons, as well as historic homes and buildings that play an important role in this historic time.

The Story of Gettysburg and the American Civil War

The complicated story of the American Civil War and Gettysburg’s instrumental role in the ultimate victory by the North is told so well through Gettysburg Battlefield Tours, the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum, The Shriver House Museum, and the National Cemetery.

The complex story of both sides is shared.

Contrary to what we thought, the Civil War began more over the North’s desire to stop the expansion of slavery rather than end it.

They feared an expansion of slavery into the West would shift power to the South.

Tension over this issue brewed for decades between the North and South, until the South threatened to leave if Lincoln was voted in.

They succeeded from the Union as the Confederate States of America when he was.

Even though the ending of slavery wasn’t the original intention of the Civil War, I’m glad it was the end result.

The Battle of Gettysburg was an Accident

Gettysburg was the meeting point of 10 major roads.

It was never intended to be a battle site. It just happened that Confederate and Union soldiers met at this meeting point, which became the most infamous battle of the Civil War.

For three days, fierce fighting happened, immortalizing places like Cemetery Hill, Peach Orchard, Little Round Top, and Culp’s Hill.

Gettysburg did not end the Civil War, which continued for a couple more years, but it was a turning point for the war and the Union armies.

A loss of life that is so difficult to comprehend. The ripple effect of damage this does to communities for generations to come is incredible.

How much of that is still felt now, centuries later?

The Town Heroes

Gettysburg was a massive blow to both sides, even the victorious North. But it was also disastrous to the town.

This small town of 2,400 residents was left to tend to the 21,000 wounded left behind, clean up the town, bury the dead (including thousands of dead animals), and help those coming into town for years later searching for loved ones.

When you are moving around the site and seeing how the town was in the middle of the fighting you can’t imagine the horror the local people must have gone through.

Miraculously only one civilian was killed by a stray bullet through her window.

Their homes were riddled with bullet holes or had been smashed up by the Confederate attackers who overtook their homes.

Their water was contaminated and the fields stank of death and human and animal feces. It was a stench that wafted 25 miles north of Harrisburg.

These are the heroes of Gettysburg we must also remember.

The greater good will always win

The Union victory only happened as a result of little mistakes, small victories, and random luck, which leaves me to ponder.

What side was fate on?

Is it Evolution begging for humanity to be better that ultimately decides the eventual victor?

The more I reflected the more I saw that from all these wars of our past, the greater good eventually won and evolution happened.

At a time when the world, particularly in America, seems chaotic and teetering on the edge of something bad, this gave me great hope to realize, good and evolutionary progress will always win.

The madness will soon pass and we’ll settle back into peace again as better people.

If you don’t use these historical experiences to be curious and reflective there is no point to them. Even though they happened centuries ago, we can use them to shape our future and become better humans.

As we wandered the battlefield with our guide hearing the stories as we stood in the spot where they all happened, Kalyra asked me,

“Who were the bad guys?”

“Well, that depends on what side you’re on.

Each thought they were fighting for the greater good of their particular cause and so saw the other side as bad.

What’s important for you is to decide which side do you stand on? What do you believe in? How can you contribute to the greater good of all and operate from a place of compassion and tolerance?

Can you take away your selfish interests enough to do this? Can you bring love, peace, and compassion into your everyday life so battles like these are never necessary.”

If you stand in the Gettysburg Battlefields and listen to the ghost’s echoes and feel the tranquil beauty of Mother Nature we can follow her calling –  the only side we must all stand on is that of love, compassion, and peace.

Leave the past behind and the labels of good and bad and just invite in peace, love, quality, and freedom.

Understand there is abundance for all so we don’t need to fight over the power for it.

Recognize everyone as equal and work together to overcome challenges rather than gun it out.

Then we can truly say those who willingly walked into death on the battlefields, did not die in vain.

How to Experience a Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

The monuments tell the stories of the different regiments that were represented in the battle from both sides.

A Licensed Battlefield Guide will drive your car to points of interest around the battlefield sharing facts and interesting stories.

We never would have had such an immersive and reflective experience doing it on our own.

Our guide had over 30 years of experience and had a wealth of knowledge.

He really brought it to life for us and helped us to understand what Union forces and Confederate soldiers, and the local people went through.

Be sure to spend time at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and see the Cyclorama and Film. It’s riveting and insightful.

Other Gettysburg Battlefield Tours

The air-conditioned bus was lovely, but it’s not the only way you can see the battlefields. Here are some other tours you can take…

Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours

If you have reduced mobility or you can’t stand the blazing heat, then a bus tour is a great option. You can be taken around on an air-conditioned bus or an open-top double decker bus, while you listen to the commentary as you pass the main sights.

The bus tour is usually packed with other tourists, which can dampen the spirit of things.

But when you choose a bus tour, you also have access to three museums of your choice included with the ticket, which makes it a little more worth it.

You can view bus tours and bus timetables via the Gettysburg Bus Tours website.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

If you would prefer to explore the battlefields in a more unique way, then you may want to consider a horse-drawn carriage tour.

This style of tour takes you back in time using a mode of transport that would have been similar to what they used during the time of the battle.

As you sit back and relax, your expert licensed guide will reveal the history of the Civil War and answer any questions you have about the famous battle.

This is a 2-hour tour and on the carriage, you are exposed to the elements, rain or shine, so do check the weather before booking.

Self-Guided Driving Tour

I mentioned earlier about doing a self-guided tour, and if you would prefer exploration of the grounds without a guide and go at your own pace, this is a good option.

The self-guided tours come with an app, where you can play information like an audio guide.

The app has all the landmarks listed, such as McPherson Ridge, Cemetery Ridge and the High Water Mark, Pennsylvania State Memorial, and the Valley of Death, and you can hit play to hear information once you arrive at each stop.

Although it allows you to go at your own pace, it does still follow a route. It begins at the Gettysburg Heritage Center and is designed for you to drive to each stop – so you will need to have access to a vehicle for this.

Gettysburg Horseback Tours

Another unique way to see the battlefields is on horseback, which is the most authentic mode of transport as it would have been how the soldiers moved about. This is the best way to follow in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers.

The tour takes you through Gettysburg National Military Park, and to visit the main monuments, such as the Virginia Monument and Spangler Farm.

This tour is guided by a Civil War expert who will reveal stories of the people who fought here. Learn about how General Robert E. Lee awaited the return of the troops, about the events of the Pickett’s Charge, as well as hear about stories from the Union side of the battle.

Reflections from My Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

The blood that seeped into the earth from both sides of the battle fertilizes the ground and makes way for new flowers to bloom.

Its eerie beauty goosed up my skin.

I remembered all I had learned from other battlefields, places like Gallipoli in Turkey, where horror intertwined with monumental bravery in defense of ideals and beliefs.

All that remains after the direst of circumstances is love and peace and the strength to forgive, and move forward.

How must it feel walking towards cannonballs, musket fires, and bayonet charges knowing that today you have an almost certain chance of dying?

How passionate must you believe in something to keep moving forward despite this?

Did they even know what they were fighting for?

Was it freedom or power?

Can one exist without the other?

Why is that humanity thinks this destruction is the only way to solve problems?

These soldiers were not fearless. They feared death and mutilation but still charged forth for duty and honor.

Would I be willing to fight for something with such loyalty and sacrifice?

The only reason I can think of would be for my daughters, which is actually a fight for love and protection. Perhaps in the mind of all these men, that’s what they thought they were doing.

Gettysburg Battlefield Video

You can watch our video of our experience on the Gettysburg Battlefield Tours here…

Where to stay in Gettysburg

When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Gettysburg, you cannot go wrong with these two options…

Lodges of Gettysburg

We stayed in a lovely cottage about 15 minutes from Downtown Gettysburg, as guests at the Lodges of Gettysburg.

The cottages overlook the countryside with views of the Gettysburg Battlefield in the distance. They’re comfortable and quiet and the property has a walking trail and a lovely pond on site.

The Lodges are a great option if you have a big traveling party and also want access to your own kitchen.

My parents loved it and my Dad was particularly entranced by the giant battlefield oil paintings hanging up in the cottage, especially the one with General Custer who is his all-time favorite soldier and leader.

Custer was the first war hero I ever heard of!

Gettysburg Hotel

If you want to be closer to the restaurants and attractions in Downtown Gettysburg, then we recommend the Gettysburg Hotel.

It’s located on Lincoln Square and is within walking distance to most of downtown and a three-minute drive to the Gettysburg Battlefields.

It was established in 1979, so is a very historic hotel. President Eisenhower and his wife once stayed there. And some residents from different times and places are said to frequently visit!!

Put some thrills and chills into your Gettysburg trip.

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With so many options, it can be impossible to figure out where to eat in NYC, especially with so many restaurants claiming their dishes to be the “best” of the rest.

Of course, it’s impossible to eat at every restaurant in New York, and with more restaurants opening up every minute, it’s a constantly changing task to confidently list the “best” restaurants in NYC.

But as frequent visitors to NYC, we have a list of places that have been consistently good over the years, and we go back. totime and time again.

In this list of my favorite places to eat, I’ve chosen places where you can find the quintessential New York City classics. These are the places I always bring out-of-towners because I love them, and I hope you do too.

Iconic New York Food to Try

Before we get into the best places to eat in NYC, let’s quickly run down what the most iconic foods and dishes you must try on your trip.

New York is a very multi-cultural city and so a lot of the cuisines and flavors you find in the city stem from many different countries and regions.

You have Chinatown, where you’ll find everything from Hong Kong-style dim sum to northeastern Chinese food. You’ve got Little Italy which is known for its pizzas.

Then you have Middle Eastern cuisine which is served all over the city. Not to mention the street cart food such as hot dogs, pretzels and corn dogs, which pop up all over the place.

But what food is iconic to NYC? Make sure you try the following:

• Pizza – NYC pizza is world famous, so make sure to try one.
• Bagels – the Bagel was invented in Poland, but NYC made it famous. Particularly a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel.
• Cupcakes and donuts – if you have a sweet tooth, you won’t have problems finding dessert options in this city!
• Cronuts – a criossant and donut blend that was invented in NYC, by an artisan bakery named Dominique Ansel Bakery
• Hot dogs – a classic, needs no more explanation
• Pastrami sandwiches – you won’t find bigger or better than the ones in NYC
• French fries – you can get great Belgian ones in the Greenwich Village neighborhood
• Rice balls – another delicacy found in the Greenwich Village

Places to Eat in NYC

Now I’ve got your stomach rumbling, it’s time to show you my best places to eat in the Big Apple, as well as some of the tasty dishes you must try at each place!

1. Bagels at Absolute

You can find bagels anywhere in NYC, of varying prices and standards – but Absolute Bagels on Broadway. Oh, Absolute.

The bagels are warm and chewy and doughy – the perfect New York City bagel.

The toppings are traditional but varied and the prices are cheap. The line is out the door on the weekends, but the wait is well worth it.

• Hours: 6.00am – 7.00pm daily
• Address: 2788 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

2. Breakfast at Buvette

This French-inspired bistro in West Village is cozy and chic, complete with excellent espresso and an exceptional wine list.

I especially love Buvette for breakfast on weekdays, since it can get quite crowded for weekend brunch: the multi-grain toast with smashed avocado and the yogurt with muesli, fresh berries and honey are both favorites.

• Hours: 8.00am – 11.00pm Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 12.00am Saturdays and Sundays
• Address: 42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

3. Brunch at Freeman’s

New York City loves brunch and tucked away in a hidden graffiti-lined alley in the Lower East Side of New York City is fan favorite, Freeman’s.

The clandestine restaurant features a horseshoe bar with tasteful taxidermy, complete with homespun American favorites and artisan cocktails.

• Hours: 11.00am – 11.00pm Tuesday – Saturday, 11.00am – 10.00pm Sunday and Monday
• Address: Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002

4. Spicy chicken sandwiches at The Commodore

Don’t be fooled from the outside, or even the inside. This windowless dive bar in Brooklyn is dark and crowded and loud, and the back courtyard is filled with cigarette smoke and cheap patio furniture.

Full honesty here, the service at The Commodore isn’t fantastic, per se, but the spicy chicken sandwiches (and the adult grilled cheese, and the nachos) make up for everything.

The food is out-of-this-world delicious making it one of those don’t miss places to eat in NYC! And the ambiance might even grow on you after a while.

I still have friends from California who text me out of the blue reminiscing over the “hot breast” chicken sandwich.

• Hours: 4.00pm – 4.00am Monday – Friday, 11.00am – 4.00am Saturday and Sunday
• Address: 366 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

5. Katz’s Ruebens at Katz’s Delicatessen

The home of “I’ll have what she’s having,” Katz’s is definitely a touristy spot but for good reason. The hand-carved hot pastrami sandwich is as good as it gets.

Ruebens, latkes, pickles, even egg creams: the traditional deli favorites are some of the best that you’ll find.

It’s so good, the deli doesn’t sleep at the weekend, people come all through the day and night!

• Hours: 8.00am – 11.00pm Monday – Thursday, 8.00am – 12.00am Friday, Saturday 24 hours, 12.00am – 11.00pm Sunday
• Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

6. High Tea at Bergdorf Goodman

It’s not cheap, but holy moly high tea at Bergdorf Goodman is such a lovely splurge.

With sweeping views over Central Park – best in the heart of changing foliage in fall or right after a heavy snowfall in winter – and pastel-colored fixings, the Bergdorf Goodman restaurant is a fun place to people watch the city’s fabulous.

I especially love high tea on Sunday afternoons, complete with a glass of Veuve Cliquot!

• Hours: 11.00am – 7.00pm Monday – Saturday, 11.00am – 6.00pm Sunday
• Address: 754 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

7. Pizza at Artichoke Basille’s

You can get a $1 slice of pizza almost anywhere in the city, of varying standards. But Artichoke Basille’s is one of my favorite street joints: it’s open late, and there’s nowhere to sit, but the slices are huge and homemade and tasty.

The special twist is the Artichoke slice: artichoke hearts, spinach, cream sauce, mozzarella and pecorino. Mamma mia!

They have three locations in Midtown Manhatten, but we recommend the one in Chelsea near The High Line as it has great views.

• Hours: 11.00am – 4.00am daily
• Address: 1410 Broadway, New York, NY 10018

8. Cheeseburgers (and beer) at Burger Joint

I’m a sucker for speakeasies, especially when they involve cheap beer and juicy cheeseburgers.

Located down a dark unmarked hallway off the luxurious Le Parker-Meridien lobby, the unassuming dive bar vibe of Burger Joint feels ages away from the skyscrapers outside.

And most importantly, the burgers are cooked to perfection. It is probably the best burger I have found in NYC.

• Hours: 11.00am – 11.00pm daily
• Address: 119 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

9. Cookies at Levain Bakery

A cross between a brownie, muffin, and traditional cookie, each Levain Bakery cookie is six ounces of pure, gooey deliciousness.

The chocolate chip walnut is especially appealing when it’s still warm out of the oven, although I can never finish it while it’s still hot. I like to slowly munch on it on a long walk through nearby Central Park.

There are several shop locations across NYC and they are all good, but we recommend the one on 74th street as you can easily walk over to Central Park or the Metropolitan Museum of Art and enjoy your cookie outdoors.

There’s also another shop on the other side of Central Park in Upper East Side NYC.

• Hours: 8.00am – 8.00pm daily
• Address: 167 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023

10. Ice Cream at OddFellows

The flavors at this hipster favorite ice cream joint in Brooklyn are exactly what you’d expect: artisanal and small-batch, the 14 original flavors change daily and range from burnt marshmallow to Thai iced (tea) cream to black pepper fig.

The best part of Oddfellows is the fresh-baked waffle cones: you can smell them as soon as you walk in the door.

• Hours: 2.00pm – 9.00pm daily
• Address: 44 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

11. Falafel at Mamoun’s Falafel

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Mamoun’s Falafel is the most famous falafel in all of NYC. As soon as you step inside, the smell of onions, kebab meat, and Middle Eastern spices start to make your mouth water.

It’s one of the longest serving Middle Eastern chain restaurants in the city and, as well as falafel, also serves great shawarma and kebabs.

There are four restaurants in New York City, but most people go to the Greenwich Village restaurant as this is where it started.

• Hours: 11.00am – 2.00am Monday – Wednesday, 11.00am – 3.00am Thursday, 11.00am – 4.00am Friday and Saturday, 11.00am. -1.00am Sunday
• Address: 119 Macdougal Street, New York, NY 10012

12. Soda Floats at Brooklyn Farmacy

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Although they’ve been open since 2010, the Brooklyn Farmacy was never meant to be a new place but a place of history.

Set inside a 1920s pharmacy, this soda shop is like stepping back in time. The store is decorated with antiques and kitschy knick-knacks, from red twirling stools to hand drawn menues. It’s clear that a lot of love goes into this family-owned business.

When it comes to the menu, you’ll find classic American ice cream desserts from sundaes to banana splits to ice-cream topped milkshakes.

Of course, you have to try an ice cream float, a soda with ice cream on top. This is something quintessentially American, so if you’re visiting from overseas, be sure to give this tasty treat a try!

• Hours: 2.00pm – 10.00pm daily
• Address: 513 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

13. Soft Serve at Big Gay Ice Cream Shop

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The Big Gay Ice Cream shop is a colorful ice cream parlour (and truck) that has been selling soft serves in NYC since 2009.

Its founders Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff have become somewhat of a celebrity, having published their own cookbook and appeared on several TV series. They even gave a TED talk.

It’s not just about ice cream, which is exceptional, but about the mission this company brings to the table. Their flavors are fun, bold, filled with color and imaginative ingredients. They capture the essence of play and fun, capturing the hearts of both adults and children.

They have several stores over the city but we recommend head to the one either at Upper West Side or at Madison Square since there’s a ton of attractions nearby to visit. The one at Madison has varied opening times as it opens when events take place, so to avoid disappointment, head to Upper West Side

• Hours: 12.00pm – 11.00pm Sunday – Wednesday, 12pm – 12.00am Thursday – Saturday
• Address: 516 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024

14. Everything at Chelsea Market

Whenever we visit a city, we like to eat at places that offer variety so that everyone can enjoy something to their taste. With a gluten-free eater (myself) and the world’s fussiest eater (Savannah) it’s important we find options.

From Thai to tacos to doughnuts, cheese, oysters and seafood, fried chicken to corned beef, acai bowls to gelato – the options are endless.

Chelsea Market offers just that, it’s a food hall with every cuisine you can think of under one roof.

It’s located in a former Nabisco factory, so it not only offers tasty food options, but it’s also a little slice of history. When you walk in, you’re met with a warm, charming warehouse vibe with fun spaces to hang out in.

• Hours: 7.00am – 2.00am Monday – Saturday, 8.00am – 10.00pm Sunday
• Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

15. Banana Pudding at Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery is a chain of bakeries all over NYC and although I think their cakes are pretty average (except the frosting, that’s the best part), their banana pudding is wonderful and it’s pretty much the desert that put them on the map!

I also like the cheesecake with caramel when I feel like I need something more sugary.

They also serve key lime pies, cream pies, homemade cupcakes. And it doesn’t matter which store you go to, the quality is consistent throughout its stores.

There are several shops all over the city and they are all much of the same, but we recommend getting something from the shops either Grand Central Terminal or Rockerfellas Center, since these are iconic landmarks you might want to visit anyway.

• Hours: 9.00am – 9.00pm Monday – Saturday, 11.00am. -6.00pm Sunday
• Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States

16. Challah at B&H Dairy

Another restaurant in NYC I like to visit for its history is B&H Dairy, which is located inside a 1940s kosher diner in East Village near Union Square and Washington Square Park. It serves up vegetarian Jewish cuisine, from borscht, blintzes and matzo ball soup, as well as kosher of course.

The menu and the decor is pretty old-school, with a long bar table with bar stools. It’s quite small, so be prepared to be crammed in, but I personally love the intimate vibe you get with watching the chef prepare your meal in front of you.

The challah french toast (grilled cheese sandwich) are amazing – it’s big, filling, and the price to quantity ratio is on point!

• Hours: 8.00am – 10.00pm Tuesday – Saturday, 8.00am – 9.00pm Sunday, Closed Monday
• Address: 127 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

17. Baked clams at Gargiulo’s

When I think of old-school Italian restaurants in New York, my mind instantly thinks of Gargiulo’s on Coney Island. This fancy joint has that Italian flare that you expect with a fine dining Italian restaurant, with waiters in tuxedoes and white linen table cloths.

The staff are very friendly and attentive, and even the owner is known to pop out and speak to guests and tell them a bit about the history of the place.

But it’s not just the decor or service of this 1907 banquet hall restaurant that attracts people here. The food is exceptional!

The baked clams are a particular house favorite, and one of the main reasons to come here. You can also find other seafood dishes, pasta dishes, and steaks. The portion size is good and the prices are reasonable.

• Hours: 12.00pm – 10.00pm Wednesday and Thursday, 12.00pm – 11.00pm Friday and Saturday, 12.00pm – 9.00pm Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday
• Address: 2911 W 15th St, Brooklyn, NY 11224

18. Michelin Star Ramen at Mr. Taka Ramen

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For Japanese food, you’ll want to try Mr. Taka Ramen, located on Lower East Side near Williamsburg Bridge. As you might expect from the name, it serves several types of ramen, as well as Japanese appetizers and sake.

Behind the helm are two award winning chefs, one with a Michelin star. Both from Tokyo, these chefs prepare authentic, hearty and delicious ramen, which I honestly believe is the best ramen in NYC.

The only downside to this place is the restaurant is so small. If you weren’t looking for it, you would probably walk right past it!

• Hours: 11:45am – 12:00am Monday – Friday, 11:30am – 12:00am Saturday & Sunday 
• Address: 170 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

19. Everything at Olmsted

Olmsted is one of the best fine dining restaurants in NYC and offers Michelin star food in a welcoming, friendly-neighborhood style setting.

It’s located in Prospect Heights, a quiet neighborhood on NYC’s Brooklyn, and has a relatively small menu.

Since there’s only 50-seats, diners get a very personal and intimate dining experience.

The menu is seasonal and driven by what ingredients can be freshly sourced from their backyard garden. Yes, the dining room is also where the food comes from!

The portion sizes are also a little on the small side, if I’m being honest, but what you get is excellent flavor and beautiful food styling.

• Hours:
• 12:00pm – 2:30pm, Saturday – Sunday and 5:00pm – 10:00pm Wednesday – Sunday
• Address: 659 Vanderbilt Ave. Brooklyn NY 11238

20. Tacos at Los Tacos No. 1

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Los Tacos No. 1 is the best place to find fusions of Mexican and Californian blends from the East Coast in NYC. The original store is located in Chelsea Market and they have also opened up in Times Square. I prefer their third store in Noho as it’s quieter.

It has become well known for its tacos, quesadillas and aguas frescas. The Adobada (marinated pork) tacos are particularly flavorful and worth coming here just to try. The Carne Asada (grilled steak) is another popular flavor of taco as well.

If your vegetarian, you might want to try the cactus tacos!

It has a street food-style setup with no tables or chairs, so be warned you have to stand!

• Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm Monday – Saturday, 11.00am – 9.00pm Sunday
• Address: 340 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

21. Molly’s Cupcakes

I have to include Molly’s Cupcakes in Greenwich Village, especially if you are gluten free. It’s a must visit every time we go to New York, and I have so far been four times!

USA Today named it one of the 10 best cupcakes in the country. It’s by far the best cupcake I’ve ever had.

Chocolate lava oozes out of the middle of the moist cake, and the icing is not too thickly caked on that you want to either throw up after or cartwheel out the door because of the sugar hit.

Molly’s bake their cupcakes from scratch in small batches every day. You can create your own flavors or go for their famous center-filled flavors like peanut butter Nutella, creme brulee, and peach cobbler.

There are cute swinging chairs at the counter you can sit at, and the coffee is pretty good here too.

Molly’s Cupcake is only a 5-minute walk from Washington Square, you will find no lines (hopefully) and a place to sit, play a game, and dive into deliciousness. Kids will love this NYC refueling stop. We loved visiting it on this Greenwich Village Cupcake walking tour during our weekend getaway to NC with teens.

In honor of Molly (a former teacher of the owner who inspired this bakery) and as a way to help our children, a portion of Molly’s Cupcake profits is donated directly to schools in the local community.

• Hours: DAILY: 10:00am – 9:00pm
• Address: 228 Bleecker street, 10014

Map of Places to Eat in NYC

To help you plan where to eat and find a restaurant near you, here is a map of all the places we’ve recommended in this guide.

Final Thoughts on Places to Eat in NYC

So there you have it, those are our favorite places to eat in New York City and as you can see, there’s a lot of delicious goodness to choose from here!

We hope this guide helped you plan where to dine out in the city and gave your suggestions for what food to try.

If you are still stuck for ideas, I highly recommend taking a food tour of NYC so you can be taken around all the foodie neighborhoods by a local.

Tours of NYC

Find your perfect NYC tours with these top-rated tours on Get Your Guide:

• THE RIDE – a unique tour that is part theatrical show and immersive tour. See classic New York City sights from the comfort of a technologically-advanced moving theater motor coach.
• Best of New York Circle Line Cruise – 2.5 hour narrated cruise, and the only sightseeing cruise to circumnavigate the island of Manhattan to see the 7 major bridges, 5 boroughs and 101 unforgettable New York sights.
• Helicopter Tour – Enjoy stunning views of Manhattan Island on a deluxe sightseeing helicopter flight offering 180 degree views from the sky.
• Harlem Gospel Tour – 4-hour tour of a historic Harlem to experience the thrills of gospel singing, Columbia University and the Apollo Theater before joining a gospel choir for Mass.
• 5 hour Sightseeing tour of NYC – Short on time? Make the most of your stay with this comprehensive 5 hr tour exploring the main attractions with comfortable bus transportation and guide!

More NYC Travel Tips

Do you need more inspiration about travelling to New York City? Then you may find the below guides helpful!

• Coffee shops in NYC the locals love
• Tips for a girls getaway in NYC
• Things to do in NYC with kids
• How to Save Money on NYC Attractions: New York Sightseeing Pass
• 3 Day NYC Itinerary to Experience the Best New York Attractions

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Since landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square featuring as the backdrop for many Hollywood movies, it’s no wonder people come to the city for views.

Without a doubt, New York City is packed with countless places to take awesome photos on street level in downtown Manhattan, each offering different perspectives of the city that never sleeps.

But when it comes to the best of the best viewpoints in NYC, you’re going to need to climb a little higher…

The Best NYC Views

These are a just few of my favorite places to get stunning NYC views from all around the Big Apple.

1. The Edge, Hudson Yards

Taking in the panoramic 360-degree views of the New York City skyline and Hudson River from the Edge was our tween Savannah’s favorite New York attraction on this trip.

What makes the Edge different from other NYC viewpoints is that it’s the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.

It is suspended in mid-air which makes you feel like you’re floating in the sky. It’s on our list of top things to do in NYC with older kids.

Up the thrill by walking across (or sitting down on) the glass floor and looking 100 stories down!

You can lean over the city by peering out the angled glass walls, and ultimate thrill seekers will want to scale the outside of the skyscraper and then lean out over the building on the City Climb attraction.

Maybe next time.

Video: Views from the Edge

2. Top of the Rock

If you splurge on one view from above, Top of the Rock is my recommendation.

It’s located squarely between the Empire State Building and Central Park, and the 70th floor offers an excellent perspective on both. To avoid lines at Top of the Rock (or the Empire State Building or One World Observatory), buy a timed ticket online in advance of your visit.

3. Empire State Building

It’s the most famous skyscraper in the New York City skyline, and because of that, the view from the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building can almost seem a bit eerie – the 360-degree views all seem to be missing an important piece.

There is also another viewpoint on the 86th floor, which is the main observation deck. This one can get a bit crowded, so it’s definitely worth getting the combined ticket to both decks so you can visit the one with less people.

Despite being completely touristy, it’s an incredible place to watch the sunset or escape from the chaotic streets below. Plus, it’s kind of the most unmissable thing you can do in NYC.

4. One World Observatory

Another one of the skyscraper observatories, One World Observatory is located at the top of the One World Trade Center, which is now not only the tallest building in NYC (sorry Empire State Building), but the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

Although it’s all indoor (you might struggle with fingerprints or flash bounces on the glass if you’re taking photos), it offers a stunning view of Lower Manhattan and beyond, especially the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.

5. 230 Fifth Avenue (great bar too!)

230 Fifth is perhaps the most iconic of NYC rooftop bars, with a fully enclosed garden (aka open all winter long) and an absolutely incredible view of the Empire State Building and the entire upper Manhattan skyline.

You’re definitely paying for the view in the drink prices, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be tempted to become a local here – but it’s one of those places that makes it worth playing tourist, no matter where you live.

Aim to get there at dusk so you get day and nighttime views.

It’s also included on our list of bars in NYC not to miss (rooftop and hidden!)

6. Roosevelt Island Tram

The Roosevelt tramway is one of my favorite (cheap) views in the city, and it might be just because not many people know about it.

Roosevelt Island was originally known as Welfare Island, since it housed many hospitals – including a smallpox hospital, whose ruins can still be seen.

Now it’s home to a lot of construction and some much-needed open green space, and you can access it via subway OR a tram that goes over the East River.

It costs $2.75 to ride (free if you have an unlimited MetroCard) and it gives an awesome perspective of Upper East Side streets, the traffic on the Queensboro bridge and a peek at the Chrysler Building.

7. Tudor City Overpass

For a neat perspective of the Manhattan grid, head to Tudor City on the far East Side: the quiet collection of stately apartment buildings and tree-lined squares has a lovely overlook on 42nd Street.

It’s especially famed during Manhattan-henge, when the sunset aligns perfectly with the east-west streets. Bonus: a very good cameo by the gorgeous Chrysler Building!

8. Staten Island Ferry

If you’re looking for the best free views of NYC, then you’ll be pleased to know that the Staten Island ferry is 100% free!

Not only is the ride to Staten Island enjoyable, but it offers a killer view of the Financial District office buildings, including One World Trade. It also goes right by the Statue of Liberty!

It’s a great alternative to the awesome but more expensive boat excursions, like a sunset sail or Circle Line tour. If you’re visiting Manhattan on a budget, it’s worth checking out.

9. Williamsburg

One of the best ways to get a great view of Manhattan is to leave it. Going across the river to New Jersey or Brooklyn offers perspective on just how many skyscrapers are crammed into one tiny island.

Not many people think to go to Jersey City for views of NYC, which is why it’s still somewhat of a hidden gem.

I especially love the viewpoint from the Liberty State Park. There’s a teeny-tiny sandbank where teeny-tiny waves break, and it almost feels like you’re at the beach and not in between the two boroughs.

It’s right across the bay from Manhattan and offers incredible views of Ellis Island, Governors Island and the lower Manhatten financial district.

The park not only has amazing views but it has some beautiful memorials, such as the Empty Sky Memorial which is dedicated to New Jersey’s 9/11 victims.

10. The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of those can’t-miss activities on most NYC itineraries, and it doesn’t disappoint.

It’s best to go early if you want to avoid crowds, but it’s also one of the most special places to see the sun set in the city (especially with the Statue of Liberty in the distance).

I love the view when you look up as you actually walk across the bridge, but you can also get a great perspective from Brooklyn Bridge Park and Brooklyn Heights promenade on the Brooklyn side.

11. Manhattan Bridge

Just like you get the best view of Manhattan from Brooklyn, I think you get the coolest view of the Brooklyn Bridge from the Manhattan Bridge.

The pedestrian walkway offers a cool perspective of the FDR freeway and the bridge spanning to connect DUMBO and FiDi. Another excellent place to see the sunset!

Don’t miss this view of the Manhattan Bridge from the cobblestone streets of DUMBO.

12. From A Helicopter Ride

It’s not cheap, but if you’re up for a splurge a helicopter ride over Manhattan is one of the most incredible experiences.

Helicopter tours don’t last long – usually only about 15 minutes – but it’s such a cool thing to have a birds-eye perspective on even the tallest skyscrapers in this hemisphere.

We recommend you go later in the day for gorgeous golden hour lighting!

13. Belvedere Castle

If you’re looking for the best views of Central Park, then you should climb up Vista Rock to the second highest point in the park, where the Belvedere Castle sits.

This miniature castle looks like a fairytale and has some in incredible views of New York City rising above Central Park.

It was built in 1872 by architects Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, with the intention of being a place where you can kick back and enjoy the views of the park.

In 1919, it was turned into a weather station until the 1960s when it was abandoned. It was restored in 2019 and now makes for a perfect viewing platform and space to chill out – back to how it was originally intended to be used.

14. Gantry Plaza State Park, Queens

Gantry Plaza State Park is a huge 12-acre park that sits on the East River of Long Island City, just across the river from Midtown Manhattan.

The former dockyard looks directly over the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and Flatiron Building, as well as Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park.

It offers the perfect blend of scenic river views and iconic Manhattan skyline views. Head to the old piers for the best views.

15. The High Line

For incredible views of Midtown Manhattan, head to the Chelsea neighborhood where you’ll find the High Line.

This quirky and cool 1.45-mile-long elevated path offers amazing views of the unique buildings of Chelsea.

It was built on a former railway line and is completely free to walk along. It’s also a great way to travel from Chelsea Market to the Edge.

16. Center Bar, Time Warner Building

The Time Warner Center is an office/mall that offers great views of Columbus Circle. Head to the Center Bar on the 4th floor for the best views from the expanse windows.

As well being a great place to see bars, the bar itself is pretty nice too. It often has a live pianist playing from the grand piano, and features plush furnishings.

It’s the perfect bar in NYC to sit back and enjoy some views with a sophisticated backdrop.

17. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Opening in late 2020, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has quickly soared to one of the top viewpoints in NYC. While the views are exceptional, as you would expect from 93 floors up, the reason people visit this building is for the artistry and engineering.

The observation deck is made entirely out of mirrored glass, from the roof to the floor, meaning you have uninterrupted panoramic views of the city.

The space was designed by Kenzo Digital, who created this two floor observation deck to allow the Manhattan skyline to reflects around you. The result is kind of dizzying, but memorable.

There are also some playful silver balloons floating around the AFFINITY room which can be used as props for photos.

It also has the largest glass floor elevator in the world.

Final Word on the Best Viewpoints in NYC

So there you have it, those are the best views of New York City, and as you can see, they do not disappoint with what they offer!

Whether you want to capture photos of iconic landmarks or you just want to take in the views of the Manhattan skyline, don’t miss these incredible stops on your NYC trip.

We hope this guide gave you some inspiration on where to find the best views of NYC and helped you plan your trip.

NYC Tours

Make the most of your trip to NYC and check out the below top-rated tours of the city!

More New York travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to NYC? Then you may enjoy these other guides…

• 16 Best Coffee Shops in NYC the Locals Love
• 15 Magical Things to Do in New York at Christmas with Kids
• 3 Day NYC Itinerary to Experience the Best New York Attractions
• 17 Incredible rooftop bars and hidden bars in New York

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But there is more to this iconic park than just nature, it turns out there are plenty of things to do in Central Park in all seasons, so no matter what time of year you visit, you can get respite from the concrete and chaos that reigns on the rest of the island.

Stretching three avenues wide from 59th Street all the way up to 110th Street, it’s 843 acres – or six percent of the entire island of Manhattan.

It’s the most visited urban park in America, a popular tourist destination and one of the most filmed locations in the world.

And it’s where locals walk their dogs, play sports, have picnics with friends and generally just enjoy the wonders of the outdoors without having to leave the city.

Central Park is worth a visit no matter what time of year you travel to New York City, but some things are better in certain seasons. Let’s take a look at what to do in Central Park in each season.

Things to Do in Central Park in Summer

Summer is one of the best seasons to visit Central Park as you can happily enjoy all of the outdoor attractions in the park. If you’re visiting NYC in summer, here’s some of the top things to do in Central Park this season.

1. Have a Picnic

Have a picnic in Sheep Meadow, the perfect picnic spot in the park. Load up on provisions at the Whole Foods on the corner of 59th Street and Columbus Avenue, and head to this open green space.

The city has also lightened up on drinking in public (aka you can’t get arrested, but you can still get a summons), so still be discreet if you pack any beers.

2. Play Beach Volleyball

Did you know that Central Park has a beach volleyball court? It’s right next to Sheep Meadow, so when you’re done with your picnic, pick up a ball and have a game.

You’ll find a row of sand volleyball courts which are free to use on a first come, first serve basis. You need to bring your own ball and a group of mates to play against.

Even if they are full, it’s fun to just to watch the super athletic people throw it down.

If you don’t like sand, there’s also two asphalt courts to the northeast of Great Lawn.

3. Take Out a Row Boat

One of the most iconic things to do in Central Park is take out one of the row boats under Bow Bridge.

It has been romanticized by plenty of Hollywood movies, but for good reason. It’s one of the most romantic activities in New York!

You can rent a boat from Loeb Boathouse and lazily spin around the lake, Central Park’s second largest body of water.

Even if you don’t want to spend $20 per hour to row, walk over the gorgeous Bow Bridge for the best view of the boats.

Things to Do in Central Park in Fall

Fall is a great time to visit Central Park as you get to see the leaves change color from bright green, to hues of red and orange. It’s also one of the quieter times of the year, since most visitors prefer to visit during warmer climates.

If you’re visiting NYC in Autumn, here are some of the top things to do in Central Park in the Fall.

4. Check out The Fall Foliage

The best place to see the fall leaves change is around the Pool.

Although most tourists will stay in the southern end of the park, the west side of the park between 100th and 103rd Streets boasts some of the most beautiful foliage.

Don’t miss seeing the reflection of the trees in the Pool, the rustic stone bridge known as Glen Span Arch or the Loch, a somewhat hidden waterfall.

5. Race the Model Boats

Bordered by the Alice in Wonderland statue and Hans Christian Anderson statue, the Conservatory Water is a popular place for kids of all ages to rent a remote-controlled, wind-driven sailboat.

This is an activity you can only do between March and November, but since Fall brings fewer crowds than Spring and Summer, we think it’s the perfect thing to do in Central Park in Autumn.

Of course, if you have your own boat you are welcome to bring it, but if you don’t, rentals cost just $11 for 30-minutes. There’s only a short number of boats though, so come early to avoid disappointment. You can check the rental shop opening hours here.

6. Walk (or cycle) down the Mall

Lined with American elms, this wide walkway (originally intended for horse-drawn carriages) leads to the beautiful Bethesda Terrace, where the arcade is packed with street performers and musicians.

When the leaves are changing, it’s hard to find a more picturesque place in the city.

Of course, if you don’t feel like walking, you can hire a bike and cycle, which is another one of the top things to do in Central Park.

Be sure to head all the way to the Bethesda Fountain, which is said to be the place with the most elms in the park.

7. Walk the Literary Walk

The Literary Walk is located on the southern section of the Mall and features several statues of literary writers, such as William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Fitz-Greene Halleck, and Sir Walter Scott.

They were places there in the 19th century, but in 2020, the first new monument in over 50 years was added to the walk.

The Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument, which is a bronze statue honoring Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Wander along this notable stretch on the Mall and take the time to honor the legacy of some of the world’s most inspirational writers.

8. Watch an Outdoor Concert

At the northern end of the Mall you will find a Concert Ground, which was built in the 19th century as a space to enjoy music.

The Naumburg Bandshell still hosts classic music performances and pop concerts, as well as free concerts by Naumberg Orchestral Concerts every summer.

You can check the concert programming here.

Another popular spot to catch an outdoor performance is Rumsey Playfield, which is Central Park’s main music venue. Every summer, it hosts a performing arts festival called SummerStage.

SummerStage hosts everything from folk singers, pop concerts to theater performances.

For Shakespeare in the Park performances, head over to the Delacorte Theater.

9. See the Turtles in Turtle Pond

The Turtle Pond, is so named because it houses five species of turtles in the waters.

The turtles live in the waters all year round, but it’s best to visit in the summer when you can see them sitting on the banks, sunning themselves in the warm sunshine.

You can also see views of Belvedere Castle in the distance.

Turtle Pond lies between the Great Lawn and Rambles, next to the Delacorte Theater.

10. Ride on the Central Park Carousel

If you’re looking for things to do in Central Park with kids, then take them to ride the iconic Central Park Carousel, officially named the Michael Friedsam Memorial Carousel.

This vintage wood-carved carousel is the fourth carousel in the park, and sits on the same site as its predecssors. It was placed here in the 1950s, but dates back to 1908.

It costs just $3.25 per ride to ride the carousel, and you’ll find it at the southern end of the park, near Sheep Meadow and the
Chess & Checkers House Visitor Center.

11. Check out The Obelisk (Cleopatra’s Needle)

You wouldn’t expect to see obelisks from Egypt in New York City, but this is no ordinary obelisk.

It was placed in the park in 1881, after it was given to the City of New York by the Egyptian government, in commemoration of the opening of the Suez Canal. Its removal and transportation took over a year.

It comes from Aswan, and was thought to be one of two obelisks commissioned by Pharaoh Thutmose III, intended for the Temple of the Sun in Heliopolis outside Cairo.

It was originally discovered by the Romans who took it to Alexandria and installed it in a temple built by Cleopatra, which is where the name “Cleopatra’s Needle” comes from.

The obelisk weighs around 220 tons and is inscribed with Egyptian hieroglyphs. It is said to represent eternity and immortality, and connect the heavens to the earth.

12. Walk around The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

If you’re looking for a quieter thing to do in Central Park, go for a stroll around the reservoir. This decommissioned reservoir stretches all the way from 86th to 96th Street, covering an area of 106 acres.

Not only do you get a good walk in, but you’ll find it to be much quieter around this side of the park compared to the South.

Things to Do in Central Park in Winter

You might be thinking Central Park doesn’t offer much in the winter, but this would be an unfair assumption. Although winter brings bare trees, snow and cold temperatures, there’s still lots of fun to be had in Central Park in winter.

13. Go ice skating

For instance, ice skating is the number one thing to do in Central Park in winter. There are two rinks in Central Park, but the Lasker Rink is under renovation until 2024, so only the Wollman Rink opens every winter for skaters of all skill levels.

Although it’s understandably a tourist draw, it’s located in the heart of the Park with a backdrop of Manhattan skyline, making it a beautiful setting for those visiting NYC for the first time.

Wollman Rink also offers plenty of skating classes for local kids.

14. Go sledding

Pilgrim Hill is one of the steepest and most popular (aka most crowded) sledding slopes in Central Park, but I prefer Cedar Hill.

There are two portions to the hill, so you can warm up on the lower slope before heading to the top to speed down the more adventurous option.

It’s usually easy to borrow someone’s sled or use a discarded one, but they’re also easy to find at most drugstores or sporting goods stores close to the park.

15. Walk across Gapstow Bridge

Walking across Gapstow Bridge after a snowstorm blankets the city and the pond freezes over is one of the most incredible sites in Central Park in winter.

This little southeastern corner of the park is the best place to see the glory of a New York City winter (without having to venture too deep into the park).

Just make sure to wear boots!

Things to Do in Central Park in Spring

Ahh Spring, this is one of the best times to visit Central Park. The winter frost melts away leaving little drops of dew on the grass, and the flowers and trees start to bloom in fresh new colors.

If you’re visiting NYC in Spring, here are some of the top things to do in Central Park.

16. See the Cherry Trees Blossom

Although there are cherry and magnolia trees scattered throughout the park (and thus there are explosions of pink all over the place during late April and early May).

I especially like a little corner between the Mall and the Balto statue. There’s a little patch of green that’s just perfect for a break in the sunshine!

17. Stop and smell the roses

When New York City starts to bloom, there’s no better place to experience it than Shakespeare Garden.

It’s filled with the plants and flowers that Shakespeare mentioned in his works – with helpful bronze plaques that identify the flower and the quotations that mention it.

18. Remember John Lennon at Strawberry Fields

The black and white Imagine mosaic was created in tribute to the musician and peace activist.

In the Spring, the memorial is lit up in soft hues from the natural sunlight, and it’s the perfect time of year to place some fresh memorial flowers.

Flowers are still regularly placed on the black and white tiles, in memoriam of the late Beatle as a symbol of peace.

19. Check Out the Alice in Wonderland Statue

One of the most iconic statues in Central Park is the Alice in Wonderland bronze statue by Spanish-American sculptor José de Creeft.

The sculpture features Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit, Dormouse, and her kitten Dinah, sitting on top of a giant mushroom.

The statue was a gift to the city from philanthropist and publisher George Delacorte, who used to read Alice in Wonderland to his grandchildren.

You can find the statue on a terrace near Conservatory Water.

20. Head to Central Park Zoo

Spring is a great time to visit the zoo as the animals will be coming out of hibernation and are more active in the Spring sunshine.

You can see all kinds of animals at Central Park Zoo, from grizzly bears to snow leopards, seals to penguins.

Opening in 1861, it’s one of the oldest zoos in America and covers a space of nearly 7 acres. Although Spring is a good time to visit, the zoo is actually open all year round.

21. Walk through the The Ravine Nature Reserve

Another beautiful part of Central Park worth visiting in the summer is the Ravine Nature Reserve.

This 90-acre woodland was inspired by the Adirondack, and is made up of forest, streams and little waterfalls, with wooden bridges crossing them.

The highlight of the reserve is the narrow watercourse, named the Loch. It has three waterfalls, and trails meandering around the entire loch.

You’ll forget you’re even in New York City once you visit here!

22. Check out Belvedere Castle

Belvedere Castle is one of the most iconic monuments in Central Park, so you should make sure you visit here no matter what time of year you travel.

Sitting on top of the mighty vista rock, the second highest point in the park, this miniature castle looks like a fairytale come to life. It’s certainly one of the best places to find incredible views of NYC.

It was designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, and built in 1872. It was designed to be a place where you can simply kick back and enjoy the views of the landscape.

In 1919 it was converted into a weather station, but when they moved in the 1960s, it fell into disrepair. Fortunately, in 2019, it was bought back to life and is now a great place to check out the views of the park.

23. Take a Movie Set Tour

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Central Park, consider taking a movie set tour. You can walk past the set of your favorite TV shows, including “John Wick” and “Gossip Girl.”

The park has over 45 filming locations, including the Plaza Hotel featured in Home Alone 2, the terrace featured in Sex and the City, the famous fountain used in the intro to the Friends TV series, and the lake from Where Harry Met Sally.

You’ll also pass by Central Park Conservancy Water where the iconic Central Park scene in Breakfast at Tiffany was filmed.

24. Check out the Conservatory Garden

This is the only formal garden in New York City and one of the most important gardens in the park. This carefully looked-after garden is split into three zones.

The South resembles a sophisticated English manicured garden, while the North features a French-style garden. In the center, you’ll find an Italianate Garden.

The entire space covers 6 acres, where in the spring it is awash with color from its tulip beds, lilacs, and crabapple trees.

In the summer, the perennials and chrysanthemums bloom in bright colors.

Because of its colorful floral backdrop, it’s one of the most romantic settings in NYC and is frequently used as the backdrop for wedding photos.

Where to Stay in NYC

We almost always stay at the INNSIDE New York Nomad.

We love it for its modern vibe, decent price, amenities and fantastic location in Chelsea near the Flatiron District. You can walk to many places and it’s right near the subway station.

It’s within walking distance of Madison Square Park, Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building. Plus, each room has floor-to-ceiling windows so you always get an amazing view of the city.

If you feel the need to stay active, it has a 24-hour fitness center too.

You can find our full review of INNSIDE New York Nomad here.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Central Park

So there you have it, those are the best things to do in Central Park and as you can see, there is so much to do no matter what season you visit!

We hope this guide helped you plan your trip to Central Park in NYC and gave you some inspiration for what to do there.

If you need more inspiration, the Central Park website is a super helpful and detailed resource for all of the attractions within the park as well.

Video of Central Park, NYC

Want to see what a Central Park experience looks like? Here’s our video of our time visiting Central Park in New York City.

More NYC Tavel Tips

Need more inspiration about New York City? These other NYC guides may be useful to you…

• Things to do in NYC with kids 
• Engaging things to do with teens in NYC
• Places to eat iconic New York food
• Coffee shops in NYC the locals love

New York Central Park Tours

Want to visit Central Park but don’t want to go alone? Check out these great Central Park small-group tours.

• Central Park walking tour
• Central Park bike tours
• Central Park horse and carriage tour

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And it was.

As it turns out, there are so many things to do in New York City with teens, it can kind of get overwhelming trying to narrow down what to do.

Kalyra, now 15 and in tenth grade, is starting to think about colleges and NYU is on her list for their film school. So, our top priority on our list of things to do in NYC with our teens was to walk around the campus surrounding Washington Square.

We’re so glad we did.

Kalyra spent the three days in New York saying, “I’m so happy we’re here. I love this city so much!” At least she’ll be closer to me, then USC, the other college on her list!

After that, it was time to explore the city and some of the other top NYC attractions for teens. Here were some of our favourites!

What to do in New York City with Teens?

New York City can be daunting to plan, as it’s an iconic city with countless attractions and landmarks to see, such as The Empire State Building, the One World Observatory and World Trade Center Monument, and of course the Statue of Liberty, as well as many historic sites, and unique museums.

But anyone visiting NYC will have already added those to their list.

This is not one of those overwhelming lists of 101 things to do in NYC with teens, but a highly curated list based upon the real-life experience of our family, and why our older kids liked them.

We mostly did all of these on our winter weekend getaway to New York, but I threw in a couple more we’ve done before that I know teens and tweens will love.

Here are our favourite teen-friendly attractions in NYC and a few hidden gems for those families who like to discover something new.

1. Take a Walking Tour of Greenwich Village (with Cupcakes)

Our walking tour of Greenwich Village was one of our teen’s favorite things to do in New York City.

We spent six hours in the great Taylor Swift Ticketmaster debacle getting tickets for the Philadelphia show, so you can imagine the delight on Kalyra’s face when our guide directed her to look up at the street sign pointing the way to our next stop.

Yep – Cornelia Street.

We walked down it and then stood in front of the 1870 carriage house that Taylor Swift rented for 38K a month while her house in Tribeca was undergoing renovations.

Our guide Vince was excellent at making sure our kids were entertained on the tour and adapted it to suit. (We were lucky to just have us on the tour on this quieter winter getaway).

The two-hour walking street took us through the vibrant neighborhood of Greenwich Village, the home of poets, artists, musicians, and hippies for decades.

We saw the homes where Bob Dylan lived, the Mamas and Papas wrote California Dreaming (on a winter’s Day) where Louisa May Alcott completed Little Woman (another wide opening check for our teen), and the renovated historic firehouse that is now the home of Anderson Cooper – with firepole still intact!

While it’s known as a cupcake tour, I was relieved it wasn’t too heavy on the cupcakes – that would have been a burden too hard to carry. And really, I only needed one. A stop at Molly’s Cupcakes for my most favorite cupcake EVER – a gluten-free chocolate cupcake with lava oozing out of it.

We ended the tour at Pasticceria Rocco with a cabinet full of the most delicious-looking Southern Italian pastries with recipes that date back to the late 1800s. It’s been noted many times as having the best cannoli in NYC and so Craig and the girls tucked into pecan and chocolate cannoli.

Book your cupcake walking tour of Greenwich Village here.

Looking for dinner in Greenwich Village? Kalyra was even more thrilled when we chose to eat tacos at Tacombi, on the corner of Cornelia Street! You’ll find a variety of delicious tacos and tostadas at decent prices.

Video: Greenwich Walking Tour

2. Go To Broadway To See Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

One of our favorite things to do in New York with kids is to see a show on Broadway. It’s no different with teens.

When it comes to choosing a Broadway show for teens, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the winner. Many of us as adults, and teenagers today, grew up reading the books and watching the movies, so it’s not just something the kids will love but mom and dad too.

It’s been on Kalyra’s bucket list for years to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, so we booked it for this trip. It’s expensive, but it was the girls’ bonus for all the hard work they do with our travel blog.

It was incredible. At times, I was a little put off by the squeaky voices of the two main characters, but the magic of the show soon helped me forget that. The special effects are incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it and some of those tricks have me believing in true magic. I just don’t know how they did it!

I love how Harry Potter and the Cursed Child brings back many of your favorite characters in the Harry Potter series within the tale of Harry Potter’s son at Hogwarts.

There was magic to see on the walls and ceiling of the Lyric Theater as well.

Don’t worry if the magic of Harry Potter is not your thing. It’s New York, and there’s a play or show for all interests and ages. We’ve previously seen the Lion King and Wicked on Broadway and loved both.

Hot tip!

Don’t make this mistake. Only hours after purchasing our tickets for Harry Potter, I learned from a friend about Broadway Week, which was happening from January 17 – February 12, the time of our visit.

It happens twice a year and it’s when you can get 2-for-1 Broadway tickets. If I had known, I would have saved $250. They say it happens twice a year, but at the time of writing, I cannot find any information on when the next time will be for 2023.

Holders of a CityPass can also get Broadway Show ticket discounts.

3. Bike Around Central Park

Yes, you can walk through Central Park (a great free activity in NYC) and I highly recommend you spend time here. To experience it in a different way that older kids should love, rent bikes and cycle the full loop of the 6-mile path.

There are plenty of points of interest in Central Park to stop and enjoy like the Mall, Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is why it’s one of the best parks in NYC.

This fun activity is catching on as there were significantly more bikes cruising around than when we did it a few years ago during the Holidays.

Unlimited Biking has bikes for rent in various locations around Central Park and NYC. They provide different options for the whole family, including helmets, kids’ bikes, baby seats, children’s trailer’s baskets or bike bags, bike locks, and a map of the park! We rented from them when cycling the National Mall in Washington DC. They also have guided bike tours in NYC.

4. Visit the MET: Metropolitan Museum of Art

As teens grow a more cultured personality, a visit to the MET is sure to grant their limited attention. Especially since they’ve now learned much about the ages through history in school.

Savannah was enthralled by many of the ancient Greek sculptures as that’s her current course of study in history.

I think kids of all ages also love the opportunity to explore the mummified world of Ancient Egypt. They even have an exhibition set up where you can walk through a narrow tunnel of a tomb to discover the art and hieroglyphs on the wall.

The Met was founded in 1870 and has a vast collection of over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of world culture, from ancient times to the contemporary era. The museum covers a wide range of art forms, including painting, sculpture, decorative arts, photography, arms and armor, costumes, and much more.

I love family trips like this that helped me get to know my children. I was surprised to see my daughter wandering around the European paintings on her own, claiming that modern art was just not interesting enough – because anyone can just splash paint on a canvas.

While sometimes I think I can also create a masterpiece worthy of the Met with that kind of approach, I do enjoy seeing modern art. The Met has a few drip painting pieces by legendary American Artist Jackson Pollock

I also enjoyed seeing Van Gogh and Monet pieces in the European art section.

There are two locations: The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan.

The Met Cloisters is dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, with a focus on monastic life and spirituality. The museum building is designed to resemble a medieval European monastery, with architectural elements and garden spaces evoking the tranquil world of the Middle Ages.

We struggled to find a place to eat after our morning at the MET. There is not a lot in the Upper East Side area. In hindsight, I probably would have just eaten at the many cafes and restaurants in the MET. Prices are actually pretty good and I’m even more annoyed at our mistake now!

5. Visit MOMA: The Museum of Modern Art

In keeping with great art galleries for teens in NYC, I highly suggest MOMA: the Museum of Modern Art, located in Midtown Manhattan.

MOMA has a collection of over 200,000 works of modern and temporary art including painting, sculpture, photography, film, design, and new media, among other forms of artistic expression, including some of the most famous and significant works of the 20th and 21st centuries.

I visited on my own before Craig and the girls joined me in New York. I wanted to include this in our things to do in NYC with teens’ posts as my well-trained eye knows this is an ideal attraction for them.

Especially for any animation fans. They currently have an excellent exhibit, “Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio.” I found it fascinating to see how they created scenes with the stop-motion filming technique.

This was one of the top NYC attractions I used on my CityPass C3 attraction pass, which is a great way to save money on attractions in New York.

The exhibition also includes production art, props, and a look at the various phases of puppet-making and working film sets from Del Toro’s movie. (Only on until April 15, 2023)

Booking your timed entry tickets in advance is highly recommended. And mornings are meant to be the busiest times.

6. Take in the Views at the Edge

Taking in the panoramic 360-degree views of the New York City skyline from the Edge was our tween Savannah’s favorite New York attraction on this trip.

What makes the Edge different from other NYC viewpoints is that it’s the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. It is suspended in mid-air which makes you feel like you’re floating in the sky.

Up the thrill by walking across (or sitting down on) the glass floor and looking 100 stories down!

You can lean over the city by peering out the angled glass walls, and ultimate thrill seekers will want to scale the outside of the skyscraper and then lean out over the building on the City Climb attraction. Maybe next time.

We also used the CityPass C3 attraction pass for entry into the Edge. Or book your ticket for the Edge here. It can get busy so reserve in advance.

Video: Views from the Edge

7. Check Out Top of the Rock Views

Another great viewpoint of New York is from Top of the Rock at the top of Rockefeller Center. The views of Central Park here are wide open and beautiful – especially in the morning when the sun is shining on them.

You can get close-up views of the Empire State building, the former tallest building in NYC before it was replaced by Freedom Tower, which was a bit washed out in the sunlight on my visit.

For a different experience visit during sunset. It is the most popular time of the day to visit. So you’ll want to book your timed visit in advance. The lines will be long.

It’s nice to see the twinkling of the Manhattan lights after the sun has gone down as well.

8. Admire Views from Empire State Building

I prefer the views from the Edge and Top of the Rock more than the Empire State Building. They have a better, and larger, open-air space.

But, when I asked Kalyra if I should include it in this teen’s guide to NYC, she said, “Well yeah, It’s the Empire State Building. That is New York.”

It is also very different from the previous NYC viewpoints.

As you are in the middle of Manhattan Island, you get great views of the entire island from the observation deck.

TOP TIP. Get here right on opening. You’ll have very few lines. Because they sure do build up quickly.

9. Soak up the Times Square Vibes

I try to avoid it, but my girls drag me down Broadway to the “Crossroads of the World” to see the Flashing lights, streaming news, gigantic billboard ads, and a mixture of locals and visitors from all corners of the globe.

This was the first thing the girls and Craig did when they arrived in New York while I was at a conference party. They were excited to tell me the next morning about all the crazy antics they witnessed in Times Square followed by “I love New York so much!

So yes, you should take your teen to Times Square. Apart from restaurants, retail stores, and flashing lights, you’ll see street performances, heavy crowds, traffic congestion, and costumed characters who are happy to pose with you for photos but expect to be paid.

We returned on our final morning for a bit of shopping – an activity both our teen and tween loved.

10. Walk the High Line

One of the most popular free things to do in NYC with teens is to walk The High Line in Chelsea.

A former elevated train track has been transformed into a 20-block-long pedestrian walkway, offering a respite from the bustling city streets below. The walkway features impressive architecture, vibrant sculptures, and stunning street views.

When we did this walk in January it wasn’t as colorful as it would be in the spring, and if you do it on a weekend, it can get crazy busy – consider doing it on a weekday!

For a bite to eat along the way check out the popular Artichoke Pizza, said to be one of the best slices in NYC (be prepared to wait) or the Chelsea Markets (very busy on weekends also).

Video: Highline to Chelsea Market

11. Eat in Chelsea Market

We love a variety of choices when eating out as a family on our travels. With a gluten-free eater (myself) and the world’s fussiest eater (Savannah) it’s important we find options.

Chelsea Market is that! It’s known as one of the best food halls in New York. From Thai to tacos to doughnuts, cheese, acai bowls and gelato, you can have delicious servings of any favored cuisine. It’s simply one of the best places to eat in NYC.

It’s located in a former (dilapidated) Nabisco factory, so has that warm, charming warehouse vibe with fun spaces inside.

Here’s an interesting story about its weird secret history.

In addition to food, Chelsea Market also features clothing, home goods, and gift shops. Check the colorful and aromatic flower shop while there – our teen drew us all in there. Apparently, flowers are her latest interest.

You can easily combine it with your High Line walk as it’s at the end of it (or beginning depending on your direction.)

12. Walk Brooklyn Bridge over to DUMBO

I wasn’t sure whether to put this on the list of teen attractions in NYC, but when I asked Kalyra, she said “yeah sure!” And it was a “No, that was boring for the Statue of Liberty, and a no for the 911 Museum as it was too depressing.” I totally understand both of those which is why I double-checked with her.

We do all three on previous visits to New York. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge must have been a highlight.

From Wall Street, you can walk up to the beginning of The Brooklyn Bridge over to Brooklyn.

Take your time walking across from Wall Street and watch out for bikes doing their best to zig-zag between the pedestrians.

They do have a separate lane for cyclists and pedestrians, but popularity means that lane can easily be swallowed up but the crowds.

Brooklyn is a fascinating borough with many neighborhoods to explore, from the family-friendly Park Slope to trendy Williamsburg (whose cafes feature heavily in our list of best cafes in NYC).

The neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is at the end of the bridge and is where you’ll get some great views looking back at the Manhattan skyline.

There’s also this iconic photo opportunity from the cobblestone intersection on Water Street.

Consider getting ice cream at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and eating pizza at the famous Grimaldi’s Pizzeria which was seriously good pizza and a pretty decent prize (Go Early!)

13. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge is perhaps one of the most iconic sites in all of NYC and no doubt your teens and tweens will want an iconic photo to upload to their social media (or worse, a backdrop for a TikTok video).

But why not combine that with a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy? Brooklyn Bridge Park offers so many things to do, from roller-skating to kayaking to bouldering and pickleball!

After snapping some pics of the bridge, head over to the park and pick your family activity.

The Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches 1.3-mile (2.1 km) Atlantic Avenue in the south, under the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and past the Brooklyn Bridge, to Jay Street north of the Manhattan Bridge. 

14. Take ‘The Ride’

For a unique New York attraction with teens consider going on The Ride. It’s a multi-million-dollar bus with theater-style seats facing sideways towards the sidewalk with pop-up street performers entertaining you as you drive around the city.

The Ride is included in the New York Sightseeing Pass, or you can grab a ticket directly here.  As it was included in our Sightseeing Pass, I thought it was great value. I’m not too sure if I would have paid for it otherwise.

15. Check Out SpyScape

SpyScape is one of the few additions to this list of things to do with teens in New York that we have not personally done.

I’m adding it as it sounds very similar to the one in Washington DC that we did on our last Thanksgiving trip. Our girls absolutely loved it! So, I feel safe in saying (and after reading reviews) that your teen will love learning how to be a spy.

A relatively new museum attraction but hitting heights at being one of the most popular, SPYSCAPE is an immersive interactive adventure into your secret powers. Explore your skills and potential, dodge lasers, make and break codes, run surveillance, li, and spot liars! 

Like the DC Spy Museum, you get to explore your own spy skills and attributes by completing challenges and, in the debriefing room, discover your spy role.

We did not have time on this trip but will add it on our next visit! You can get a VIP pass here that includes the Batman experience. It’s also included on the Sightseeing Pass.

16. Shopping on Lower Broadway in Soho

After searching for the best places for teens to go shopping in New York City, we decided to hop on the subway down to the corner of Canal Street and Lower Broadway.

I’m so glad we did. With stores like Brandy Melville, Gap, H & M, & smaller boutique and vintage stores this was a teen shopper’s paradise. (We saw plenty of teens shopping with friends)

While wandering around the streets of Soho check out its amazing cast-iron architecture, which it’s well known for. The cast-iron fire escape staircases give the neighborhood its unique look. You’ve certainly seen them in film & TV!

While we did not get to visit the Museum of Ice Cream in Soho due to the long lines that I won’t do, I’ve heard it’s quite the fun thing to do in Soho for people of all ages. It has interactive art installations and ice cream sampling across 25,000 square feet over 3 floors.

I really enjoyed this area and wish we had more time to wander the streets and explore more of the artistic and alternative vibe of Soho.

17. Have Dinner in Little Italy

I mean what teen wouldn’t like an Italian meal on Mulberry St – the well-known restaurant row running through Little Italy. Lights holding Italian words string across the street, cozy tables line the sidewalks, and people are milling about everywhere. It has a fun NYC neighborhood vibe.

 If you have a decision phobia you may struggle to choose a place to eat. Hosts will be standing outside each restaurant enticing you to come in and menus are all available for previewing.

If you’re not fussy, you’re sure to find a table at any of the restaurants without a reservation.

We loved the look of Gelso & Grand on the corner of Mulberry & Grand Street. Established in 2015 at the former Italian Food Center,  it has a modern twist on Italian favorites, featuring house-made pasta, fresh organic produce, and locally sourced goods.

The food was sensational and not too badly priced, and they are famous for their wood fire pizza and cannoli. The brussels sprouts, local honey, Thai chili, ricotta salata were some of the best I’ve had, and my Braised Lamb Campanelle was simple Italian done flavorful.

We didn’t have a reservation, but thankfully they had a table on the sidewalk under some warm heaters. You’ll need to book for the dimly lit and cozy inside, especially on weekends.

Hold the dessert. Cross over to the gelato stand across the road to end a great NYC day with teens.

Now across the road was a very long line snaking out of Ferrara Bakery & Café, a famous Italian Bakery since 1892 known for its delicious cannoli and lobster tails (the pastry kind). I can’t vouch for it, but it could be a good sign you want to eat your dessert there. Me? I only do long lines for Lenny Kravitz concert tickets.

18. The Tenement Museum (Immigration Museum) on Ellis Island

While many people take the ferry to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty, if you have already done that and want to do something a little different, add a ferry trip over to Ellis Island to your to-do list as well.

While some teens are not exactly history buffs, it’s important to show them the history of their country that they may have learned about in school and found interesting.

The Tenement Museum is a place that really encourages teens and tweens to think deeply about their nation’s history. It focuses on the lives of immigrants in the early 19th century New York City, who fled their countries and came to live in the Lower East Side of NYC.

The museum is set inside a restored tenement building and also offers walking tours of the neighborhood, where you can really see history come to life.

19. Bronx Zoo’s Treetop Adventure

If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in NYC with teens, then you might want to check out the Bronx Zoo’s Treetop Adventure.

You can climb and zip over heights of 50 meters on this treetop obstacle course. There are over 90 obstacles, 10 zip lines, and one epic leap of faith.

This is a family activity in NYC not for the faint hearted. But if you think your teens will enjoy zip lining over the Bronx River, then this is an activity to create lasting memories.

We have not done this one ourselves, but zipline adventures are something we do regularly so can verify teens and tweens love them.

20. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Another museum that teens will love in NYC is the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, a military and maritime history museum made up of retired military ships.

The USS Intrepid is an aircraft carrier is the largest vessel in the museum and offers an immersive and enriching educational experience for teens and tweens.

The Intrepid was used in WWII, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and was then used as a NASA recovery vessel in the 60s, where you can still see the Space Shuttle “Enterprise” onboard.

Learn about historic military battles and see submarines up-close – your teen boys, especially, will love it! As we have girls, we skipped this.

21. Luna Park on Coney Island

Luna Park is the most iconic amusement park in NYC, if not the whole of the United States. It is attached to the site of Astroland, which has been in operation since the early 60s.

Ride the rollercoasters, enjoy the fairground rides, play fun games and eat way too much cotton candy – a trip to the fairground is sure to be a winner no matter how old you are.

Where to stay in New York City?

We typically always stay in Times Square or the Midtown Manhattan area when looking for NYC accommodation. We find it’s the best location to easily get around the city. Most attractions are within walking distance and subway stations are nearby.

You can sometimes get great deals on hotels near Time square, especially in January. However, on this trip in 2023, I noticed a significant markup in prices.

Note that In New York, your hotel really is just a place to sleep, which is great as the rooms are going to be small. So, you may want to find a hotel that has pretty and spacious common areas like the voco in the image below.

On this trip, we stayed at voco Times Square South New York located within easy walking distance to Times Square and Hudson Yards.

It was our first experience with this brand from IHG and found them to be modern, clean, and good enough for our stay. You can book your stay here.

I also stayed around the corner at the Hyatt Place Times Square. Similarly, it was a more affordable option, had everything I needed, and was in easy walking distance of most attractions.

The breakfast here must have been good as there were long lines each morning. I think it’s your typical US hotel breakfast, which is why I kept walking out the door to the Aussie-owned InCommon Cafe around the corner.

Our favorite New York hotel is the INNside by Melia New York Nomad. We’ve stayed there twice, and our girls love it. You can read our full review here.

Here are more NYC hotel accommodation options and you can also scroll through the list below.

Video: Top 5 Things to do with Teens in New York

Watch our short video below showcasing our favorite teen experiences in NYC.

Getting to and from the airport

New York has three airports: LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark (actually in New Jersey).

Where you fly into will depend on your budget, time, your choice of airline, and also consider the location of where you are staying in New York.

If you stay on the west side of Manhattan, then Newark airport may be the better option.

The AirTrain is the cheapest way to get into Manhattan from JFK and Newark airports:

• From JFK it’s $8 which includes your entry into the subway to continue to your Manhattan address
• From Newark to Penn Station, it’s $15 and it takes about 40 minutes – way cheaper than taking a taxi. Be aware that taking cabs from the airports into New York does involve tolls. The toll is $15 coming in from New Jersey.

From LaGuardia

You get the bus Q70 Limited to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave Subway Station and then take the subway for a cost of $2.75. It will take about 2 hours.

Also, check out shared transport shuttle services. You prepay for your spot in a van that shuttles you to the door of your hotel (Manhattan only). It may involve some wait time but at prices starting at $19 it might be worth it. Learn more here.

If there are a few of you traveling, it might be cheaper to catch an Uber or check out Dial7 which was recommended to me as an excellent limousine pick-up service to get to and from the airport.

Rates start at:

• JFK $48
• LaGuardia $34
• Newark $44

You will still have to pay toll fees and gratuities, however. There are coupon codes available from $5 – $14. check out more here.

New York City Videos

Click play on the Video playlist below to see more of New York City in our videos.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in NYC with Teens

New York City is one of those destinations where every time you visit you can do something different, and it still feels like the first time you visit.

The bright lights, the buzzing atmosphere, the street food and huge array of teen-friendly attractions, make New York City an inspiring place for teens and tweens.

For a family vacation, there simply is no better place to visit, and hopefully this guide to the top things to do in NYC with teens has provided you with some inspiration for attractions to add to your list.

I love fresh, good food that leaves a lasting impression, long after the taste buds have dined out on a new sensation.

And when I travel, that doesn’t change. I’m always on the hunt for something new, delicious and exciting to tantalise my taste buds.

New York City is well-known for its culinary scene. From world-class restaurants to $1 hot dogs from street carts, everyone knows that New Yorkers love food.

But for tourists visiting the city it can be overwhelming knowing where to eat, what to eat, and how much it’s going to cost you.

So to get yourself acquainted with the cuisine in the big NY, I recommend taking a food tour of New York City.

There are so many food tours to choose from – from Little Italy food tours, Chinatown food tours, street food tours and more.

To help you decide which is right for you, we’ve prepared this guide on the best food tours in NYC so you can satisfy your hunger quicker.

Food Tours in NYC

Whether you’re sitting down to a seven-course degustation menu in a Michelin-starred restaurant or biting into a fresh mozzarella ball wrapped in prosciutto at America’s oldest Italian cheese store – learning about NYC’s food can be the ultimate souvenir of a trip away.

Little Italy & China Town Food Tour

Now, let’s talk about those mozzarella balls, shall we?

My holiday in New York may be over but if I close my eyes I can still taste that mozzarella that had only been made that morning. 

Cheese that my mouth would never have bitten into except for joining this New York walking food tour of Little Italy and Chinatown.

That first stop on the tour at Alleva Dairy set the foodie scene for the following three hours as we walked through the eldest streets of Little Italy and Chinatown.

Before setting out I had a pretty good idea that we’d be sampling some amazing NYC food. What I hadn’t anticipated were the historical and cultural lessons learned along the way.

These two neighbourhoods in New York are steeped in history and have grown personalities indicative of their immigrant beginnings.

With food being so much a part of each of these cultures, it’s no wonder it’s impossible to talk about one without the other.

And that’s just what our NYC food tours guide Laura did.

Her enthusiasm for this area of New York City is infectious.

Whether describing the original way the traditional Sicilian dessert, Cannolis, were rolled (using a broomstick!) or explaining how a New York park is like a living room for the families living in small tenements – it’s this intertwining of food and history that made each of the little mom and pop shops we visited all the sweeter.

To be honest, as a mom travelling with a seven-year-old, we might not have even attempted negotiating our way around Little Italy and Chinatown without this insider knowledge.

You certainly cannot judge a potentially good dining experience by its cover.

By day, a rusting roller door on a shopfront gives no clue to the fact that it’s an uber cool nighttime cocktail bar.

Want to take a peek at some of the other yummies that went in our bellies?

Thought so.

Food porn alert ahead.

If you’re into food and heading to the Big Apple, I’d recommend doing this NYC food tour early on in your trip.

It’s three hours well spent – yes you’re on your feet for most of that time (there’s a 30-minute stop at Pongrsi Thai Restaurant) – but you’re not covering a massive area.

Wear comfortable shoes (Ha! You should see my New York blisters … I call them badges of honour!); and bring a hat or raincoat depending on the weather.

Oh, and don’t eat too much for breakfast beforehand … you won’t end the tour bloated and feeling like you’ve visited Sizzler for a buffet but you will be full.

As for what you’ll see and find out?

Not only will you visit places you will want to come back to – to dine in or takeout – but you’ll also be given a list of dining recommendations that you can work your way through during your stay.

It’s this insider foodie knowledge that can’t always be found in a guidebook – the type of knowledge that can create food memories which last a lifetime.

2. Greenwich Village Food Tour

Perhaps the biggest foodie neighborhood in NYC for locals is Greenwich Village, which is famous for its top-notch restaurants and eateries, serving tasty treats from bagels to artisan chocolate.

If you’re looking for the best pizza in NYC, then you’re going to want to check out this NYC food tour as it has three pizza stops!

The tour begins at Molly’s Cupcakes, an award-winning cupcake shop that’s also known for its quirky interior styling. Grab a few selfies with your cupcakes before moving on to the best falafel in NYC!

Mamoun’s Falafel is a New Yorker’s favorite falafel shop in Manhattan and has been operating in NYC since 1971, making it the longest Middle Eastern restaurant in the city.

After trying falafel, head over to Artichoke Basille’s Pizza who serve up some of the best pizza in the city! Have a slice of pizza with double-crust and artichoke – the namesake pizza that makes this place famous.

Leave room though, because it’s on to Pommes Frites for some incredible authentic Belgian fries, double cooked and topped with one of 30 sauces to choose from.

If that’s not enough, it’s back to another top-rated pizza shop, Bleecker Street Pizza!

The tour also passes by the Friends Apartment used to film the iconic TV series, and some other notable landmarks.

The final stop is Faicco’s Italian Specialties, where you can sample their arancini (rice ball) and sopressata (salami) or order a

A walking tour of Greenwich with cupcakes was one of our teens’ favorite things to do in NYC.

3. New York City Food Cart Walking Tour

New York may be famous for its pizza joints and rooftop bars, but if you’re strapped for cash or just want something quick, then a visit to one of NYC’s food carts is the best way to eat cheaply and quickly.

On this food tour, you’ll discover the best food carts for those looking for delicious food on the go. The most famous street food in Manhattan is the basic hot dog which can cost as little as $1 in some places, and let’s not forget the pretzel carts scattered across the city.

As you walk through Midtown Manhattan and the Financial District, your local foodie guide will point out the best curbside carts and allow you to taste multicultural dishes.

You can try more than just pretzels and hot dogs, there’s falafel, Korean short ribs, souvlaki, Pakistani curry, Belgian waffles, and even Mexican chocolate brownies.

Come hungry! You’ll want to try all the dishes on this tour.

4. The High Line, Chelsea Market, and Meatpacking District Food Tour

When it comes to hip places to eat in New York City, you will find the trendiest places in these districts. On this small-group tour, you will wander the High Line park, be introduced to artisanal specialities at Chelsea Market, and find secret gems in the Meatpacking District.

The tour begins in Chelsea Market, an old residential and market area that has now been transformed into a place full of boutique bars and hipster joints, but there are still a few classic eateries in the area that you can enjoy.

You’ll be taken to a Sicilian-style pizza place, Las Delicias Patisserie for top-class pastries, Doughnuttery doughnut for iconic NYC donuts, Fat Witch Bakery and many more hot spots.

You’ll also meet with a hot sauce “sommelier” to see how hot you can go! This is a fun and all-round food tour in NYC showcasing some of the finer places to eat.

5. Lower East Side Food Tour

The Lower East Side of Manhattan has some of the oldest and most famous places to eat in all of NYC.

Those who are looking for a combination of food with culture tour should definitely consider taking the Lower East Side food tour, which is a part food part historical tour that takes you through the tenements of Lower East Side NYC and tells of how immigrants shaped the culinary scene of NYC.

Whether you’re looking to try a classic cream cheese bagel at Kossar’s or you want to have a world-famous pastrami sandwich from Katz’s Deli, this tour will take you to all the hop spots – as well as a few hidden gems.

On this small-group walking tour, your knowledgable tour guides will take you to markets, bakeries, and restaurants, where you can sample the cuisine of NYC’s most diverse neighborhoods.

On top of that, you’ll also visit the African Burial Ground National Monument, the New York City Supreme Court, Columbus Park, Chinatown, Little Italy, Nolita, St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, Sara D Roosevelt Park, M’Finda Kalunga Garden and end near the Tenement Museum.

This tour aims to be as informative and educational as it is delicious!

6. West Village Food Tour

Another foodie neighborhood to check out is West Village. This food tour takes you to six top-rated eateries in the neighborhood, where you can sample the cultural diversity of New York’s foodie scene – from trying Middle Eastern falafels to Italian cannoli.

As you walk, you’ll learn about the history of West Village’s artistic legacy, and wander past Bob Dylan’s former home. You’ll also get to try delicious pizza, bagels, rice balls, Thai food, cupcakes and tacos!

The tour lasts around 3 hours and is on foot, so dress appropriately. You’ll want to come hungry and wear your most elasticated waste-band for this tour!

7. Brooklyn Food Tour; Flavors of Williamsburg

On this 3-hour food tour, you’ll be taken through the foodie neighborhood of Williamsburg. The tour covers about 2-miles so make sure to wear comfy shoes!

This tour features some of the best culinary delights of Brooklyn, where you’ll not only sample some of the tastiest food but learn about the areas rich culinary history.

You’ll visit the Northside Bakery Step, a traditional Polish bakery as well as Mable’s Smokehouse & Banquet Hall where you can sample delicious Oklahoma style BBQ.

After that, head over to the former auto body shop, Tacombi for excellent corn esquires and sandia (watermelon aqua fresca), before heading to Vice Munchies, to meet Frank Pinello, the owner of this award-winning pizza joint.

Round things off at Kahkow Taste, a chocolate company known for their bean to bar chocolate factory!

8. Hell’s Kitchen Food Tour

Last but not least, uncover the secrets of New York’s Central Park on a four-hour walking food tour. You’ll begin at L’ybane restaurant where your local foodie guide will be waiting to point out all the top food, culture and nightlife places to enjoy in the Big Apple.

The tour takes you to snack on hush puppies, sample baba ghanoush and try a doughnut and ice cream sandwich.

While you eat yourself until you’re full, you can burn it all off with a stroll around Central Park. The tour covers around 3 miles so wear comfy shoes!

Final Word on NYC Food Tours

One of the best ways to experience the history and culture of New York is on a food tour.

By taking a food tour of NYC you not only get to hear about the culinary history of the city’s cuisines, but you also get to learn about the best eateries and restaurants, explore the quieter neighborhoods and marvel at the architecture, and stroll through places you wouldn’t normally see.

Gift yourself with a unique experience in NYC, we have no doubt that a food tour will be the highlight of anyone’s trip!

More Food Tours of NYC:

More New York Travel Tips?

Are you in need of more NYC travel ideas and tips? Then these resources may be useful!

• How to Save Money on NYC Attractions: New York Sightseeing Pass
• Things to do in NYC at Christmas
• 10 places to eat in NYC for iconic New York food
• 3 Day NYC Itinerary to Experience the Best New York Attractions
• 19 Coffee shops in NYC the locals love!
• How to save time and money in New York

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