75 Best Things To Do in NYC [updated 2025]

The Big Apple is where great artists have dreamed of achieving success, where many European immigrants found a way to change their destiny, and where every visitor has found a reason not to leave.

We are talking, of course, about New York: a city where it is practically impossible to close your eyes. There is so much to see and do that it is important to know what is worth your time and what is not, so you don't get overwhelmed. That's why we have put together a list of the most amazing experiences for your trip to New York.

Taking a helicopter ride over New York will show you the city as few people ever see it. The bird's-eye view will allow you to see New York as if you had it in the palm of your hand, and it's an experience you'll definitely want to talk about when you get back from your trip. What's more, there are many helicopter tour options available.

The city skyline is a spectacle in itself, even more so from a helicopter flight over New York. Most flights last around 15 minutes, taking you on a tour that combines wonderful views with the adrenaline rush of flying over New York in a helicopter at over 200 kilometres per hour.

Whether you're a basketball fan or not, going to an NBA game is an unforgettable experience. The iconic Madison Square Garden is home to the New York Knicks, the local team, and it's in this stadium where you can see the NBA stars give their all on the court. It's definitely an experience that will add a lot to your trip and a must-see if you're passionate about basketball. If you've already decided you're not going to miss it, buy your tickets for NBA games here.

If you want to read a little more about the experience, understand what you'll find there or discover why it's one of the top experiences you can have in New York, let me convince you in my article about New York NBA Basketball 2025: Tickets and Best Prices.

Discover the legendary Madison Square Garden

You may not be that into the NBA itself, but you'll be dying to discover this venue where so many artists and sports teams have made history. There are guided tours of the venue, you can attend concerts and, of course, you can watch the Knicks play at home. I'll tell you how to buy tickets for Madison Square Garden.

Don't miss the Brooklyn Nets stadium

The Brooklyn Nets' stadium may not be as well known as Madison Square Garden, but that doesn't make the Barclays Center any less interesting. This venue hosts concerts and events in addition to NBA games and is well worth a visit during your stroll through Brooklyn. Here's everything you need to know about the Brooklyn Nets' stadium.

New York is a city entirely dedicated to entertainment. It's no coincidence that Broadway musicals and theatre performances are famous around the world and a magnet for visitors, so if you want to enjoy a truly unique experience, I recommend buying your tickets in advance and adding a special touch to your visit to New York.

Both The Lion King and Aladdin are undoubtedly two of the most popular musicals, so try to get your tickets as soon as possible to secure the best seats at the best price. But if you're still not sure which one you want to see, here's a list of what I consider to be the best Broadway musicals.

Other Broadway musicals

• Cats: The Musical
• Moulin Rouge on Broadway
• Wicked on Broadway
• Chicago, the Musical
• Radio City Christmas Spectacular
• Harry Potter
• The Book of Mormon
• Hamilton

The contrasts tour

New York is undoubtedly a city where contrasts follow one another at such a pace that it is difficult to keep up. If you book the contrasts tour, you will be taken to four very different neighbourhoods of the city: Queens, Harlem, the Bronx and Brooklyn.

You will see the industrial part of the city, the Jewish quarter, the streets of Harlem steeped in history, iconic buildings and, in just one day, you will have explored the city and got to know it like a local.

The Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour

If the contrasts tour is a must for getting to know the different areas of New York and understanding how its different cultures fit together, the Upper and Lower Manhattan tour will delve much deeper into those contrasts and corners of the island of Manhattan that you can't miss. Whether it's your first time in New York or you're already a regular visitor to the city, the explanations provided by this expert guide will reveal many key places in the city that I bet you didn't know about.

If you want to be surprised by another of Lower Manhattan's neighbourhoods, treat yourself to a tour of Greenwich Village. You'll find the best tours of this fantastic neighbourhood and breathe in the bohemian air of the 20th-century townhouses, all accompanied by guides who will tell you the most interesting stories about the famous people who lived there.

Other tours

For better or worse, New York is a tourist mecca for millions of travellers who make the pilgrimage to the city that never sleeps every year. That's why there are dozens of options for exploring the city (on foot, by bus, in more or less depth, etc.) and sometimes choosing the one that best suits your travel itinerary can seem overwhelming. That's why I've made this selection of 13 Best New York City Tours so you can choose the one you like best.

One of the tours that may be of great interest to you if you want to see the ins and outs of the financial world first-hand is the best tours of Wall Street. If you book a tour with a Wall Street professional, they will tell you the juiciest stories of the latest financial crises.

And if mystery is your thing, I recommend booking a guided tour of the catacombs of New York.

Discover the city's secrets

If you're not a big fan of guided tours and prefer to explore the city at your own pace without a guide, I recommend planning your own itinerary to make sure you don't miss a thing. If this isn't your first time in the city and you want to discover alternative or hidden places that are less frequented by tourists, don't miss my guide to the city's secret spots.

Exploring Harlem with a guide is one of the best experiences you can have in New York, as you'll discover everything that many tourists miss by only seeing Manhattan during their trip. You can also attend an authentic gospel mass and feel the enormous spirituality that permeates the neighbourhood's churches, with services so intense that they are a spectacle in themselves.

If you want to explore this neighbourhood on your own, I recommend taking note of the essential things to see and do in Harlem to make sure you don't miss a thing. Oh, and take advantage of this list of the best places to eat in Harlem and this other list of the best places to listen to music in Harlem. But I recommend booking a tour of Harlem with a gospel mass at

Although not something to do in New York, it is a great way to make the most of your trip to the East Coast of the United States and tick one of the world's most impressive natural wonders off your bucket list.

Excursions to Niagara Falls are a great way to round off your trip to the Big Apple with a healthy dose of pure nature. Accompanied by an expert guide and with transport to and from Manhattan included, they are the best option for exploring one of the most spectacular national parks in the United States.

But is it worth the visit? If you're travelling to New York for two days or if your trip to New York is three days long, it's best to spend your time in the Big Apple and not leave, but if you're taking a 10-day trip to New York or you're going to be in New York for 15 days or more, booking a trip to Niagara Falls is an option you should consider.

You're sure to have Central Park on your list of things to do in New York, but do you know what not to miss once you get there? Stroll through the Conservatory Gardens, a European-style garden with beautiful fountains and statues; Belvedere Castle, a small castle located at the highest point of the park with beautiful views; and Bethesda Terrace and its fountain, an architectural marvel where you can take spectacular photos.

It is huge, so to help you find your way around, I have put together this guide on 17 Things to Do in Central Park. There are many ways to explore this wonderful park, but one very special option is to take a carriage ride through Central Park. You can also rent a bike in Central Park and explore it that way.

In general, I recommend renting a bike (if the snow allows it) and spending a few hours getting lost in the green lung of Manhattan. Let's go! But if you're travelling with children, don't miss the Central Park Zoo, a place where you can see the most exotic species, both domestic and wild. With your tickets to the Central Park Zoo, you'll have access to the main zoo, another zoo especially for children, and the 4-D theatre.

Yes, you read that right. You can book tickets for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Just a few months after New York opened the glass-enclosed observation deck The Edge, we are once again faced with an opening that has left everyone speechless: SUMMIT is a spectacular observation deck that is not to be missed, both for the views it offers of Manhattan and for the incredible architecture of the building itself.

Everything here is designed for the enjoyment of visitors: mirrored and glassed-in perspectives for taking the best photos, glass-enclosed viewing platforms for experiencing vertigo first-hand, ultra-modern lifts for feeling the adrenaline rush... I won't give away any more. If you want to organise your visit, check out this article on how to get to the new SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck.

This linear park, built on old railway tracks, crosses the Chelsea neighbourhood with a walkway flanked by floral arrangements and views of the surrounding buildings and the Hudson River to the south. Walking along it is a different way to explore New York, and I recommend including it in a tour of Chelsea.

In this article about Guide to the High Line in New York City I'll give you some tips on how to explore it, where to stop for lunch or to take in the best views, and I'll suggest an itinerary so you don't miss the most important sights.

Times Square needs no introduction: neon lights, giant screens and crowds of people. It can be overwhelming and wonderful in equal measure, but it's sure to leave an impression. It's definitely a place to get lost in during your visit to New York, especially at night, when the buildings shine with their own light and you begin to feel the magic of New York.

What else can you see and do in Manhattan?

Although it may seem like I'm resorting to clichés, Times Square is undoubtedly one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Fortunately, Manhattan has many other hidden gems (some surprising, others seen thousands of times in the movies) that will leave you in awe. If you don't know where to start, here's a practical guide to the top things to do and see in Manhattan to help you plan your visit.

Around SoHo

SoHo ("South of Houston Street") used to be an industrial area full of factories, and long before the concept of gentrification existed, the neighbourhood's charm attracted the wealthy, who converted its buildings and streets into the birthplace of "industrial chic".

Today, it's an area full of bars, restaurants and shops in the place once occupied by factories: visit it if you love exposed brick walls, exposed pipes and iron architecture.

I recommend finding out about the best tours of Soho to experience the glamour of this unique neighbourhood first-hand.

Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is New York's luxury street, where you'll see the city's most opulent residential buildings, the headquarters of some of the world's most prestigious jewellery and fashion brands, and a string of museums including the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Visit the best outlet in New York

If you love shopping but are looking for the best deals, you're in luck in New York, because you can visit the Premium Outlets, where you'll find dozens of luxury brand stores at greatly reduced prices.

As it's a little far from Manhattan, there are organised tours so you can go shopping without having to worry about how to get there. Here's how I did it and some tips for organising your shopping day here: Woodbury Commons and Other Outlet Malls in New York.

What to buy

You're probably going to New York with a "bargain" in mind that you want to get. And you're not wrong: American brands (both clothing and electronics) are undoubtedly the best value for money. In New York, you'll be able to find certain products at very good prices, but you'll have to know where to look. To do this, it's highly recommended to book a shopping trip to New York's outlets.

In addition, here's a practical guide to help you get your bearings when shopping: 10 Things to Buy in New York Remember to leave enough space in your suitcase!

The New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is a lush 100-hectare park where more than a million species are cultivated in 50 different spaces and environments. One of its main attractions is that it includes part of the ancient forest that covered New York before it was colonised in the 17th century, where you can find beautiful specimens of white ash, birch, tulip, cherry and beech trees. I recommend visiting it, especially if you are travelling to New York in spring.

The New York Aquarium

This is one of the most enjoyable experiences if you are visiting New York with your family. Located on the Coney Island boardwalk, the New York Aquarium is home to more than 500 marine species. The visit is organised in an entertaining way with exhibitions and games designed to teach children about nature. You can find all the information you need in this guide to the New York Aquarium.

The Bronx Zoo

One of New York's great attractions, which unfortunately (or fortunately for you) goes unnoticed by the millions of tourists who visit the city, is the Bronx Zoo.

If you book tickets to the Bronx Zoo, you will have the opportunity to see hundreds of species living in semi-freedom in this gigantic zoo, making it a perfect place to visit. Especially if you are travelling with children, a visit to the animals at the Bronx Zoo will be well worth it. Here are several articles with everything you need to know about how to get tickets to the Bronx Zoo, the zoo's opening hours and prices.

Manhattan's Chinatown, surrounded by TriBeCa, the old Little Italy, and the Lower East Side, is a place where you could easily imagine yourself on the Asian continent, with the comings and goings of phrases and signs in Cantonese and the constant market atmosphere, with fishmongers, butchers and greengrocers in constant activity. Chinatown is not the prettiest neighbourhood in the country, but it is certainly one of the most authentic and well worth booking a tour of.

So that you don't get lost in its streets (although wandering around is always highly recommended), here is a practical guide with 10 Things to Do in Chinatown NYC with tips and a list of things you can't miss there. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the most authentic Chinese food in the city: here's a guide to the best places to eat in Chinatown.

Take a tour of Chinatown

The Vessel, one of the biggest attractions in Hudson Yards

This is New York's new trendy neighbourhood. In just a few years, it has gone from being a completely abandoned area to the new golden mile for luxury residences, ultra-modern Manhattan skyscrapers and the trendiest restaurants and shops. In addition to The Vessel and The Edge (I'll tell you more about them later, but I can already tell you that you can't miss them), it is home to the famous High Line, the city's new park that I've already told you about.

In this neighbourhood, you can eat like a king, admire the new wonders of New York architecture and go shopping at its new luxury shopping centre. I'll also leave you with a practical guide to the neighbourhood 6 Things to Do at Hudson Yards in NYC, whether you're visiting on your own or booking a tour of Hudson Yards and The High Line.

If you had to choose just one icon to represent the City That Never Sleeps, it would be the Statue of Liberty. The famous 'Lady Liberty' is located on Liberty Island, a short ferry ride from the piers south of Manhattan, and visiting it is one of the must-do activities on any trip to New York.

By the way, if you take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park, don't miss all the things to see and do in Battery Park before boarding or on your return from visiting the Statue.

If you book tickets to the Statue of Liberty, you have the option of going inside and visiting the pedestal of the Statue or even climbing up to the Crown. You can also explore the museum and enjoy the views from the Statue of Liberty's observation deck, which offers unbeatable panoramic views of Manhattan. If you choose a guided tour, some tours complete the experience with a visit to Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum.

And my favourite option is to book a film tour of New York. It's clear that the city's streets and squares are home to thousands of legendary film and TV series locations.

If you want to know exactly where the flat where Monica and Rachel had Chandler and Joey as neighbours in Friends is, or if you want to discover the legendary fire station from Ghostbusters, this article will help you. 10 TV & Movie Locations in New York City will help you. Whether you join one of the guided tours or explore the locations on your own, don't miss out on finding them!

Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The Memorial and Museum dedicated to the 9/11 terrorist attacks are located on the site where the Twin Towers once stood, also known as Ground Zero. In their place, you will find fountains engraved with the names of the victims and a memorial museum that tells the story of the attacks and how New York was gradually rebuilt in the days that followed.

Although visiting the 9/11 Museum exhibition is an emotionally overwhelming experience, I recommend it as it will give you an alternative context to your trip and you will see New York through different eyes after your visit.

Don't hesitate, book a tour to visit the 9/11 Museum and if you want to evaluate the different options for learning about what happened on 9/11, check out this post with 5 Best 9/11 Tours in New York.

If you're in the area and want to visit the 9/11 Memorial or Museum, you might want to book your ticket to the One World Observatory and go up to admire New York from above. At the top of One World Trade Center, the skyscraper built on the site of the 9/11 attacks, you'll find a glass-enclosed observation deck offering crystal-clear views of southern Manhattan, the Hudson River and Brooklyn.

If you're afraid of heights, you don't have to miss out on the views from the One World Observatory, as this is the best viewpoint in the city. Being enclosed in glass, it offers a feeling of protection that other open observatories don't have. You can read all the details here: One World Observatory in New York: Tickets and Tours and take note of how to get to the One World Observatory in this other article.

Climb to the Top of the Rock

And while you're there, why not book your ticket to the Top of the Rock, one of the city's most popular observation decks? Don't miss the New York skyline and the views from the Top of the Rock, at the top of Rockefeller Center, including the night views...

Here are the details so you can plan your visit: Top of the Rock in New York: Tickets and Tours and decide whether you'd rather go up to the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building. Keep in mind that there are plenty of places to eat at Rockefeller Center, so it's worth a visit even if you don't go up to the observation deck.

At Christmas

If you visit the city during the Christmas season, Rockefeller Center is a must-see, both for its famous tree (one of the best Christmas trees in New York) and its ice skating rink. The city wouldn't be the same at Christmas without this little corner, where you can take the typical photo and even lace up your skates and jump onto the rink. In general, I won't deny that Christmas in New York deserves a special mention.

That's why I've put together this guide so 15 Christmas Things to Do in New York City so you don't miss a single Christmas tree, shop window or, of course, ice rink. Oh! And if you're lucky enough to visit New York at Christmas, don't miss the spectacular decorations that the residents of Brooklyn put up every year on their houses in Dyker Heights. An ideal way to enjoy this experience is to book a Christmas lights tour of Dyker Heights. Plus, if you're into lighting, don't miss the Christmas lights at the Bronx Zoo. Christmas lovers, this is paradise for you!

Another option is to take one of the guided tours to discover the city's lights. You'll find it an incredible experience to discover the Big Apple decked out for the Christmas holidays!

Whether you want to devour all the museums the city has to offer or prefer to select one or two museums to visit during your trip, I have prepared this list of 14 Best Museums in New York City. Here you can read the most important information about each one so you can see all the options available, what you'll see at each one and how to get tickets at the best price.

The MoMa

It's impossible not to mention the MoMa, or Museum of Modern Art, among the must-sees in New York. Among the best works at the MoMa are Van Gogh's Starry Night, Dalí's The Persistence of Memory, Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans and many other works of modern art that are worth seeing in person at least once in your life.

Take note of the MoMa prices and opening hours so you don't miss the opportunity to visit this fantastic museum.

The MET

The majestic museum on Fifth Avenue, the MET (whose staircase you'll recognise instantly if you've seen Gossip Girl) houses works of art and artefacts such as Chinese calligraphy books, cuneiform writing tablets, Egyptian mummies, European royal armour, musical instruments and a collection of paintings that will leave you speechless, with works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Raphael among the most important.

Madame Tussauds

If you're curious to visit a wax museum to see your idols or the most popular characters from today and throughout history up close, Madame Tussauds and its wax figures are a great option. In addition to being a fun visit, you'll leave with endless photos and stories that are worth sharing. If you are going to New York with children or friends, it is essential that you book tickets for Madame Tussauds. Here is all the information you need Madame Tussauds in New York Tickets

A day at the museum from "Night at the Museum"

Although it was the film "Night at the Museum" that made it famous, one of the museums that has impressed visitors for decades with the sheer number of curiosities and objects that can be seen (and learned about) inside is located near Central Park: the Natural History Museum.

Today, it remains one of the city's most important scientific and research centres, with a collection of thousands of fossils, meteorites and minerals that you won't see anywhere else. If you're visiting New York with children, don't miss this visit that will leave them speechless.

The Guggenheim in New York

This incredible museum will steal your heart, not only for the amazing works it houses but also for its design and structure, which are unique in the world. Step onto its majestic staircase and feel yourself lose track of time in the heart of Manhattan inside the Guggenheim Museum in New York. You won't regret it!

Other interesting museums in the city

As with practically everything in New York, this city has a cultural offering that surpasses that of any other city in the world. It's difficult to estimate how much time you would need to visit all of its incredible museums, but if you have time or are passionate about art and culture, check out these other museums that are sure to impress:

Read more about Fotografiska New York, venture into the Brooklyn Museum, discover the history of the city at the Museum of the City of New York, delve into the Whitney Museum of American Art, explore the Intrepid aircraft carrier with a visit to the Museum of the Sea, Air and Space, or feel like a spy at the KGB Spy Museum.

The Empire State Building is New York's most iconic building, and from its observation deck you can enjoy wonderful views of the Big Apple. You can go up at sunrise, just before sunset, or even go up to the Empire State Building at night: whatever you choose, it will be an experience you will remember fondly for many years to come.

To do so, I definitely recommend buying your tickets online for the Empire State Building in advance to avoid queuing at the ticket office, choose the best time to go up the Empire State Building and avoid the large crowds of tourists who, understandably, have this visit among their priorities when visiting New York.

One of the most amazing viewpoints in the world has recently opened its doors in New York: The Edge. With a glass floor (yes, you read that right), if you book your tickets for The Edge, you can fly over the New York skyline with your own feet.

The structure of the building (it is literally an "edge", as its name suggests) is designed so that you can feel the wind (and vertigo) on your skin when you lean out from the top. Ready to test your adrenaline with the views from The Edge?

That's right: you can visit Harvard, and you don't have to be an intellectual (or a student) to do so. One of the most famous universities in the world opens its doors to travellers on a guided tour.

On a day trip to Boston from New York, you can also explore the historic centre of Boston, where one of the most important episodes in American history took place: the American War of Independence.

If you book the trip to Boston, you will also see MIT and learn everything you need to know about the city and its customs, which contrast with the hustle and bustle of New York. Best of all? By nightfall, you will be back at your hotel in the Big Apple, ready to continue your journey.

Whether you're visiting New York in winter, when the cold will be biting, or you're short on time, the tourist bus will take the chill out of the low temperatures and allow you to explore the city in the easiest way possible.

Although it may seem like an inauthentic experience at first, the truth is that New York's tourist bus routes are designed to take you from one attraction to another as quickly as possible (and without having to fight with the subway map!).

What I like most about this experience is that you can do it both during the day and take the New York night tourist bus when you've finished your marathon day of sightseeing and just want to relax while continuing to enjoy the panoramic views.

Even if it's not your first time in the city, this area will be completely new to you: after decades as a semi-abandoned industrial area, Hudson Yards has emerged in Midtown Manhattan in recent years (and is still under construction) to house shopping centres and luxury homes.

And much of the limelight in this new futuristic area of Manhattan is taken by The Vessel (or the beehive, as many call it).

Halfway between an architectural gem and a tourist attraction or viewpoint, this building stands out for its external appearance, but also for the optical illusions and views it offers visitors. I encourage you to go inside, climb its four flights of stairs and see for yourself.

If the views from one of the city's observatories weren't enough for you, you can continue to admire them from one of the wonderful rooftops or terraces that Manhattan has to offer.

Although the views won't be as impressive (almost none offer 360-degree views of the city, as other skyscrapers opposite can block the view), they usually have live music and a very New York atmosphere, which I always think is a great way to end a busy day of sightseeing in the city.

Sometimes, finding these little bars or rooftops can be tricky, so I've put together a list of what I think are the best rooftops in New York.

Sorry, but... New York is much more than Manhattan, and although it's tempting to stay and explore the island's most iconic spots, New York has so much more to offer. In fact, the city is made up of five boroughs where New Yorkers live, go out to dinner, shop, dance... Don't let laziness get the better of you and explore what Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island have to offer besides Manhattan. Here's what you can't miss on your visit to the city: 5 Best New York City Neighborhoods.

What to do and see in Brooklyn

I won't hide or deny that Brooklyn is one of my favourite areas of the city, so I encourage you (because I can't force you) to take to the streets and explore every corner of this area. You'll love its cafés, vintage markets, alternative shops and food markets. Also, take note of the best places to eat in Brooklyn, where you can try authentic dishes at lower prices than in Manhattan. Here are my recommendations: 13 Things to Do in Brooklyn NYC.

Visit Williamsburg

Also, within Brooklyn, you can visit Williamsburg and New York's Jewish neighbourhood, a real world apart that blew me away the first time I visited. Here are some tips for organising your visit in this practical guide on 15 Things to Do in Williamsburg

If there's one thing that will make you feel like you're truly in the heart of the United States, it's enjoying its most popular sports. While in New York, you'll have the chance to see the legendary New York Yankees in a baseball game, which was a real experience for me (I didn't even know the rules of the game, but I found the atmosphere surrounding these events spectacular).

Don't hesitate, book tickets for the NFL. And if you're not travelling to New York during the MLB season, you can always take a tour of the stadium or visit the surrounding area. After all, it's a legendary place that marks the cultural, sporting and leisure calendar of New Yorkers. Here's an article to help you discover how to visit the Yankees stadium.

If, on the other hand, you'd prefer to see an NFL (National Football League) game, the New York Giants play at MetLife Stadium and seeing them live is quite a spectacle.

Book a cruise on the Hudson and sail the waters of the Hudson River to take a break from long walks while you admire the views of the Manhattan skyline, pass under the Brooklyn Bridge and get up close to the Statue of Liberty.

Best of all, there are routes and itineraries to suit all budgets (from a short one-hour route to a luxurious cruise with dinner and live music) and even Hudson River cruises for children. Give it a try and, even if it's cold, wrap up warm and go out on deck to take the best photos.

Here's an article I've written about New York Cruises and Boat Tours with my favourite options, but I'll give you a hint: a dinner cruise on the Hudson could be the most incredible experience of your trip. If you want more details, here's an article on the best time to take a cruise on the Hudson, another on how much Hudson River cruises cost, and this last one on tips for enjoying a cruise in Manhattan.

Get around using the ferry

The Hudson is one of the city's main attractions, and if you want to leave Manhattan, you'll have to cross it by tube, train or ferry. I think the ferry is a great way to get around the city while enjoying the views of the skyline, so even though the boat isn't as comfortable as a cruise ship, don't hesitate to use the ferry during your trip. Here's all the information you need about the New York ferry.

Yes, I know, hamburgers aren't exactly what comes to mind when you think of "fine dining", but the great thing about New York is that you can literally eat anything. From the cheapest street food to the best pasta, fish, sushi or pizza you can imagine.

Of course, hot dogs, legendary burgers and cheesecakes are a must on your trip. Why not have a picnic in one of the parks, save money at fast food chains and sit down for dinner one night in one of the cosy candlelit restaurants in the West Village or SoHo? I'll tell you all about it here: 10 Places to Eat in New York City.

Visit Chelsea Market

If you're planning to book a tour of Chelsea, eating at Chelsea Market before or after your tour is a great option. In this food market, you'll find shops where you can buy high-quality food, as well as several stalls where you can stop for a bite to eat. If you're looking for desserts, breakfast or snacks, you're also in luck: there are bakeries, cupcake shops, pastry shops...

New York itself is a world apart, but the United States has so much to offer that it would be a shame to miss out on a trip to other nearby cities. This is the case if you book a trip to Washington or Philadelphia from New York. If you take a guided tour to the cradle of this country's history, you will learn much more about its culture and idiosyncrasies. I found Washington in particular to be an incredible place, full of monuments and with many corners, landmarks and iconic places to discover.

What's more, its order, cleanliness and majesty contrast sharply with the chaos of the Big Apple, so you'll round off your trip with a counterpoint that won't leave you indifferent. Best of all, there are several options for discovering the surrounding area as well as visiting Washington, especially if you take a two-day trip to Washington, so I've compiled the most interesting ones here: 3 Best Day Trips to Washington DC from New York.

Other excursions

If you feel like exploring the surroundings of New York but are still not sure where you would like to go, I have written a guide on 17 Day Trips from New York where I've compiled the best places to discover and how to join a guided tour so you don't have to worry about the logistics of getting there by public transport or renting a car. Let's go travelling!

Madison Square Garden isn't just home to the best NBA three-pointers and big shows and concerts, you can also experience the atmosphere of the New York Rangers, New York's ice hockey team.

Watching a game in the NHL, the American hockey league, is an experience that comes highly recommended. The fast pace and the "battles" between the players as they slide the puck around will get your adrenaline pumping. If you want to find out more about the fourth national sport, read our post on how to get tickets for hockey in New York and grab yourself a pair.

At Rockefeller Center, you have a date with what is considered the most important theatre in the United States, Radio City Music Hall. Its facilities have witnessed the most spectacular shows in the country for decades, and now you can take a guided tour and learn the best secrets behind the scenes. You can also talk to a Rockette dancer, a true institution on this stage.

If you're visiting New York at Christmas, don't miss the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a Christmas classic that has been performed in this theatre since the 1930s and can be enjoyed by the whole family. In fact, I recommend booking your visit to Radio City Music Hall in advance to get the full experience.

There are many ways to explore Brooklyn, but don't miss the iconic bridge that connects this neighbourhood to Manhattan. You can walk across it, which takes about 45 minutes, but a really interesting way to see it is by booking a bike tour of the Brooklyn Bridge. There are guided tours where you can learn about the history of the bridge while enjoying spectacular views from the bridge itself.

As you cycle along the route, you'll see other popular tourist attractions such as Brooklyn Heights, Wall Street and Dumbo. The guide will tell you all about each of them.

If you're a yogi and can't go another day without meditating, book a yoga class in Central Park. There's plenty to see in this huge park, including strolling through almost 3.5 kilometres of nature. But if you want to add something extra to your visit, you can take advantage of a yoga and meditation tour.

Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of New York Citystreets and treat yourself to some relaxation and well-being for your body and mind. Thanks to the yoga exercises taught by a specialised instructor, you can take a break and exercise in New York's great green lung.

Beneath the city of New York, specifically in the underground floors of the old St. Patrick's Basilica, are the catacombs where the remains of bishops and other illustrious figures from the city's Catholic world are hidden.

Along the cathedral's corridors are numerous crypts that you can see by candlelight. In fact, you can book a tour of the catacombs of New York, which will take you through the cemeteries housed in this temple and reveal their greatest secrets. If mystery is your thing, I recommend finding out how to visit the catacombs of New York.

Want to try the juiciest and most unimaginable ice creams? Book tickets for the Ice Cream Museum in New York and have a fun and tasty time. If you're a fan of this product, whatever the season, don't miss this interactive museum where you can let your imagination run wild experimenting with unique flavours and colours.

Of course, you can taste sweets, slide down a snail-shaped slide, bathe in a pool of chocolate chips, and much more. Get your Instagram ready because you'll take lots of photos that you'll want to share on all your social media.

Touring the places in the Big Apple where scenes from the legendary series Sex and the City were filmed is a great thing to do in the city. You can relive the best moments of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte by booking a Sex and the City location tour.

The Meatpacking District where they used to shop, the Plaza Hotel, the Buddakan restaurant and the Scout bar, where they used to drink their cosmopolitans, are just some of the places you can visit during a 3½-hour tour with a professional guide who will tell you all the secrets of the series.

If you love horror and want to hear the most spine-chilling stories in one of New York's most iconic neighbourhoods, you should book the Greenwich Village ghost tour. A route through places steeped in legends and terrifying stories.

Visit haunted buildings such as New York University, Washington Square Park and the Jefferson Market Library, all with stories of spirits and ghosts that will make you remember this day forever. Only the most squeamish will regret it!

Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn... Do you know New York's most authentic neighbourhoods? Visit some of them and mix with the locals and their culture. You'll recognise New York's characteristic diversity as soon as you set foot in the city, but there's nothing like booking a tour of the boroughs from Manhattan and exploring the streets of the neighbourhoods that surround the Big Apple.

There are bus tours with a local guide who will show you the most unusual places in districts such as Coney Island, a place to escape the busy streets of the city centre. You can also discover the birthplace of hip hop and the true street art of graffiti in the Bronx. Or visit Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. Delve deep into the heart of America and get to know New York's neighbourhoods.

The Ride is a unique show that you can experience from a stage you've never seen before: a bus. This experience of enjoying a Broadway-style show on a bus is undoubtedly a highly recommended activity in New York.

If you book tickets for The Ride experience, you can enjoy a magnificent production from the comfort of your seats in the tiered seating. You'll see the performers sing and dance as the bus travels through the city. Whether with family or friends, The Ride will leave you completely amazed.

Fancy a delicious cheeseburger, ribs or a Texas sandwich? Play it safe by booking a set menu at Hard Rock Cafe, a three-course meal with a drink and dessert at the legendary Times Square restaurant.

Enjoy American cuisine at this franchise, which started in London over 50 years ago and has now spread to more than 63 countries. Take a break from your trip to New York and check out the largest exhibition of music memorabilia at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. The hard part will be choosing from the wide variety of dishes on the menu.

There are two key landmarks in New York that you can visit to learn about the history of slavery. On the one hand, the African National Cemetery, which houses the remains of African-American slaves from the 17th and 18th centuries. And on the other, the Underground Railroad, where you can travel back in time as you explore the network that thousands of slaves built to escape the country, with the help of some Americans of the time.

If you book the historical tour on slavery, you will be taken to these and other places representative of this dark period in American history, and you will learn more about the daily life of slaves and their liberation.

If you've always wanted to be part of street art by creating your own graffiti but never dared, there's no better time than your trip to New York to learn the real technique of aerosol art.

Book a graffiti workshop in New York with an expert graffiti artist and learn how to paint murals with spray cans in a key location on the New York art scene, the Bushwick neighbourhood of Brooklyn. You'll have the opportunity to try your hand at your own creation and take it home with you as a souvenir. The perfect plan for all ages and levels.

The Spyscape Museum is a place where you can experiment and unleash your inner daredevil. It's an interactive adventure that challenges your intelligence and lets you discover what kind of spy you would be.

Designed by a former head of the Secret Intelligence Service, the challenges presented by this immersive museum will keep you entertained for an afternoon as you try to decipher codes and explore hidden worlds. Test your skills by booking tickets to the Spyscape Museum and feel like a real CIA agent for a day.

The LGBTQ community is very large in the US, and booking the Gay Pride Tour of New York City's historic sites can help you recognise and learn about their struggle over the years. Part of the proceeds from the tour will be donated to Heritage of Pride, an organisation that promotes pride marches in the city.

The Gay Liberation Monument, the Axis Theatre Centre and the Stonewall Inn are just some of the buildings you'll visit on this tour, where a guide will tell you all about the history of each place. For example, the Stonewall Inn is the bar where the riots took place on 28 June 1969 that led to the rise of the LGBTQ community in the country.

Book the Gay Pride tour in New York

There are many ways to explore the great Central Park, but if you want a comfortable and fun way to do so, book an electric scooter tour of Central Park. On this scooter, you can visit many of the park's corners and places of interest without getting tired.

There are guided tours throughout the park that will also give you details about each monument. And I can assure you that a guide accompanying you throughout the tour will be very useful, as otherwise you could get lost among its thousands of nooks and crannies. What's more, the electric scooter will take you to many more places in this huge urban park, which is over 4 kilometres long.

If you love photography, booking a photo shoot in Brooklyn is just the thing for you. Thanks to a session with a professional photographer in the Brooklyn neighbourhood, you'll take home a great souvenir of New York. This experience will take you to iconic locations that are perfect for spectacular photos, such as Dumbo, Rockefeller Center, Manhattan Borough and Times Square.

You can choose your route and the duration of the session, and after a few days you'll have your photos ready to download. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? The hard part will be choosing which ones to share on your social media...

Harlem is one of New York's most culturally vibrant neighbourhoods, and this is evident in the area's nightlife. The best jazz clubs are here, and booking a tour of Harlem's jazz venues, whether you're passionate about this style of music or not, will make you feel like a true American.

Some tours of this legendary neighbourhood will give you an insight into the art scene in Harlem, considered by some to be the birthplace of jazz. You can also stroll through its streets, discover its gospel churches and visit the most famous venues for a fantastic night out.

Art and technology come together in a futuristic museum in New York City, the Artechouse. We're talking about science and innovation applied to the art scene, where you can see unique exhibitions with light and sound. An immersive experience of avant-garde art for those who have already visited the more traditional museums and want to see something new in New York.

There are multi-sensory exhibitions, some temporary and others permanent, all of which are highly recommended. Don't miss out!

Want to experience a night out in the city that never sleeps? Book a food tour of Brooklyn to make sure you eat well, then head to one of New York's most impressive hotspots, Brooklyn Mirage, an outdoor party temple dedicated to music, sound and spectacle that you'll never forget.

The special sound system, the shape of the room, the catwalk and the walls completely covered with plants and LED lights, among many other things, will make you feel like you're in a dream. Take your friends for an unforgettable night at this incredible summer club, a paradise for party lovers.

Are you leaving the US without trying a real American burger? If you want a recommendation for some of the best in New York, head to the Upper East Side and book a table at JG Melons. This unique place immerses you in a quintessentially American atmosphere where you can enjoy juicy burgers accompanied by a Bloody Mary.

If that's not enough to satisfy you, I recommend the roast beef sandwiches or the authentic steak tartare. Is your mouth watering yet? Another option if you want to try other dishes and delve into the culinary tradition is to book a food tour of Manhattan.

The world of the legendary series Friends awaits you in this unmissable experience where you'll feel like one of the characters. Step inside Monica and Rachel's apartment and sit on their orange sofa or attend Ross and Rachel's wedding.

Friends Experience recreates the best scenes in an immersive journey perfectly set in the world of this group of friends from Manhattan who gave us so many good times in the 90s.

Take a break from your tour of New York and visit the Museum of Sex. There you will find various art exhibitions, secret photographs, galleries of objects and works on sexuality and eroticism.

Learn about the science, history and sexual culture of mankind at this museum. A unique place that you cannot miss on your trip to the US capital.

If there's one time of year when you can enjoy more hours of daylight to explore the city outdoors, it's summer in New York. It's true that the temperatures are very high (sometimes too high) and you'll be grateful for the air conditioning in shops and buildings, but the cool evenings on the terraces and endless walks through Manhattan, along the banks of the Hudson and bike rides through Central Park make up for it all.

I recommend checking out the best bike tours in New York for this summer season and discovering the city in a healthier and more sustainable way. Another option if you prefer to go at your own pace is to rent a bike in Manhattan.

Starting with the 4th of July fireworks and considering that baseball season takes place in summer, I suggest a host of activities that will make you never want to leave the city despite the heat: what to do and see in New York in summer.

If you want to experience a different kind of adventure, book a hot air balloon flight and admire the New York skyline. Fly over the Hudson River and get the best views of New Jersey. It's a relaxing 45- to 60-minute ride through the clouds at sunrise or sunset that will leave you with a great taste in your mouth.

Some of these flights include champagne, if you want to celebrate a special event with your partner, but they also allow children over 10 years old to come on board, in case you are travelling with your family. Just make sure you choose a clear day to enjoy this fascinating adventure through the skies of New York to the fullest.

Escape rooms are always a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or family. Here's one that will bring out your inner detective. In 'The Heist', you have to recover a valuable Monet painting that has been stolen from the museum. You have 60 minutes to find it. Are you up for the challenge?

The Escape Game is an escape room centre in New York with five games of varying difficulty. The most difficult one to solve is the one where you have to try to escape from prison, but there are also easier ones like 'Playground', where you spend a day at school working as a team.

Arcadia Earth is an immersive journey that combines science and technology to allow you and your children to explore the inner workings of the planet. On this virtual reality platform, you can interact with the underwater world, see the Earth from the inside and feel how every element of nature comes to life.

Don't miss this multi-sensory experience at 705 Broadway, you'll love it!

New York's nightlife is endless, with thousands of things to do. But if you fancy something different, check out a burlesque, circus or magic show at The Rose Room.

This variety theatre in Midtown will give you a magical night out. You can relax with a cocktail while watching a cabaret show. Don't miss one of the most acclaimed venues on the New York night scene.

The great metropolis of New York hides many hidden treasures. That's why I suggest this super fun plan where you can discover hidden corners, sculptures and secluded spots while exploring the city.

Delve into the great Central Park and locate its hidden monuments, take a stroll through Greenwich Village and find the traces left by legendary celebrities such as Jimmy Hendrix, or discover the hidden secrets of Times Square and Rockefeller Center. There are many exploration and adventure games to enjoy a fun day in New York, try some of them.

You may not have even heard of this small island east of Manhattan, but if you have time and feel like discovering something different, it's a great option for spending an afternoon. The best way to get there is to take the cable car (which departs from Second Avenue and 60th Street) and enjoy the views along the way.

You'll see some of Manhattan's most iconic buildings and land on the other side, on Roosevelt Island, where you can enjoy a stroll along the pier. If you're thinking of crossing the river on this cable car, you can read more about the experience in my article on Roosevelt Island Tramway NYC.

Other unique experiences in New York

If, in addition to the cable car, you want to discover other unique activities to do in the city, I've put together a list of the best experiences in New York to make your trip stand out from the crowd. I especially recommend it if this isn't your first time in the city or if you want to get off the beaten track and take home a unique souvenir of your stay in New York.

If you thought that there were no green spaces in New York beyond Central Park, you were wrong. Along its long streets and avenues, you'll find small squares and parks where you'll see crowds of New Yorkers strolling, playing sports or enjoying a picnic during their break from work.

If I had to choose my favourite among the best parks in New York (after the obligatory visit to Central Park, of course), it would be Bryant Park.

I recommend grabbing one of the tables (they put them out when the weather is nice) for a picnic with a view, but I'll tell you more in my article about 10 Things to Do in Bryant Park NYC.

For a fun time in New York, just sign up for one of the tours that take you down Stone Street, where you'll experience an authentic American party while drinking beer and listening to the best stories of Colonial America.

While the local guide tells you about the battles of the American Revolutionary War, you can enjoy draught beer or cider in the best taverns in the city. Meet people while sharing an afternoon of fun and learning about American culture.

Need a break from your trip to the US capital? If you're tired of tours, skyscrapers and sightseeing, I recommend this experience where you can relax for a few hours in authentic Arab baths. The AIRE Ancient Baths in New York are located in a renovated building dating back to 1883.

There you can enjoy relaxing baths at different temperatures or get a massage in a unique atmosphere that will transport you back to Roman and Greek times.

Bang Bang is the tattoo studio in New York chosen by celebrities. It is run by Keith McCordy, a renowned figure in the world of ink, who devotes practically all his work to tattooing famous people. But don't worry, he has a whole team of professionals behind him who can ensure you take home the best souvenir of your trip to the US.

Be bold and go for a hyper-realistic tattoo, a mini tattoo or get the symbol you've always wanted to tattoo on your skin and that means so much to you. If you're not sure about the design, don't worry, the tattoo artists will give you some great ideas. So make an appointment with Bang Bang and surprise everyone with your New York tattoo.

Paintball games are a great way to spend an afternoon with your kids in New York. If they're young, they've probably never seen a pinball machine, but I guarantee they'll love it. Modern Pinball NYC has a wide variety of arcade and themed machines for you to try out and enjoy.

It also has the Modern Pinball Museum, where you can see an exhibition of vintage machines and those with the latest technology, watch live demonstrations by experts and take part in the educational game programme for children and adults.

If you've ever dreamed of jumping out of a plane but want to try it indoors for a safer experience, sign up for an indoor skydiving session at iFLY. Avoid any danger with wind tunnels that recreate the real sensation of flying.

They have experiences for all ages and levels. Instructors will teach you all the techniques so you can learn with this unique safe skydiving experience. Take the plunge and enjoy a day with a difference.

Let the adrenaline rush take over with a speedboat ride on the Hudson River. Its name, 'The Beast', is representative of the energy boost you'll get. It's a high-speed trip down the river with rock music blaring and captained by two comedians who will make sure you have an unforgettable time with their funny commentary.

There are 30-minute tours that take you close to the Statue of Liberty, where you can take a selfie before heading back.

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the world, founded in 1842. It performs at David Geffen Hall and on Broadway on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

If you don't want to miss out on some great classical composers, I recommend getting tickets for one of their concerts. Here is their official website so you can check out their entire programme.

Have you ever thought about trying a real luxury electric car? Book a Tesla and drive through the streets of New York in the vehicles of the future. You can choose from luxury cars to super easy-to-drive models.

Respect for the environment and a commitment to sustainable energy is the mission of Elon Musk's company, and can you think of a better plan than trying one of these fantastic cars in the Big Apple?

For fans of the Stranger Things series, there is an interactive experience that brings you closer to the Hawkins laboratory. Go back to the 1980s and help save the town from the Demogorgon, become a hero by discovering the mysteries surrounding the famous Netflix series while exploring the world of the 'Upside Down'.

At this exhibition, you can visit the Family Video video store, sample food and cocktails inspired by the series, take thousands of photos with your favourite characters, play arcade games, and buy exclusive products from shops based on the popular series.

Wafels & Dinges waffles are not just any waffles. That's why I encourage you to find one of their mobile trucks stopping in New York and try one of their delicious Belgian waffles. You can choose from classic chocolate and other toppings to almonds, mini waffles, gluten-free or vegan options.

Look for the yellow truck and grab a box of waffles to enjoy this delicious baked treat that will transport you to Belgium. Here is a link to the locations and opening hours of Wafels & Dinges.

If you're a film lover, don't miss this museum dedicated to the performing arts, where you'll find exhibitions, screenings and educational programmes dedicated to the seventh art and the digital world.

Located in the historic Astoria studio in Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image offers film clips and series from all genres, from science fiction to drama and animation.

If there's one fun thing to do in New York, it's buying tickets to a show at the Comedy Cellar, considered the best comedy club in the city and a great place to have a laugh. You'll get to see small shows where great American comedians will give you an unforgettable experience.

The Comedy Cellar is located in Greenwich Village, so you can take advantage of the opportunity to take a tour of the neighbourhood afterwards, such as the food tour. With both activities, you'll have a fantastic day of fun and culinary delights in Greenwich Village.

Pastrami is a typical Jewish dish consisting of red beef that has been cured and salted. If you've never tried it, the best place to do so is undoubtedly Katz's Delicatessen.

Be careful, they're addictive, and it's no surprise that this century-old shop specialising in Jewish food sells thousands of sandwiches every day. Stop by their shop at 205 East Houston Street and you'll thank me later. Enjoy!

If there's one time of year when you can enjoy more hours of daylight to explore the city outdoors, it's summer in New York. It's true that the temperatures are very high (sometimes too high) and you'll be grateful for the air conditioning in shops and buildings, but the cool evenings on the terraces and endless walks through Manhattan, along the banks of the Hudson and bike rides through Central Park make up for it all.

I recommend checking out the best bike tours in New York for this summer season and discovering the city in a healthier and more sustainable way.

Starting with the 4th of July fireworks and bearing in mind that the baseball league takes place in summer, I can suggest endless activities that will make you never want to leave the city despite the heat: what to do and see in New York in summer.

If, on the other hand, you decide to visit the city in winter, in addition to the great attraction of Christmas, I can assure you that the cold won't stop you from enjoying the city, as it is more than prepared for low temperatures. If you're lucky, it might even snow and you'll get some Christmas card-worthy photos.

In addition to enjoying NBA games, you'll appreciate having a hot drink in the city's cosiest cafés. My advice is to combine indoor activities in the afternoons (such as visiting viewpoints or observatories, going to a musical on Broadway or shopping) with outdoor activities (walks around the city, a cruise on the Hudson or crossing Central Park) in the middle of the day when the sun warms things up a bit.

If you feel the cold, don't worry, because I've put together a guide with everything you can see and do in New York in winter and what you need to take with you, what clothes to wear, etc. to make your stay there more than enjoyable: what to do and see in New York in winter. In any case, whenever you travel, you'll find a thousand things to do. Of course, if you haven't booked your tickets yet, you can take a look at this article with all the information about the best time to travel to New York.

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Perhaps less romantic, but just as practical as any other advice I can give you about your trip to New York, here are a few tips to help you avoid blowing your travel budget as soon as you arrive (if you're travelling on an unlimited budget, this part may be of less interest to you, but allow me to address the rest of us mere mortals).

Get a tourist card

If you are thinking of visiting several attractions or taking a tour (viewpoints, museums, tourist bus routes, cruises, etc.), the amount you spend on tickets may be quite significant. For this purpose, there are city tourist cards that allow you to access the most emblematic sites for a fixed, reduced price.

There are three main options:

• New York Pass.
• New York CityPASS®.
• New York Explorer Pass.

I know: choosing one of these four can seem like mission impossible, so in addition to the detailed explanation of each one, I recommend that you read this comparison of New York tourist passes to be sure which one to choose before making the investment.

Book a transfer between the airport and your hotel in Manhattan

If you're looking for a convenient way to get to your hotel from the airport without spending a fortune, I recommend booking a transfer (which you can use exclusively or share with other travellers) to the door of your accommodation. I'll tell you how to do it in this article on New York Airport Transfers and I'll also leave you this other one on how to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan, where you'll find more options.

Use public transport

Not only is the New York subway an attraction in itself (if you like taking photos, there are some iconic stations you'll enjoy underground), it's also the fastest way to get from one point to another in the city. Don't be overwhelmed by the large number of lines and stops you'll see on the maps: jump on the subway and get around like a local. Here's a practical guide to getting around the New York subway with ease.

Follow these basic tips

If this is your first time in New York, don't worry. You probably have hundreds of questions, just like all of us travellers did when we were there for the first time. We've all fallen into the tourist traps that the city has in store for visitors at some point. That's why I've decided to compile the best 15 Travel Tips for New York in this article. I'm sure they'll come in handy when you start planning your trip.

Plan your itinerary

To avoid wasting time (and money) on unnecessary trips, I recommend that you organise a rough itinerary based on the days you have available or the things you want to see. Here are some practical guides that I think will help you organise your time as efficiently as possible: 10 Things to Do in New York City in the Fall and 7-Days New York Itinerary.

Take out travel insurance

Although it may seem like an extra expense at first, I assure you that travel insurance is essential when travelling to New York (or anywhere in the United States). Medical costs there are extremely high, and it never hurts to have good insurance that covers any unforeseen events. If you don't know which one to choose, what you need to cover, or how to do it, here is an article with all the details about Health Insurance to Travel to New York.

Remember to have your visa ready

To enter New York as a tourist, you will most likely need an ESTA visa. You can fill it out online and pay the fee online as well, which makes the process much easier. If you have questions about how to do this because you've never done it before, you can check out my article on how to get an ESTA visa to travel to New York.

Follow these guides so you don't miss out on the highlights of each month

• New York in January: don't let the cold stop you. The year has just begun and it's a great time to finish enjoying the Christmas lights.
• New York in February: take advantage of the low season prices. The best hotels are much cheaper! Plus, celebrating Valentine's Day in the Big Apple is an American experience you can't miss.
• New York in March: welcome spring when the days start to get longer, the temperatures soften and it's a pleasure to walk along the endless avenues of Manhattan.
• New York in April: Easter or Holy Week holidays are sure to kick off New York's high season with thousands of tourists. Book your tickets and activities in advance to secure a spot at the most popular attractions.
• New York in May: the city's parks are now in full bloom: explore them on foot or by bike and don't miss a single green space. How about a picnic in Bryant Park or a sunny morning at Central Park Lake?
• New York in June: the heat is starting to kick in, but the days are long and you'll have time for everything. This is probably the best time of year to enjoy the views of Manhattan from the top of one of its skyscrapers.
• New York in July: this is an important month for Americans. If you're there for the 4th of July celebrations, Independence Day, don't miss the spectacular fireworks display.
• New York in August: the heat is intense, but it's a great time to discover the city at night, when the sun takes a break and Manhattan's parks set up incredible open-air summer cinemas. Take the opportunity to visit the beaches of Brooklyn or Coney Island and even Luna Park, where you'll have fun like a kid.
• New York in September: Back to school is a very special time in New York. The offices are filled with life again, and New Yorkers return to the city eager to enjoy its restaurants, rooftops and theatres. Take the opportunity to enjoy the city's nightlife like a local!
• New York in October: in October, New York is decked out in pumpkin orange. The Halloween decorations in houses, shop windows and streets are incredible (probably some of the best in the world), so don't miss this time of year in the city.
• New York in November: Thanksgiving, Black Friday and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. What more could you ask for? If you visit the city in the last quarter of the year, you'll find all the Christmas preparations in full swing.
• New York in December: You'll feel like you're in the famous film Home Alone: ice rinks all over the city, shop windows decked out with Christmas lights and giant Christmas trees decorating the city. Don't miss the Manhattan Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony or the incredible neighbourhood of Dyker Heights with dozens of houses showing off their decorations and lights. Oh, and Happy New Year!