New York City Things to Do
Top Things to Do in New York City:
1. Take an OnBoard Tour to get the lay of the land (of course!)
While on our tour, you will get breathtaking views of infamous New York City landmarks. We cover everything from Wall Street to St.Paul’s Cathedral to 5th Avenue. Hop off and enjoy an up close and personal experience with The Big Apple while your guide talks you through the rich history and significance of many sites. For a more personalized experience, we’ll even help you map a custom-made itinerary. What better way can you soak in the ultimate NYC experience, Get OnBoard!
2. Take New York Water Taxi Tour.
Ride the cool waters surrounding New York City and witness spectacular views from a comfortable 149 passenger Water Taxi. You can choose from a variety of tours like the Statue of Liberty Express Tour which offers glimpses of Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and the picturesque Manhattan skyline or The Twilight Cruise which features a romantic city view back-dropped by a setting sun. Whatever your choice, like any true New Yorker, get ready to hail a taxi.
3. Visit Top of the Rock for the best aerial view of NYC.
The sky’s no limit for Top of the Rock which sits high above the world on 30 Rockefeller Plaza and provides stunning views for locals and visitors alike. From the observation deck 70 stories above the ground, (which has both an indoor and outdoor viewing area, perfect for any weather), viewers can marvel at the New York City skyline which includes aerial views of Central Park and the Chrysler Building. Named one of the “crown jewels of Manhattan,” Top of the Rock deserves a second look. Call OnBoard Tours to buy your tickets in advance. 1-646-919-8680.
4. Take a stroll through Central Park
(make sure to see Strawberry Fields if you didn’t take #1 above).
The quintessential New York City landmark, Central Park is an eclectic array of serenity and liveliness surrounded by crisp natural beauty. The park offers a number of activities for millions of visitors like yourself which includes plays, attractions, and events. Stroll through the park’s scenic landscape and stop by to visit the Central Park Zoo or Strawberry Fields (the iconic stretch of land from 71st St.-74th St. dedicated to New York City Beatle John Lennon).
5. Spend a night partying in Greenwich Village.
The charming historic area of Manhattan, better known as Greenwich Village earns a place in our list where it makes a smooth transformation into the night and comes alive with chic lounges, wine rooms, improv clubs, live music joints and rambunctious taverns. Some favorites are The Duplex (61 Christopher St.) which hosts an off Broadway theater and piano bar, hip jazz pub, 55 Bar (55 Christopher St.) and The Otheroom (143 Perry St.), a romantic and carefree wine bar.
6. Visit the Museum of Natural History.
New York City’s coveted Museum of Natural History (79th Street and Central Park West; 212-769-5100), the world’s largest natural history museum, is a chock full of more than 32 million artifacts and 42 exhibition halls. Exhibits change seasonally but the favorites remain three breathtaking dinosaur halls, the spectacular outer space show in the Hayden Planetarium, a butterfly conservatory, the Spitzer Hall of Human Origins and a 40 ft. IMAX theatre. With a wealth of things to see and do, it’s the perfect attraction for everyone in the family.
7. See a Broadway Show.
New York City is practically synonymous with great Broadway theatre. Classics, remakes and brand new shows grace infamous New York venues and are a must see for any visitor. Although shows change seasonally, award winning favorites include West Side Story, Wicked, Chicago, Rent, Mamma Mia and Hairspray. If your party includes children, shows are a wonderful activity to include them. Disney produces a number of performances like The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Shrek which are sure to delight the entire family. Call OnBoard to purchase your tickets. 1-646-919-8680
8. Take a night tour of New York City.
The city that never sleeps sparkles nightly alit with bright lights, vibrant nightlife and a pulsating energy. For visitors, it has an entirely diverse vibe completely unlike any other city and is worthy of a night time tour. Hop on our New York City Night Lights Tour and enjoy magnificent views of Lower Manhattan, Little Italy, Grand Central Terminal, Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge and finally bask in the brilliant glow of Times Square. There is truly nothing else like seeing the glory of bright lights in the big city.
9. Eat a slice of pizza from a “hole-in-the-wall” pizza joint.
Some of the world’s best pizza hails from New York City and is a sure fire winner amongst visitors and locals alike. Lombardi’s (32 Spring St.), located in hip SoHo, features fantastic coal oven thin crust pizza while Grimaldi’s (19 Old Fulton St.) and DiFara’s Pizzeria (1424 Avenue J), both located in Brooklyn, boast home made sauces and cheeses. Tottono’s Pizzeria Napolitano (1544 2nd Avenue), a New York chain restaurant, was voted “Best Pizza in New York” by Zagat and appears everywhere from Brooklyn to Manhattan. You can’t come to New York without trying a slice of cheesy goodness.
10. Have lunch in Bryant Park.
Bryant Park, home to notoriously popular NYC event Fashion Week, is an infamous midtown Manhattan getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park includes a number of amenities like the pond, le carrousel, free wireless, and holiday shops. The park is also the perfect location for a quiet lunch at one of the many surrounding cafés and eateries. The Bryant Park Grille, located behind the New York Public Library, has gorgeous views of the park and features rooftop terrace seating. Chef Tom Colicchio’s creation, ‘Wichcraft is another great venue to grab gourmet sandwiches at a great price from a number of kiosks sprinkled around the park. Voted “Best Cheap Eats” by New York Magazine, it has specialty soups, salads, sandwiches and ice-cream. Le Pain Quotidien, located across the street from Bryant Park, has fresh baked goodies, artisan bread, and creamy tartines. Whatever your choice, visitors have an assortment of fare at their fingertips.
Looking for specific itinerary suggestions?
Check out our Suggested New York Tour Itineraries. We’ll give you suggestions based on how long you are visiting New York City.
Call us for more information at 1-877-U-TOUR-NY or 1-852-4821 or email us at nyc [at] onboardtours.com.
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