Top Things To Do in New York (For the Newbie)

By Amanda Deltuvia —

NO DOUBT, NEW YORK is one of the greatest cities in the world, but it’s a lot bigger than those camera pan-overs in movies. It’s full of life, angst, culture and an astounding allure that you can’t quite place but always leaves you coming back for more. It’s glamorous, it’s gritty and it’s powerful. So where the heck does one go in the city that never sleeps? Strap on your helmets, chug an energy drink and grab a metro card! Here are some ideas for the newbies attempting to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Fifth Avenue

The most charming way to represent consumerism. Hop into any shop that tickles your fancy and ogle designer duds. Stop into Saks if you’re a label junkie and admire the beauty of seemingly endless levels of couture fashion and foreign tongues putting their money to use. Pull a Hepburn and stop in front of Tiffany’s and snap a photo. During this season, every hall is decked.

Central Park

See the statues, like the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, listen to live free music and people watch. The most eclectic people you will find in any park. Take pictures of all the crazy things you see and find! Or pack a discreet lunch of wine and cheese.

Time Warner Center

More shops to hop about into. During Christmastime at night, they hang huge 3D stars that illuminate various colors in accordance to Christmas music playing.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Have your breath taken away by sculptures, paintings and ancient artifacts. Don’t forget to head to the roof to see the ever-changing exhibits! This museum is serious and almost a smaller version of the similar art/artifacts found in the Louvre.

Times Square

Stand on the steps of the TKTS booth and take photos. Ooooh pretty lights!

Broadway Shows

You can’t really go wrong with an awesome Broadway show to make you smile. The sets are lovely, you see the crème-de-la-crème of stage actors, and it just feels so utterly old New York when you enter one of the lush theaters. Check out classics, like Hairspray, Mamma Mia or Chicago; or be daring and try a new show (Warning though: they may not be as good! Ahem Spiderman…)

Stardust Diner

This super fun diner carries the essence of Broadway, this little restaurant boasts Broadway-stars-to-be who serenade you and prance about as you eat. It’s usually crowded but has a great atmosphere and is the perfect greasy diner food post-wandering Times Square.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Seasonal Event)

Kid-friendly, with new storylines almost every year that incorporate new technology and the ever-classic, ever-lovely Rocketts paint the picture for a storybook Christmas. See their classic line kicks and feel the spirit of Christmas.

Hard Rock Café

A bit overrated food-wise, but awesome to see all of the memorabilia from rock gods and goddesses. Original costumes, guitars and photos cover the walls. Usually super crowded, so try to avoid typical lunch and dinner times.

Le Poisson Rouge

Craving a cool vibe and good music? Head here.

Ruby Foo’s

Near Times Square, but far away enough for a slight scenery change, this place has great sushi and other Japanese food.

Empire State Building and The Statue of Liberty

Classic sites to see. Take the tours and see New York at a higher level and learn a bit more about how NY became so fantastic.

Rockerfeller Center

In the wintertime this area is beautiful. See the tree, go ice-skating or grab some hot chocolate.

NBC Studios

After you hit Rockerfeller Center, head to the NBC Studios for a tour and see where some of your favorite shows are filmed and the hallways where the stars roam.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

A beautiful church with wonderful detailing and an intriguing history. Walk around, admire the architecture and snap photos.

Bus Tours

Try a themed bus tour instead of getting haggled on the street by guys who work for tour buses. Anything from Sex and the City themed ones, to Freedom Tours showing the 9/11 site, anyone from a pop-culture fan all the way to a historian can feed their cultural appetite.

The High Line

Once a railway, now transformed into an “urban park,” the High Line is decked with plants, artwork and great views of the Hudson River.

Talking to Locals

If a local New Yorker isn’t in too much of a rush, scope ‘em out and ask them to give you a recommendation or two for a cool spot around town. People love giving their own advice.

Stay tuned for a list for the more experienced NYC visitor that will involve the kooky, creative, and off-the-radar places to check out.