New York City is a city unlike anywhere else in the world. The energy in this metropolis is something everyone should experience in their lifetime. From the world-famous lights of Times Square to the green paths of Central Park, the city offers a wide range of experiences for each kind of traveler. Whether you’re drawn to world-class museums, iconic landmarks, Broadway shows, or hidden neighborhood gems, New York City has something for everyone!
After all, it’s been waiting for you.
1. Metropolitan Museum of Art
Located on the Upper East Side, this museum is one of the best museums in the world. I recommend dedicating a morning or evening here to soak up the full scale of the museum. According to the latest update from the Metropolitan Museum’s website, entry costs $30 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $17 for students. Enjoy works by Picasso, Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh, and don’t miss the Ancient Egypt section.
If you keep up with The Met Gala that takes place every year on the first Monday in May, you might recognize those grand front steps. After each Met Gala, visitors can explore the exhibit that represents the theme of the Gala. During my last visit, I was lucky enough to see the Lexicon of Fashion exhibit.
2. Central Park
Central Park spans over 800 acres in the heart of Manhattan. This park is a must-see when visiting New York City. Accessible from Midtown, the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side, Central Park is the perfect place to step away from the craziness of the city. Rent a bike, go on a run, or simply stroll through the massive green space. There are so many notable spots scattered throughout the park including the Jackie Onassis Reservoir (one of my favorite places to run), The Loeb Boathouse, Bethesda Terrace & Fountain, Strawberry Fields, Bow Bridge, and more.
When I was living on the Upper East side during my time as a model, I would go to the Bel Ami coffee shop, which has now moved to 65th and Lexington, and then I would take a walk through Central Park. Ralphs Coffee is also near the park and is a great spot to grab coffee before a walk.
My mom and I at Bow Bridge in Central Park. Wearing my Black Vogelle Chain Bag.
3. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum
This one is heavy, but it is always the one thing I tell everyone they have to see when visiting New York City. I’d carve out a half day for this and I would make sure you do something fun after. The memorial itself is outside and is free to visit. This is where you will see the infamous pools. If you’re visiting this memorial, please remember to be respectful.
The actual museum is located underneath the World Trade Center. I feel that it’s incredibly important to see this at least once in order to understand what happened on this dark day in American history. Book your museum tickets in advance and choose a time slot that works for you.
The flow of the museum is chronological, which I found to be extremely impactful. You’ll enter the museum and start at the beginning of the morning of September 11th. As you walk through the exhibit, you will see how the morning unfolded in real time across all crash sites. This is one of those experiences where everyone is quiet and solemn, so be mindful. The museum is built underneath the towers, so you’re truly walking where the towers fell and where so many innocent people lost their lives.
4. Greenwich Village Walking & Food Tour
If I were planning my trip to New York City, I would schedule something lighthearted and fun after the 9/11 museum like a Greenwich Village walking and food tour. There is so much history in Greenwich Village and it’s one of the most unique areas in Manhattan. You’re going to love its neighborhood vibe.
A few years ago, my family and I booked the Food of NY tour in Greenwich Village and had the best time. We walked around the area, learned about the overall history and the specific history of certain buildings, and we tasted tons of outstanding food. Oh, and we also saw Taylor Swift’s Cornelia Street House if that’s of interest to you. Alexa! Hit it. 😉
Some of the highlights from this tour included Joe’s Pizza (a must in NYC), Tacombi, Faiccio’s Italian Specialties, and seeing so much of Greenwich Village that I never would have without this tour. Give yourself about 3-4 hours for this one.
5. The Museum of Modern Art
The MOMA is second to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in my opinion. I love seeing both of these museums whenever I visit New York City. This museum feels more modern (no pun intended) and houses some once-in-a-lifetime art. See art by Henry Matisse, Vincent van Gogh, and Andy Warhol in their expansive collection.
6. See a Broadway Show
You have to go to the theater when you’re in New York City! See plays like Hamilton, Wicked, Aladdin, MJ The Musical, and more. On Broadway, you will see the best of the best actors, singers, and dancers in the world. Many of the iconic plays that we adore today got their start in these very theaters. Have dinner near Midtown beforehand and enjoy the show!
7. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
These two spots are probably the biggest excursions you can take in New York City, but completely worth it. You’ll catch the ferry down at Battery Park, so I’d tailor this day around any downtown or Brooklyn places you’d like to see. Book your ferry and tour well in advance and experience the same views that many of our ancestors (including mine!) saw when they arrived to America.
8. See Manhattan from Dumbo
Dumbo is a very fun area directly across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan. I highly recommend making your way over here to see the skyline from a different angle. Grab dinner at Cecconi’s and watch the sunset over the entire Manhattan skyline under the Brooklyn Bridge. Be sure to ask for a table with a view!
9. Explore SoHo
If you’re wondering where SoHo is, it’s south of Houston street. That’s where the “So” and the “Ho” come from. Houston street is not pronounced like Houston Texas, it’s pronounced as “How-ston”. SoHo is known for it’s shops and infamous cast iron buildings. You will see some of the most beautiful storefronts on Prince Street, Broadway, and Spring Street. Make sure to pop your head into the Ralph Lauren flagship at 109 Prince Street. Thank me later ;).
10. Summit One Vanderbilt
If you’re looking for a killer panoramic view of the city, look no further. Summit One Vanderbilt provides unbelievable 360 views of Manhattan and beyond. Located above Grand Central Station, this building stands over 1,100 feet tall. See unobstructed views of The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, and Central Park from high above the city.
Pro Tip: Time your entrance to line up with the sunset. The windows and floors inside of Summit One Vanderbilt are mirrored, so the orange glow lights up the whole building.
Welcome to New York
After writing this blog, I’m dying to go back to the city that never sleeps!
There are so many more things so do and see in the city like The Whitney Museum, The High Line, The West Side Highway, The Natural History Museum, and more. I hope this blog was helpful as you plan your next trip to this mesmerizing city. Remember, if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.
