6 Things I Would Never Get Tired of Doing in NYC

Look, just another article on things to do in New York City! Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not here to give you a list of the must-dos or the ultimate highlights you can find on every blog and in travel guide out there. Today, I want to share what I really love to do when I visit NYC, from touristy stuff to things not as many people are into. Let’s get this started!

Exploring New York City’s Underworld

I don’t mean befriending vampires. What truly gets me excited is the amount of awesomeness you can find below the street level, wandering through the maze of New York subway stations. From symmetrical perspectives to countless people, from graffiti to quick eats, there is a mysterious world down below. Take a look at a short movie about this topic:

Rooftopping

Climbing up and shooting from skyscrapers is both dangerous and almost always illegal, but it’s a practice that has become very popular. For hardcore visitors, Reddit has a four-step guide on rooftopping here.

If you’re like me and prioritize safety over Instagram likes, you might want to check out well-known spots like Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Building or The Empire State Building’s observatory deck instead. There’s also a new rooftop I can’t wait to visit: the One World Observatory.

If you want to accompany those perfect views with a cocktail, there are a number of hotels in Manhattan with fancy rooftop terraces that are worth the pricy menu. There are also several free options where you can see all those skyscrapers from above, like the Municipal Building terrace, which is near the Brooklyn Bridge.

Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge by Foot

When you cross the Brooklyn Bridge, be careful not to go over the line separating pedestrians from cyclists, admire the view at every turn, and get lost in Brooklyn afterwards. Whichever direction you choose, you’ll feel the magic in this bridge. Perhaps that’s because the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the world, portrayed endlessly in movies we all grew up with. Whatever it is, I can’t leave NYC without stepping foot on the bridge.

Jumping on a Free Ferry

You can easily get from Manhattan to Staten Island and see views of Lady Liberty or Governors Island. There are several options, but my favorites ones are the ferries with the best views of the New York City skyline.

Museum-Hopping in Manhattan

Whether you’re into history, science, modern art, architecture, film, or fashion, there is a cool museum in this city waiting for you. I’m not a big fan of museums, unless they’re really good. Well, the museums and galleries I visited in NYC exceeded my expectations and made me fall for design, architecture, and photography once again.

Circling The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway

Forget the crowded High Line. There are three other car-free, waterfront routes, including the Harlem River Greenway, the Hudson River Greenway, and the East River Greenway. They’re all perfect for freewheeling, running, or just walking at your own pace. I can’t think of a better way to get fit in this city!

Now, let me know. Are we similar, or would you rather go shopping instead of trying out some of this cool stuff? Either way, use these ideas to start planning your ideal trip to New York.