best things to do in 2023
New York City is often the first thing that comes to mind when you hear about things to do in 2023. It's a bustling city with so many things to see, do, and experience! If this sounds like something you're interested in doing yourself, then here's our list of best things to do in NYC for people who want to make their trip there even more exciting. From food festivals and nightlife tours to museum openings and hikes, these are just some of the ways you can travel through the Big Apple in 2023.
Top 10 Places To Visit When You Go To New York
1) Harlem Market (Harlem!)
We all love Broadway but sometimes it can be hard to get around when you're stuck on one spot. Don't worry though, because there's still plenty of choice when visiting Manhattan's most vibrant market neighborhood. The area features lots of unique retail shops and restaurants, making it a great place to stop by while you're exploring the rest of the city. A fun fact: No matter what time of day you visit this historic, cultural district, you'll be able to find everything from artisanal goods and local delicacies to fresh flowers and handmade items that will have your taste buds tingling. For the freshest produce, head over to Piers Street, which offers delicious street foods throughout the summer season and during weekends. With tons of options, you can't go wrong on any given day!
2) Grand Central Terminal
If you're looking ahead to an upcoming vacation year, then chances are good that you're planning on spending at least a bit of time in Washington D.C. While the city has its fair share of attractions and sights to see and while not every destination is easy to access, we think it makes sense to spend a few days here before heading out to DC any other time. This sprawling complex has been home to countless major events throughout American history, including the inauguration and presidential debates, as well as several notable historical sites. Take advantage of Free Admission Day every June 30th where you can try your luck at standing up to test tubes or try your hand at being jousted at a rodeo. We also advise having an eye for fashion in case you plan on going shopping downtown. Even if you don't live in DC or have family back there, you can still pack into our top picks from this section of town and visit them in person. Whether you're staying in hotels, condo complexes, or Airbnbs, just keep in mind how busy they are when you do decide to venture into the District of Columbia itself. As always, remember to bring water so you hydrate properly and avoid sunburns at all costs.
3) Stonewall Inn
New York City may come together and appear quite separate (or even completely different), but that doesn't mean it can't hold a pretty close second place with regards to attraction centers. One of our favorite spots is indeed located right outside the Lower East Side, making it convenient for visitors to explore without ever leaving the Big Apple. Named after a nearby public housing development, the building serves as a central hub for the community, featuring free art exhibits. Another notable thing that's part of this location is the Stonewall Inn bar, which is both known and beloved among locals. Once inside the cozy space, guests can indulge in cocktails and craft beer, or stay active and take part in trivia sessions. Some of our favorites include "The Queen Mother of Jazz," Bob Marley, and George Harrison. There are also numerous event spaces out here to choose from, meaning everyone from kids playing games on their phones to groups of tourists getting a kick out of each others' shenanigans.
4) Rockefeller Center
For those living in the Northeast who aren't used to seeing landmarks that massive scale, New York isn't exactly the easiest place to start your exploration. But, luckily for us Northerners, New York City includes an array of magnificent tourist attractions that are easily accessible within walking distance. However, these must-see destinations are scattered across three distinct boroughs of the city, making it difficult to find something that's directly to your liking. Instead, what you need to know is that despite the sheer size of both Times Square and the Empire State Building, not only are certain areas less popular than some popular areas, but they don't require much effort once you get there. That said, we recommend taking a look at the park system as well, since you can get lost among beautiful greenery. Since NYC is a big city, you can also enjoy many of the nearby parks and monuments, from viewing picturesque views of Mount Rushmore to admiring statues of famous figures such as Alexander Hamilton and Leonardo da Vinci.
5) Ellis Island
Just a short stroll down Canal Street can take visitors to two parts of one of New York's best tourist sites. First up is the iconic Ellis Island, which houses the Statue of Liberty alongside her twin sister Lady Liberty on display. Both versions of the Statue are worth a little extra time to appreciate the intricate detail and grandeur of their respective builds. Next we've got Pier 76, where there are displays of artwork ranging from old paintings to modern sculptural pieces. Finally, let's move on to World Trade Center One. Located near the famed tower, visitors can marvel at the giant structure along with hundreds of smaller towers that date back to the 19th century. Overall, if you visit here frequently, you'll find ample opportunity to discover new landmarks in your travels, which makes this a perfect location for vacations with older family members or friends.
6) Brooklyn Bridge Park
While the Brooklyn Bridge itself might seem unremarkable, there are quite a few hidden gems worth checking out within this vast metropolis. Perhaps most notably, are various buildings dedicated to prominent individuals, such as artists, politicians, writers, and musicians. Each individual property is meant to be an important scene in itself, so it's essential to pay attention to even the smallest details. For example, the Robert Moses sculpture originally housed on Battery Park, was discovered in 2005 on a tour bus and now sits proudly behind the statue. Or perhaps it was discovered on holiday and fell into disrepair but somehow found a way to become visible again. Either way, even the slightest change is enough to give tourists a sense that everything is working as planned - especially considering this large bridge spans almost 2 million years! Of course, there are also plenty of museums and art installations to get stuck into as well, including the amazing Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of Modern Art. So if you love art, check out either of these institutions to spend some quality time with loved ones.
7) Skyline Observation Deck
If traveling on foot through metropolitan cities isn't your type of adventure, then jumping onto a platform designed to allow passengers to gain 360-degree views of land and sky above is an excellent option instead. These elevators can hold between four and twenty passengers, allowing visitors to take in stunning scenery and learn about Earth as they do so. They are also great for exploring neighborhoods nearby, since the design of these devices is geared toward commuters rather than solo travelers. Plus, they work as a means of transportation just like any of NYC's subway lines to ease congestion and improve traffic flow. The technology behind these elevators, called e-skylines, allows users to access maps of terrain surrounding a particular elevation and to read directions without needing to fiddle with buttons to navigate the device. Just remember to use caution, as operators occasionally send incorrect information about the current location of a particular landmark. Though it's certainly possible to visit New York without stepping off the elevator, we do advise paying extra attention since most platforms are usually crowded and not the best places to walk around.
8) Chinatown & Little Italy
While many believe that NYC should be considered America's'second home,' the truth is the opposite actually. Between charming neighborhoods full of culture and diverse dining options, it's clear why so many prefer to stick around when visiting this huge city. Not only does this neighborhood provide a base, but it also provides ample opportunities to socialize and grab a bite to eat. In addition, there are a number of trendy pubs and cafes in this area worth stopping by, so visitors can get some late nights out. And when it comes to shopping, it's no coincidence that Chinatown's main thoroughfare, Seventh Avenue, runs parallel to the Longacre Ferry Pier, which connects Westchester County to New York City via ferry. After touring the area, we'd suggest trying your luck at the legendary Tompkins Bookstore and Wine Bar, an expansive wine shop with tasty Italian foods at a reasonable price. Lastly, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do in Chinatown, too, from swimming to yoga. All in all, there are plenty of reasons to stay in NYC and check out the incredible architecture and fascinating cultures that are often hidden away during the week.
9) Central Park
Located smack dab in the middle of NYC, Central Park covers nearly 8,000 acres of land and boasts over 25 miles of trails that offer fantastic scenic views. Visitors that love to challenge themselves will find dozens of hiking routes, bike rides, horseback riding, and even camping - with a peaceful view of the skyline in the background. At the end of a long day spent hiking through the trees or biking around lakeside, simply hop aboard one of the floating bridges in the park and watch as the skyline and natural habitats transform beautifully. Whatever activity interests you, you can find at Central Park, it won't disappoint.
10) Golden Gate Bridge
If you enjoy the outdoors, it makes sense to spend some time in San Francisco. Especially since the Golden Gate Bridge, currently open to pedestrians and cyclists only, is just right on the shores of Pacific Beach. Visiting this impressive landscape and enjoying the spectacular views and flora on both sides of the bridge is truly breathtaking, whether you come alone
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