It’s the city that never sleeps, the Big Apple everyone wants to see and the home of great TV shows like Sex and The City and Gossip Girl… so needless to say I fell in love with NYC this summer.
From where to stay, what to eat, the best attractions and the best sights, we’ve listed the best things to do in New York.
There’s more like 1,000 things to do in NYC but I’ve cut it down to 20.
Take a look:
1. Stay At The Beacon Hotel
For my first time staying in the city I really wanted to stay central but on a good part of town – so The Beacon Hotel was perfect.
Located on the Upper West Side you’re a walk away from the Lincoln Centre and of course there’s always a subway around the corner.
We got a stunning suite in the high-rise hotel which included a living area, kitchen and huge bedroom with a walk-in-wardrobe.
One of my favourite things about this place was the views.
With jet-lag still hitting me I woke up just as the sun was rising over the city, and what an unforgettable view it was.
2. Visit The Top Of The Rock
Tourists always go to the top of the Empire State Building, but the Top of The Rock tour is much better.
Not only do you get to see the Empire State Building from your view but the lift ride to the top of the 70 storey high building is lots of fun.
Since you can book a time slot in aim to be there just before the sun goes down – trust me it’s amazing.
Whether you go to the top of the building or not make sure to check out the infamous Rockefeller Centre.
If you’re there in winter you have to make time for their ice-rink and get there to see the Rockerfeller Christmas tree.
3. Get Yourself Some Dunkin Donuts
There’s lots of traditional New Yorker food you have to try when you’re there – but Dunkin Donuts is definitely one of my favourites.
Yes it’s a huge brand and you can get it all over the U.S. but there’s something special about grabbing a donut and a coffee walking through the Big Apple.
Plus they have free WiFi too (great for the Snapchat updates).
4. Do The Harbour Boat Tour
Everytime I travel to a new city I always do as many tours as I can.
I always do the usual site seeing bus tour, but the Harbor Boat Tour needs to be experienced.
Here you’ll get an amazing view of the city from afar as well as catching the Statue of Liberty.
5. Walk To The Brooklyn Bridge
New York is so easy to get around, there’s a subway stop everywhere, you can rent bikes, and hailing a cab is pretty much the most New Yorker thing you can do.
But there’s nothing like walking on foot to get to know the infamous city that never sleeps.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for some stunning views of the city, there’s also lots of street art you can buy on either side to remember your trip.
6. Have A Cocktail In The Dead Rabbit
It was named the Best Bar In The World in 2015, and the Dead Rabbit is definitely an experience.
The three-storey building overlooking the Bay has a different experience on each level.
On the bottom floor you can enjoy a traditional Irish bar set up, with Irish memorabilia everywhere.
But you really want to go up to the next level and enjoy some of their signature cocktails.
The best part about this place (other than the outrageously tasty cocktails and their Oysters) is their menu.
Each cocktail is explained through a comic book – which you can also purchase.
You may know the name of this place already, as we recently revealed Liam Neeson gave the bar an incredible gift.
7. Grab A Meal In The Robert At MOMA
Okay, that’s a mouthful but you have to have a meal or at least a drink in The Robert which is above MOMA (Museum of Modern Art).
The views here are incredible and if you get a good table you can be overlooking Central Park.
Head here just before sun down and you can watch the city that never sleeps come to life.
8. Walk Along The Hudson River
It can get very hot in the city during the summer, so walk along the Hudson Bay and enjoy the breeze.
You can take a nice relaxing walk down to the pier and take in the sites of the city with a river view.
There’s also cafes and restaurants along the river where you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.
9. Visit Little Italy
If you want to get a killer meal in NYC there are so many options – but nothing beats a traditional Italian meal in the Little Italy district.
You can choose from a huge range of Italian restaurants but Da Nico is something special.
Sit outside the back in the garden area where you can enjoy a glass of vino under twinkle lights.
I went for traditional spaghetti bolognaise and fried mozzarella sticks to start.
Once you’ve filled yourself to the brim in Da Nicos head outside to the Gelato stand and enjoy some ice-cream.
Typical NYC cap not included!
10. Check Out Washington Square Park
Right by the buildings of NYU is the gorgeous Washington Square Park.
On a hot day this is the perfect place to sit by the water fountain and watch life go by.
No matter what time of year you’re bound to spot some Uni students running around too.
11. See A Show On Broadway
This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and haven’t had the chance to yet is to check out a show on Broadway.
While you’re more than likely to win the lotto than get a ticket for Hamilton there are always some incredible shows on (for cheaper tickets aim for matinees).
There are plenty of shows Off Broadway too, and that’s often where you’ll see the Hollywood A-listers performing.
12. Head To The East Village
One place I had never checked out before was the East Village, and it’s really worth a visit.
If you love retro shops, markets and thrift stores this is the place for you.
There’s some really cool street art around the place and some funky places to have coffee.
13. Visit The MET
One of the most famous museums in the world, the MET is a must see on your travels.
It’s the largest art museum in the United States, and among the most visited art museums in the world.
Walk inside in see some of the amazing exhibitions are just sit on the steps and watch the world go by.
14. Visit Hotel Empire (If You’re A Gossip Girl Fan)
Okay this one really is just for Gossip Girl fans (but it’s also a seriously central hotel).
The property that Chuck Bass owns in the U.S. series looks exactly the same in real life, well from the outside anyway.
It’s pretty cool to see it in the flesh, so I had to take a walk inside.
15. Check Out The Lincoln Centre
Another throw back to Gossip Girl (the episode where Serena) this is actually just a beautiful building in it’s own right.
I headed here for the first time at night and you’ll see dozens of people hanging out by the fountain.
During the day it’s just as mesmerising and if you’re lucky enough to get a ticket to the ballet get seriously glammed up for the night of your life.
16. Grab A Meal At PJ Clarkes
It’s known for having one of the best burgers in the U.S (no joke) so of course I had to check it out.
There’s PJ Clarke’s all over the country, but the one right beside the Lincoln Centre is the perfect location.
The night I landed in NYC I headed straight there after checking in and enjoyed one of the best burgers I have ever tasted.
This burger looks small but dear GOD it was tasty.
It’s also right beside the Hotel Empire.
17. Have A Hot Dog At Gray’s Papaya
I am obsessed with the street hot dogs in NYC.
There are street carts literally everywhere you turn, and you’ll feel like a real New Yorker if you grab one.
If you’re not into the carts there’s a infamous Hot Dog place called Gray’s Papaya.
It’s by far the cheapest and most delicious hot dog you’ll ever have.
18. Fly Aer Lingus
So many airlines fly to New York but there’s nothing better than a direct flight from Dublin or Shannon, and Aer Lingus will sort you out there.
I’m so used to flying to the East Coast, which can take around 13 hours, so a 6Â hour flight on the way with a 5 hour flight on the way back was the dream.
For flight options check out aerlingus.com.
19. Hang Out In Central Park
You can’t go to New York without spending some time in Central Park.
From the famous bridge to the cool bikes you can rent to cycle the park, there’s lots to see and do.
You will never realise how truly big Central Park is until you check it out for yourself, and you’ll only end up seeing a small part anyway.
Grab a coffee, or an ice cream and sit down for yourself, you’ll notice so many people doing the same, even a few reading books (yes they still exist).
20. Go To An Irish Bar
I know, I know, you’re meant to spend all your time abroad understand different cultures but there’s nothing like walking into a familiar place.
There are so many Irish bars in Manhattan, and they’re extremely popular.
While I was in NYC the Euros were on (Ireland were still in) so we got up at 9am and headed to a famous Irish bar called Legends on 33rd Street to catch the game, and bumped into loads of Irish people.
I was there for breakfast so enjoyed some amazing pancakes and bacon there (I pretty much had that dish everywhere) and of course a pint of Cider.
Other popular Irish bars include Foleys (pretty much next door) and Stout which is around the corner.
For more ideas, including shopping, dining, tours, museums, sightseeing, green spaces and more, see www.nycgo.com.
