New York City is one of my favourite places on earth. The energy is electric, and ever since my first visit in 2018, I've been dreaming of the day I could return. This year, I finally got my chance - and it was every bit as exciting as I remembered.
To me, walking around New York feels like stepping onto a giant movie set. From the towering skyscrapers and iconic landmarks to world-famous shows, unforgettable food, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, there is something incredibly magical about this city.
If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, here are my top recommendations for 10 must-do experiences in NYC.
My sister and I visited in March 2026 - read to the end to find out the very special reason behind this trip.
If you're a Harry Potter fan, the Harry Potter New York store is an absolute must-visit. Even if you don't plan on buying anything, the two-story shop is well worth a browse. It's also close to the flat Iron building so you can see that too!
We somehow ended up visiting three times... and, well... spent hundreds of dollars. No regrets!
And yes, you absolutely have to try the Butterbeer - delicious! And you can keep the cup.
Friends Fans
The Friends Experience in New York is incredibly well done and far bigger than I expected. We easily spent a couple of hours wandering through the recreated sets, seeing authentic props and costumes from the show, and reading behind-the-scenes facts and trivia.
The experience finishes at a fully functioning Central Perk cafe, where you can grab a coffee and soak up the atmosphere. You can see more about our experience here.
While you're in New York, make sure to also visit the famous apartment building exterior in Greenwich Village and the Central Perk Cafe in Times Square.
Gossip Girl Fans
If you're a Gossip Girl fan, there are plenty of iconic filming locations to visit, including the famous Met Steps, The Empire Hotel (don't miss their Gossip Girl-themed high tea!), Grand Central Terminal, Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, and many more.
You can also book dedicated Gossip Girl bus tours that take you to all the key filming locations. I did one on my first trip to New York and absolutely loved it!
There are also tours and filming locations for Sex and the City, Ghostbusters, Home Alone 2, Spider-Man, and many other TV shows and movies filmed throughout the city.
1. Explore Central Park
No trip to New York is complete without spending time in the iconic Central Park.
You can simply wander through the park, stop by Bethesda Terrace, admire the views from Bow Bridge, or hire a bike to explore even more. Covering more than 340 hectares, Central Park is enormous and offers a peaceful escape from the nonstop hustle and bustle of the city.
Every season brings its own magic. In autumn, the park comes alive with spectacular shades of colour. Winter transforms it into a snowy wonderland (we were lucky enough to catch the last of a snow storm!), while spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms. In summer, there's nothing better than finding a spot on the Great Lawn and soaking up the sunshine with a good book or picnic.
You can simply wander through the park, stop by Bethesda Terrace, admire the views from Bow Bridge, or hire a bike to explore even more. Covering more than 340 hectares, Central Park is enormous and offers a peaceful escape from the nonstop hustle and bustle of the city.
Every season brings its own magic. In autumn, the park comes alive with spectacular shades of colour. Winter transforms it into a snowy wonderland (we were lucky enough to catch the last of a snow storm!), while spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms. In summer, there's nothing better than finding a spot on the Great Lawn and soaking up the sunshine with a good book or picnic.
2. See a Broadway Show (or Two!)
Seeing a Broadway show is an absolute must-do in New York. There is something for everyone, whether you're into classic musicals, modern productions, comedies or limited-run performances.
We only had one week in the city and managed to see two shows - and honestly, I wish we'd squeezed in a third! If your budget allows, I'd highly recommend seeing at least one during your visit.
Broadway is one of the things New York simply does better than anywhere else in the world. The productions are truly world-class, with incredible sets, breathtaking performances and unforgettable storytelling.
We saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Wicked, and they are hands down the best live shows I've ever seen. I still think about them regularly - I'd go back to New York just to see them again - and I know I will one day!!
We only had one week in the city and managed to see two shows - and honestly, I wish we'd squeezed in a third! If your budget allows, I'd highly recommend seeing at least one during your visit.
Broadway is one of the things New York simply does better than anywhere else in the world. The productions are truly world-class, with incredible sets, breathtaking performances and unforgettable storytelling.
We saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Wicked, and they are hands down the best live shows I've ever seen. I still think about them regularly - I'd go back to New York just to see them again - and I know I will one day!!
3. Watch the Sunset from a High Rise
There are several observation decks to choose from in New York. On my first trip, I visited One World Observatory - the tallest one, which was incredible, but this time, after plenty of research, we decided on a fairly new one - The Edge for sunset - and it exceeded all of our expectations.
In fact, we had originally planned to visit a second observation deck during our trip, but after our experience at The Edge, we didn't feel the need. It was that good.
The panoramic views across Manhattan are breathtaking, and watching the sun dip behind the skyline before the city lights up is an experience you'll never forget. The glass floor, outdoor sky deck and angled glass walls make it one of the most thrilling viewpoints in New York.
We arrived just before sunset (when tickets were a little cheaper) and stayed for a couple of hours, watching the city transform from day to night. There's plenty of indoor and outdoor viewing space, along with a bar and gift shop.
If you're only planning to visit one observation deck, The Edge would be my pick.
Yes, it's crowded. Yes, it's touristy. And yes... quite smelly to be honest!
But yes, you absolutely have to experience it.
The bright lights, towering digital billboards, street performers and constant buzz make Times Square one of those places that simply has to be seen at least once. Visit after dark when the lights are at their most spectacular and the atmosphere is at its peak.
While you're there, pop into some of the iconic stores and attractions, including the M&M's Store, Hershey's Chocolate World for a sweet treat, the Friends Central Perk Cafe, the Disney Store, and plenty of other flagship shops that line the square.
Honestly, this is one of the best free things to do in New York.
The Staten Island Ferry offers incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and passes close enough to the Statue of Liberty to get fantastic photos - all without paying for a sightseeing cruise.
The ferry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every 15–20 minutes, so it's easy to fit into your itinerary. You can choose to sit inside or head out onto the open-air decks for the best views.
It's one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to experience two of New York's most iconic sights: the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City's most iconic landmarks, and walking across it is an experience you simply can't miss.
Many people recommend getting there at sunrise to avoid the crowds. I've walked it twice during umm normal hours lol and still loved it - you just need a little patience if you're hoping to snap photos without too many people in them (or be prepared to edit them out later!).
If you're only planning to walk one way, I'd recommend catching the subway to Brooklyn first and then walking back towards Manhattan for the best skyline views.
On this trip, we decided to do both ways - and I'm so glad we did. We walked from Manhattan to Brooklyn just before sunset (which was too cloudy to see but still beautiful). After exploring the Brooklyn waterfront, we stopped at Time Out Market for dinner and a drink before walking back across the bridge after dark.
Seeing the bridge illuminated at night, with the Manhattan skyline in the background, was pretty iconic. Despite it being dark, the bridge still had plenty of people walking across, and we felt completely safe the entire time.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is one of the most moving experiences in New York - especially if you're old enough to remember watching the tragic events unfold live (which, cough... I am).
The twin memorial pools are beautifully designed and incredibly powerful, sitting in the footprints of the original Twin Towers. The museum itself is thoughtfully curated, offering a respectful and deeply moving insight into the events of September 11, the lives that were lost, and the lasting impact on New York City and the world.
Allow several hours for your visit and take it at your own pace. It's an emotional experience, but one that I believe is an essential part of understanding New York's history and resilience.
One of my favourite things to do whenever I travel is a food tour, and New York was no exception.
We chose a Secret Food Tours experience through Chinatown and Little Italy, and it was fantastic. Not only did we get to eat some incredible food, but we also learned about the fascinating history, culture and stories behind these iconic neighbourhoods.
Food tours are one of the best ways to get your bearings in a new city while eating your way through it. If you're visiting New York, I'd highly recommend adding one to your itinerary.
You can read more about the tour I did here, but there are plenty of excellent food tours available in neighbourhoods across the city, depending on what you're interested in exploring.
The High Line is a unique elevated park built on a former railway line running through Manhattan.
The walk offers fantastic city views, beautiful gardens, public art installations, and plenty of places to stop and take it all in. It's a peaceful escape from the busy streets below and one of my favourite walks in New York.
Before (or after) your walk, make sure you visit Chelsea Market, which is just a short stroll away. It's packed with incredible food vendors, unique boutiques, and some of the city's best casual dining options.
We started our afternoon at Chelsea Market before walking the High Line north to Hudson Yards, where we stopped to admire the famous Vessel. From there, we headed straight to The Edge, where we had booked sunset tickets.
It ended up being one of the best-planned afternoons of our trip, with several of New York's top attractions all within easy walking distance. If you're trying to make the most of your time in the city, I'd highly recommend following this itinerary.
If you're going to splurge on one thing in New York (and you're not afraid of heights) - make it a doors-off helicopter flight!
Our flight with FlyNYON was hands down a top highlight of our trip and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Seeing Manhattan, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the surrounding skyline from above was absolutely breathtaking. It's a perspective of New York that you simply can't appreciate from the ground.
It's definitely not cheap, but if it's within your budget, I genuinely think it's one of the most unforgettable experiences you'll ever have.
I'd highly recommend booking the 30-minute flight, as it flies all the way over Central Park and gives you much more time in the air. In my opinion, it's well worth the extra cost.
In fact, we had originally planned to visit a second observation deck during our trip, but after our experience at The Edge, we didn't feel the need. It was that good.
The panoramic views across Manhattan are breathtaking, and watching the sun dip behind the skyline before the city lights up is an experience you'll never forget. The glass floor, outdoor sky deck and angled glass walls make it one of the most thrilling viewpoints in New York.
We arrived just before sunset (when tickets were a little cheaper) and stayed for a couple of hours, watching the city transform from day to night. There's plenty of indoor and outdoor viewing space, along with a bar and gift shop.
If you're only planning to visit one observation deck, The Edge would be my pick.
4. Experience Times Square at Night
But yes, you absolutely have to experience it.
The bright lights, towering digital billboards, street performers and constant buzz make Times Square one of those places that simply has to be seen at least once. Visit after dark when the lights are at their most spectacular and the atmosphere is at its peak.
While you're there, pop into some of the iconic stores and attractions, including the M&M's Store, Hershey's Chocolate World for a sweet treat, the Friends Central Perk Cafe, the Disney Store, and plenty of other flagship shops that line the square.
5. Catch the free Staten Island Ferry
Honestly, this is one of the best free things to do in New York.
The Staten Island Ferry offers incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and passes close enough to the Statue of Liberty to get fantastic photos - all without paying for a sightseeing cruise.
The ferry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every 15–20 minutes, so it's easy to fit into your itinerary. You can choose to sit inside or head out onto the open-air decks for the best views.
It's one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to experience two of New York's most iconic sights: the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
6. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City's most iconic landmarks, and walking across it is an experience you simply can't miss.
Many people recommend getting there at sunrise to avoid the crowds. I've walked it twice during umm normal hours lol and still loved it - you just need a little patience if you're hoping to snap photos without too many people in them (or be prepared to edit them out later!).
If you're only planning to walk one way, I'd recommend catching the subway to Brooklyn first and then walking back towards Manhattan for the best skyline views.
On this trip, we decided to do both ways - and I'm so glad we did. We walked from Manhattan to Brooklyn just before sunset (which was too cloudy to see but still beautiful). After exploring the Brooklyn waterfront, we stopped at Time Out Market for dinner and a drink before walking back across the bridge after dark.
Seeing the bridge illuminated at night, with the Manhattan skyline in the background, was pretty iconic. Despite it being dark, the bridge still had plenty of people walking across, and we felt completely safe the entire time.
7. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is one of the most moving experiences in New York - especially if you're old enough to remember watching the tragic events unfold live (which, cough... I am).
The twin memorial pools are beautifully designed and incredibly powerful, sitting in the footprints of the original Twin Towers. The museum itself is thoughtfully curated, offering a respectful and deeply moving insight into the events of September 11, the lives that were lost, and the lasting impact on New York City and the world.
Allow several hours for your visit and take it at your own pace. It's an emotional experience, but one that I believe is an essential part of understanding New York's history and resilience.
8. Take a Food Tour
We chose a Secret Food Tours experience through Chinatown and Little Italy, and it was fantastic. Not only did we get to eat some incredible food, but we also learned about the fascinating history, culture and stories behind these iconic neighbourhoods.
Food tours are one of the best ways to get your bearings in a new city while eating your way through it. If you're visiting New York, I'd highly recommend adding one to your itinerary.
You can read more about the tour I did here, but there are plenty of excellent food tours available in neighbourhoods across the city, depending on what you're interested in exploring.
9. High Line, Vessel and Chelsea Market
The walk offers fantastic city views, beautiful gardens, public art installations, and plenty of places to stop and take it all in. It's a peaceful escape from the busy streets below and one of my favourite walks in New York.
Before (or after) your walk, make sure you visit Chelsea Market, which is just a short stroll away. It's packed with incredible food vendors, unique boutiques, and some of the city's best casual dining options.
We started our afternoon at Chelsea Market before walking the High Line north to Hudson Yards, where we stopped to admire the famous Vessel. From there, we headed straight to The Edge, where we had booked sunset tickets.
It ended up being one of the best-planned afternoons of our trip, with several of New York's top attractions all within easy walking distance. If you're trying to make the most of your time in the city, I'd highly recommend following this itinerary.
10. Splurge on a Doors-Off Helicopter Flight
If you're going to splurge on one thing in New York (and you're not afraid of heights) - make it a doors-off helicopter flight!
Our flight with FlyNYON was hands down a top highlight of our trip and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Seeing Manhattan, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the surrounding skyline from above was absolutely breathtaking. It's a perspective of New York that you simply can't appreciate from the ground.
It's definitely not cheap, but if it's within your budget, I genuinely think it's one of the most unforgettable experiences you'll ever have.
I'd highly recommend booking the 30-minute flight, as it flies all the way over Central Park and gives you much more time in the air. In my opinion, it's well worth the extra cost.
We somehow ended up visiting three times... and, well... spent hundreds of dollars. No regrets!
And yes, you absolutely have to try the Butterbeer - delicious! And you can keep the cup.
Friends Fans
The Friends Experience in New York is incredibly well done and far bigger than I expected. We easily spent a couple of hours wandering through the recreated sets, seeing authentic props and costumes from the show, and reading behind-the-scenes facts and trivia.
The experience finishes at a fully functioning Central Perk cafe, where you can grab a coffee and soak up the atmosphere. You can see more about our experience here.
While you're in New York, make sure to also visit the famous apartment building exterior in Greenwich Village and the Central Perk Cafe in Times Square.
Gossip Girl Fans
If you're a Gossip Girl fan, there are plenty of iconic filming locations to visit, including the famous Met Steps, The Empire Hotel (don't miss their Gossip Girl-themed high tea!), Grand Central Terminal, Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, and many more.
You can also book dedicated Gossip Girl bus tours that take you to all the key filming locations. I did one on my first trip to New York and absolutely loved it!
There are also tours and filming locations for Sex and the City, Ghostbusters, Home Alone 2, Spider-Man, and many other TV shows and movies filmed throughout the city.
Final Thoughts
New York City is one of those destinations that somehow always exceeds expectations.
Whether you're wandering through Central Park, watching a Broadway show, eating your way through Little Italy, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, or soaring above Manhattan in a helicopter, every day feels like a new adventure.
My biggest piece of advice - leave plenty of room in your itinerary for spontaneity. Some of our favourite memories came from simply wandering the streets, stumbling across hidden gems, and seeing where New York took us.
It's a city that's impossible to see in just one trip - and that's exactly what makes it so special. I first visited in 2018, returned years later, and I'm already dreaming about going back again.
I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to the Big Apple. Happy travels!
Any questions - feel free to DM me on Instagram!
The Real Reason We Went to New York...
If you've made it this far, here's the real reason we travelled all the way to New York.
My sister and I are huuuge Harry Potter fans. We'd both already seen Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (twice), but when we found out that Tom Felton was returning to the stage to reprise his iconic role as Draco Malfoy, there was absolutely no question - we had to go!
So we flew all the way from New Zealand, enduring one of the world's longest direct flights (18.5 hours... phew!), just to see him perform.
And it was worth every single minute.
Tom was absolutely incredible, and seeing him bring Draco back to life on stage was something we'll never forget. And honestly all the actors are incredible.
As if that wasn't enough, we also had the most unbelievable stroke of luck. While heading back to our hotel one night we literally stumbled across Daniel Radcliffe and managed to get a photo with him. We couldn't believe it!
What started as a trip to see Tom Felton turned into one of the best weeks of our lives.
New York gave us incredible food, unforgettable experiences, amazing shows, memories we'll treasure forever... and a little bit of Harry Potter magic too.
What started as a trip to see Tom Felton turned into one of the best weeks of our lives.
New York gave us incredible food, unforgettable experiences, amazing shows, memories we'll treasure forever... and a little bit of Harry Potter magic too.
Coming soon: my guide to the best viral eats in New York City - the ones that truly live up to the hype, and a few that don't (at least in my opinion!).
If you can't wait, head over to my Instagram for a sneak peek here.
If you can't wait, head over to my Instagram for a sneak peek here.
Below are a few more photos just for fun!
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