“Welcome to New York. It’s been waiting for you.” That’s what Taylor Swift tells us in her song Welcome to New York. And she’s right: that city had been waiting for me… for no less than eight long years! You’re probably wondering how one can plan a holiday for years and why I didn’t just go? I could list all kinds of good excuses (unwilling ex-boyfriend, company bankruptcy, Covid pandemic and personal medical issues). But what a moment it was when I finally did… That’s probably why it took me two full days before I stopped feeling like I was dreaming. “Unreal!” my travel buddy and I exclaimed every now and then. And yet it was real. And the words below absolutely don’t do justice to how it feels when you walk around that city. “New York is a feeling,” and I couldn’t agree more.

To make you just as excited about NYC as I am, I want to share 33 famous must sees in New York. I’ll later share the main attractions per borough too. But for now, a summary: what to do in New York City?

New York as seen from the sky

When you think of New York, you might think of the Statue of Liberty, Home Alone 2 or Times Square. But to me, New York has always been something you need to see from the sky. After all, there are so many immense buildings that are hard to admire from the ground. You can only really appreciate them by standing even higher yourself. When I saw vlogs by Enzo Knol and John Barr and they showed me New York’s observation decks, I just had to see them too.

As of 2025, New York has five official observation decks, not counting the many rooftop bars. There are rumours that New Yorkers are busy opening a sixth observation platform somewhere on Times Square, but both times I’ve visited the city (because yes, first you wait eight years and then suddenly you go twice in one year!) there were five decks.

Which one should you choose, you might ask? That’s a question I asked myself many times. I’ve now seen 3 out of 5. I’m happy to introduce them to you, as not a single platform has disappointed me. These are true must-sees in New York and I can recommend them to everyone. Yes, even despite the steep price tag for entry (but honestly? If you need to travel on a budget, New York probably isn’t the best destination to begin with anyway). I mean look at this view!

1. Top of the Rock

I first saw the Top of the Rock in Enzo Knol’s New York vlog. I was immediately sold. If I were to go to NYC, I simply had to go to the top of Rockefeller. It gives a stunning view of Manhattan but also a unique view over Central Park. And spoiler: that park is truly bigger than you can imagine.

Top of the Rock is one of the oldest observation platforms in the city, but certainly not outdated. They’ve added an extra attraction, where you can sit on the beam from the famous photo. The rotating beam lifts you higher for an even better view (count me out). And there’s a skylift that lifts you in a closed glass platform. All at an extra cost, of course, because everything is already so cheap…

We had booked a time slot in advance, so we were perfectly received and entered without a hitch. In the reception hall, a beautiful chandelier hangs by the staircase, shaped upside down like the Rockefeller building. The lift ride to the top also goes smoothly, while a video plays about Rockefeller and the Top of the Rock. As you exit the lift, you immediately overlook Central Park. For many, it’s a sight that brings tears to the eyes (myself included).

You can see and do a lot indoors, but the truly unique experience is outside. You’re on the 69th floor and can walk up to the 72nd (I believe). So the moment you step outside, the wind tugs at your clothes, but you never feel exposed (not even I did, and I have a fear of heights).

It was incredible. Just don’t try to make a video call via the internet, as the connection was really bad. But otherwise, this was a postcard-worthy experience. Worth every dollar.

2. The Edge

The Edge is located in Hudson Yards and is the highest outdoor observation deck in the west. Housed in the skyscraper at 30 Hudson Yards, you can take the lift from the fourth floor to the observation platform on the 100th floor, about 335 metres high. We booked The Edge two days after the Top of the Rock. We thought this to be a smart plan, since it was our first trip and we’d heard that if the weather turns bad or it gets foggy, you won’t see anything at all as the platforms get completely engulfed in clouds (can be charming, but not on your first New York visit).

The Edge during sunset was a guarantee for beautiful views over New Jersey, Downtown and the Empire State Building. And although we weren’t disappointed, I really felt my fear of heights kick in at The Edge. Whether it was because the platform has nothing beneath it (it juts out into the open air) or because it’s higher than Rockefeller, I only briefly dared to let go of the wall! I also discovered here what people often say: buildings really do sway in the wind. I felt like I was trying to walk on a little boat.

My travel buddy had no issues, so I think this only happensto people with a fear of heights. Other than that, I have no complaints about The Edge. It was extremely busy at sunset. The views though (and that’s what you come for in the end) were unforgettable and priceless. The way the setting sun turned the new WTC and the surrounding Hudson River orange was truly magical. So this is definitely another platform to put on your New York to-do list!

3. Summit One

The Summit is New York’s newest observation deck and is located opposite Grand Central Station in the Vanderbilt building. We booked this platform on our second trip to NYC because we wanted to experience another unique view of the city. After my fright at The Edge, I was a bit apprehensive about doing another high observation deck. But I saw the photos and videos of Summit One. I thought it would be cool to check out those interactive rooms (at least I’d have a place to relax if I started feeling bad again).

My fears were unfounded. Once again at more than 300 metres high, this time we had a view over the east of Manhattan. With ofcourse stunning views on the Chrysler Building (you could almost touch it if the windows were open), Central Park (although not as great a view as from Rockefeller), Roosevelt Island (and the famous tramway) and the Empire State Building, which seemed only a block away. The four interactive rooms, like Transcendence, were truly a unique addition.

Everyone stayed on the first floor where the lift lets you out (the room full of mirrors). A real shame! My travel buddy and I walked on to the last accessible floor and stepped outside for a perfect view of Manhattan and especially the Empire. We sat there with a lovely lounge tune playing in the background and simply enjoyed the view.

4. One World Observatory

One World Observatory is located in the new One WTC, also known as the Freedom Tower. What makes this observation deck unique is that it’s housed in the new World Trade Cente. Besides, it’s fully indoor and in the tallest building in New York and the entire western hemisphere. So you can probably guess why I skipped it, with my jelly legs. We also found it a shame that it didn’t have an outdoor deck. Of course, it’s cool that this is the only observation deck in Downtown Manhattan with an unlimited view of the Statue of Liberty and the surrounding islands, but the actual skyscrapers are a bit further away from you.

5. The Empire State Building

We hesitated for a long time about visiting the Empire, because in this iconic building you just have to set foot at least once, right? What ultimately held us back was the fact that you want the Empire State Buildin in your photos. Something’s missing if it’s not in the shot. And that’s hard to manage when you’re on the building itself. Still, I definitely want to include the Empire State Building on my next visit. It’s such an iconic structure (I mean: remember King Kong? Or the famous scene from Gossip Girl?) that I do want to go there at least once. I’ll conquer that 86th floor too, after The Edge and The Summit.

Greet Lady Liberty

When we talk about one of the most famous attractions in New York, it’s definitely the Statue of Liberty. This statue of Lady Liberty was a gift from the French to the United States to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was designed by the architect of the Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel, and stands an impressive 93 metres tall. In Paris you can see four replica’s of th Statue of Liberty.

And to get straight to the point: no, unfortunately we didn’t stop at Liberty Island, nor did we climb up to Lady Liberty’s crown. It turned out you had to book tickets well in advance, and apparently “well in advance” didn’t mean January (for the end of April?!).

So sadly, we skipped that. During our first year we did take a sunset cruise (€35 via GetYourGuide) that sailed right up to her. On our second trip, following many recommendations, we took the free Staten Island Ferry. The ferry departs from South Ferry near Battery Park. Another bonus of these boat rides is the stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. The sunset cruise departed from Pier 35 and the boat also passed under the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge.

A touch of the Netherlands in New York City

You probably know that New York was once called New Amsterdam (a very, very long time ago). Imagine that: it used to belong to the Netherlands. Dutch influences can therefore still be seen in many areas. I mean: doesn’t Harlem sound familiar? And Brooklyn is just the Dutch town of Breukelen, right? Breukelen also has a bridge, but it pales in comparison to the New York version. The Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1883. As many as 150,000 people cross the bridge every day, so of course we couldn’t miss out. On both of our visits we crossed this iconic must-see in New York City.

A top tip we got was to take the metro to Brooklyn and walk towards Manhattan from there. Naturally, we weren’t the only ones walking and taking photos, but I still managed to get beautiful pictures and videos of the crossing. Especially the second time during sunset was a true experience. The way the golden light brushed over the rooftops of Manhattan’s skyscrapers was indescribably beautiful.

The walk of just over half an hour was more than worth it, if you ask me. So, cross that bridge and do yourself a favour! (Especially at sunset… I mean wow!)

Sunglasses at the ready

Times Square… yeah, what can I say about it? It’s definitely the most famous square in the world, and it’s quite the vibe to sit on those red steps and take in the hustle and bustle and the many impressive billboards. Sitting there (while staying alert not to be robbed or scammed by the many real-life cartoon characters strolling around), it really hit me: damn, I’m in New York. You can just picture the ball dropping here on New Year’s Eve.

The many shops here beg for your attention. Even the McDonald’s has its own unique ambiance. Still, it’s not one of my favourite sightseeing spots in New York. It’s cool to see, but I totally get why a real New Yorker would want to avoid the crowds. And as someone with an eye condition, all the flashing lights in your face aren’t exactly pleasant either, so cool to have ticked it off the list, but I think there are far more beautiful things the Big Apple has to offer.

“The lights are so bright, but they never blind me,” Taylor Swift sang, but unfortunately: they did blind me.

Peace and nature in the Big Apple

From crowds, flashing lights and chaos to peace and nature: Central Park is truly a place to catch your breath from the hurried pace of the average New Yorker (though maybe don’t go on sunny Sundays, because that’s when every New Yorker suddenly remembers they have access to green space). But hey, no judgement there. Because God, Central Park is beautiful!Covering roughly 843 acres (341 hectares), it stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street and is bordered by Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. Opened in 1858, it was the first landscaped public park in the United States. I could write an entire article about Central Park (hmm, maybe I will at some point), but my travel companion and I already have a few favourites:

• Bethesda Terrace (thanks to Gossip Girl)
• Bow Bridge
• Sheep Meadow
• Strawberry Fields
• Belvedere Castle
• Viewpoint at Fred Lebow Statue
• Ladies Pavilion

We’ve now been there twice and each time we saw different highlights, and still we’ve only seen half the park (and that’s after roughly six hours of walking!). And there’s still so much more to discover.

The darkest day in New York

Although it’s been almost 25 years, everyone still knows what happened on 9/11. The hijacking of two planes that flew into the WTC (and two other passenger flights—one aimed at the Pentagon in Washington and the other crashed midway to its final destination), causing so many casualties. I was nine when it happened, but I remember the moment my father came home from work, visibly shocked, and immediately turned on the news, where one of the towers was already ablaze and engulfed in smoke. I saw the second plane crash into the South Tower live. As young as I was, I already realised what a horrific act was taking place, and it’s never left me since.

That’s why I had to visit Ground Zero. During our first visit to New York, our hotel was literally on the same street, allowing us to admire the new Freedom Tower (One WTC—you know, the one with the observation deck) right from our bedroom. The two fountains that symbolise the two fallen towers of the former WTC are, to say the least, impressive, with all the names of the fallen engraved around the edges.

But nothing surpasses the 9/11 Museum. It really is a must-do in New York. The ticket costs a bit, but you’ll easily spend several hours there. It’s a sobering reminder of what happened that day. From burned-out fire trucks and building foundations to art about 9/11, the museum leaves you with chills. So be sure to plan something light-hearted afterwards—perhaps a Broadway show?

The world of glitter and glamour

What I always thought was that Broadway was just the theatre street, like Shaftesbury in London. However, Broadway is a huge street that runs from north to south, and part of it (around Times Square) is taken up by theatres. Anyway, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s quite a vibe to walk past all the theatres. From The Lion King to Wicked – you’ll find quite a few classics here. Since we had waited too long for tickets on our first visit (and therefore prices skyrocketed two months in advance), we went to a Broadway show in 2024. As my travel companion and I are both Harry Potter fans, The Cursed Child was a logical choice for us.

To be honest: I expected a bit more glitter and glamour from the theatre itself. I found the auditorium relatively small by American standards (because they usually do everything big). The performance, on the other hand, was truly phenomenal: amazing acting, incredible effects and thunderous acoustics. You became completely immersed in the story during the performance and I forgot I was in New York (wasn’t I in Godric’s Hollow?!). We left the theatre thoroughly impressed; convinced this must be one of the coolest must-dos in New York City. I’d definitely catch another Broadway show on my next visit – although maybe this time a proper musical.

The most expensive metro station in the world

When you think of the most expensive metro station in the world, you might first think of Grand Central Terminal once you know the station is in NYC. But that’s not correct (although that station is also full of splendour), because the most expensive metro station in the world (and this stirred up quite a bit of controversy) is the Oculus. “Isn’t that one of those holes in the ceilings of Roman churches?” Although that’s also true, the Oculus is a massive hub of metro lines and a shopping centre, designed by the Spanish architect Calatrava for 4 billion dollars.

And that’s not the only special thing: the Oculus looks like a bird in flight from the outside… A bird trying to soar towards the new WTC: the Freedom Tower. Inside, there’s no sign of that free bird. Inside, you feel like you’re in the belly of a whale (now you know how Pinocchio felt inside Monstro). Light also falls in through an opening in the roof (spoiler: name explanation) in a unique way and once a year (on 11 September), in the morning in the central hall, The Way of Light forms.

The lions don’t come to life luckily

If you’ve seen Ghostbusters: The Frozen Empire, you probably won’t feel much like visiting, but the New York Public Library is definitely a tourist attraction in NYC you must see. Newsflash: the two lions in front don’t come to life. The New York Public Library is a beautifully designed building, located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, bordering Bryant Park. Entry to the building is completely free and inside you can take a moment to relax from the hustle and bustle outside. There are beautiful frescoes to admire and of course (surprise, surprise) lots of books. Especially the famous Rose Main Reading Room is a treasure for bookworms with its many books and manuscripts.

Note: access to the Rose Main Reading Room is very limited. I still haven’t been there myself, unfortunately. Moreover, the books here are for research; you’re not allowed to borrow them, as is often possible in the Netherlands.

Floating above the city to Roosevelt Island

I saw it on TikTok from everyone: if you go to New York, take the Roosevelt Tramway to Roosevelt Island. It’s a kind of cable car that takes you over Manhattan and the East River to the small island of Roosevelt Island. It’s a three-minute ride and you can check in with your regular metro card, but the views are truly phenomenal… if you manage to get a spot at the window, that is. Because you either love it or you hate it. I also saw enough people on TikTok saying it wasn’t worth it due to the endless queues for the Tramway (they probably all thought they’d see Spiderman swinging by to save them).

So my travel buddy and I thought: we’d like to try it, but we’re not going to stand in line for three hours (Roosevelt Island is also perfectly reachable by metro and since that was our goal and not the Tramway itself…). So we decided to go on a Sunday morning (hopefully not rush hour) and (thank God for the early opening hours in NYC) took the Tramway around half past eight in the morning. And guess what? We walked straight in, had the perfect spot at the front and side of the car, and apart from a few older ladies, we were completely alone. Created unique memories.

Visiting the Island itself is a must do!

And while Roosevelt Island may be small, we had a lovely walk around and saw beautiful sights. We walked from point to point and enjoyed the gothic ex-hospital (Smallpox Memorial), the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park (quite a mouthful) with The Room and on the other side: the lighthouse and The Girl Puzzle Monument. On the way back we grabbed the metro back to Manhattan next to a wonderfully spacious Starbucks, because by lunchtime the queue for the Tramway had gotten a bit longer.

Did you know Yankee is actually a Dutch name?

If you’re in New York, you really must visit Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. No sport fits New York like baseball does, and for years it was even called the New York Game. But even for non-sports fans, attending a Yankees game is quite the experience. The vibe is unlike anything else. It’s a match, but at the same time a full-on show. I hope I’ll be lucky on my next visit and catch the Yankees during a home game. In the meantime, you can also do stadium tours or combine them: a Yankee day.

Did you know? Yankee is a Dutch term. Yankee stands for Jan Kees, a common name in the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam. The British used Yankee as a mocking term, but the Americans later adopted it as a badge of honour.

Walking along the subway

Would you like to walk along an old subway line, suspended above the streets of New York? You can, with the High Line! The High Line is an elevated park that only officially opened in 2019. The park follows the route of an old subway line and runs from Hudson Bay with The Edge and The Vessel to Chelsea.

You walk 9 metres above ground along a 2.3-kilometre walking route, offering stunning views of the Hudson River, the Empire State Building and The Edge (which grows ever larger as you approach – an ominous view). On the High Line you’ll also find all sorts of beautiful art and official viewpoints. Moreover, the most beautiful buildings surround the park.

A honeycomb or a work of art

The structure – for lack of a better word – The Vessel stands beneath a number of enormous skyscrapers (including The Edge) in Hudson Bay. The Vessel is a work of art to behold, but during our second visit we were lucky enough to be allowed inside. The Vessel had been closed for years as they were working to make the honeycomb-like construction safer for those with suicidal thoughts.

Now you can once again visit the 154 staircases with a total of 2,500 steps, or you can take the very odd, slanted lift (which may only be operated by a single person). The Vessel is completely open, so I did feel the wind tugging at my skirt. And since the artwork is 45 metres high, it might not be ideal for those with a fear of heights (especially because it takes ages to get back down safely – you feel like you’re trapped in an Escher drawing). Still, it makes for unique videos and photos, and it’s not expensive by New York standards.

An island of high heels, lanterns, or…?

Not much is said about it, even though it lies near the High Line and Pier 57 (Hudson River Park), but Little Island (shout-out to Enzo Knol) is worth a visit. Little Island is a public park that rests on the water at Pier 55 like a small peninsula, with a great view of Downtown, Hudson Bay and New Jersey. Little Island was designed by Thomas Heatherwick and offers a lot of variety to its visitors. Not only will you find an amphitheatre and many different types of flowers, but there are also various height differences throughout the park, due to its construction on metal tulips of different sizes. I’m glad I finally figured out what they are. I see high heels in them, but my travel companion claimed they were wine goblets. And my parents saw torches. Well, art is open to interpretation, isn’t it?

This is how an immigrant once felt

If you’ve already paid for the boat to Liberty Island, you can just continue to the next stop: Ellis Island. You’ll also see this little island if you use the free Staten Island Ferry, but that won’t allow you to stop at the Immigration Museum. In the past, immigrants were examined and questioned here before they were allowed to enter the United States. A very thorough customs inspection, you could say. Today, the building has been transformed into an interesting museum, where you can learn more about immigration through personal stories and artefacts.

After a visit here, you’ll understand why New York is called a melting pot: Over three million current New Yorkers were born outside the United States.

The Capitol of New York City

“The Capitol?That’s not in NYC! It’s in Washington DC!” That’s absolutely correct, as I’ll explain in a later blog about Washington DC. However, Federal Hall on Wall Street is often referred to as New York’s Capitol because of its great historical significance during the time when George Washington was president of America (he was also inaugurated at Federal Hall in 1789). You can still admire the building today for its neoclassical style, which instantly evokes thoughts of Italy and Greece. In front of Federal Hall, you can also take a photo with the bronze statue of George Washington. Entry to the building is free, where you can learn more about the early years of American democracy.

Dumbo? Isn’t that an elephant?

Dumbo isn’t the Disney elephant, but rather an acronym for Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass (quite a mouthful, so the abbreviation makes sense, right?). Dumbo is a very trendy and creative area, full of lovely places to eat and coffee spots, but we mainly went for the famous viewpoint of the Manhattan Bridge (featuring the Humphreys’ apartment from Gossip Girl). Pebble Beach is also a stunning spot to take photos (as most tourists know) for a perfect view of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and the Manhattan skyline.

However, I prefer the viewpoint on the left side of the Brooklyn Bridge: much quieter and on sunny days you can even see as far as the Statue of Liberty. Plus, from this side you can get a perfect shot of both bridges – something you can’t manage at Pebble Beach (understandably, since you’re standing between the two). That said, the right side does have the delicious, varied, and lively food market: Time Out. In terms of cost and quality, it’s truly worth it. And if you visit at the right time of year, the market even has a rooftop terrace.

Grand Central Terminal; backdrop to many farewell and love scenes

Grand Central Terminal is a huge metro and train station located on 42nd Street and Park Avenue. It is surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Chrysler Building and One Vanderbilt. No trains pass through this station; it is always the final stop (hence the name “terminal”). Aside from being a massive station (Utrecht Central: eat your heart out), it’s also a stunning building. The ceiling of the Main Concourse is beautiful (even though it’s painted upside down and has a hole in it to make room for a rocket that was once displayed there), the station has a Whispering Gallery in the Dining Concourse, and I think it has more chandeliers than many a ballroom. On the outside, you’ll find the largest Tiffany glass clock in the world. The station is a little museum in itself.

Did you know? Everyone still calls the station “Grand Central Station”, but it hasn’t had that name since 1913. The name change was due to the shift from steam to electric trains.

A new door opened for me

Ever since I was a young girl, first in school and then visiting my parents in Italy, churches have fascinated me. Not so much because I’m particularly religious (I’m Catholic, but haven’t been to a church service in years), but because I can spend hours admiring the architecture and decorations (and perhaps the extravagance of the Italian churches, like my all-time favourite the Duomo of Florence, even more than the Gothic ones). So it’s no surprise that, when I used to dream about New York, I often had the same dream: I would walk towards St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and every time I reached the steps and was about to go in, I’d wake up. Can you imagine the moment, when I finally stood at the door and was able to see the interior at last?

St. Patrick’s is located right in the bustle of NYC’s 5th Avenue. It’s surrounded by skyscrapers (Rockefeller Center is just across the street), and suddenly, right there, stands this immense 19th-century cathedral. It really stands out, just like its smaller sibling on 5th Avenue and Trinity Church on Wall Street.

“It is the largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in North America, as well as the first major Gothic Revival cathedral in the United States.”

And that was clearly visible. The interior was mostly striking because of its great height, but otherwise exactly what you’d expect from a Gothic church. Still, it was a special experience to stand in a place where scenes from The Godfather Part III were filmed and where actor Alec Baldwin got married. And when I stepped back outside, I could finally tick off one of those old dreams. I had finally opened the doors and seen the inside of the cathedral. I never had that frustrating dream again.

A massive brain fuck – in the best way

The MoMA, or Museum of Modern Art, was a vibe. There’s no other way to put it. Personally, I have more affinity with classical art, because with modern art I sometimes find myself wondering how people can stare at a canvas or sculpture for hours. I mean, as a fantasy author I do have a bit of imagination, but this is something else entirely (as Dutch football coach Louis van Gaal would say). That said, I’m glad I finally got to see the museum. It really is impressive and definitely worth visiting, especially because it houses works by famous artists (yes, even for a modern-art novice like me): Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo (though she was hiding from us), Salvador Dalí and even our own (and yes, sometimes I’m proud to be Dutch) Vincent van Gogh.

This deserves a multi-day visit

Now, The Met – or the Metropolitan Museum of Art – is much more my thing. Many people know the museum from the famous gala, where the most well-known celebrities appear in stunning outfits and gowns. But for my art-loving travel companion (who’s also quite the painter), this place was heaven (just as the massive Barnes & Noble at Union Square is for me – my fellow bookworms know what I mean).

The museum is located directly on the east side of Central Park (where we had to recover from all the impressions after visiting The Met) and has been around since 1872. Its permanent collection is spread across nineteen departments and covers multiple periods and cultures. You’ll find everything from Egyptian to Native art, and from Roman to Asian works (also for my Dutchies: a few Vincent van Goghs). There’s also a large collection of musical instruments, weapons and armour from all over the world, and recreations of important historical interiors.

Set aside several days for The Met – there’s just so much to see, it’s impossible to take it all in at once.

Did you know? There’s also a second building of the Metropolitan: the Met Cloisters. It looks like a medieval monastery and is located on the Hudson River. Here you’ll find another 5,000 artworks from the Middle Ages, originating from European art and architecture.

You’d almost want to wait until night falls…

You can practically picture Ben Stiller sitting behind his little desk as the night guard of this famous museum! I’m of course talking about the American Museum of Natural History (don’t worry – the ones in Washington and London will get their own blog entries). Spoiler: unfortunately, the animals and figures don’t come to life. But even so, this museum is more than worth a visit.
The museum borders the west side of Central Park at 79th Street. Admission is based on a suggested donation, with a recommended amount of $28. The museum first opened its doors in 1869 and is known for its dinosaur skeletons, dioramas of mammals from around the world, and the largest sapphire in the world (the Star of India – diamants are a girl’s best friend after all).

The Guggenheim Museum: first of his kind

While we are on the topic of museums, I would also like to mention the Guggenheim, located on 5th Ave around 88th/99th Street (east side of Central Park). I have not visited it yet, but I hope to catch it on my next trip to NYC. After our visit to the Met, however, we did see the building, with its striking and impressive architecture. The museum has existed since 1959 and owes its spiral-shaped appearance to architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This was the original Guggenheim Museum; the ones in Bilbao, Spain, and Venice, Italy, were founded afterwards. Like the MoMA, the Guggenheim houses modern and contemporary art. Famous names in the Guggenheim include Karel Appel, Pablo Picasso, and Édouard Manet.

Walhalla for music and sports

For the Swifties among us, Madison Square Garden is holy ground, as Taylor Swift has given several beautiful concerts here. And yes, yes, of course many other artists have as well, such as Elvis Presley, John Lennon, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, The Who, U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Katy Perry. But in fact, Madison Square Garden did not originate as a concert hall. It is the home base of both the New York Rangers, NYC’s ice hockey team, and the NBA basketball team New York Knicks. You can also book tours here to see the arena from the inside.

Cosy Italian neighborhood

Do you miss beautiful Italy in the US? You don’t have to, because New York has its own Little Italy, where you can briefly imagine yourself in Verona or Pisa. And by that I mainly mean in the culinary sense (you won’t see spectacular sights like the Verona Arena or the Leaning Tower of Pisa). In the 1880s, immigrants mainly from Naples and Sicily moved into these streets and founded their own neighbourhood here. It is located between SoHo and Chinatown, roughly south of Houston Street and east of Tribeca. Mulberry Street in particular is a lively affair.

Tip: Try to come to NYC in September to enjoy the 11-day celebration in Little Italy in honour of San Gennaro.

A bit of the East in NYC

In addition to the Italian immigrant district, you should also see the Chinese immigrant district next to Little Italy. Personally, I found it even more impressive because here you really do feel like you’re in China, with Chinese shops complete with signs in Chinese. The Chinatown in Manhattan is the oldest and most famous Chinese neighbourhood in the city, but NYC actually has nine in total!

Recommendation: Try to time your visit to Chinatown with the Chinese New Year. The New Year’s festival in Manhattan’s Chinatown is a real spectacle.

A lonely church on Wall Street

When you have waited as long for a trip as I did for my journey to the Big Apple, you remember the first moment you truly emerge above ground in Manhattan (if you are travelling by subway, that is). Of course, I had already seen the NYC skyline from the AirTrain at JFK Airport, but when I came out of the metro, Trinity Church was the first (immediately recognisable) building I saw. Just like St. Patrick’s, Trinity Church is on Wall Street, surrounded by all kinds of tall and modern buildings: a reminder of a long-gone era. Our hotel was right behind the church, so I had the privilege of seeing this beautiful church several times, and on our second visit, we walked past it again to admire it once more.

Trinity Church is a Gothic church in Downtown Manhattan and served for many years as a beacon for ships approaching the harbour of NYC. You really can’t see it anymore from Battery Park, but until 1869, the church was the tallest building in NYC and until 1883 even the highest point in the city. Around the church, you will also find a cemetery where well-known Americans have their final resting place, such as Alexander Hamilton.

Castle in NYC

We will stay in Downtown for a bit, as I just mentioned Battery Park, located at the southernmost tip of Manhattan. It is a smaller public park with an excellent view of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbour. You can also visit a circular fort called Clinton Castle and see many monuments honouring soldiers, explorers, inventors, and immigrants.

Bulls on Wall Street?

I have mentioned Wall Street several times, but it is such an important district (yes, Wall Street is a street, but it is also the name of the financial district between Broadway and South Street, spanning eight blocks) not only for NYC or the US, but for the entire world. I mean, The Crash of Wall Street caused the Great Depression. The Wolf of Wall Street (starring Leonardo DiCaprio) was filmed here. Wall Street, with all its stock exchange buildings, still thrives as the centre of the Western financial world, and each building is fancier than the last.

At the southernmost part of the street, you will also find the Charging Bull, a bronze statue of a bull. According to legend, you must rub the bull’s genitals for financial luck. (Probably why I unfortunately still have to wait before I can return to NYC.) In front of the bull once stood the Fearless Girl, a statue of a brave girl. However, she has been moved and can now be found a few streets away in front of the New York Stock Exchange.

Soon to be: luxury appartments in NYC

When it comes to famous buildings in NYC, you can’t overlook the Freedom Tower, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Rockefeller Center. However, there is one building I haven’t mentioned yet: the Flatiron Building, built in 1902 and still striking when you walk out of the nearby Madison Square Park (where you can pick up a copy of The Bond between Sisters and The Freedom Fighters).

Both times we wanted to view the Flatiron, it was covered in scaffolding (and they say we Dutch are slow with our construction projects). Still, the triangular building is quite something to see. It also owes its name to its shape, because (with a little imagination) it resembles a flat iron. It served as the headquarters of the Fuller Construction Company, but is now being converted into a luxury apartment complex.

Take a break

My travel companion and I discovered Union Square by accident. On our first trip, we still had half a day left and wanted to stay close to our hotel. We wanted to visit the Flatiron and the nearby Harry Potter store. Then I stumbled upon an immense bookshop at Union Square within walking distance, where we could also have lunch. We then ended up at Union Square, where on Saturdays there is a lovely market with live music for a cosy atmosphere. If you want to unwind from an eventful trip or simply wander around one morning, this is the place to go. Grab a snack from one of the surrounding food stalls and enjoy your sandwich on a bench surrounded by squirrels.

Rare literature and art

If you are already a fan of the New York Public Library, then the Morgan Library and Museum is truly a must-see. Unfortunately (and I am ashamed as a bookworm), I didn’t get to visit it again during my second trip, but it is now high on my priority list for next time I go to New York. The Morgan Library began as the private collection of banker John Pierpont Morgan but is now open to the public. Not only will you find many rare literary works, but you can also enjoy exhibitions of visual art and music. And that’s without even mentioning the design: you will feel as if you’re in an Italian church with ceiling frescoes and lavish decoration (guilty as charged: that extravagance always draws me in).

Beach strolls and a fair

Coney Island has been a well-known seaside resort for New Yorkers and tourists since the nineteenth century, especially when the associated amusement park opens its doors. Here I go again, but it also appears as a setting in the latest Ghostbusters film and often in films where NYC plays a leading role. To get to Coney Island, you do need to take the subway for a bit (about an hour from Manhattan), as it is located in the southernmost part of Brooklyn. The neighbourhood is bordered by Gravesend in the north, Brighton Beach and Manhattan Beach in the east, Sea Gate in the west, and Lower New York Bay in the south.

Play a game of chess

If you ask “what things to do in New York City”, then this last park cannot be left out of the list: Washington Square Park, where you will find the famous triumphal arch from 1889 in honour of the first president, George Washington. The public park is located in the Greenwich Village district and is surrounded by the well-known NYU (New York University). In Washington Square, you can enjoy a game of chess with other people, live music, and pleasant fountains (accompanied ahem by a strong smell of cannabis, so be warned).

So, what is there to do in New York?

In short: after eight years of waiting and countless postponed plans, New York has enchanted me in every possible way. From dizzying heights on iconic observation decks to quiet moments in Central Park, from the impressive history at Ground Zero to the vibrant energy of Times Square. Every experience contributed to the feeling that this city truly lives. “New York is a feeling,” and I can now fully agree with that. Whether you come for art, history, architecture, nature, or simply the unique atmosphere, the Big Apple offers something you won’t find anywhere else. One thing is certain: it was more than worth the wait… and this won’t be my last time. There is still so much to see and do, and I will do my utmost not to let another eight years pass before I return.

Natasja Bartholomé
Fantasy author & travel blogger

More New York?

I uploaded just a few of the many videos I made in NYC. Therefore, if you want to learn more about this wonderful city (or better yet: se more of the city), watch my YouTub playlist of New York City. Full shorts and Youtube videos of the highlights in the Big Apple.

I’m also a big music fan (as you can see) and when I’m abroad I always listen to special music connecting me to that place. So, it’s no wonder I have a NYC playlist as well. Feel NYC’s vibe and listen to it on Spotify.