New York City is bursting at the seams with sights, attractions and interesting neighbourhoods, which makes it both equally exciting and overwhelming for first time visitors. I lived in New York City for two years and have thought long and hard about my favourite experiences in the city that I’d recommend hand over heart to friends, family and readers. I’ve rounded up my top recommendations for the best things to do in New York City, which is a mix of iconic sights and a few things you might not have heard of. Let me know what you’d add in the comments!

1. Central Park

Central Park is New York City’s greatest treasure. Easily the best thing to do in New York City, put a visit to Central Park at the top of your list. The sprawling historic park is the biggest in North America, and offers dozens of things to see and do. You won’t be able to see it all in a couple of hours, but there are a few spots you can’t miss: the Bow Bridge, walking through the mall to the Bethesda Fountain, and strolling around (or along part of) the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

Weather permitting, hire a boat on the Central Park Lake and work up an appetite out on the water. Re-fuel with brunch at the touristy and yet still iconic, Loeb Boathouse, overlooking the lake. It’s the perfect place to be on a beautiful day in New York!

One of my favourite parts of the park is the enormous Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. It’s the perfect setting for a scenic run (or leisurely stroll). If you’re jetlagged and waking up super early, head down to the resevoir for an early jog and have the place nearly to yourself! It is particularly gorgeous in April and May, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Finally, the Central Park Mall – the leafy walkway lined with bench seating, featured in just about every TV show and movie set in New York City. Strolling down the mall was a true pinch-me-I’m-in-New-York moment. Follow the mall until you reach the charming Bethesda Terrace and Bethesda Fountain, which also happens to overlook the aforementioned Central Park Lake.

2. West Village

The West Village is Manhattan’s most charming neighbourhood. This sophisticated pocket of Greenwich Village isn’t the bohemian enclave it once was –  these days you’re more likely to spot a celebrity than a struggling artist. Nevertheless, it’s one of New York’s prettiest neighbourhoods and it’s home to some of the city’s best cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.

3. Explore Grand Central Station

It’s hard to believe that visiting a train station is one of the best things to do in New York City, but Grand Central is no ordinary train station. It’s one of the most iconic sights in New York City, and is easy to visit as part of a day exploring Midtown. Inside Grand Central, stroll across the busy, yet beautiful concourse and admire the constellation painted onto the ceiling. Venture deep inside the station to find the Whispering Gallery and my favourite spot, Grand Central Oyster Bar, a shimmering, cavernous restaurant where it feels like you’re stepping back in time. On the way out, stop for a drink at The Campbell, housed in the magnificent former Campbell Apartment (also a Gossip Girl filming location).

4. SoHo

Exploring the chic streets of SoHo is easily one of the best things to do in New York City for first time visitors – where is more unmistakably New York?! SoHo is famous for the beautiful cast iron facades of the buildings, which are often painted in beautiful pastel colours. Some of the prettiest streets in SoHo are Mercer Street, Greene Street and Prince Street. Check out my SoHo Guide for the best things to do in SoHo!

5. See the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock

There are three observation decks in New York City: The Rockefeller Center, The Empire State Building and the One World Observatory. If you only have time to visit one, make it Top of the Rock. Why? Because from the Top of the Rock, you can get a view OF the Empire State Building, which is one of the most iconic sights in New York City.

The One World Observatory (AKA The Freedom Tower) in the Financial District is newer and taller, however it’s at the southern tip of Manhattan, so you miss that iconic midtown Manhattan view. Plus, I think the Freedom Tower is a little too tall, you feel a bit too far away from the skyline you’re trying to appreciate.

6. See the Yankees or the Knicks

I’m not a sports nut, but seeing live sport is still one of the best things to do in New York City. The energy at games in New York City is infectious! Some of the most exciting games are seeing the Yankees (baseball) at Yankee Stadium or the Knicks (basketball) at Madison Square Gardens. Both are iconic teams with fervent supporters.

7. See a show at Comedy Cellar

Stand up comedy was born in New York City, and there’s no better place to catch a show than the iconic Comedy Cellar in West Village. You don’t need to know the who’s who of comedy because Comedy Cellar has a showcase format, which means you’ll see 4 or 5 comedians in one show. Being such an iconic venue, this isn’t amateur hour – the comedians are some of the best in the business, and it’s not uncommon for A-lister comedians to drop in unexpectedly to practice some new material. I’ve visited Comedy Cellar several times while living in New York City, and one time Judd Apatow dropped in!

Ticket fees are low, but you’ll need to spend money on food & drinks. The food is pretty mediocre, and you’re dining in the dark, so I recommend buying drinks instead, and going for dinner pre or post show nearby, in West Village.

8. Explore Brooklyn

Brooklyn is one of New York City’s largest borough, and arguably the most liveable. It’s quieter than Manhattan, but is still home to many of the best things to do in New York City, as well as some of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods. First time visitors to New York City will want to go to Williamsburg and take in the views from East River State Park.

9. Take a food & history walking tour of New York City

New York City would be nothing without the waves of immigrants from all over the world that have made this city home. What better way to learn about the city’s history than through food? Urban Adventures’ Tenements, Tales & Tastes food tour is the best tour I’ve ever done of New York City. This small group walking food tour takes you through Chinatown, Little Italy and the Lower East Side, as your guide explains the history of New York between stops at historic food institutions. I love this tour and recommend it to anyone wanting to understand New York!

10. Eat one of the best bagels in New York City

Bagels are the most iconic food to try in New York City – yes, more than hot dogs, more than pizza! Where else can claim to have the best bagels in the world?! Honestly, I wasn’t that much of a fan of bagels before I moved to New York City, and since leaving, I don’t bother eating them anywhere else. There is nothing like a New York City bagel. You want to order an Everything Bagel, with lox (a form of smoked salmon), a schmear of cream cheese, tomato, red onion and capers. Some of my favourite places for bagels are the iconic Ess-A-Bagel, Black Seed Bagel & Baz Bagel, but you can find a full list in my guide to the best bagels in New York City.

11. Bryant Park & the New York Public Library

Bryant Park is one of the most beautiful parks in New York City. Grab a takeaway lunch from nearby (Wholefoods is close, if you can’t find anything else) and enjoy your lunch in Bryant Park, and then explore the New York Public Library next door. I love the New York Public Library, especially the magnificent Rose Main Reading Room! Bryant Park & the New York Public Library are some of the best things to do in Midtown, as part of a day of sightseeing.

12. Walk the High Line

Walking the High Line is one of the best things to do in New York City, and better yet, it’s free! The High Line is a 2.3km elevated walkway and public park, that has been created in disused railway tracks between Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. Because the tracks are elevated, you’ll get great views over the city, and there are lots of art installations along the way. It’s such an inspiring example of what can happen when historic preservation meets creative urban design. Start at the Chelsea entrance of the High Line, so you can have lunch afterwards in the Meatpacking District.

13. See a show on Broadway

New York City is one of the premier theatre destinations in the world. Seeing a show on Broadway is an iconic New York City experience! There are lots of theatres to choose from in New York City, and you’ll easily find an upcoming show that’s interesting to you. I always buy my Broadway tickets from TodayTix, and recommend the restaurants Iris and The Terrace for a lovely pre-theatre dinner in Midtown (these are both some of my favourite restaurants in NYC, and aren’t tourist traps!).

14. Sunset cruise on the Hudson River

Taking a cruise on the Hudson River is one of the best things to do in New York City for first time visitors, but for a truly spectacular experience (and without being jammed in with hordes of other tourists), hop aboard the North River Lobster Co. Rather than booking one of the city’s many paid Hudson River cruises, use the North River Lobster Co to enjoy the best Hudson River sunset views. The North River Lobster Co is a bar & lobster shack on a boat, which sails up and down the Hudson every forty minutes or so. Obviously, you should only board if you plan to buy some food & drinks, but it’s a much cheaper and arguably much more enjoyable way to cruise the Hudson. I personally love it! The North River Lobster co leaves from Hell’s Kitchen, and operates seasonally, in the warmer months.

15. Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is such an iconic spot, it has to make the list of the best things to do in New York City. I love visiting Washington Square Park year-round, regardless of the weather. It’s beautiful year-round, but I particularly love it in spring when it’s framed by delicate cherry blossoms. Washington Square Park is in West Village and has a long and colourful history as New York City has grown up around it. Today, it buzzes with buskers, families, joggers, tourists and students from NYU just across the street. It’s unmistakably New York, yet I didn’t find a single other place in the city quite like it. Afterwards, explore the rest of the neighbourhood – there’s so many great things to do in the West Village. My only caveat here is that are quite often a few sketchy characters hanging out here, so be mindful of yourself – I’d avoid walking here alone in the quiet evenings or at night.

16. Dine at a classic New York City restaurant

New York City has one of the most spectacular dining scenes in the world. Soak up the unmistakable New York City atmosphere at a classic New York City restaurant. I used to work in the restaurant industry, in marketing & PR for a fine dining restaurant group, and was in absolute heaven in New York City’s world class dining scene! Whether you’re going for a classic, multiple Michelin star experience like Eleven Madison Park, Marea or Le Bernadin, or want to go somewhere just as much an institution, but a bit more relaxed like Estela, Balthazar, Locanda Verde or Via Carota, you will be spoiled for choice! The most important part? Make a reservation!

17. See the Statue of Liberty for free

So many visitors are shocked to learn that you can see the Statue of Liberty for free! While there are many paid cruises and tours to visit the Statue of Liberty, you can take your chances on the Staten Island Ferry, a free ferry service between Manhattan and Staten Island. The Staten Island Ferry’s ferry route often sails right past the Statue of Liberty, which allows you to get much closer to the iconic statue, without paying a fee. You’ll notice that once you reach Staten Island, 90% of people hop off and hop right back on the return ferry. We were curious about Staten Island, so we decided to spend a few hours walking around – save yourself the time, and just hop back on the ferry. Staten Island is residential, with not much to see for visitors.

18. Visit The Met, MoMA or another world-class museum

Even if you’re not a culture vulture, there is bound to be a museum in New York City that will tickle your fancy. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMa are the biggest & most famous art museums in New York City, and are the best museums to visit if you want to visit somewhere iconic, or want to spend hours delving into the collections. The Whitney and The Guggenheim are two more iconic New York City museums, but they’re slightly smaller and more manageable, while still offering a large collection to explore. For something small and easy to explore in less than an hour, I love the Frick Collection and Neue Galerie, both on the Upper East Side.

Check out my post about the best Museums & Galleries to visit in New York City for ideas on where to start.

19. The Best Rooftop Bars in Midtown

New York City is full of rooftop bars, but for first time visitors to New York City, you’ll want to head to Midtown rooftop bars for the best views. The drinks will be pricey, and you may want to make a reservation to improve your chances of a table, but the views will be worth it. The best rooftop bars in Midtown are The Skylark, The Top of the Strand, Ophelia, Bookmarks Lounge and Refinery Rooftop.

20. Times Square

Yes, it’s touristy, but a brief visit to Times Square still deserves a spot on the best things to do in New York City for first time visitors. Don’t get stuck in a sales pitch from the cartoon characters and costumed mascots prowling Times Square, but take a walk through to see it for yourself. Afterwards, escape the noise by ducking into the sophisticated Times Square Edition Hotel, and zip up to the Terrace & Outdoor Gardens for a drink or a beautiful meal on the leafy patio. A local secret!