As a native New Yorker for almost 19 years now, I know a thing or two about some of the best spots to go to in New York City. Some forget that there are 4 other boroughs other than Manhattan (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island), but nonetheless, here's a guide to all of New York City.
- DO, Avoid Times Square: Avoid here at all cost. I know how those tumblr posts, and movies make Times Square look. That is not the reality. It’s hot (literally through every season), crowded, and tourists are everywhere, stopping in the middle of the street. Let's also not forget Elmo, Mickey Mouse, and Woody from Toy Story, harassing pedestrians for tips. Also, almost everything is overpriced. Unless you have a set destination in Times Square, stay away from it. It's not worth all the hype honestly.
- Visit the High Line: The High Line is a NYC owned public park open from 7am-10am everyday. This 1.45 mile long old railroad track has some amazing views! This is absolutely a must!
- Staten Island Ferry: The Staten Island Ferry is free 24/7, and runs every 30 minutes from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island and back. There are some gorgeous views of the Statue of Liberty, and the Manhattan skyline!
- Go to Museums: New York has a variety of museums to choose from, from sex, to trains, to Andy Warhol. Check out the following museums below. You'll be sent to the museum's website by clicking any of the following. Whitney Museum of Art (actually located right under the High Line), MoMA (Museum of Modern Art, in Manhattan), Museum of Moving Image (Queens), American Museum of Natural History (Manhattan), Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka, The MET in Manhattan), Transit Museum, (Brooklyn), and the Museum of Sex (Manhattan).
- Barretto Point Park (The Bronx): This small park is located by the East River! You can take your boats and canoes for a run around the river. There's also a Volleyball net, a basketball court and a play ground! All in all, this is a great park to hang with friends or to take the family out to have some fun!
- Grab a slice of pizza: This is an urgent must! New York City absolutely has the best pizza in the U.S. One of my personal favorites is Anthony & Sals Pizzeria located in The Bronx on Pelham Parkway (1809 Williams Bridge Road will be their new location starting the end of July). Another great pizza place is located in Little Italy, called Sal's Pizzeria (click photo for more!). You won't be disappointed! While you're eating your scrumptious pizza slice, do yourself a favor and order garlic knots. They'll save your life, I promise.
- Rockefeller Center: The home of Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and countless other shows are filmed here. During Winter, there is a beautiful ice skating rink, which can sometimes be pricey, unless you have your own skates, then it's free! In the lower levels of this building, there's a food court, and even a shopping center! The Top of the Rock (https://www.topoftherocknyc.com) in my opinion is a very under appreciated place to visit in New York, because everyone wants to go to the top of the statue of Liberty or the Empire State building, but honestly the Top of the Rock has the best view in the house.
