Insider Guide: What to do in New York City
Local tips and personal favorites in the big apple — Summer Edition

Every time family and friends come to NYC, I do my best to match my suggestions of things to do in the city to their personal styles. But some places are staples for first-timers and regulars alike.
So here is a compilation of some favorites plus a few seasonal suggestions.
Shopping:
Century 21: Discount store across the street from the WTC, perfect if you don't want to leave the city or can't afford a full day of shopping at outlets. Great deals on clothing, shoes, accessories and luggage (you may need an extra suitcase by the end of your visit).
Jersey Gardens: If you have a full day to spare, this outlet is located 1.5 hour from Port Authority. With two stories filled with the most popular brands at discounted prices, the mall has everything under one roof, which makes it a great shopping destination in the summer and winter, unlike other outlets that require walking outdoors from one store to the next.
BestBuy: For tech freaks, this is definitely a place to check out. Many locations available but Union Square is one of the largest, opens 24/7 and is conveniently located close to nearly any subway line. You can also order online for store pick-up to save time and make sure they'll hold the item if stock is limited.
B&H: Most recommended for cameras and accessories but they also carry all sorts of electronics. You may find someone who speaks your language if needed. The conveyor belt that takes your order from counter to register is a fun part of the experience. Doesn't open on Saturdays.
Theater:
Sleep No More: My all-time favorite. Takes place at an old hotel and you follow the characters around for 2h. I strongly recommend you wear comfortable shoes. It's intense but totally worth it.
Broadway: Among the classics, I'm a huge fan of Disney's productions Lion King and Alladin. Going to TKTS booths you can get same-day tickets at a discount for some plays. The line is long but moves fast. Remember to check their app before heading there.
Off-Broadway: My first musical in NYC, Stomp never gets old. It is an impressive and unusual performance with no language barriers and is totally family-friendly.
Museums:
Metropolitan: Huge. You can spend a full day and you won't see everything. My favorites include the Egypt collection and the medieval knights armor. Weather permitting, check out the rooftop with stunning views of Central Park.
American Museum of Natural History: You'll feel inside the Night at the Museum movie. Stuffed animals, dinosaurs skeletons, planetarium and lots of other fascinating things.
MoMA: The Museum of Modern Art exhibits thought-provoking modern and contemporary art. Admission is free for all visitors during UNIQLO Free Friday Nights, every Friday evening from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. To avoid long lines, visitors are encouraged to arrive after 6:00 p.m.
Parks:
Brooklyn Bridge Park: With an Instagram-ready background, the Brooklyn Bridge is a common tourist destination. Take it a little further and visit the park underneath for a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline.

Battery Park: Located in the extreme south of Manhattan, it's where the boats to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island depart from. Walk towards north by the river, and you'll find yourself in the Hudson River Park.
Hudson River Park: There is so much to do here, I could write an entire post on this park alone! Skateboarding, tennis, mini-golf, basketball, beach volleyball, you name it. The two-lane bike path that runs along the river is an invitation to get a Citi Bike and explore the area. On Summer Fridays, you can watch the sunset while enjoying live music at Pier 45. Another highlight is Grand Banks, the oyster bar aboard a historic wooden boat open only in the warm months of the year.

High Line: Public park built on a historic elevated freight rail line. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues. Plan for quick eats like taco and ice cream sandwich while you're up there or grab a bite at Chelsea Market on your way back.
Central Park: Again, so much to see here! One of my favorite spots is the Bethesda Terrace, considered the heart of Central Park, with the Boathouse overlooking the Lake. The Mall and the Strawberry Fields are also must-sees.

Other places to see:
One World Observatory: From the top of the tallest skyscraper in the city you can view all of New York, New Jersey and part of Connecticut. I highly recommend getting there in the afternoon and grabbing a spot by the window on the west side to catch the sunset. On Mondays, Mastercard holders get a discount. Don't miss the monuments built at the exact spot where the twin towers used to be.

Statue of Liberty: Some people dream of going in, some are happy with pictures from the boat that goes around the little island. Either way, you can get tickets online and skip the lines. The tour takes about three hours. Plan ahead and go in the morning since the statue closes early.
Grand Central Terminal: You might have seen this gorgeous train station in the movies. Besides its unique architecture, the building also has a cool food court in the lower level with staples like Shake Shack, Magnolia Bakery, and Junior’s Cheesecake.
Times Square: It's true that New Yorkers avoid the area at all costs. Crowded, cliché, but still a must-see. Of course, go at night. The unmistakable bright lights and the iconic red stairs are in the middle of the Theater District, so might be a good idea to stop there on your way back from a Broadway show.
Smorgasburg: On weekends, we like to tour Brooklyn, starting with the seasonal outdoor foodie market with local and regional vendors. Close to other cool places like Brooklyn Brewery and the rooftop bar at the Wythe Hotel. If you're taking the train back to Manhattan at Bedford Avenue, consider stopping at Meatball Shop on your way to the station.
Even if you don't get to do any of these, just taking a stroll in charming neighborhoods like the West Village and Soho is cool. You may even run into a celebrity.

In my honest opinion, the best part of visiting some place for the first time is leaving room for the unexpected, finding places on your own.
Hope you find these tips helpful. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your stay!
