SM Picks: 5 Things To Do In New York City

One of my favourite places on earth, New York City, there’s just no where else in the world quite like it. While studying in Brooklyn, I had the opportunity to uncover and explore some of the cities best kept gems and tourist hot-spots. Whenever I travel with first-timers, or give recommendations I always recommend these five obvious things to do in New York.

If you’re easily overwhelmed by crowds and you’re in New York, these may not be the best spots for you to explore because they are just that popular.

Sweater: Very Old // Jeans: Zara // Sneakers: Puma

1. Brooklyn Bridge – Take a stroll from Manhattan to the eclectic borough of Brooklyn via the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge which provides a safe passage across the East River provides scenic views of the New York skyline so don’t forget to take a camera. When you arrive in Brooklyn there are so many things to do and see; close by is the Brooklyn Bridge Park where you can enjoy the waterfront, grab a bite to eat and people watch.
2. Central Park – Entrance to the United States’ most visited urban park is absolutely free and overflowing with activities for just about any type of traveller. The almost 900-acre hot-spot features an amphitheatre, dazzling fountains and waterfalls, playgrounds, a zoo, a boathouse, tennis centre and the list goes on and on. If you’re a movie buff, take a walk around and try to spot where some of your favourite films were shot in the park.
3. Time Square – You can’t visit the Big Apple without making a stop to one of the world’s most visited attraction. If you are looking for flashing lights, hustle and bustle, you’re at the right place; you and over 300,000+  visitors! You can find food trucks, streets vendors, store fronts, hagglers and your favourite cartoon character all in one place. If you’re looking for a ticket to catch a Broadway show, which you have to do while in NYC, visit the big red staircase TKTS to purchase reduced tickets.
4. The Flat Iron Building –  One of the most famous architecural structures in all of New York City is the peculiar looking Flat Iron Building located at the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue. The twenty-one storied building, constructed between 1901 and 1903 is one of the most photographed buildings in New York City. The building, shaped like a triangle, was originally named the Fuller Building, but was coined the “Flat Iron Building” by New Yorkers due to its similarity to a flat iron.
5. Macy’s Herald Square – It doesn’t take a lot to figure out why this quintessential retail store founded in 1961 by R.H. Macy was deemed a National Historic Landmark in Manhattan. The store takes up an entire block and boasts of 11 levels and 1.2 million square feet of retail magic. You can find any and everything in Macy’s. If you’re visiting during the holidays, you are in for a treat! The window displays and Christmas decorations are nothing short of magical. Be sure to ride the original wooden escalators which were installed in 1902.