The Must-See, Must-Do, Must-Eat Guide
Ah, New York, New York… the city that never sleeps! Where skyscrapers greet the clouds, yellow taxis honk up new tunes, and sidewalks buzz with every accent under the sun. If Paris feels like a ballet, New York is the wild, electrifying rock concert you can’t resist!
I can’t remember how many times I’ve strolled around Times Square or gazed out over the skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge. Growing up on a massive diet of Bollywood rom-com movies and watching the streets of New York in every Hollywood movie, going to New York had always been a dream I yearned to live. When I finally stood in the middle of Times Square or strolled down Central Park, I cannot even begin to describe the feeling. It was as if I had stepped straight into a movie scene, living a character I had always imagined myself to be - with my hair all done, and my sari pallu flying in the wind, half-expecting a charming, suited stranger to bump into me, spill coffee, apologize profusely, and start a love story right there!
Even though this meet-cute did not happen, it didn’t matter. I was there, in the city of dreams, living mine.
Every corner of New York here has its own charm; one minute, you're in Greenwich Village grabbing an oversized slice of pizza dripping with mozzarella; the next, you’re swaying to live jazz in Harlem. It’s a place that has a million things to offer, if only you have the time – and the eye- to see them.
I want to show you these hidden sides of New York, the quiet ones, the crazy ones and the ones you’ll fall head over heels in love with! Grab your comfiest shoes, keep a coffee travel mug on standby (trust me, you’ll need it), and prepare for the ultimate New York adventure! Here’s a city guide that’ll take you from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent flyer, the Big Apple will find new ways to open your heart.
Let's dive in!
Newyork thru my lens
The Best Time To Visit
Spring (April to June) : Mild temperatures (around 12°C to 21°C) make it pleasant for sightseeing. It’s also less crowded than summer.
Fall (September to November): The crisp, cool weather is ideal for walking tours and outdoor exploration. Central Park and other parks look stunning with the fall colours, and there are major events like the New York Film Festival, Halloween Parade, and Thanksgiving Day Parade that happen during this time.
How to reach NewYork
Airports@ New York
New York has 3 major airports – JF Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). If New York is your first port of entry into the United States, your flight will most likely land at JFK. Most major Indian and international airlines offer non-stop flights as well as hopping flights to New York. Airlines that frequently provide direct international flights to New York include:
• United Airlines (especially to Newark)
• Delta Air Lines (to JFK and LaGuardia)
• American Airlines
• British Airways (to JFK, popular for flights from Europe)
• Emirates and Etihad Airways (from the Middle East)
• Low-Cost Carriers: Some budget airlines, such as Norwegian Air Shuttle and JetBlue provide affordable fares to New York, but you may need to watch out for additional fees for baggage and seat selection.
I prefer flying non-stop so I do not lose time in layovers. However, if you are travelling with young kids or infants, I would recommend taking a hopping flight. This will allow you to stretch your legs, give space for your kids to run around and expend all that pent up energy.
Customs and Entry@ New York
• Pre-Clearance: If you’re traveling from certain countries like Canada or some Caribbean nations, you could go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance at your departure airport, which can save time when you land in New York.
• Arrival Time: Be prepared for longer immigration queues at JFK, especially during peak hours. If you hold a U.S. visa or ESTA, keep your documents ready for a smooth process.
Where to Stay
Where To Stay@ New York
There are 5 boroughs in New York City – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Tourists typically stay in hotels in Manhattan around Central Park for the amazing views, spacious rooms and proximity to major attractions. Here are some of my top hotel recommendations in New York that offer a truly unforgettable experience:
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park : This super luxury hotel has stunning views of Central Park and the city skyline.
The Peninsula New York: Located on Fifth Avenue, the rooftop bar has sweeping views of Manhattan's skyline. Rooms are exceptionally spacious for New York standards.
The St. Regis New York: a symbol of sophistication since 1904, the interiors are grand with opulent chandeliers and city skyline views from certain suites.
The Plaza: One of the world’s most iconic hotels, it featured in movies like Home Alone 2 and The Great Gatsby.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown: With proximity to the Financial District, the hotel has incredible views of the city skyline, including the nearby One World Trade Center. Rooms are large, with minimalist design.
Baccarat Hotel: Situated near Bryant Park, the Baccarat offers views of Midtown Manhattan’s skyline. It’s a gem for travellers seeking artistic luxury.
The Langham, New York: With beautiful views of the Empire State Building and city skyline, this hotel combines comfort with modern luxury.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
Baccarat Hotel
The St. Regis New York
What To Do
#1: Central Park
Sometimes, when I’m staying in New York, I catch myself thinking, “Oh my god, this is just a beautified concrete jungle!” The towering buildings, the endless hustle, it feels a little overwhelming. And yet, something about this city always pulls me back. Like every time I step into Central Park, it’s like hitting reset. I don’t know what it is about this place, but it’s quite literally and figuratively an oasis in the middle of the chaos. The moment I’m there, the noise fades, and New York shows me its softer, quieter side—a side that keeps me coming back, no matter how wild the jungle gets.
Central Park in Manhattan is like a lush green oasis of calm and serenity. You’ll see people walking, biking, skating or chilling on benches and just ‘people watching. You will see street performers- maybe even a bride or two in the middle of a photoshoot. If I find the time, I spend a couple of hours sitting in Central Park, sipping on my coffee, reading a book, or just watching the sun go down. Some must-see spots within Central Park are Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and the Central Park Zoo.
#2: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Since childhood, I have been captivated by the Statue of Liberty, so that was the first thing I put on my itinerary when I landed in New York. For first time visitors to New York, seeing it in person is pretty exciting, standing before this iconic symbol, feeling the weight of its history and the hope it represents.
To see the statue, you need to take a ferry either from the New York side or from the New Jersey side.
Option#1 is to take the free Staten Island Ferry that leaves from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan. This ferry does NOT stop at the Statue of Liberty but goes past it on its way to Staten Island. You’ll have enough time to take in the statue and the views because the journey from Whitehall Ferry Terminal to Staten Island terminal is about 30 mins and the same while coming back to Manhattan. When you reach the Staten Island terminal , you can stroll there for some time or get off the ferry and join the queue to take the same ferry (or the next one) back to Manhattan.
Option#2 is if you want the ferry ride + a tour inside the Statue of Liberty. I suggest buying your tickets in advance online. There are multiple types of tickets to choose from:
1) Round trip Ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island with access only to the grounds (not the inside the monument)
2) Round-trip Ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island with access to the Pedestal.
3) Round-trip Ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island with access to the Crown.
Hot Tip#1: Large bags are not allowed on Liberty or Ellis Islands. Backpacks, strollers and large umbrellas are not permitted in the Monument.
Pro Tip@
The Statue of Liberty's copper exterior makes it a target for lightning strikes, which have occurred more than 600 times.
#3: Empire State Building
Head to the top of this iconic skyscraper that has been voted the number#1 attraction in the world for 2024 by the Travelers Choice Award series. The open air observatory on the 86th floor gives you stunning views of the New York skyline, best seen at sunset or after dark when the city is aglow. I had booked my tickets online and deliberately visited the Empire State Building around sunset. Oh my God! The views are fantastic, and I love the way the twinkling city lights and the gorgeous skyline meet at the horizon.
Tickets are available for the Main Deck on 86th floor, Top Deck, which includes access to 86th as well as the 102nd floor.
#4: Times Square
Who hasn’t seen the larger-than-life digital billboards, neon signs and the bustling crowd that have come to define the brightest spot in New York? Times Square is the heartbeat of a city that never sleeps! You’ll be mesmerized by the sounds, the lights, and the sheer energy of the place that becomes almost magical during Christmas, New Year’s Eve and festive holidays.
This is my ‘favouritest’ part of New York, because Times Square talks to me like a ‘bro’ you know :) - the same vibe, the same energy, the same spontaneous spirit of adventure as me. I’ve been there so many times, the street performers have begun to recognize me!
To really soak in the NY vibe, explore the streets nearby and you’ll find quirky pop-up art exhibits, street artists, secret speakeasies, and the lesser-known rooftop bars where you can chill and enjoy without the chaos.
#5: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met houses over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. For example, The Met is home to the world’s oldest surviving piano, that dates back to 1720. But my favourite section is The Cloisters that specialises in European medieval art and architecture, with a focus on the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
#6: Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is like strolling through history with a skyline view. But my favourite time to visit is during sunrise, when the city feels like it’s just for you, and the light turns the bridge’s gothic arches golden. Skip the crowded photo ops and look down and touch a piece of history - the wooden walkway still has grooves from carriages that crossed it over a century ago!
On the Brooklyn side, head to DUMBO for picturesque spots and great restaurants. DUMBO stands for ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’. Dumbo is a trendy waterfront neighbourhood in Brooklyn that is famous for its iconic Manhattan bridge view, as well as pebble beach and Brooklyn bridge park.
#7: 9/11 Memorial and Museum
“No day shall erase you from the memory of time”. These words displayed in big bold letters stare down at you from the massive wall at The 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a monument that honours those who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks.
The 9/11 Memorial is one of the most moving places I’ve visited in NYC. The two massive pools, nearly an acre each, are set exactly where the Twin Towers once stood. Watching the waterfalls—North America’s largest—cascade 30 feet into the basins, I felt a strange sense of calm amidst the chaos of the city.
Much of the museum is underground, and walking down the 70-foot ramp into what was once the North Tower’s base is an experience I’ll never forget. The vast, empty hall is intentionally stark, designed to give you a sense of the magnitude of loss, and believe me, it does.
To beat the crowds, I suggest going within the first two hours of opening. Booking tickets in advance is a lifesaver, especially since afternoons and weekends get busy. On Mondays, entry is free and therefore it’s the most crowded, so make your plans accordingly.
#8. Broadway
No trip to New York is complete without catching a Broadway show. The first time I went to New York, I was so excited to catch The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Wicked.. but as the tickets for these productions get sold out months before, I could only watch 2 of them, but they were worth every penny. The large, realistic sets, phenomenal music and acts by probably the great talent in the city, Broadway has something for everyone.
Once I started visiting New York more often, I also explored off-Broadway, which was surprisingly as impressive as some of the big tickets; it’s raw, intimate, and thankfully just a fraction of the price. Shows here feel personal, like they’re unfolding just for you, and the talent is no less stellar. Plus, it’s where Broadway legends often get their start.
#9: The Edge & One World Observatory
Located on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors of One World Trade Center, One World Observatory is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Standing at that height, you can feel the weight of resilience and hope that defines this city. The most fascinating part for me is the “Sky Portal” , an interactive glass floor where you can watch the streets of NYC moving beneath your feet. It’s thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking, but completely worth it!
The journey to the top is just as special; the elevator ride takes you through a breath-taking time-lapse of how New York City has evolved from being the epitome of the ‘American Dream’ to the glitzy capital of finance, music, business and everything in between. If you’re planning a visit, reach there before sunset. Watching the skyline bathed in golden light before it transforms into a glittering sea of city lights is absolutely magical!
#10: Summit One Vanderbilt
Summit One Vanderbilt is a new luxury observation deck located at the top of One Vanderbilt, a skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The observation deck in the 93rd floor offers visitors stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline, including iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Central Park.
There are 3 distinct floors- Air, Reflect, Levitation each offering unique immersive ways of experiencing New York and its expansive skyline.
Where to Eat
1. Katz’s Delicatessen: This Lower East Side staple is a New York institution known for its Pastrami on Rye, which is an iconic New York deli sandwich.
Fun Fact: This is the same restaurant where that famous scene from When Harry Met Sally was filmed!
2. Levain Bakery: Their chocolate chip walnut cookie is legen-wait-for-it-dary! It’s soft, gooey, and loaded with calories (but don’t worry, you will burn them off with all the walking you’ll be doing!)
3. Peter Luger Steakhouse: Their Porterhouse Steak is a must-try. This Michelin-starred restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn serves up some of the best dry-aged beef in the city.
4. Carbone: Probably one of NYC’s hardest reservations to snag. Their Spicy Rigatoni Vodka is sure to give you a foodgasm!
5. Joe’s Pizza: Experiencing New York is not complete without a classic New York slice with a crispy crust and simple tomato sauce.
6. Russ & Daughters: The Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese is iconic here. It’s the perfect example of a classic New York Jewish deli breakfast.
7. Eleven Madison Park: The tasting menu at this three-Michelin-star restaurant is a work of art. Eleven Madison Park offers plant-based fine dining that celebrates seasonal ingredients.
Take that NYC swagger with you.
At the end of your NY trip, your feet might be sore, your belly full (more bagels and pizza anyone?), and your phone bursting with photos that will make your Instagram pop for weeks. But here’s the thing about New York, it is never the same city twice. Come back in a year, and the vibe will have shifted—new restaurants, art popping up where you least expect it, but the same chaotic energy that makes you love the city anyway. So, for now, take that NYC swagger with you. Wear it like a favourite pair of sneakers; confident, unstoppable, and just a little rebellious. And when you’re ready for round two, the city will be here, waiting, lights blazing, ready to blow your mind all over again. Until next time, you fabulous wanderer.
