NYC ATTRACTIONS
Manhattan
The Edge: I might be a little biased because I’m basically using the Edge as my office but I think the Edge has the BEST Manhattan platform views amongst all of the viewing buildings. It also has the highest outdoor platform in Manhattan which makes the experience all the more thrilling. It’s over 1000 feet above street level and is encased in a glass fence so you have a near 360 degree view of Manhattan as well as parts of NJ. You do need tickets which run at about $38 on their website - the entry times are strict. Or if you can’t find any open times, you can check for available times on Viator’s site. I have the annual pass which allows unrestricted access without the need for reservations! So I use it as my office when I write, when I need to decompress from a heavy work week, or when I want to read a book while being surrounded by beautiful views! Check out the awesome elevator ride display here!
One World Trade Center aka Freedom Tower: standing at 1776 feet tall to commemorate both the US independence and the 9/11 attacks, the Freedom Tower has a gorgeous 360 view of Manhattan and the surrounding areas from the Financial District. There’s no outdoor viewing platform but the views offer a different vantage point than the Edge. Check their website here.
Central Park: This large patch of greenery in the center of skyscrapers provides a much needed nature escape for many NYC residents. Take a leisurely stroll through the winding paths. Rent a canoe and have a romantic time rowing through the pond. Listen to the talented buskers beneath the Bethesda Terrace. Picnic at the great lawn while you admire the gigantic high-rises surrounding you. There are so many things to do in Central Park. It’s iconic, what else is there to say?
Chelsea Market: If cute, boutique, local small businesses is your thing, then you have to go to Chelsea Market.
The High Line: A former above ground NYC rail way track that has since been converted to a walkway with greenery and art displays that stretches for about 1.5 miles. Take it north and end at the Vessel or walk it south to end at the Chelsea Market or sit on one of the benches to people watch. Each option is the best option.
Times Square: I know, I know. It’s touristy. But one of the best things about living in the NYC is you get to be a tourist in your own town! Come here at night to get the full experience of large, meter-long screens lighting up a few blocks, illuminating the NYC streets like it was the middle of the day despite it being midnight!
Brooklyn Bridge: A beautiful and iconic bridge connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan over the East River. It spans a little over 1 mile and it’s a great way to burn off some calories from the Pizza’s in Brooklyn or the Chinese food from China Town. Just be careful to mind the walking path and the bike path.
Brookfield Place: A gorgeous, glass building built along the west side pier that houses some of the world’s top luxury brands. The inside is stunning. I used to live around Brookfield and would go here to just study.
The Oculus: It looks like the skeleton of a huge whale. Juxtaposed with the glass skyscrapers around it like the One World Trade Center, the Oculus sticks out like a sore thumb. The inside, which is underground, is so beautiful. It’s also a large mall but even if you’re not there to shop, the beauty of the design is so stunning, you should definitely check it out if you’re in the area.
The Shops at Hudson Yards: The newest mall among the ones I mentioned above, it definitely feels the most luxurious. It’s also where the Edge and the Vessel are and where the High Line goes through.
NYC Ferry: The NYC ferry, I believe, is one of the best ways to travel from Manhattan to Long Island City, Brooklyn, or to Battery Park. It’s underrated because the ferry stops are a bit out of the way, but if you take the ferry from 34th St to Dumbo or even to Battery Park, you’ll get some stellar views of NYC’s downtown skyline from the East River.
Brooklyn
Dumbo: My favorite place in Brooklyn is Dumbo. You get beautiful modern architecture, cobblestoned streets, boutique eateries and shops, and a beautiful view of downtown Manhattan. I love walking by the pier and taking in the views on Manhattan.
Jane’s Carousel: Now I’ve never actually ridden the carousel but I love this area because of the views.
View with bridge background: You’ve probably seen tons of people’s instagrams with photos of them in the middle of a cobblestone street surrounded by brick buildings and the Manhattan Bridge (sometimes incorrectly tagged as the Brooklyn Bridge) in the background.