12 New York City unique experiences

New York offers a wealth of unique experiences to help you discover the city’s lesser-known side during your trip. So much so that for many, it’s the best city to visit. It’s the city that welcomes you with open arms when you arrive and makes you feel like a true New Yorker.

I’ll share the best things to do so you’ll have unforgettable memories of your stay in the Big Apple.

Can you imagine soaring through the sky in a helicopter at over 200 kilometres per hour? If you’re afraid of heights, this might not be the first thing on your holiday to-do list, but taking in the vastness of this city from a bird’s-eye view is one of those experiences you should have at least once in your life.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Extended helicopter flight over New York — from S$546
• Helicopter flight over New York: essential tour — from S$330
• Helicopter flight over New York: extended tour — from S$356
• VIP helicopter flight over New York — from S$5,970

Frequently asked questions

• Why should you take a helicopter tour of New York?: We all know that the city’s skyline is a spectacle in itself that can be explored in different ways, but doing so from a helicopter takes the experience to a whole new level. It’s a unique moment where the stunning views of New York are combined with the adrenaline rush of travelling at such a height and speed. You’ll feel the goosebumps and be overcome with excitement!
• What are the helicopter flights like?: The flights are short, and most tours last approximately 15 minutes. All routes follow the Hudson River and some the East River, offering you stunning panoramic views of New York, but the helicopter will never fly directly over the skyscrapers.
• What is the best helicopter tour?: If you ask me what the best time is for a helicopter tour in New York, I think it depends on the views you want to see during the flight. For example, if you want to see the city stretch out to the horizon and admire the buildings of the Big Apple in all their splendour, I’d advise you to try to book a time around midday; whereas, if you want to see the Big Apple at sunset and watch the first lights of the night come on, then choose a time at the end of the day.

This is an absolutely unmissable experience that you simply must try during your trip to New York, without a doubt. If you’d like to find out more about helicopter flights over Manhattan, take a look at the article ‘Helicopter tour of New York’, where you’ll discover all the details you need to enjoy this unique activity on your trip.

One of the most fascinating spectacles you can attend in the United States is an NBA match. Whether it’s because basketball is your passion or because you want to experience the madness and atmosphere that this sport creates in New York, it’s a unique experience you have to have at least once in your life.

There are two NBA teams in New York vying for the title, competing from October to April in the National Basketball Association:

When should you visit New York to enjoy the NBA?

If you’re visiting the city during the pre-season, i.e. before the official season begins, I recommend checking the teams’ pre-season schedule as they usually play friendly matches in early October.

However, NBA matches taking place in New York are only guaranteed between October and April. From then on, it all depends on whether the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets manage to qualify for the Playoffs and, ultimately, the NBA Finals.

If you’re an NBA fan and would like to include a basketball match in your trip to New York, in my article on how to buy tickets to watch NBA matches in New York, I tell you everything you need to know about this competition, the local teams and how to get your tickets, amongst other things.

Would you like to have a picnic on a sunny day surrounded by nature? Set aside some time in your busy schedule to enjoy a relaxing moment in Central Park, New York’s largest and best-known park. Any day is ideal for a visit, but Sundays do have a special magic, as it’s a day off and many New Yorkers take the opportunity to spend the day outdoors on a photo walk, playing sport or simply relaxing and having a picnic on the lawns.

The Great Lawn is the largest lawn in Central Park, where people gather to sunbathe, read a book or chat when the weather is fine. Here you can spread out a blanket and enjoy a fantastic picnic in this beautiful corner of Manhattan. It is one of the most pleasant and highly recommended experiences to have in New York.

After your picnic, I recommend taking a stroll through Central Park to discover such iconic spots as Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle or the Alice in Wonderland statue. If you’d like to find out more about Central Park , in the post ‘10 things to see and do in Central Park, New York’ I tell you all about this wonderful, world-famous park.

Things to do in Central Park

Central Park offers plenty to do for all tastes. Here are the most popular options:

• Horse-drawn carriage tour of Central Park.
• Central Park Zoo.
• Tour of Central Park.
• Bicycle taxi tour of Central Park with a driver.
• Bicycle hire in Central Park.
• Electric scooter tour of Central Park.
• Tour of New York including a visit to Central Park Zoo.
• Electric bike hire in Central Park.
• Horse-drawn carriage tour of Central Park, Rockefeller Centre and Times Square.
• Tour of Central Park featuring film locations.

Where can you buy takeaway food?

• Street food stalls: There are several food stalls scattered throughout Central Park where you can buy hot dogs, sandwiches, waffles, ice cream and drinks.
• Whole Foods Market: Located at 10 Columbus Circle, this supermarket has a varied buffet of salads, sandwiches, burgers, ready meals, organic produce and juices.
• The Plaza Food Hall: This is a food market on the basement level of The Plaza Hotel (1 W 59th St.) featuring a bakery, patisserie and bar/restaurant where you can buy various picnic foods. You can order takeaway to take to Central Park.

How many times have you dreamed of going shopping in New York? This city is a shopping mecca and offers all sorts of options to suit every taste: from department stores and outlets to luxury and designer boutiques, not to mention the famous street markets or local shops where you can find a special souvenir.

As you stroll through the streets, you’ll always spot a shop that catches your eye and invites you in to browse its wares. What’s more, although the price difference compared to Europe isn’t exorbitant, it can still be significant, which will likely tempt you to give in and spend. Either way, shopping in New York is an experience not to be missed.

Strolling down Fifth Avenue

How about a stroll down the famous Fifth Avenue? It is one of the city’s main thoroughfares and home to some of the Big Apple’s most exclusive shops, such as Saks Fifth Avenue (611 5th Ave), the Apple Store (767 5th Ave), the legendary Tiffany’s (610 5th Ave), Nike (650 5th Ave), the NBA Store (545 5th Ave) and Armani (717 5th Avenue), amongst many others.

A tour of New York’s shopping centres

If you like shopping centres, you must visit The Shops at Hudson Yards (20 Hudson Yards) in the trendy new neighbourhood in western Manhattan, Westfield World Trade Center Mall (185 Greenwich St.) in Lower Manhattan, right beneath the impressive Oculus, or Macy’s, the most popular shopping centre in the United States, in Midtown Manhattan (151 W 34th St.)

Flea markets and unique shops

One of the best things to do in New York is to browse its street markets. These aren’t your typical markets where items are piled up haphazardly; instead, there’s a carefully curated display that draws your eye to the stalls, tempting you to take home a unique souvenir.

Such is the case with the Brooklyn Flea Market (at Manhattan Bridge Archway – 80 Pearl St. Winter Brooklyn Flea at 25 Kent Ave. 8th fl.) in Williamsburg, Artists and Fleas inside Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District next to High Line Park (88 Tenth Avenue), Grand Bazaar on the Upper West Side (100 W 77th St.) or Canal Street Market in Chinatown (265 Canal St),

On the other hand, the city is full of tourist souvenir shops where you can buy a gift for your family or friends, but if you’re looking for something different, in this post I’ll tell you about 10 things to buy in New York at unique and original spots.

During a trip to New York, you’ll most likely have a very busy schedule packed with visits to museums, monuments or markets, amongst many other places.

However, if you’re the sporty type who enjoys spending time outdoors, my advice is to make the most of your getaway to New York to enjoy a unique experience whilst doing something different that wasn’t in your original plan. For example, go out and do some sport whilst admiring the city skyline from the water without spending a single penny.

How? Head to Pier 96 on the Hudson River, near the Intrepid Museum of Air and Space! From late May to October, you can go kayaking and enjoy the Manhattan scenery aboard one of these boats. The company offering this free activity is Manhattan Community Boathouse.

How do you take part?

It’s dead easy. You don’t need to book in advance; just head to the pier where the company operates and sign a waiver confirming you can swim. After storing your belongings in a locker, you’ll simply have to wait to be assigned a kayak and a paddle before you can take to the water. If it’s your first time trying this activity, as it was for me, don’t worry—there are instructors at every jetty who will show you how to get in and paddle. They’ll also provide you with a life jacket for added safety.

Although the kayaking sessions on the Hudson River last just 20 minutes, you’ll enjoy them immensely because it’s great fun. The area where you can paddle is marked by buoys and you’re not allowed to go beyond them. It’s one of the experiences in New York you simply can’t miss!

If you’d like to explore the river in a very special way, you can also book this zodiac tour of the Hudson, where you’ll be able to snap the best photos and see New York’s impressive landmarks up close.

In New York, you’ll be surprised at every turn, have fun and even find yourself daydreaming. That’s what Broadway musicals are for – they’ll let your imagination run wild in fantasy worlds that’ll make you feel like a child again, whatever your age!

Whatever time of year you visit New York, one of the must-do activities is to see a musical on Broadway, the famous boulevard lined with theatres that runs through the heart of Manhattan, including Times Square. You simply cannot miss the magic of Broadway. It is a unique experience to be had in New York that you won’t find anywhere else. Its musical numbers are legendary and its majestic productions transport you to a dreamlike world. They’ll leave you speechless.

With hundreds of performances a year, Broadway is the mecca of New York theatre. Here you can see highly acclaimed shows such as The Lion King, Wicked, Chicago or Aladdin, amongst many others.

How to get your Broadway tickets?

Broadway musicals are among the most sought-after shows in New York, so tickets sell out very quickly. If you want to know how to buy tickets for a Broadway musical, I recommend reading the article ‘The 10 Best Broadway Musicals in New York’, where I explain how to get your tickets and which are the best musicals on the bill this season.

One of the experiences I enjoyed most during one of my trips to New York was attending the Bryant Park Film Festival in the summer. This little oasis in the middle of bustling Midtown Manhattan is one of the gardens most loved by New Yorkers and, when the temperatures rise, it becomes a refuge from the intense heat under the shade of its leafy trees.

If there’s one thing Bryant Park is known for, it’s its packed cultural programme: from writing workshops and film discussions to music concerts and much more besides.

Why not spend an afternoon at the cinema in New York during your trip? A great plan for a Monday night in the city during the summer is to head to Bryant Park to enjoy its open-air film festival. A giant screen is set up in front of the park’s famous fountain, where classic films are screened whilst the audience picnics on the grass and enjoys the evening lying on the lawn.

When does the curtain go up?

The viewing area opens at 5 pm so the audience can settle in, although the film starts between 8 pm and 9 pm. From experience, I’d advise you to arrive early to get a good spot on the grass and a cone of popcorn, which they give out for free at the entrance if you arrive early.

Whilst you wait for the film to start, you can relax lying on the grass, have a chat, read, plan what else you want to see in New York, or have a picnic whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere in Bryant Park.

Isabel’s Traveller Tip

Did you know that the audience gets to choose the film for one night at this festival? To take part, follow the @vultur Twitter account, which suggests several options and will screen the one with the most votes.

New York is a bustling city at any time of day, where you’ll constantly see non-stop traffic on the streets and people rushing about everywhere. No wonder it’s also known as ‘the city that never sleeps’!

That’s why discovering little gems that don’t usually feature in travel guides on the way to any of the tourist attractions in central New York is always a delight.

Especially when it comes to gardens. It’s wonderful to stumble upon little oases amidst the concrete where you can take a break surrounded by water and greenery. Such is the case with Greenacre Park and Paley Park, both in Midtown Manhattan.

Why visit these parks?

New York has countless parks, the most popular of which is Central Park, the green lung of Manhattan and the city’s largest urban park, which you’ll have seen in countless films and TV series.

However, what sets Greenacre Park and Paley Park apart from other parks are two beautiful waterfalls that adorn the surroundings; the sound of the water transports you to a peaceful place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city whilst having a coffee or reading a book at one of the charming little tables available to visitors. The trees in both parks manage to create that sense of intimacy and serenity that I love about this place.

My favourite time to visit is in spring and autumn, when the flora is at its best. For example, in autumn the trees looked beautiful and were decorated with the pumpkins so typical of Halloween and Thanksgiving. You can take some really cool, out-of-the-ordinary photos here.

Where are they?

After a long day of exploring the city, there’s nothing better than heading up to one of the city’s wonderful rooftops to take in the New York skyline at sunset, watching with a drink in hand as the sun fades and, little by little, thousands of lights come on to illuminate the New York night. It’s one of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve had there!

The key is to head to the bar, sit down at a table and order your favourite drink to enjoy the panoramic views from any of New York’s rooftops. If you get the chance, try visiting several rooftops in completely different parts of the city: the views will be more varied and you’ll be amazed by the different facets of the Big Apple.

Almost all rooftops have a Happy Hour. If you’re planning to visit several, it’s best to go during Happy Hour to save some money that you can spend on other things during your trip. Finally, remember that to access a rooftop bar you’ll need to bring your passport or ID with you, as you won’t be allowed in if you’re under 21. In my article on the 10 best rooftop bars in New York, I give you some ideas for enjoying a cocktail in the best company.

In many cities around the world with a Chinese community, Chinese New Year is celebrated as the most important festival of this culture. The date depends on the lunar calendar, though it usually takes place in February and is celebrated in style.

In New York, it’s celebrated in a special way, and I’ve been lucky enough to witness it on one occasion. It’s well worth it because every year a different animal is welcomed, and thousands of people take part in a parade featuring floats, dancing, music and dragons. It’s a display of colour, joy, dancing and excitement that you can really feel in the air.

It’s an event for all ages that attracts huge crowds, both New Yorkers and tourists alike. If you’re going to watch the parade, I recommend finding a street junction where you can get a good view and soak up the atmosphere. When it’s over, don’t hesitate to head to a restaurant or food stall in Chinatown to enjoy authentic Asian cuisine at very reasonable prices.

Where to eat in Chinatown?

Chinese cuisine is one of the most highly regarded in the world for its variety of ingredients, flavours and textures. If you consider yourself a real foodie, you’ll have a brilliant time in this New York neighbourhood because you’ll find numerous restaurants and bars where you can try some of Manhattan’s best Asian specialities.

I recommend places like Xi’s Famous Food: at 45 Bayard Street, Big Wing Wong at 102 Mott Street or Buddha Bodai: at 5 Mott Street (near Columbus Park and with excellent options for vegetarians).

If you have time afterwards and fancy a stroll through Chinatown, in my article ‘10 things to see and do in New York’s Chinatown’ I tell you all about what you can visit in this picturesque New York neighbourhood.

Many couples head to New York in February to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a different way . There are plenty of romantic things to do in the city, but getting married in Times Square is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in the Big Apple.

Under the slogan “Love in Times Square”, several couples in love pledge their eternal love by getting engaged, married or renewing their vows with New York as their witness. Can you imagine surprising your partner by being one of them?

To be among the lucky ones on 14 February, you must register online in advance. A draw will determine who will enjoy a truly unique Valentine’s Day. What a special story to tell your grandchildren! Don’t you think?

Other Valentine’s Day plans

But this isn’t the only way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in New York. There are loads! Here are just a few of them:

• Tribute to love in Times Square: Every year, an interactive sculpture with a love-themed design is installed so that people can take some romantic photos of their trip to New York with plenty of passion in the background.
• Ice skating at Wollman Rink: Located in Central Park, the experience of skating on this rink is unrivalled, with the park’s beautiful winter scenery on one side and views of the iconic skyscrapers in the background. It’s like something out of a film!

Although it isn’t one of the most popular tourist attractions among those visiting New York, the Roosevelt Island Tram offers some lovely views of Manhattan and is well worth a visit.

Not only because it isn’t the typical tourist-packed spot—which is a relief at times during the journey—but also because of its special charm and because it connects to Roosevelt Island, a very peaceful place to go for a pleasant stroll.

Why do I like Roosevelt Island?

I love taking the cable car to Roosevelt Island because in spring, the banks of the East River are a magnificent spot to enjoy the cherry blossoms with the New York skyline in the background. Here you’ll have the chance to take some lovely photos of your trip!

What’s more, there are several viewing points by the water and small parks where children can play outdoors for a while if you’re travelling to New York with your family. You can even visit a cat sanctuary during your walk.

How do you take the Roosevelt Cable Car?

It’s a very affordable trip because you only need a Metrocard to travel – the same card you use to get around the Big Apple by bus or underground. If you’d like to find out more about this activity, I recommend taking a look at my article on how to take the Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York and everything you can see on Roosevelt Island.