New York City — The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. The Capital of the World. New York City is known around the globe by so many nicknames because it is unlike any other place on the planet. It’s got a rich history to immerse yourself in and jaw-dropping architecture to marvel at. It’s the home of championship sports teams, award-winning restaurants and world-famous celebrities. If you haven’t been to NYC, now is the perfect time to discover why it’s The City So Nice They Named It Twice.
Why should you visit New York City? We’ve got more than 101 reasons We Heart NY, but we’re sure just the top five will convince you to visit this amazing city:
Are you ready for your trip to NYC? Hop on Executive Coach and let us take you to The City of Dreams so you can explore the sights, sounds and smells that will forever put you in an Empire State of Mind.
Your trip to New York City with Executive Coach will begin near Madison Square Park, conveniently located in Midtown, so that you can get an amazing sample of the best food, fun and attractions The Big Apple has to offer. Here is a list of our 27 favorite things to do in NYC that we know you’ll love too.
Of course you need to visit one of the tallest buildings in NYC — a building that qualifies as one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. The Empire State Building is an imposing sight from below, but just wait until you see the sidewalk from up top! Purchase a ticket to the 102nd Floor Observatory and gaze out at one of the most spectacular views of the city.
In the middle of this concrete jungle is an oasis that will make you feel a million miles away. Central Park offers over a square mile of gorgeous green space where visitors can eat, play or relax surrounded by fresh air and tall trees. Visiting this spot is one of the best free things to do in New York City. Featuring a castle, zoo, carousel, sculptures and more, Central Park is the way to escape to nature without ever leaving the city.
September 11, 2001, changed American history forever, and while it has changed the lives of every citizen across the country, there’s no denying that the people of New York were affected by this tragedy the most. Take a moment to pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial and learn about how this event changed New York City at the 9/11 Memorial Museum.
Trust us — with so many delicious eateries on every street, you’re not likely to go hungry in New York. If you want to sample a little bit of everything NYC has to offer, head to the Chelsea Market. This indoor urban market has nearly 60 shops, and almost every one of them offers a delicious dish. Spend the day taste-testing everything from sandwiches and sushi to chocolates and coffee.
Bookworms can’t go to Manhattan without visiting New York’s legendary bookstore. The Strand’s many floors contain over 18 miles of new, used and rare books. A haven for literary lovers, you’ll find more than just books at this expansive shop. Souvenirs, gifts, music, vinyl and more are waiting for you at The Strand.
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, The Met’s collection of 5,000 years of art must be worth millions. However, don’t be surprised if their creations leave you speechless. Collected from around the world, the arts and artifacts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art have been carefully curated to showcase a variety of important works from ancient and modern cultures. A leisurely stroll through The Met is perfect, especially if you’re visiting NYC on a windy or rainy day.
Head down to Battery Park and spend the afternoon by the waterfront. Grab a few photos of Ellis Island and Staten Island, or take the ferry over and visit the Statue of Liberty. There’s plenty of space for kids to run around as well as cafes and restaurants nearby for a quick bite. The Skyscraper Museum, Museum of Jewish Heritage and National Museum of the American Indian border the park as well.
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of your favorite talk shows? Now, you can look behind the camera and see how the magic happens! The NBC Studios Tour at 30 Rock gives you an immersive and in-depth tour through the legendary studios and sets where shows like Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show are filmed. You’ll even produce and keep a copy of your very own show!
Prepare for the quickest museum trip of your life! The Mmuseumm is a modern collection of small objects from around the world that tell the story of life in the present. It explores humanity and events as they’re happening today, embracing the weirdness of now. This unusual thing to do in NYC also has the Mmuseumm Rest Stop next door, which offers souvenirs and other small items for purchase.
You’ve got to visit a deli when you come to New York, and Katz’s Delicatessen has the best pastrami sandwich. This kosher-style delicatessen has been an NYC staple since 1888. They cure all of their corned beef for 30 full days so that every bite is the best you’ve ever tasted.
Some museums let you view the past. The Tenement Museum lets you live it. It brings American immigration stories to life in these two restored buildings that once housed immigrants from 1860 to 1930. Wander through these building and see how these families lived as you hear stories and view artifacts left behind. The museum also offers neighborhood walking tours, classes, discussions and workshops.
Another iconic Manhattan venue, Radio City Music Hall needs to at the very least be on your photo-op list. Check their current showtimes to try to catch an amazing performance, or opt to go backstage behind the scenes of the Showplace of the Nation.
Once upon a time, a lone hot dog cart in Madison Square Park grew to become an international sensation. Grabbing a burger and milkshake at The Original Shake Shack is worth waiting in line!
The Garden, the World’s Most Famous Arena. If you can catch a game or a concert inside this legendary venue, save your ticket stub — you might witness a record-breaking moment. If not, you can still go behind the scenes of Madison Square Garden and tour the arena where the greatest athletes of all time have played.
Believe it or not, you can see the Pacific Ocean from Manhattan! The National Geographic Encounter Ocean Odyssey is a state-of-the-art interactive exhibit that will take your breath away.
Let your kids exercise their minds as they run around in this active playground located in the Financial District. Imagination Playground provides foam blocks, crates and other safe resources for them to let their imaginations run wild.
Get a huge helping of Italian heritage and culture with a visit to Eataly. This Italian marketplace has a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and even a cooking school. Take a cooking class and help prepare your own made-from-scratch pasta and pizza!
The High Line is unlike any park you’ve visited before. This outdoor, elevated walkway was once part of the New York Central Railroad. Today it offers beautiful views and a unique way to transverse the West Side of the city.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, swing over to Chinatown and visit The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. They’ve got traditional favorites like vanilla and chocolate, but the real treat is found on their “regular” menu. Durian, Black Sesame, Green Tea, Lychee and many more unique flavors will give your sweet tooth quite the experience.
You’ve finally arrived on Broadway! Every venue along this street is full of talent, and the Palace Theatre is an exceptional place to view a performance. Purchase tickets for a show in what was once the preeminent vaudeville theatre in the United States. Since 1965, it’s evolved to producing traditional theatre productions and musicals.
New York City’s oldest and largest flea market is a treasure hunter’s dream! GreenFlea Market is an indoor and outdoor market where you can find everything from antiques and designer clothing to delicious food and one-of-a-kind crafts.
Another staple of New York cuisine, you need to grab a New York style hot dog from Nathan’s Famous. Make sure you get it the New Yorker way — mustard and either onions or sauerkraut. No ketchup!
Grand Central Terminal is more than just a perfect place for people watching. This bustling transportation hub has more than 60 places to shop. It also has about 35 eateries and hosts many events throughout the year.
The National Museum of Mathematics is Manhattan’s only hands-on science center that’s devoted to the nature and evolution of mathematics. This engaging and immersive experience brings math alive in ways the whole family will enjoy.
Now that you’ve seen everything Manhattan has to offer, get a closer look at your favorite NYC sites. Gulliver’s Gate is a museum of miniatures that offers big-time fun! Over 50,000 square feet are dedicated to an interactive world of buildings, landmarks and scenes sure to change your perspective.
There’s no way you’re leaving The Big Apple without a slice of New York style pizza! Joe’s Pizza has been the best place to get an authentic slice in Manhattan since 1975 and has been named one of the best pizza places in the world by countless publications, foodies, tourists and New Yorkers.
Madison Square Park isn’t just a convenient meeting place — this historical urban park is also full of surprises. Horticulture and art blend together to creatively turn this green space into a relaxing sanctuary. Interesting programs and events are always welcome, so you never know what unique happenings will draw people in from every corner of Manhattan.
Now that you know exactly what you want to do during your trip to The Big Apple, you need reliable transportation that will drop you right in the heart of Manhattan. Executive Coach offers convenient day-trips to New York City from Lancaster. We’ll pick you up and give you a comfortable ride right into Madison Square Park area, where you’ll have hours to explore and enjoy NYC.
Whether you’re purchasing a ticket for yourself or bringing the whole family with you, getting to NYC is as easy as buying a ticket online and hopping on the bus. We can also accommodate large groups like sports teams, church groups and school classes that want to request a private charter. Rely on Executive Coach to make your trip to New York City unforgettable! Book your trip today through OurBus and let the adventure begin!