Behind the scenes: Tour New York in 59 seconds
Our film team captured the colour, characters, culture and chaos of New York during a whirlwind trip to the Big Apple.
Follow their whistle-stop tour of the world’s most vibrant city and find out more about their favourite sights, sounds and places to eat, drink and be merry.
Brooklyn Bridge views
Start your Big Apple adventure with a true New York experience, a stroll across one of the most famous bridges on the planet. This is one of the most iconic, Instagram-worthy parts of the New York skyline. It’s a real piece of the city’s rich history.
Views on the bridge
Head to the Top of the Rock
For sweeping, uninterrupted views of Central Park and Manhattan’s downtown and mid-town skyscrapers, the view from the top of the Rockefeller building is not to be missed.
The three 360-degree-view observation decks at Top of the Rock showcase the city’s spectacular skyline. You can book your tickets here.
Or if you’re feeling really adventurous…
Why not explore the city from the sky? A helicopter tour is an unforgettable way to see New York from a unique angle.
Follow in Eoin and Jarlath’s footsteps with a trip with FlyNYON, a scenic helicopter flight company that encourages you to dangle your feet over the Manhattan landmarks below. It’s not for the fainthearted, though – the doors of the helicopter stay open for your flight!
Food break by the Flatiron Building
Just south of Madison Square Park is a truly iconic New York landmark: the awe-inspiring Flatiron Building. The famous twenty-two story building, best known for its triangular shape, was one of the early spectacular high-rises that have come to define Manhattan.
The surrounding neighbourhood is home to a rich dining scene, including amazing Mexican food and Michelin-starred New American eateries.
Take a wander through Washington Square Park
The symbolic heart of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is one of NYC’s most recognisable public spaces. Pass beneath the Washington Arch—the giant structure marking the park’s Fifth Avenue entrance on the north side—and you’ll feel the energy that makes the place so special.
Visit The Vessel at Hudson Yards
This is one of New York’s newest (and coolest) attractions. The huge spiral staircase, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, is the extraordinary centre piece of Hudson Yards. The interactive artwork offers a new perspective of the city from different heights, angles and vantage points.
You can book your ticket up to two weeks in advance or buy your ticket on the day. While you’re there, take a stroll around the shops and browse luxury brands and apparel, to tech and much more.
Next stop: Grand Central Terminal
Whether a train journey is part of your plans or not, Grand Central Terminal deserves to be one of your destinations. Since the building’s revitalisation ten years ago, Grand Central has enticed visitors and locals alike, with quick bites and delis located in the Grand Central Market, fine cuisine in the Dining Concourse and free arts events in Vanderbilt Hall.
Experience magic at The MET
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the finest galleries in the world and the largest in the US. The building itself is a sight to behold with the famous MET steps outside. As well as the permanent collection, there are numerous temporary exhibitions. Entry to the museum is free, but the suggested donation is $25.
Chow down at the Chelsea Market
Housed in the former National Biscuit Company factory (birthplace of the beloved Oreo cookie), Chelsea Market has been functioning as a hybrid urban public square / high-end food-court since 1997.
A block wide and a block long, Chelsea Market is filled with more than 35 vendors selling everything from soup to nuts, wine to coffee, and cheese to cheesecake. You won’t leave here hungry.
Stop by The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, one of New York’s most popular tourist attractions, has captivated people from every corner of the world for more than a century. It’s not to be missed.
If you’re short on time you can get some of the best views from the Staten Island Ferry, a free service that runs 24 hours a day and departs from Whitehall Ferry Terminal (also known as South Ferry) in Manhattan.
Get lost in Times Square
Flashing neon lights and giant digital billboards. Costumed characters and musicians. Times Square is big, bright and unforgettable.
Walk to the top of its famous red steps for a sweeping view of the area, including One Times Square, the building where the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.
Escape from it all in Central Park
One of New York City’s most breathtaking and celebrated attractions, Central Park is a must-see for anyone visiting. Whether you visit after a fresh snowfall in winter, during the spectacular floral blossoms in spring, on an incredible day or sunshine, or in the midst of the leaf-changing months of autumn, Central Park is a sight to behold.
The range of outdoor activities you can enjoy there is endless, from hiking, biking and ice-skating to simply lounging on a picnic blanket and listening to a live concert.
Live like a local in Brooklyn
Dining in DUMBO
Dumbo, the neighbourhood whose name is an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is one of the most-visited spots in Brooklyn and it’s easy to see why. It’s a hotbed of dining, recreation and shopping with great views of the Lower Manhattan skyline.
Vintage shopping nirvana
Brooklyn is your go-to for vintage shops, whether you want to go thrift shopping or hunt for some vinyl, you’ll be spoilt for choice here.
Rough Trade features a huge, peerless vinyl selection. Sit back and relax in Brompton Bicycle Cafe. Explore the bookshelves in Melville House bookstore. Or grab tickets for an unforgettable gig at the Bowery Presents venue.
Vintage arcade games in Barcade, Brooklyn
Head to Barcade in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and try your hand at one of the 50 vintage arcade games while testing out the local craft beers on tap.
