The 10 best places you should visit in New York City

My dreams as a little girl finally came true when I visited New York City for the first time at 24 years old. The city was even more awe-inspiring and amazing than I expected, and those bright lights really make it a spectacular sight to behold, so much so, that it had me in its clutches which inevitably made me want to come back for more. And that’s exactly what I have done, I have been back for a visit on several occasions, I’ve celebrated my 30th birthday and even taken my Mam over to celebrate Mother’s Day together. This city never disappoints each time I return. There is so much to see and do in this diverse concrete jungle that it’ll be impossible to see everything in one lifetime, whether you’ve been before, or you are taking your first trip these, top 10 places will help you catch a glimpse of the city that never sleeps.

1. Central Park - It’s hard to believe that as you step off the crowded walkway into Central Park that you are met by rolling hills, foliage, and man-made gardens. The urban park is between the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side of the city and is welcomed with woods, meadows, lakes, monuments, and some interesting architecture for visitors to enjoy. Central Park Zoo is also located here and if you'd like to enjoy a picnic then grab some doughnuts and coffee and sit in a lovely spot in the sun whilst watching the world go by.

2. Grand Central Terminal – Not only is this world-famous landmark a transportation hub but it’s a shopping, dining, and cultural destination with 60 shops, 35 places to dine, and a full calendar of events throughout the year. The architecture alone is something quite spectacular and the chandeliers which can be seen in the Vanderbilt Hall are out of this world. It’s the most good-looking station I’ve visited. Also, see if you can find the Whispering Gallery. In the domed intersection of walkways on the lower floor of Grand Central, there is a corner-to-corner whispering gallery. If you stand with your ear up against the tile work whilst the other person on the other side says something, you will be able to hear them even during the busiest of times.

3. Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Rockefeller Center – Observe the Empire State Building from the top of the Rockefeller Center. Seventy floors up, with unobstructed 360-degree views of the city skyline over three floors of inside and outside observation decks. This is by far my favourite place to see the city from up above and it means you get great pictures of the city with the Empire State Building as your focal point.

4. Brooklyn Bridge – The iconic Brooklyn Bridge, a steel-wire suspension bridge that took 14 years to build, was finally completed in 1883. The bridge spans the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can walk or cycle over the shared, wide pathway just above the traffic of vehicles that are whizzing past below. This charming and well-preserved bridge is a great way to get to Brooklyn or vice-versa. There is something truly special about walking across it, and the views you encounter along the way.

5. 9/11 Memorial and Museum – Located at the World Trade Center, you will come across the two memorial waterfall pools with swamp white oak trees dotted around the area. The pools sit in the footprints of where the former North and South Towers were located and are surrounded by bronze parapets that list the names of the victims of the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The quiet and stillness that surrounds you, even with so many people, is quite something to observe. The museum tells the story through media narratives of families who lost loved ones and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts including steel pieces from the twin towers, fire engines that were part of the 9/11 operation, and the American flag, an iconic display of togetherness of the American people during the operation to find loved ones following the aftermath, these are just some of the things you can expect to see.

6. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – Known as dual symbols of freedom and hope. A must-see as it tells the story of immigration, recognising the human spirit of giving, so immigrants could have a better life. We purchased a ferry ticket with Statue Cruises which takes you over to both islands. Firstly, visiting Liberty Island, where Lady Liberty stands before taking the ferry across to Ellis Island which digs deep into American history and the immigrants who would step foot on American soil for the first time at Ellis Island.

7. The High Line – Take a stroll along the High Line, a suspended park built on an unused railway track. This once decrepit railway line is now a popular place to admire art, gardens, and stunning city views. Almost 1.5 miles long, the walk took us no more than 25 minutes. We then stopped off at trendy Chelsea Market to take a look around the shops and reward ourselves with coffee and cake at Sarabeth’s Bakery.

8. One World Observatory – This is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, only steps away from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum making it a great add-on to spend your morning or afternoon in this area. Completed in 2014 it was built to bring back business to the area. The observatory deck spans over 3 floors from the 100th – 102nd floors and you will not be mistaken for the spectacular 360-degree views of Manhattan, the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and New York Harbor.

9. Williamsburg, Brooklyn – Home to one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in New York City, Williamsburg is known as the ‘new Soho’ of Brooklyn. The hipster scene is a haven for musicians, artists, and creatives who flock here to enjoy the relaxed vibe and atmosphere. There are many restaurants that produce the most amazing dishes which are Instagram-worthy. If you love to shop for vintage pieces, there are plenty of thrift shops to take your fancy and I would most certainly recommend stopping off at Domino Park to watch the Manhattan view from the East River. The very best time would be at sunset.

10. NYC Hop-on-Hop-off Buses – I find this is a terrific way to get around to see New York, instead of being hustled on the underground, you can see everything from up above in one of the many double-decker buses which tour all over the city. It’s a great way to get to your next destination or take advantage of the tour guides on board and stay on the bus all the way around the loop.