9 Things to do in New York City

The great thing about New York City is there is something for everyone. Whether you like art, theatre, museums, parks… there’s something here for you!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

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See a show

Seeing a show on Broadway is one of those bucket list worthy things you simply can’t skip. The Book of Morman, Kinky Boots, Chicago and Mamma Mia are all popular choices, but with over 20 shows playing for matinee and evening performances there’s something for all ages and interests.

For the most popular shows like The Book of Morman you should book ahead online, otherwise you can give the TKTS booth a try. Located in Times Square they offer discounted theatre tickets, as long as you don’t mind waiting in line.

Some theatres also offer student discounts or cheap seats if you don’t mind not having the best view in the house. Go by the box office of a few theatres and see what you can find.

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Walk The Highline

The Highline is a park that was once a disused railway track called the West Side Line. It is just under 5km in length and runs between the Meatpacking District and Chelsea.

There are a number of entrances and exit points, so you don’t have to walk the whole way if you’re pushed for time and there are a number of areas to stop and relax. Take a picnic, a camera and check out some of the awesome architecture and sculptured gardens.

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Go to Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Ellen’s is the sort of place where you must go with an open mind. It looks like a normal diner, but you’ll notice mighty quickly there’s something unusual about it. Your waiters and waitresses are all aspiring broadway stars and between taking your order and serving food, they’ll jump up on tables and sing Broadway tunes.

Tip the ones you favour if you’re so inclined, the money goes towards singing, dancing and acting lessons for the staff. It’s great fun, and you can request your favourite number if you dare (doing so may result in you being pulled up to dance).

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9/11 Memorial

Visiting Ground Zero is a sombre experience. 2507 civilians, 343 fire fighters, 72 law enforcement officers and 55 military personal died on September 11 2001.

Now, where the Twin Towers once stood are two memorial pools, each engraved with the names of those who lost their lives, both in the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Centre Bombing that killed 6.

The newly opened museum features the last standing column of the towers, as well as thousands of photos, videos artefacts and oral histories.

The Survivor Tree is also on site (pictured below). Plucked from the rubble a month after the attacks, the Callery Pear tree resembled little more than a charred stump. It was cared for by the NYC Park department and now stands proudly at the 9/11 memorial as a sign of resilience and strength.

It’s also worth walking around the corner to the 9/11 tribute centre, opened by the 9/11 Families Association. The museum is filled with photos, artefacts and video and audio displays that detail the experience of survivors, loved ones of those lost and those who were first on the scene.

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Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History isn’t just for school excursions (though it’s highly likely you will see a number of yellow school buses parked outside).

It would probably take a full day or two to see everything in the museum properly. But if you’re just looking to sample a few things try not to miss:

  • The dinosaurs! (Level Four)
  • The blue whale (Hall of Ocean