5 things I like to do in NYC

1. Seeing the City from the Rooftops

New York’s skyline is one of the most iconic in the world, and the best way to appreciate it is from above. Standing on the rooftop of the Empire State Building, you can see the city stretch endlessly in every direction, with the Chrysler Building, Times Square, and the Hudson River all within view. At the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, you get one of the most famous sights, looking out over Central Park to the north and the Empire State Building to the south. The Edge at Hudson Yards lets you step out onto a glass platform with nothing but air beneath you, while One World Observatory at the Freedom Tower offers sweeping views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and beyond. From every rooftop, the scale and energy of New York come alive in a way you can’t feel from the ground.

2. Riding the Ferry

One of the best ways to see New York is from the water. Riding the ferry gives you a new perspective on the city. The skyscrapers rise dramatically against the sky, and you get up-close views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Ellis Island. It's peaceful in a way that the busy streets aren't. Whether it’s the Staten Island Ferry or a quick trip across the East River to Brooklyn, ferrying around makes me feel like I’m part of the city’s rhythm.

3. Shopping in SoHo

SoHo’s cobblestone streets and cast-iron buildings feel like a different side of New York — stylish, artistic, and full of character. Every time I’m there, I find myself wandering from one store to the next, whether it’s a luxury flagship or a small boutique tucked away on a side street. Even if I don’t end up buying much, just walking around, people-watching, and stopping for coffee makes it worth the trip. There’s something timeless and creative about SoHo that always pulls me in.

4. Watching a Musical on Broadway

Broadway is pure magic. Every time I step into a theater and the curtain rises, it feels like I’m stepping into another world. Seeing shows like Hamilton, The Lion King, or Phantom of the Opera live is an experience you can’t replicate anywhere else. Even newer shows and off-Broadway productions have a kind of raw, powerful energy that reminds you how alive theater can be. Walking through Times Square before or after a show with all the lights, noise, and excitement feels like being in the center of the universe.

5. Visiting Museums

The Met is a place I could return to over and over and still discover something new. From ancient Egyptian temples to European masterpieces, every corner feels like a journey through time. But what I love about New York is how many incredible museums there are beyond The Met. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) with its bold contemporary pieces, the Guggenheim with its iconic spiral architecture, and the American Museum of Natural History with its towering dinosaur skeletons, they each offer something different. Spending a few hours getting lost in art, history, and culture always feels like one of the best ways to connect with the city’s soul.