10 Must-See Attractions in New York! New York Summer Travel Guide Part 2

1.Bryant Park

We were kind of tired from a long day of walking and we decided to take a little break at Bryant Park. Low and behold we found that they have free board games that anyone can use throughout the day.

You’ll catch friends, couples, and families playing games like chess, dominoes and scrabble. During the summer months, Bryant Park also becomes a popular hangout spot for people looking to relax and even work on their tans.

Be sure to sprawl out on the great lawn, one of the most impressive features of the park, serving as a ‘lunchroom’ for nearby office workers and fatigued pedestrians.

Out of all of the parks I visited in New York City, this was my favorite for relaxing and people watching.

The park hosts a myriad of events and activities that cater to all interests. From yoga classes and fencing lessons to concerts and film screenings, the park’s calendar is packed with free public events. The Winter Village, complete with an ice skating rink and holiday shops, is particularly popular.

Tips for Visitors

• Check the Event Calendar: Bryant Park hosts a variety of events and activities. Check the park’s website for the latest schedule to make the most of your visit.
• Explore Nearby Landmarks: Combine your visit with a trip to the New York Public Library or a stroll through Times Square, both of which are just steps away from the park.
• Arrive Early for Popular Events: For popular events like movie nights and winter skating, arriving early can help you secure a good spot.

2.New York Public Library

After visiting Bryant Park, you’ll want to pop into the New York Public Library for a look at its beautiful interior. If the nearly 53 million item collection doesn’t impress you, wandering through the specific theme rooms certainly will. Originating in the 19th century, this is easily the top library in the United States if not the world.

Designed by architects Carrère and Hastings, the library’s grand facade, adorned with Corinthian columns and guarded by the iconic marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, is instantly recognizable. Inside you’ll find the marble-lined Astor Hall, the majestic Rose Main Reading Room, and intricately carved woodwork and chandeliers that exude old-world elegance.

The NYPL offers a range of interactive exhibits and guided tours that enhance the visitor experience. The library’s exhibitions often feature rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts. Free daily tours of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building offer an in-depth look at the library’s architecture, history, and collections, led by knowledgeable guides.

The NYPL’s main branch is located in Midtown Manhattan. The 7, B, D, F, and M subway lines stop at 42nd Street-Bryant Park, and the 4, 5, 6, and 7 lines stop at Grand Central Terminal, just a short walk away.

Tips for Visitors

• Take a Tour: To fully appreciate the library’s history and architecture, join one of the free guided tours.
• Explore Exhibits: Check out the rotating exhibits to see rare and unique items from the library’s collections.
• Respect the Space: Remember that the library is a place for study and reflection. Keep noise to a minimum and respect other visitors.

3.Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is free of charge and this makes it really popular with visitors who want to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty from a distance. In service 24 hours, 365 days a year the 8 kilometer scenic journey takes approximately 25 minutes each way. Make sure to get in line early in order to snag an ideal spot for snapping photos and videos.

As you glide across New York Harbor, you’ll get unobstructed vistas of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the iconic skyline of Lower Manhattan. The photo opportunities are endless.

The ferry ride itself is relaxing and enjoyable. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas, so you can choose to stay warm inside or enjoy the fresh air on the deck.

Moreover, riding the Staten Island Ferry offers a glimpse into the daily lives of New Yorkers. Commuters use the ferry as a practical mode of transportation. Sharing the space with them provides an authentic local experience. It’s a chance to see the city away from the typical tourist routes.

The Staten Island Ferry terminal in Manhattan is located at Whitehall Terminal, easily accessible by subway. You can take the 1, R, or W trains to South Ferry Station, the 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green, or the J or Z trains to Broad Street.

Tips for Visitors

• Arrive Early: Arriving 15-20 minutes before your desired departure time ensures you get a good spot on the ferry.
• Choose Your Spot: For the best views, head to the right side of the ferry when departing from Manhattan (starboard side) and the left side when returning (port side).
• Explore Staten Island: Consider exploring Staten Island before returning. The island has its own attractions, such as the Staten Island Museum and Snug Harbor Cultural Center.

4.Statue of Liberty

If you want to get a closer look at Lady Liberty, you’ll have to buy tickets to Liberty Island. If you make reservations well in advance, you can even climb to the viewing platform inside the crown; however, we decided to go with the free option of viewing her from the Staten Island Ferry.

The Statue of Liberty (French: La Liberté éclairant le monde) is a colossal neoclassical sculpture as a gift to the United States from France on October 28th, 1886. Considering I share the same birthday, I’m only 95 years younger than Lady Liberty 😉

Tips for Visitors

• Book in Advance: Pedestal and crown tickets are limited and highly sought after. Booking a few months in advance is recommended.
• Arrive Early: Getting an early start can help you avoid long lines and ensure you have ample time to explore both Liberty and Ellis Islands.
• Plan for Security: Security screenings are mandatory before boarding the ferry, so allow extra time for these procedures.
• Explore Ellis Island: Don’t miss the chance to visit the Ellis Island Museum. It’s a moving and educational complement to your visit to the Statue of Liberty.

5. Battery Park

Battery Park is located on the southern tip of Manhattan. It is home to a few different memorials and you’ll also catch a lot of visitors hanging out in this area as they wait to catch the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island.

Wandering around the park you’ll notice ‘The Sphere’ which was damaged but not destroyed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In another section of the park, Hope Garden is a memorial dedicated to AIDS victims.

Named after the artillery batteries that were positioned there to protect the city, the park has played a pivotal role in New York’s development since the colonial era. It’s home to several historical monuments, including Castle Clinton, which served as America’s first immigration station before Ellis Island.

Battery Park is easily accessible by subway, with the 1 train stopping at South Ferry, the 4 and 5 trains at Bowling Green, and the R and W trains at Whitehall Street.

Tips for Visitors

• Explore the Gardens: Don’t miss the perennial gardens, which feature a variety of colorful flowers and plants throughout the seasons.
• Check the Event Schedule: Look up Battery Park’s event calendar to catch free concerts, movie nights, or special performances during your visit.
• Combine Visits: Pair your trip to Battery Park with a visit to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island for a full day of exploration and discovery.

6.Little Italy

Little Italy may be slowly shrinking, as expanding Chinatown takes over, but it’s still a great place to grab some Italian food & a gelato for dessert. Today the neighborhood mostly caters towards tourists.

In the heart of Lower Manhattan, Little Italy offers a slice of Italian heritage in NYC. It’s a living testament to the waves of Italian immigrants who settled in New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area is adorned with Italian flags, street art depicting Italian icons, and family-owned businesses that have been passed down through generations.

The food in Little Italy is legendary. Iconic restaurants like Lombardi’s, America’s first pizzeria, and Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, serving traditional Italian desserts since 1892, provide ample opportunity to satisfy your cravings.

The neighborhood is home to several historic landmarks that add to its epic charm. The Church of the Most Precious Blood, an Italian national parish, stands as a spiritual and cultural cornerstone of Little Italy. Meanwhile, the historic Mulberry Street has been featured in countless films and TV shows.

Little Italy is easy to reach. The B and D trains stop at Grand Street, and the N, Q, R, and W trains stop at Canal Street. The 6 train also stops at Spring Street, all of which are a short walk from the heart of Little Italy.

Tips for Visitors

• Try Multiple Eateries: Don’t settle for just one restaurant. Sample appetizers at one spot, main courses at another, and dessert at a bakery for a full culinary experience.
• Join a Food Tour: A guided food tour can provide deeper insights into the neighborhood’s history and culinary offerings. Plus, you’ll get to taste a variety of dishes.
• Check Event Schedules: Look up any ongoing or upcoming events in Little Italy to enhance your visit with local festivities.

7.Little Korea

Having both lived in South Korea, we were thrilled to come across Manhattan’s own Little Korea. We seized the opportunity and found a restaurant serving kimchi, pajeon, and kimchi bokkeum bap. The food was as authentic as anything we tried in Korea and we ended up coming back several times before our time in New York City expired.

Little Korea offers a deep dive into Korean culture without leaving Manhattan. It’s a place where you can experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of South Korea. The area is packed with Korean BBQ joints, bakeries, karaoke bars, and shops selling everything from K-pop merchandise to traditional Korean beauty products. It’s a cultural immersion that engages all the senses.

Little Korea is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan. The B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W trains all stop at 34th Street-Herald Square, just a short walk from the heart of K-Town. The 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E trains also stop nearby at Penn Station.

Tips for Visitors

• Try BBQ and Bingsu: For a quintessential experience, enjoy a meal at a Korean BBQ restaurant and finish with bingsu at a dessert cafe.
• Book Karaoke in Advance: If you’re planning to visit a popular karaoke bar, it’s a good idea to book a room in advance, especially on weekends.
• Explore Beyond Food: Take time to explore the shops and cultural spots. Stores like Koryo Books and Beauty 35 offer unique finds that you won’t want to miss.

8.Chinatown

If you’re looking for a bargain, Chinatown is a fun place to visit. The storefronts usually spill onto the sidewalks. It’s one of the few places where you can haggle on the price of things or enjoy dim sum. Home to the largest enclave of Chinese people in the Western Hemisphere it is located nearby Little Italy and Little Korea. What is fascinating is that this is just one of six Chinatown neighborhoods in New York City.

Food is at the heart of Chinatown. The neighborhood is renowned for its diverse and delicious culinary offerings, from dim sum to hand-pulled noodles and Peking duck. Whether you’re dining at a bustling banquet hall or grabbing a snack from a street vendor, the flavors of Chinatown are unforgettable.

Chinatown is accessible by subway,. The B, D trains stop at Grand Street, the 6, N, Q, R, W, J, and Z trains at Canal Street, and the F train at East Broadway. Buses and taxis are also convenient options.

Tips for Visitors

• Explore Beyond the Main Streets: Wander off the beaten path to discover hidden gems and quieter spots.
• Try Dim Sum: Enjoy a traditional dim sum brunch at one of Chinatown’s many teahouses.
• Learn Some Basics: A few phrases in Mandarin or Cantonese can go a long way in enhancing your experience and interactions.

9.Coney Island

Coney Island is all about good old fashioned fun. You can ride roller coasters, stroll down the boardwalk, enjoy some beach time, and then head over the Nathan’s Famous hot dogs. We happened to be here during a parade, which explains why the streets were so busy. And that’s our next tip – if you’re here in June, don’t miss the Mermaid Parade!

Coney Island has been a beloved destination for over a century. Its classic amusement parks, such as Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, evoke a sense of nostalgia with their vintage rides and attractions. The boardwalk, lined with food stands and arcades, brings back memories of simpler times and summer days spent by the sea.

Coney Island is home to some of the most iconic amusement rides in the world. The Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster that first opened in 1927, is a must-ride for thrill-seekers. The Wonder Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel with both stationary and swinging cars, offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the city skyline.

The D, F, N, and Q trains all stop at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue, which is a short walk from the beach and boardwalk. Buses also serve the area, and there is parking available for those who prefer to drive.

Tips for Visitors

• Ride the Classics: Don’t miss the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel for a true Coney Island experience.
• Explore the Aquarium: The New York Aquarium is a wonderful place to learn about marine life and enjoy interactive exhibits.
• Enjoy the Food: Try a Nathan’s hot dog and explore the various food stands for a full culinary experience.
• Stay for the Fireworks: If you visit on a Friday night, stay for the fireworks show for a spectacular end to your day.

10.Mermaid Parade

New York City hosts numerous parades, festivals and events throughout the year but none quite as quirky as the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Celebrating the beginning of summer this events attracts participants and spectators by the thousands. You’ll notice paraders and spectators decked out in marine costumes that put Halloween to shame. It’s a lot of fun and it is entirely free; however, just make sure to arrive early in order to snag a good spot because the streets fill up quickly.

Held annually since 1983, the parade features thousands of participants dressed as mermaids, mermen, sea creatures, and mythical beings, making it a must-see spectacle for both locals and tourists. Participants go all out with their costumes, adorned with sequins, shells, body paint, and intricate accessories.

The Mermaid Parade takes place in Coney Island, which is easily accessible by subway. The D, F, N, and Q trains all stop at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue, just a short walk from the parade route. Buses and taxis are also convenient options for getting there.

Tips for Visitors

• Join the Fun: Consider dressing up in a sea-themed costume to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
• Explore Coney Island: After the parade, take the time to enjoy the other attractions Coney Island has to offer, such as the amusement parks, the boardwalk, and the beach.
• Stay Hydrated: With all the excitement and the summer heat, it’s important to stay hydrated. Bring water or purchase drinks from vendors along the parade route.