- Mr Plane Guy
- Oct 30
- 6 min read
My Top 10 Things to Do in New York (2025 Edition)
By Mr Plane Guy Travel Blogger, Flight Expert & Bagel Enthusiast
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🗽 Welcome to New York
I’ve been lucky enough to fly into New York more times than I can count. I’ve done over 100 New York stopovers as a former Virgin Atlantic crew member and trust me, I’ve seen it all.
From sunrise walks across Brooklyn Bridge to cosmos in Meatpacking district, New York is still the one city that never loses its magic (or its queues).
From helicopter rides over Manhattan to late-night milkshakes at Black Tap, New York never stops it just changes attitude.
Here are my Top 10 Things to Do in New York, from skyline icons to hidden gems and a few Plane Tips to make your trip smoother, smarter, and way more stylish.
Plane Tip: I’m all for luxury for less and in New York, that means skipping individual tickets. The Go City Explorer Pass bundles 100+ attractions into one smart app. Think Empire State views, ferry rides, museums, and even The Edge, for roughly half the usual cost. Big-city fun, small-city prices.
1. 🚁 Take a Helicopter Ride Over Manhattan
If you do just one thing in New York, make it this.A helicopter tour is the ultimate AvGeek thrill, soaring past the Empire State, the Chrysler Building, and the Statue of Liberty as the skyline glows below.
👉 Read my full post: NYC Helicopter Tours & Rides, Which One’s Worth It?
Best Option: NYC: Helicopter Ride Over ManhattanIt’s pure cinematic magic and trust me, you’ll never look at the skyline the same way again.
2. 🎢 Spend a Day at Coney Island
When the skyscrapers get too much, swap them for sea air, roller coasters, and retro charm.Coney Island is chaos, colour, and nostalgia, New York’s own beach escape.
Don’t miss Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, the Wonder Wheel, and the new nostalgia walking tour a brilliant way to explore Brooklyn’s seaside soul.
3. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise
No New York trip is complete without this.Start early from the Brooklyn side, stroll toward Manhattan, and watch the skyline light up.
You’ll pass through DUMBO, Jane’s Carousel, and Time Out Market (grab coffee with skyline views).
👉 Read this Plane Blog: My full Brooklyn travel guide from bagels and “cowfee” to the best Dumbo photo spots.
4. See the City from the Sky: Edge, SUMMIT & Top of the Rock
Why settle for one view when you can have three?
The Edge (Hudson Yards): Glass floors + heart-stopping angles.
Top of the Rock: Best sunset views with the Empire State framed perfectly.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Mirrors, light, and pure sensory overload.
🎟️ Grab a New York Explorer Pass it covers all of these (and over 100 attractions), saving up to 50%.
Plane Tip: Book sunset slots early, golden hour hits different at 1,000 feet.
5. Explore Central Park Like a Local
It’s 843 acres of calm in the chaos.Start at the Imagine Mosaic, wander past the Boathouse, and grab brunch at Sarabeth’s Central Park South.
You can even cycle it, the Explorer Pass includes full-day bike rentals.
Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, PLANE tips, and PLANE deals.
6. 🗽 Sail to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
It’s cliché for a reason. Seeing Lady Liberty from the water hits differently.
Book this highly rated Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry Tour or hop the Staten Island Ferry for free skyline shots.
Plane Tip: Go early. Midday queues are worse than airport security on a bank holiday.
7. Reflect at the & Museum
A powerful, moving experience that deserves time.Book a 9/11 Memorial & Museum timed-entry ticket in advance to skip the line.
Afterwards, head to One World Observatory for a hopeful look over the city rebuilt.
8. 🛍️ Shop in SoHo, Fifth Avenue & Hudson Yards
From vintage stores in SoHo to high-end Fifth Avenue icons, NYC shopping is an experience.
My Plane favourites:New York or Nowhere store (SoHo great branding).Black Tap (Midtown for those viral milkshakes).Fifth Avenue classics Apple Store, Bath & Body Works, Louis Vuitton.(just for the photo!)
Plane Tip: Go early Sunday morning if you hate crowds (or go late if you love chaos).
If you want a stylish stay in the heart of Manhattan, check out my full Arlo NoMad Hotel Review amazing location, skyline views, and that rooftop is pure New York magic.
Explore the latest New York hotel deals on Lastminute.com and find your next Plane Luxury Escape.
Epic views in the Arlo NoMad city view queen rooms, fit for a queen!
9. Eat Your Way Around the City
9. Eat Your Way Around the City
If it’s your first time, eat like it’s a mission.Here’s my short list:
Ellen’s Stardust Diner – Singing waiters, Broadway energy.
Black Tap Midtown – Burgers + freakshakes = content gold.
Joe’s Pizza – Classic NYC slice.
Sarabeth’s – Brunch perfection.
Beast & Butterflies Bar – For neon-lit cocktails near Times Square.
10. Take a Day Trip to Niagara Falls
For a full adventure, go beyond Manhattan.
🚌 From NYC: Full-Day Niagara Falls Tour by Van Yes, it’s a long day, but absolutely worth it.🗽
Both make unforgettable additions to your trip and brilliant content days if you’re a creator like me. Don't forget to take your passport I have to say the Canada side is better!
My 3-Day New York Itinerary
If you’re short on time, this itinerary covers the must-sees with perfect pacing (and minimal subway confusion).
👉 Full New York 3-Day Itinerary here (coming soon I'm working on it!)
Highlights include:
Day 1: Brooklyn Bridge → SoHo → Helicopter Ride → The Edge.
Day 2: Central Park → Fifth Avenue → Top of the Rock.
Day 3: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt → Grand Central → with shopping and New York food places woven in between.
Final Boarding Call for JFK
From rooftop sunsets to roller coasters by the sea, New York never stops surprising.
Whether you’re a first-timer ticking off icons or a frequent flyer hunting hidden gems, these are the experiences that define the city that never sleeps.
Plane Tip: I’m all for luxury for less and in New York, that means skipping individual tickets. The Go City Explorer Pass bundles 100+ attractions into one smart app. Think Empire State views, ferry rides, museums, and even The Edge, for roughly half the usual cost. Big-city fun, small-city prices.
🎟️ Grab your New York Explorer Pass to save up to 50% on 100+ attractions, including The Edge, SUMMIT, the 9/11 Museum, and more.
Then come hungry, charge your camera, and get ready to fall in love with the world’s most cinematic city.
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About Me
a former airline insider (Virgin insider even, that sounds so wrong) who’s swapped the jump seat for the window seat. I share honest reviews, travel hacks, and a few behind-the-scenes stories.
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Plane Extras
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