So you want to visit New York City? The Big Apple. The City of Dreams.
 
New York City has over 145 museums… 26,000 restaurants… and thousands of tourist attractions.
 
If you want to come here, then how do you know you’re going to get the best experience?

How will you know where to find the best food?

How are you going to make the most out of your limited time and your budget?
 
I can help you. You see, I’ve explored every corner of the 5 Boroughs. I’ve eaten in every one of New York’s 250 neighborhoods.
 
Let me give you a digital, audio, interactive tour of New York with my latest guidebook, The Essential NYC Travel Guide, so you can tour New York’s best spots without thinking twice!

This guide will be periodically updated to make sure you always have the most current recommendations.

NYC, NY, USA

The Essential NYC Travel Guide

As of 2022, New York City now has five skyscraper observation decks to choose from! It can be hard to choose which one to visit. There’s time and money to consider. I’m going to help you decide by breaking down what makes each one a great pick and for what specific circumstances. 

I highly recommend going to at least one observation deck, because viewing the city from a high viewpoint is an unforgettable experience. I am not exaggerating. The photos and the memories will be spectacular. I’ve lived in NYC my entire life and each experience of going up a skyscraper and seeing the entire dense cityscape before my eyes are forever imprinted in my mind.

If you’re staying in NYC for two weeks or more, I would recommend visiting at least two observation decks. For each offers something different.

A Note on Buying Tickets to NYC Attractions

Now, which Observation Deck should you choose for the best NYC experience? Let’s break it down.

One World Trade Center is the tallest skyscraper in NYC (as of November 2022) and is the best for people who want a very calming experience and for when it’s brutal cold outside and you want to warm and toasty while enjoying the views of the city.

The world was irrevocably changed by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Some of you who are reading this right now witnessed the events unfold on teleevision, and others who are younger are learning about this tragedy via textbooks at school. Therefore, a trip to New York isn’t complete without visiting these hollowed grounds of the World Trade Center. 

The memorial is free to visit and in my opinion, as a New Yorker who witnessed the events unfold only a borough away, the city has done a great job in remembering those who lost their lives with the thoughtful architecture and landscape design.

This observation is also located within walking distance to many major landmarks such as Trinity Church, the Wall Street Bull, the Oculus (World Trade Center Transportation Hub), Fraunces Tavern, the ferry to Statue of Liberty, etc. 

However what makes One World Trade Center unique? The entire observation deck is indoors, unlike the other four observation decks that offer exterior decks as well. This may sound like a flaw but it’s perfect for two reasons:

First, it’s great for brutal cold days or when there’s inclement weather (note: your visibility might be low if it’s too cloudy). This is especially the case if you’re visiting NYC from Janurary - March.

Second, if you have a fear of heights or suffer from vertigo, this is the easiest observation deck to visit. I myself have visited One World Trade Center with multiple people who are both afraid of heights and experience vertigo, and they felt calm visiting this observation deck.

This is the most sturdy skyscraper built in the world, studded with bulletproof glass and the core is poured with the strongest concrete ever made in history. When you’re inside, you feel like you’re in a building built like a fort. 

There’s also plenty of places to sit in order to enjoy the view.

Also, you can enjoy the beautiful 360-degree views of the city while dining at One Dine Restaurant or sipping a warm cup of coffee from Illy Caffe.

The Empire State Building is the best place to visit if you’re a history lover. It is arguably the most famous skyscraper in the world. Name me a more famous skyscraper, I dare you!

Of course, King Kong made it famous back in 1931 and with its subsequent retellings. I recommend watching Peter Jackson’s King Kong before visiting! It’s truly an underrated movie. Also in 1945 it was also the site of B-25 bomber crash. Yikes!

The history of this impressive feat of engineering is beautifully laid out throughout the museum as you make your way up to the three levels of observation decks. Take your sweet time reading the history and enjoying the views.

There are no food nor drink options, so be sure to eat beforehand. 

Also if you’re on a really special date, here’s a pro-tip. The spire on top of the Empire State Building gets struck by lightening at an average of 23 times per year. If you time it just right and visit after a storm, when you kiss your significant other, sparks will literally fly between both of your lips. Yes, this was depicted in a Gossip Girl episode.

Don’t worry about being cold too much either! They have outdoor heaters for your comfort on the exterior part of the 86th floor.

However to access the 102nd floor is an additional cost. I highly recommend upgrading your ticket, it’s 100% worth it! The 102nd floor is located at the base of spire, it’s small and offers 360-degree views of NYC unlike anything else.

PRO-TIP: Empire State Building offers tickets to see the sunrise once a week, if you’re an early-bird it’s worth it for an unforgettable experience.

The one downside of going to the Empire State Building is that you can’t see the actual Empire State Building! Thus if you’re looking for the perfect New York photo opportunity then Top of the Rock is for you! 

Yes, it’s the lowest of the observation decks, but the views alone are worth it.

The Empire State Building is in direct line-of-sight of the Top of the Rock observation deck along with Central Park on the opposite side. That’s why out of all the observation decks this my number one recommendation for the best sunset in NYC. 

There’s three levels. One mostly indoors, the second with benches and glass barriers, and the third is the rooftop with no barriers. Up there it feels like you’re standing on a private balcony with the views of the Big Apple just for you.

Note: there are no food nor drinks available, so eat beforehand. 

Pro-tip: To view the sunset arrive at least two hours prior.   

The Edge is great for thrill seekers and for a romantic date night. 

The Champagne Bar offers light food service while you sip on some classic champagne and enjoy the city views. 

For the thrill seekers there is the city climb. It’s the highest open-air ascent on a skyscraper in the world. Note tickets are sold separately. 

Without having to get tethered to a safety rope you can stay on the 99th floor which is partly covered with glass flooring that allows you to see straight down to street level. 

Every corner of this building has a picture worthy angle. This is a great place for photo opportunities due to how open it feels. 

Pro-tip: If it’s a day with low-lying clouds, go! You will feel like you’re on top of the clouds. 

Going into One Vanderbilt is like going into a fun house. It’s the newest supertall skyscraper to join the ranks in Manahattan standing at 93 stories tall.

Inside the observation deck, there is the main room with mirrors everywhere and a light show after sunset. This isn’t for the faint of heart. Along with a balloon room, perfect if you’re visiting with kids. 

For an additional charge, there’s The Summit Ascent. It’s a 12-story elevator ride right outside the top floors of the skyscraper! This experience is not recommended for someone afraid of heights. Otherwise, it is an unforgettable experience. I especially enjoy it at night. 

Note: The One Vanderbilt experience is a one-way tour! Make sure you take your time at each part to fully enjoy everything. This is the one observation deck that you want to allot the most time, at least 4 hours.

Food and drink are available towards the end of the experience. Don’t wear high-heeled shoes or heavy work boots as they are not allowed.

So you want to visit one of the greatest cities in the world: New York?

However with 8 million people, 5 boroughs, and countless things to do… where do you begin? 

I’m going to help you skip the long planning phase by providing you with the essential things you need to know for the best New York City vacation.

The topics I chose for this guide are based upon the thousands of questions I’ve received in the past six years that I’ve made New York City videos. I’ve explored every corner of this city. Plus I’ve traveled extensively abroad. I know how overwhelming it can be to travel to a city for the first time, and I’m here to help.

There are certain topics everyone asks about and I’ve honed down on exactly the information you need in a concise and straightforward manner. Just like New Yorkers, we ain’t going to bullshit, we get straight to the point.

Are you ready for the time of your life? Let’s go!

This also applies to anywhere in the world. 

That said, there are many great hotels in NYC accommodating all price ranges, but here are three hotels located in the heart of Manhattan that I’ve stayed in and personally recommend.

This hotel is located in a renovated historic townhouse right by Park Avenue and three blocks from Grand Central Terminal. The rooms are spacious (for NYC standards), beds are comfortable, and bathrooms are well designed. 

There’s also a speakeasy (secret cocktail bar) located right inside the hotel called Raines Law Room. 

If you’re looking for a casual bite and drink, downstairs there is a great English-style pub restaurant called The Shakespeare. It’s cozy and perfect after a long day of galavanting in the city.

The William NYC

The Raines Law Room at The William

The Shakespeare

INNSIDE New York NOMAD

Margaritaville Resort Times Square

Dallas BBQ Times Square

One World Trade Center

Eataly NYC Downtown

SUITED

Empire State Building

New Wonjo

Dominique Ansel Workshop

Grace Street Coffee & Desserts

Top of The Rock

Blue Bottle Coffee

Quality Meats

Bibble & Sip

Edge

Miznon

Black Fox Coffee

In Common NYC Cafe

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Siena Pizza

Little Collins

Pershing Square

Gabriel Kreuther

American Museum of Natural History

Bethesda Terrace

Bow Bridge

Cleopatra's Needle

Imagine Mosaic

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Museum of the Moving Image

New York Transit Museum

RiseNY

Lillie's Victorian Establishment