Teale's Top Ten: NYC Tourist Activities

I receive messages pretty much every day from people asking what they should do on their trip to New York City. NYC can be a daunting place to tackle as a tourist because there's just so much to see and do (and eat)! So I thought I would make up a list of things I recommend people check out while visiting my glorious city. NYC truly is the greatest city in the world, and I just want everyone to love it as much as I do!

Random side note: these pictures are from my favorite photo shoot to date. This past summer I had the silly idea to take an inflatable creature into Bryant Park (that's the New York Public Library behind us) and wear matching tutus. Luckily my girl LJ and angelic photographer Lauren love going along with my crazy plans!

01. Bus Tour.

Taking a bus tour of New York City is the number one thing I recommend to people who are visiting the city for the first time. If possible, do it on your very first day here. It's the best way to quickly see the entire city and then you can always go back to the areas you were most intrigued by.

02. Broadway.

I know I'm biased but I definitely think everyone should see at least one Broadway show while they're visiting the city. Plus, while you're walking to the theater you can pass through Times Square! Two birds, one stone. Here is a blog post about how to get the best ticket discounts and here is a $10 off code to my favorite ticket buying app Today Tix.

03. Top of the Rock.

I visited the Top of the Rock this summer with my parents and it was truly incredible. Obviously, the view was insane and having the Empire State Building in the distance makes for the perfect photo shoot background.

04. Chelsea.

Two of my favorite popular tourist attractions are located in this Manhattan neighborhood! First stop by the adorable Chelsea Market for shopping and lunch. Then head over to walk the beautiful Highline. The Chelsea Highline was originally an above ground train track that was converted into a park in 2009. It's a beautiful trail to walk in almost any season and the end of the Highline leads to the next place on my list.

05. Museums.

NYC has arguably the best museums in the world and my favorite, The Whitney, is nestled in the Meatpacking District at the tail end of the Chelsea Highline. The Whitney is an American museum of modern art and the view of the city from the roof is breathtaking. Obviously, the MOMA and the Met are totally incredible too and I recommend reserving several hours of tour time when visiting each one.

06. The Brooklyn Bridge.

This gorgeous bridge is a National Historic Landmark and is the oldest roadway bridge in the United States. If you decide to walk across the entire bridge, LJ recommends stopping for pizza in Brooklyn at Grimaldi’s or Juliano's.

07. Financial District.

This part of town is right next door to the Brooklyn Bridge and surprisingly has a ton to see! The Ground Zero memorial is breathtaking and the 9/11 Museum is extremely powerful, but I definitely don't recommend taking kids. The Charging Bull statue is an excellent photo opportunity and while you're there you should walk over to Wall Street and check out the New York Stock Exchange Building. If you are a fan of the musical Hamilton, then you should totally stop by Trinity Church to visit Alexander Hamilton's grave.

08. Ellis Island.

Honestly one of my favorite childhood New York memories was when we spent the day touring Ellis Island and visiting the Statue of Liberty. My great-grandparents emigrated to the US as teenagers, so exploring the buildings and customs rooms they had been in was surreal and emotional. I definitely recommend going on this tour. (If you're on a budget and a time crunch but still want to see the Statue of Liberty, then you should consider hopping on the Staten Island Ferry for a quick drive by because it's free to ride!)

09. Washington Square Park.

I promise if you visit this historic Greenwich Village park you will feel like a total New Yorker. The arch is a gorgeous photo opportunity, there are always street musicians performing, and one of my favorite buildings (One Fifth Avenue) towers over it. Afterward, you should wander down McDougal Street, check out Bleeker Street, and then venture on into SOHO.

10. Spring Street.

This adorable street cuts through lower Manhattan horizontally and I just really love it. Start in the West Village and meander on over to the East side. The architecture and the shopping is fantastic.