New York City is a metropolis of two halves. For every soaring glass skyscraper, there is a subterranean jazz haunt; for every neon billboard, a quiet community garden. Navigating the city effectively requires mastering the high-low NYC experience, balancing the iconic, world-class landmarks with the authentic grit that defines the five boroughs.
Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a seasoned Manhattanite, this secret guide will help you navigate the Big Apple like a Yank in 2026.
Top Ten Things to See in New York: The Icons Reimagined
Even the most seasoned travellers can’t resist a classic attraction in New York. But in 2026, the “must-sees” have been reimagined to offer more than just a selfie-stick moment.
- The Summit One Vanderbilt: Forget the old decks; this is an immersive art experience with mirrors and floating silver spheres.
- The High Line: Now extending further into the West Side, offering new public art commissions.
- Central Park: Specifically, the newly restored Lasker Rink and Pool area.
- The Statue of Liberty: Take the early ferry to beat the rush, or view her from the free Staten Island Ferry (it’s a classic for a reason).
- Grand Central Terminal: Not just for trains, but for the “Whispering Gallery” outside the Oyster Bar.
- Brooklyn Bridge: Walk it at sunrise for the best light and fewest selfies.
- The Met: Head straight to the Cantor Rooftop Garden for a drink with a view.
- Rockefeller Center: Revisit the “Top of the Rock” for the most symmetrical view of the Empire State Building.
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum: A poignant, essential stop in Lower Manhattan.
- Times Square: Best enjoyed quickly, ideally on your way to a show.
Secret Tip: If you want the best view of the skyline without the $40 price tag, head to the Roosevelt Island Tramway. It costs $2.90 per ride and provides a stunning aerial view of the East River and Midtown.
Undiscovered NYC: Hidden Speakeasies and Secret Gardens
Hidden speakeasies are what kept the city lubricated during Prohibition and continue to thrive today. Undiscovered NYC isn’t found on a map; it’s found behind unmarked doors and inside phone booths.
For a tantalising taste of the underground, seek out Please Don’t Tell (PDT) in the East Village, accessed through a vintage phone booth inside a hot dog joint. Alternatively, find Attaboy on Eldridge Street, look for the simple “AB” on the door and ring the bell. If you prefer flora to spirits, the Elizabeth Street Garden in Nolita offers a whimsical escape filled with statues and quiet benches.
Secret Tip: Many hidden speakeasies don’t have menus. Tell the bartender your preferred spirit and what tickles your tastebuds (e.g. “smoky and herbaceous”), and let them create a bespoke cocktail just for you.
The NYC Insider’s Handbook: Broadway Lottery Tickets and Dim Sum Dumpling Crawls
New York is famously not cheap, but those in the know rarely pay full price. One cool thing to do in New York is to play the “Broadway Lottery.”
Broadway lottery tickets are the best way to see a Tony-winning show for as little as $30. Apps like TodayTix or official show websites host digital draws 24 hours before the performance. If you win, you’ve got yourself a world-class seat for the price of a posh lunch.
Speaking of lunch, skip the tourist traps in Midtown and head south for a Chinatown dumpling crawl. Gorge yourself on handmade pork buns, spicy wontons, and soup dumplings at hidden gems like Nom Wah Tea Parlor or Shu Jiao Fu Zhou. It’s the ultimate way to see one of the most famous areas in New York while eating like a king on a budget.
Secret Tip: For the dumpling crawl, bring cash. Many of the most authentic holes-in-the-wall in Chinatown don’t accept cards.
Romance in the City: What is the Number One Thing to Do in NYC for Couples?
New York is the backdrop for thousands of rom-coms, but what is the number one thing to do in NYC for couples? While a carriage ride in Central Park is classic, the real winner is a Sunset Sail on the Hudson.
Boarding a vintage Schooner boat at Chelsea Piers as the sun dips behind the Statue of Liberty provides a level of intimacy you won’t find on a crowded observation deck. It’s widely considered one of the best sites to see in New York.
Manhattanhenge 2026
If boat rides aren’t your thing, then the elusive Manhattanhenge remains one of the city’s most breathtaking celestial displays. Manhattanhenge occurs when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west street grid, transforming the buildings into a glowing solar corridor. These are the best times to witness Manhattanhenge in 2026:
- Good: Half Sun: Wednesday, May 28, 2026, at 8:14 PM ET
- Best: Full Sun: Thursday, May 29, 2026, at 8:13 PM ET
- Best: Full Sun: Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 8:20 PM ET
- Good: Half Sun: Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 8:21 PM ET
Secret Tip: The best spots to witness the epic sunsets are on 14th, 34th, 42nd, and 57th East-West Streets.
The Icons vs. ‘Secret’ Dupes
| Famous Icon | ‘Secret’ Dupe | Why we like it |
| Empire State Building | Overstory in the Financial District | This is arguably the most “cool” high-altitude bar in NYC right now. It features a wraparound terrace that allows you to walk around the entire building, nearly 800 feet in the sky. |
| MoMA | The Noguchi Museum (Queens) | A serene, indoor-outdoor space dedicated to sculpture, free from the Midtown crowds. |
| Magnolia Bakery | Supermoon Bakehouse | Skip the “Sex and the City” hype for world-class, inventive pastries in the Lower East Side. |
| Central Park Zoo | The Bronx Zoo | It is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world and offers a much more immersive experience. |
What are the most famous areas in New York to stay?
For first-timers, Midtown is the most convenient for seeing the top ten things to see in New York. However, if you want a cooler, more residential vibe, look at the West Village or Williamsburg in Brooklyn.
How do I find hidden speakeasies in NYC?
Look for “businesses” that seem out of place, like a laundry mat that’s open late but has no one doing laundry, or a modest tailor shop with a well-dressed bouncer outside. Social media is the best way to get the latest addresses.
What is the best way to see New York on a budget?
Walk as much as possible. New York is a city of neighbourhoods. Combine walking with the subway, take advantage of “Pay-What-You-Wish” hours at museums, and always check for Broadway lottery tickets before paying box-office prices.