Back in NYC for round two? We’ve got all the gen you need for acing the city on your second pass. We’re talking the best under-the-radar sightseeing, cool local hangs, a serious upgrade on sips and snacks and – oh ok, if you insist – a doubling-down on some of the attractions you saw first time that are so good they merit a re-run (looking at you, Empire State Building). Ready for your NYC encore? Excellent, because it’s showtime!
New York’s greatest hits, redux
New York’s greatest hits, redux
New York is all about the views, and don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise. Just think about that iconic skyline, where some of the planet’s tallest superscrapers jockey for position alongside old-school Art-Deco beauts like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler. Then there are the swoonsome bridges (well hello there Brooklyn, Manhattan and George Washington) and the great green meadows and shimmering lakes of Central Park; not to mention Circle Line Cruise close-ups of that great queen of American freedom: Lady Liberty herself.
Of course, if you’ve been to New York before, chances are you already ticked most of these off your list. But attractions as good as these often merit a repeat visit, am I right? Let’s face it, if the Empire State Building’s stately dignity, lofty skyline views and growling King Kong replica can’t take your breath away more than once, you’re probably dead inside. Ok, so maybe you’re a ‘once and done’ kinda person, in which case, if you’ve already been to the top of the ESB, why not try its near-neighbor Top of The Rock instead? Its uninterrupted views of the Empire State put it head and shoulders over many of the city’s sky-high observatories. Had your fill of Top of The Rock already too? Jeez, you don’t half get around. Hit up young whippersnappers like Edge (terrifying see-through floor) or One World Observatory (tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, vertigo fans) instead.
Likewise, Circle Line cruises around Manhattan never get old. Already done the Statue of Liberty cruise? Try the big kahuna this time instead: a three-hour circuit of the entire island that takes in more than 130 major NYC landmarks along the way. It always reveals new surprises, no matter how many times you’ve done it before. There’s always something new to discover in Central Park, too. Try a guided cycling tour to really get beneath the park’s skin (or, um, grass), or get to know this great green lung’s most famous TV and movie sites on a fun walking tour.
Under-the-radar attractions
Under-the-radar attractions
Just as NYC has many attractions so good you need to see them twice, so too several big-ticket landmarks don’t really require a second look. Staten Island Ferry flypast of the Statue of Liberty? Once is enough. Selfie with Spidey on Times Square? Don’t get pulled into his web. Lunch from a hot dog cart? Ew!
Instead, strike out for another angle on that Insta-tastic Manhattan skyline. The Brooklyn Bridge is as good a place to start as any. Rent a bike if you don’t fancy the hike across to DUMBO, then park up to continue along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Brooklynites will die on the hill that this pedestrianized walkway has the best views in NYC bar none. And you know what? They ain’t wrong. And, while you’re in this part of the city, you might as well make the best of it. Hit up the fabulous Brooklyn Museum for a romp through art history, from Ancient Egyptian artifacts to eye-popping contemporary art from America’s finest: Georgia O’Keeffe, Norman Rockwell and Emil Fuchs, to name just a few. Art appetite whetted? Try a walking tour of the borough’s street-art hotspots. Or take it down a notch and locate your inner zen at the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden in Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Back in Manhattan, get your gothic architecture fix at some of the city’s finest churches and cathedrals. Sat cheek-and-jowl with the modern glass facade of 30 Rock, the mighty St Patrick’s, with its soaring spires, kaleidoscopic rose window and massive pipe organ is an absolute must-see. Likewise Trinity Church, a 19th-century gothic revival confection that stands at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway; a house of god in a place where many only worship money. For something a little more intimate (and maybe just a little spooky), join a candlelit tour of the catacombs beneath St Patrick’s Old Cathedral, a two-centuries-old basilica set deep in the heart of what is now Chinatown.
Elsewhere, there are plenty more under-the-radar museums to discover if you already ticked off the Met (as we assume you did) last time around. We’re talking the Museum at Eldridge Street, a restored 1887 synagogue that really brings New York’s Jewish story to life, the Fraunces Tavern Museum for a deep-dive into the Revolutionary Wars, and – inflatable boobs, anyone? – the Museum of Sex. You saucy devils! You’ll find these (and many more museums of all stripes and sizes) included with the New York Pass.
Anyone for seconds? Top foodie picks for return visitors
Anyone for seconds? Top foodie picks for return visitors
If you didn’t scoff oversized pastrami sandwiches at Katz’s and slurp Manhattan after Manhattan in Manhattan on your first visit, well, what exactly were you doing the whole time? Anyway, NYC visit 2.0 is your time to shine. And eat. And drink. But more like a local this time. So dodge the tourist traps, the hot-dog carts and the ubiquitous New York pizza joints and wrap your laughing gear around this lot instead.
The Bronx Beer Hall. Nestled inside the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, this friendly neighborhood hangout showcases the best of the local craft ale scene. Grab a communal table, order up a flight of beers, and soak it all up with meatball parm sliders or a pizza slice from one of the in-house vendors.
Lower East Side food crawl. It’s hard to go wrong down here in Loisaida. Kick off with Kiki’s on Division Street, a lively Greek spot that nails the unpretentious taverna vibe – share grilled octopus, horiatiki salad and lamb chops for the win. Or slide into Cervo’s on Canal for Iberian-style garlicky clams, sardine toast, anchovy butter and crispy oysters paired with ice-cold white wine. Alternatively, a satisfyingly chewy slice at Scarr’s Pizza on Orchard also hits the mark. Bonus: you’re close to the Museum at Eldridge Street and the candlelight catacombs tour here.
Vinegar Hill House in Brooklyn. Cobblestone streets, leafy backyards and a farmhouse feel; Vinegar Hill House serves rustic comfort just north of DUMBO. Come for the small-but-perfectly-formed cocktail list, stay for the silky chicken liver mousse, Red Wattle pork chop and Guinness cake with cream cheese frosting. The cozy garden courtyard really comes into its own in summer.
Izakaya Mew in Koreatown. Shareable Japanese tapas and retro vinyl records spinning on a vintage player? Count us in. You’ll find this old-school industrial-chic joint tucked below street level in Midtown, just a couple of shakes of the lamb’s tail from the Empire State Building.
Smorgasburg. Don’t skip the near-legendary weekend food market over in trendy Williamsburg, where a festival atmosphere and sensational skyline views keep the party vibe strong, and more than 100 vendors ensure you’ll never go hungry, or thirsty. Gooey mac’n’cheese, life-changing lobster rolls and sweet, sweet St Louis butter cake for the win.
The city that sometimes sleeps: where to rest your head on visit #2
The city that sometimes sleeps: where to rest your head on visit #2
So you’ve already done New York once. You’ve got the subway down, you know you’re Astoria from your NoHo, and you’re ready to ditch the pricey Midtown digs to flop somewhere a little more affordable, a little hipper, a little more… you. Try these for size…
Long Island City, Queens. Just one stop from Midtown via multiple lines, LIC has skyline views that stretch for miles – and your budget stretches with them. Calmer and quieter than Midtown, hotels here lean to larger windows with postcard Manhattan panoramas. A great location, more affordable accommodation (try the smart Ravel and Boro hotels) and a glut of indie coffee shops and breweries within stumbling distance. Perfect.
DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn. For postcard views without the Midtown price tag, base yourself by the bridges. In downtown Brooklyn, Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown is a dependable choice with easy access to multiple subway lines. But, if you’re looking for the full 5-star Brooklyn experience, we’re 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge all the way – think glitzy rooftop bars and pools with peerless Manhattan views, a sprawling spa and decadent suites with windows that perfectly frame the majestic Brooklyn Bridge.
Staten Island’s North Shore. Craving harbor views and a gentler pace? Staten Island’s regular ferry services make it an easy pick. Oh, and of course there are the views of Lady Liberty and Manhattan island’s southern bay. Good-value, spacious rooms make this an especially good pick for families. Try the Hampton Inn & Suites Staten Island or Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island for size.
The Bronx: Mott Haven and around the stadium. The Bronx’s industrial-chic lofts, colorful murals and hip-hop and ballpark history promise a different perspective on NYC. Budget travelers should consider Best Western Plus Stadium Inn for clean, compact rooms close to Yankee Stadium. Or, for mid‑range comfort with a touch more character, the Opera House Hotel sets you up in a landmark Beaux‑Arts beauty with high ceilings and an opulent lobby—perfect for a low‑key (but also slightly decadent) nightcap.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Waterfront strolls, sensational skyline views and a buzzing nightlife. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, try this hip Brooklyn ‘hood, from where I and G trains and the East River Ferry (or, should your little legs be up to it, a bike ride across the Williamsburg Bridge) will have you in the thick of the action in no time. For a budget‑friendly perch, Pod Brooklyn promises space‑smart rooms, leafy courtyards and a prime address just off Bedford Avenue. Penny Williamsburg’s roomy studios deliver a mid-range residential experience, while the William Vale’s swish rooftop pool scene and sweeping Manhattan views are our pick if you fancy pushing the boat out.
In summary: what to do (and redo) on a return NYC trip
In summary: what to do (and redo) on a return NYC trip
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Redo. Skyline moments like Top of the Rock, Empire State Building and Circle Line cruises. Mix up the views by going at different times of day (or night) from last time.
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Rethink. Swap the big museums you already ticked off for smaller gems like the Museum at Eldridge Street or the Fraunces Tavern Museum.
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Second servings. Get off the beaten track for sweet eats (and drinks) at Williamsburg’s weekly market, Brooklyn’s beer halls, and under-the-radar neighborhood restaurants.
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Where to stay. Give Midtown madness a miss and opt for neighboring boroughs with easy transport links to the center: Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island for the win.
