If you’ve ever wished you could borrow a New Yorker to guide you around the city, this might be the next best thing. Jake Verbiest – Brooklyn resident, long-time travel specialist, and proud keeper of over 100 New York attraction partners for the New York Pass – sat down with us to spill the tea on which top attractions are most worth a visit, some of his favourite lesser-known spots and the top tips any visitor to NYC needs to know.
He may not have grown up in New York, but his dad did, and after eight years here (and over a decade in the travel industry), Jake sees the city through multiple lenses: as a local, as a lifelong visitor, and now through the wide-eyed wonder of his young son. As he puts it, “I don’t think there are many places more exciting.”
Jake’s top New York icons
These are the crowd-pleasers and hot spots that Jake insists are absolutely worth your time (and the space on your camera roll).
1. Observation Decks – yes, we know this is cheating… but any one of them is well worth it!
According to Jake, no trip to NYC is complete without heading skywards.
Each deck offers something different, and even locals like to check out more than one!
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Empire State Building & Top of the Rock: “these are both incredible Art Deco buildings that people have visited for almost a hundred years!”
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One World Observatory: “unbeatable views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.”
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Edge: “the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere,” plus, this one has a daredevil glass floor moment for those who like to look down!
“From ground level it can be difficult to get a scale of how big NY really is, and an observation deck gives you a whole new view.”
2. American Museum of Natural History
A must-visit museum that blends the old and the new: dramatic dioramas, forward-thinking exhibitions on climate change, and a fascinating look at how the city – and the world – has evolved.
Jake's take? “An absolute must-see museum, that blends the history of the city with its future.”
3. Circle Line Statue at Sunset Cruise
Circle Line has been cruising for over 80 years now and, as Jake puts it, “is an icon in and of themselves.”
“There’s no greater symbol of New York City than the Statue of Liberty and seeing Manhattan from the water really helps you understand its history.” Not to mention the stunning photo ops.
Don’t worry if you have other sunset plans though -, any one of the Circle Line cruises is a great addition to your NY itinerary!
Check out our chat with Circle Line’s Captain Ken here or have a look at which cruise to choose!
4. Rockefeller Center Tour
Jake’s enthusiasm for this one is contagious. “It’s so cool, the complex is humungous, the tour goes in several incredible buildings, beautiful lobbies and you’ll see art from world class artists. There’s lots of symbolism and abstract motifs that you would totally miss if you weren’t being guided.”
His verdict? “A totally awesome experience.”
Jake’s top underrated or lesser-known NY experiences
These are the spots Jake recommends when you want to go beyond the classics – places that are well worth a visit, but most people never do!
1. Yankee Stadium Tour
“I love it! You can really see the combination of old New York and new New York, plus it’s just incredible to see behind the scenes of such a world-class ball park.”
The tour takes you through areas most fans never get to see – from the Great Hall and the Toyota Terrace to the stadium museum filled with historic memorabilia.
2. 9/11 Museum Workshop: Hands-On Tour
“This is all about the heroism behind the scenes and features a fantastic audio tour, which really helps you understand the things in the exhibition.”
This is a storytelling-led experience where you’ll see real artefacts, powerful photographs, and hear firsthand accounts from the unseen heroes of 9/11.
3. New York Botanical Garden
This oasis in the midst of urban life is “100% worth your time! There are different exhibitions on all year round, so there’s always something new to see.”
Easily reachable from the city, this peaceful and historic garden lets you catch your breath amidst a jam-packed sightseeing adventure.
4. MoMA PS1
Located in Queens, this is the smaller sister museum of MOMA.
With constantly innovating artwork and programmes to explore, PS1 is well worth a visit. “It’s a great chance to see the work of artists you can then brag about discovering before they got famous,” says Jake.
Jake’s top tips for visiting New York
Take the subway – it’s less scary than it looks
“It’s the easiest and best way to get around – you'll be with actual New Yorkers, and feel the hustle and bustle of the city.”
Read our guide to the NYC subway for all the tips and tricks you need to ride the rails like a pro!
New Yorkers aren’t rude – they’re just speedy
“If someone seems rushed, it’s not personal.” It’s just New York being New York.
Locals walk fast and talk fast. Remember, when you’re having a lovely, chilled time on vacation, they’re just trying to live their hectic daily lives. But they are secretly friendly. “Most genuine New Yorkers are more than happy to help point you in the right direction if you ask them!”
Try the classics snacks, but don’t stop there
Bagels, pizza, hot dogs – yes they’re all worth trying according to Jake.
But, New York’s real food magic happens once you start digging a little deeper. As he puts it, “New York is incredibly diverse, and you can get amazing food from anywhere in the world.”
For Jake, Chinatown is a personal favourite and a bit of a walk down memory lane after meeting his wife in Beijing. While Flushing and Sunset Park are legendary for Chinese food, Manhattan’s Chinatown also delivers big time.
His go-to spots include the peanut sauce noodles at Shu Jiao Fu Zhou, soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai, and “pretty much anything on the menu at Taiwan Pork Chop House.”
If you’re craving something more classic New York, head to the Lower East Side. “Russ & Daughters is a favourite breakfast stop, while Katz’s Delicatessen really is worth the wait, and you can normally beat the crowds by going in the evening.”
The golden rule? Step off the beaten track when you can. “New Yorkers have high standards when it comes to food, so chances are wherever you end up, it’s going to be good.”
We tried Russ & Daughters on Jake's suggestion and it did not disappoint!
Embrace the contrast
Jake sums it up perfectly: “I live in a cute, quiet family suburb – but in 30 minutes I can be in Times Square.”
That’s New York magic.
Before you set off...
Jake’s recommendations capture exactly what makes New York so unforgettable – a blend of big-name icons, unexpected hidden gems, and the everyday magic you feel just walking around the city.
From soaring observation decks to peaceful gardens, world-class museums to neighbourhood surprises, these are the experiences that help you understand NYC the way locals do: full of energy, history and creativity.
Whether you’re here for the first time or the fifteenth, mix a few classics with something new, stay curious, embrace the bustle and don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten track.
Enjoyed this little slice of New York?
Take your trip to the next level with our complete guide to the New York Pass or check out our complete guide to Circle Line Cruises, all filled with visitor hacks and money-saving tips.
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