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The lifestyle in New York City is energetic, exciting and ever-changing. You’ll find countless restaurants, nightlife hotspots, shopping destinations and events to enjoy, not to mention an abundance of theatre, arts and culture venues, health and beauty centres, and sports facilities.
New York City’s diversity means you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes in this fast-paced city.
Shopping in New York City
With a vast and varied calibre of shopping options, shopping in New York City will have you struggling to hold onto your purse strings. From never-ending shopping streets to packed flea markets, it’s easy to while away the hours browsing.
The infamous Fifth Avenue is a must, even if only for window shopping, as is trendy Madison Avenue, lined with designer shops including the likes of Chanel and Prada. The cobblestone streets of SoHo also host many chic outlets. On the other hand, Chinatown and the Lower East Side have bargains aplenty for price-conscious shoppers.
Nightlife and eating out in New York City
As you might imagine, nightlife and eating out in New York City are as varied as the city itself. Whether you’re in the mood for a chic jazz lounge, world-renowned DJs spinning mixes or a wild nightclub, New York really does have something to meet every reveller’s expectations. This is, after all, the city that never sleeps. Each of the New York boroughs has a unique nightlife scene, so don’t be afraid to explore new places.
While roadside vendors selling everything from hot dogs to bagels are a common sight in New York, there are also many excellent restaurants to try. All kinds of cuisine can be found in New York, so if you’re fond of dining out, you can have whatever your heart (or stomach) desires.
For the best variety, head to Queens. Chinatown is good for all types of Asian fare; the East Village has Ukrainian, Indian, Japanese and Mediterranean eateries; and a fantastic selection of African and soul food restaurants are based in Harlem. There are steakhouses, as well as Italian restaurants and pizzerias sprinkled throughout the city.
Arts and culture in New York City
For arts and culture buffs, it doesn’t get any better than New York. The city boasts internationally acclaimed art exhibitions, and new productions pop up weekly in the Big Apple.
Galleries and museums in New York range from massive to tiny, and attract millions to the city each year. Along Fifth Avenue, the city’s famous Museum Mile plays host to popular museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim, as well as the lesser-known El Museo del Barrio and the Museum of the City of New York. New York’s best art galleries are in Chelsea, but if you’re looking to view something edgier, head to Queens.
Taking a trip down Broadway is a must for newcomers to New York. Wicked, a retelling of The Wizard of Oz through the eyes of the misunderstood green witch Elphaba, has become a modern classic, won multiple Tony awards, and has been running continuously since its debut in 2003. You can choose from time-tested classics such as The Lion King or widely hailed contemporary shows like Hamilton. With constant new productions, there’s always plenty to choose from on Broadway.
If you’re hoping to spot a celebrity, you may also have some luck in the New York theatre scene – many famous musicians and actors have graced the Broadway stages. Some of Broadway’s recent famous residents have included Hugh Jackman, Josh Groban, and Jessica Chastain.
Outdoor activities and sports in New York City
With so much going on in terms of shopping, eating out, entertainment and nightlife, you can’t help but wonder when you’ll ever get time to keep fit. Outdoor activities and sports in New York City are popular among New Yorkers who are fairly image-conscious, and you’ll soon get used to the sight of runners in Central Park, cyclists biking to work and people somehow finding the time to fit in the odd gym session or yoga class.
Largely thanks to film and television, Central Park has become internationally known and holds the distinction of being one of the most-filmed locations worldwide. Even so, it remains a wonderful natural haven to escape to, with 843 acres (341 hectares) of beautiful gardens and lakes to enjoy on a day off.
If you prefer spectating rather than partaking, you’ll be pleased to learn that New York has a long sporting history. Baseball is the city’s most closely followed sport, and be sure to head to a game to see the New York Yankees or the New York Mets take to the field. American football is also a popular sport, and the city is home to both the New York Giants and the New York Jets.
See and do in New York City
The list of things to see and do in New York seems limitless – sightseeing in the city could take up nearly all of your free time on its own. Below is our selection of recommended sights to see in New York City.
Statue of Liberty
With a history dating back to the 1800s, the Statue of Liberty has become a universal symbol of freedom and democracy, and is a must-see for newcomers to New York.
Empire State Building
Built in just 410 days, the famous Empire State Building is one of New York’s tallest structures at 1,250 feet (381m) tall. The building’s observation decks offer splendid views of the city.
Times Square
Known by many illustrious nicknames such as ‘the Centre of the Universe’ and ‘the Crossroads of the World’, this famous intersection at the corner of Broadway and 42nd Street is a feast of sound and colour, with flashing advertisements and gigantic billboards all around.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
With one of the largest art collections in the world, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (known simply as ‘the Met’) is an appealing stop for newcomers in New York. The museum houses close to two million artworks from all over the globe. The collection includes not just the paintings and sculptures one would expect at an art museum, but also ancient weapons and armour, antique musical instruments and authentic historical clothing and accessories.
Meeting people and making friends in New York City
Meeting people and making friends in New York City can seem daunting in such a large metropolis, but the city’s energy and diversity actually work in your favour.
The most natural way to connect with others is through shared interests – whether that’s joining photography groups, cooking classes, recreational sports leagues in Central Park, or hiking clubs that explore the city’s green spaces. Volunteering is another excellent avenue for meeting like-minded people while helping the community.
Online platforms are particularly effective in New York. Meetup hosts hundreds of groups covering everything from international expat communities to specific hobby interests. Social media groups also provide opportunities to connect, although meeting in person at organised events tends to be more effective for building lasting friendships.