5 Things to Do in The City That Never Sleeps

New York is probably one of the most famous cities in the world. Rivaled by London, Paris, and Shanghai, it still retains its reputation as a global hub and melting pot inside of the US. Unlike other capitals, however, New York has a reputation as a city that never sleeps, making it easy to have fun any time of the day. 

But it’s not just a fun place to be and a diverse spot where all nationalities meet, it is also a cultural and educational hub, with some of the best museums and universities (like New York University, for instance) located here.

But what are some of the touristy and not-so-touristy attractions to do here? We suggest 5 options below.

Console Gaming 

Gaming enthusiasts can’t agree on the pros and cons of pc gaming vs console gaming, as both platforms have their own unique strengths and appeal to different types of gamers. However, New York City has a lot to offer for lovers of the consoles, in particular. The city features many console shops, some of the most famous ones include Video Games New York, Gotham City Games, Nintendo NY, and J & L Game. Famously, New York is home to the Nintendo World Store, in Rockefeller Center. 

After all, the first-ever video game console was showcased in New York. The Magnavox Odyssey was displayed around various locations in the city in the 1970s. There was also a time when New York was home to Evo East, where gamers could compete in console fighting tournaments. Then, in the 1980s, the city became famous for its arcade consoles. 

To the present day, New York is a big center of console gaming. New York Comic Con is one of the largest festivals that often hosts gaming initiatives that attract thousands of gamers. 

Explore Museums

New York is the heaven of art lovers and museum-goers. Particularly the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) deserves to be mentioned. Met is one of the largest and most famous art museums in the world. Located east of Central Park, Met features a collection of art from Ancient Egyptian archeological findings to contemporary pieces, spanning 5,000 years.

Reflecting New York’s reputation as a global site, Met has something to offer from each region of the world, featuring Middle Age European, modern American, and ancient Asian artworks. Particularly important things to see include the Temple of Dendur, the Impressionist Gallery, and the Costumes Institute. 

Throughout the year, there are various cultural and educational workshops available as well. Make sure to check them out!

Visit the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous NYC landmarks not just in the US but in the entire world, but not everyone knows that Lady Liberty is actually French. It was a gift to the US from the French people and was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. 

Interestingly, Gustave Eiffel, the builder of the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, was the one to assemble the statue’s metal framework. Lady Liberty served as an inspiration for various cultural and political events. Most recently, Elizabeth Warren used the greenish shade of the Statue of Liberty as her main campaign color, dubbing it ‘liberty green’.

To get to the statue, take a ferry from Battery Park. On your way, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the city and explore the nearby museum. You can walk around Ellis Island as well - this was the first port of entry to the United States from various countries, immigrants from which often escaped poverty to seek refuge in the US.

The National Museum on Ellis Island features personal stories of immigrants who came to the US, often with little to no money and a lot of hope to build their American dream. 

Times Square 

Time Square is probably one of the most photographed spots in the US, if not in the world. It is a commercial hub in Midtown Manhattan, famous for its huge billboards, bright lights, and crowds of locals and tourists alike. 

Times Square is where the Broadway Theaters are. Along with London’s West End, this is a place where famous actors perform musicals and plays beloved by the public. Attending a play here can be quite costly and finding a ticket can be difficult at the last minute, so make sure to book in advance to see one of the world-famous stars play. 

See Astoria

Astoria neighborhood in Queens is one of the less-known things to do for tourists. It is an incredibly rich, diverse neighborhood that is perfect for art and culture lovers. If you like museums, check out the Museum of the Moving Image. After, grab a bite in one of the Greek bakeries and cafes. This neighborhood is particularly famous for its connections with Greek immigrants who built a culturally rich and gastronomically pleasing presence in this part of the town. And lastly, check one of the many breweries for quality craft beer.