New York is without a doubt one of the most popular cities in the world – and for good reason! It is not only the personification of the "American Dream", but also offers a unique atmosphere, fantastic sights and plenty of culinary highlights.
If you're heading to New York soon, there's a lot for you to discover – a lot!!
Without a doubt, you'll see a few tourist highlights, such as. B. the Empire State Building, Time Square or the Statue of Liberty. But even far away from the tourist hotspots, there are many treasures to discover in New York.
We have collected the best insider tips for New York and show you which ones you should not miss on your trip!
Insider Tip 1: New York High Lane
The green oasis and the heart of New York is Central Park. A real insider tip, however, is the New York High Lane in the west of Manhattan.
The green park above the rooftops of New York serves as a recreation area and was built on the disused elevated railway line. In addition to a fantastic view over Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, High Lane also offers numerous sunbathing areas to soak up some sun, small bistros for those in-between hunger pangs, live performances by artists, and for sports enthusiasts, there are various wellness classes such as. B. Tai Chi Classes.
Admission to High Lane is completely free and hours vary from 7 a.m. to 7-11 p.m.
Insider Tip 2: City Hall Metro Station
In New York, the obligatory Metro ride is simply part of the experience. A special subway station that takes you on a little trip back in time is City Hall. The station was built in 1904 and almost 40 years later it was closed again. Since then it is no longer in use – but you can still marvel at it.
Besides beautiful architectural details and ornate glass elements, the station exudes a nostalgic charm. To get an impression yourself, you can book a tour through City Hall Station.
A little cheaper – but also much faster – is the ride with the subway line 6 to the end station. Do not get off there! The train runs a loop and passes the City Hall Station.
Insider Tip 3: HBO Film Festival Bryant Park
If you visit New York during the summertime, the HBO Film Festival in the famous Bryant Park is a real insider tip. This always takes place from June to August and shows every Monday evening film classics such as Casablanca, Ghostbusters or Footloose.
What's special: The film festival is completely free! And while there are a few tables and chairs, most New Yorkers sit on the grass with their big blankets and picnic baskets while enjoying the movie.
Insider Tip 4: Eat, eat and eat again
For many, New York is the Mecca of culinary highlights. From pizza and cronuts, to hot dogs and steaks – in New York, just about everyone will find what they're looking for.
Top restaurants you should definitely pay a visit to include: Katz's Deli (order a pastrami sandwich here), Bleeker Street Pizza, Gray's Papaya for super hot dogs and Serendipity III for unbeatable desserts (the "Forbidden Broadway Sundae" is especially recommended).
Insider tip 5: Above the rooftops of New York
A good view over New York can be found at many corners. If you don't want to wait in line in front of the Empire State Building, we recommend to go to Rockefeller Center instead.
On the roof of the building is the "Top of the Rock Observatory", from which you have a fantastic view over the whole of New York.
Unlike the Empire State Building, the observation deck of the Top of the Rocks Observatory is protected by high glass walls – giving you an unobstructed view of the skyline and making for great souvenir photos.
Insider Tip 6: Feast at the Chelsea Market
New York has a lot to offer – especially in terms of markets. From antiques, to books and clothes. A real insider tip is the Chelsea Market in the famous Meatpacking District.
The covered hall once housed a cookie factory where Oreo cookies were invented. In the meantime, however, the Chelsea Market offers a true mecca for foodies.
Besides cupcakes, fresh bread and fish you can also feast on Italian specialties and enjoy a glass of wine. We especially recommend the small bakery Sarabeth's. The cookies are great and if you are a little more hungry you should try the "Pumpkin Waffle".
Insider Tip 7: Paley Park
Also an absolute insider tip for New York is Paley Park in Midtown.
This little oasis is located on Madison Avenue and 53. street and offers a true place of tranquility if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The highlight of the park is without question the 6 meter high waterfall, which is illuminated in bright light especially in the evening.
Insider tip 8: Brooklyn Bridge photo safari
If you're already out of Manhattan, it's worth taking a tour of Brooklyn as a short detour. Not only are there many trendy neighborhoods here, such as. B. Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights& Dumbo, but you also have one of the best views of the New York skyline.
Especially in the evening we recommend the long promenade along the East River. You should make a short stop at the Brooklyn Bridge, because you can probably take the most beautiful photos from here.
Insider Tip 9: Brighton& Manhattan Beach
If you are in New York for the first time, the metropolis can be quite overwhelming. Take a break and head to one of the many beaches, like Brighton Beach or Manhattan Beach. Both are located on the small peninsula of Coney Island in the south of Brooklyn.
The miles of white sandy beach offers pure Italy feeling and allows you to cool off in the Atlantic Ocean on hot summer days. In addition, Brighton Beach also offers many Russian and Ukrainian restaurants, while at Manhattan Beach you will find various sports fields.
Insider Tip 10: "The Water Table
Our last New York insider tip is a boat trip with "The Water Table. The boat is an old military ship and offers a large viewing platform.
The ride starts in Greenpoint in Brooklyn and leads you past many sights such as the water table. B. the Brooklyn Bridge, the New York Harbor and also the Statue of Liberty. At the same time, on the 2.5-hour boat tour, you will also be served an extremely tasty three-course menu.
Tickets for the tour should be booked about a month in advance and cost between $50 to $75 per person.