To make the most of your stay in the “city that never sleeps,” the WTCA HQs team has pulled together a quick NYC guide with some recommendations of local must-see attractions, restaurants/bars and shopping areas. 

If you have any questions, please contact the WTCA HQs team at Events@wtca.org. 

Best Attractions to Visit in New York City

One World Trade Observatory

Observatory located on floors 100-102 of One World Trade Center, with exhibits & restaurants.

Address: 117 West Street, New York, NY 10007

Website: https://www.oneworldobservatory.com/

Price: $39 - $69

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Plaza, pools & exhibits honoring the victims of September 11.

Address: 180 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007

Website: https://www.911memorial.org/visit/visit-museum-1

Price: $0 - $138 (Free Admission Monday)

Central Park 

Check out the fall foliage at this urban park between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods of Manhattan. 

Address: The park spans 843 acres, starting at 59th Street (with Columbus Circle on the west side, and Fifth Avenue on the east side). 

Website: https://www.centralparknyc.org/

Price: Free

Classic Harbor Line Cruises

Luxurious yacht cruises with stunning views. Step aboard for the ultimate experience. The day sails are perfect for guests interested in seeing the sites of NYC.

Address: 62 Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, New York, NY 10011

Website: https://sail-nyc.com

Price: Varies

Comedy Cellar 

Comedy club in Manhattan where many top New York comedians perform.

Address: 117 MacDougal Street, New York, NY 10012

Website: https://www.comedycellar.com/

Price: $10 - $25

Little Island (at Pier 55)

An artificial island park in the Hudson River west of Manhattan in New York City, adjoining Hudson River Park. 

Address: Pier 55 in Hudson River Park at W 13th St, New York, NY 10014

Website: https://littleisland.org/

Price: Free

Summit One Vanderbilt 

Measuring 1,401 feet tall, One Vanderbilt is the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan and among the top 30 tallest buildings in the world. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt was conceived as an NYC immersive art experience that compels you to question your perception of the built environment, the natural world around you, and your sensorial reality.

Address: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 (near Grand Central station)

Website: https://summitov.com/

Price: $42 - $62

Statue of Liberty

A colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York City, in the United States. The copper statue, a gift from the people of France, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel. 

Address: Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

Website: https://www.statueoflibertytickets.com/

Price: $22 - $82

The Edge

Highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere – protruding 100-stories-high observation deck, with a glass floor, bar & 360-degree NYC views.

Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001 (located next to the Vessel in Hudson Yards)

Website: https://www.edgenyc.com/en

Price: $36 - $185

The Guggenheim Museum 

The Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with contemporary art.

Address: 1071 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10128

Website: https://www.guggenheim.org/

Price: Varies

The High Line

A 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan.

Address: Entrance on 30th Street at Hudson Yards, or on the corner of 23rd Street and 10th Avenue (by Chelsea Market)

Website: https://www.thehighline.org/

Price: Free

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The largest art museum in the Americas, ranking the third most visited U.S. Museum, and eighth on the list of most-visited art museums in the world. Current exhibits include “Van Gogh’s Cypresses” and “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.”

Address: 1000 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10028

Website: https://www.metmuseum.org/

Price: $0 - $30

The Whitney Museum of American Art

Museum of modern and contemporary American art.

Location: 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014

Website: https://whitney.org/

Price: $0 - $30

Times Square

Major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment hub, and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan. It is formed by the junction of Broadway, Seventh Avenue, and 42nd Street. 

Website: https://www.timessquarenyc.org/

There are great Broadway Shows to watch in Times Square (recommend Wicked, Moulin Rouge, The Lion King, Aladdin, and Six: The Musical, among others).

You can get tickets from Broadway.com or Todaytix.com

Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Plaza) – Observation Deck

Get sunset tickets to see the best NYC view from 70 floors up or you can grab a drink instead at Bar 65 at the Rainbow Room (located two floors below the observation deck). 

Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th and 67th Floors, New York, NY 10112

Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/top-of-the-rock-observation-deck

Price: $52

Great Places to Dine in New York City 

Anassa Taverna Downtown

Casual Authentic Greek Cuisine paired with a tasteful selection of Greek Wines and Botanical Cocktails

104 North End Avenue, New York, NY 10282 

https://downtown.anassataverna.com/

$$$

Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill

Japanese seafood, hot entrees & signature fried chicken plated in a sophisticated atmosphere.

84 William Street, New York, NY 10038

https://www.blueribbonsushibarandgrilldowntown.com/

$$

Del Frisco’s Grille

Sophisticated chophouse chain serving steak, seafood, sandwiches & cocktails in a lively setting.

250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281

https://www.delfriscosgrille.com/location/del-friscos-grille-brookfield-place-ny/

$$

Firenze Ristorante Toscano & Bar

Tuscan Italian restaurant and bar inside Eataly NYC Downtown market 

101 Liberty Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10007

https://www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/nyc-downtown/restaurants/firenze

$$

El Vez

Modern takes on Mexican favorites served in a flashy space with vibrant colors & a lively bar.

259 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10282

https://elveznyc.com/

$$

Industry Kitchen

Industrial-chic New American restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas & mains, plus a river view.

70 South Street, New York, NY 10005

https://www.industry-kitchen.com/

$$

L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele

The NYC outpost of the famed Napoli pizzeria from the movie “Eat Pray Love.” 

2 Bank Street, New York, NY 10014

https://damicheleusa.com/nyc-menu/

$$

 

L’Artusi 

Rustic Italian restaurant, and its sibling restaurant with Italian snacks and wine.

28 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10014 

https://www.lartusi.com/

$$$

 

B’Artusi

Rustic Italian restaurant, and its sibling restaurant with Italian snacks and wine.

520 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014

https://www.bartusinyc.com/

$$

Locanda Verde

TriBeCa hot spot showcasing rustic Italian cuisine in a lively atmosphere.

377 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013

http://www.locandaverdenyc.com/menus/

$$$

 

Manhatta

Set on the 60th floor, this ritzy, high-end restaurant features New American cuisine & city views.

28 Liberty Street, 60th floor, New York, NY 10005

https://www.manhattarestaurant.com/

$$$$

 

Mezze on the River

Mediterranean dishes & seafood in an airy restaurant with Hudson River views, plus 2 terraces.

375 South End Avenue, New York, NY 10280

https://www.mezzeontheriver.com/

$$

Nobu Downtown

Famed Japanese-Peruvian fare in a landmark space with an artful lounge & downstairs dining room.

195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007

https://noburestaurants.com/downtown/home/

$$$$

 

PJ Clarke’s on the Hudson

Burgers & other American comfort food in down-to-earth digs with a lively atmosphere.

250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281

https://pjclarkes.com/location/on-the-hudson/

$$

Seamore’s Brookfield Place

Relaxed eatery serving sustainable seafood plus beer, wine & cocktails in bright, beachy digs.

250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281

https://www.seamores.com/location/brookfield-place/

$$

Sant Ambroeus Brookfield Place

Fashionable Italian restaurant with a cocktail bar and pastry shop & private dining, plus event space.

200 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281

https://www.santambroeus.com/pages/brookfield-place-menu

$$$

 

 

Local Tip: Make reservations through the OpenTable, Resy or Seated apps. The city is busy this time of year due to tourists, and some local fairs and exhibitions

 

Great Bars to Go for a Drink 

Cedar Local

Warmly lit bar with creative cocktails plus craft beer, happy hour & bar bites.

25 Cedar Street, New York, NY 10038

https://www.cedarlocal.com/

$$

Employees Only

Inventive drinks are poured at this retro-looking, Prohibition-style bar. Ranked No. 47 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2022.

510 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014

https://employeesonlynyc.com/

$$$

Five & Dime Coffee & Cocktails

Hip, vintage-inspired coffee & cocktail spot with a marble bar & vaulted ceilings in historic digs.

8 Park Place, New York, NY 10007 

https://fivedime.nyc/

$$

Caffe Dante NYC (Greenwich Village) and Dante West Village: Ranked No. 36 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2022:

Dante NYC (Greenwich Village)

Known for their extensive Negroni menu. Legendary circa-1915 cafe serving small plates & cocktails in an updated historic setting.

79-81 MacDougal Street, New York, NY 10012

https://www.dante-nyc.com/menus/

$$

Dante West Village

Known for their extensive martini menu. Celebrated, stylish seafood & grill restaurant offshoot with an aperitivo bar & a terrace.

551 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014

https://www.dante-nyc.com/wv/

$$$

 

Fraunces Tavern

Renovated historic tavern with a George Washington link offering pub eats & live music.

54 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10004

https://frauncestavern.com/

$$

 

Katana Kitten 

Cool, bi-level bar serving izakaya fare & traditional American bites, plus whimsical cocktails. Ranked No. 9 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2022.

531 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014

https://www.katanakitten.com/

$$

 

Overstory

Creative cocktails, wine & snacks in a retro-chic bar with a 64th-floor deck for panoramic views. Ranked No. 34 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2022. 

70 Pine Street, 64th Floor, New York, NY 10005

https://www.overstory-nyc.com/

$$$

 

The Dead Rabbit 

This two-story spot combines a lunch taproom with a parlor serving small plates & vintage cocktails.

30 Water Street, New York, NY 10004

https://thedeadrabbit.com/

$$

 

Trinity Place

American eatery set in a converted bank vault with original vault doors dating to 1904.

115 Broadway, New York, NY 10006

https://trinityplacenyc.com/

$$

The Most Iconic Shopping Areas

5th Avenue

NYC’s world-famous shopping district running between 49th Street and 60th Street, with famous designer boutiques and shops including Bergdorf Goodman, Cartier, Saks Fifth Ave and Tiffany & Co. 

Address: 5th Avenue running between 49th Street and 60th Street

Website: https://visit5thavenue.com/shop/

Brookfield Place 

Shopping center across West Street from the One World Trade Center, and overlooks the Hudson River. 

Address: 230 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281

Website: https://bfplny.com/

Chelsea Market 

Food hall, shopping mall, office building and television production facility located in the heart of New York City's Meatpacking District. 

Address: 75 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

Website: https://www.chelseamarket.com/

Madison Avenue

Prime shopping destination with stories like Ralph Lauren (the famed Ralph Lauren mansion & Ralph’s Coffee), Dolce & Gabbana and Tom Ford. 

Address: Madison Avenue running between 60th Street and 79th Street

Website: https://www.nyctourism.com/itineraries/madison-avenue-shopping

SoHo (“South of Houston Street”)

Designer boutiques, fancy chain stores and high-end art galleries make trendy SoHo a top shopping destination. Known for its elegant cast-iron-facades and cobblestone streets, the neighborhood is also an atmospheric backdrop for fashionable crowds clustering at high-end restaurants and nightlife hotspots.

Address: Between Houston Street (on the north side) and Canal Street (on the south side); with 6th Avenue (on the west side) and Lafayette Street (on the east side)

Website: https://www.nyctourism.com/itineraries/essential-soho-shopping-guide

Rockefeller Center

Shopping center with beloved New York brands, international names, and up-and-coming designers located around the iconic Rockefeller Plaza, home to the Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios, and annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. 

Address: The Rockefeller Plaza is located between 48th Street and 51st Street, and 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue

Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/shops/

The Oculus/Westfield World Trade Center Shopping Center

The largest shopping complex in Manhattan, with 125 retail spaces.

Address: 185 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007

Website: https://www.westfield.com/united-states/westfieldworldtradecenter

The West Village/Greenwich Village

Some of New York's most interesting independent shops – from plant shops to home goods stores, bookshops to vintage shops. 

Address: Area includes the Hudson River to the west, West 14th Street to the north, Greenwich Avenue to the east, and Christopher Street to the south

Website: https://theshopkeepers.com/guides/west-village/

New York City Transportation Tips

MTA Subway:

Single-ride fare costs USD $2.90/person, but for a 7-day unlimited pass, it costs USD $34.00/person. Metrocards can be purchased at a nearby subway station (fee of USD $1.00 will be applied to purchase a brand new Metrocard before loading the value of the card). Kiosks accept cash and credit/debit cards. NOTE: Do not accept a free swipe/discounted swipe from scammers hanging out at the local subway stations, or try to evade paying the metro fee.

Citi Bikes/e-bikes:

Rentals are USD $4.49/30-minutes or a day pass is USD $19.00/day, and can be booked through the Citi Bike or Lyft apps by scanning the QR codes on the bikes. 

Yellow taxi cabs:

Yellow taxi cabs are available at any location in Manhattan – simply flag one down and give the cross streets of your destination (i.e., 59th Street and Lexington Avenue). Note: Green cabs will not pick you up in Manhattan – those are only for neighborhoods outside of Manhattan (i.e., Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx or Staten Island).

 

Uber/Lyft:

Use your Uber and Lyft apps for easy and convenient pick-up/drop-off to your destination.

WTCA Member Services' Team NYC Favorites

 

 

Crystal Edn

Executive Director-Member Services 

Favorite Restaurant:

Bean & Bean

A café with the best decaf coffee in New York.

Address:  71 Broadway, New York, NY 10006

Website: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bean-and-bean-coffee-roasters-new-york

 

Favorite Activities:

The High Line

A 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan.

Address: Entrance on 30th Street at Hudson Yards, or on the corner of 23rd Street and 10th Avenue (by Chelsea Market)

Website: https://www.thehighline.org/

Brooklyn Academy of Music

Center for progressive and avant-garde performance

Address: 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Website: https://www.bam.org

 

 

 

Sharon Armogan-Aguayo

Member Engagement Manager

Favorite Restaurants:

Industry Kitchen                                                                               

Enjoy small plates that are shareable with a great view of the pier. It is a walking distance from Convene.                            

Address: 70 South Street , New York, NY 10005

Website: https://www.industry-kitchen.com/ 

$$

Grand Central Oyster Bar                                                                   

Iconic NYC Landmark (built by baron Cornelius Vanderbilt, opening in 1913), features vaulted tiled ceilings. The archway in front of the restaurant is also famous for its acoustical quirk make it a whispering gallery.                                                                                 

Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

Website: https://www.oysterbarny.com/contact/

$$

Lamia's Fish Market                                                                                 

Known for it's ambiance and amazing seafood.                   

Address: 47 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009

Website: https://www.lamiasfishmarket.com/

$$

Philippe Chow                                                                                          

Upscale Luxury - Dress code required                                 

Address: 355 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011

Website: https://www.philippechow.com/                                     

$$$

Buddakan                                                                                                           

Asian Fusion Restaurant which presents the vivid flavors of the Far East in surreal atmosphere that marries the serenity of Asia with the flamboyance of 16th-centru Paris                                                                                                                                                                                      Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011                                                                                                                          Website: https://buddakannyc.com/ 

$$$

Favorite Bar:                                                                                                 

Patent Pending IP Bar (speakeasy)                                                     

The Lab at Patent Pending is a hidden cavern connected though a natural arch inside an already speakeasy aka a secret bar within a bar. Reservations are highly recommended.       

Address: The Radio Wave Building                                                               49 W 27th Street, New York, NY 10001

Website: https://www.patentpendingnyc.com/

$$$

Favorite Place to Shop: Bloomingdales

Favorite Activities:

  • Gonzalez y Gonzalez (Restaurant & Dancing)
  • Broadway Shows
    • Aladdin, MJ, Harry Potter, Moulin Rouge, Lion King, Wicked & the Book of Mormon (favs)
  • Bryant Park
    • Variety of activities for October
    • Movies Nights at Bryant Park     
  • Museums (favs)
    • The Met
    • MoMA
    • Natural History 
    • Guggenheim
    • The Cloisters
    • NY Transit Museum

 

 

Chanelle Dimalanta 

Communications Manager 

Favorite Restaurant:

L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele

Taste of Italy in the Heart of NYC! Discover the essence of authentic Italian cuisine.

Address: 2 Bank St, New York, NY 10014

Website: https://damicheleusa.com/nyc/

$$

Favorite Place to Shop: Bloomingdales

 

Favorite Bar:

Caffe Dante NYC (Greenwich Village) 

Known for their extensive Negroni menu. Legendary circa-1915 cafe serving small plates & cocktails in an updated historic setting.

Address: 79-81 MacDougal Street, New York, NY 10012

Website: https://www.dante-nyc.com/location/dante-nyc/

$$

Favorite Activities:

Classic Harbor Line Cruises

Luxurious yacht cruises with stunning views. Step aboard for the ultimate experience. The day sails are perfect for guests interested in seeing the sites of NYC.

Address: 62 Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, New York, NY 10011

Website: https://sail-nyc.com

Fall foliage around Central Park

The park spans 843 acres, starting at 59th Street (with Columbus Circle on the west side, and Fifth Avenue on the east side).

 

 

Fahima Hussain

Membership Coordinator

Favorite Restaurants:

Prince Tea House East Village                                            

Asian-European fusion dessert, brunch, and afternoon tea spot.

Address: 204 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003                                         

Website: https://www.princeteahouse.com/                                     

$$

K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot                                                                     

An all-you-can-eat dining experience that merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ flavors.                                 

Address: 430 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Website: https://thekpot.com/                                                                   

$$

Favorite Place to Shop: 34th Street Herald Square                                

Over 175 department stores, specialty shops, and national chain flagships, 34th Street offers a huge selection of apparel, shoes, accessories, jewelry and more!                                             

Address: 104 W 35th St, New York, NY 10018

Favorite Activity: Beat the Bomb Brooklyn                               

Teams of 4 to 6 suit up in hazmat gear and advance through a series of hi-tech video game rooms.                                

Address: 255 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Website:https://beatthebomb.com/brooklyn