Dear travelers,
If you’ve got some extra time in New York City and want to go beyond the obvious, this one’s for you.
New York City is loud, chaotic, overwhelming, magical and somehow still manages to surprise you even when you think you’ve “seen it all.” Everyone talks about Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty (and yes, they’re iconic), but if you have a bit of extra time, there are a few experiences that truly round out your NYC trip.
These are the places that made me stop, look around, and think: Yep, this is why people fall in love with this city.
Let me walk you through four of them: Roosvelt Island, Summit (and how it compares to Edge), St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Little Italy.
Roosevelt Island: A Quiet Escape with One of the Best Views in NYC
Let’s start with a place that feels like a secret, even though it’s right there on the map.
Why Roosevelt Island Is Worth Your Time
Roosevelt Island sits quietly between Manhattan and Queens, floating in the East River like it’s deliberately avoiding the chaos around it. And honestly? That’s exactly what makes it special.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the island itself, but how you get there.
The Roosevelt Island Tram: Simple, Fun, Iconic
Getting to Roosevelt Island by tram was one of those unexpectedly fun NYC moments.
Here’s why it’s a must-do:
It’s included with a regular subway ticket
You glide above the East River
You get incredible views of:
Midtown Manhattan
The East River
The Queensboro Bridge
What to Do Once You’re on Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island isn’t about attractions packed back-to-back. It’s about slowing down.
Things I loved doing there:
Walking along the waterfront promenade
Enjoying unobstructed skyline views
Sitting on a bench just… watching the city move
It’s the kind of place where you realize NYC doesn’t always have to be loud. It’s an ideal stop if you:
Want a break from crowds
Love views without chaos
Enjoy walking with no strict plan
Summit vs Edge: Choosing the Right Observation Deck for You
Now let’s talk about the big skyline moment because if you’re going up, you want to choose wisely.
I debated Summit One Vanderbilt vs Edge for a while, and after experiencing Summit, I have thoughts.
Summit One Vanderbilt: Immersive, Stylish, and Weather-Proof
Summit isn’t just an observation deck. It’s an experience.
From the moment you step inside, you realize this isn’t about simply looking at the city, it’s about feeling it.
Why Summit stood out to me:
It’s fully indoors
You don’t have to worry about the weather
What Makes Summit Different
Summit feels like:
An art installation
A futuristic museum
A skyline experience rolled into one
Summit Ticket Tips
One thing to know before booking:
Ticket prices vary by time of day
If you love aesthetics, reflections, and photos, the sunset is worth it.
Edge: Open-Air Drama and Adrenaline
Edge is Summit’s bold, daring cousin.
What makes Edge unique:
It’s outdoors
You feel exposed to the city
If the weather is perfect, Edge can be incredible. But that’s the catch.
Edge Pros & Cons
Pros:
Fresh air
Direct, unobstructed views
That “standing over the city” feeling
Cons:
Weather-dependent
Wind can be intense
Cold months change the experience completely
My pick?
Summit. No stress, no weather worries, just pure wow.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral: A Pause Button in Midtown
After skyline views and city energy, St. Patrick’s Cathedral feels like pressing pause. Right in the middle of Midtown, surrounded by luxury stores, traffic, and constant motion, this cathedral feels like another world.
Why St. Patrick’s Cathedral Is Worth Visiting
Even if churches aren’t usually your thing, this one hits differently.
Reasons to stop by:
Stunning Neo-Gothic architecture
A sense of calm you don’t expect in NYC
The contrast between old and new
What to Look For Inside
Take your time and notice:
The stained-glass windows
The towering ceilings
The soft echo of footsteps
Visiting Tips
Free entry
Dress respectfully
Visit mid-morning or early afternoon
Photography allowed (just be mindful)
Little Italy: A Slice of Europe in New York City
And now… my favorite part. Little Italy.
If there’s one place on this list that made me feel like I’d briefly left the U.S., it’s this one.
Why Little Italy Feels So European
Little Italy isn’t huge, but it’s packed with atmosphere.
What immediately stood out:
Italian being spoken around you
Tables lining the streets
The smell of garlic, espresso, and fresh bread
That relaxed, European pace
For a moment, it didn’t feel like New York. It felt like Italy with NYC accents.
The Food (Obviously)
This is not the place to diet.
You’ll find:
Fresh pasta
Classic Italian dishes
Cannoli that deserve applause
Espresso that actually tastes like espresso
My advice?
Walk until something smells amazing
Sit outside
Order pasta, wine, and dessert
Stay longer than planned
That’s the magic.
Final Thoughts: Why This Combo Works
What I loved about this mix is how balanced it feels:
Roosevelt Island gives you calm and perspective
Summit gives you awe and modern NYC energy
St. Patrick’s Cathedral gives you stillness
Little Italy gives you warmth, culture, and food
It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things. If you end the day full, tired, and slightly emotional from how much you walked, congrats. You experienced New York the right way.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us
P.S.: Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
