Dear travelers,
Before I tell you everything about New York, the classics, the chaos, the moments that surprised me and the ones I’d do differently, I have something fun to share with you.
I’ve partnered with GPSmyCity, an app where you can find offline, self-guided walking tours all over the world. And yes… that means giveaways!
Fun, right?
Here’s why I genuinely love it: the walks are explored by me, written by me, and then turned into an easy-to-use walking tour by GPSmyCity, so you can follow everything directly from your phone. No stressing, no Google Maps chaos, no data needed while traveling. And because I love sharing good things, here are some giveaway walking guides you can already explore:
Alright, now that you know how to explore cities with less stress and more fun, imagine we’re sitting in a cozy café, coffees in hand, and you’ve just asked me:
“So… what are the New York classics I actually shouldn’t miss?”
This is that answer. Honest, a little opinionated, and based on walking a lot, being overwhelmed more than once, and falling in love with the city in unexpected ways.
New York Classics You Shouldn’t Miss
(Even If One of Them Is Definitely Overrated)
New York City is one of those places you think you already know before you even arrive. Movies, TV shows, Instagram, TikTok, it’s everywhere. You land with a mental checklist of must-sees, convinced each one will feel cinematic and magical.
Reality check: some do. Some… not so much. But that’s kind of the beauty of New York. This post is for you if:
It’s your first time in NYC
You don’t want a sugar-coated guide
You want the classics, but with real expectations
You love a mix of iconic spots + honest travel tips
Let’s walk through New York together, literally, because this city is best explored on foot.
Times Square – Overrated, Overcrowded, but (Still) Worth a Stop
Let’s just address the elephant in the room.
My honest first impression:
I thought it was… a square
It is very much a long, extremely busy street
Full of:
Massive commercials
Bright LED screens
Shops you can find anywhere
Thousands of people moving in every direction
It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s overwhelming. And yes, I found it overrated. But (and this is important), Times Square isn’t completely pointless.
Why you should still go:
It does feel like New York
It’s something you kind of need to see once
And most importantly…
Broadway is right there
Which brings me to the one thing that made Times Square 100% worth it.
Tkts in Times Square – The Best Broadway Hack You Need to Know
Under the famous red steps in Times Square, you’ll find something magical:
Tkts
A ticket booth selling discounted Broadway tickets for:
The same day
Or the next day
And when I say discounted, I mean:
Up to 50% off
For really good seats
Our experience:
We originally wanted to buy tickets online
Prices were painfully expensive
We said, “Let’s just check the theaters in person”
Then we stumbled upon Tkts
And honestly? Best decision ever.
What we saw:
Beetlejuice
And wow.
Broadway – A True New York Must-Do
If you do one classic thing in New York, let it be this. Seeing a Broadway show isn’t just “watching a performance.” It’s: the atmosphere, the history, the talent and the feeling that you’re part of something very New York.
Why Beetlejuice blew me away:
The theater itself was stunning
The stage design was insane
The actors? 10/10
The energy in the room was electric
Broadway tips if you’re on a budget:
Check Tkts first
Visit theater box offices directly
Be flexible with show dates and times
Don’t assume online tickets are the cheapest
Trust me, this experience alone can make your entire New York trip unforgettable.
Grand Central Station – Yes, It’s a Real Station (And It’s Stunning)
I’ll admit it: I didn’t expect to love a train station this much.
But Grand Central Station is:
Fully functioning
Architecturally beautiful
Somehow calm in the middle of chaos
Why it feels special:
The ceiling (look up, seriously)
The light
The size of the space
And if you’ve ever watched Gossip Girl… You will feel like Serena van der Woodsen walking through here. No choice. It’s one of those places that feels cinematic without trying.
Central Park – Way Bigger Than You Expect
I knew Central Park was big. I did not know it was this big. This is not a “quick stop” kind of place. It’s a destination on its own.
Our Central Park experience:
We walked… a lot
Found quiet corners
Watched locals picnic, play music, and jog
Forgot we were in one of the busiest cities in the world
Central Park highlights you shouldn’t miss:
The lake views – peaceful and dreamy
Bethesda Fountain & Terrace – iconic for a reason
Cherry Hill Fountain area
The famous rocks everyone takes photos on
You’ve definitely seen them in movies
The Financial District – History, Emotion, and Icons
The Financial District has a completely different energy from Midtown.
It’s: quieter, more serious and full of history.
What to see:
The Charging Bull
Go early if you want photos without crowds
9/11 Memorial
Emotional and powerful
Take your time here
There’s also a museum if you want deeper context
New York Stock Exchange building
Iconic, even just from the outside
- World Trade Center / One World Trade Center
- The contrast between the memorial and the modern skyscraper is striking.
This area grounds you. It reminds you that New York isn’t just about bright lights, it’s about stories.
Statue of Liberty – Free Ferry vs Tour (What I’d Do Differently)
Seeing the Statue of Liberty felt like one of those “okay, we’re really in New York now” moments. We decided to take the Staten Island Ferry, mostly because it’s completely free, runs often, and everyone says it goes close enough to the statue. And to be fair, it does. You get a clear view, you can take photos, and it’s a great option if you’re on a tight budget or short on time.
But here’s the honest part: looking back, I kind of regret not booking a proper Statue of Liberty tour.
The ferry experience feels rushed and distant, like you’re just passing by something iconic instead of actually experiencing it. You don’t stop, you don’t really learn about the history, and you don’t get that wow, I’m really here feeling. I think visiting Liberty Island and even Ellis Island would have made it much more meaningful.
My advice:
If it’s your first time in New York and the Statue of Liberty matters to you → book a tour
If you’re short on time or on a tight budget → the free ferry is fine
The free ferry is practical. A tour is an experience.
Brooklyn Bridge vs Manhattan Bridge – Which One Is Better?
Everyone talks about the Brooklyn Bridge and yes, it’s iconic. But after walking both, I realized the experience is very different depending on which bridge you choose.
Brooklyn Bridge – More Crowded
Fully walkable
More crowded
Open views and great photo opportunities
Especially beautiful at sunset
Walking it felt calm — almost romantic. We could stop, look around, take photos, and just exist in the city without being pushed along by crowds.
Manhattan Bridge – Iconic and Less Crowded
You’re walking below the bridge structure
Same level as the metro
The walk is long (around 2 km)
To really see the Manhattan Bridge, you actually need to:
Walk across it
Then turn around and look back
It’s one of those things that’s more impressive from a distance than while you’re on it.
Dumbo – Yes, That Instagram Street
After crossing the bridge, you’ll end up in Dumbo, Brooklyn.
You already know the spot:
The street
The bridge in the background
The photo everyone wants
Is it worth it?
Yes, with realistic expectations.
Dumbo tips:
Go early or later in the day
Be patient (a lot of people want that photo)
Explore beyond just the Instagram spot
Dumbo is charming, even if it’s very online-famous.
Final Thoughts – New York Isn’t Perfect, and That’s Why It’s Amazing
Not every classic will blow your mind. Some places will feel overrated. Others will surprise you completely.
That’s New York.
It’s chaotic and beautiful.
Exhausting and inspiring.
Overhyped in some moments, unforgettable in others.
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!
