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Expert Advice

5 of the Top Places in New York City Every Traveler Should Visit at Least Once

Add these places to the top of your "things to do" in NYC list today

Kassi P.
View of New York Harbor from "The Battery" in the Financial District in New York City.
Animated map of New York City illustrating the top five places to visit. 
Click to expand and read.  

If you've ever been to New York City, you understand why people call it "the city that never sleeps." There's always something about the hustle and bustle of the city that draws us back. So much so that we call it our home away from home.

Because we take any chance to visit New York, we've started to develop some top places that have become regular stops during any trip. With the endless list of things to do in the Big Apple, it's impossible to list them all.

However, here are just some of the top places to visit in NYC that we love. The best part is that they're all just a quick subway ride or walk away from Hilton Grand Vacations' New York City timeshares.

The High Line

The High Line is probably one of our favorite places in New York City. This reimagined historic freight rail line turned public park is a gem. Spanning approximately 1.5 miles above the city, I find the best way to enjoy this suspended park is just to wander along. 

Hilton Grand Vacations Owner admiring the New York Harbor from The Battery in New York City.    

Not only will you get to experience the beautiful cityscape, but you'll also find some unique spots. Whenever we visit, we love to stop by Chelsea Market to grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine and then explore the beauty of the High Line.

Financial District

My second must-see spot is the Financial District, an area commonly known for the hustle and bustle of Wall Street. However, "The Battery" is my favorite part in the Financial District. This public park is located on the southern tip of Manhattan and holds a rich history of the city and our nation. 

You can soak in fantastic views of New York Harbor, including The Statue of Liberty. Finally, this is where you can grab a quick ferry ride to Staten Island or the historic Ellis Island.

The New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center

One great benefit about ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations is the Elevated Rewards program. When I first saw the Elevated Rewards list, I was surprised by how many benefits Owners receive around the city. From food to shopping, there is so much to explore.

However, one of my favorites on the list is the discount we receive at The New York Philharmonic. If you want to experience an incredible evening out, maybe even a date night, I highly recommend attending a performance.

During a December trip, we were lucky enough to attend the performance featuring Mozart's Symphony No. 40. To this day, I'm in awe of the incredible talent that was on display. You can't go wrong planning a visit to the Philharmonic. For us, it was the perfect way to celebrate our engagement earlier that day.

Broadway Shows

Hilton Grand Vacations Owners snapping a selfie at a Broadway show in New York City.    

I don't know about you, but for me, a trip to New York isn't complete without seeing at least one Broadway show. But our most recent trip was the best yet and included a once-in-a-lifetime Broadway experience where we finally got to see Hamilton. 

I've been singing the songs for years now (three to be exact), and it was amazing to see how it all came together in the show. Needless to say, we didn't "throw away our shot." (A little humor for all the Hamilton fans out there.)

While Hamilton was definitely on the top of our bucket list, there is so much talent in the Theatre District. We make it a point to see a show during each trip, sometimes even three in one weekend. 

Insider Tip: Check out TKTS for some significantly discounted tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. 

Central Park

As one of the most well-known parks in the city (and possibly the world), Central Park is a must-visit. As a bonus, it's just blocks away from Hilton Grand Vacations' New York City properties, which is perfect since one of our favorite places to stay in the city is West 57th Street by Hilton Club.

"What I love about Central Park is how quickly you can escape the busyness of the city just by stepping foot into the park."

— Kassi P., Hilton Grand Vacations Owner since 2018 

Central Park is one of my favorite places to run in the city, but there are so many other fun things to do — from visiting the Holiday pop-up stores in the winter to renting a boat to row across Central Park Lake in the summer. While you're there, be sure to check out the beautiful Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. 

Read "11 Ideas for a Perfect New York Fall Getaway" for more of the top things to do and places to visit on your next city escape.

 

Hilton Grand Vacations Owner, Kassi P.

Kassi P.

Kassi is a three-time Explorer and Owner since 2018, when she and her husband, then in their late 20's, decided vacation ownership was the next step in building a life filled with travel. As Orlando locals, they enjoy staycations and exploring The City Beautiful, but have never actually stayed at their home resort, Hilton Grand Vacations at Tuscany Village.  

When she's not using her ClubPoints in Florida, this urban traveler has a love of international travel and a sweet spot for her second home — New York City, which is where she got engaged while staying at West 57th Street by Hilton Club. When asked about her long run in the Explorer program, Kassi says, "It's my goal to inspire someone to create new memories, get out and travel and make the most out of vacation ownership."


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