I grew up on Long Island, less than 30 miles from NYC. I spent a lot of time in both places. I'm sharing with you my favorite things to see and do, places to eat, and maybe some hidden gems!
Map
Sections
4
New York City
New York City Bars/Eats
Long Island
Long Island Bars/Eats
New York City
These things that you should see and do in NYC! I'll also throw in some really awesome places to eat!
This is such a beautiful park. There's things to see and do there, and you can literally spend the entire day there exploring. And if you go in the winter, you can go ice skating!
Central Park
This is a small zoo, but it's still worth it, especially if you have children.
Central Park Zoo
This is hands down one of the best zoos I have ever been to! It's really big, so be prepared to walk a lot. But also, be prepared to have a great time and see a lot of animals!
Bronx Zoo
This is a must see in my book. However, be prepared to feel a little something. I remember that day vividly. I remember being scared. I was living in NY at the time. Being at this site feels different.
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, New York City
This is hands down one of the best Art museums I have ever been to (in the US). You'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't visit!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
You HAVE to visit the Empire State Building!
Empire State Building (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
This is one of the best views of the city you'll ever get, so definitely do this!
Top of the Rock (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Definitely take a tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, it's really interesting! See if you can find any of your ancestors coming into NY!
Statue of Liberty Tickets, Ellis Island Tickets, Statue of Liberty Tours and ...
The is like the life of the city. The bright lights, the hustle and bustle - it's amazing. You HAVE to see it!
Times Square
I HIGHLY suggest you find a Broadway show that you'd like to see. This is THE place for live theatre.
Even if you're not taking a train, this is a beautiful place to see. The architecture is amazing.
Grand Central Terminal
Okay so… This is not as gorgeous as Grand Central Terminal. BUT, there's tons of interesting people, and it's where I got the train to go home. If you've never seen it, I just suggest checking it out. It's nothing like you've ever experienced.
Penn Station
This venue hosts all kids of events from sports to concerts. Find something you'll like and check it out!
Madison Square Garden
This is the famous bridge in NY, the one that's featured the most in movies. Take the walk across!
Brooklyn Bridge
This is another fantastic museum in NYC! Definitely check it out!
American Museum of Natural History
If ferry boat rides are your thing, you can ride this! (Though, I'll caveat this with I don't know much about Staten Island LoL)
Staten Island Ferry
If you love books and libraries as much as I do, then check out this gorgeous library!
New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
This is an absolute MUST if it's Christmas time. The Christmas tree, ice skating, the decorations - it's all just so magical!
Rockefeller Center
Another beautiful park with a lot to offer!
Bryant Park
If modern art is your thing, then you really need to go to the MoMA!
The Museum of Modern Art
A medieval themed museum - not very many know about this!
The Met Cloisters
Whether you're going for the Rockettes or another act, check this venue out!
Radio City Music Hall
Religious or not, this is a beautiful building and I would suggest going to see it.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
This is a historical library. A must see in my book!
The Morgan Library & Museum
For us theatre and history buffs, this is a must see as well!
Trinity Church Cemetery
In MY book, seeing a Yankee game is a must!!!
Yankee Stadium
This is such a cool area of the city, just go check it out!
Greenwich Village NYC | Where Art, Music & Laid-Back Vibes Converge
South of Houston Street, with high end shops, eateries, and street art!
SoHo NYC | Where Arts and Luxury Shopping Converge
This is in Greenwich Village and usually has something going on!
Washington Square Park
The firehouse featured in the movie Ghostbusters - You get to see the outside for a photo opportunity!
FDNY Ladder 8
The Friends Apartment building in the West Village - a great place for a photo op!
Friends Apartment Building (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go ...
An immerse 90 minutes of brain teasing fun!
SPYSCAPE
A great place to see a great performance!
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
I love Little Italy in NYC. It's one of my favorite places, especially at night.
Little Italy (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Hands down, this is the best Planetarium I've ever been to!
Hayden Planetarium
Another awesome place in NYC, and there's a year round greenmarket!
Union Square Park
This is IN Central Park, so make sure when you go to Central Park, you find this!
Belvedere Castle
I remember when this store was even bigger than it is now, unless it's changed again since the last time I've been here. But definitely stop by!
FAO Schwarz
The official museum of the FDNY
New York City Fire Museum
One of the best places for a comedy show!
Comedy Cellar
The site of the first U.S. Capital!
Federal Hall National Memorial
New York City Bars/Eats
If you like theatre, then you'll want to go here. The waiters and waitresses like to sing and dance. I'll caveat, you're not going here for the food, but for the entertainment!
Ellen's Stardust Diner
Definitely eat here if you get the chance
Balthazar
I know this is a chain, but I love seeing the different musician pieces throughout the restaurant. The food is decent too!
Hard Rock Cafe
A food hall with a different variety of foods!
Chelsea Market
Rooftop Bar on the Lower East Side!
The Delancey Rooftop
Historic Pub with a rustic vibe.
McSorley’s Old Ale House
Long Island
I grew up in Nassau County. It's been a long time since I've lived there. Some places don't exist anymore, but for the ones that do, I'll share them with you!
Jones Beach was the beach that we ALWAYS went to growing up. Particularly, field 4 - I don't even know why! Maybe it was the most lively. Either way, this is the beach to check out!
Jones Beach
This is one of my favorite venues for concerts. It's outdoor, and you get to see the beautiful sunset as you're listening to a concert. So check out the schedule!
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater Tickets & Schedule | Wantagh ...
This is another excellent venue for concerts and sports games. So find one that suits you and go!
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
This is a really fantastic aquarium in Riverhead!
Long Island Aquarium
The very tip of Long Island, it's gorgeous! And the drive out there is really nice too, once you get off the highway!
Montauk Point State Park - Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
This is the beach that we went to at night since there's no gate for entrance. There's a cute town surrounding it too!
Long Beach, NY
This is the place to go to if you're looking for some good local community theatre. I've seen many shows here, and they are excellent!
Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts
This is always an interesting place to go! Coffee house and spooky decor in an old century house? YES please!
Witches Brew Coffee House
If you like to play pool and drink, then you'd enjoy this place! They also have food, and used to have Karaoke (though I don't know if they still do).
Raxx Pool Room | Raxx
If you like the Mets, or don't want to go all the way to the Bronx to see Baseball, you can always go to Citi field for an MLB game!
Citi Field
Fun at the boardwalk! This is a must for anyone!!!
Coney Island USA
I really can't believe this place still exists, but it does! It makes for a fun day out!
Adventureland
Long Island's very own water park! It's really fun, or at least I remember it being really fun!
Dive into Fun at Splish Splash Water Park
Sands Point is a cute little, almost exclusive, area. I used to go there a lot, and the lighthouse is really awesome.
Sands Point Lighthouse, New York at Lighthousefriends.com
This is such a cute little town on Long Island. You can walk to the water, there's tons of shops. It's just so cute! I spent a lot of time there at night too.
Port Jefferson Village, NY | Official Website
This is hands down one of the best places to visit on a summer night. Waterfront restaurants and bars, live music, and just a fun time!
Freeport's Nautical Mile (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with ...
With tons of athletic fields and open space, you'll find something to do here!
Eisenhower Park
Re-opening in 2026, it's the perfect place to go to see horse races!
Belmont Park
If you're interested, you can always take a drive past the Amityville Horror House!
The Amityville Horror house 50 years later. : r/Paranormal
I remember visiting this on a school field trip and I really enjoyed it!
Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Long Island Bars/Eats
The best places to go for eating and drinking!
This is MY favorite place to go for a grilled chicken salad or a grilled chicken panini.
Mama Theresa's
I don't know if it still is, but it was one of THE spots to go when I was younger and living on Long Island. Be prepared! Take the train!
The Barnyard
I frequented here a lot. It's nothing fancy, but good drinks, good music, and good company.
