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There are a few things in New York that are worth fighting the out-of-town crowds for. From the gorgeous views on top of 30 Rockefeller Center to the rolling meadows of Central Park, some NYC experiences are simply universally beloved. So the next time you're putting together your weekend itinerary, don't overthink it. Visitors to our fair city may occasionally hog the sidewalk, delay the subway or pay $30 for a hot dog, but with these six things, they're really on to something.
Visiting the Museum of Modern Art
We all know how insane First Fridays can be at this Midtown institution, featuring some of the best modern and contemporary artists in the world. Beat the crowds and spend some time with all those Picassos, Warhols and Van Goghs on a weekday, instead. You can also catch the final days of their Bjork exhibition or the fascinating "Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960-1971."
Sailing through the New York Harbor
Some say the best way to experience New York is from the water, and that doesn't just have to be on the Staten Island Ferry or a Water Taxi on the way to Ikea. Upgrade your NYC boating adventure with a 158-foot topsail schooner that serves cocktails and snacks, as you set sail to (fellow worthwhile tourist destination) the Statue of Liberty.
Going up to the Top of the Rock
Yes, One World Trade just opened, and yes, the Empire State is the bigger tourist destination, but that’s exactly why locals like the view from the top of Midtown’s 30 Rock building best of any rooftop in the city. There are fewer crowds, the price is better, and you can pretend you’re Tina Fey on the way up.
Experiencing the South Street Seaport
Even locals often forget that New York was primarily a port city for much of its history. Learn about the city's maritime past at the South Street Seaport Museum and make your way down century-old cobble stone bricks in this tourist-heavy—but also undeniably charming—neighborhood.
Biking in Central Park
The arrival of summer (well, almost) means it’s time for picnicking, sunbathing and hitting up outdoor concerts and theater performances—the best of which can be found in Central Park. But to really explore everything the tree-filled oasis has to offer, hopping on a bike is an efficient way for tourists and locals to get around. And Central Park’s pathways make it a perfect place for a ride.
Kayaking on the Hudson River
There’s no reason to stay away from NYC’s waterways (Gowanus Canal not included), and taking in the skyline from a boat never gets old— especially when you’re rowing it yourself. Kayaking provides a welcome outdoorsy escape from the urban jungle, and you can work on those biceps while you’re at it.