10 Reasons To Visit New York City On Your 21st Birthday

Turning 21 is a fever dream for many of those who have experienced it. Whether 21-year-olds got together with family and friends, went to their local casino or nightclubs, or took a trip, they are sure to have make their 21st birthday memorable. One place to consider visiting with family or friends if you are turning 21 soon is New York City, aka the city that doesn’t sleep. Although this might not be in your financial budget, turning 21 is ultimately one night of your life that you won’t be able to get back, so make sure to make the best of it. Below, you can find 10 reasons to visit New York City on your 21st birthday.

1. Walk Down Broadway

Who wouldn’t want to feel like a star of the city on their 21st birthday? While New York City is known for it’s many streets, lights, and sounds, Broadway is likely a famous street you will want to visit. Broadway runs 13 miles from Manhattan towards the Bronx. In the Manhattan area, you will see many lights, taxis, and thousands of people. Surrounded with restaurants, bars, hotels, and stores, be sure to check out one of the many restaurants for a fabulous meal and exotic drink looking into the concrete jungle. If you are able to visit Broadway, most likely there will be a show. If you have the opportunity, make sure to purchase tickets in advance and experience the best actors and actresses in the world performing right in front of your very own eyes.

2. Visit the 9/11 Memorial

Going on vacation is all about having fun, but also about being somewhat of a tourist. When visiting New York City, one place to keep in mind to visit is the 9/11 Memorial, where the original World Trade Center was located. Visiting the memorial can be a very saddening experience; however, having the opportunity to see the location of the towers is thrilling. If you pay an additional $25, you can visit the museum where you will find quotes, items found after the destruction, and many more artifacts of the tragic day in 2011. Consider visiting the memorial before or after your birthday, to keep those tears away from your day to celebrate.

3. Rent a Limo

If you’re planning on visiting New York City for your 21st, you may not feel like riding the subway or in a taxi every single day you’re there. Although riding the subway can be fun for your first few times, you will quickly realize it is a hassle to wait for a train located under the city everywhere you go. One thing to consider, since you are celebrating your special day, is renting a limo. Whether you are visiting with friends or family, riding in a Limo down Broadway might be one of the highlights of your trip.

4. Dance The Night Away

A 21st birthday obviously calls for dancing and a night of drinking legal alcohol. If you are one interested in either of those, another location to add to your reasons to visit New York City on your birthday is a nightclub. One specific example is LAVO, which is a nation-wide nightclub operated in big cities, such as New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, etc. At LAVO, you can choose to have dinner upstairs before heading downstairs to begin your night, or simply show up when they open and dance the night away.

5. Go Shopping

If you’re going to be visiting a city where most designer stores are located, as well as a variety of other unique shops, make sure to spend some time to treat yourself for your birthday. Shopping in New York City might be draining since walking is considered the ultimate transportation method, while also having to carry your purchased items into a taxi or a subway. However, you will be sure to find some items you’ve never seen before at a decent price, depending on where you like to shop!

6. Visit Brooklyn

One of the underrated villages of New York City so happens to be Brooklyn. Located across the harbor of Manhattan, Brooklyn is home to more than two million residents as of 2020. In Brooklyn, you will find lots of artwork, local shops and diners, and lots of great food. Since you are celebrating your 21st birthday, grab yourself a drink from one of the many local bars they have around the area! Also, if you are one that enjoys thrills, make sure to check out Coney Island, which offers a beach, thrill rides, food, and an exciting destination outside of the city.

7. Take a Ferry To The Statue of Liberty

One of the few statues that is known around the world is the Statue of Liberty. Located in the Harbor of New York City, the Statue of Liberty stands tall and bright on Liberty Island. If you are looking for a day on the water, buy tickets for the ferry that takes you right to the statue. Depending on the ferry company, you might have access to the island at an additional cost. One tip is to go on the ferry during the middle of the day for a clear view of the city skyline, or at sunset

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8. Eat a Fancy Dinner On a Rooftop

As one can expect, New York City can be a very expensive trip depending on where you stay, where you are eating, and what activities you are trying to do. However, if you are visiting the city for your 21st birthday, you may as well get a fancy dinner overlooking the concrete jungle skyline. Although this isn’t your average fancy dinner, it is an experience for all. Look on Google maps locations of rooftop restaurants in New York City, and you will be sure to find one you enjoy.

9. Stay Out ‘Til Sunrise

Although you may only be in New York City for a few days, consider staying up till sunrise one morning. You won’t regret this experience, as you can see that the city does not sleep one bit. If you happen to celebrate your 21st birthday at a nightclub, you will notice that the doors don’t typically open until 11 p.m. or midnight, causing you to stay till early hours of the morning. By that time, stop by a food truck, grab a bite to eat, and continue your night. If you aren’t a night owl, I highly recommend setting your alarm around 4:30 or 5 a.m. for the best scenery of the city.

10. Visit Mr. Purple Rooftop Bar and Pool

Since you are now 21 and are on vacation in one of the biggest cities in the world, don’t feel ashamed to day drink with friends. Mr. Purple, located on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo in the lower east side of New York City, offers delicious cocktails throughout the day. Finding places in the city can be very intimidating; however, this rooftop bar and lounge will soon be one of your favorites!

Turning 21 only happens once in your lifetime, so be sure to spend it the best way you can. Let us know in the comments other places to visit on your 21st birthday in New York City!