I am what you call a New Yorker has been. I lived in this amazing city for a brief period many summers ago and loved every moment of it (although, it was so humid and I wished I could take 500 showers a day). But visiting it as a tourist is different, I only have a few days to enjoy ALL things New York has to offer. So drink lots of coffee and wear your comfy walking shoes. You’ll need it to experience the empire state of life. Here is your weekend guide to New York City.
Good to know
– LGA vs JFK – LGA is harder to get to/ from using public transportation (need to combine bus + subway). JFK is pretty far but easier to get to/ from using train
– Unlimited vs pay-per-ride MTA pass – Unlimited is available for 7 days only. Pay-per-ride gives you 1 x transfer within 2 hours between bus to subway, subway to bus, bus to bus
– Bike rental – everywhere in the city. Rent one close to Central Park
Explore
You will need a lifetime to explore all of New York. but since this is a weekend guide, these are just some of the high marks to get a flavor of the city. Just enough to make you come back for more.
– Best Manhattan Skyline view – go to Vernon- Jackson Subway stop in Queens (don’t worry, it is not far. Only one stop from Grand Central) and walk 2 blocks to waterfront park.
Pro Tip: picnic during day time; bring blanket during night time – you are staying a while.
– Ride the Commuter Ferry – poor girl’s version of a cruise. You get an excellent view of Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn bridge.
Pro Tip: Get off at Dumbo stop to enjoy Luke’s lobster roll or Shake Shack with a side of fries and view of Brooklyn bridge.
– Walk the Highline – old elevated railway track converted to a walking area that runs from meatpacking district to West 30th street.
– Central Park – A visit to New York is not complete without walking along different areas of the park. Walk from upper west side to Columbus circle. You will pass historical buildings, reservoir, and carousel
– Grand Central, NY Public Library and Bryant Park – You could easily walk and enjoy all 3 in a few hours. Get ice cream or ice coffee and people watch in Bryant Park.
Eat
New York has some legendary eateries, some of them you need a half year reservation. But fear not, at places listed below, the worst is you have to wait for them to finish making your meal
– Ess-a bagel, Midtown – hands down the best bagel I’ve ever eaten.
Pro Tip: If you just want a hot bagel & side of cream cheese, skip the long line. There is another counter at the end that just does hot bagel & cream cheese. You save at least 30 min! YAY!
– Luke’s, Dumbo – eat lobster roll with a side of view of Broklyn bridge and Manhattan
– Cafe Zaieya, Midtown – get matcha ice cream and walk over to Bryant park to people watch
– Jack’s wife Frida, Soho – brunch spot perfect for people watch over latte
– Dominique Ansel Bakery, SoHo – line moves fast. Limited number of cronut so get there early
– Halal guys, Midtown – the king of gyro carts. Visit the one diagonal from the Hilton
– Gaonnuri, Midtown – imagine combining empire state building view with delicious korean bbq
– Balthazar, Soho – a great place for good French bakery in the AM and steak & frites in the PM
– Katz’s, Lower East Side – an institution who has seen a lot of famous people
Drink
New Yorkers know how to do their bar screen right! There are thousands of places to quench your thirst. For a little flair, try a speakeasy or two.
– Raines Law Room, Midtown – a cute little speakeasy that is not so secret anymore
– Employees Only, West Village – gatsby style cocktail bar that serves not common bar food