A Weekend Away: Travel Tips for New York City
Oh NYC how I love you. This love affair started very early on in my life. My grandparents settled in New York when they came to this country from Portugal and Cuba as so many immigrants did back then. So my dad grew up in the Bronx and even after his family moved to New Jersey, his aunts and uncles etc were still in New York. With all that in mind, I grew up going into the city often with my parents or my grandma and I just fell in love.
I was totally that girl who completely thought she’d grow up and move to Manhattan. Can we talk about Sex and the City for a minute? Obsessed. Broadway? Sobbed my way through Wicked. I am well aware that I’m kind of a cliché but my heart still races when I see that skyline.
What has been a really fun thing for me living so close to New York City is that I have been able to expose so many of my friends to this wonderful city. Obviously, since you are now one of my friends it is my absolute pleasure to digitally show you my city! Let’s go!
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A Weekend in Manhattan:
Currently, I’m living in Lancaster, Pa which has a direct Amtrak route to Penn Station. In under 3hrs, I can be walking out onto the streets of Manhattan. If you’re thinking about flying in, there are SEVERAL airport options. There are lots of options for getting into the city from the various airports so I’d suggest going to the airport website and looking at their ground transportation sections.
In general, you’ll be looking at public transport, car services, and cabs. Personally, I am not a huge fan of the subway system so I’m more likely to get a Lyft than I am to take the subway. Using the Lyft app is nice because I can request a car to someplace specific without having to explain to the driver where I want to go AND I can see how much it’ll cost before I even get in the car.
One of my favorite quick travel tips for New York City that my dad taught me when I was a kid so I’d never get lost that will hopefully help you navigate the Big Apple. For the most part, streets go west to east (left to right) starting at the bottom of the island going up, split in half by 5th Ave. Meaning W. 10st St is to the left of 5th Ave and below W. 11th St.
Avenues go north to south (up and down) and chronologically from east to west. Meaning 5th Ave is to the right of 6th Ave. There are LOT of other random streets and avenues thrown in there but how this helps me if I’m exiting the train station on 31st and I need to go to 35th for the hotel, I know I need to head to a lower numbered Ave (7th) and turn left to go up to 35th St.
If that’s totally confusing leave me a note and I’ll try to explain it better. I swear it works. There’s also Google Maps but it’s not always a safe move to be wandering the streets with your nose in your phone.
Something really fun to do that will help you give you the lay of the land is a self-guided walking tour. May Cause Wanderlust has a GREAT one and it’s free. Check out her self guided walking tour of Manhattan here!
Where to Stay in Manhattan:
I typically like to stay in the Midtown South or Garment District when I go mainly because it’s close to the train station so I’m not schlepping my suitcase all over town. It’s also not as crazy as Times Square but a VERY easy walk to all of those attractions including Broadway.
I’m a fan of a Hampton Inn and if you are looking for that Times Square experience check out Hampton Inn Times Square. You’ll be right in the middle of it but it won’t break the bank.
Usually, though I stay at the Hampton Inn Empire State Building and have had such a great experience every time.
You can also use the map feature at Booking.com to figure out where you want to stay in relation to what you want to do and narrow it down by budget or amenities. Definitely worth a look.
Travel Tips for New York City: Things to do
Ok so you’ve taken my advice and you’re staying in the Midtown area, well done you. You have so many options on things to do in New York City.
- Broadway: If you don’t see a show while you’re in Manhattan, I don’t even know why you went! Ok there are lots of reasons to go without hitting Broadway but you should definitely consider supporting the arts while you’re in NYC. You may be thinking…Jessy, I can’t afford to go to a BROADWAY SHOW it’s too expensive! Lies!
- Try a matinee or get seats in the back of the theatre. I know people are sometimes “meh” about the “cheap seats” but let me tell you…these theatres are SMALL. So you’ll probably end up in a balcony and as someone who is on the shorter side…those seats are way better anyway.
- Another cheap ticket option is one of TKTS booths you’ll find all over the city. You can get up to 50% off if you’re flexible. And I mean not everything is going to be Hamilton expensive…don’t get me wrong though…Hamilton is 1000% worth it but maybe not in the budget. Not to get all sentimental but now more than every live theatre really could use the support. I’ll be seeing Wicked for the fourth time this week and I’m definitely not mad about it.
- Times Square: Full of tourists for sure but for good reason. Nothing says “New York City” quite like all the lights and billboards and craziness that is Times Square. It’s hard to not end up here as you’re roaming the city so take a minute and enjoy the spectacle before moving on.
- Central Park: If Times Square screams “NEW YORK!” then Central Park whispers “Are we still in the city?” Over 800 acres of gorgeous green space with a zoo and all types of stuff to do, this is a great option for the family or just a nice quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle.
Outside of Midtown but definitely not far:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art:
Hands down one of my favorite places in the city. An absolutely incredible museum spanning over 2 MILLION square feet! If I could get you to check out only two spots in the WHOLE museum…The Temple of Dendur and the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts gallery.
The Temple of Dendur is from the first century B.C….you heard me. It was a gift from Egypt to the United States and its been in The Met for 50 years. Walking around this temple and thinking about everything its seen will just blow your mind.
The European Sculpture gallery is located in this epic greenhouse-type area and the light that comes through there just makes the whole place almost ethereal. Sculptures in general are something that has always captured my heart. I can’t wrap my head around how someone takes something like stone and show all the details of cloth or muscle or hands. It’s just CRAZY!
Eataly:
Another chain technically but again I don’t have one near me and I love all things Italy. A great shopping/eating experience.
Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral:
Heads up! There are actually two “St. Patrick’s” in Manhattan. Old St. Patrick’s is a Basilica from 1809 located in lower Manhattan and is on the National Historic Places register. New St. Patrick’s is on 5th Ave and is the seat of the Archbishop of NY.
Both churches are GORGEOUS but I bring up the difference because the OLD St. Patrick’s has a pretty cool catacombs tour that you can take. You’ll get to go into off limits areas inside and under the church.
From GETYOURGUIDE.com, For over 200 years, the catacombs of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, located in Little Italy, have served as the final resting place for the faithful departed. With your guide, you’ll gain exclusive access to off-limits areas, including two walled cemeteries. Experience the only active catacombs in New York augmented with multimedia.
See where bishops rest alongside noteworthy New Yorkers who have played defining roles in Catholic, New York, and American History. This labyrinth of vaults belongs largely to bankers, lawyers, captains of industry, merchants, political candidates, and even to a Civil War-era general. The Delmonico Family, General Thomas Eckert, and the first resident Bishop of New York are only a few of the many resting peacefully in the crypts beneath the nave of this historic landmark church.
The Met Cloisters
Kind of a hike and technically outside of Manhattan but The Met Cloisters is an epic way to spend a morning. They specialize in European medieval art and architecture. The famous Unicorn Tapestries are housed here and totally worth the drive.
Travel Tips for New York City: Fun Places to Eat
- Haru Sushi: Delicious sushi and cocktails in the theatre district/Times Square Area. I’ve gone SEVERAL times and usually try to work into a visit whenever possible.
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment: They have two locations and I’ve only ever been to the Times Square one. This place has CRAZY awesome atmosphere. Its in a beautiful Victorian building full of incredible architecture and decorations…oh and the food is awesome!
- Tacombi: Supremely awesome tacos! Also margaritas! Also everything else they serve! There is a location right by the Empire State Building so its very close to the hotel I stay at…danger zone. Haha…
- Black Iron Burger: Great burgers in the Midtown West/Times Square area if you’re looking for a quick bite. Take my advice…Truffle Cheese Fries. You’re Welcome.
- Penelope: This place was such good and so cute! From their website, “Heartwarming comfort food just like your mom used to make,
if your mom was spending her summers out in Montauk surfing, knitting, and eating lobster rolls.” Cracked me up. - Toloache: Mexican restaurant literally around the corner from the Gershwin Theatre which is why I’m trying this one out this week (Sept 2021)! I’m going to see Wicked again and dinner close by is essential.
- Hoping to try out Pilot: As I’ve mentioned before, I LOVE Somebody Feed Phil and this restaurant was featured on the New York episode. I mean…you had me at Seafood but we’re on a boat you say? And Phil loved it? Yeah sign me up!
Best Places to Shop in New York
- Housing Works Thrift Stores: Do you like thrift stores? Do you like thrift stores that maybe higher-income people are donating to? Do you like contributing to a good cause? Then this is DEFINITELY for you!
- Housing Works is a healing community of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Our mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain our efforts.
- Blue Tree: An upscale boutique owned by actress Phoebe Cates Kline over on the Upper East Side. It’s a couple blocks up from The Metropolitan Museum of Art along Central Park. Very cool, eclectic stuff like clothing, home goods and jewelry.
- Anthropologie: As I’m sure you’re aware, this is a chain of stores BUT I don’t have one near me locally so when I go to New York I do try to stop at one to get my fix. It features very worldly, well traveled kind of stuff across clothes, home, jewerly and all types of stuff. Love. It. There are several locations throughout the city.
- Zitomer: Kind of random but very fun. Zitomer is a very upscale pharmacy/dept store. It serves the very chic Madison Ave Upper East Side crowd and is a fun walk around for interesting finds and some great people watching.
Bonus Travel Tips for New York City: Day Trips!
Come discover beautiful Boston. Have your transportation and itinerary taken care of your while your only job is to sit back and enjoy this stunning city. Explore the best Boston has to offer including:
- Fenway Park stadium, home to the Boston Red Sox
- Harvard University Main campus: Harvard Yard, Old Yard, John Harvard Statue, Johnston Gate, Harvard souvenir store.
- Copley Square: Trinity church, Fairmont Copley Hotel, Boston Public Library, John Hancock Tower, “End line” to Boston Marathon
- Boston Common and the public gardens
- Freedom trail: Massachusetts Statehouse, Old State House, Granary Burying ground, King’s chapel, Faneuil hall
- Quincy Market
Start your day in New York City where your tour guide will share stories of different places on your journey to Boston. Once in Boston, begin your tour at Copley Square, have lunch at Quincy Market and end the day.
That’s a wrap…
I could go on forever about New York but there’s your overview to get you started on The Absolutely Perfect Weekend in Manhattan!
If you’re looking for other trip ideas in the US, check out my Savannah Post here!
