NYC First-Timer Guide: How to Spend a Long Weekend

TravelNew York City
Written By Baylee Marsh Thornton
Photo by (our fave) Sydney Jane Photography

New York City hardly needs an introduction. It’s the backdrop of countless movies, shows, and songs and the kind of place where every block feels like its own world. What makes the city so special is the sheer depth of diversity and culture woven into everyday life, from languages and food to neighborhoods that feel entirely distinct from one another. It’s exciting and overwhelming, yet somehow grounding in the best way. As my girl, Taylor, puts it, “everybody here wanted something more” and that hunger for more is exactly what you feel pulsing through the streets.

Like millions of other people, I fell in love with New York long before I ever set foot there (I was raised on 13 Going on 30), and over the last decade I’ve made the trip more times than I can count. Jake and I are wannabe residents and have been plotting the move since graduating college. We even got engaged in Central Park on a Christmas trip with friends and there was a snow squall right after he proposed! Needless to say, this city has my whole heart.

One of the things we love most about coming back is that no two trips ever feel the same. We make a point to explore something different every visit, whether that means trying a new neighborhood, seeking out a cuisine we’ve never had before, or wandering a block we’d normally breeze past. It’s our way of deepening our appreciation for the people and cultures that make New York what it is, and of avoiding a surface-level, whitewashed version of the city that’s easy to slip into if you’re not intentional.

For first-time visitors, the energy can feel electric… and pretty overwhelming. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to spend half your trip zig-zagging across the city chasing a checklist, instead of actually enjoying it.

That’s why I put this guide together. Designed with the first-time traveler in mind, this long weekend itinerary strikes the balance between iconic landmarks and local gems, with plenty of time for detours, people-watching, and mid-day snack breaks. Think of it as your curated crash course on New York: the essentials, without the exhaustion.

If you’ve got a longer trip planned and are interested in wider coverage of the city, check out my 7-day guide!

Getting there…

NYC has 3 airports you can fly into - LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy (JFK) are both in Queens, and Newark (EWR) is in New Jersey. My preferred airport is LGA because it’s the closest & cheapest option for getting to Manhattan once you land, but I usually fly into whichever airport has the cheapest overall flights for my travel dates.

Regardless of what airport you fly into, if you plan to take a Taxi or Rideshare, follow signs towards Ground Transportation and then either "Taxis" or “Rideshare” depending on your preference. For Rideshare, request your driver and wait in the designated area like you would anywhere else. If you’re wanting to take a cab, you’ll want to find the airport designated area/line for a taxi and get in the line. There are airport taxi attendants who will put you directly into a taxi that works for your party size as hundreds of cabs constantly circle the airports.

🚨PSA: once you pass through the security checkpoint, there will be random people (usually men) stopping you and asking if you need a ride. Don’t follow them - they are typically Rideshare drivers who are trying to catch unsuspecting tourists and charge you out the wazoo under the table (and it’s just sketchy??). Only go to the designated outside taxi area monitored by an airport attendant. 

✈️ LGA into Manhattan

  • The cheapest option is via the Airport Bus + Subway. At Ground Transportation at Terminals B or C, follow signs for the LaGuardia Link Q70 Bus. They run every 8-10 minutes and are completely free. After about 15 minutes, it will drop you off at the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue/74 St-Broadway Subway stop which has the E, F, M, R, and 7 trains. From here, use Apple or Google Maps to search the subway route to your hotel and take the $3.00/person journey. Overall, from airport to Midtown this usually takes between 30-40 minutes.

  • Uber Shuttle: a shared shuttle ride that you have to book in advance and pay per person. It stops at Terminals B and C at LGA and then Grand Central Terminal and Port Authority Terminal in Manhattan. Can be a good option for smaller travel groups just to get to Midtown Manhattan and get to your hotel from there.

  • The most direct option would be to take an Uber/Lyft or cab and this journey typically starts around $50 not including tip, during non-peak hours. However, less work is required and it’s only a 20-30 minute trip.

✈️ JFK into Manhattan

  • The cheapest option here depends on how many people you’re traveling with. The public transportation route costs $11.40-$15.50/person because you have to pay for the AirTran and then the subway or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) so it could be cheaper to split a cab or Rideshare. Follow signs to AirTrain Jamaica, you’ll need to pay $8.50/person for a ticket. Take the AirTran to the JFK Airport Jamaica stop. From here, use Apple or Google Maps to search the public transportation route to your hotel. You can either take the LIRR for $5-$7 per person or a series of subways for $3.00/person. Overall, from airport to Midtown this usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour.

  • The most direct option would be to take an Uber/Lyft or cab and this journey typically starts around $75 not including tip, during non-peak hours. It is still around a 45 minute journey, however, less work is required.

✈️ EWR into Manhattan

  • The cheapest option here also depends on how many people you’re traveling with. The public transportation route costs $17-$20/person because you have to pay for the AirTran and then the NJ Transit and Subway so it could be cheaper to split a cab or Rideshare. Follow signs to AirTrain, you’ll need to pay $8.50/person for a ticket. Take the AirTran to Newark Railroad Airport Station, get off and purchase another ticket for $8.50/person to board the New Jersey Coast Line Train toward New York Penn Station. Once you arrive at NY Penn Station, use Apple or Google Maps to search the public transportation route to your hotel. You can either walk (depending on how close your hotel is to Midtown) or take a series of subways for $3.00/person. Overall, from airport to Midtown this usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour.

  • The most direct option would be to take an Uber/Lyft or cab and this journey typically starts around $75 not including tip, during non-peak hours. It is still around a 45 minute journey, however, less work is required.

If you're flying into LGA, pick a window seat on the left side of the plane (port side) for the best view when you’re landing in the city.

🔥HOT TIP: Take an early flight into the city and just store your luggage at your hotel! If your room isn't ready when you get there, they’ll give you a call when it is and sometimes even take your luggage up to your room for you. This will give you a full day of exploring without waiting for hotel check in, and if you’re tired or want to freshen up later just head to the hotel once the room is ready. Take a late flight out of the city and have the hotel store your luggage again when you check out, explore the city more that day and then swing by and grab your luggage before heading to the airport!

…and getting around

🚕 If you’re not down for the subway (you should be, it’s the best — big fans of public transportation over here), cabs are often cheaper than Uber/Lyft. You can either hail a cab on your own, or use the app called Curb to request a cab at any time (like you would an Uber/Lyft). You can also download the app to pair up with a cab that you randomly hail so you can pay with your previously linked card on your account without frantically counting cash in the back seat. Some cab drivers prefer you use one over the other.

If you hail a cab, as opposed to requesting via the app, and you need to provide the driver with your destination, try to give them the cross streets in addition to the name of your destination. Drivers generally have the grid of Manhattan memorized but not necessarily the hundreds of thousands of places in the city. For example, instead of just saying you're going to the Marriott Marquis Times Square, say you're going to "the Marriott Marquis Times Square at 45th Street and 7th Avenue" — New Yorkers are way nicer to tourists if you can help them out a little.

🚊If you plan on taking the Subway, it's super easy to navigate using the Apple or Google Maps app. Just search where you want to go, and then instead of choosing the "Driving" or "Walking" method, select the "Public Transportation" method and it will give you step-by-step instructions on how to find the station of which subway lines to get on. Just make sure you pay attention to the entrances into each subway station as there is one for each direction you’re heading: "Uptown/Queens" and "Downtown/Brooklyn" and they're occasionally on opposite sides of the street. 

To pay for the subway, you'll just tap your phone on the OMNY pay stations at the turnstile (they recently discontinued MTA Metro Cards). Once you hit $35 within 7 days then you’ll get free rides using that same debit/credit card for the rest of the 7 days!

I also recommend taking the subway or walking versus Rideshare or a Cab due to the new congestion tolls around Manhattan during peak periods. The peak period toll rate applies from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and your drivers will pass that fee to you!

🔥HOT TIP: My itineraries tend to tackle everything by neighborhood/region because you'll waste a ton of time if you're wanting to go up in the Statue of Liberty the same day you planned tickets to the Met.

Skyline view of Downtown Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park

Where to Stay

Hotels in bold are ones I’ve personally stayed at. I’ve never had a bad experience at any hotel in NYC, but we like to switch things up and try different neighborhoods when we visit. Every hotel on this list has been thoroughly researched and vetted by me, though I’ll admit, I usually lean toward boutique-style stays over large chains (bonus points if there’s a rooftop bar or restaurant).

One thing to keep in mind: like any large city, most NYC hotel rooms are tiny. We’re talking just enough space for the bed. But don’t stress, you’ll be out exploring so much that you’ll hardly notice!

🔥Hot Tips

  • Prioritize the neighborhood and convenience over room size. You’ll spend most of your time out exploring anyway.

  • Don’t obsess over being “walking distance” to everything. Instead, make sure your hotel is near a subway line or two so you can hop around the city easily.

  • If you want a more personal, stylish stay, boutique hotels are the way to go. Chains can feel generic, but boutique properties often have great design, rooftops, or bars that feel like part of the NYC experience.

  • If you aren’t visiting for a specific major event or holiday, make sure you plan your trip around them (AKA avoid these dates at all costs to save big). Things like NYFW, NYC Marathon, Thanksgiving Day, etc.

  • Prices fluctuate a lot. Book as early as you can with a refundable/free cancellation rate.

  • Want skyline views without dropping $$$ on an observation deck ticket? Book a hotel with a rooftop bar or restaurant. The views are just as stunning, but with cocktails!

  • The season that you visit absolutely matters. Summer can be cheaper, but higher humidity and incredibly hot, while late November & December are magical but $$$ thanks to the holidays.

  • No hotel in NYC will check every single box. Focus on what matters most to you in terms of location, price, or style and let the rest go.

    Moxy NYC Chelsea - City View Room

Okay, ready for the good stuff?

Day 1: Downtown + The Villages

Morning:

Take an early flight into the city. I’m a first-flight-out kind of girl, which usually means a 3 AM airport arrival for a 6 AM takeoff. Once you’ve landed, use my tips above to get into Manhattan. Grab a cab or hop on the subway to your hotel, store your luggage there, and start your morning the New York way with a bagel and a strong coffee.

From there, head downtown to the World Trade Center. Spend some time at the 9/11 Memorial Pools. They’re free, open to the public, and incredibly moving. If you’re up for it, the 9/11 Museum is absolutely worth visiting, but be prepared: it’s a heavy experience. Timed tickets are required, so make sure to purchase those ahead. If the museum feels like too much for your first morning, you can swap it for something lighter: a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s around a mile all the way across, so if you want to walk across and back make sure you budget close to an hour. Even strolling halfway to the center and back gives you a nice mile and some iconic skyline views!

Before leaving the area, pop into the Oculus for a little shopping and a break in the air conditioning. Brookfield Place is right next door, and both spots are perfect for a quick wander and a restroom stop.

Pictured Below: 9/11 Memorial Reflection Pools, Oculus, Halfway Point of Brooklyn Bridge (at 6AM on Christmas Day, hence why it was empty)

Afternoon:

At the subway station inside of Oculus, hop on the 1 train and take it up to the Canal stop. Wander the cobblestone streets of SoHo or pop into luxury shops. My favorite area is the square north of Grand Street, south of Prince Street, east of Sixth Avenue, and west of Broadway. If you hit Houston Street, you’ve gone too far (and by the way, it’s pronounced HOW-ston here, not HEW-ston, like Texas).

If the weather is nice, grab a casual lunch and tea in the garden at Ladurée SoHo. In the spring, the garden is covered in Cherry Blossom! If you’re wanting something a little nicer, make reservations for the ever-classic Balthazar. I’ve loved a solo lunch date here with a good book and escargots!

🔥HOT TIP: Use the apps "Resy" and "Open Table" to make reservations for any restaurants you know you want to visit. It's also fun just to hop on and see what restaurants are near you & have tables ready!

After lunch, take a stroll up to Washington Square Park. Grab a bench, watch the chess & piano players, and take in the mini Arc de Triomphe moment under the iconic arch. From there, explore the West Village and soak in the brownstones, leafy streets, and endless little cafés. If it’s chilly, grab an Italian hot chocolate at Bar Pisellino or Fellini Coffee, and if you’re a Swiftie like me, walk Cornelia Street. If you’re wanting an afternoon beverage moment, grab a seat at the bar or outside at Dante for fantastic craft cocktails.

Pictured Below: Dante, When We Were Young, Ladurée SoHo

Evening:

After strolling the West & Greenwich Villages (pronounced GREN-ich, not “Green-wich”), you can either head to the Whitney Museum of American Art if you’re a modern art fan, or head back to your hotel to take a break and freshen up for the evening.

Once you’re ready for dinner, subway back down to the villages and grab dinner at Cecchi’s (upscale American), Pastis (French bistro), or Piccola Cucina Osteria Siciliana (Sicilian). All are cozy, vibey, and delicious, but Piccola Cucina is one of our favorites. It’s tiny, has an open kitchen, and they serve dishes straight from the pans they’re cooked in.

If dinner was enough of an outing for you, head back to your hotel and crash. If you like a late evening, choose your own nightcap adventure: a show at Comedy Cellar, Bibliotheque for a bookstore/wine bar vibe, or Do Not Disturb for a Speakeasy vibe.

  • Comedy Cellar: very famous comedy club (comedians like Ray Romano, Amy Schumer, Louis CK, Chris Rock, and more got their starts here). You’ll need to purchase tickets ahead of time, they have a 2 item per person minimum, and 21+ only - no parties larger than 8 allowed at main location. Not for the easily offended or anyone upset by vulgar comments, but I’ve always laughed myself into a headache when I’ve gone. The quality of comedy varies based on the performer, there are usually around 8 comedians with 10 minute sets each. Arrive at least half an hour before your show to line up outside. Bouncers will check your tickets and IDs at the door, have you put your phones & smart watches in sealed bubble mailers (that you hold onto) as they don’t allow photos/videos during sets, and then send you inside to choose your table. It’s very cramped inside, and if you sit closer to the stage, you’re likely to get picked on so if you don’t want to risk that, settle down somewhere toward the back of the room. They let you take your phone out after the last act so you can snap some photos!

  • Bibliotheque: If you want a spot that feels equal parts cozy library and chic lounge, it’s a dream come true. By day, a light-filled café/bookshop where you can sip coffee, peruse shelves, and quietly work (laptops welcome until 5PM). Come evening, it transitions into a wine bar with soft lighting and a rich ambiance that makes it perfect for a relaxed evening.

  • Do Not Disturb: Warm fireplaces, plush crushed-velvet banquettes, mahogany floors, dim lighting, and a playlist that leans soulful with lovers-rock, hip hop, and late-night energy. Dress smart-casual and make a reservation if possible, or snag the bar if you feel spontaneous.

If you find yourself needing a snack after your nightcap, grab a classic cheap slice of pizza at Joe’s Pizza (open until 4AM) before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Pictured Below: Balthazar, SoHo - Greene St., West Village, Dante, Comedy Cellar, SoHo - Spring St.

Day 2: Chelsea + Hudson Yards + Midtown

Morning:

Subway down to Chelsea (14 St/8 Ave Station) to start your day at the iconic Chelsea Market. It’s a large, industrial shopping center and food hall - grab a coffee, maybe a pastry, but I personally wouldn’t spend too much time here. Head up to the High Line, the abandoned above-ground train track turned park that winds through the city, via the 14th Street/10th Avenue or 16th Street/10th Avenue entrance. Walk north until you hit Hudson Yards where it ends, and exit to another great shopping area (with good public restrooms)! Step outside and you can admire the Vessel, another structure that I wouldn’t spend to much time exploring.

From Hudson Yards, head east on 34th Street and in 2 blocks you’ll run into Madison Square Garden/Penn Station, with a really nice view of the Empire State Building as well. Stop into MSG/Penn Station if you’re ready for another bathroom break, rest, or snack, or you’re just interested in the hustle & bustle of the station. Walk back out to 34th Street and continue east for 2 more blocks until you’re outside of the bottom of the Empire State Building. Feel free to go into the lobby for a picture or the Starbucks Reserve, before swinging a left down 5th Avenue to start making your way north to 40th Street.

🔥HOT TIP: If 5th Avenue feels too busy for you, hop over to Madison or Park Avenue and take in the beautiful architecture while continuing north — you'll be amazed at how much quieter things are just one or two avenues over. Also, when walking in Manhattan, keep in mind that the East/West blocks (the avenues) are almost 3 times longer than North/South blocks (the streets).

Pictured Below: Vessel, Chelsea Market

Once you get to 40th Street, you’ll be at the New York Public Library - it’s absolutely beautiful inside and outside so I recommend going in (and public restroom if you need a break) and it’s free of charge. There’s a really cool exhibit on the first floor in the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Library's Treasures with the original Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animals, and next to it is a gift shop with fun NYC-themed souvenirs that aren’t too tourist-trappy (looking at you, “I ❤️ NY” t-shirts).

After you’ve explored inside, head outside to Bryant Park, just behind the library. There are a ton of bistro tables, benches, and a few vendors if you’re interested in a little park hang with a view of the Empire State Building. Bryant Park also has a famously beautiful public restroom that always has a floral arrangement and classical music playing - if there somehow isn’t a line, I’d definitely check it out.

Afternoon:

If you’re looking for a casual sit-down place for lunch, we’re big fans of the chain La Pecora Bianca and there’s one right off Bryant Park. The whipped ricotta appetizer is a must for me every time! It’s a good, safe choice with options for everyone. If you’re more interested in a quick, grazing-style lunch, walk 2 blocks east to Grand Central Station. There’s a food hall & public restrooms inside so everyone can break and grab their own lunches. Also another iconic landmark to check out! After lunch, hop back on Fifth Avenue and walk up to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. You’ll also run into Rockefeller Center & Radio City Music Hall while you’re there. Explore this iconic area (there’s a Tiffany & Co., Lego Store, Kate Spade, the iconic F.A.O. Schwarz, + more) and treat yourself to the famous banana pudding at Magnolia Bakery.

If you’re absolutely set on experiencing an observatory while in the city, I highly recommend Top of the Rock. It’s one of the cheaper observatories and offers the best views, putting the Empire State Building & Freedom Tower into one photo. Sure, going up in the Empire State Building is iconic, but the skyline views are much better with it in the picture. If you want a cool skyline view at some point during your trip, but don’t feel strongly about it being an observatory, stay tuned.

Head back to your hotel to relax and freshen up for dinner!

Evening:

When you’re nice & refreshed, I recommend totally different vibes for the evening, but they begin with dinner at Chi Restaurant & Bar in Hell’s Kitchen for fantastic Chinese food and service.

After dinner, you’ve got two options. You’ll need to purchase tickets for both options ahead of time, so I you’ll need to decide prior to your trip:

  • Option 1: If you’re wanting to squeeze in some more sight-seeing, book a sunset sail with Classic Harbor Line. This is one of our favorite things to do in the city. We’ve done a few romantic variations just the two of us and one with a group of friends so it really is for everyone! From dinner, you’ll head to Chelsea Piers and board a beautiful 1920’s yacht for a sail around the East River, Hudson River, and the bay with incredible views of the Downtown skyline and Statue of Liberty. I’d recommend one of the yacht cruises that includes a complimentary beverage or has fun add-on options (in terms of food & beverage and/or entertainment).

  • Option 2: If you’re wanting to check out world-renowned entertainment, catch a Broadway show. We’re big musical theatre people, but our favorite recommendations for people who might be new to the theatre world include Hadestown, Wicked, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge, and Hamilton. I’ve also heard fantastic things about Hell’s Kitchen, The Outsiders, and Maybe Happy Ending, but these are newer shows and we haven’t had time for any in our most recent trips. If you think you’d like a musical with familiar songs, check out Moulin Rouge, & Juliet, or MJ: The Musical as they’re jukebox musicals.

🔥HOT TIP: Don't wait to get Broadway tickets on the day of the show or at the door because the prices will likely be very high or they'll be sold out! Purchase as early as you can, directly from each musical’s website. The only EXCEPTION to this rule is if you are planning to go to a show or event alone or with one other person. In that case, definitely hop on an app and buy a seat or two last minute as people often sell single seats for cheap right before showtime to fill in random gaps. I was once able to purchase a single $40, 5th row seat to Moulin Rouge just before the show started to mark my 5th time seeing it.

After your evening festivities, cap the night with drinks at one of my favorite rooftops. Remember earlier when I said to stay tuned regarding skyline views? Well here is one of my favorite NYC tips: instead of paying $40-$100 per person for tourist-filled observation decks, you can make a reservation at a rooftop bar where you can spend that money on food and/or drinks for essentially the same view! Head to The Skylark, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, or Daintree for a fantastic rooftop view of the Manhattan skyline. All of these places have an indoor area, and outside area where you can walk around. I recommend making reservations if you want somewhere to sit, otherwise it will likely be a standing room/bar situation.

Once you’ve enjoyed your time at whatever rooftop you choose, walk out into Times Square (all of my recommended rooftops are within a few blocks). It’s truly the bane of my existence and I usually avoid it at all costs (can’t handle the crowds of tourists unaware of their surroundings), but you’ll want to see it at least once and I think it’s better enjoyed at night — you know, “bright lights in the big city” vibe. Be aware of people dressed as weird characters or statues wanting to take pictures with you, they’re just trying to get you to tip them. If you need a late-night snack, and you passed up on cheap pizza last night there’s another Joe’s Pizza location around here!

If you’re too tired to hit up Times Square, or don’t want to handle the late-night crowds, head back to the hotel to rest up for your last day and catch it early in the morning! I highly recommend catching Times Square between 5AM and 6 AM because it’s still dark enough for the lights to glow, and the only people you’ll see are locals heading to early shifts.

Pictured Below: Chi Restaurant & Bar, Walter Kerr Theatre - Hadestown, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Classic Harbor Line Cruise, Times Square (this was 5:45AM), Classic Harbor Line Cruise

Day 3: Uptown & Central Park

Morning:

Start off by checking out of your hotel and storing your luggage with the front desk. Head up to Sarabeth’s Central Park South location for an early brunch — it’s classic, cozy, and perfectly located between The Plaza and The Ritz-Carlton along Central Park. If the weather is nice, snag an outside table for some great people watching. Afterward, enter Central Park from the south and head north on a mid-morning stroll, hitting these can’t-miss stops along the way:

  • Umpire Rock: A giant rock formation of schist perfect for climbing to get a great skyline view, near the ballfields (where we’re standing in our engagement photo at the beginning of this page)

  • Sheep Meadow: An open grassy lawn, a favorite spot for sunbathing and picnics during nice weather

  • The Mall: A grand, tree-lined promenade with street performers and artists. There’s also an awesome guy who does old-timey polaroid photos that make a great souvenir (he’s there Tuesdays + Friday-Sunday from 8am-5pm-ish)

  • Bethesda Terrace: One of the most famous parts of the park, a plaza with ornate stonework and the famous Angel of the Waters fountain at its center. Featured in a ton of movies/shows (Enchanted, Stuart Little, Home Alone 2, Gossip Girl, Sex & The City, etc.)

  • Bow Bridge: beautiful and iconic cast-iron bridge offering romantic views over the Lake and the skyline

  • Central Park Boathouse: lakeside restaurant and boat-rental hub offering classic rowboat experiences and romantic dining with skyline views. Rent one of the rowboats if the weather is on your side. They’re first-come, first-serve and each boat holds 4 people. The cost is $25/boat per hour (Credit Card or Apple Pay only) and rental hours are 10AM-7PM.

Pictured Below: The Pond at Central Park, View from behind Wollman Rink in Central Park, Central Park Row Boat under Bow Bridge, Central Park Row Boat with El Dorado in the background, Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, benches along Cherry Hill during Cherry Blossom season

Once you hit 79th street, exit the park to the Upper East Side and you’ll find yourself on 5th Avenue, a block south of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Head there and marvel at the architecture and take pictures on the front steps. If you’re interested in a museum morning it’s definitely my favorite in the city. I’d plan for a few hours here! My favorite exhibits are 19th/Early 20th Century European Paintings/Sculpture and the Temple of Dendur.

If you’re more of a history buff than an art lover, skip the MET and keep reading. After the MET, whether you’ve gone in or just admired from outside, walk south on Madison Avenue until you hit Ralph Lauren & Ralph’s Coffee at the corner of 72nd. Grab a latte for a late morning pick me up! There is nice seating inside and some cute tables outside, but if it’s too crowded just head back into the park and walk straight across 72nd Street to the Upper West Side.

Pictured Below: The Robert Lehman Collection at the MET, Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” at the MET, Gallery 818 featuring early work from Monet at the MET, the backside of The Museum of Natural History, Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda at The Museum of Natural History, Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at The Museum of Natural History

Afternoon:

Just before you get to the 72nd Street exit of the park, take the path heading north until you reach the 77th Street exit point of the park, just in front of the Museum of Natural History. If you skipped the MET and are interested in a museum, this is another favorite of mine (and what the first Night at the Museum is based off of) so definitely check it out. My favorite exhibits here are Ocean Life, African Mammals, and the entire 4th Floor of Dinosaurs. Before heading in, grab a snacky-lunch from one of the food carts parked outside of the museum, they’re actually really good. I love a chicken on a stick.

If you perused the MET earlier and you’ve gotten your food cart fix, walk south on Columbus Avenue (behind the Museum of Natural History) and admire the architecture of the Upper West Side. Grab a cookie from Levain Bakery or if you skipped out on coffee at Ralph’s earlier, I love About Coffee just outside of the museum. If it happens to be Sunday between the hours of 10AM and 5PM, check out the Grand Bazaar, a weekly curated outdoor market that is so fun!

Continue south on Columbus Avenue until you reach Lincoln Center. The Juilliard School has performances here as well as New York City Ballet and Metropolitan Opera so check their calendars ahead of time and see if you might be interested in an afternoon show. From Lincoln Center, walk Broadway down to Columbus Circle at the southwest corner of Central Park. The Shops here are very similar to Hudson Yards with shopping, quick food options, and public restrooms.

Evening:

If you have time for a final meal before heading to the airport, try for a reservation at Bad Roman. It’s fun, buzzy, delicious and on the third floor of Columbus Circle. Just outside of Columbus Circle is an easy spot to catch a cab or subway back to your hotel to pick up your luggage. Then it’s time to hail a cab and wave goodbye to the city that never sleeps (until next time).

By the end of your trip, you’ll understand why people say New York isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling. It’s the buzz of Times Square at midnight, the calm of Central Park at sunrise, and the joy of finding a hole-in-the-wall slice shop that tastes like heaven. My hope is that this guide gives you a balance of the must-sees and the little in-betweens that make the city unforgettable. And when you’re boarding your flight home, if you catch yourself humming “Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you…”, chances are, you’ll be plotting your next visit back.

Baylee Marsh Thornton
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