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I feel so lucky that I get to go to NYC not once, but twice in one year! I’m headed there tomorrow (now today!) actually for a girls’ trip weekend and I couldn’t be more excited. As most of you know my husband and I moved to NYC a mere 2 weeks after getting hitched so he could attend dental school. We lived there for 4 years and our first daughter was born there as well. We moved away 10 (!!!) years ago, but I’m telling you, that city gets in your blood. It’s a place I was always want to visit and while it may be a little bit of a stretch for our family (as it’s not an accessible city AT ALL) I’d love to live there again someday. Or at least visit a couple times a year.
What makes this trip even doubly exciting for me is the fact that one of my friends has never been there before! And since they all let me take the lead in planning this weekend I feel so excited to be taking them around the city to some of my favorite spots–well some of my and millions of people’s favorite spots. I have a few things planned and set in stone so-to-speak, but I’m also trying to keep it loosey-goosey so we can let the city take us where it will. I swear, this city will just open up to you like a flower if you just go with the flow. Keep in mind that so many of these things are FREE! I thought I’d share with you the rough 2.5 day itinerary if you ever take a quick NYC weekend getaway.
First evening:
You just landed in NYC and you only have a half day. I say head straight for the Brooklyn Bridge. Yes you have to. Of course once you live in NYC for a while you might get a little sick of walking across the bridge and then heading to Grimaldi’s for pizza, but for our 4 short years it never felt like too much. (Also, since Grimaldie’s is now a chain it’s not nearly as cool to go… but it still might be my all-time favorite pizza.) You can either start in Manhattan and walk to Brooklyn, but we’re starting in Brooklyn and then walking over to Manhattan. If you have time while you’re in Brooklyn, I’ve been dying to try the stretchy ice cream over at Republic of Booza.
Once you’re done at the bridge you might as well find a great place to eat somewhere downtown. My favorite fancy place to eat, but not CRAZY expensive is Union Square Cafe. Hand on the Bible, I’ve never had a meal there that didn’t knock my socks off. But you might also try a place that’s a little more unique. Or this. Or this. You’re in New York City–go nuts..png)
First full day:
Start at the top and head all the way north to Ft. Tryon Park and The Cloisters. This little gem is at the very top of Manhattan and close to where we used to live in Washington Heights. There are a lot of people who live in NYC for YEARS and never venture up this far–but do yourself a favor and come see one of the most beautiful sights in all of the city. Ft. Tryon is free. And the Cloisters is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art–so if you’re going to the Met you can get into the Cloisters on the same pass, which is $25 per adult.
As you make your way back down to the city hit up the BEST soul food in Harlem at Amy Ruth’s. You will want to get the chicken and waffles and you will want to be ordering sides. Don’t argue with me, just do it.
As you keep heading south you’ll either want to hit up The Met (on 5th Ave. off of central park and put that 2 for 1 pass to good use) or the MoMA. Personally I’ll always choose the MoMA over the Met, and I was especially looking forward to it on this trip as it’s the First Friday of the month, which means entrance to the MoMA is free, but it’s currently closed until sometime in October. So the Met it is. (Definitely not a step down! I’m excited to see the Rock ‘n Roll exhibit!–just bummed about the MoMA.)
Later that evening you’ll want to hit Momofuku’s Noodle bar or Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles in China Town. (I’m planning on Momofuku). And if you still have room in your stomach (if not, you need to MAKE room) head over to Max Brenner, an entire restaurant dedicated to chocolate. You’re welcome.
Day Two:
This morning you’re going to head up to the Top of the Rock. Personally if you have to choose between the top of the Empire State building or the Top of Rockefeller plaza, I choose the top of the Rock. The views are better (you’re front and center for Central park!) and plus, you get a view of the Empire State building instead of being on top of it. However, if it’s Valentine’s Day and you’ve agreed to meet someone at the top I totally get it. And good news–Magnolia Bakery now has a location at Rockefeller Center. I’m not a huge cupcake fan, but their Banana Pudding is LEGIT.
Then you can head to Central Park because yes it really is that big and that pretty and of course free. There are plenty of activities–like boat rides, bike rides, or you could even do a yoga class in the park..png)
I know this is backtracking just a bit, but again we’re loosey goosey OK? Next you can walk down to the Highline. This is one of the city’s more popular recent attractions and I love it. The whole city loves it, can’t get enough of it. It’s a beautiful park built on an old aboveground subway line and you can see art, relax on benches or lounges, etc.
Somewhere along the Highline you’ll want to get something to eat–brunch at Bubby’s is a good choice, or just Google something! You’ll find something great! If you have the chance pop in to Dominique Ansel Bakery (home of the Cronut) and get yourself a delightful baked good. If you want a Cronut or a DKA (SO GOOD) you might need to head there a little earlier, but still… just make it happen. You can’t go wrong at this place.
Before heading to a Broadway show hit up Los Tacos, the cities best Tijuana street tacos. (No tables–just stand at the counter. The line can be kinda long, but pretty quick and easy. BTW, this recommendation came from a friend who is another former New Yorker–so I’m excited to try it out for the first time!)
Night two is a great evening for a Broadway show. So much goodness to choose from. You probably want to hit up TXTS that day or you can even check with each shows lottery and try to get some great seats for super cheap. If you want something a little different… a theater experience, try Sleep No More. (Not for kids.) And if you need a place for a good post-show, midnight meal our new favorite is the Morrocan food from Cafe Mogador. SO GOOD. Hands down, my new favorite place to eat in NYC. (But it’s in the East Village–so you may want to splurge for a cab.)
OK! That’s my super sweet, comprehensive 2 and half day tour of the city. Some stuff is very touristy, but other stuff is just fun, chill and makes for a great time as you make your way through the city! What’s on your must do/eat/see list when in NYC?
This is AMAZING! Thank you and have the best time!
I live here in NYC, born and raised in Queens … in fact, living in NYC is is my blood. My maternal grandmother’s grandparents came from Germany pre 1850 census on which they are 16 and 18 year old newlyweds. My maternal grandfather’s grandparents arrived a little later.
So glad you love it here and had a blast. I could never imagine living anywhere else.
By the way, I gave a 5 yr old a copy of your book in Aug for his birthday. I read it with him right away and his 9 yr old sis, and 12 yr old bro who were overhearing us were captivated by the story and joined us at the table for an extensive discussion. Success. BINGO!.
Many, Many Thanks for giving us this great gift of awareness. Would have loved to run into you while you visited. Would be so cool to spot someone i follow!!
Keep doin’ what you do!
Joanne
So many of my favorite places on here – cafe mogador was my go-to when i lived in the east village. Great itinerary! Loved watching how much fun you and your friends had in the city – thanks for sharing this!
So lucky to have lived near Cafe Mogador! I can’t believe I had never been or even heard of it. We also went sock shopping next door at 1 in the morning. Haha…. NYC is the best.