New York City in a Weekend.

New York City in a Weekend: A Guide to a few of the Best Things to Do

I grew up outside of New York City in New Jersey, so growing up we visited several times a year. Whether it was to see a Broadway show, The Rockettes at Christmas, a Yankee game with my Dad, or the thousands of other fun things to do. New York City is a vibrant and exciting place to visit, no matter what time of year you go. There are so many things to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. I recently took my husband to see the city for the first time and this is just a short list of the sites we were able to take in and places you can’t go wrong with visiting:

South Street Seaport

The South Street Seaport is a historic district in Lower Manhattan that was once a thriving port. Today, it is a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and attractions. Be sure to visit the Pier 17 rooftop for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a moving tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The museum tells the story of the attacks and the aftermath through exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories. It is a powerful and moving experience that everyone should see. We took our time here and spent nearly three hours and could have spent more time. Be sure to visit their website ahead of time to book your tour, there are certain time slots to sign up for, so it doesn’t get over crowded.

Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden is a multi-purpose arena that is home to the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and New York Liberty. It is also a popular concert and event venue. If you’re a sports fan, be sure to catch a game or concert at Madison Square Garden. We were lucky enough to get great seats to see Billy Joel, and what a fantastic concert!!

Rockefeller Plaza

Rockefeller Plaza is a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and attractions. It is best known for its Christmas tree, which is one of the most iconic symbols of New York City. Be sure to visit Rockefeller Plaza during the holiday season to see the tree and enjoy the festive atmosphere. They were just taking down the decorations when we were there but luckily the tree was still up. Also be sure to head into “30 Rock” also known as the Comcast building. There is a 3D mural on the ceiling that is fascinating to see.

Saint Patricks Cathedral

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is an impressive Gothic cathedral that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New York City. The cathedral is home to the Archbishop of New York and is a popular place for weddings and other special events. If you’re interested in religious history, be sure to visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

Broadway

Broadway is the center of the theater world in New York City. There are always plenty of shows to see, from musicals to plays to comedy shows. If you’re a fan of the theater, be sure to catch a show on Broadway.

These are just a few of the many things you can do in New York City on a weekend. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a great time.

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Terminal is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City. It is a beautiful and historic train station that is also a popular tourist destination. If you are planning a visit to New York, Grand Central Terminal is definitely worth a stop.

Grand Central Terminal was designed by architect Stanford White and opened in 1913. It was one of the first major buildings in the United States to be built using steel-reinforced concrete. The terminal is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture, with its soaring ceilings, marble floors, and elaborate chandeliers.

Don’t Forget to Eat!

There is so much diversity of food here, but of course there are the staple items that you must try. The below are in no particular order…

#1 THE New York Bagel. There is nothing else like it. It is perfection in the form of delicious dough and schmere. We were so happy to try Ess-a while here on this trip and they did not disappoint.

#2 New York Pizza. Thin crust, big slice.. enough said, just get it.

#3 The Knish… I know, this might seem a litte strange, but since I was a kid, anytime we go to the city, I have to have one. Mashed potatoes, fried. I don’t even know if there is anythign else in them, I just know I have to have it. Give it a try, you may be surprised, (and don’t forget to squeeze some mustard inside!)

Before heading to our show, we had a fantastic dinner at Da Marino. Wonderful atmosphere, the staff was perfectly attentive, not too much, not too little even on a busy night and time. The food was delicious!

Tips for Visiting New York City

Here are a few tips for visiting New York City:

• Plan your trip ahead of time. There are so many things to see and do in New York City, it’s important to plan your trip ahead of time. Decide what you want to see and do, and map out your itinerary.
• Buy a MetroCard. The MetroCard is a prepaid fare card that can be used on all public transportation in New York City. It’s the most convenient way to get around the city.
• Be prepared for crowds. New York City is a very popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds. If you’re not comfortable with crowds, you may want to consider visiting during the off-season.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking in New York City, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather in New York City can be unpredictable, so be prepared for all types of weather. Pack a raincoat, umbrella, and sunscreen, even if it’s supposed to be a sunny day.
• Don’t forget to eat! New York City is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, like pizza, bagels, and cheesecake.
• Have fun! New York City is a great place to visit and explore. Be sure to relax and enjoy your time there.