Welcome to New York, it's been waiting for you!
New York is a big, big, big place and it is so easy to get overwhelmed! I have been 4 times now and still get overwhelmed by all there is to see and do! This past March I went with my parents, sister, her boyfriend, and my fiance (who was only my boyfriend before this trip). We did so much in just five days and ate lots of good foods!
Things to Do
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine- It is a beautiful Catholic Cathedral. We went to this one because it was closer to where we were but I would recommend St. Patrick's Cathedral because it is much bigger.
Times Square- This is an obvious, but it truly is amazing to see! There are street performers, artists, and even souvenir shops to stop at. You have to go see Times Square during the day and at night, two totally different experiences!
Central Park- My personal favorite part of the trip because this is where Tyler proposed! Central Park is much bigger than you can even imagine! Be sure to see Central Park Mall with the American Elm trees (seen in lots of movies), Bethesda Fountain, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge (where we got engaged), and lots more! We only hit those spots, but you could spend all day walking (or biking) through Central Park.
Trump Tower- This is close to Central Park, near the spots mentioned above. It is a fancy building and just fun to see!
Brooklyn Bridge- I don't know the best time of day to go, but we went during the day, although it's beautiful at night too! Beware of the bikers and do not get in their lane (they are serious about that).
Grand Central Terminal- This place is so beautiful! It is not only a transportation hub but has shopping, food, and lots of photo opportunities.
Yankee Stadium- We did not go to a game, but the boys wanted to see it! Obviously going to a game would be even better, but if you are a sports fan head over to see it!
Empire State Building- Lots of people go to the top of this building and I am sure it is beautiful, but we just walked through and looked at how tall it is.
Staten Island/Statue of Liberty- The Staten Island Ferry is free which is so nice because not much in NYC is! However, it does not stop at the island but you still get a great view of Lady Liberty.
Fraunces Tavern Museum- A beautiful building built in 1719 that is best known as the site that George Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army in 1783. I did not go through the museum, but I have eaten here before and this time around just had a drink. It is beautiful and has a neat environment.
China Town- I have never eaten on Canal Street, but there is a lot of shopping to be done there. You can buy souvenirs for cheaper than you can on Times Square but China Town is better known for high quality fakes. I am in no way endorsing it, but it is quite the experience!
Flat Iron Building- This is just an iconic building in NYC that has been in lots of movies. It is really neat to see, but don't go too far out of your way for it!
Rockefeller Center- We went up to the observation deck and it was so beautiful! It is worth the money to go up there and get some pictures! You can see Central Park and so many beautiful buildings. Be sure to go when there is a clear sky, fog will ruin the experience!
Chelsea Market- This place was so neat! It was my first time going and I want to go back next time! It is so aesthetically pleasing and fun to walk around! It is almost like a maze full of shops, food, and all sort of things.
High Line- High Line is a park right beside Chelsea Market. It is built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan's West Side.
McSorley's Old Ale House- This is the oldest Irish tavern in NYC! Established in 1854, it was one of the last "Men Only" pubs, only admitting women after being forced to in 1970! This place has such interesting history (look it up while you are there) and is worth stopping in. You get two beer choices, light and dark! The atmosphere gives an old pub vibe with it's covered walls and sawdust floors. Definitely a must see!
Macy's Herald Square- This is the flagship of the department store chain. It is among the largest department stores in the U.S. at 11 floors! Also, I just love these old wooden escalators.
Broadway- If you don't here anything else I say, you MUST see a Broadway show. I have seen Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Aladdin, Anastasia, and Ghost. My personal favorite is Phantom of the Opera, but all Broadway shows will most likely be amazing!
New York Public Library- We stopped here to use the bathroom, but this place is beautiful! Who wouldn't want to read a book here? At the very least stop in and see in the architecture.
Food
Jacob's Pickles- The ultimate Southern comfort food.
Juniors Cheesecake- Yummy food with amazing cheesecake and the best hot chocolate.
Coppola's Italian Restaurant- The best Italian food. A little more upscale and Tyler even saw a guy from Barstool Sports Radio there.
Levain Bakery- I cannot even begin to explain these cookies. They are gooey, delicious, and HUGE! Go get one and thank me later!
Los Tacos- One of our favorite lunch spots and also the cheapest! We had tacos, mexican drinks, and more tacos. They have a location in Times Square and inside Chelsea Market.
Crepes on Columbus- I did not eat here because I hate Crepes, but my parents and Tyler loved it!
This is just a small list of the thousands of things to do in NYC! If you are headed to New York City, I would love to talk to you about it! I have been during summer, Christmas, and spring time so I know how to dress for all the seasons! There are lots of season related activities and attractions too. I love to hangout on Instagram at @tia_mccutchen so message me and lets chat all things NYC!
xoxo,
Comments