If you’re fortunate to fly into New York City often, you have the luxury of knowing that whatever you miss on one trip, you can make up for on the next. But if you’re an infrequent visitor to The Big Apple like me, just remember, you can catch up on your sleep when you get home!
No matter how often I make it to the city, here’s what’s on my list of must-sees and do’s for the quintessential NYC experience:
1) For the ultimate stimulus package, surround yourself with the sights and sounds of Times Square at Night. The crowds, the noise, and traffic, the glitz and glamour, all coalesce here into one gigantic display of pulsating energy you won’t want to miss.
You don’t need to worry about looking like a tourist here. You’ll feel right at home with the thousands of others just like you who are trying to capture the moment in photos and videos.
2) Catch a Broadway show or musical in the Theatre District adjacent to Times Square. If you didn’t purchase tickets before your trip, you might be able to get tickets for shows the same day at the theatre box office. For half-price tickets, check out the TKTS booth at Broadway and 47th, but only if you don’t mind standing in long lines. On this trip, Mamma Mia was a big hit with my teenage daughter.
3) Light a candle for a loved one at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan. Stepping inside this magnificent church is the perfect antidote to the cacophony outside its doors. Whatever your spiritual or religious leanings, the cathedral offers an oasis of silence and serenity in The City That Never Sleeps.
4) Hail a cab like a true New Yorker. While the best way to explore the city might be on foot, when you only have 48 hours, you want to maximize your time. Claudette Colbert had great success by showing a little leg in the film, It Happened One Night, but I’m not sure this Wanderboomer would do as well.
Here’s how it done: Stand on the curb. Extend your arm. You know how to whistle, don’t you? No? Then just yell, “Taxi!” If the taxi doesn’t stop, it’s for one of several reasons: the driver is off-duty (You’ll know if the lights on either side of the center light on top of the cab are on), the cab is full (the center light is on), the driver didn’t see you, didn’t want to stop, or any one of a dozen other reasons.
Naturally, it’s more challenging during rush hour (generally 5 – 8PM) or in inclement weather. The key is not to give up. Sooner or later a cab is bound to stop for you.
5) Stop in for a bite to eat while sitting under a beautiful vaulted tiled ceiling at the Oyster Bar and Restaurant in Grand Central Station. Enjoy the catch of the day, an overwhelming assortment of raw oysters, or soups and stews brimming with your favorite seafood. If you’re not a fan of fresh fish, you can always order grilled sirloin steak, a half roasted chicken, or chicken fingers for the kids. The restaurant hosts three distinct seating areas, including the popular counter where you can watch the chefs in action.
Be sure, too, to try out the Whispering Wall just outside the Oyster Bar where two people can stand in opposite corners under the arches, whisper into the corner, and hear each other loud and clear. Way cool.
Coming up: Part II of my Must Sees & Do’s in New York City . . .
What are your favorite things see & do in NYC, Wanderboomers?
Monica says
As a New Yorker myself, I always recommend dining on New York pizza while there. Take a tour of Radio City Music Hall. Beatles fans should check out Strawberry Fields in Central Park. And be sure to stop by Dylan’s Candy Store–for the best candy selection around! Walk along Fifth Avenue and visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art! If you’re running out of time, just visit the Egyptian section on the first floor, right side.
Olga Godim says
Nancy.
Definitely the New York Public Library. It’s available to anyone, a citizen or a guest of the city, and it has the recordings of any performance (if it was ever recorded). Ballets, operas, dramas, modern music, circus, etc. The selection is endless and can be chosen by genre, performer’s name, country of origin, and so on. I spent an entire day there and could’ve spent a week.
Marcy says
I liked bringing my kids to Pommes Frites in the East Village. It’s a French fries restaurant with many toppings to choose from: Sweet Mango Chutney, Smoked Eggplant, Peanut Satay. So good!
Astra says
Nancy, great suggestions here! A couple of years ago we took our 3 kids to NYC. We chose to stay in an apartment rather than a hotel, which was fun. Here are a couple of our highlights:
Sony Wonder Technology Lab (free but need reservations)
Dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Cafe (hokey but great entertainment and awesome shakes!)
Walking tour and just a fun game of catch in Central Park
St John the Devine Cathedral in Harlem (impressed with the structure, not impressed that I made them sit through service)
The Rock at night (observation desk at Rockafeller Center)
A Yankees game via subway!
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
Love your suggestions, too, Astra – Thanks! Of course, this just makes me want to go right back to NYC 🙂 ~
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
Alas! We didn’t even make it to the Eastside on this trip, Marcy. Even so, I wasn’t familiar with Pommes Frites before your post here. Add it to my list! Thanks for commenting ~
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
I agree, Olga! Though we didn’t have time to begin to appreciate everything the NYC Public Library has to offer, we did stop in – and I always have to say “Hi!” to the lion guardians 🙂 ~. Thanks for stopping by.
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
Having a slice of New York pizza always makes my list, too, Monica! Your other suggestions make me want to hop on the next plane to NYC – There’s always so much more to see & do than there’s time for on any one trip.
Becky Green Aaronson says
Fun post, Nancy! Central Park, MOMA and Ernie’s make me smile when I’m there. Running the NYC Marathon is another great way to see the city in all its glory. Looking forward to your next installment!
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
Thanks, Becky! Central Park and MOMA are high on my list, too, though I don’t make it to each on every NYC trip. I’m not familiar with Ernie’s so I’ll have to check that out next time. I love your idea of running the NYC Marathon as a great way to see the city – though I won’t be signing up for that anytime soon :-)!
jenjenk says
chicken & rice halal cart and a visit to Uniqlo. 🙂
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
Hi, Jenny! I missed out on the chicken & rice halal cart this time around, but I’m sure you’ll recognize one of my photos in Part II :-). Can you believe I took photos of Uniqlo but didn’t go inside? Crazy, I know ~
Andrea says
I love NYC – this great post has reminded me I need to book another trip there! My favourite place to eat is Benny’s Burritos in Greenwich Village – their margaritas are FAB and I love the cool atmosphere there. Also love Bryant Park.
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
Thanks, Andrea! I’m inspired by reader comments like yours that make me realize – yet again – how much more there is I want to see & do in NYC. I’m adding your favorite places to my list! Stay tuned for Part II in my New York series . . .
Gladys | ByahengBarok.com says
i love NYC… i’m really hoping to get there… and if i do.. for sure, i won’t be staying there 48 hours. LOL
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
That’s the spirit, Gladys! NYC will blow your socks off (Does anybody say that anymore??). You have to go – and definitely plan on staying longer than 48 hours. Thanks for stopping by ~
Christopher says
Unfortunately, now is not the right time to do it, but in summer you can canoe on the Hudson River for free. The place to do it is along the bike path on the Hudson. You’ll see the canoes and everyone doing it. Renting a bike and riding along the Hudson is great fun as well–but be very careful. Bikers in NYC are fast and mean.
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
Great suggestion, Christopher! I’d also like to take a train along the Hudson one of these days, say from NYC to Montreal. I like to think of New Yorkers as fast and purposeful :-). Thanks for your recommendations ~
Edel Williams says
I stayed in New York last February with my other half for the first time and I was spellbound. It co-incided with one of the worst snow storms in years, but that added to the fun and intrigue. My favourite places are listed among the many replies above, the National Library, the Rockefeller Centre, the MOMA, but I also enjoyed eating at at the Alaine Ducasse restaurant at the St Regis Hotel, having lunch at the Bull and Bear and just walking the streets soaking up the atmosphere. What a fabulous place, at any time of year.
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
Yes, I’ve been in NYC when it snowed, too, but not for some years. Thanks so much for stopping by, Edel, and adding to my ever-growing list of must-sees & do’s in The Big Apple!
InsideJourneys says
Nice list of things to do in NYC.
I’d add walk the Brooklyn Bridge (if it’s not too windy or cold).
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
Ah, that’s still one I haven’t done in all my trips to NYC, Marcia. One more for my list! Thanks for reminding me ~
Michael Taylor says
To me, Grand Central Station is the coolest place in New York. When I lived there, I would walk blocks out of my way just to venture into the station. Something about the grandeur of the space together with the fast moving crowds always provoked an adrenaline rush.
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
I’m with you, Michael! I love Grand Central Station for its soaring space, the beautiful ceiling of constellations, and the bustling energy of people on the go.