The mesmerizing and vibrant city of New York is the perfect spot for a weekend. There is a lot to see and try out in the city. The arts, food, fashion, and nightlife scenes will thrill your soul. Are you planning to spend a weekend in NYC? It's impossible to see and tour all of NYC in a few days.
However, we have planned a guidebook for your trip. So you can explore the best of the best sights in the city. And you can make the most of your weekend in NYC!
Without further ado, let's have a glance at the things that the city has to offer.
Best Time To Visit
There is no good time to pay a call in New York City. Whether you want to spend a cold winter or prefer warm weather, it has a lot to offer every month. And there is so much to add to your bucket list.
The city offers jaw-dropping experiences throughout the year. If you want to explore the place in pleasant weather, the best time to visit is springtime (April to June) and fall (September to early November). The weather is crisp and frosty in the fall season. So, it is also a great time to get out in the city.
Yet, mid-January to the end of February is the best time if you want to look for cheap treats. You can witness snow if you visit in the winter months. Also, the weather remains cold. If so, pack enough warm clothes to save yourself from the chilly weather.
How To Get Around The City
The city has many different neighborhoods. All of them have a unique and vibrant ambiance. It becomes crucial to get along with the unique surroundings of the city.
We have suggested a few ways you can consider exploring the place. These are the best ways to get from Brooklyn to the Upper East Side and everywhere in between:
Subway: Subway is one of the best methods to get around NYC. Many people prefer them as it is affordable. In addition, you can prevent all the bumper-to-bumper traffic. And can be comfortable along the journey.
The trains run all day and all night. So you don't have to get tense about your schedule. Moreover, you can install a subway map. It will help you to get off at the right stop.
Uber/Taxi: If you have a lot of luggage or shopping bags, the best option is to take a cab. The crowded subway trains are not the best option when you carry a lot of stuff.
You can either request a ride with Uber or call a yellow cab from the street. The fares are kind of cheap. Plus, the drivers are more trustworthy.
Walking: Get ready to walk a lot on your trip. Many sights are within a stone's throw of each other. So you don't have to get public transportation to get around at all times.
Where to Stay in NYC
New York is pricey. Your budget can drive up while planning where to stay. Getting a lodge or hotel at an affordable price is difficult. But try to stop by a place that is a 10-minute walk from the subway. It will save up some money.
Here are a few well-reviewed hotel choices to take a look at. You can’t go wrong with the spots on any of them. And they will give you an idea about what you should look at budget-wise for lodgings to stay in NYC.
Budget-friendly
Seton Hotel
The hotel has got good reviews from visitors. This hotel is near Murray Hill, which makes it an appealing option on a budget in NYC. Further, the Seton Hotel is a great choice if you want to be economical.
And you don't have to dip into a hostel or stay further out. It is not among the luxurious hotels. But according to the price, it is a decent one.
Medium-range
Club Quarters Hotel Midtown
Times Square is also a great affordable option to stay in New York. The hotel is well-connected with transportation. So, you won't have trouble searching for the transportation method. Uber/Taxis are also available near it. You can get around Times Square without a hitch.
In addition, the location and service are outstanding. There are some of the highlights of the city nearby the hotel. All of them are within walking distance. So, you can stroll along these top attractions. Some are Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Grand Central.
Grand
Library Hotel
There are plenty of luxury hotels in New York City. And Library Hotel is one of them. As the name suggests, the hotel has a theme of a library. It is right next to the New York Public Library.
The hotel showcases themed rooms, a rooftop bar, and a stunning reading room. It is a great choice to add luxe to your trip.
Places To Explore
The Guggenheim Museum
Pay a visit to this reputable modern art museum. The museum got renovated recently. Over and above, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building itself is a wonder to behold. It features some of the famous artists, like Calder, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Picasso, and many more. Also, you can find a beautiful variety of styles and genres of artwork.
Big Bus New York Sightseeing Tour
A bus tour is one of the best ways to explore the city. This comfortable bus leads you around NYC, showcasing all the landmarks and hot spots. You can get a complete recap of the city's history, distinctive culture, and layout of all of the sites.
Also, the guides let you know about the tour with insider information. The bus tour covers a few places, such as
- Wall Street/ Charging Bull
- Empire State Building
- Madison Square Garden
- Brooklyn Bridge/ City Hall
- High Line
- SOHO/ Little Italy and many more
Central Park
Go for a walk around the country’s most renowned urban green space. The park extends around 843 acres. You don't have to explore the entire park. Check out some of the top attractions located within Central Park.
The top attractions possess Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, the Central Park Zoo, the Strawberry Fields mosaic, the Central Park Carousel, the Loeb Boathouse, and many more.
If it's a pleasant day, walk down the Ramble or sit next to the lake. There are a lot of activities you can try out in Central Park.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
The church is one of the most impressive religious structures in New York. It looks nearly out of place on occupied, modern, consumer-focused Fifth Avenue. The building is enchanting and is worth a look inside.
Fifth Avenue
Visit the famous Fifth Avenue to catch the sight of some of the top attractions. Some notable locations include the Plaza Hotel, Tiffany & Co., and Bergdorf Goodman. If you’re the shopping type, visit The Saks Fifth Avenue.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is as beautiful as you might expect. Also, it is always abuzz. The building features a stunning turquoise ceiling. It looks ravishing. If you are into architectural quirks, check out the Whispering Gallery as well.
Brooklyn Bridge
Take a walk to Manhattan by Brooklyn. On the way, you can bestow stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline. The bridge is about 1.1 miles long. Though, it’s best to plan about an hour to walk the bridge. Thus, you will have plenty of time to take photos and soak in the breathtaking views!
Trinity Church
The historic Trinity Church is still a vibrant Gothic and Episcopalian parish revival building. It instantly sticks out on Wall Street as distinctly different from the more contemporary skyscrapers that wrap it.
Chelsea Market
The market is the best place to wrap up your trip. Chelsea Market is almost overflowing with shops, boutiques, and endless delicious restaurants and food stalls. Don't forget to try out the tacos from Los Tacos No. 1.
Places To Try Out Luscious Food
New York has thousands of restaurants that serve great food. If you want to try out delicious food, try out these places.
Katz’s Delicatessen
This is one of the most well-known New York City restaurants. Although they have a variety of foods, their star dish is pastrami. The pastrami is dazzling, falls apart tender, with a perfect ratio of fat and meat. And the crust of black pepper and secret spices enhances the taste.
Hudson Smokehouse
The restaurant is in the South Bronx neighborhood of Mott Haven. It is famous for its barbecue styles. Furthermore, enjoy the spare ribs, chorizo, and pork belly. It has a spacious beer garden. Therefore, you can enjoy the local brews.
Spicy Village
The tiny restaurant is located in Chinatown in Manhattan. It features home-cooked style dishes. The famous dish on their menu is the Spicy Big Tray Chicken. If you are a spicy food lover, give this dish a try.
Banh Vietnamese Shop House
A new wave of restaurants serves lesser-seen dishes, at least for many Americans. The menu comprises the glutinous Banh Chung Chien or fried, brothy bun Rieu, crab, crispy rice cakes, a tomato, and pork soup, at this Upper West Side newcomer. There are lots of classic Vietnamese sandwiches and noodle soups as well.
Africa Kine
The restaurant runs in various locations. You can enjoy the thiebu djen (stuffed fish and veggies over joloff rice), assa (chicken or fish in a lemon and onion confit), and mafe (lamb or chicken in a peanut sauce). Also, shrimp skewers, grilled leg of lamb, fish balls in tomato sauce, and baked fish are popular dishes.
Conclusion
These are the top things to do while in New York City. Dive into the environment and relish the tasty foods. We hope this blog is useful for you, and we hope you can make the most of your trip.