Headed to the Large Apple and overwhelmed by all of the choices? Learn on for an in depth information on the right way to spend the right weekend in New York!
New York is a metropolis of superlatives. It’s the biggest within the United States, and the 8 million-plus New Yorkers are keen on calling it the best metropolis on this planet.
To be truthful, they positively have a case to make. There’s no denying that New York Metropolis is without doubt one of the most vibrant, numerous, and thrilling cities on the planet.
New York is house to so many iconic American photos that it’s unattainable to see all of it on a short trip.
The Statue of Liberty, Instances Sq., Central Park, Broadway, Wall Road, the Empire State Constructing — the listing goes on and on. With only a weekend in New York, you’ll have to select and select.
I’ve been to New York a number of instances all through my life. From seeing the sights as a child to ringing within the New 12 months with my spouse and our favourite band, I’ve had some good instances within the metropolis.
As I’m an enormous fan of improvisation, I’ll go away you a lot of wiggle room with this New York itinerary by supplying you with loads of choices to select from. Let’s get all the way down to enterprise and see what you’ll be able to stand up to with 2 days in New York!
Day 1 in New York
I hope you bought some good sleep the night time earlier than and I hope you’ve acquired comfy strolling sneakers. It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend in New York.
Day one will probably be a whirlwind tour of the Large Apple that provides you the chance to test most of the most well-known landmarks off your listing. I’ll additionally present some attention-grabbing detours and ensure to incorporate time to wander and linger if you really feel prefer it.
Earlier than we get going, it is best to in all probability look into the New York City Explorer Pass. They’ve a number of choices, all of which prevent money and time. Each of those are valuable assets on a brief New York weekend journey.
I must also notice that this itinerary will deal with Manhattan. With solely 2 days within the metropolis, there merely isn’t sufficient time to enterprise to the opposite boroughs. You’ll simply have to come back again.
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Day 1: Morning
I can’t consider a greater technique to begin a New York weekend journey than with a scrumptious bagel. There should be one thing within the water, as a result of bagels simply style higher right here.
Each New Yorker has their favourite bagel spot, however no matter you do, simply skip the chains and ensure it’s an area deli for a extra genuine expertise.
Since we’re going to start out the itinerary off in Decrease Manhattan, listed below are two native choices for grabbing a bagel and occasional – Leo’s Bagels and Milk & Honey. With a full stomach and a pleasant caffeine buzz, you’re prepared to start out exploring the town.
Decrease Manhattan is the place all of it started for New York, and in a approach for the nation. That is the place the primary Congress gathered to draft the Bill of Rights. It’s additionally the place George Washington took the oath of workplace to change into the nation’s first president.
Upon seeing all of the skyscrapers, it might be onerous to imagine that this metropolis started as a easy buying and selling publish. This nook of New York Metropolis is regarded as the monetary heart of the world. It’s house to the New York Stock Exchange, the epicenter of capitalism.
With only a weekend in NYC, you’ll need to take advantage of your time. That’s why I like to recommend leaping on a strolling tour to your first morning. It ensures you’ll waste much less time getting misplaced and can study extra in regards to the metropolis.
There are one million and one choices for strolling excursions of Decrease Manhattan. Free Excursions by Foot has fairly just a few, together with their 3-hour Downtown Manhattan Tour. It covers a number of floor, together with SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown.
As with different free excursions, these are donation-based. You should definitely present your information some love in the event you loved the tour, which I’m positive you’ll! Additionally they have some awesome audio tours that you should use in the event you want a DIY strategy.
Whether or not you do a strolling tour or not, it’s value it to take a look at Battery Park. From right here you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of one of the crucial iconic American photos — the Statue of Liberty.
For a lot of, heading to the Girl Liberty is a must-do. If that’s you, you’ll need to enroll in this tour.
For these like me preferring to keep away from lengthy traces and entrance tickets, you’ll be able to simply hop on the Staten Island ferry. It’s completely free and gives some nice views of each the Statue of Liberty and the Decrease Manhattan skyline.
Simply remember that selecting both of these choices will take up your whole morning. Time is just not in your aspect with solely 2 days in New York!
Afternoon
There’s nonetheless a number of floor to cowl, so I like to recommend choosing a fast lunch. Which means it’s time to seize a slice of basic New York type pizza (which is totally completely different from the Chicago deep dish).
It’s not onerous to discover a pizza joint in Manhattan, however the very last thing you need to do is have a disappointing slice in NYC. You possibly can’t go flawed with Joe’s Pizza, which has been known as the “quintessential slice.”
From there, it’s only a fast stroll to the following cease — the One World Trade Center. This 1,776-foot tall constructing is the tallest within the nation, constructed after the horrific occasions of September eleventh, 2001. That is the place you’ll discover the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
The place the Twin Towers as soon as stood, there are actually two reflecting swimming pools. Surrounding them are plaques with all the names of those that handed away in each the 1993 and 2001 assaults on the World Commerce heart.
Whereas the memorial is free to go to, you’ll want a ticket for the museum. Click here to select one up that lets you skip the road. If you happen to’d fairly simply buy your entrance ticket, click here to do so.
If it’s a pleasant sunny day within the metropolis, your subsequent cease needs to be Rockefeller Park. It’s a fantastic place to sit down and replicate on the somber expertise of visiting the 9/11 memorial. You too can soak within the views of the Hudson River and revel in some high quality people-watching.
After a busy day of exploring the Large Apple, it’s good to relaxation your drained ft and make a recreation plan for the night.
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Night
The way you spend your first night in NYC relies on what you’re into. Some could need to make a reservation at one of many metropolis’s world-class eating places, whereas others will probably be content material consuming a avenue vendor scorching canine!
You possibly can actually discover cuisine from all corners of the globe right here. New York actually is a foodie’s dream come true.
What I’ll do is agree with Johnny T and what he says in a hilarious video giving ideas for vacationers. If you could find a spot in your hometown, don’t go there in New York! Skip the tasteless chain eating places, attempt one thing new, and ensure it’s native.
This video is a must-watch for any first-time guests to NYC, by the best way.
New York is named the “Metropolis That By no means Sleeps,” so that you’ve acquired numerous choices for nightlife. I’m assuming you’ll be a bit exhausted after that epic day and really actually need to get some sleep.
You possibly can sleep if you’re useless, although. No relaxation for the weary on a weekend in New York! Summon that third wind and energy by means of for a minimum of just a few extra hours.
The world actually is your oyster on a weekend in New York. You possibly can go salsa dancing, drink in a hidden speakeasy, hit a comedy membership, see an underground punk band, join a pub crawl — the listing goes on and on.
My greatest recommendation to your first night time in New York is to do one thing you like. For me, that’s seeing dwell music, and there’s loads of it in NYC! Test the calendar on Jambase to see who’s enjoying if you’re on the town.
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Day 2 in New York
It’s time for an additional busy day — a New York itinerary in 2 days is feasible, however it’s busy!
Morning
“Morning” means various things to completely different individuals, particularly on a New York weekend journey. The go-getters amongst us can seize a leisurely breakfast whereas the hungover people battle to get away from bed.
I personally don’t assume I’ve stepped outdoors earlier than midday on any journey to NYC in my grownup life. My technique is often to search out the closest native cafe for a cup of espresso and a fast chew to eat.
If you happen to’re into the entire brunch factor, there’s no scarcity of locations the place it’s completely acceptable to dine with sun shades on whereas nursing a Bloody Mary. An effective way to take pleasure in brunch is aboard a ship with improbable views of the NYC skyline. Have a look at that experience here.
Nevertheless you select to get your day going, finally make your approach over to Central Park. It’s fairly onerous to overlook — it’s that huge inexperienced area on the map smack dab in the midst of the town.
There’s a lot happening in and across the park that you may simply spend your whole day there. If you wish to go that route, I totally help your resolution.
Central Park actually is large, so you may want some wheels that will help you get round. You possibly can lease a motorcycle for 2 hours for simply $7.50 and discover at your personal leisure. There’s additionally a fantastic 2-hour bike tour of the park with an area information if you wish to get extra out of your go to.
Spending your complete morning out within the park is nice when it’s a pleasant day. It’s not so good when it’s raining or freezing chilly. If mom nature isn’t in your aspect, by no means concern. There are many methods to spend a morning indoors.
New York is house to some completely unbelievable museums, a number of of that are situated proper by Central Park. There’s the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which options one of many best artwork collections on the planet. Click here to e-book your ticket and skip the road.
Only a stone’s throw away is the Guggenheim — a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed constructing full of recent and up to date artwork. Get your ticket in advance for simply $25.
Afternoon
Probably the greatest issues about spending a few days in New York is simply wandering across the metropolis’s many distinctive neighborhoods.
Take a look at the structure, do some window buying, pop into an area bar for a drink, and simply see the place the wind takes you.
Some nice locations for this embody Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, and Chelsea. My private suggestion on a weekend in New York goes to the latter.
Hop on the subway or hop in a cab and make your technique to the Chelsea Market. That is the right place to seize a snack or a cup of espresso earlier than persevering with in your approach. For the patrons amongst us, it’s possible you’ll resolve to linger a bit to peruse the choices.
Chelsea can be house to the scenic Excessive Line, an elevated park constructed on a former railroad line. It was saved from the wrecking ball by decided residents and is now a captivating place to expertise nature, artwork, and design within the metropolis.
There’s nothing flawed with exploring Chelsea by yourself, however you’ll get much more out of it with an area information. Take a look at this awesome experience that excursions each the market and the Excessive Line — together with meals!
Night
On the finish of a busy weekend in New York, a sundown cruise is a good possibility for an informal night. This excellent champagne sunset tour departs from the Chelsea Piers.
For many who want to remain on land, the Frying Pan is the right spot for dinner and drinks with a view.
As soon as once more, I’m going to suggest you do no matter goes to make you cheerful. It might be cliche, however there actually is one thing for everybody in NYC!
If you happen to’re a sports activities fan, catching a recreation needs to be in your weekend in New York itinerary. Town is house to a number of groups in all skilled sports activities in addition to many minor league groups.
Each the Knicks (NBA) and Rangers (NHL) play in Madison Square Garden, which is named the “World’s Most Well-known Area.” Catching a recreation or a live performance there’s a must-do expertise in NYC.
If you happen to’re extra into the performing arts, I like to recommend catching a present on Broadway. There are such a lot of completely different reveals each night time of the week so it shouldn’t be onerous to search out one thing. Tickets could be robust to get and costly, although.
Take a look at the humorous web site Broadway for Broke People to search out info on offers. We used their tricks to rating standing room tickets to E-book of Mormon for less than $30 and had an absolute blast. I’ve by no means laughed so onerous in my whole life!
It’s a bit too touristy and kitschy for me personally, however I do know lots of people have Times Square on their listing. Go forward and be a part of the throngs of individuals beneath the neon glow of fixed billboards and take a selfie with Spiderman.
Maybe the right technique to wind down a weekend in New York is by taking within the sundown views from above. In a metropolis stuffed with skyscrapers, you’ve acquired loads of choices!
On the Rockefeller Center, you’ll be able to head to the Prime of the Rock for what simply may be the perfect view within the metropolis. On my go to there was even a band and a pop-up bar up there! Click here to e-book your tickets.
Insider’s Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to New York
You’re set to take pleasure in a improbable 2 days in New York with that epic itinerary. You’ll have a fair higher time in the event you comply with the following tips:
Deliver comfy sneakers – You’ll be doing an entire lot of strolling, so it’s vital to be comfy.
Don’t lease a automotive – It may be complicated determining the NYC subway, however it’s value it for the financial savings in money and time. With solely a weekend in New York, you don’t need to be caught in a visitors jam in a cab with the meter going up and up.
Seize a MetroCard – Decide up a MetroCard immediately and cargo it up. That approach you gained’t have to attend in line each time. A single experience prices $2.75 and also you pay $1 for the cardboard.
Make a listing of your “must-sees” – Too many individuals come to NYC pondering they will do all of it in a weekend. Spoiler alert – you’ll be able to’t. Having a listing of your Prime 5 points of interest is way more doable over a weekend.
Take breaks – It may be tempting to overdo it with simply 2 days in New York. Settle for the truth that you’re not going to see all of it and provides your self a break right here and there, even when it’s simply 5 minutes on a park bench.
Skip the chains – I’ve stated it earlier than and I’ll say it once more. Don’t come to New York simply to go to Starbucks and Applebees. Discover the native locations as a substitute.
Search for the offers – Cash tends to fade into skinny air in New York. Fortunately you could find nice offers, from sightseeing tickets and excursions to Broadway reveals to Completely happy Hours. You too can get this CityPass card which saves 40% on many points of interest. In case your new York weekend consists of visiting a lot of sights, it may be a superb possibility for you. Learn more here.
Getting Round New York
New York Metropolis in a weekend is doable. Fortunately, as the largest metropolis within the nation, there are many choices for attending to New York.
If touring by air, you’ll be able to look into flights for any one of many three main NYC airports — JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.
LaGuardia is the smallest and the closest to Manhattan. Within the curiosity of saving time, that is your greatest guess. There’s no rail service to the town, however there are just a few completely different buses you’ll be able to take.
Non-public Constitution
A enjoyable technique to get round New York is with a non-public constitution bus, both a full-sized bus or minibus relying in your group dimension.
A number of individuals come to the Large Apple for a marriage get together, a household reunion, a piece occasion, or only a group of pals getting collectively for a weekend in New York!
If you happen to’re a type of individuals, try National Charter Bus for a free quote. With personal transport, you gained’t want to fret about discovering parking, coping with complicated transportation techniques, or having too many drinks at night time!
Bus
The general public bus is the most affordable but in addition the slowest and also you’ll want a MetroCard or cash. Because you don’t have a number of time, I wouldn’t suggest this selection.
The NYC Airporter bus will get you from both LaGuardia or JFK to locations like Grand Central or Instances Sq.. Buses go away typically and price $15 one-way.
Shuttle Bus
There’s additionally the Go Airlink Shuttle, which serves all three airports and in addition has door-to-door service. Click here to take a look at all their choices.
AirTrain
If you happen to fly into JFK, your greatest guess is to catch the AirTrain to the town. It takes you to close by rail and metro stations the place you’ll must switch. This prices $7.75 for the AirTrain after which the same old $2.75 for the subway. Click here for extra particulars.
Taxi
In fact, taxis are available in any respect three NYC airports. You possibly can anticipate to pay $60-70 or much more from JFK or Newark, and nearer to $30 from LaGuardia.
Rideshare
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are additionally a superb possibility in the event you don’t really feel like navigating public transport. These have their very own pickup areas that may be complicated to search out if it’s your first time, so ask round.
Attending to New York By Practice/Bus
New York can be a significant hub for trains. They arrive at Penn Station, which is instantly beneath Madison Sq. Backyard. Amtrak has 14 completely different routes that journey to NYC so that you’ve acquired a lot of choices.
Lastly, there are numerous corporations operating buses to New York. I’ve taken each the Greyhound and the Megabus out and in of NYC and like the latter, particularly when reserving early as they’ve some nice offers.
The place to Keep For a Weekend in New York
One of many hardest issues about planning a visit to New York is deciding where to stay. It’s a large metropolis comprised of 5 completely different boroughs.
For only a weekend in New York, you’ll positively need to keep in Manhattan. The place you resolve to remain there relies on a number of elements, particularly your finances and pursuits.
If you wish to be close to Central Park and the museums, for instance, you’ll be able to search for a spot within the Higher East or Higher West Facet.
Those that want a extra central location close to landmarks like Instances Sq. can look to Midtown. Desire a extra hip vibe? Take a look at SoHo or the Decrease East Facet.
The nice information about NYC is that irrespective of the place you keep, you will get wherever within the metropolis on the subway. This itinerary strikes round Manhattan fairly a bit anyway, so it actually doesn’t matter all that a lot the place your lodging is. See our full guide to where to stay in New York.
It may be robust discovering lodging in Manhattan that doesn’t break the financial institution, that’s for positive. This positively isn’t the most affordable place for a weekend getaway!
Take a look at our publish about how to find free accommodation and take a look at these lodge choices to swimsuit all budgets:
Click here to seek for extra lodging choices in NYC. One factor to contemplate when reserving a spot to remain to your weekend in New York is that this — how lengthy will you actually be spending in your room? If you happen to comply with the itinerary above, not very a lot!
In my humble opinion, much less cash spent on a lodge simply means extra money for issues like good meals, rooftop cocktails, and present tickets.
Take pleasure in Your Weekend Journey to New York
Hopefully you’re much more excited to your weekend in New York after getting by means of this information. I’ve introduced you with a lot of choices to make sure you can take advantage of a brief journey there and get a style of what the town has to supply.
There’s little doubt that New York could be an intimidating place to go to.
There’s a lot to see and do right here, there are one million completely different subway traces to determine, and individuals are at all times in a rush. In any case, one of many unofficial slogans of NYC is “I’m walkin’ right here!”
That being stated, braving the crowds and the chaos is properly value it. Even with simply 2 days in New York, you will get a style of what essentially the most well-known metropolis on this planet has to supply.
In fact, there’s no technique to do all of it in simply a few days. You could possibly spend a lifetime exploring NYC and nonetheless not see all of it. It’s a metropolis that positively warrants many return visits.
It might not be the simplest or most cost-effective place to journey, however it’s a superb one. There’s a sure power about New York Metropolis that’s onerous to explain. You’re simply going to should expertise it for your self.
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