Three Days trip to NYC…
Transportation
DO NOT DRIVE! Jokes a part, New York city isn’t a city to rent a car, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll be walking and traveling by subway all day, every day.
Recently, the subways were updated to accept payment through phone devices, meaning if you’re not staying too long do not overthink about having a metro card, just pay by single ride through your phone using your digital wallet.
There is also a new option called OMNY, which uses the method previously mentioned, I’ll share the link where you’ll be able to find more details.
Ps: if you’re going back to the hotel or Airbnb late night, it would be smart and safer to use Uber/Lyft. Just keep that in mind!
https://new.mta.info/fares/omny
Food
There is no place as New York City to find so many food options, in special, with quality, sometimes. Lol
If it’s your first time in NY, you must try street food. The city offers a variety of options from hot dogs, pretzels, pizza, Mediterranean food and so many that I would not be able to describe.
Talking about restaurants, I’ve been in New York only twice, so far I can’t complain about food. It’s always easy to open Yelp, Open Table or Resy, find some reviews and menus, right? However, keep in mind to walk and just explore the city, each corner or rooftop hide a surprise.
I’ll let some options that I’ve tried and enjoyed, not only the food but the service as well.
+ Say Less: fancy and loud place, great food, great service, however I had no lucky, it was Saturday and the place was packed. Food took some time to get ready, the waitress was actually super nice and gave us a free drink. Decoration is cool, very cool vibe if you want to have dinner feeling inside a club.
+ Serra by Birreria: amazing option, unbelievable food, it’s tricky to find but nothing crazy. Also, the building where is located offers a great market and different options at the main level. Serra, is actually a rooftop that offers decorations following the seasons.
+ ANA Bar and Eatery: great options if you’re visiting EDGE observatory, you’ll find a buffet option, from salads, soups and hot food. Easy peasy!
Sightseeing
I don’t even know how to begin this section, such craziness city, it never sleeps. Let’s start from the beginning, right?
You must visit the popular well known places: Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Museum, Empire State Building, Top of The Rock, Times Square and so many. I’ll list some that I like the most with some tips.
Quick tip, if you have the time to afford two observation decks, I’d keep in mind to make reservation during daylight or sunset and saving the second one to go at night. It’s very nice to see the city all light up.
+ Top of The Rock: in my opinion the best observation deck to go. You’ll be able to see the Empire State Building from an excellent view, there are two level to take photos, including the 360 view of the city. I’ve been during the day and night, both options are great and incredible.
+ Statue of Liberty: easy travel using the ferry boat, I can’t recall the cost, it’s been a while since, I recorded that should be a must and keep in mind on the way back you’ll have the option to stop at the Immigration Museum, which I regret not going.
+ Times Square: it’s hard to describe, so much going on at same time! Lol
It’s definitely a place to go night time, however it’s not bad going daylight. If you can go at night, save that time. Be aware about the people using costumes and offering photos, they charge people! You’ll find great spots for photos and also for food around, you should probably google some rooftops.
+ Broadway: not a cheap place to go, in special if you’re going with your family. However, I was able to find a deal, during January they offer some deals (also for restaurants, google “restaurant week”). I was able to get two ticket for the cost of one. We had nice seats, close to the stage, keep in mind to avoid seats too far next to the wall, you may be not able to see the stage completely. I was worried about which show to buy, but I decided to hear my childhood and buy “The Lion King”. One thing to say, I don’t regret at all. Such a beautiful piece of art, I was crying at very beginning, first song, Lol.
+ 9/11 Museum: it’s definitely not a happy place, however very emotional and respectful. You’ll find a very deep and well created celebration of such a tragic moment. I don’t have much to say, I believe it’s a place to go and be respectful. Please, do not handle this tribute as a regular sightseeing, I believe selfies and smiles faces around this monument isn’t the right thing to do, just a personal opinion. Be respectful and use this moment to think about your life, it’s such a small and quiet place in the middle of a concrete jungle.
+ MoMA: it’s an interesting place to be, it’s huge, you’ll need to dedicate time if you’re willing to see every corner. It’s definitely a great stop if you’re an art enthusiast. For people who are not sure about it, I’d maybe reserve a moment just to see, to try, also is a great option for rainy days.