New York City Travel is a vast landscape of options. There are so many things to do and so many things we did. How do you put 1 week’s worth of travel in NYC into 1 blog post? I have no idea, but my best attempt lay ahead. I do know it will be way more pictures than words. Dustin and I each tried to take one big trip this year and so mine was a girls trip to New York. Brittany, my travel buddy, and I have both been to New York before. We decided to make the focus of this trip everything we did not get to do before and re-do only the things we LOVED!
We landed and while our cab was on the way into Manhattan, we were involved in a car accident. Now we were fine, vehicles were fine, and we were moving at a slow crawl at best when it occurred. Brittany and I really enjoyed the fact that the cab driver and other driver stopped mid highway to get out an argue. After about 20 minutes we were on our way again, after a police driver was kind enough to stop the madness. The arguing was not doing anything and vehicles were blocking 2 lanes of traffic on a busy highway. It made for a festive beginning to our journey.
Brit and I were super excited that we got Jimmy Fallon tickets. Since he was on a break the entire week we were visiting, the day we landed in NYC was the day we had to make it to the show. Weather and flights being on time, were on our side. With time to spare we were able to get a light lunch, and head to the show. (Which was surprising due to the accident previously mentioned!) I will always recommend trying to get tickets to Fallon when in NYC. The entire experience is always a blast.
Our hotel was in Midtown, just blocks from Grand Central Station. I love the neighborhood and the location. We were able to visit Grand Central a few times to take it in at different times of the day. It also helps you pretty much get anywhere in Manhattan. (Or at least it can take you to a transfer to get somewhere.) The only time we took cabs was to and from the airport. I highly recommend doing your research, downloading the apps for your phone, and use the train system!
Our whole trip was about exploring. Starting the next day, we took the 6 train downtown and explored the East Village before brunch at the Essex. I am so glad we did, as I really took in everything from architecture to the street art. The 6 train seemed to be our main go to for most excursions. It also seemed to be the most crowded train. We were not the only ones who found it to be the most convenient train.
Central Park was a huge part of a day. We wandered all over, trying to discover all the fun spots. We found the Obelisk, Strawberry Fields, the carousel, and so much more!! I will forever say that October is my favorite month to be in New York. The weather was perfect for the wandering that occurred in Central Park.
Lion King was the best Broadway show I have seen to this date. I loved the set, costumes, and well EVERYTHING! Worth every penny to get amazing seats. (Next time, Brittany, we are totally seeing Hamilton!!!!) We caught Hillsong at Playstation Theater, which was apparently one of the last weeks at that location. Check them out at Hammerstein Ballroom, now!
The Met took up a solid part of one day, and I think I could do that every time I visit this city. We were one of the first people in line and got to experience the rooftop all by ourselves. The methodical tourist I am suggested that we start on the roof, and work our way down the floors. Brit agreed to my madness and we experienced the WHOLE museum. The cool part of this museum is that the $25 entrance fee is a suggestion, so if you have to pinch pennies, it is possible to pay less.
Brittany found the Roosevelt Tram/ Island in her research of the city. I was totally down once I saw it. While the best part to me was ridding the tram itself, the park afforded such a cool view of the city, without the crowds of Brooklyn. It was a quiet walk and so beautiful. Much of the island park was under construction so our stay was brief, but since the tram ride is included in the cost of your week train pass, GO! Such an under promoted tourist attraction.
Chelsea Market and the Highline never disappoint. I definitely made sure to shop, and eat as much as possible when we visited Chelsea Market. The late afternoon visit we did made for a relatively uncrowded Market. This was very good since my crepe craving was at a solid 10.
Shopping included so many places in so many neighborhoods: Fishes Eddy, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Flying Tiger, Brooklyn Industries, Artists and Fleas, Bergdorf Goodman, A Second Chance, and more! Let’s give a metal high five to Brittany who managed to shop, and keep her checked bag at 49 lbs. Way to just miss the fee, girl!
We found the piece of the Berlin wall that eluded Dustin and I the last time I visited. (520 Madison/ Lobby) I love history so much, and finding this made me overwhelmed with emotion! (It is in the lobby of some corporate building. So, while I am having the existential moment and soaking in the monumental thing in front of me with all its history and what it means; business people are walking by looking at us like “Yeah, we walk by this everyday so why are you acting crazy?”) It is really worth the search. Beautiful moment for me.
I am Ukrainian so we went to the Ukrainian Museum. Well, to be honest, we went to the gift shop. I didn’t tour the museum, as we had a full day planned, but I was able to see some cool Pysanka (Ukrainian Egg Art). I was also able to get a poster for my house, and some gifts for my parents. Maybe next visit, a full tour.
Top trip moment: American Ballet Theater Ballet Tickets. I am a total fan girl of some of the principle dancers, and was able to see my favorites LIVE. I totally acted like a Bieber fan at Justin Bieber’s concert. (Or at least I think I did, as I have never been to a concert of his.) I did contemplate buying a signed pointe shoe of Isabella Boylston, and tried to justify the cost in my head.
But in all seriousness, the show was amazing and totally worth the $66 per ticket. A solitary tear left my eye when the booklet for the next few season’s shows came in the mail today. It would be hard to convince Dustin that ABT tickets would be a good purchase when we don’t live in NYC. Sad.
Brooklyn/ Dumbo was a fun morning, and was followed up by a ride on the ever free Staten Island Ferry. It gave us some awesome pictures of the Statue of Liberty, pictures of the city, Governor’s Island,and also some “unique” wind blown hair looks that took a while to calm down. I realized I am not a big “riding a boat on a very windy day” person. But it really was a cool experience, and is worth taking, even just to ride it back to Manhattan.
Here are some more random pictures of our trip.
Missing the city already, and I already have a list of things for next time:
- Brooklyn/ Williamsburg
- The Ballet
- Hamilton
- BanksyArt (If is still around.)
- The United Nations
- Tour the NBC Studios
- Tour Lincoln Center
- Rooftop Movie at Yotel
- The Met Costume Institute (Or the Met after the Met Ball!!!)
- Oh and MORE FOOD! Always MORE FOOD!
I know it will be a little bit until the next visit. (Big Sigh) I am so thankful I got to go again, and explore beyond all the set touristy stuff. Big thanks to my friend and fellow wanderluster, Brittany. Thanks for hanging with this crazy kid!
Hope your next adventure is just as fun as my last one was!
Cat
Love the pics, the intriguing info and the snippets of travel story that draw me in! Great job capturing the readers’ attention while capturing memories of you explorations 🙂