My Favorite Restaurants In New York City
The Big Apple is a foodies paradise and even with just 4 days in New York City, you are in for a treat! Some of the best meals of your life will be had here. You better believe that in a city like New York only the best survive. Just remember the golden rule of vacation: count steps and never calories.
Food Halls. My favorites include the Great Food Hall, the Chelsea Market, Time Out Market and Smorgasburg.
Ippudo Ramen. We love this restaurant for a hot bowl of ramen, its especially good on a cold night. I suggest asking the waiter for their recommendation. I had the Shiromaru Hakata Classic and it was delicious.
Shake Shack go, go, go! There is no debate between Shake Shack and In-N-Out burger, I dont understand the comparison. The burgers and fries here are so tasty, plus its inexpensive. If you want to let your hair down, try a milkshake, theyre delicious . or so I hear. ????
Rubirosa Pizza. I know, I know. But its worth mentioning again! Dont leave New York City without trying the margarita pizza here. It sounds so simple but try it. We ordered 3 pizzas during our last visit and I was fighting people off the margarita. Its a side of me Im trying to work on. I think the pizza here is around $25 as well, one is enough for two people.
Maison Kaiser is a great place for a quick bite, they have locations all throughout New York City. Think delicious breakfast pastries and great coffee.
Tips For Solo Female Travelers Visiting New York City
Most of the time I lived in NYC, I was single and spent plenty of time doing things on my own, so I can offer my advice. Its not much different from other cities when it comes to traveling on your own, except there are probably more solo travelers in NYC than many other places. As I mentioned, New York City is safe but as a solo female traveler dont let down your guard. Here are a few additional tips that solo travelers in NYC might find helpful.
- Expect to get cat calls, but ignore it and dont let it bother you. The same with unwanted conversations in other places. Dont feel like you have to be friendly. It doesnt matter what those people think of you. Its doubtful you would ever run into them again.
- Be mindful of how much you drink especially when there is an open bar, as alcohol will impair your judgement.
- Dont feel self-conscious about dining alone. It is more common in NYC than many other cities. If you are not used to dining by yourself, then it might be easier if you sit at the bar or choose a more casual cafe.
- If you feel lonely, consider joining a tour that you are interested in. There is a good chance you might meet other liked-minded travelers.
Ok, so those are my top tips for visiting New York City, did I miss anything?
Let me know if you have any other questions. You will have a great time.
-Anisa
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Supporting Horse Carriage Rides In Central Park
Riding a horse-drawn carriage sounds like a fairy tale. But the reality is, carriage horses often live and work in inhumane conditions.
Horse-drawn carriages shouldnt share the same roadways as honking cars and cyclists as it puts both the animal and the public at risk. These horses work long hours and even when the weather is unbearably hot or freezing cold.
Paying for a horse-drawn carriage ride continues to support the industry. So while it might sound like a nice way to experience Central Park, youll want to pass on this idea.
DO THIS INSTEAD
There are many other great ways to explore NYC. Some of my favorite ways to get around the city include riding the metro, walking, , Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. And if you want to splurge, consider doing a NYC helicopter tour.
Ride the metro Besides walking, this is the fastest and most cost-effective way to get around New York City.
Walking Put on your walking shoes and explore the city. This is my favorite way to get around and sightsee. To make it more fun, consider joining a local walking tour. If youre using the New York Pass, there are several walking tours available for every interest.
Explore New York City by bike. Check out the citys urbans parks or ride along the dedicated greenways. If youre using the New York Pass, you can rent bikes for FREE in Central Park a $54.44 value!
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Walk Through The West Village
TripSavvy / Donghee Eim
While New York City is full of beautiful neighborhoods straight out of a movie, few rival the brownstone-lined streets of Manhattan’s West Village. Not surprisingly, the neighborhood has set the scene for popular TV shows like Sex and the City and Friends. Walking through the West Village will show you some of the city’s most charming cafés, boutiques, homes, and more.
Take A Free Ferry Ride
TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins
If you want great views of the Statue of Liberty without spending a dime, ride the Staten Island ferry from Manhattan’s South Ferry terminal. The 25-minute ride is completely free and will give you phenomenal views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. Once you’re in Staten Island, you can just wait on the ferry to take it back to Manhattan.
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Go To The National September 11 Memorial & Museum
TripSavvy / Winifred Lao
Many visitors to NYC feel compelled to not only pay their respects to the site of Ground Zero but also to see how the World Trade Center area has gone on to reinvent itself since that fateful day in 2001. The outdoor National September 11 Memorial, which opened in 2011, fills in the imprints of the original Twin Towers with two reflecting waterfall-fed pools, traced by memorial walls that depict the names of 9/11 victims . In 2014, the adjacent National September 11 Memorial Museum opened its doors, serving to present the story, impact, and significance of September 11 through historical artifacts, multimedia displays, archives, and oral histories. The museum unfolds at the foundation, or bedrock, of the former World Trade Center site and centers on two core exhibitions. The “In Memoriam” exhibit pays tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the attacks, while a historical exhibition examines the events surrounding the three American sites struck during 9/11, including contributing factors to the tragic incident, as well as its aftermath and worldwide impact.
Tips For Visiting New York City For The First Time
by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Aug 10, 2021 | Travel Tips, United States
The Big Apple, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, empire state of mind Whatever nickname or pop culture reference you cast across New York City, its a popular bucket list destination for almost everyone! Theres something about the Statue of Liberty, fast-paced street culture and bright neon lights in Time Square that keeps people coming back over and over again. If youre visiting New York City for the first time, Ive put together some helpful tips regarding safety, areas to visit and other things to know when traveling to New York!
P-s. If youre visiting New York during winter, make sure to remember to pack winter clothing. New York during the winter is an excellent choice for a romantic getaway in the US.
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Dont Take Pictures Of Anyone Without Asking
This is common sense, but I still want to put it out there that its rude to take pictures of anyone without their consent. This goes double in New York, where there is a conspicuous lack of privacy in daily life. If you do take someones picture without asking, be prepared to be confronted.
There are lots of street performers in New York, and I am sure they will be very flattered to take pictures with you or being taken pictures of if you ask first!
American Museum Of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest museums in the world, so its no wonder we spent so much time here. With 45 permanent exhibition halls, I was overwhelmed by how much there is to see.
We started our visit by watching a 3D film about the flight of birds, then began making our way through the exhibition halls. We saw displays about human origins, climate change, dinosaurs, meteorites, ocean life, and mammals.
As a travel lover, my favourite exhibitions were the Cultural Halls. I enjoyed seeing artifacts from different regions of the world and learning about the cultures that originated there. As we stared up at a reproduction of a moai from Easter Island, we commented that a museum, no matter how great the exhibits, doesnt compete with experiencing a place first hand.
An area that Mike really enjoyed was the Hall of North American Forests, since he works in forestry. A highlight was seeing the tree cookies, especially one from a 1,400-year-old giant sequoia. Although, it made me really mad to know that lumberjacks had cut down such an old tree!
The American Museum of Natural History is so comprehensive that I feel like anything you want to know about the world you can learn here.
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Public Transit In New York Is Great Including The Subway
Dont be afraid of the subway in NY besides the handrails . Im not really sure where the stigma of the subway comes from, but I promise you: Ive never met a mole person . The week unlimited subway pass is worth it if youll be taking the train a lot over 4-5 days.
Subway etiquette includes NOT making eye contact. Like, youre allowed to look around ~subtly, but dont be that creep who stares directly at someone the whole time. Its weird and creepy. Its only okay if someone has a kitten that theyre carrying on the subway. In that case, feel free to go crazy over it.
Express v. Local Subway Trains . Dont get on the express subway or bus unless youre sure that its going to stop off where you want it to. The regular train will stop at the majority of the stops while the express trains will skip on average half the stops. Dont get on the local train because it will take twice the time.
You need to know which entrance you need for the subway via the direction that youre headed. Check before you pay to get into the subway station as you might need to exit to get to the other side.
East Bound/West Bound and Uptown / Downtown can be a bit confusing if the endpoint is in a different borough, but a good subway map should help you figure out the endpoint. If youre in Manhattan, imagine a grid with yourself looking up and to the right .
Spot The Filming Of A Show Or Movie
When you live in New York City for a while, you start to catch onto all the celebrity activities going on.
For one, you may spot parking notices on telephone poles informing residents and business owners to refrain from parking on that street on certain dates. These notices are usually a good indication of a television show or movie coming in to do some filming and park their trailers along the sidewalks.
Earlier this year, they parked them directly in front of my Upper East Side sublet. Then, a few days later, there was another show happening a few blocks over.
Other times, you’ll be walking down the street and someone will suddenly rush by you, chased by a group of people carrying boom mics and camera equipment. Dozens of times I’ve found myself wondering, “Was I just in the background of that shot?!”
A perfect example is when Jono and I were walking around DUMBO. We noticed people blocking the street up ahead and then an explosion went off from the top of a nearby building. People came running toward us and that’s when a guy with an earpiece told us the street was closed for filming. We captured the moment on camera:
Apparently, they were filming Stephen King’s up-and-coming The Dark Tower! The people running were extras and the street was closed so we wouldn’t accidentally enter the shot .
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Boutique Hotel In New York City Ludlow Hotel In The Lower East Side
If you can afford to splash out in New York City and want to stay far away from the uber touristy areas like Times Square, there is no better hotel to opt for than the Ludlow Hotel in the Lower East Side. Rooms have spectacular views of the citys iconic skyscrapers, hardwood floors, artisan-crafted Moroccan lamps, and minibars with local products. Luxurious ensuite bathrooms include marble counter-tops, brass fixtures, soaking tubs, and heavenly rain showers.
Additionally, unlike most hotels in NYC wifi access is free of charge in every guest room. If you want to be social after a long day exploring the city the hotel has a lovely garden and lobby bar and lounge. Of course there is also a fitness center. For the best prices at the Ludlow Hotel click here.
See The Statue Of Liberty & Visit Ellis Island
TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins
You’ll undoubtedly be sharing the experience with throngs of other tourists, but navigating the lines and crowds is well worth it for the chance to gaze upon the modern-day colossus that is the Statue of Liberty. A symbol of American democracyand a one-time beacon of hope and promise for immigrants arriving at U.S. shores by boat via New York Harboris indeed, still today, an inspiring sight to behold. Dating to 1886 , the monumental 151-foot-high sculpture sits atop a pedestal out on Liberty Island, which guests reach via Statue Cruises ferry service from Battery Park in Downtown Manhattan. Just be sure to plan ahead, since access to the statue’s pedestal or interior can be arranged with reservations only.
While the statue may garner most of the glory, don’t overlook a visit to nearby attraction Ellis Island. Now a national museum of immigration, the complex once served as federal immigration station and processing center for new arrivals to the U.S. between 1892 and 1954. Expect an altogether insightful presentation, via artifacts, photographs, and multimedia exhibits, of the immigrant experience in America. Best of all, entry’s included with your ferry fare, so plan ahead to make a day of it.
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What To Pack For 4 Days In Nyc
New York loves fashion! However, depending where you go you may see very sharply dressed people, or very poorly dressed ones. The majority of New Yorkers dress in practical and comfortable clothes, but trendy.
What you pack for New York depends lot on your travel lifestyle and the season. I personally like to dress like a European, which means casual elegant. So here are some things that you should consider packing for your four day trip to New York:
- a light jacket which you can wear in the evenings or if its cooler
- a warm winter coat, boots, hat and loves if you go in winter
- comfortable clothes and shoes for day time
- some dressy clothes and shoes for the evening, if you plan to go to restaurants, shows, or concerts
Eat A Classic New York Pizza
TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins
Among other things New York is famous for, pizza is undoubtedly one of them. Is it the water? The flour? Generations of pizzaiolo knowledge passed down among families? Who knows, but it goes without saying that New York City pizza is a must-try for anyone’s first visit to the city. Among our favorites: Patsy’s, which has been slinging pies since the 1930s in Harlem, Lombardi’s, which calls itself America’s first pizzeria, and Prince Street Pizza, whose square slices are loaded up with the best pepperoni you’ve ever eaten,
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Nyc Taxis Are Slow Due To Traffic And There Is A Proper Way To Call A Taxi
You know the movies where the hero calls a cab in New York and rushes to tell the one that he/she loves her/him? You wont make it in time in real life.
Taxis are generally very expensive in New York and if youre in a rush, traffic will make it about the same speed than the subway. Sometimes, walking is even faster.
Side note: When youre walking, youll see metal grates and cellar doors. Dont walk over them. Theres always some horror story about them. Urban legend? Probably, but better safe than sorry.
If you want to call a taxi in New York City, this is how to do it: Stand on the curbNOT by a bus stop, put your arm confidently UP and stand there intensely looking at the cars.
Itinerary Planning Idea #3 Exploring Lower Manhattan
Yes, Times Square needs to be seen, but it should also be left. New York City has so much more to offer first-timers! Take the subway down to Lower Manhattan and do a bit of exploring.
Whether you want to shop in Soho, see classic NYC in Greenwich Village, eat well in Chinatown, or want a detailed Lower Manhattan itinerary, youll glimpse more of the real Manhattan by heading away from midtowns more touristy spots.
A few iconic sights should not be missed while youre at Manhattans southern tip. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must! Stroll along the pedestrian promenade to admire the New York City views and wonder over how such an impressive structure was built before the days of power tools.
Pro Tip: Many visitors like to head into Brooklyn and get pizza at Grimaldis. The pizza is delicious, but if you prefer not to wait in long lines, see my recommended pizza stops in the Lower Manhattan itinerary above.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum remembers and reflects on the events and the lives lost during the terrorist attacks. The experience is emotional but poignant and so well-designed.
The reflecting pools are in the original tower footprints with the names of victims inscribed around the edges. The museum houses artifacts like a damaged firetruck and the personal anecdotal accounts of the day. The memorial and museum simultaneously honor the fallen, inspire a sense of Patriotism, and encourage a continuing faith in the goodness of humanity.
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