It’s so funny to me how my New York trips have become what people know me for. Granted, I do tend to post lots of pictures from them (and ok, I did go to NYC 11 times last year), but I find it amusing nonetheless. I can’t tell you how many conversations start with “So I see you go to New York all the time” or “So tell me about these New York trips.” To be honest, I really do love these conversations though, so I thought I’d answer some of the most asked questions I get about traveling to New York City.
How do you get there?
When I’m feeling nostalgic or especially touristy, I’ll take the Staten Island Ferry (super easy and free!). But most of the time, I drive right into the city and park in a parking garage.
Wait- so you really drive into Manhattan? I could never do that!
Five years ago it would have seemed terrifying to me, but with a ‘can do’ attitude, a little patience, and trusty ol’ Google Maps, it’s a piece of cake.
Ok, but parking has to cost a fortune…
Nope! I reserve a parking spot through the SpotHero app, and it’s usually about $20, which is worth it to me for the convenience of parking right where I want to be. SpotHero makes it easy to see availability and pricing for parking all over the city, so you really can find the best deal.
Ok, ok. So what are the best things to do in NYC?
There are a million things to do around every corner in New York, so here are some of my favorites.
If you’re into sightseeing:
Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center – This spot has the best views of the city (I prefer it over the views from the Empire State Building).
Times Square – It can be crazy depending on when you go, but it’s always an experience to see this place!
Grand Central Station – Another iconic spot to check out, especially if you’re into architecture.
If you’re into nature:
Central Park – There’s so much to explore in this park- trails, fountains, rocks, performers, squirrels- there’s something for everyone.
The Highline – This is a repurposed rail line that is now a walking trail, green space and outdoor art gallery.
If you’re into art:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – The Met is HUGE and has all kinds of art from the Egyptian Temple of Dendur to Sargent’s ‘Madame X’ (one of my faves!) to the Fashion Institute’s latest exhibition.
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum – If you’re an architecture lover, this is another spot you have to check out. The Guggenheim is a spiral shaped building with the art galleries around the outer edge. Be sure to start at the top and work your way down!
Go see a Broadway show! The only show I’ve seen in NYC so far is Wicked (if anyone has an extra Hamilton ticket, lmk!), but it is so worth it. Go go go!
If you’re into food:
Chelsea Market – This old Nabisco building is packed with shops and restaurants of all kinds. The hardest part is deciding where to eat!
Canal Street Market – This is one of my go to places when I’m in Soho. A nice selection of foods and a little bit of shopping too.
Honestly some of the best places are ones you just stumble upon, so don’t be afraid to try out a new restaurant you find.
I could keep going, but that’s enough suggestions for now!
How do you find your way around?
Google Maps is my BFF. I also love the New York CityMaps2Go app for saving the locations of places I want to visit.
How do you get around? The subway? Taxi?
I mostly walk (my car is usually in a no in/out garage, so once I’m parked, I’m parked for the day), which is why it’s always good to have a plan of where I’m headed and know how far away things are. But I’ll also take the subway, which is pretty cost effective and much easier to navigate than you might think. Very rarely do I get in a taxi, just because the cost can add up depending on where I’m headed.
So do you do all this in a day?
Yep! It’s a three hour drive to NYC from where I live, so it makes for a solid day trip.
When’s your next trip?
As soon as I can go! Any day I’m off work I’m always tempted to plan a trip.
Do you have any other questions about visiting NYC? Or are you as obsessed with exploring New York as I am? I want to know! I’m still learning so much, but I love visiting and sharing about it. Every trip always has unexpected and serendipitous moments.
Thanks for reading, friends!