There are so many songs about this beloved city, but the first that comes to mind is New York, New York, a classic by Frank Sinatra. It's also a hard place to cover. Where do you begin? This city could not only be its own state but it acts like its own world. Especially right now as the greater NYC area has become the initial epicenter of the Coronavirus. I'll be honest, NYC is a wonderful city to visit as there is so much to do (on every block), so much to see, eat, drink, you get the idea but also I always feel anxious while visiting. This is because of how everyone is on top of each other, there is not enough space for as many people in the small area as well as how dirty it can be, there's a mentality that someone can replace you either in a job, friendship, dating, cost of living is high and finally feeling like you could miss out by taking an easy day (FOMO). Part of me does want to explore the idea of living there for a short period of time, as the song goes, if you can make it here, well you can make it anywhere! Leaving Manhattan for the other boroughs makes a difference. Besides being a place to visit it also is a major layover destination. Rather than going into each borough, I wanted to give a brief overview of some of my favorite things to experience each visit to NYC, no matter if you are there for a longer layover before continuing on to your final destination or there for a trip.
Museums
The Met- Largest art Musem in the Country. Want to feel like Blair, Serena, and the rest of the gossip girl crew? Have lunch on the steps!
American museum of natural history- You'll recognize it from the movie Night at the Museum.
Museum of the Moving Image -One of the neatest museums I've been to where you can explore the history behind film and tv today!
Landmarks/sightseeing
Statue of Liberty- A welcoming sign to immigrants coming by sea and a symbol of Freedom!
Ellis Island- When I was a kid I visited and called it Elvis Island- LOL! We had family who immigrated and came through here. It was interesting to view our family members' names on The American Immigrant Wall of Honor.
Charging Bull at Wall Street Statue and the Financial District.
Fearless Girl statue promoting female empowerment.
Brooklyn Bridge
Washington square park
Central Park - I always find myself wanting to be back in nature even in the city.
Bryant Park
Washington Square Park
9/11 memorial- Honor the lives lost in the attacks where they took place.
Top of the rock- A panoramic view of the city.
NY Public Library- I love a good bookstore or library and this one is beautiful and the second largest public library in the nation. You'll be greeted by Lion statues.
Roosevelt Island- To escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a fun tram across the water with a great view.
Watch a Live Performance or the making of it
Broadway- There are countless good shows to see and a classic way to find discounted tickets is to get in line the day of the show to the TKTS booth and its part of the fun going and not knowing for sure what show you'll be able to see. Plays I've seen are Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (the first show in NYC we saw and a few minutes into the show, my sister asked how long the movie was? LOL, what every parent wants to hear after spending the money on a show they think their kids will enjoy. We did and stayed for the whole thing!), Lion King, Hairspray, Wicked (more times than I can even count), Fiddler on the Roof, Aladdin, Escape to Margaritaville, Billy Elliot, An American in Pairs, Miss Saigon, Peter Pan, Hamilton, Matilda, Kinky Boots, Shrek, The King and I, The Book of Mormon, Come From away, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Grease, Blue Man group.
Visit the sets of tv shows - See the magic behind the scenes of your favorite shows. I've been to the set where they film Sesame Street, Good Morning America, Saturday Night Live and Orange is the new Black!
Shopping
Fifth avenue
Rockefeller Center
Soho
The American Girl store- I loved it as a kid, and I love it now to feel nostalgia. See some cute TBT photos of my sister and me below. Speaking of great kid toystores, RIP to Toys R Us in Times Square and the magical Ferris wheel.
Time square- Tourist center, overwhelming with people, lights, and noise.
Grand central station- One of the busiest train stations in the world and if your accommodations aren't in the center of the city a good way to travel instead of an uber/taxi.
Do you have a Sweet Tooth? Without fail, even if it's just an overnight I will make a stop for a cupcake at Magnolias in NYC!
Magnolias Bakery- The cupcakes actually travel well on planes, done it many times!
Little Italy- I love getting some authentic gelato here after a delicious carb-filled meal of either pasta, pizza, etc. China Town is also fun to explore and eat in as well just a short walk away.
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