New York City is somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit. It’s always a popular location in movies and television, I had to check it out. Full of history, culture, and delicious food, it’s difficult to pack in the most in only four days, but we did our best. I planned my trip around where we were staying and tried to hit places in an order that made most “geographic” sense.
Accommodations:
Since we booked almost 6 months in advance, we were able to find a really cool place to stay. We found an Airbnb above an off-Broadway theater that was perfect for three people. Coming and going was easy and it was in a great location. There just isn’t really a true kitchen, but that didn’t really matter since we were eating out every meal anyway.
Day 1:
I took a red-eye flight from Seattle to Newark, landing at 6 AM. That early in the morning, it was actually comparable for 3 people to just Uber into the city instead of taking the bus to the Port Authority terminal. We Uber-ed straight to Dominique Ansel Bakery and arrived right at opening at 8 AM. Even on a Thursday there was still a line out the door. Dominique Ansel is famous for introducing the world to the “cronut”. There are a limited number of cronuts sold per day, so you have to get in quite early or be lucky to get on the pre-order to get one. There’s a different flavor each month too! We tried the cronut, the DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann), and the banana bread tiramisu. They were divine.
After breakfast, we were able to drop off our items at at the Airbnb a little early since the theater was already open. We walked along the Hudson River Greenway to Little Island, taking in the sights and views of the Hudson River and Jersey.
We then walked back to the SoHo area, did some window shopping, and then ended up doing lunch at Balthazar. I had made reservations about a week in advance. Weekday lunch was also very busy. This restaurant is packed pretty tight. So tight that they actually move your table out of the way so you can squeeze into the bench. After you sit down, they move your table back. If you want to get out, you have to move the entire table.
After lunch we Uber-ed to The Battery, a park on the southern tip of Manhattan for our ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. We booked tickets online and were able to skip quite a bit of the line when going through security. The ferry ride was pretty quick to both islands. Your ticket lets you go to both islands, but different tiers exist for how much of the Statue of Liberty you want to experience. You can just visit the Statue, climb to the pedestal, or climb to the crown.
We took the ferry back to Manhattan and then decided to walk around the Financial District. We saw the famous Charging Bull, walked through Wall Street, and saw the New York Stock Exchange building. There are many small bars and restaurants in the area that were popping for happy hour. We stopped by Luke’s Lobster and had some lobster/shrimp/crab rolls and clam chowder as a little snack. The clam chowder was lovely on a chilly day.
We Uber-ed back to the Airbnb to take a little rest before dinner. We got a restaurant for Madame Vo’s for dinner. Walking through Washington Square Park was lovely in the twilight. The Arch was lit up as the light was dimming.
Day 2:
Bagels are a NY must. We stopped by Brooklyn Bagel Company to really understand what New York bagels have over everyone else. I tried an everything bagel with regular schmear and smoked salmon. The fish was not fish-y smelling at all and the bagels were unbelievably chewy and flavorful. There really is a different in bagels.
After our breakfast, we continued walking north and passed through Madison Square Park, perused the farmer’s market booths, and then made our way to Times Square. We did some browsing and shopping. We stopped for lunch at Ootoya and shared the beef sukiyaki. This place was quite busy for an early lunch and you won’t be seated unless all members of your party are present. Right next door is Uncle Tetsu’s Cheesecake. We picked one up for later.
After lunch, we continued walking north and stopped at the Nordstrom flagship store for multiple levels of shopping. We grabbed a gelato at Venchi and ventured into Central Park and explored all the way to the Met. We took a break from walking, sat on the steps, and watched the people walking by. We took the subway home and grabbed some cookies from Milk Bar for a sweet snack.
For dinner, we tried a couple slices from Joe’s Pizza. Joe’s Pizza is cash only and is open until the wee hours of the night.
Day 3:
With most dimsum restaurants not opening until 10-11 AM, we decided to DIY our dimsum experience… Instead of going to one dimsum restaurant, we decided to try a few items from many different restaurants. We planned our spots based on opening hours and location.
We started at Golden Steamer, opening at 7 AM. Fresh steamed buns are available a la carte and also by in pre-packaged, bulk containers. We tried the BBQ pork bun and salted egg yolk buns. Both were so delicious that we ended up buying pre-packaged boxes of both. We then made our way to the Cheong Fun Cart for some steamed rice rolls. We opted for a container of fresh shrimp and egg with all the fixings and chili paste. These come out so quick and super hot. Next were egg tarts and pineapple buns at Kamboat Bakery. Both pastries just the right amount of sweet and perfect textures. Last, we had the $5 special: roast pork with veggies over rice. Such amazing deal and absolutely worth every penny.
To burn off all the food we had just consumed, we took a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge from Chinatown to Brooklyn. One-way, the bridge is about a mile long, so it can take about 20-30 minutes to cross. There is a bit of elevation change, so wear some comfy shoes!
When you get to Brooklyn, there are some great spots to stop at, like Main Street Park, Pebble Beach, and the iconic Manhattan Bridge Viewpoint. If you need a little snack or a drink, Time Out Market is full of many options for something to eat or maybe a cocktail or coffee.
After relaxing at the Brooklyn beach, we meandered back to Chinatown to find a refreshing drink since the sun popped out. We grabbed some boba from Tiger Sugar and did some souvenir shopping at the many shops on the way back to the Airbnb.
After taking a little break, we decided to do some more shopping and ventured out to the shops on Spring Street. We stood in line and waited to try the famous Levain cookie to fuel the shopping adventure. The night ended with dinner from Mamoun’s. Crazy inexpensive and cash only! Mamoun’s had the best falafel I’ve ever had.
Day 4:
The end of a New York trip had to include some New York icons! We started the morning with coffees and pastries at Laduree in SoHo. We tried the Saint-Honore, rose croissant, and a few macarons. The pastries were so delicious! The croissant had such wonderfully flakey layers and was not too sweet. There was a small area in the front to sit in if just enjoying items from the bakery and there was a larger restaurant space in the back if joining for lunch or dinner.
To work off our morning sweets, we walked to Katz’s Delicatessen. At around 11 AM, the line was quite long outside. It did move relatively quickly and we were able to get inside by 11:20. Upon entry, you’re provided receipt tickets that you use for the employees to write down what you’ve ordered at each counter. Remember to retain these tickets on your way out! If you lose a ticket, there is a $50 fine. You can pay with card at the back of the restaurant or pay with cash on your way out.
After our meals, we took the subway and walked to the Port Authority bus terminal and caught a bus back to Newark airport. The buses to the airport are stationed outside the terminal, so you don’t need to go inside. There are people hustling (unaffiliated with the transit companies) at the terminal that will help you find the bus if you need to, but they will ask you for a tip after.
New York was a grand time, but I could absolutely never live there. I will come back to eat more food though. 🙂
Need inspiration for somewhere warmer? Try Big Island, Hawaii Vacation Itinerary (November 2021).
Colder? Try An Extended Weekend in Whistler (February 2022).