It was my second time in New York on December 2016 with the entire family. My first was during autumn of 2009. To have experienced The Big Apple in different seasons and 7 years apart made a lot of difference. The almost freezing temperature would limit outdoor activities. Coming from a tropical country, winter (+1 to +7 C during our trip) was challenging. The air was really cold and crisp. We could only last staying outdoors for a while. I also struggled with jet lag during our first two days. And, being with the parentals limited our itinerary. I had to adjust for everyone’s capacity. After all, it was a family vacation. It did not mean I did not enjoy it. Definitely not. In fact, I liked it because I for one prefer to take my time in every place that I visit. I do not count the number of tourist spots I get to see. What matter are the moments that can never be repeated. Moments that turn into memories. And memories to be cherished forever. Enough of drama.
It was nostalgic going to touristy places I have been to before. I must say nothing much has changed. But since it was my husband and children’s first time in New York, I have to bring them to these places. I will share to you our 4-day itinerary during the first leg of our stay in the Big Apple, including some of the restaurants I recommend.
Getting Around
I booked at supershuttle.com to bring us to our hotel from John F. Kennedy International Airport. As soon as we exited the arrival hall, we proceeded to the ground transportation desk and informed the agent on duty to call our driver. It’s USD 115 (PHP 5,600) for an exclusive non stop van service for 7 to 10 passengers.
Subway was our second most used mode of transportation. We got the 7-day unlimited ride Metrocard for USD 32 (PHP 1,555) per person.
Walking was inevitable, specially in traveling. It is the best way to explore any place. You can stop anytime when something interests you, take a lot of beautiful photos, and interact with people. And sometimes there are surprises awaiting you.
Where we stayed
The Milburn Hotel for a quieter stay at Upper West Side, New York City through Agoda.
Courtyard Marriott for a modern feel at Queens Plaza North, Long Island City through Hotels.com.
Where we ate
These were my favorites:
Sugar and Plumm. We came here for breakfast. The colorful vibe of this restaurant was amazing and very inviting. I had waffles and chicken. They were good, but a little pricey.
Located at the upper west side is Tom’s Restaurant. It is the diner that inspired Monk’s Cafe featured in many episodes of Seinfeld. Food was great. This was my husband’s favorite, specially their pancakes.
Maison Kaiser. Another good breakfast spot. It is a high-end bakery with fine pastries, cakes, sandwiches, salads, and others. Quality of food justified the price.
As Asians we craved for rice meal. When we tried Chipotle Mexican Grill, it became one of our favorites. We have been here thrice and the food was very consistent. I loved my combination of chicken meat, veggies, cilantro-lime rice, salsa, guacamole, cheese and shredded lettuce. Great food and great portions.
We were dying to try Shake Shack, a New York City icon with many locations. Packed with people when we arrived, the long line moved fast and the food came out quickly. We all had burgers and shakes and we loved them.
Caffe Bene is an outlet of a Korean coffee giant. We popped in for a coffee and I ended up eating the best Belgian waffle I have ever had.
Frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 was THE BEST! Put this on your list.
Magnolia Bakery. Featured in one of the episodes of Sex and the City, this sweet spot became popular since then.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Uptown Manhattan
You can go to many museums in New York City as some of them have a “suggested donation” for entry. It means you can pay any amount you like. I followed what most travelers recommended – USD 1 (PHP 50). We began at the American Museum of Natural History. The museum became more popular when the film Night at the Museum in 2006 was released. Sure it is fabulous. Budget more time here.
We then walked to the west side of Central Park which was absolutely beautiful. The golden brown trees and the lake looked so peaceful as we strolled the pathways. Look at the birds. If it wasn’t for the cold weather we could have explored longer.
Towards the east side, you would find the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met is one of the biggest museums in the world. It has a wide array of art, historical artifacts, and other exhibits. A visit would also require a lot of time.
Day 2 – Midtown Manhattan
We went to the top of the Empire State Building, which is a historic landmark in New York. To see NYC during the day, it is best to go early morning to avoid long queues. Entrance fee to the Top Deck was USD 54 (PHP 2,600). The view from the 102nd and 86th floor was equally breathtaking. So I suggest you get the Main Deck viewing for USD 34 (PHP 1,650).
This neighborhood is home to the city’s famous shops like Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and a lot of popular retail stores. Also within walking distance from the Empire State Building are other iconic structures such as the New York Public Library, Chryssler Building, Rockefeller Center, and Madison Square Park.
If Christmas trees are your thing, check out the Rockefeller Center. You may also do ice skating there. Going to its observation deck or Top of The Rock is a good alternative for that 360 degree view of NYC, including the Empire State Building .
The rest of our day? Zzzzzz (jet lag)!
Day 3 – Lower Manhattan
Again to avoid the long line, we went early. I booked through statuecruises.com a New York with Pedestal Adult ticket that cost USD 18 (PHP 900). The Statue of Liberty was spectacular to see up close.
Tips:
• Do not carry a big bag as security is very tight. There is no deposit counter where you can leave your stuff.
• You may get Special Crown Access ticket months in advance from Statue Cruises to climb the 354 steps to the crown.
The cruise docked at the Battery Park abutting South Ferry on the west, the embarkation point for Staten Island Ferry. From there we walked roughly 15 minutes to reach Wall Street as we passed by the Charging Bull Statue.
Federal Hall sits across the street from the New York Stock Exchange. It is where George Washington took his oath of office and was the first capitol building of the United States.
Still walking distance from Wall Street is the World Trade Centre and 9/11 Memorial.
Even though it was my second time in New York, I was still stunned by Times Square. Located at midtown, it is best visited at night when the neon signs shine in all their glory. First of all, we took a lot of photos on the famous red steps.
Being in the theater capital of the world we would not miss a New York must do, to watch a broadway show. Under the red stairs are the TKTS booths where we got discounted tickets. It is a first come first serve basis, so there is no guarantee of your favorite show. Luckily, we chanced upon Phantom of the Opera. It really was fantastic.
Day 4 – Brooklyn
This was the day it snowed. We got really excited and played outside our hotel, on the street. Then we realized it was not safe to stay long outdoors. So we ate breakfast at a nearby Dunkin Donuts, shopped at Trader Joe’s and Bloomingdale’s, and had lunch at Chipotle (again).
Thank goodness the snow stopped by noon. We decided to walk at the Brooklyn Bridge. As we set foot on this famous landmark, we shivered our way across 1834 meters to see the amazing views of Manhattan. Stopping to take photos made the walk about 40 minutes.
We could not get enough of watching another broadway show. So we went back to the Broadway Theater District to watch The Jersey Boys that night. Bravo! What a finale!
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not an option in New York and most parts of the United States. The customary rate is 15-20% for drivers and waiters, USD 1-2 (PHP 50-100) per bag for bellhops, and USD 2 (PHP 100) per day for hotel maids (which I would leave underneath the pillow).
Thank you for reading!
With love,
Sugar
