Have you ever thought to yourself that you would like to visit New York just one time? Me too. It’s not that I wouldn’t go back, because it’s amazing… but we planned this itinerary with the thought that it might be our only time visiting.
So, read on to follow our 4-day itinerary and get tips for your next trip to New York City!
Day one- Getting to know New York City
Gotham West Market
Our first stop was some delicious ramen at Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop in the Gotham West Market. The market is a neat indoor food hall with a few different eateries from Italian food, sushi, tacos, and of course, ramen.
After fueling up on our delicious lunch, we grabbed an Uber and headed to our next stop, Central Park.
Central Park
We had the Uber drop us off at the park entrance closest to the Dakota apartments, where John Lennon lived, and sadly was shot.
Strawberry fields is next on our list, which is also right next to the entrance. A peaceful area with meadows of flowers, and an in-ground mosaic memorial of John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
Central Park is way more manicured than I imagined it would be… and it’s HUGE. But it was so peaceful as we slowly made our way through the park.
We climbed the Belvedere Castle, saw the Bethesda fountain, and checked out the literary statues along The Mall.
Loeb Boathouse
On our way out of Central Park, we came across this gem of a place called the Loeb Boathouse. Perfect place to stop for a cocktail and watch the people try to maneuver their boats.
After our cocktail, we went to our hotel to relax and freshen up for dinner.
Where we stayed in New York City
The Belvedere Hotel
We chose the Belvedere hotel for our stay. It’s an older hotel that has that New York character charm, but apparently the rooms are bigger than most hotels in New York. Not having any NY hotel experience, I thought the room was pretty big. I really loved the view as well.
More importantly, the hotel is close to Times Square and other attractions. But since the hotel is situated in a more residential area, you have a nice calm, quiet 5-minute walk before heading into the chaos of Times Square.
Dinner at Sushi Seki
For dinner we chose Sushi Seki on Restaurant Row. So delicious.
After our Sushi bliss, we ended the night with seeing Times Square all lit up in her lighted glory.
Times Square
And wow, Times Square surpassed our expectations. It’s incredible seeing the big, blinking, neon signs, honking horns, people everywhere. It is wonderful!
Day 2- Walking the Line in New York City
Breakfast at Carlo’s Bake Shop
We started the day with some delicious doughnuts and coffee at Carlo’s Bake Shop- and goodness, the cream that they use in the doughnuts is to die for.
Our destination for this morning is the 9-11 Twin Towers Memorial. We decided to walk most of the way and check out the High Line.
The High Line
Walking is truly the best way to see the city. And walking on the High Line made for some amazing sightseeing, and how often do you get to walk above the city?
To further explain, the High Line is an above ground abandoned railroad track that was turned into this amazing walkway. In addition to the actual walkway, there are little areas of greenery and flowers! I mean, how neat is that.
And as we were making our way through, we spot her… Our Lady Liberty, The Statue of Liberty! It was so exciting to see her! It’s not the best picture, but sadly this is as close as we were able to get to her. It’s actually my biggest regret that we didn’t go to Ellis Island to meet her officially. Take it from me, go see her!
Due to the time, we decided to get off the High Line and have an Uber take us the rest of the way to the 9-11 Memorial.
9-11 Memorial
The magnitude of the feelings we had walking around the memorial were just indescribable. It’s heartbreaking. There are little holes next to the name so a flower can be placed on their birthday. Which squeezes your heart extra hard for that birthday lost, but you appreciate that little bit of individuality for that person.
Just behind the Memorial is a church that had made it unscathed through the attacks of 9-11. The church was safe haven for people then and is still now. And because of it’s important role as a safe haven, the church was given a bell to the people of New York in 2002 from the Lord Mayor of London. It’s not just a pretty bell, it also works, the bell rings every September 11th symbolizing the triumph of hope over tragedy.
Another building worth checking out behind the Memorial, is the Oculus. The white weird shaped building is a transportation hub and also a shopping mall. The designer meant the building to look like a dove leaving a child’s hands. Isn’t that sweet?
After paying our respects, we ventured into the financial district.
Financial district in New York
The Financial district is a whole other animal. The buildings are closer together, and the people have a more hurried, business-like look to them.
Seeing the Trinity church was a surprise sight for us, we turned around at some sort of noise, and wow, we see her. Beautiful. The architecture in New York just blows me away.
Unfortunately, we had to leave before seeing much else, because we have to get to the next place… Which will end up being one of my favorite things we did on the trip.
Afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel
Having Afternoon tea is so fun. The finger food is surprisingly filling and so scrumptious. And being in the Plaza with all that history, is so surreal. Of course, the Palm Court is a beautiful place with all the mirrors and palm trees. Amazing.
After our lunch, we decide to rest for a bit at the hotel before heading back out for our late dinner.
Pre-dinner drinks at Morrell Wine and Café
Morrell Wine and Café will forever stay in my heart, as it is the place where I tried my very first espresso martini. And, since this first one, I have tried many espresso martinis, and nothing compares to this amazing one. Of course, the bartender used chocolate and cocoa powder, which I later find out, isn’t in the standard drink, but I don’t care, still my favorite!
Eleven Madison Park
After our drinks, we headed down to Eleven Madison Park for our fancy prix fixe dinner. (Hey, when in New York…) We opted for the 5-course meal as it was the cheaper option, and it was plenty of food.
I highly recommend checking this place out if you are looking for a fancy dinner and glamorous night on the town. The food was amazing, and the service was impeccable. Just note that you must make reservations ahead of time.
Another bonus on coming here is that it’s across the street from the Flat Iron Building. So, you can check that off your list as well!
Day 3-Jam packed day in New York
We started our day with a quick breakfast at the hotel, because we have a jam-packed day planned, and we have that, “we gotta see it all” attitude!
Top of the Rock
After much research, we opted for our view of New York City to be from Top of the Rock. And I’m so glad we did, because the other option would’ve been been the view from the Empire State Building, and I’d much rather it in my view.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
This church is indescribably beautiful inside and out. And it’s definitely worth the wait to get inside, which for us was only about 20 minutes long. Here’s more information on the Cathedral.
New York Public Library
I could’ve spent all day here. I love anything to do with books. The architecture, is once again, amazing. There is an added bonus which are these little sayings throughout the library which were neat to find and read. Oh, how I would’ve loved to curl up with a stack of books in the corner… But sadly, we must move on.
At this point in the day, we need food. We had pizza left on our list of foods to eat, so we just did a quick google search of the area and found the closest one to us. I can’t remember the name of the place, but the pizza was tasty and just the fuel we needed to continue on our day.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is full of action and not to mention beautiful- pretty impressive that even the train station is architecturally beautiful! We had to see if what they say about the whisper area (you whisper in the corner and it travels to the other side) was true and it was! And it’s not hard to find being that it’s right next to the Oyster bar. Be sure to check this out.
Whew. We knocked out some big things today! The nice thing is that this is all really close to one another and can easily be done in a few hours.
So, we are feeling pretty victorious at this point, but we are not done… oh no… We have the quintessential New York thing left to do today… Seeing a Broadway show!
Aladdin at the Amsterdam Theatre
The show is amazing, and the theatre is beautiful. Although Aladdin was perfect for us, we were also looking at Wicked and the Lion King, which I’m sure would be amazing as well. Check out the shows available to decide what you want to see.
Day 4- The Met
Our last full day was a rainy one, but perfect for going to The Met Museum. The museum has everything from statues, to paintings, and even fully decorated pre-era full sized rooms.
Halfway through our visit, we were able to get some much-needed coffee and snacks, but due to the pandemic, the Met eateries may not be open. You may also have to make a reservation to visit the museum.
Oh, and the Met is HUGE so plan accordingly. Like a half day, or even a full day if you are a museum person.
On our way out of the museum, a hot dog food cart was waiting outside. Which is perfect because we need to check off eating at a food cart off our list.
Later that night, we took one last stroll down the streets of New York and found a little Italian restaurant on Restaurant Row for a late dinner.
When it came time for dessert (the most delicious tiramisu ever) the waiter brought me out a complimentary limoncello when Michelle ordered an after-dinner drink. He goes, “we can’t have her drinking alone now, can we?” Such a nice waiter! Delicious too.
Final thoughts on New York
And there you have it… My one and only visit to New York City. What do you think, did we see everything? Ha! We certainly tried, but it was perfect for us, and I know it will be perfect for you as well!
If you need more fundamental tips on planning a trip, check out my Travel Planning Guide and go make those memories!!
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