Lodging
We are staying at the King and Grove Hotel located at 29 E. 29th St. We booked through Jetsetter.com, but King and Grove is featured on many deal websites.
For affordable travel, our most frequented place is the LaQuinta in Herald Square. It has good rates and is in an excellent location.
If you've never been to NYC before, we recommend finding lodging in Manhattan, the more central the better.
Transportation
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| Maybe you'll meet some cool people |
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| ...or take a nap on a stranger |
Food
Grimaldi's Pizza-Brooklyn, NY
John's Pizza-Times Square
Street hot dog vendor
Pizza by the slice
Pizza by the slice
Sightseeing
Sarah and Lauren's map of things to do, click hereMuseums: Blue
Statues: Red
Landmarks and Parks: Green
Buildings: Yellow
If you're on a limited time schedule we recommend picking what you're interested in and hitting them from either south to north or north to south. You can waste a lot of time and energy commuting, so map out what you want to do and see, plan around the subway map, then sightsee accordingly. Here's our top picks:
5 stars
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| Lauren in Immigration Hall |
http://www.nps.gov/elis/index.htm
This is one of Lauren and Sarah's favorites. We highly recommend taking the ferry and stopping on Liberty Island, skipping the Statue of Liberty climb, and continuing on to Ellis Island to do everything it offers. The Immigration Museum is superb! The Museum is also free with ferry ticket. Ferry tickets are $17 for adults and $14 for seniors. Our recommendation is to get the first ferry in the morning (usually around 9:00) so that you're not subjected to the long wait line. The last ferry back leaves around 5pm. Don't forget your National Park Passport cancellation!
Grand Central (5)-allow 20 minutes
You must stop and walk to the heart of the terminal and take a look.
Guggenheim Museum (5)-allow 1-2 hours
Walk around, see the statues, NBC store, and flags.
St. Patrick's Cathedral (5)-allow 20 minutes
http://www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/
This is a NYC landmark. If you're in the area, you should take half an hour to walk around the inside.
Times Square (5)
If it's your first time to NYC, you must see Times Square. For shock purposes, we recommend it being your first stop from the airport with a trip to John's Pizza. Make sure you go to the Toys R Us and ride the ferris wheel.
United Nations (5)-allow 1-3 hours
http://www.un.org/en/
This is Sarah's must-see destination every time she visits NYC. She's only missed it once, during Hurricane Sandy. If it's your first time to see it, you should pay for the guided tour. If it's not your first time, just check out the always awesome rotating exhibit in the lobby. Tours run Monday-Friday from 9:45am to 4:45pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4:15pm. Cost is $16 for adults and $11 for seniors.
Yankee Stadium (5)
NYC Public Library (4)-allow 20 minutes
http://www.nypl.org/
Take a walk around the main building. Walk the stairs and stop to look at the Gutenberg Bible. Run up the stairs pretending you're Jake Gyllenhaal in Day After Tomorrow. We don't recommend you burn any of the books, though.
Riverside Church (3)
St. John the Divine (3)
5th Avenue Shops (4)
This is the world's first steel suspension bridge, and is an icon of the city. The pedestrian walkway spans 1-mile across the East River. It's a nice evening or afternoon walk.
Bryant Park (3)
A good place to watch the regular chess games that are in any quintessential NY movie.
China Town and Little Italy (3)
Although the selling of awesome fraudulent products has been limited, you can still shop and eat your way through this area. We recommend trips down Mulberry and Canal streets.
Empire State Building (3)-allow 1-3 hours for observation deck depending on line
http://www.esbnyc.com/
Of course, an icon of the city, the Empire State Building is a must see for many first-time visitors. We personally think it's overrated, but you should definitely walk by and see it. While it'd be nice to schedule this to do with everything in the area, it's an activity you need to do on a clear day if you want to go to the observation deck. For the main deck tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for seniors. For the main deck and top deck tickets are $42 for adults and $39 for seniors.
This impressive sepulcher is 150ft off the ground. Inside you'll find the tombs of General Grant and his wife. Open Thursday through Monday from 9-5. The mausoleum is open from 10-11, 12-1, 2-3, and 4-5. Admission is free.
Herald Square (3)
Liberty Island (3)-allow 3-4 hours (including ellis island)
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washingtonsquarepark
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| This guy |
You must stop and walk to the heart of the terminal and take a look.
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| If you look closely you can see Sarah taking a nap |
Guggenheim Museum (5)-allow 1-2 hours
This museum displays rotating exhibits of contemporary and international art. The exhibits are hit or miss in the Guggenheim, but it's worth a trip to see the architectural design of the building and it's winding ramp. Open Friday through Wednesday from 10 to 5:45, extended hours until 7:45 on Saturdays. Admission is $22 for adults and $19 for seniors.
Rockefellar Plaza (5)-allow 45 minutesWalk around, see the statues, NBC store, and flags.
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| Maybe you'll meet this awesome lady |
http://www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/
This is a NYC landmark. If you're in the area, you should take half an hour to walk around the inside.
Times Square (5)
If it's your first time to NYC, you must see Times Square. For shock purposes, we recommend it being your first stop from the airport with a trip to John's Pizza. Make sure you go to the Toys R Us and ride the ferris wheel.
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| Don't forget to walk the grounds |
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| Sarah loves the exhibits |
United Nations (5)-allow 1-3 hours
This is Sarah's must-see destination every time she visits NYC. She's only missed it once, during Hurricane Sandy. If it's your first time to see it, you should pay for the guided tour. If it's not your first time, just check out the always awesome rotating exhibit in the lobby. Tours run Monday-Friday from 9:45am to 4:45pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4:15pm. Cost is $16 for adults and $11 for seniors. |
| Don't forget to see the museum |
Yankee Stadium (5)
The new stadium is nothing short of impressive. Unfortunately, the Yankees are out of town during the weekend, BUT they play Boston Wednesday and Thursday. We're planning to attend a Thursday game if you're interested. Stadium tours are also available.
The Cloisters (4)-allow 1-3 hours
4 Stars
The Cloisters have an outstanding collection of medieval art and architecture. Since it's way uptown, it is off the beaten path for many tourists. We recommend walking the beautiful gardens and checking out Romanesque architecture experiencing a taste of a Benedictine monastery. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 to 5:15. Recommended admission is $25 for adults and $17 for seniors with same-day admission to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Ground Zero (4)-allow 1-2 hours
http://www.911memorial.org/
Visiting the memorial is free, but requires tickets. The memorial and museum are typically open from 10am-6pm, with last entry at 5pm.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (4)-allow 3-4 hours
http://www.metmuseum.org/
This collection of art spans 5,000 years. Make sure you stop on the top deck that overlooks Central Park. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 to 5:30, extended hours Friday and Saturday until 9:00pm. Admission is recommended at $25 for adults and $17 for seniors; this price includes admission to The Cloisters.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (4)-allow 2-4 hours
http://www.moma.org/
This has the greatest collection of painting and sculpture from the late 19th century to the present. From Picasso to Van Gogh to Ansel Adams, it doesn't disappoint. Open Wednesday-Monday it is open from 10:30 to 5:00, with extended hours until 8:00 of Fridays. Cost is $25 for adults and $18 for seniors.
Museum of Natural History (4)-allow 3-4 hours
http://www.amnh.org/
A ton of fun to visit, we highly recommend. Admission ranges from $19 to $33 for the various parts of the museum. Museum open 10:00-5:45 daily.
Ground Zero (4)-allow 1-2 hours
http://www.911memorial.org/
Visiting the memorial is free, but requires tickets. The memorial and museum are typically open from 10am-6pm, with last entry at 5pm.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (4)-allow 3-4 hours
http://www.metmuseum.org/
This collection of art spans 5,000 years. Make sure you stop on the top deck that overlooks Central Park. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 to 5:30, extended hours Friday and Saturday until 9:00pm. Admission is recommended at $25 for adults and $17 for seniors; this price includes admission to The Cloisters.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (4)-allow 2-4 hours
http://www.moma.org/
This has the greatest collection of painting and sculpture from the late 19th century to the present. From Picasso to Van Gogh to Ansel Adams, it doesn't disappoint. Open Wednesday-Monday it is open from 10:30 to 5:00, with extended hours until 8:00 of Fridays. Cost is $25 for adults and $18 for seniors.
Museum of Natural History (4)-allow 3-4 hours
http://www.amnh.org/
A ton of fun to visit, we highly recommend. Admission ranges from $19 to $33 for the various parts of the museum. Museum open 10:00-5:45 daily.
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| See the squirrel exhibit |
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| Lick a fossil |
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| Connect with your ancestors |
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| Stand like a flamingo |
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| Pretend like you're on a safari |
NYC Public Library (4)-allow 20 minutes
http://www.nypl.org/
Take a walk around the main building. Walk the stairs and stop to look at the Gutenberg Bible. Run up the stairs pretending you're Jake Gyllenhaal in Day After Tomorrow. We don't recommend you burn any of the books, though.
Riverside Church (3)
John D. Rockefellar funded the construction of this Gothic-Revival style church on the Upper West Side. Worship is a blend of American Baptist Churches USA and United Church of Christ, and is always an excellent service.
St. Paul's Chapel (4)-allow 30 minutes
This is the oldest surviving church in Manhattan. It's proximity to the 9-11 site made it a place of rest for workers for nearly a year after the collapse. In side you can see the accumulation of much of the memorial banners and gifts left for workers. The support banner from Oklahoma still hangs in the entry way. Open daily.5th Avenue Shops (4)
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| Or that one |
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| Be that girl |
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| Or that one |
3 Stars
Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park (3)This is the world's first steel suspension bridge, and is an icon of the city. The pedestrian walkway spans 1-mile across the East River. It's a nice evening or afternoon walk.
Bryant Park (3)
A good place to watch the regular chess games that are in any quintessential NY movie.
China Town and Little Italy (3)
Although the selling of awesome fraudulent products has been limited, you can still shop and eat your way through this area. We recommend trips down Mulberry and Canal streets.
Empire State Building (3)-allow 1-3 hours for observation deck depending on line
http://www.esbnyc.com/
Of course, an icon of the city, the Empire State Building is a must see for many first-time visitors. We personally think it's overrated, but you should definitely walk by and see it. While it'd be nice to schedule this to do with everything in the area, it's an activity you need to do on a clear day if you want to go to the observation deck. For the main deck tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for seniors. For the main deck and top deck tickets are $42 for adults and $39 for seniors.
Flatiron Building (3)
An icon of the city, this was a ground-breaking skyscraper in its time. This is one of Lauren's favorite pieces of architecture in the city and we recommend a glance at it on your way somewhere.
General Grant National Memorial (3)-allow 30 minutesAn icon of the city, this was a ground-breaking skyscraper in its time. This is one of Lauren's favorite pieces of architecture in the city and we recommend a glance at it on your way somewhere.
This impressive sepulcher is 150ft off the ground. Inside you'll find the tombs of General Grant and his wife. Open Thursday through Monday from 9-5. The mausoleum is open from 10-11, 12-1, 2-3, and 4-5. Admission is free.Herald Square (3)
Since you're going to be here during April, not the Thanksgiving Day Parade, you won't see much of the excitement of this location. It's worth looking around and a visit to Macy's to ride the escalators, preferably in the same fashion as Buddy the Elf.
International Center of Photography (3)-allow 1 hour
http://www.icp.org/visit
This is a great gallery for NYC visitor who has already seen the popular galleries. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-6pm. Admission is $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, and you can go on Fridays from 5-8pm with only a voluntary contribution.
http://www.icp.org/visit
This is a great gallery for NYC visitor who has already seen the popular galleries. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-6pm. Admission is $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, and you can go on Fridays from 5-8pm with only a voluntary contribution.
Liberty Island (3)-allow 3-4 hours (including ellis island)
http://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm
This is where the Statue of Liberty is located, accessible only by ferry. We recommend skipping the crowded and overpriced trip to the top and just walking the grounds. Ferry tickets are $17 for adults and $14 for seniors. Our recommendation is to get the first ferry in the morning (usually around 9:00) so that you're not subjected to the long wait line. The last ferry back usually leaves around 5pm. Check here about reservations to go up in the crown; there are details about the climb up and what you can and cannot bring into it. You will also want to reserve tickets early (month or two) and there is a $3 surcharge in addition to the ferry ticket. Don't for get your National Park Passport cancellation! Open daily 9-5.
This is where the Statue of Liberty is located, accessible only by ferry. We recommend skipping the crowded and overpriced trip to the top and just walking the grounds. Ferry tickets are $17 for adults and $14 for seniors. Our recommendation is to get the first ferry in the morning (usually around 9:00) so that you're not subjected to the long wait line. The last ferry back usually leaves around 5pm. Check here about reservations to go up in the crown; there are details about the climb up and what you can and cannot bring into it. You will also want to reserve tickets early (month or two) and there is a $3 surcharge in addition to the ferry ticket. Don't for get your National Park Passport cancellation! Open daily 9-5.
Prospect Park (3)
Designed by the same designers as Central Park, this is Brooklyn's version. The main entrance at Grand Army Plaza has a monument to JFK. Inside the park is a carousel for children, a zoo, skating park, boathouse, playgrounds, and ponds. The northeast corner has a rose garden, Japanese gardens, a sculpture garden, and Brooklyn Museum of Art. Oh, did we mention this is where the wedding ceremony is?!!
Radio City Music Hall (3)
http://www.radiocity.com/
Not sure of what events will be going on during the weekend, but they offer tours daily from 11-3 that are around $20.
Trinity Church (3)Designed by the same designers as Central Park, this is Brooklyn's version. The main entrance at Grand Army Plaza has a monument to JFK. Inside the park is a carousel for children, a zoo, skating park, boathouse, playgrounds, and ponds. The northeast corner has a rose garden, Japanese gardens, a sculpture garden, and Brooklyn Museum of Art. Oh, did we mention this is where the wedding ceremony is?!!
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| run... |
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| play... |
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| climb a tree... |
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| take an awkward photo with your sister |
Radio City Music Hall (3)http://www.radiocity.com/
Not sure of what events will be going on during the weekend, but they offer tours daily from 11-3 that are around $20.
Historic church with great architecture. In front sits a tree sculpture made from a giant sycamore destroyed in 9-11. There is also a cemetery in the back where some historic figures like Alexander Hamilton are buried. Make sure you get a good look at the famous bronze doors.
Washington Square Park (3)
This is Sarah's favorite people-watching spot in the city. Whether it's the NYU trustafarians or the regular chess players, the park is always full of hustle and bustle. It's a great place to sit around the fountain for an afternoon break.
Alice and Wonderland Statue (2)
American Bible Society (2)-allow 30 minutes
The Society has an extensive collection of Bibles and biblical material including some of the dead sea scrolls and a reconstruction the Gutenberg printing press.
Castle Clinton (2)
http://www.nps.gov/cacl/historyculture/index.htm
This is where you get your Statue of Liberty tickets. Also, don't forget your Passport to the National Parks, because you can get a cancellation at the ranger station. Open daily from 8:30 to 5:00
2 Stars
Alice and Wonderland Statue (2)American Bible Society (2)-allow 30 minutes
The Society has an extensive collection of Bibles and biblical material including some of the dead sea scrolls and a reconstruction the Gutenberg printing press.
Castle Clinton (2)
http://www.nps.gov/cacl/historyculture/index.htm
This is where you get your Statue of Liberty tickets. Also, don't forget your Passport to the National Parks, because you can get a cancellation at the ranger station. Open daily from 8:30 to 5:00
Central Park-Strawberry Fields (2)
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| The park is magical when it snows. Too bad it's not allowed to snow while you're there. |
Charging Bull (2)
The iconic symbol of Wall Street is located in Bowling Green Park. Most people want a pic with its head, but Sarah recommends this option:Chrysler Building (2)
http://www.aviewoncities.com/nyc/chrysler.htm
This was the tallest building in the world until the Sears tower. It's a great Art Deco building, which Lauren proudly remembers at many a bar trivia. It's definitely worth a glance.
Federal Hall (2)-allow 30 minutes
http://www.nps.gov/feha/historyculture/index.htm
The is NYC's old city hall. It's definitely worth a 15 minute glance. Plus, you'll probably need a quick break and the steps offer a nice place to relax and view the hustle of wall street. Open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm
Greenwich Village (2)
Met's (Citi) Stadium (2)
http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nym&sv=1
The Mets play the Padres and Marlins during this week. Tours of Citi field are also available.
St. Patrick's Old Cathedral (2)
http://www.oldcathedral.org/
The is NYC's first Catholic church. One of NYC's first named historic sites, we recommend a quick walk around while you imagine what it would have been like to be one of America's first settlers. Open Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm.
http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nym&sv=1
The Mets play the Padres and Marlins during this week. Tours of Citi field are also available.
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| This is what Sarah thinks of the Mets |
St. Patrick's Old Cathedral (2)
http://www.oldcathedral.org/
The is NYC's first Catholic church. One of NYC's first named historic sites, we recommend a quick walk around while you imagine what it would have been like to be one of America's first settlers. Open Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm.
Whitney Museum of American Art (2)-allow 1-3 hours
http://whitney.org/
Wonderful museum of prominent 20th and 21st American artists such as Geogria O'Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Mark Rothko, and Jackson Pollock. Open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11-6 and Fridays from 1-9, admission is $12.
Battery Park is named for the artillery batteries that were put there early in NYC's history. At the North end of the park is Castle Clinton. You can see the Statue of Liberty from the park. Tickets for the Ferry to Ellis Island and Liberty Island are purchased at Castle Clinton.
Beacon Theatre (1)
http://www.beacontheatre.com/
The upper West Side's theatre, this intimate venue usually hosts folk artists.
Carnegie Hall (1)
1 Star
Battery Park (1) |
| Use flash if you take this photo |
Beacon Theatre (1)
http://www.beacontheatre.com/
The upper West Side's theatre, this intimate venue usually hosts folk artists.
Multiple concerts are happening during the week, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Christopher Park (1)
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/christopherpark/
NOT an eighth wonder of the world, Christopher Park is in the heart of Greenwich village and is home to sculptures dedicating the gay-rights movement. Across the street is the historic Stonewall Inn. Also, this area of the Village is where you'll find the numerous sex supply stores (just in case you need something). We don't recommend seeing the park after dark.
Lincoln Center (1)
http://lc.lincolncenter.org/
The Upper West Side's performing arts center. This is the best place to see opera, classical music, chamber music, jazz, and ballet.
Madison Square Garden (1)
NOT an eighth wonder of the world, Christopher Park is in the heart of Greenwich village and is home to sculptures dedicating the gay-rights movement. Across the street is the historic Stonewall Inn. Also, this area of the Village is where you'll find the numerous sex supply stores (just in case you need something). We don't recommend seeing the park after dark.
Lincoln Center (1)
http://lc.lincolncenter.org/
The Upper West Side's performing arts center. This is the best place to see opera, classical music, chamber music, jazz, and ballet.
Madison Square Garden (1)
NYSE-New York Stock Exchange (1)
Photo opportunity for your wall street trek!
Photo opportunity for your wall street trek!
Penn Station (1)
While not as fun to look at as Grand Central, Penn Station is the hub of transportation to outside of the city. Take a look around.
South Street Seaport (1)
http://www.southstreetseaport.com/
See historic architecture of NYC, restored mercantile buildings, and a great view of the Brooklyn bridge.
Stonewall Inn (1)While not as fun to look at as Grand Central, Penn Station is the hub of transportation to outside of the city. Take a look around.
South Street Seaport (1)
http://www.southstreetseaport.com/
See historic architecture of NYC, restored mercantile buildings, and a great view of the Brooklyn bridge.
Historic Stonewall Inn still serves drinks daily. This is the site of the Stonewall Riots that began the gay-rights movement in the U.S. Definitely not the coolest or best bar around, but Lauren once got mistaken for Jennifer Aniston in it.
Even if you don't stay at the LaQuinta--their rooftop bar has an awesome view of the Empire State Building!
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