If you were dreaming of a New York City getaway, you’re in the right place!
Feel free to tell me otherwise, but in my opinion, New York City is one of the most magical places ever! There’s something special about walking around the huge boulevards, checking out the stores, trying the most exquisite pizza, checking out all the tourist spots, and simply having fun in the big city. I don’t know about you, but only saying these things makes me want to go on a New York City getaway.
If you’re like me and you crave an adventure, I want to talk to you about all the NYC hotspots you need to visit to have the time of your life. The best part about this gorgeous place is that the majority of them are within walking distance of each other or a short ride away, so it’s great for sightseeing. Well, let’s not keep this intro any longer, because we’re all ready for an adventure, right? Let’s begin!
1. Central Park
You can’t go on a New York City getaway without visiting Central Park. This fabulous green oasis is located amongst the city’s concrete canyons and is considered by many people a sanctuary of peace, beauty, nature, and quiet.
You can walk, bike, or book a carriage ride through the park, and if you want to relax and enjoy the views even more, I recommend you rent a boat for a little adventure on the water. Besides being a free and relaxing activity, it’s great for sightseeing and is also at the heart of many other attractions. You can visit the Central Park Zoo, the Belvedere Castle, the Lake, and the Strawberry Fields.
If you go on your New York City getaway in the summer, you might be lucky to watch a stunning performance of Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. This is one of the loveliest activities in the city and is free.
2. Metropolitan Museum of Art
If you like watching your favorite celebrities at the Met Gala, you have to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was founded in 1870 and is one of the most popular museums in the country. You’ll see impressive things because they have over 2 million works of art spanning an impressive period of 5,000 years.
Even though it has three sites, many people consider The Met Fifth Avenue to be a masterpiece. The best things about this collection include Egyptian art, photographs, American decorative arts, costumes, arms and armor, musical instruments, and so many other impressive objects waiting to be seen.
And if you decide to visit this fabulous location, make sure you take lots of pictures and maybe even sip a coffee on the stairs at the Met. Very stylish old Hollywood vibe here, right?
3. Empire State Building
If you want to feel like you’re on top of the world, you have to visit the Empire State Building. This 381-meter-tall, 102-story building will make everyone say wow. There are two amazing observatories atop the huge building, and they both offer to-die-for views.
Suppose you’re lucky enough to visit the Empire State Building on a clear day. In that case, you’ll see up to 80 miles, and you’ll be able to look into the neighboring states of Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. It’s one of the busiest tourist spots in the city, but it’s worth the hype.
4. Brooklyn Bridge
Did you know that a woman mostly built the popular Brooklyn Bridge? Her name was Emily Warren Roebling, and she was a talented engineer. After her husband, Washington Roebling, became bedridden due to caisson disease, also known as decompression syndrome, she worked tirelessly for nearly a decade to complete the Brooklyn Bridge.
Not many people wanted to know that she made huge contributions to the bridge because she lived in a society where women had to support their husbands at home, not in the work field, but her intelligence and hard work can’t be denied.
If you want to walk on a real-life piece of history, you have to walk on the Brooklyn Bridge on your next New York City getaway. It’s the first steel suspension bridge in the world and was built in 1883. The best way to soak in the views and the history is by spending half an hour to an hour, depending on your pace, walking across the bridge.
There’s a wood plank walkway for cyclists and pedestrians, and it runs above the crazy lanes of traffic. Make sure to stop for a moment and enjoy the views, because you can see the East River, Manhattan, and beyond to the Statue of Liberty.
5. Grand Bazaar
The next thing you should visit during your New York City getaway is the Grand Bazaar. This isn’t a tourist spot and is an amazing opportunity to meet locals and soak in the culture. Everything started as an ordinary yard sale organized by parents who needed money for their children’s education, but it grew in popularity and became the oldest flea market in the city and one of the most popular ones worldwide.
You can check out the Grand Bazaar every Sunday year-round, and the best part about this is that the sellers donate 100% of their profits to four different public schools, helping thousands of children have access to education. Besides finding several bargains you’ll cherish forever, you also give back to the community, have fun, and enjoy what the city has to offer.
6. Go to a Broadway show
You can’t end your New York City getaway without watching a Broadway show. It’s once in a lifetime experience and is nothing but wonderful. You’ll be impressed by how beautiful the theaters are both inside and out, how talented the actors are, and how gorgeous all the plays are.
My favorite theaters are Winter Garden Theatre and the Broadway Theatre and I recommend you get tickets for a play, because it’s an experience worth seeing.
7. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
This New York City getaway will fill you with energy and good vibes, but you’ll probably be hungry after seeing so many beauties and incredible hotspots. So, if you’re in the mood for a coffee or a delicious lunch or dinner at a great restaurant that’s not packed with hundreds of visitors, you should check out Lillie’s Victorian Establishment.
You can either check out the Times Square places or the one in Union Square. They both offer incredible foods and drinks, and the decor is stunning and Victorian-era-inspired. You’ll want to take lots of pictures, so don’t forget your camera!
This beautiful restaurant is known for its tasty menu items and over-the-top seasonal decorations, so take a stop there. It will add so much flavor to your New York City getaway! Do you know any fabulous restaurants in NYC? Let us know in the comments below because we’re looking forward to discovering new places!
Other than that, make sure to pack your bags early, book your flight tickets in advance, and get ready for the most wonderful New York City getaway ever. Speaking of bags, if you’re looking for a high-quality and affordable carry-on, I recommend you check out this one.
Do you have any tips or recommendations for places to visit on a New York City getaway? Let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed reading this article and you’d like to check out something else from Must See Places, here’s a good post for you: 8 Stunning Budget-Friendly Destinations Where a Dollar Goes Far
