Got a long weekend to spare? If you’re still looking for a destination where you can make the most out of your time off from work or school, the Big Apple awaits your indulgence. Whether you’re after a fusion of taste buds or a long list of must-see attractions, New York City is the place to be.
It’s the city that literally never sleeps, with the subway running 24/7 and buses available any time of the day and night. For this reason, tourists and locals alike flock to New York for holidays and quick weekend getaways. If you’re somewhere near the metro, perhaps living in one of the Big Apple suburbs, you can just ride the bus and be there in a few hours.
An Ithaca to New York bus ride, for instance, should take about four hours. It’s a more convenient option because you can rest or sleep while on the way, and you won’t have to worry about parking spaces, which are pretty hard to come by in the city. That’s why most New Yorkers prefer to commute every day, given the fast-paced lifestyle they’ve grown accustomed to.
Must-See Places In NYC
It’s impossible to explore everything that New York has to offer in less than a week, so it’s crucial that you map out a carefully-planned itinerary to tick off everything on your bucket list. First-timer or not, here are some of the must-see places you need to visit when in NYC:
- Times Square
Suppose your arrival is Friday afternoon or night; the best place to kick off your weekend rendezvous is none other than (drum roll, please,) Times Square. Get ready to be amazed and surrounded by flashing lights and giant billboards as you tour this famous attraction. A hot spot for award-winning entertainment, Time Square is where you want to be if you’re a big fan of musicals and plays.
Make sure you don’t miss out on seeing Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum to complete your open square experience. What’s more, Times Square is also teeming with an array of dining and shopping options, which means you won’t need to go far if you get hungry or want to buy something.
- Central Park
Another iconic landmark in NYC is Central Park, where you’ll find several attractions, such as the Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Terrace, and the Central Park Zoo. The gorgeous park is perfect for a family vacation since you can find several cheap but fun outdoor adventures to try. You can go on a picnic, climb a bedrock, or admire its marvelous landscape architecture.
- Rockefeller Center
Manhattan has several famous buildings, and Rockefeller Center is one of them. If you want to get a better view of the NYC skyline, the top of the Center offers the best spot, particularly for having a night out. From there, you’ll be able to get a good look over Central Park. It’s also the perfect location to admire the Empire State Building since it’s close by.
What To Eat In NYC
Of course, a trip won’t be called one if you’re not having the time of your life trying new food and cuisine. In Manhattan, there are more than enough options when it comes to restaurants, diners, and even food trucks. To give you a head start, here are some of the top foods to feast on when in New York:
- Pizza
You sure have heard it before—NYC is where you’ll find the best pizza in the country. That may be arguable for some, but wouldn’t it be nice to see it for yourself now that you have the chance? Some pizzerias to try include Roberta’s Pizza on Grand Central Station, John’s Pizza on Bleeker Street, and Motorino Pizza in Williamsburg.
- Bagels
Your NYC trip won’t be complete without having a taste of its world-famous bagels. Eat it for breakfast, after lunch, or before dinner—whatever you fancy, just be sure not to miss tasting one. You’ll find plenty of bagel shops scattered around Manhattan, but the best names include Murray’s Bagels, Hudson Bagels, and Absolute Bagels.
- Burgers
You may think you already know what a great burger tastes like, but wait until you’ve tried the Black Label Burger from the Minetta Tavern. It may be costlier than your average burger, but it’s worth every penny. Other top burger joints to try are Shake Shack, Umami Burger, Bareburger, and The Burger Joint.
Final Words
A quick guide like this one won’t be enough to cover everything NYC has to offer. After all, it’s the city that never sleeps, and it won’t be called that way for nothing. But since you’ll only be staying for a long weekend, the tips above could significantly help you plan a fantastic adventure in the Big Apple.
