Ever wonder what to do if you only have a weekend in NYC? My daughter wanted to go to New York so we took a weekend and did it. 100% worth building these memories and the both of us will never forget it. Here is our top 10 list of the favorite things we did and why we liked them.
- Statue of Liberty
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Empire State Building
- Eating New York Pizza
- Exploring Central Park
- Riding Bikes around Manhattan
- Watching Hamilton on Broadway
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- Metropoliton Museum of Art
- Times Square
#1 – The experience of visiting the Statue of Liberty and getting access to the pedestal was thrilling and memorable. To visit the Statue of Liberty, you will need to take a ferry from either Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. We ended up taking the Liberty State Park ferry because we were visiting the home my daughter was born in 13 years before. The ferry ride to the statue takes about 15-20 minutes and provides stunning views of the New York City skyline and the harbor. The ferry stops at Ellis Island as a mandatory stop but you are not required to disembark. This is an amazing experience as well but we will not cover it in this post.
Once you arrive at the statue, you can explore the grounds and take in the sights and sounds of the area. You may also have the option to take a guided tour of the pedestal, which offers a closer look at the statue and its history. The pedestal is the base of the statue and provides a view of the New York Harbor and the city skyline.
To access the pedestal, you will need to purchase a pedestal ticket in advance. These tickets are limited and tend to sell out quickly, so it is recommended to book your tickets well in advance. The pedestal is located on the first level of the statue and can be accessed via a staircase. There are also elevators available for those who are unable to climb the stairs.
Once you reach the pedestal, you will have the opportunity to take in the views and learn more about the history of the Statue of Liberty. You may also have the option to take a tour of the statue’s museum and exhibits, which provide further information about the statue’s construction and significance.
Overall, visiting the Statue of Liberty and getting access to the pedestal is a unique and enjoyable experience that offers a chance to learn about one of the United States’ most iconic landmarks.
#2 – The 9/11 Memorial & Museum: This is located at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. It is a tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993.
Visitors to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum enter through the Museum Pavilion, which is located below ground level. From there, you can take an escalator down to the museum galleries, which are located below the memorial plaza.
The museum galleries tell the story of 9/11 through multimedia exhibits, artifacts, and first-person accounts. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the events of the day, the impact on the city and the country, and the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The 9/11 Memorial is located above ground, on the same site as the former World Trade Center towers. The memorial features two large pools, each surrounded by a grove of trees, that mark the footprints of the original towers. The names of the victims are inscribed on bronze panels around the pools.
This is a somber and moving experience. It is a place for remembering and honoring the victims of the attacks, and for reflecting on the events of that day and their aftermath. It is open every day of the year, and there is no charge for admission, though donations are welcome. To access the Museum there is a fee.
#3 – Visiting the Empire State Building. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the building stands 1,454 feet (443.2 meters) tall and offers panoramic views of the city from its observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors. This was our very first stop in New York and did not disappoint.
To visit the observatories, you’ll need to purchase a ticket, which you can do online or at the ticket office in the building. Once you have your ticket, you’ll enter the building and make your way to the observatories, either by taking an elevator or climbing the stairs (note that you’ll need to take an elevator to reach the 102nd floor).
Upon arriving at the observatories, you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the city from above. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction, with landmarks such as Central Park, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty all visible. If you visit at night, you’ll be able to see the city lights twinkling below.
In addition to the views, the observatories also offer a number of amenities, such as a gift shop, a cafe, and interactive exhibits. You can also purchase a guided tour or an audio guide to learn more about the building and the city.
Overall, visiting the Empire State Building is an exciting and memorable experience that offers a unique perspective on New York City.
#4 – Eating authentic New York pizza in Manhattan can be a memorable experience. One of the first things you’ll notice is the size of the slices – they are typically large and foldable, and many people consider them to be the quintessential New York City street food. The crust is thin and crispy, and the cheese is usually made from mozzarella. You may also find toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, and peppers on your slice. Having New York Pizza is now my Daughters favorite. She requested eating pizza 3 different times!
When you eat a slice of authentic New York pizza in Manhattan, you may be struck by the combination of flavors and textures in each bite. The sauce, which is typically made from tomatoes, is usually spicy and flavorful. The cheese is melted to perfection, and the toppings are fresh and juicy. The overall taste is rich and satisfying.
Eating a slice of authentic New York pizza in Manhattan can be a casual, on-the-go experience. Many people enjoy standing at a street vendor or at a counter at a pizzeria, folding the slice in half and eating it while they continue on their way. Alternatively, you can sit down at a pizzeria and enjoy your slice with a cold drink or a side salad. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, eating authentic New York pizza in Manhattan is an experience you won’t soon forget. Our favorite place to eat NYC Pizza was in Central Park.
#5- Walking around Central Park. It was summer so a little hot and humid but the park was full of vibrant greenery and colorful flowers. The warm weather allows use to fully enjoy all that the park had to offer. There are numerous paths and trails to explore, as well as a variety of attractions and activities to participate in. Some popular things to do in Central Park during the summer include picnicking, sunbathing, playing sports, listening to music, and watching street performers. We saw them all. There are also many benches and other places to sit and relax, making it a perfect place to sit and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Overall, Central Park is a great place to spend a summer day, whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax and take in the beauty of nature.
#6- Riding bikes around Manhattan. This was a fun and convenient way to get around the city. So much better than trying to grab a taxi or Uber. There are several options for renting bikes in Manhattan, including traditional rental shops, as well as bike-sharing programs like Citi Bike.
To rent a bike from a traditional rental shop, you will typically need to present a valid form of identification and pay a fee. The cost of renting a bike can vary, but you can expect to pay around $20-30 for a half-day rental and $40-50 for a full-day rental. Some rental shops may also offer discounts for longer rentals or for renting multiple bikes at once.
We preferred a more flexible option, by using the bike-sharing program Citi Bike. To use Citi Bike, you will need to sign up for a membership, either online or at one of the many kiosks located throughout the city. Once you have a membership, you can use the Citi Bike app to locate a nearby bike and unlock it using your phone. You can then ride the bike anywhere within the Citi Bike service area and return it to any Citi Bike station when you are finished. Citi Bike memberships start at $14.99 for a day pass and $169.99 for an annual pass.
As for where you can ride a bike in Manhattan, you can ride on most streets, as long as you follow all traffic laws. There are also several dedicated bike lanes throughout the city, which can make your ride more convenient and safe. Just be aware that traffic in Manhattan can be heavy at times, so you may need to be extra cautious when riding.
Our favorite places to ride were down Broadway, through Central Park, and on the trails by Battery Park and Brooklyn Bridge. Riding a bike down Broadway was a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the city, as you can easily stop and explore any neighborhoods or landmarks that catch your eye. Central Park is also a popular destination for bike riders, as the park’s winding paths and beautiful scenery make for a enjoyable and relaxing ride. And if you’re looking for a longer ride, the trails along the Hudson River and East River, as well as the trails by Battery Park and the Brooklyn Bridge, can provide some beautiful views of the city and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
#7 – Seeing the play Hamilton on Broadway. This might have been my daughters favorite and was one of the main reasons she wanted to go to NYC. Hamilton is a musical that tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through music and lyrics written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The music in the show is a mix of styles, including hip hop, R&B, and pop, and the lyrics are inspired by the biography “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow. The cast is made up of highly talented actors, singers, and dancers who bring the story of Alexander Hamilton to life through their performances. Many people consider Hamilton on Broadway to be a must-see show, and tickets can be difficult to obtain due to its popularity.
We were excited to see the play to we waited in line outside the theater and that alone was a unique and exciting experience
What makes Broadway the best way to watch any play is that Broadway theaters are typically larger and more ornate than other theaters. This can add to the overall atmosphere of the show, as the audience is able to watch the performance in a grand and elegant setting.
Second, Broadway shows generally have larger budgets than off-Broadway shows, which allows for more elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects. This can enhance the overall experience of the show and make it feel more immersive and spectacular. Third, Broadway shows are often considered to be the pinnacle of theater and are seen as a symbol of cultural excellence. As such, they often attract a more diverse and sophisticated audience, which can add to the overall atmosphere of the show.
#8- The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. This museum actually surprised up and we wish we would have planned more time. This museum displays a collection of aircraft, spacecraft, and submarines. Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits featuring the history of aviation, the space race, and naval history. Some of the highlights of the museum include the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, the Concorde supersonic airplane, and the Space Shuttle Pavilion, which houses the space shuttle Enterprise.
As you walk through the museum, you will have the opportunity to see a wide range of historical and modern aircraft, both inside and outside. You can learn about the history of these machines and the role they played in shaping the world we live in today. You can also visit the submarine Growler (our favorite part) and see what life was like for the crew members who served on board.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also offers a range of interactive experiences, such as simulators and hands-on exhibits, which allow visitors to get a more immersive understanding of the technology and the people who built and operated it.
Overall, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a fascinating and educational place to visit for anyone interested in aviation, space, and naval history.
#9- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the MET. This world-renowned art museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world, with a collection that spans over 5,000 years of art from all corners of the globe.
When you visit the MET, you can expect to see a wide variety of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more. You can also expect to see art from many different cultures and time periods, including ancient Egyptian art, Greek and Roman sculptures, and modern and contemporary works.
The MET is a self-guided museum, which means that you can explore it at your own pace. You can choose to follow one of the many audio guides that are available, or you can simply wander through the galleries on your own. There are also frequent exhibitions and special events that take place at the museum, which can be a great way to experience new and exciting art.
Overall, a visit to the MET can be a truly enriching and enjoyable experience and for us we loved it but also felt a little overwhelmed with everything there was to see. Whether you are a seasoned art connoisseur or someone who is just starting to explore the world of art, the MET has something to offer for everyone.
#10 – Times Square. A must see bustling commercial area located in Midtown Manhattan. It is known for its bright billboards, vibrant atmosphere, and large crowds of people. The experience of watching people in Times Square can be exciting and stimulating, as there is always a lot happening in the area. There are performers, street vendors, and a variety of interesting characters to observe. The energy in Times Square is contagious, and it is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. It is a unique and unforgettable experience to watch people in this iconic location.
In addition to the billboards and street performers, there are also a number of restaurants, stores, and theaters located in Times Square. Many of these establishments have large, eye-catching displays and advertisements, which add to the vibrant atmosphere of the area. It is also common to see people dressed in costume, such as characters from popular movies or TV shows, who are trying to attract attention and earn tips from tourists. The area is also home to the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop, which is televised globally and attracts millions of people to the square every year. Overall, Times Square is a lively and colorful place that is full of sights and sounds to take in.
In summary visiting New York with my Daughter was 100% worth every second of it. Not only did we get to see so many amazing sites and sounds. We were able to spend some invaluable time together that is irreplaceable.
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