36 HOURS IN NEW YORK CITY
“There is something in
the New York air that makes sleep useless.” ― Simone de
Beauvoir
Domestic locations usually aren't our specialty, but a stop in New York City is worth sharing.
We ended up in NYC after we booked a travel package that included round-trip flights from JFK International Airport. We were still responsible for booking a connecting flight to JFK, but we found it less expensive to fly to LaGuardia Airport the day before and stay for a night in Midtown. It just made sense to enjoy a long, 36-hour layover in the city.
We had both been to NYC before as tourists or on business, so our plan was to hit our favorite spots, visit a few tourist attractions we initially missed, and eat as much New York-style food as possible.
Accommodation: The Avalon Hotel
Takeaways: 1) We both forgot how much walking is required. 2) NYC bagels are worth every carb. 3) Some of the touristy stuff loses it's appeal after the first visit, but those observation point views never get old. 4) There's something special about being in NYC during the holiday season. 5) So. Many. People. 6) Street food cart hot dogs are overrated. 7) There's a different vibe in Midtown on weekends. 8) Don't be surprised to eat lunch with standing room only. 9) We are not modern art people. 10) It's more fun to walk around the city in the evening.
Memorable Moments: 1) Walking 10 miles the first day. 2) Turning around and seeing the Empire State Building lit up in the sky. 3) Riding the elevator to the Top of the Rock. 4) Seeing Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night in person.
Foodstuff: NYC is a foodie paradise. All types of cuisine can be found here at all hours of the day in venues ranging from fancy, award-winning restaurants to street food carts. We made a point of eating New York-style bagels, pizza, and hot dogs. Also, Shake Shack did not disappoint.
Restaurant Picks, Midtown:
116 East 28th Street
Lunch::
Shake Shack {gourmet burger chain; serves beer!}
Herald Square, 1333 Broadway {other NYC locations available}
Little Italy Pizzeria {people went crazy for the grandma's pizza, standing room only}
1 East 43rd Street
Drinks::
The Perfect Pint
123 West 45th Street
Point Break NYC {good food, too!}
12 West 45th Street
Lunch::
Shake Shack {gourmet burger chain; serves beer!}
Herald Square, 1333 Broadway {other NYC locations available}
Little Italy Pizzeria {people went crazy for the grandma's pizza, standing room only}
1 East 43rd Street
Drinks::
The Perfect Pint
123 West 45th Street
Point Break NYC {good food, too!}
12 West 45th Street
Recommendations: 1) Pack good walking shoes. 2) Learn the street grid. 3) Uber.
Other Attractions to Consider: Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Broadway, American Museum of National History, National September 11 Memorial, Ellis Island, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, etc!
Good Reads:
Top 10 foods to try in New York by Caitlin Zaino
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