If you're planning a trip to the big apple, what better way than to go prepared, reservations in restaurants made, hotel booked and camera in hand for the best experience of the city that never sleeps?!
How to get there?
Take a flight into Laguardia, it’s the closest airport and the cab ride to Manhattan will only set you back $25. If you’re on a budget, drive to Burlington Airport, park your car for about $20 at the airport and fly with Jet Blue which will cost you about $200 round trip. Keep in mind however that most flights from Burlington get you to JFK which is much farther from Manhattan than Laguardia.
If you’re driving, take Pallisade Parkways through New Jersey on your way into the city and cross over to Manhattan by the George Washington Bridge to avoid all the downtown city traffic. Don’t bother parking downtown since it’ll cost you $50 per night which is a total rip-off. Instead, opt for a free spot around Amsterdam and 111th street in Harlem right above Central Park and take a short subway ride downtown.
Where to stay?
If it’s your first time in the city and you are planning on spending, stay at the Bryant Park Hotel, it’s a great boutique hotel and the rooms aren’t tiny like at the Paramount which is a good option if you’re on a budget.
Where to eat?
Make sure you hit the Greenwich village first and head towards Joe’s Pizza which has the best pizza in the world. Wander off to Magnolia Bakery after that for an afternoon delight. While you’re there, make sure to shop hop and discover a lot of cute little trendy stores with overpriced clothes but great style.
In the evening, head to high-end eateries such as Bouley, Daniel, Gramercy Tavern, Le Bernardin, Morimoto, or opt for cheaper such as Pastis, Balthazar, and hit the East Village for cute little unexpected restaurants that just might make your night.
Museum fan?
Head to the Upper East Side and hit the Guggenheim which has one of the best collections in the world. Don’t miss buying the museum book which gives you a good breakdown of all the artists that show their pieces there.
Don’t miss the MOMA and its great store with lots of books and funny objects you can easily gift come Christmas time. It takes a solid 8 hours to fully appreciate the contemporary art the MOMA has to offer.
Don’t miss the Metropolitan but make sure you take a good afternoon because it takes that much time to fully appreciate it.
Other attractions?
Go see the Apple store on 5th and Madison it’s really quite stunning. Check out Central Park’s Zoo (great for kids) and take a gondola ride if you’re seeking romantic escapades. Just hanging around on Sunday for concerts in the Park is great too!
Whatever you do, be open minded, don’t mind New Yorkers’ occasional rudeness, they’re busy making money and have a blast!
