The Big Apple: New York City is one of those places where I’ve visited many times but usually for a press or work related trip. The last few times I’ve been to New York was for New York Fashion Week and a trip with EOS. Recently, I visited New York with the family and went full on tourist mode.
For those of you who don’t know, I was born in New Jersey and so, visiting New York has a special meaning to it- at least, to me! I love the non-stop energy and if anything, NYC keeps me awake and moving.
This trip to NYC is different because it was somewhat on my own/family’s schedule and so, I was able to see a lot more than I usually have in the past. Not to mention, I have a couple of friends in NYC that I haven’t seen in YEARS, and we managed to catch up there, so that was nice.
That said, we packed in a lot of places in the four days that we were there and I know you guys love these travel guides, so without further ado,
Here are my tips on how to spend 4 days in New York City:
Flying into JFK Airport and Getting Around New York City:
Going to be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of the JFK Airport. The past few times where I’ve flown into JFK, it’s almost always just chaos. There are no line ups and it’s just heaps of people.
This time around however, it surprised me. It was so empty – by JFK standards. It might be because I was flying during low season- after Fashion week and prior to the holiday season. We flew in mid October. Our flight out of NYC was a Sunday and it was even quieter.
It’s not too hard getting around New York City. It is definitely easier to catch a cab or an Uber during low travel season- but really, when is low season in NYC?
Download the Uber app as I find rates are much lower than grabbing a cab. That said, there are cabs basically everywhere in NYC, so that’s an option too. When we were there though, we basically walked to most places. It was cheaper, easier and everyone is walking. Oh, or grab the subway- even easier!
Just be careful crossing the street. Everyone power walks and people cross the street regardless of what the walk sign says (as long as there are no cars coming). PSA for you because we sure learned to follow the crowd haha.
What to wear in New York City:
I’ve been to New York City in the Summer and the Fall. In the Summer, it’s really hot and humid. Sometimes it rains randomly too. In the Fall, it really alternates. This recent trip was mid October and it was warm-ish, yet still chilly enough to warrant a coat.
My best advice is to pack layers- layers that are easy to take on and take off depending on how the weather changes. Oh, and bring a mini umbrella.
For shoes, ALWAYS wear comfortable shoes. I would never ever do heels. I did this during New York Fashion Week but had to carry flats to change out of. The roads are sometimes uneven, people walk fast and there’s a lot of power walking to do in the city.
My top places to visit in New York City:
I would say traveling with family can get difficult because everyone has something they want to do, and not everything gets crossed off the list. That said, we were able to make the most of the 4 days in New York and here are my top places!
Grand Central Station
Found in almost every romantic comedy based in New York, Grand Central Station is a must-do!
Yes, it is a real, working train station where people are going in and out but it is a gorgeous station full of things to see. There are SO many different routes and I thought it was magnificent. It’s like every scene in those holiday movies where the romantic lead chases after his/her love and finds them just before they leave at Grand Central.
There are some incredible ceiling art and little sections of the station that you can explore. I also love that there are a variety of cute cafes and shops in the station that you can visit for a quick break. It is a huge station, with multiple floors. I also found my exclusive NYC Diptyque candle here!
Walk and Shop in SOHO
You know that popular spot where ALL the Instagrammers take outfit photos against the YSL storefront, yeap it’s SOHO.
SOHO is a shoppers paradise in downtown NYC full of high-end boutiques and adorable pop-up shops that you can’t find anywhere else. There’s also plenty of mainstream stores and street vendors full of cool pieces. New York is full of high-end fashion and one of my favourite ways to look extra chic is picking up some eyewear while I’m there. SOHO is also home to some of the most Instagrammable cafes and restaurants to fuel your shopping trip!
If shopping isn’t your thing, don’t worry! SOHO is a contemporary-art hot spot with stunning art spaces scattered throughout the area. You can take a stroll on the cobblestone-lined streets and find some amazing street art in the area.
On route to SOHO is also Greenwich Village which has a similar vibe. It was raining on the day we went exploring in this part of New York so it was pretty wet. Fun still but I’d reserve the outdoors for a drier day.
Visit The Vessel in Hudson Yards
My favourite stop of our trip!
The Hudson Yards is a relatively new neighbourhood in New York City and has places to shop (luxury shopping), dine, explore and even live. It is right along Manhattan’s New West Side and is a stunning mall with outdoor spaces and gorgeous art installations.
The Vessel is the art centerpiece of the Hudson Yards and is an absolute architectural masterpiece. The Vessel is an artwork imagined by Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio and is an interactive artwork where you climb 154 interconnecting flights of stairs. It has almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings.
Let me just say this, I’m terrified of heights. Like terrified as in, I can’t walk by the railings at shopping malls type fear. It wasn’t that bad at The Vessel and it’s probably largely due to how the stairs are built. That said, my family all took bets at how many floors I would reach before I couldn’t anymore. My sister went all the way to the very top (bless her heart), and I got to Floor 4/7. Pretty good in my books.
You do need tickets to visit The Vessel but they are free. You can get free same-day tickets at the kiosks in the shops and restaurant section and are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Chelsea Market
Located in the Chelsea neighbourhood, this is a really fun spot for small stores and food. It’s also a gem if it’s pouring rain outside because there is quite a bit to do here.
We came here right after The Vessel because it was so close. I’d suggest doing The Vessel, Highline and Chelsea Market because they’re all in close proximity.
Times Square
It wouldn’t be a trip to New York without visiting Times Square! The bright lights, huge LED screens, mountains of people, I mean – you’ve got to go.
I will say, it is just as bright as the movies, I would be out till 2 am and it would be as bright as it is when it’s 10 am. It’s the perfect place to walk around and I love visiting Times Square at night to see everything lights up. There are lots of shops and stores to check out including one of my favourites, M&M World with all the colours and flavours of your dreams.
Street performers and characters also line the streets of Times Square but just be careful because sometimes they will try to get you to pay for photos with them. Every night at 11:57pm, all the billboards in Times Square sync up to create a digital art display. It’s a really cool sight to see that I wouldn’t miss out on.
Rockefeller Centre
Rockefeller Centre is another famous plaza that I’m sure you’ve seen in many movies, especially around Christmas time. It is the location for the giant Christmas tree that goes up every year near the beautiful outdoor ice rink. You can actually skate on the rink and they have rentals on site. Another landmark is the popular fountain that is the backdrop to the ice rink.
The Top of the Rock Observation deck is a tall skyscraper that gives you a beautiful view of the city at the top. It’s all of those Instagram photos you see of the city and someone dancing on the deck. If you aren’t afraid of heights, the view from the top is gorgeous! I didn’t go this round because I couldn’t justify spending $50 USD for an Instagram photo. Last time I was in NYC though, I went to the Rainbow Room which has a view that I assume is somewhat similar.
ALSO, when we visited, my parents brought us to the toy store by the Rockefeller Centre that they used to bring me as a child. It was very nostalgic, and they bought me a toy llama just because.
Central Park
One of the most well-known parks in the world, Central Park! Central Park is such a huge green space that you could spend one full day just exploring the area. It’s HUGE guys. There’s a zoo and the MET is there somewhere- I don’t know, I couldn’t get there.
There is so much to do and see in the park and it can take just a few hours to walk all the way around. I’d love to say that one of my favourite things to do is grab a pastry or sandwich at a local cafe with a coffee and just sit and have a little picnic, BUT alas, I didn’t make it that far. Actually, I got lost and google maps failed me.
Where to Eat in New York City :
Prior to our trip, my sister and I made a list of restaurants to hit up. We didn’t make it to any of them. Mainly because everywhere was crazy busy, had super long line ups and we were too hungry.
I wanted to share our list with you anyway in case you wanted to give them a go on your visit:
Ellen’s Stardust Diner (we tried 3 times and they were way too busy all 3 times)
Milk Bar NYC
The Giant Whole Foods (yes, guys)
Dominique Ansel Kitchen
Katz Deli
Blue Box at Tiffany’s
Emmetts (Deep Dish Pizza)
Saddles Bagels
Osteria Morini
Lukes Lobster
Sarahbeths (there’s one in Chelsea Market)
The places we actually did go to eat :
BubbaGump Shrimp in Times Square
This popular cheesecake place in Times Square
Thai food in Chelsea Market (I think it’s the only Thai restaurant there, I unfortunately didn’t write down the name)
Olive Garden in Times Square
Jack’s Wife Freda (from my previous NYC trip)
69 Bayard Street in Chinatown
—
That’s all folks! 4 days in NYC well spent!
I hope you guys enjoy this post on my time in New York City! It was a great time, but I do realise that I’m much more a West Coast gal.
Find my other travel guides here:
How to do Disneyland in One Day!
—
Till next time,
xoxo Sam
