New York City is a fun destination at any time of year. Due to its expensive price tag, travelers may not be able to afford an extensive stay here, but luckily, it’s possible to hit the highlights of the city in just one weekend. With only a couple of days in the Big Apple, attempting to check a few (or all) of these items off the travel bucket list will make for a memorable getaway.
10 Take In A Broadway Show
New York’s Broadway theater shows are perhaps the most famous in the world, so it’s a must-do activity when visiting the city to attend a show. The roster of shows is always changing, so travelers should check before their trip which shows are currently on broadway. It’s possible to purchase tickets in advance, but if travelers are on a budget, they can save money by buying last-minute tickets in the city. On the day of a show, travelers can head to Duffy Square on Broadway at 47th Street and line up at the TKTS ticket booth for last-minute discounted seats.
9 Try A Famous NYC Bagel
No trip to NYC is complete without trying one of the delicious bagels that are so famously associated with this city. There’s no “right” place to get a New York bagel, but there are a few popular bagel spots that are great options. Zucker's Bagels & Smoked Fish in Tribeca or Absolute Bagels in the Upper West Side are both extremely well-reviewed.
8 Attend A Late Night Comedy Show
Late-night comedy is a staple of New York City, with many world-renowned comedians getting their start there. While visiting, dedicate an evening to seeing up-and-coming (or already-established) comedians perform at the Comedy Cellar. Or, if late-night TV shows are your thing, try and get tickets to a taping of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, or Late Night with Seth Meyers.
7 Stroll Through Central Park
Central Park is beautiful in all seasons, so no matter what time of year travelers are visiting NYC, it’s a good idea to spend at least a couple of hours strolling through this green space in the heart of the city. Grab a breakfast bagel and coffee and enjoy them while walking through the park, or plan a romantic picnic lunch in the park when traveling with a significant other.
6 Visit Rockefeller Center
Travelers should plan some time to visit Midtown Manhattan, specifically between 48th Street and 51st Street, where they’ll find the collection of commercial buildings that comprise Rockefeller Center. 30 Rockefeller Plaza is the focal point of this area and is famous in the New York entertainment industry for being the home of television shows like SNL (Saturday Night Live).
5 Go To The Observation Deck Of The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic structures in New York City, so travelers will want to pay to enter the building and go to the 86th floor, which is the observatory. From there, they can get what is possibly the best view of Manhattan from above, with skyscrapers seeming to stretch endlessly into the horizon. Prices for adults start from $44 for this experience. Children can enter for $38, while seniors receive a slight discount of $42.
4 Seek Out Iconic Spots From TV Shows
Many of the world’s favorite television series are set in Manhattan or Brooklyn or were filmed in the city (or both). While visiting New York City, why not take some time to visit these famous spots and walk a mile in the character’s shoes? The iconic apartment building used for the exterior shots of Rachel and Monica’s building in Friends can be seen at 90 Bedford Street and the corner of Grove Street. Sex and the City was also filmed in New York, as were the sitcoms 30 Rock and Seinfeld.
3 Grab A New York Slice
Bagels aren’t the only food New York City is famous for; their pizza is also a top menu item to try when visiting for a weekend. The thin, hand-tossed crust gives the NYC pizza, typically sold by the slice, its unique size, texture, and consistency. Bleecker Street Pizza, Sottocasa, and Numero 28 Pizzeria are some top spots to grab a slice.
2 Take A Food Tour
Go beyond the pizza and bagels to discover the very best food New York City has to offer on a food tour. These carefully curated guided tours not only show travelers a sample of some of the best restaurants in the entire city, but they also provide information and insight into the city’s history, culture, and the significance of different types of food there.
1 Cross The Brooklyn Bridge
Most people think of the Borough of Manhattan when planning a trip to New York City, but it’s essential to plan time to cross the Brooklyn Bridge and explore the nearby Borough of Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge is a suspension bridge over the East River, connecting the two parts of the city. Once in Brooklyn, some top things to do include visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Williamsburg, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.