Overview:
Okay, it’s true. I’m not a true local, but having lived in New York and played the role of a tourist guide many times, I can confidently say that these are the things you cannot miss on your New York City itinerary!
Getting There:
In New York City there is no shortage of public transportation. The best mode of transportation is usually by subway (also known as the metro). The most important rule to know is that in Manhattan the subways run North (Uptown- Bronx) and South (Downtown-Brooklyn) and East (Queens Bound) and West (Manhattan Bound). Check the signs before paying at the turnstile to make sure you’re heading the right direction. Sometimes you may need to cross the street to head the right direction. Find the subway maps and timetables on the New York City MTA website.
From JFK airport follow the signs leading towards “public transportation- AirTrain”. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station. This ride costs about $8.25 per person. You can purchase tickets to exit and enter the AirTrain at Jamaica Station. From here proceed down the escalators following the signs reading “subway”. At the bottom of the escalators take a left and continue until you see another set of escalators leading you down towards the subway. Take the Manhattan Bound E train towards your accommodation. Depending on where you are staying, you may need to switch trains. Roosevelt Ave is a popular stop to access multiple trains if needed.
From LGA airport follow the signs leading towards “public bus transportation”. Take the free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus to Roosevelt Ave where you can access multiple trains that will help you reach your accommodation.
Pro tip: Subway tickets are $2.90 per person (with one free transfer). Contactless payments are accepted as well. If relying on the subway, I recommend buying the 7-day unlimited MetroCard which costs about $32 per person. This is typically the cheapest option and will save you money if you make any directional errors. It is much more budget friendly than taking a taxi or Uber!
If you will be arriving at JKF and taking the AirTrain there is a discounted fare package for up to 4 people. The 10-trip AirTrain card costs $25.00 and expires after 30 days. It can be used up to 4 times in a row (therefore only by 4 people).
What to Do:
- Statue of Liberty: Recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy, this incredible statue was given as a gift of friendship from the people of France. There are two ways to visit the Statue of Liberty:
- Take the Staten Island Ferry for free; it passes near the Statue of Liberty.
- Buy tickets (about $32 per person) for access to the Statue of Liberty grounds and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum on Ellis Island.
- Brooklyn Bridge: For a view that won’t disappoint, walk along the Brooklyn Bridge at night.
- Times Square
- Broadway Show
- Viewpoint: There are many different viewpoints of the “Big Apple.” My favorite is the top of Rockefeller Center because you get wonderful views of Central Park and the Empire State Building without obstructions from windows or fingerprints.
- Empire State Building
- Staten Island Ferry: Take the Staten Island Ferry for great views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline.
- Wall Street & the Charging Bull: See the world’s largest stock exchange and the Charging Bull representing optimism and growth.
- Grand Central: This world-famous train station is known for its rich history and immense wealth. Grand Central Terminal is home to the famous four-faced clock sitting in the center of the station (kids will recognize this from the cartoon Madagascar!). Don’t miss the whispering gallery, the grand “upside-down” astrological mural, and the extravagant chandeliers.
- Central Park: Visit notable places in Central Park, including Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Sheep Meadow, Wollman Rink, and the Mall and Literary Walk.
- 9/11 Memorial: You can see the 9/11 memorial fountains where the Twin Towers once stood. It is sacred ground. Take a tour of the 9/11 museum to fully commemorate the victims of the September 11 attacks and honor the first responders.
- Walk the High Line Trail
- 5th Avenue Window Shopping
- Visit a Museum: It’s a tough decision to choose which museum to attend. My favorites are The Met and the Natural History Museum.
What to Eat:
- Magnolia Bakery: Famous for their banana pudding! Yum!
- Levain Bakery: Known for their massive cookies. They have multiple locations throughout the city.
- Stardust Diner: A fantastic retro diner that brings Broadway to you. The singing waitstaff is incredibly talented, and many have gone on to have successful careers on Broadway and American Idol.
- Katz’s Deli: A classic “New York City Deli” experience that is sure to impress!
- Bagels: New York City is home to the best bagels in the world (I can attest to this). My favorites are Absolute Bagels, Russ & Daughters, and Ess-a-Bagel.
- Pizza: Unlike any other pizza in the world, you can find many good pizza joints located throughout the city. Some of my favorites include Famous Original Ray’s Pizza, Joe’s Pizza, MAMA’s TOO, and Sunnyside Pizza.
- Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
- Gray’s Papaya: My favorite hot dog spot. This cheap hot dog stop was popular long before Seinfeld!
- Los Tacos No. 1: The best street tacos in town.
- Junior’s Cheesecake: Cheesecake in Times Square that won’t disappoint.
- Daily Provisions: This is a personal favorite of mine. Their season crullers are TDF!
- Dominque Ansel Bakery: Located near Washington Square Arch, this bakery holds the BEST cronuts of the century. Changing flavors every month and never repeating.
- Serendipity 3: Made famous by the movie “Serendipity,” indulge in their famous frozen hot chocolate (it’s a little pricey but totally worth it!).
Non Rev Roamer 