I’ve been to NYC but always wanted to go for always wanted to go for Christmas but never quite got around to it until now. I’m not at all disappointed. The lights and busy streets are a lot to take in but absolutely worth it. We walked miles and miles, easily 12 miles a day. We got a hotel just between Madison Square Garden and Time Square with the ideal of walking most places. We missed out on some Broadway shows but have agreed to return in the summer for a weekend and check out some unexplored places and get in a couple of shows.

 

Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel

I picked this hotel solely based on the shower. I also wanted something between Times Square and Madison Square Garden…close enough to walk but far enough away as to not hear the traffic and people all night. For a small hotel room, the space is greatly maxamized by enclosing the whole bathroom in glass.

Empire State Building

I have regrets. The elevator took us to the 86th floor and there was some issues with the elevator that went to the 102nd floor to the observation deck and quite a long line with no real ETA just yet. After a while of waiting they offered to let us take the stairs. Of course I was the idiot that was first in the door to go up the steps 16 flights of stairs. I wasn’t taking into consideration how tall the ceilings were. We went up the stairs nonstop and I wasn’t in shape….at all. But I also wasn’t going to bitch out and stop for people to have to go around me. Needless to say, when I got to the top and got out onto the deck, deeply breathing in that cold, humid air wasn’t the brightest idea and I spent the next 5 minutes coughing. You’re welcome for that story. Once I collected myself, we spent some time taking in the views. When we were finished, we absolutely didn’t take the stairs again.  

Madison Square Garden

Saw DMB. These were the tiniest seats I’ve ever had to sit in for a show. They really pack the most people humanly possible into this venue. I have to say this is my least favorite venue. My husband, however, loved it. After two nights of feeling like a little sardine, I was happy to snuggle in bed afterward and relax. The show was really good with a solid playlist.

World Trade Center Memorial

I remember seeing the planes crash into the towers while I was sitting in government, of all classes. We spent the rest of the day watching the aftermath and listening to what was coming next. I saw ground zero and the beginning stages of the construction of this memorial the first time I went to NYC. 

Pier A Harbor House

We spent an obscene amount of time being tourists and wandering around. This pier house hosts a cute coffeeshop and bakery. 

Koreatown

I underestimated the portions and the amount of side dishes. Don’t be me lol. There’s a lot of food for the money. I was unable to figure out which place we went to but always recommend Korean bbq. 

Chinatown

Two words…Joe’s Shanghai. I am STILL trying to track down soup dumplings that can even come close to these. Sometimes on rainy days I sit and think about these little soup dumplings. I couldn’t recommend this place enough. Be prepared for communal seating. The soup dumplings alone are worth the trip here.  

Little Italy

 

Times Square

NYC is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s amazing how you can go to so many places at any hour of the night and get what you want or need. Even at night, it’s still just a busy as most other cities are during the day. No matter the time, there’s a lot of activities and street performances to keep you entertained if you’re feeling a bit resless. 

Fig and Olive

Located in the Meat Packing District, Fig and Olive is a must

Bryant Park

 

Grand Central Terminal & the Oyster Bar & Restaurant

Grand Central is…grand. It’s also packed full of goodies so you don’t have to go far when traveling. Tucked in here is one of the best oyster bars, Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. 

Rockefeller Center

It was a shock to me that this takes up an entire 22 acres.

St. Patricks Cathedral