48 hours in New York – Weekend Edition
New York In Less Than 48 Words
The Big Apple doesn’t really need too much introduction, being one of the world’s greatest and most popular cities. The city is a financial, fashion, and technological capital, and it may be a bit hard to keep up with the pace of this chaotic metropolis.
Statue of Liberty (Photo by William Warby)
First 24 Hours
Arrive at the city that never sleeps via the John F. Kennedy International Airport, located 19 kilometers from Lower Manhattan. From there, you can catch an AirTrain, which will take you to the Howard Beach Subway station for around $5. After that you will have to take an A-Train straight to Manhattan for $2. Alternatively, you can take a bus ride from the airport, which will take you directly to the Grand Central Station or Penn Station for $15. You can also opt to hire a taxi to Manhattan, although this will cost you upwards of $45.
While New York is a big metropolis, it is fairly easy to navigate because of the city’s effective grid system. However, you may first go to the main tourist office (810 7th Avenue, 001 212 484 1222, website), where you can get valuable tourist information. It is open from Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 am to 6 pm (9 am to 5 pm in the weekends).
You might also want to avail of the New York Pass (01 877 714 1999, website), which will allow you access to 40 of the city’s major attractions, give you restaurant discounts. It costs around $49 for a full day, and is available for two days as well.
CHECK IN: Get your bearings back at New York’s hotels
Accommodation can be arranged at New York’s excellent hotels. One of the best in the city is The London Nyc (151 W. 54th Street, New York 10019, (212) 307-5000, website). It is a luxurious hotel designed in a European style, with rooms furnished by Gordon Ramsay, and has a great location by Times Square and Broadway.
Library Hotel (Photo from Google images)
A nice alternative is the Library Hotel (299 Madison Avenue, at 41st Street, New York City, NY 10017, +1 212-983-4500, website), a small but luxurious boutique hotel with a wide selection of breakfast dishes, a convenient central location, and an exceptionally attentive staff. You can also try out the Casablanca Hotel (147 West 43rd Street, New York City, NY 10036, +1 212-869-1212, website). It has a great location near Times Square, great customer service, and a calm air.
STATUE OF LIBERTY: Visit an icon of democracy
Perhaps the most popular attraction in New York is the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Island, 212-363-3200, website). The famous structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the USA’s symbol of freedom and independence.
The statue was fashioned out of pure copper on a framework of steel, and stands 151 feet tall. It is perched atop a stonework pedestal, making the monument’s height to 305 feet. It is no longer possible to go up the top of the statue, but the pedestal is always open to visitors. There, you can enjoy beautiful views of the harbor and the cityscape. The site can be visited daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, and monument passes are usually free with a purchase of the ferry ticket that will take you to the island.
THE MET: See one of the finest art galleries in the world
Another popular tourist destination is New York is the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Avenue at 82nd Street 10028-0198, 212-535-7710, website). Often called simply as the “Met”, it is one of the world’s largest art galleries. Inside, you will find more than two million works of art from various periods right from classical antiquity to the contemporary days, and the treasures from ancient Egypt, European masters, and American artists. You can also fine specimens of Asian, Oceanic, African, Islamic, and Byzantine art. The site is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm during Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 9:30 am to 9 pm during Fridays and Saturdays, and from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on Sundays. The museum is usually visited in groups of 10 or more, which costs around $16.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (Photo from Google images)
CENTRAL PARK: A walk in the park
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Central Park (59th Street to 110th Street, (between 5th Avenue & Central Park West) 10022, 212-310-6600, website). It is perhaps the most famous urban park in the world, and sprawls over an area of 843 acres. Some 20 million people visit it every year. It was designed specifically for public use, and you can go for leisurely strolls through its landscaped grounds or relax under the shade of its trees. Its glaciated rock outcroppings are ideal spots for rock climbing enthusiasts, while its Park Drive is a place for sporting activities.
You can also find there the Public Theater, which is often a venue for theater performances and concerts. The park is populated by over 29 sculptures as well, depicting famous people such as Christopher Columbus and Simon Bolivar. The park is open daily from 6 am to 1 am.
Central Park (Photo by ZeroOne)
DINNER TIME: Discover New York’s restaurants
A perfect way to relax after sightseeing is to have a delicious dinner at the superb restaurants in the city. One of the best will be Trattoria Trecolori (254 W 47th St, New York City, NY 10019, (212) 997-4540, website). It offers quick service, delicious dishes at reasonable prices. NY’s best pizza is said to be available at the Patzeria Perfect Pizza (231 W 46th St., New York City, NY 10036, 212 575-7646, website).
Have a taste of France in New York at Le Bernardin (Times Square/Theater District 155 W 51st St, New York City, NY 10019, 212 554 1515, website), which serves an authentic French cuisine, and claims to serve the best seafood in the country. You can also try out 53rd & 6th Halal (53rd Street, New York City, NY, website). It is a great place for outdoor eating at affordable prices; recommended dish is chicken strips and rice with white sauce.
Next 24 Hours
Your next 24 hours in New York may be utilized for visiting the other attractions of the city. One of the best among them is of course the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street), 10128 0173, website). Also known simply as “The Guggenheim“, it is housed in a white spiral building designed by Frank Lloyd Weight, and is an important architectural landmark. It features exhibits works by Picasso, Chagall, and Kadinsky. The site is open from 10 am to 5:45 pm during Sundays to Wednesdays and also on Fridays, and from 10 am to 7:45 pm on Saturdays (closed on Thursdays). Admission will cost $18.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (Photo by Chul Park)
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING: Head to New York’s famous skyscraper
First timers to New York probably should not miss seeing the Empire State Building (350 5th Avenue (at 34th Street) 10118). It is one of the world’s most famous skyscrapers, and dominates the NY skyline. It was also the tallest building in the world for over 40 years. You can climb up to its 86th story to the observation deck which will get you some of the best views of the city.
CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN: Let’s go to church
You may also visit the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10024, 212.316.7540, website). It is the fourth largest Christian church in the world, covering an area of roughly 121,000 square feet. It features an impressive Gothic Revival architecture, as well as a lavish interior and the massive Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. It is also a popular venue for music concerts, and has borne witness to performances by artists like Paul Winter.
Cathedral of St. John the Divine (Photo by Emilio Guerra)
BROOKLYN MUSEUM: Immerse in art once more
Another popular attraction in New York is the Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238-6052, (718) 638-5000, website). It is the second largest art museum in the city, and has a collection of 1.5 million works, ranging from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to samples of contemporary art. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm during Wednesdays to Fridays, 11 am to 6 pm during Sundays, and 11 am to 6 pm on Saturdays (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Admission will cost $10.
HUDSON RIVER PARK: Unwind, rewind
Relax at the Hudson River Park (Pier 40, 2nd Fl., 353 West St., NY 10014, 212.627.2020, website), a waterside park on the Hudson River that is popular for recreational activities. There, you can indulge in sports or leisure at its numerous fields and courts. Pier 84 there is known for its free fishing, as well as rowing and a water taxi stop. It also has vast open grass areas, which are ideal for soaking in the sun and picnicking. The park closes at 1 am.
NIGHTLIFE: Indulge in New York’s vibrant nightlife scene
Pacha (Photo by Club Planet)
Lastly you must not miss the fascinating nightlife of New York offered by its bars and clubs. One of the most popular is Pacha (618 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, 212-209-7500, website). It is a Mediterranean-style club measuring 30,000 square feet with four levels, and every week hosts the best DJ performances in the city.
A nice alternative is McSorley’s Old Ale House (15 E 7th St, between 2nd & 3rd Aves, New York, NY 10003, 212-473-9148, website), an Irish bar with a history of 150 years, which offers McSorley’s Light and McSorleys Dark, and is mostly frequented by young males. You can also try out Don’t Tell Mama (343 W 46th St, between 8th and 9th Aves, New York, NY 10036, 212-757-0788, website). It is a piano bar featuring live jazz performances, cabarets, comedy groups, vocal groups, and other entertaining acts, and is a great place to unwind and laugh the night away.
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