The only thing better than New York City at Christmas, is New York City in May! The. Weather. Is. Absolutely. Perfect. I have no advice on “low peek” times for visiting, because let’s face it… It’s Manhattan & it is packed like a fire ant hill. I’ve gone both mid-May and mid- December, and have no specific preference on either season… *see the ‘Christmas in Manhattan’ post* This specific post sums up your high points of interest, and is great for a first time visit to the city! I will also discuss some very vital do’s and don’ts, and the fundamentals of maneuvering the subway system!
Let’s talk about the absolute M U S T do tasks upon arrival to NYC. FIRST, stop by any front desk in the hotels and retrieve a free copy of the City Guide. This is the Bible for mapping out your adventures, because of that nifty thrifty subway guide in the very back of the booklet. It is my first grab each time I visit. Yes, you will look like a tourist trying to navigate with it in hand but you won’t end up in the Bronx at midnight & that is what is most important here.
S-U-B-W-A-Y… Let’s learn tha’ subway so we don’t *clap clap* DIE! *insert whoops and spirit fingers here* Lameeeee. In all seriousness though. If you take nothing else from this post, please, please, please try and retain my advice on this business right here. Mmmmk. Here we go.
So… You are standing outside of your hotel, right? You are hearing, seeing, and feeling the hustle & bustle of Manhattan for the first time! Wowza! It is a thrill. SNAP OUT OF IT, HOMIE! We gotta’ get you a metrocard so you can start living your best life! Take out that hand-dandy city guide & locate your nearest subway entrance. *Google Maps app will also locate your nearest subway- just be sure you are in walk mode on the navigation* This will be the intimidating part, folks… You can do it! Follow the steps and gum covered handrails down into the subway, and locate the machines that look like ATMs (but that are actually metrocard hubs). There will usually be an attendant there to assist you in purchasing your metro card, but DO NOT EVER HAND ANYONE YOUR CASH/DEBIT CARD/WALLET IN THE SUBWAY. You are in the city of all cities, be mindful and keep yo’ stuff on yo’ self. Now… Purchasing your metro card. We are purchasing the seven day metro (costing $33 w/ reduced fare can be $16.50). Do not make the mistake of purchasing individual access cards, because you will end up spending a fortune. Once purchased- keep that metrocard in an accessible location, but somewhere that it won’t fall out each time you make a move. YOU HAVE DONE YOUR FIRST NEW YORKER THING! YAY!
Navigation of the underground city
Always, always, always keep in mind that Uptown is UP, so anything north of your current location will be an uptown train. Downtown is DOWN so anything below your location will be a downtown train. Your terminal signs will indicate which side of the tracks is headed in which direction. Be mindful: trains may show ‘Uptown & the Bronx’ or ‘Downton & Brooklyn’, your local subway will still be making your stops heading in that general direction. There are not signs that spoon feed you your exact desired location- so just know your ups and downs! It’s your job to know your stop, and get off at that stop! Colored dots. Colored dots have never been so important- we will get to that.
Black & White dots on the Subway: Black dots are you LOCAL stops (these will be the most utilized for travel on the island). Local trains make main stops at each drop off location for that specific train. *We will build on this in a bit* White dots are your express trains, and they do NOT make those frequent stops! However, white dots are your transfer points. Transfer points meaning- these points have trains that go in uptown&downtown directions in one station. For example, if you found yourself on the train going uptown, but realized you needed the train downtown. Look at your subway guide, find your current train, and locate the next white circle stop! Cross the street or the stairway and get on the train for downtown! So… Black dot makes alllllll local stops, white dots can help you switch directions between north/south!
The subway does have a PA system that states the next stop location for each stop. Do not count on this method, please. Half the time you cannot hear or understand what the director is saying. I recommend knowing your stop location, and watching the subway walls to know each stop you are making. For example, if you get on the subway at 66th Street, and are going downtown to 50th Street. Count the stops on your guide, and see that you will have ONE stop at 59th Street Columbus Circle. You will need to exit at the next stop after. It sounds hectic reading on a blog, but really does flow once you are there. Just note the walls at each stop that state the location, and refer frequently to your city guide map!
*TIPS!!! Google Maps app does allow you to utilize the subway. Select the subway version of transport and type in your desired address. Maps will tell you specifically what train to enter&exit on. You have to follow this to a tee though! I never fancied utilizing Google Maps in the city, but it is an option if you get stressed reading physical maps. ALSO… there is an official MTA subway map that you can access on your cellphone if you need to! BEWARE… Trains can alter their routes due to constructions etc. Google Maps does not update accordingly, neither does the city guide, so it is wise to have that MTA map on your cell phone just in case you find yourself in that situation*
*Transit apps that I have utilized: Citymapper and Transit. Either one is excellent to have just in case! I still do prefer the physical city guide map 98% of the time*
Colored Subway Dots: It seems like so many variations of colored dots with random letters/numbers. Blue A C E, red 1 2 3, green 4 5 6, blue/yellow A C B D, blue/yellow E M, yellow B D F M, and yellow N Q R. YIKES! Each subway entrance will have one of the above ^. For example, let’s say you are standing outside of the Rockefeller Center. You will find that your subway station across the street shows the yellow B D F M trains. You are wanting to get to Washington Square Park. Your map shows this to be downtown, luckily the yellow B D F M train stops there specifically. So you enter the subway and find the ‘Downtown & Brooklyn’ platform. *Pay attention to your overhead signs at each station* A train pulls up and shows ‘D train downtown & Brooklyn’, HOP ON FRIEND! You count four stops between here and there, watch those subway walls remember?! Alas, you arrive at W. 4th St. Wash. Sq! Each “colored” railway follows it’s own grid of the city. Everything in Manhattan is on a linear grid plane. This is where the walking comes into play. OHHHHH, THE WALKING. You need to know that you may have to walk to the correct subway to ride it to your desired location! You’re doing the city thang’ baby!
Metro card, City Guide, and walking shoes- CHECK! Let’s get to a basic itinerary of the Big Apple! This is based on a 5-day trip that I took back in 2016 with my sweet momma & boyfriend at the time!
Day 1:
Arriving at JFK 3:00 pm still allowed for a great first night in the city! We utilized a taxi service to transport into downtown Manhattan. It is a unique experience to do this if you do not plan on frequenting the city often, but is a costly option for transport! Taxis charge an arm and a leg, and the drives are not quick by any means! Traffic, traffic, traffic is the name of the game! Be prepared for the fees that may incur when taking a taxi from the airport. Uber is an alternative option but does not save you much money versus the latter either. We always just bite the bullet and take the taxi, guys! YES. You can utilize the subway system, but I have no advice to offer on that subject- sorry!
This particular trip was a surprise birthday trip from my mom (& boyfriend at the time) for my 21st birthday, so they so graciously booked our flights and hotel stay! This go around we were roomed at the Staybridge Suites at Times Square. Nothing but five-star ratings for this location! It costs a pretty penny ($250-$300/night), however, so there are more affordable options available! Do your research prior to booking anything! I do recommend staying as close to midtown as possible, as this is where you will be spending a lot of your time on a first visit!
We chose to adventure over to Chelsea Market for our first stop of the trip. I absolutely love the vibe of Chelsea Market and the High Line. It is a must visit when in the city! From Times Square- taking the red 1 2 3 train dowtown to 18th St on the #1 train. Hopped on the High Line and followed it south to 17th street. Exit here and you will be at the Chelsea Market center! At the time, there was a quaint, gourmet Italian restaurant inside ‘Giovanni Rana Pastificio & Cucina’ but it has since closed. Nonetheless, there are still so many selections within Chelsea to snack on! Grab some pizza, icecream, and fresh flowers! After venturing the High Line and Chelsea, nighttime had fallen over the city (HA! The city that never sleeps… & is never dark). We subway-ed back to Times Square, and took the opportunity to take our pictures against the big screens! There is plenty to occupy you in Times Square!
Day 2:
I find that it’s easiest to tour NYC in lower, middle, and upper portions at first! That keeps you headed in one general direction, and you can map out your must see spots for each day based on their location in the lower, middle, or upper part of the city! Get your walking shoes on, y’all! We are about to see the sites of lower Manhattan!
Taking the red 1 2 3 train downtown to Rector St. on the #1 train put us within walking distance of the beloved 9/11 Memorial… There are no words or photos that can encompass the feeling of Ground Zero. I feel that to fully understand the heartache of our country, you just have to stand in this location at least once. They have created such a special dedication to all those that were lost. Please, take the time to read the names etched along the manmade waterfalls, and if you fancy purchase a tour of the museum (we did not do this). The Oculus was not yet open to the public during this trip, but that is a new option for you all! The One World Observatory will offer 360 views for great photos! Practice common courtesy and do not remove any flowers that may be placed out (duh), and do not “pose” or “jump” or act out for any seflies/photos that you may take here. Families of those lost are said to frequent often, and wouldn’t you hate to be seen sticking your tongue out in a solemn location?
From the 9/11 Memorial you are able to access Battery Park via foot! Battery Park is your key access point to the ferry tours of Ellis/Liberty Island! In my opinion, this is a great experience for first time visitors! I would not say that I would ever venture it again after doing it once. It is just one of those things? Statue Cruises offers various packages for tours. We opted to just do the ground tour option for $18 per ticket. This does provide for excellent photo ops in front of Lady Liberty, and the information about the islands is pretty interesting! We did not even exit the ferry onto Liberty Island, and chose to capture some photos from the boat instead! It is all preferential here guys!
From Battery Park, entering the green 4 5 6 train… head uptown to stop Brooklyn Bridge- City Hall on train #6. We opted out of visiting Wall Street but this is an optional stop on this train in between Battery Park and the Brooklyn Bridge! So, hop off at Wall Street if it tickles your fancy! NEXT STOP- Brooklyn Bridge!
The Brooklyn Bridge speaks for itself. It is a huge photo op stop for everyone coming to the city for a visit! Of course! Walk on out as far as you wish (be mindful of the flow of traffic while navigating the walkway) cycylists will straight up run you over if you enter into their designated bike lane on the walkway. Stop and enjoy the views and take those iconic photos!
Ladies… If you are wanting that ever so amazing, white girl basic Brooklyn Bridge photo (see below). You will have to venture the bridge over into Brooklyn. Located in the precious Dumbo district at 39-21 Washington St, Brookyln, NY, you will find the views of the bridge nestled between the historic buildings. The famous Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is just a hop, skip, & a jump from here! You’re welcome!
We have yet to brave Brooklyn. Which I find quite out of character for myself, but I always get so caught up in the ventures of Manhattan. I am ashamed of this bit, and owe it to the city to explore Brooklyn in its entirety! I have this on my list of future endeavors- no doubt! Back to Manhattan!
From the bridge (back on Manhattan side) you are so close to ChinaTown! It is up to you to make a stop here this go around. We did not on this particular trip, but instead saved it for our Christmas in Manhattan adventure! *See Christmas in Manhattan post for details regarding ChinaTown*
*Also stop to view our Christmas in Manhattan post to get details on the ‘Friends’ apartment, amazing hidden gems for Italian food, and Washington Square Park* Not featured in this post!
Leaving the Bridge for this itinerary, locate your yellow N Q R train- going uptown heading for your next stop. BRRROOOADDDDWAYYYYYY *theatrical voice*. Hop off at stop Times Square 42nd Street. Jump onto 7th Avenue and head north of Times Square to get to the main hub of the theater district. Perhaps you have purchased tickets for a lifechanging Broadway performance? DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! Live your best life! The number of iconic diners in this location is overwhelming, so just choose one that makes you feel excited!
We had set aside an over-the-top steakhouse dinner for my birthday celebration. I learned that red wine will put me on my butt, New York bread baskets consist of rock hard breads, and the cost of steak is no joke! Benjamin Steakhouse is the experience of all experiences for high end dining (not my personal favorite).
*TIP: NEVER… and I do mean EVER… fall for the bicycle dudes that stroll around with the bike-pulled carriages. Even if you are in high heels, intoxicated, and tired. We did. This time. They whip you around in traffic, take the long way around, and charge you $100+ for a 1 mile trip. Tourist trap. Be better than tha’ tourist trap.*
Day 3:
We are about to cover some ground here so bare with me!
Starting your day in Bryant Park offers some of the best street car coffee! Another personal favorite- Waffles and Dinges is located within Bryant Park, as well *see Christmas in Manhattan post for details* Located there within the park lives the ever so lovely New York Public Library. Gaze at her absolutel brilliance- go inside!!! It never gets old…
New York Public Library facing 5th Avenue
From here you can travel down to W. 33rd Street to visit the Empire State Building, OR you can step out from the library and journey north along 5th Avenue. I recommend option two because… S H O P P I N G! You cannot claim you have been shopping until you have looked at the out of reach items along 5th Ave. Top notch girls lemme’ hear ya holla’. As you go on you will breeze through Rockefeller Center on your left. SAKS on Fifth Ave. is an interesting experience. I love torturing myself by going into the shops, checking the price tags, and trying not to faint on the spot.
Saint Thomas Church a few blocks up, along with my favorite- Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Do yourselves a favor and go inside Saint Patrick’s, and maybe catch the choir singing a song! Gosh… Breathtaking. Did I mention that you could make an entire trip of viewing the cathedrals in the city?! They are absolutely remarkable!
If you have it in you to keep on strolling- our goal is to make it to Trump Tower! Trump Tower is located at 725 5th Avenue, New York, NY, and is a stone’s throw from the beloved Tiffany & Co. I forced my family to go inside with me, and we tried on a $37,000 diamond ring. Worth it.
I advise everyone visiting the city to try my top spot: Serendipity III. Why? FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE. It’s a nice walk from Trump Tower. You are also able to catch a glimpse of New York’s Apple Store, too! It’s a looker! Back to facts… Not to mention, Serendipity III is a classic stop if you’re a fan of the 2001 film, Serendipity, with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. WATCH IT. It features this sweet little find, and also the sweet little man whom owns it. His story is absolutely to die for. He can often be found seating guests at the restaurant, or just drinking a cup of cocoa at his designated table near the entrance. My favorite moment was meeting him while we dined in one afternoon. I did not even realize until we were in the middle of a conversation about my strong Texas accent. He was so kind & humble. It is an experience that everyone should have. Only eat one of their world famous desserts, and only drink they famous frozen hot chocolate! *Tid bit. Marilyn Monroe frequented the little café often* HOW COOL!
On your way back to 5th Avenue from the café you are looking for the subway entrance for green 4 5 6 downtown! At 68th Street on Lexington Ave. there is an entrance- this will be your best bet! Heading downtown to stop Grand Central 42nd St. Grand Central Terminal is our next stop on the list! There is so much about Grand Central Station that I cannot get over. It ranks as top three of the most magical spots in Manhattan if not number one. You will just have to see for yourself. Take in the views, maybe stop in a pew to just “people watch” for a bit! Before you leave you MUST go downstairs to the dining hall, and search out the Oyster Bar & Restaurant. This is the “whispering gallery”. I mean what I say! The whispering gallery is such a sweet surprise amidst the nonstop noise of the station. Grab your partner and stand opposite corners from one another. Nestle your noses into the corners, and whisper sweet nothings that only you can hear. It is amazing. Location: 89 E. 42nd St, New York, NY
I just have to share this picture as inspiration for Grand Central Terminal photo ops 
Whispering Gallery
Day 4:
Central Park, oh my heart, Central Park.
Central Park could take up three days all on its own. It is so vast and beautiful! We knew we wanted to start the day with the American Museum of Natural History, so we used that as our starting point for our last full day in the city! From Times Square, we are locating the blue A C E train. Heading uptown on the C train, our stop is the 81st Street stop. With the museum being in walking distance from this location. The museum itself is so overwhelmingly ginormous. It is amazing! Go on in! At $35.00 a ticket, you will never stop learning and discovering here. It is an awesome experience! We spent hours just checking out the collectives of amazing history *including the famous stops from the 2006 ‘Night at the Museum’ film starring Robin Williams, Ben Stiller, and Owen Wilson. Does, “Dumb, dumb want gum, gum” ring a bell?!
Leaving the front of the museum, you are staring at Central Park! This is a great opportunity to enter the park during the daylight! Walking down through the park (towards downtown) you will encounter the famous Strawberry Fields memorial for John Lennon. This lies at the 72nd St. level of Central Park. *TIP: Stop along the path every so often and stop to read the bench plaques* Each park bench has a plaque in dedication to someone, or has a special quote engraved. Some of them are so, very sweet!
From Strawberry Fields your next attractions in the park are located in the lower most portions of the park (i.e. Central Park Carousel). The carousel is located at 65th street level in the middle portion of the park, so if you have the desire to walk down that way it would be worth the stop! Your items such as the Central Park Zoon and Gapstow Bridge are at that same 64th Street level, but on the far east side of the park. *see Christmas in Manhattan post for more information on these items*
!!! RULE !!! Do not ever find yourself in the park after sundown. If you do not know already, the crime rate inside/near Central Park is extremely high. Be out of dodge before the sun is even setting over the park, please. The park is so vast in size, that security cannot always reach you in a timely manner. Think smart and act safe!
Wrapping up our visit to the Big Apple just about broke my heart. I swear on my soul that I was determined to move back after graduating nursing school (of course plans changed but I still actively long for the city). It is somewhere that either steals you away entirely, or gives you such a headache that you never want to return. I leave a little piece of my heart there each time that I go… I hope that you will fall in love just the same. The concrete jungle holds so much history, so many hidden gems that we have yet to discover, and so much culture!
*CONFESSION TIME: I am a foodie. I mean… I vacation based on what there is to eat, y’all. New York is a huge hub for food of any/all kinds. Though this post does not mention dining locations as much as I would have liked- everything that we did eat was to die for. Please, do your research prior to visiting and kind of seek out those special spots to eat! You could drop thousands eating in Manhattan, so keep it realistic- but also make room to experience those one of a kind places. See my Christmas in Manhattan post for ALL the good foodie spots! We really did it up on that particular trip! You cannot miss out on that information!
Estimated Budget (keep in mind I did not budget this trip so this is a rough guess)
GRAND TOTAL: $3,200 (give or take a few hundred dollars)
Your largest portion of this will be based upon where you choose to board within the city! Our portion was $1,400 this go around. There are cheaper options available to you. ** Air BnB within Manhattan is ILLEGAL- you are only able to share a space with the owner. There are no full access Air BnB rentals within the city**
Utilize the Hopper App to monitor price drops for roundtrip flights- this advice stands for any trip you are taking state side!
Budget around $600 for food for a 5 day trip (this would be for 2-3 people). Budget $200 or so for travel into/within the city (i.e. subway pass and taxi service to and from airport). These are just soft numbers! You manage your budget accordingly!
ALSO… Kamron is aware that Ian was along on this trip, therefore the photos just had to be posted! There are very few without both of us in them. They are still sweet treasures regardless, and I am thankful that he and my mom took me along! Of course, I cannot wait to take my sweet Kamron to my favorite place ever- but all in due time!
