New York City, one of the world’s great metropolises, offers an endless array of things to do, monuments to see, and restaurants to try. This is a completely genuine guide to discovering the best of the city in 48 hours for anyone staying in the heart of the Big Apple.
Explore the Union Square Local Farmers’ Market
Hundreds of varieties of freshly picked local fruits and vegetables, organic meats, award-winning cheeses, artisanal breads, jams, flowers, plants, wine, maple syrup, and much more can be found here. Since its humble beginnings in 1976, the now world-famous Union Square Farmer's Market has grown from a few vendors to bringing together more than 140 farmers, fishermen, and bakers from the region. Located in one of New York City's major public spaces, the atmosphere at Union Square on market day is lively, with over 60,000 visitors enjoying chats with the locals and watching cooking demonstrations by some of New York’s trendiest local chefs.
Walking the High Line
Walking through this public park built on a historic elevated railway line above the streets on the West Side of Manhattan is a real pleasure. It spans 12 blocks from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues.
With over 2 km of unique plants, flowers, and views of Manhattan’s west side, the elevated rail line that once ran through the city is now called the High Line. Besides giving you the chance to stargaze and attend weekly exhibitions and events, this disused freight train track is now a beautiful pathway leading to Hudson Yards. There you’ll find The Vessel, an architectural marvel housing a network of interconnected staircases forming a giant honeycomb, inaugurated on March 15, 2019. The walking route has several must-see stops such as 10th Avenue Plaza Park or the Overlook, an outdoor amphitheater with views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. Another essential plan is to have a picnic on the small lawn at 23rd Street, the only section of the park with a grassy area, or relax in a hammock at the von Furstenberg Sundeck. The walk ends at the Tiffany & Co. Foundation viewpoint, a spectacular balcony offering views of the Meatpacking District and the Whitney Museum.
Cycling through Central Park
Central Park, one of the world’s most famous parks, has over 25 million visitors per year. The first public park built in America is located in the middle of bustling Manhattan, in the heart of the city, and deserves a full day wandering its 840 acres designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Riding a bike past the sculptures, monuments, and fountains honoring figures such as Columbus, Beethoven, Duke Ellington, John Lennon, Alice in Wonderland… is always a good idea. Another pastime is birdwatching, as up to 230 bird species live within these thirty-six acres of winding trails, rocks, and streams
Attend a Yankees Game
Of the more than 40 professional teams in the MLB (Major League Baseball), the New York Yankees are the most famous team and the one with the largest fanbase worldwide. Don’t worry if you don’t understand the rules: simply attending a New York Yankees game at Yankee Stadium is an experience in itself. Stand up from your seat in pure excitement alongside 50,000 fans and enjoy a typically American form of entertainment.
Admire New York from a Unique Perspective
Looking to get your adrenaline pumping while taking in New York and its incredible skyline? The views from a helicopter are all you need. You’ll never see the Big Apple the same way again after enjoying this unique perspective of the skyscrapers.
And if you’re seeking an even bigger thrill, FlyNYon offers you the opportunity to fly with your legs dangling outside the helicopter. A true bird’s-eye experience.
Try Something New at the Smorgasburg Market
The lively neighborhood of Williamsburg is an ideal place to start discovering Brooklyn. If your trip to New York takes place between April and October, don’t miss the chance to visit the Smorgasburg Market, with hundreds of vendors set up along the East River. In this market, also known as the Woodstock of Food, you can try everything you can imagine while enjoying privileged views of Manhattan.
After eating and doing some shopping, take a stroll to explore the nearby Domino Park, an evocative park offering unforgettable views that will take your breath away.
Dinner at Chelsea Market
As evening falls, the perfect plan is to walk through the Chelsea Market from end to end, sampling the different foods offered by the vendors. With 6 million visitors a year, Chelsea Market is one of the most popular and most talked-about markets worldwide. With more than thirty-five shops selling everything from soup to cheesecake, not to mention Pad See Ew, boredom or going hungry is not an option.
Experience the Magic of Broadway Musicals… and Disney!
Following the success of The Lion King, Aladdin is the Disney musical now taking New York by storm. Over 30 dancers on stage and electrifying choreography will make you feel the legendary magic of Broadway. The show takes place at the iconic New Amsterdam Theater, built in 1902 and preserved as a historic site by New York City authorities.
The songs were created exclusively for this family show, which local critics place “on par with the greatest musicals of all time.”
Get ready to soar on the genie’s magic carpet. After the performance, take a stroll through the Manhattan district; Broadway hosts more than 40 top-tier theaters offering all kinds of shows.
Visit an Art Museum
Yes, there’s a museum for every aesthetic taste in the city. New York houses some of the most important works of art from all eras: Antiquity, Renaissance, Baroque, Impressionism, the Avant-Garde, and contemporary trends. A recommendation? Check the dates and programs for free museum nights at the Metropolitan, MoMA, Whitney, or Guggenheim.
Attend a Ballet or Opera at the Lincoln Center
Enjoy The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and other world-famous ballets, or operas such as Carmen and Madame Butterfly at the Lincoln Center, one of the largest arts centers in the world. Located in the Upper West Side, its eclectic programming is full of events that change daily. Before or after the performance, you should take a stroll through the gardens and snap a photo in front of its beautiful fountain.
Brunch in Nolita
On Sundays, the trendy Nolita neighborhood in Manhattan is brunch time. The great thing about this area is that you can enjoy its delicious dishes in a wide variety of settings. The iconic Balthazar is a brunch that every New Yorker (and visitor) should try at least once. Lovely Day offers its brunch in several ways: with farm eggs, a selection of sandwiches, and Japanese-inspired fried rice dishes. Egg lovers should head to Egg Shop, where they can enjoy the star ingredient—eggs on a plate or in a sandwich—with different toppings. At The Butcher's Daughter, avocado toast reigns supreme in a bar offering juices, coffee, and a ‘vegetable feast’ made from local, seasonal ingredients. Finally, at Café Habana, the brunch features pairing caipirinhas and iced sangria with huevos rancheros, challah toast, and green chicken chilaquiles.
By Ferry to Staten Island or Red Hook
Taking a ferry is always the best option to enjoy different views of Manhattan from various perspectives. The Staten Island ferry is free and takes only 25 minutes. Once on the island, enjoy its museums, historic landscapes, beaches, and parks, including the city’s only forest: the Staten Island Greenbelt. The Ikea water taxi (also free) departs from Pier 11, right next to the South Street Seaport, and takes you to Red Hook (Brooklyn), where you can enter the eponymous winery selling the finest wines from New York State vineyards. During the summer, Governor’s Island becomes the top choice thanks to its festivals that can even be enjoyed from aboard the boats.
Get Souvenirs at Brooklyn Flea
Taking home a souvenir and having it be handmade is possible at Brooklyn Flea. Inside, there are hundreds of items, vendors, and small shops selling furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles, and antiques, as well as a carefully curated selection of jewelry, art, crafts, and products from local designers, plus small stands with delicious fresh food. From the first weekend in April to October, the market takes place outdoors on Sundays in DUMBO. From November to March, the market moves indoors.
A Meal at Smorgasburg
Located in Brooklyn, Smorgasburg is a giant outdoor food market that opened in May 2011 and takes place on Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays at Breeze Hill in Prospect Park. Over time, it has become a must-visit spot as it showcases the best of Brooklyn’s artisanal food scene, featuring 100 local and regional vendors.
