As one of the cultural capitals of the world, New York City boasts a cornucopia of things to do, see, eat and drink. Here’s a local’s itinerary to make the best of 48 hours for those who stay in the heart of the Big Apple.
PATRICIA SERRANO CHUNGSATHAPORN
Wander Around Union Square Farmer’s Market
Peruse through hundreds of varieties of just-picked local fresh fruits and vegetables, heritage meats, award-winning farmstead cheeses, artisan breads, jams, flowers, plants, wine, maple syrup and much more. From humble beginnings in 1976, the world-famous Union Square Farmer’s Market has grown from a few farmers to up to 140 regional farmers, fishermen and bakers. Located in one of New York City's great public spaces, the atmosphere at Union Square on a market day is bustling with over 60,000 market shoppers chatting with farmers and watching cooking demonstrations by some of New York's hottest local chefs.
PATRICIA SERRANO CHUNGSATHAPORN
Take a Walk on the High Line
Stroll down this public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side, running 12 blocks from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues.
If new sights are what you’re looking for then look no further! With over a mile of unique plants, flowers and views of Manhattan’s West Side the elevated rail structure is now known as High Line. From star gazing to art installations and weekly events this retired freight rail line is now the scenic path to Hudson Yards, home to Vessel, an architectural marvel utilizing an interconnected honeycomb of staircases, inaugurated March 15th, 2019.
Stop at the park’s 10th Avenue Square and Overlook, an amphitheater-like space with views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty to the south. Picnic on 23rd Street Lawn, The High Line's only lawn stretching for an entire block or sun on a lounge chair on the von Furstenberg Sundeck. End your journey on the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Overlook, a dramatic balcony that offers views of the Meatpacking District and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
PATRICIA SERRANO CHUNGSATHAPORN
Bike Around Central Park
One of the most famous parks in the world, Central Park, has over 25 million visitors per year. The first public park built in America is set in the middle of bustling Manhattan. Spend an entire day roaming the 840 acres designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Bike through the sculptures, monuments and fountains commemorating Columbus, Beethoven, Duke Ellington, John Lennon, Alice in Wonderland, amongst many others. Another thing to do is bird watching - 230 bird species live within these thirty-six acres of winding trails, rocks and streams.
PATRICIA SERRANO CHUNGSATHAPORN
Catch a Yankees Game
With 40 professional teams in the MLB, the New York Yankees are the most widely known and loyally followed team worldwide. Don't fret if you don't understand the rules of the game, the fact of just being present in one of the NY Yankees game in the Yankee Stadium is an experience all in its own. Jump out of your seat with pure excitement next to 50,000 loyal Yankee fans and revel in America's pastime.
New York, from a Unique Perspective
Want to unleash your adrenaline and contemplate New York and its incredible skyline? The view from a helicopter is just what you need, you will not see the Big Apple the same way once you get a new perspective on the unique skyline.
If you are looking for a white-knuckle experience, FlyNYon offers you the chance of flying with your legs dangling off the helicopter. An authentic experience at a bird’s-eye view.
Try something new in Smorgasburg market
The lively Williamsburg neighborhood is an ideal place to start your Brooklyn discovery. If you visit New York between April and October, do not miss out on the chance to discover the Smorgasburg food market, with hundreds of vendors right next to the East River. In this market, otherwise known as “The Woodstock of Eating,” you will be able to taste anything you can imagine while enjoying the privileged views of Manhattan.
After lunch and some shopping, take a walk and discover the nearby Domino Park, an evocative park with some unforgettable views.
Have Dinner at Chelsea Market
Walk into Chelsea Market at one end in the early evening and exit the other door after sampling the cornucopia of foods for dinner. Attracting 6 million visitors annually, Chelsea Market is one of the written-about indoor food halls in the world. With more than thirty-five vendors selling everything from soup to cheesecake to Pad See Ew, you’ll never be bored here or ever go hungry.
PATRICIA SERRANO CHUNGSATHAPORN
Broadway, Disney, musicals oh my!
After The Lion King’s success, Aladdin is the new Disney musical that is becoming a success in New York. More than 30 dancers on stage and electrifying choreographies will make you feel Broadway’s legendary magic. The show is held in the classic New Amsterdam Theater, built in 1902 and has been preserved as a historic place by the City of New York.
The songs have been created exclusively for this family-friendly show, that local reviews have classified as “at the height of the best musicals ever made.”
Be prepared to fly on the genie’s magic carpet! When the show is over, walk around this Manhattan district; Broadway is home to more than 40 great theaters that showcase an array of shows.
Visit an Art Museum
There is definitely a museum for every aesthetic taste in this city. Home to some of the world’s finest examples of Ancient, Old Master, Impressionist, Modern and bleeding-edge contemporary work, be sure to check out the free nights at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), The Whitney, and Guggenheim.
PATRICIA SERRANO CHUNGSATHAPORN
Watch the Ballet or Opera at Lincoln Center
Catch ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘Swan Lake’ and other world famous ballets as well as operas such as ‘Carmen’ and ‘Madame Butterfly’ at the Lincoln Center one of the world’s largest performing arts centers. Located on the Upper West side, their roster of eclectic programming is filled with thousands of events. You can literally come and find a different show to see every single day of the year. Pre or post show, you can stroll around the grounds and take a photo in front of their gorgeous fountain.
PATRICIA SERRANO CHUNGSATHAPORN
Brunch in Nolita
Have Sunday brunch in Manhattan’s trendy Nolita neighborhood and explore delicious food in a range of atmospheres. The iconic Balthazar is the brunch spot that every New Yorker should visit at least once. Lovely Day offers brunch several ways: free-range eggs, a selection of sandwiches, and Japanese-inspired fried rice dishes. Egg lovers should head to Egg Shop. Enjoy different accoutrements with your egg dish or egg sandwich. Get an avocado toast at The Butcher’s Daughter, a Juice bar, café, and ‘vegetable slaughter house’ committed to local and seasonal ingredients. Pair caipirinhas and frozen sangria with huevos rancheros, challah French toast, and chilaquiles verdes con pollo for brunch at Café Habana.
PATRICIA SERRANO CHUNGSATHAPORN
Ride a Ferry to Staten Island or to Red Hook
Ride a ferry to see Manhattan from a different vantage point. The Staten Island Ferry is free and is 25 minutes long. Explore the Staten Island museums, historic landmarks, beaches and parkland—including the City’s largest forest preserve, the Staten Island Greenbelt. The Ikea Water Taxi (also free) departs from Slip A at Pier 11, right near South Street Seaport, and takes you to Red Hook, Brooklyn where you can check out Red Hook Winery, which boasts bottles from the best vineyards in New York state. During the summer, catch a ride to Governor’s Island for a festival. Alternatively, don’t disembark and just enjoy the scenic ride.
PATRICIA SERRANO CHUNGSATHAPORN
Buy Souvenirs at Brooklyn Flea
Shop locally by buying your Made In New York souvenirs at the Brooklyn Flea. Showcasing hundreds of top vendors selling furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as a carefully curated selection of jewelry, art, and crafts by artisans and designers, plus delicious fresh food. Starting the first weekend in April through October, the markets take place outdoors Sundays in DUMBO. From November through March, the market moves indoors.
PATRICIA SERRANO CHUNGSATHAPORN
Have Lunch at Smorgasburg
Based in Brooklyn, Smorgasburg is a giant outdoor all-food market that launched in May 2011 and happens Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays at Prospect Park’s Breeze Hill. Definitely a must-visit, it showcases the best of Brooklyn’s artisanal food scene, with 100 local and regional vendors.
PATRICIA SERRANO CHUNGSATHAPORN
Photography by Cordon Press
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