My husband and I had a four-day weekend getaway to New York, just the two of us. After extensive research before our trip and planning based on the main areas in New York, I was able to squeeze in as much as possible. We have tons of information to share with you for a quick trip to New York with your partner.
My Carry On Packing List
Check out my favorite international travel items I always pack in my carry-on.
Rockefeller Center
Viewing the City from the Top of the Rock and taking the Rockefeller Center Tour is the perfect way to start the first day in the big city. You learn so much about New York and 5th Avenue with time to go back and appreciate the knowledge gained through this hour-long tour.
Tickets
- Top of the Rock: $34 for adults, $28 for children 6-12 years, and $32 for seniors. – Open from 8:00 Am – Midnight Daily
- Rockefeller Center Tour: $25 – Tours are every half hour from 10 am–7:30 pm (excluding 6 pm and 6:30 pm), daily.
- Rock Pass: $48 – The Rockefeller Center Tour & Top of the Rock.
- Sun & Stars: +$15 – Top of the Rock twice within 24 hours. During the day and after sunset.
Take In The Views From THE TOP OF THE ROCK
You will not want to miss the TOP OF THE ROCK. It Ascends 70 floors into the sky and has 360-degree city views from three indoor and outdoor viewing decks. If I were to choose between this and the Empire State Building, I would choose the TOP OF THE ROCK.
The main reason why stated by a true New Yorker… When you are viewing the city from the Empire State Building, you don’t have a view of the Empire State Building!
If you are unsure when you want to go to the TOP OF THE ROCK during your trip, just purchase an unscheduled ticket (at $34.00) that will then be exchanged for timed tickets at the ticket counter. This way you can go on the day with the best visibility. If you want to see the view during the day and night, the Sun & Stars ticket at an additional $15.00.
THE ROCKEFELLER TOUR
The Rockefeller Center Tour was not what we expected, but we were pleasantly surprised to learn so much about the History of the Rockefeller family and how the building came to be what it is today. An unscheduled ticket is $25.00
We had the best tour guide who showed us all the little details that came with the building and the history of the buildings that surround the Rockefeller Center.
Tours are every half hour from 10 am–7:30 pm (excluding 6 pm and 6:30 pm), daily. I would suggest taking the tour as early as possible and preferably on a weekday to avoid all the crowds.
outside rockefeller center
The fun part about Rockefeller Center is what you do on your own! Already being at the Rockefeller Center, take a look around the ice skating rink and the shops inside and outside. Grab a
bite to eat in the shopping plaza or find the Lego store and see the amazing architect’s, Adam Reed Tucker, creation in the display window!
There are a plenty of great photo opportunities around the plaza including:
- The Famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree
- Ice Skating Rink
- Statue of Prometheus (the gold statue at the ice skating rink)
- Radio City Music Hall
- Statue of Atlas facing St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center
- Fountains of Rockefeller Garden
visit saint patrick's cathedral
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is a breathtaking building just steps from the Rockefeller Center. Entry is free and they request a $1 donation if you wish to light a candle. There are tours available as well. We decided to just walk in and behold all of the little details that came into the construction of this grand church.
MASS TIMES
SATURDAYS 8 AM in Lady Chapel / NOON | 5:30 PM with Music
SUNDAYS
- Without Music: 7 AM / 8 AM / 1 PM |
- With Music: 9 AM / 10:15 AM / NOON / 5:30 PM
- Spanish Mass Music: 4 PM
MONDAY – FRIDAY
- Without Music: 7:30 AM / 8 AM |
- With Music: 7 AM / 12:30 PM / 1 PM / 5:30 PM
CHRISTMAS MASS
- Christmas Eve (Children’s Mass), 5:30 PM (no tickets required)
- Christmas Day: Midnight Christmas Mass (tickets required)
Times Square
Grab some lunch and take in the sights of New York’s famous Times Square! There are plenty of places to shop, eat and explore at any time! The lights of Times Square are always on (even at 5:00 AM when we landed).
Get a glimpse or a picture with The Naked Cowboy is usually around 45th and Broadway just before noon!
ride the big bus tours
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The BigBus is a red double-decker that takes its riders all over New York. Hop-On in Downtown and Hop-Off in Upper Manhattan with a tour guide pointing out all of the interesting features and history of NYC on the way. We purchased a 2-day ticket for $52.00 each.
We were skeptical at first, but a friend who lived in New York told us we have to give it a try. We both agree that we made a great decision, especially when we would want to get somewhere and learn some cool things. The tour guides are always different when you get on and you never know what type of information they will give you will you ride.
Thankfully the weather allowed us to sit on the top of the double-decker bus, and with that, you get incredible views and pictures!
We also went ahead and bought the night tour package for $28.00 each. The night tour picks you up in Times Square in front of M&Ms world every 15 minutes from 6 PM – 8 PM and takes you through lower Manhattan, over the Brooklyn Bridge, past the empire state building, and little Italy.
If you ask the tour guide for a specific drop-off after the tour (other than back to M&Ms world) they are happy to assist. Most people were dropped off at the Empire State building, but we asked our tour guide for a non-touristic spot for dinner. He had some great recommendations a few blocks away from the center of times square. Just proves you never know the hidden treasures you will find in a place like New York unless you ask!
Dinner in Hell's kitchen
Just a few blocks from the Big Bus Night Tour drop off in Times Square is a hidden gem of restaurants and small pubs located in Hell’s Kitchen. Start around 49th and 8th street and just walk around the quiet neighborhoods teaming with small restaurants. You will be sure to find something that matches your taste buds..
After dinner, there are pubs and small bars around every corner! Just need to keep your eyes open! Here are some places we have visited…
- Deacon Brodies – This is a tiny Irish pub perfect for those who don’t want to act like tourists
- New York Beer Company – Large quiet spot.. If you get hungry again, their late night menu!
- Iron Bar – They are more of a dance club with hookah! They stay open til 4:00 AM
Central Park
Central Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. It is a very large park so if you decide you want to tour the entire thing and save your feet, I would suggest renting a bike from there many bike rental spots within the park. There are also great Central Park APPs if you decide that you don’t want to get lost. Something we should have downloaded before entering the park! Download and Print the Central Park Map
Don’t forget to bring some cash and grab a hotdog anywhere you see a stand! They are not to be missed!
attractions
- Ever see the movie Balto? The statue in the movie is actually located in Central Park!
- The Mall and Literary Walk – The most iconic movie/ tv show filming location in central park!
- Belvedere Castle – a great spot for a photo! It has the highest and best views of the Park and the adjacent cityscape
- Alice in Wonderland – a statueof Alice and her cast of storybook friends
- Bathesda Terrace – The heart of Central Park
central park apps
tours
- Sunrise Yoga Walk – 1 Hour: $39
- Hidden Secrets – 2 Hour: $65
- Walking Tours
- Horse & Carriage – Private 30 min ride: $110 | 45 min: $155
Bike Rentals – 8am – 8pm (Apr-Aug) & 9am – 6pm (Sep – Mar)
Bike Tours – An expert guides you through central park
- 1 Hour: $49
- 2 Hour: $64
- 1 Hour Private: $65
- 2 Hour Private: $85
- 1 Hour: $40 | 2 Hour: $50
- 1 Hour Private: $60 | 2 Hour Private: $75
see the nutcracker at lincoln center
The Lincoln Center is a beautiful home of performing arts. It is conveniently just two blocks from the lower part of central park.
If you want a few drinks and some appetizers, the very popular PJ Clarke’s is a great bar/pub to grab something… But if you want to sit down and have dinner, I would recommend making a reservation. Even the bar had very few seats available. Another spot that looks great to try on a warmer day would be The Empire Hotel’s Rooftop Lounge. Here is a list of their dining areas within the hotel.
Other places nearby to catch a show
GREENWICH VILLAGE
STROLL CHELSEA'S HIGHLINE
You can find entrances to the Highline all around Chelsea and the Market. All you have to do is look up! Take a few steps up the stairs and immerse yourself in a park-like setting in the middle of the city with gorgeous views of Chelsea and the Hudson River.
This used to be an old raised railroad track that was going to be torn down until a team with a vision opted to turn it into a park. You can still see parts of the track throughout the Highline!
lunch in chelsea market
We took the BIG BUS to Chelsea to find the highly talked about Chelsea Market. The entrance is difficult to find and it is not very prominent so keep your eyes open or ask someone. The picture above is one of the entrances we luckily stumbled across. If you see a massive brick building across the street from the Highline, you are probably in the right place.
It is a stretch of a full square block of shops, all indoors. The building houses residents above the indoor marketplace. It is a hidden gem, but if you know where to look you will be pleasantly surprised by how different it is from the rest of New York.
If you love seafood, then Chelsea Market has the best spot for a quick bite for lunch called The Lobster Place There is a wide variety of seafood to choose from, ranging from Sushi, freshly-baked lobster, seafood sandwiches, and clam chowder.
Other places to check out in Chelsea Market
- Corkbuzz – Wine Bar
- Cull & Pistol – Seafood
- Doughnuttery – DOUGHNUTS!
- Los Tacos No. 1 – Mexican Food
- Mokbar – Ramen
- Num Pang – Sandwiches
- Takumi – Japanese/Mexican fusion
Lower Manhattan
911 Memorial & Museum
If you have time for nothing else, please take the time to visit The 911 Memorial. It took us a few hours to get through the museum and walk around the memorials. Remember there is a difference!
It is open every day between 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Try to schedule one of the walking tours, but they fill up fast so get there early!
The Memorial is very beautiful during the day, but there is a sight to see at night when it is lit up. If you have time or are close by please see it for both the day and night times.
The Museum is open Sunday – Thursday 9 AM – 8 PM / Friday & Saturday 9 AM – 9 PM. We happily donated $108 to become Museum Members and skip the line. It is tax-deductible if you don’t feel like waiting and want to make a contribution to the Museum.
I would suggest going to the museum and memorial early, but make sure to eat something before you go! The place we had breakfast in is the Hudson Eats section of Brookfield Place (mall) just across the street toward the water from the memorial and they have a huge selection of good eats. We choose to have breakfast at the Tartinery and man we loved every bite!
tickets
• $39 Adult
• $33 Senior
• $33 Veteran
• $33 College
• $30 7 – 17
Museum Member’s Benefits
• Access to express members-only Museum admissions line.
• Access to members-only Museum reservations line.
• Complimentary audio guides for members at the Membership Desk.
• Receive members-only event invitations and newsletters.
• Discounted tickets to select public programs.
• 9/11 Memorial Museum exclusive membership gift.
• 20% discount with first purchase at Museum Store, 10% thereafter in-store, online and at the Café.
eat dinner in littly italy
Since my husband is Italian, as soon as we landed in New York I heard the question, “Can we eat in little Italy tonight?” If you love food, come here for at least one night. We did not stop eating the second we stepped foot in Little Italy! Look at the pure happiness on this man’s face when the appetizers came out!
dinner places to try
- La Nonna – We ate dinner here and wow! Every thing was amazing!
- Gelso and Grand – The best late night Margherita pizza
- Mulberry Project
- Emporio
- Peasant
- Public
- Lombardi’s
- Sal’s Little Italy
dessert at ferrera bakery
There is only one place I will ever go for dessert in Little Italy.. and that is FERRERA BAKERY.
It is so delicious! I wish we had enough room to try everything!
We ordered about 8 things off the menu and we left wanting more. The salted caramel Gelato. OMG, I even had a dessert cocktail. Everything was just so rich. Prepare to wait in line though if you don’t make a reservation.
They had biscotti, cannoli, chocolate, and my husband’s favorite – espresso.
Wander around The Financial District
Places of interest
All of these places are within walking distance from Battery Park. Every corner you turn there will be something new. If you want, try creating a map of interest points and following it, or just get lost and stumble upon things as we did… Either way, it is so interesting to see how the financial district vibes are completely different than those of Mid-town Manhattan. (especially around lunchtime on a weekday!)
- Wall Street – New York Stock Exchange
- Stone Street
- Federal Hall National Memorial
- The Trump Building
- Skyscraper Museum
- Charging Bull – There is always a line to take a picture with the bull, but we cheated and went to the middle of the bull, waiting for the person taking a picture to switch with the next person in line. During the switch, Drew jumped in that spot & I snapped a pic and we were on our way! You have to be quick and stealthy.
visit the statue of liberTy & ellis island
Here are some other Things to Know before you go
The New York departure leaves out of Battery Park (Open from 8:30 – 4:40) 17 State Street, New York, NY 10004
You can purchase the tickets ahead of time, or when you get to Battery Park. The ferry goes from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and then back to Batter Park. A ferry comes around every 15 to 20 minutes & the lines to get on them do get very long.
Be sure to borrow the free headphones while you tour both the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island. You can spend as much time as you want on each island so there is no need to feel rushed.
Do not try to bring food or drinks on the ferry. They will be thrown out during the checkpoint. Grab a bite to eat before you head to the ferry, there are food shops on both islands, but they aren’t that great. They get busy and the food is pricey. There are some food carts around battery park so we just had some food from one. Don’t underestimate the cart! Every time we have eaten anything off a New York food cart we have been delighted!
Battery Park’s history & headphone tour is fairly interesting, but if you don’t want to do that just go for the best pictures of Downtown New York (depending on the weather). The pictures we took at battery park look surreal. It was the best photo spot of the entire trip.
Tour Prices
- Statue of Liberty Tour & Ellis Island: $25
- Pedestal Access: $25
- Crown Ticket: $28
- Hard Hat Tour of Ellis Island: $60 – Guided 90-min tour to select areas of the 750-bed Ellis Island Hospital, including infectious and contagious disease wards, kitchen, mortuary and autopsy room.
Dinner in Brooklyn
The reason why we chose to have dinner in Brooklyn on our last night is well. You can’t get a view like this from within the city, so to get perspective we ventured out to Brooklyn and we were not disappointed.
There are two dining options to choose from:
- River Cafe – Don’t let the name fool you, the dinner is $150 a plate, you need reservations, and appropriate dress attire (Men must wear a coat jacket at all times). If you want a delicious 3-course meal with spectacular views and fine dining, I would definitely recommend this place.
- Ignazio’s Pizza – Every person we have asked “Where is the best pizza in New York?” has told us of a little spot under the Brooklyn Bridge. We were planning on going there on our way to the airport, but time was not on our side the last day so we regrettably still haven’t been able to try it yet. You still get this view at a fraction of the cost.
If you want to see the skyline during the day, Buzz Bar looks like a cool place to enjoy the view with an ice-cold brew.
Souvenirs in China Town
Located right next to Little Italy you will find plenty of places to shop and haggle for NYC souvenirs in Chinatown. The BIG BUS picked us up by the Raging Bull in the Financial District and dropped us off right in the heart of Chinatown. It’s a great place to quickly walk around and find those last-minute gifts before you head out of the city.
If you are in the Financial District and don’t have time to visit Chinatown, Memorial Tees is a souvenir shop we really liked located right next to the raging bull. The prices were must less than those of nearby souvenir shops and they had everything!
New York Yankees Hat
ny times newspaper
i <3 new york shirt
mini charging bull statue
statue of liberty snowglobe
"HERE is new york" book
