The Perfect Day in New York City
“There is something in the New York air that makes sleep useless.”—Simone de Beauvoir
Patrick Langwallner
First things first a good, hearty breakfast. Something that will give you the energy for your adventure-packed day ahead. Trust me, you’re going to need it. May I suggest you indulge in a New York bagel? It’s the first time I have found kindred spirits that understand the proper ratio of bread to schmear ratio (heads up, a good bagel is supposed to be untoasted, don’t make the same mistake I did, unless you want to be lectured).
Try: Zuckers, Russ & Daughters, or Bo’s Bagels
Don’t worry Bestie, if bagels aren’t your thing, I got you! You are in New York your options are limitless! But here are a few more options to help narrow down your search.
Try: Egg Shop, Jack’s Wife Freda, or Salento
Confetti Room, Color Factory
There are a plethora of great museums in this city (according to google, there are currently 145!) The MET, American Museum of Natural History, MoMA just to name a few, are perfect for first-time visitors. But nothing dazzled and delighted me more than the Color Factory! Great fun for all ages, I was delighted by how playful and well-thought-out each exhibit was. One minute I was busting out my best dance moves, the next I was crying because I was laughing so hard at my so-called art skills. Have I mentioned yet that they give you little treats that colorate with your color journey? Absolutely delightful! I promise I did learn something while I was there but take note; this is something you defiantly want to do with others. Sorry solo adventurers.
Pro Tip: get here earlier the better, it opens most days at 8 am and if you can on a weekday so that you can have the whole place to yourself.
Josh Miller
Now let’s work up that appetite by walking the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. It was the first bridge to use steel for cable wiring, very innovative for its time. Construction was completed on this masterpiece in 1883 and is still the best, in my opinion, way to get over the East River. I do think the view is better starting on the Brooklyn side, but honestly, you can’t go wrong either way. The halfway point on the bridge will give you a great view of the Manhattan skyline, and there are surrounding areas that will give a unique perspective of the bridge.
Photo Spots: Intersection of Washington Street and Water Street (photo on right) and Pebble Beach
Hope you’re hungry because it’s lunchtime, and at this point, you have two choices. You can either stay on the Brooklyn side or go back to Manhattan. We went back to Manhattan and placed ourselves close to our next activity. In New York, you can find all different types of cuisine, so we picked a country that most wouldn’t guess. We selected Georgian cuisine, and my taste buds couldn’t have been happier. If I ever make it to Georgia (the country, not the state) I’m going to spend my days in the kitchen to try and learn their secrets.
Ojakhuri at Chito Gvrito
Pro Tip: GET THE KHACHAPURI! I don’t know what to say, this was hands down the best thing I ate while in the city. It’s this creamy, cheesy bread boat that is topped with an egg yolk. You mix the Georgian cheese (my new obsession) with the yolk as soon as you get it, and it’s just warm, filling, and invokes a grandmother’s love somehow. My biggest regret on this trip was not taking a picture of it, so look it up, just don’t blame me if you get hungry. 😘
Want to spend time with a New Yorker? I got the perfect man for the job. This experience takes the cake! Or Turkish delight in this case, hehe. Introducing Dr. Honeybrew, a charismatic, eccentric, inviting individual who takes you through the art and history of Turkish coffee and pairs it with fortune telling through reading your coffee grounds. You can book through Airbnb experiences or his website (easier to book this way) and he has multiple time slots. We went to the 1 pm session. He is extremely passionate and knowledgeable so even if you are a skeptic, as long as you like coffee you will enjoy the session. I even left with a little more clarity and insight about what I want from my reading, and fully caffeinated to boot. A win-win in my book any day.
Gapstow Bridge, Central Park
Just a train ride away is Central Park. A good way to take a little breather and reconnect with the 849 acres of nature. Or in my case a nice nap in the sun at the Great Lawn. The park is huge so decided what is most important for you, I enjoyed the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, the Lake, and the Literally Walk the best.
Photo Spots: The Lake, Gapstow Bridge (photo on right) The Rock Lookout, and Bethesda Fountain
By now if you intend to follow this game plan. You might be a little hungry depending on how leisurely you walked around Central Park. You can adjust as needed but if you aren’t feeling a rumbling in your stomach then go to the Top of the Rock thats nearby. It’s $40 to go up to the observation deck but the views are stunning if you can time it right with sunset its beautiful. An alternative to this would be to go to a rooftop restaurant or bar instead. A two birds with one stone sort of deal.
Joshua Chua
Times Square is truly a sight to behold at night. The energy and ambiance is magnetic at night. If you can, explore a little before your last activity for the night. Maybe grab another bite to eat? If you haven’t tried New York style pizza yet you still have a chance. Or my vote is to munch on a little cheeky desert as you people watch. Just be aware of timing if you go to a show, Times Square doesn’t turn off their lights, so you can always take some great photos after.
TRY: Mia’s Brooklyn Bakery or Bibble & Sip
I would be lying if I didn’t admit I was exhausted at this point, but when you are in the city that never sleeps, somehow you keep going. So drink that extra cup of joe, or crush that red bull! Because the show must go on! No trip to Times Square is complete without complimenting it with a Broadway Show. We choose The Book of Mormon because it was the only show that neither my travel bestie nor I had seen yet. Did absolutely zero research and had no idea what to expect when we went. Heads up, some of the writers are from South Park. So if that kind of humor isn’t your cup of tea there are plenty of other great options. Were we shocked yes, but would we be hypocrites if we didn’t say overall that we enjoyed it and were giggling multiple times, also yes.
Try: Wicked (a classic), Six: The Musical (more concert), Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (for the fangirls), The Play That Goes Wrong (playful comedy), Aladdin (Family Friendly), or Hamilton (the popular choice)
Hoped you had an amazing day in the city, no matter where your adventures lead you. Now get home safe and get lots of rest. Tomorrow is a new day and as always, Adventures Await!