Weekend in New York: A Travel Guide

Planning a weekend getaway in the big city? Here's a travel guide from our recent trip to NYC to make the planning process easy!

Over the weekend, Noah and I traveled to New York for a quick getaway! It's been a hot minute since we have even been on a date so I was really excited for some alone time!

New York can be overwhelming so I wanted to share a travel guide to help anyone looking for a weekend getaway! I'll also include a list of all the recommendations we got from others that we didn't get to see.

Photo taken off their website

WHERE TO STAY: 

The Time New York: This was the first time we have been to this luxury hotel nestled in the Theatre District just steps away from Times Square. The decor was super modern and their bathroom featured a fun rainfall shower head! The hotel was perfectly located. Our flight got in pretty early so Noah and I dropped our bags off in the room at we head out to Times Square to go exploring!

WHAT TO DO:

EXPLORE: Pack some comfortable walking shoes because you will do a lot of it while you're in the city. It's the best way to take in the views and really get a feel for the city. 

TIME SQUARE: This is one of the most popular spots in NYC. Take in the bright lights and the noise of the hustle of bustle of both city folk and tourists! There are a ton of stores to shop, places to eat and photo opportunities. We spent a lot of time here since our hotel was not too far away. 

BROOKLYN BRIDGE: The best time to go is super early to avoid crowds. The view of the city is just incredible! I've been to NYC a couple of times before and I'm so glad this time I 

 this on my list of things to do! 

CHINATOWN: After walking the Brooklyn bridge we walked to Chinatown and the open markets filled with fresh fruit and veggies were so fun to see. My mom would have loved it. There are great little bakeries and restaurants to grab dumplings, noodles and pastries! Also, if you're looking to snag a fashion dupe this is the place to seek it. 

CENTRAL PARK: I highly recommend making a trip to Central Park while you're in the city. The views are so pretty and the walk was nice! 

ROCKEFELLER CENTER: We got a sneak peek of the Christmas tree, but it wasn't lit yet. I was sad about that because we missed it by a few days, but people were ice skating and there were still lots to see and tons of places to shop. We saw the NBC studio and where the Tonight Show films too. 

BRYANT PARK: There was ice skating in Bryant Park too. The whole park was filled with little holiday shops and eateries (Urban Space Market). Even if you go during a different season Bryant Park is super pretty and wonderful to walk. I've been in the spring and it's just beautiful!

BROADWAY: We didn't get to make a Broadway show this trip but I have in the past. If you have never been I recommend it! Lion King was just amazing and I would love to see Harry Potter the Cursed Child! 

WHERE TO SHOP: 

SOHO: Shopping in Soho is a must! There is something for everyone! We walked from Chinatown, through Little Italy and made our way to Soho. 

I already mentioned there are a so many stores around TIME SQUARE and ROCKEFELLER CENTER!  

FIFTH AVE: This is a popular spot for the upscale brands if you're looking to spend some dough! 

WHERE TO EAT: 

STREET VENDORS: There are so many street vendors. If you want something quick and fairly inexpensive it's the perfect option. We hit them up quite a few times for small bites like my favorite seasonal chestnuts! I also had some amazing dumplings one night too! Noah and I had some yummy pierogies while we were in Bryant Park from the Pierogi Boys! 

BRUNETTI: You can't visit New York without eating pizza! They have the most amazing calamari and meatballs! Noah had their brick-oven pizza with italian sausage and fresh peppers! It look delish! I had the pasta and it was fantastic! 

JUNIORS: We had a slice of their strawberry cheesecake and it was amazing! This restaurant was in Time Square and it was right across from our hotel. We grabbed the cheesecake to-go and it was the most amazing dessert in bed! 

LEVAIN BAKERY: Do yourself a favor and make it to this bakery! It had the most amazing double chocolate cookie I have ever tasted! It was served warm and practically melted in my mouth! It will not disappoint! We headed straight there from Central Park and I'm so happy we did! 

Other recommendations I received:

• Luke's Lobster (under the Brooklyn Bridge)
• Dumbo
• 9/11 Memorial 
• Today Show 
• Serendipity (for frozen hot chocolate)
• Katz 
• Ipuddo
• Rolf's 
• Tavern on the Green

If you have been to NYC and have some more recommendations please leave me a comment below! I love hearing them and I'll be sure to include them in my next trip!