My Week in New York City: Highlights From A NYC Summer Trip!

The first time I visited New York City, the city and I didn’t really click. My visit was solely centred around the top attractions – Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the shops along Fifth Avenue – and I just ended up feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of it all. On this second trip I wanted to do things differently; since it was Sam’s first time in the Big Apple, we still made sure to cover those iconic New York sights, but we also gave ourselves plenty of down time in the parks and some of the quieter Brooklyn neighbourhoods. Here are some of the highlights:

Walking the High Line

I love it when a city can continue to reinvent itself and repurpose structures that have become obsolete. The High Line was once a set of rail tracks that connected factories and warehouses, allowing for the easy distribution of food products. It was cleverly designed above street level, so that goods like milk, meat, and produce could be transported and unloaded without disrupting traffic below. However, over time these rail tracks lost their purpose. They lay in complete abandon until 2006, when plans were made to turn this space into an urban park. Today, there’s a wooden boardwalk where trains once ran, and the space is lined with all kinds of vegetation. 

Playing Board Games at Bryant Park

During my very first trip to New York City several years ago, I felt a little claustrophobic and like there was no escape from the masses. However, during this second trip I found a lot of green spaces and quiet pockets where I could relax; Bryant Park being one of them. The thing I particularly loved about this park is that they have free board games for families and friends to enjoy. Little tables with umbrellas have been up, and you can sit down for a game of chess, scrabble, dominoes, Chinese checkers, or whatever else you can get your hands on. This is so clever for a city where people live in small apartments with relatively little outdoor space.

Stumbling upon Little Korea

Having spent a year teaching ESL in South Korea, I now crave Korean food all the time – bibimbap, kimchi bokkum bap, pajeon – you name it! That’s why I was beyond thrilled to discover that New York City has its own Little Korea. Koreatown (코리아타운) is located on West 32nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and it really feels like you’ve set foot in Seoul. The street signs are in hangul, the bars serve soju, and there are plenty of noraebang rooms should you be in the mood for some karaoke. Sam and I found a little restaurant called Woorjip with a Korean buffet and we ended up eating there 3 times during our week in New York City. Yes, that’s how much we love our Korean food! 

Getting a taste of Europe at the Cloisters

If you’re looking for some peace and solitude, then you may want to consider visiting the Cloisters in Upper Manhattan. Located in Fort Tryon Park, this place feels miles away from the bustle of the Downtown. Heavily influenced by European architecture, the building will make you feel like you’ve set foot in Spain or Italy. I particularly enjoyed the Cloisters because the place doesn’t get as many visitors as some of the other better known museums.

Spending hours walking around Central Park

There is so much to discover in Central Park! I mean, I knew it was huge before going, but I didn’t realize the scale of it until I set foot there and started walking. Central Park is more than a green space; it has numerous attractions and activities within. These include Belvedere Castle, Shakespeare Garden, Central Park Zoo, the Great Lawn, and Strawberry Fields, where people come and leave roses for John Lennon. Your best bet is to always enter from a different path so that you can see it all over time.

Eating Sylvia’s Soul Food in Harlem

Oh my goodness, the food at Sylvia’s Soul Food is mouthwatering! The restaurant was founded by Sylvia Woods, the Queen of Soul Food, and it is quite the popular establishment in Harlem. Sylvia’s clientele has included everyone from world figures like Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton, to locals who are in the mood for some hearty home-cookin’. I had the smothered chicken with yams, macaroni, and corn bread – it was heavenly! The meat was so tender and juicy that it just broke apart with my fork. Oh, and then I also had peach cobbler pie for dessert, because you don’t come to a place like this and leave without dessert! The establishment is modest and the interior looks a bit dated, but I can see why they don’t care much about the decor when they cook the way they do. Sylvia’s is located on Lenox Avenue, between 126th and 127th Streets. 

People-watching at Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is located in Greenwich Village by the NYU campus and it’s just a really nice place to hang out. You have the Memorial Arch which is a little reminiscent of the Triumphal Arch in Paris, there’s a big fountain where kids like to splash around on a hot day, and then there is always a street musician serenading people.

Taking the Roosevelt Island Tram

Do you remember that movie scene where Spider-Man is battling the Green Goblin and he has to choose between saving a tramway full of passengers or Mary Jane who is dangling in mid-air? That Spider-Man scene was filmed on New York’s Roosevelt Island Tramway! While there isn’t much to do on Roosevelt Island, it was fun riding such an iconic tram and getting to see the city from a different perspective.

Going on the rides in Coney Island

I happened to be in New York City the same weekend the Mermaid Parade was taking place, and that was enough to lure me out to Coney Island. After watching the scandalously-clad mermaids strut their stuff down the street, Sam, Jackie, and I decided to take on the rides. Unfortunately, Jackie got stuck in the middle on most of these rides, which meant she got two earfuls of screaming anytime there was a twist or a drop. Sorry Jackie!

Checking out the New York City skyline from DUMBO

DUMBO is an acronym which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. The name alone makes this place worth a visit! This former industrial area is now home to loft apartments, design stores, art galleries, and trendy restaurants – plus you get some killer views of the Manhattan Bridge! P.S. There are some amazing pizzerias in this neighbourhood.

A little video from NYC!

Have you been to New York City?
What are your favourite spots in the Big Apple? Or what spots would you like to visit?

Plan Your Perfect NYC Week: Tips, Routes, Eats, Views & More!

Quick Itineraries You Can Steal

Day-by-Day Classic (3 Days)

Day 1 – Midtown + Elevated Green

• Morning: High Line stroll (start at Hudson Yards and wander south). Detour for coffee and people-watching.
• Midday: Bryant Park board games + a peek into the NYPL reading room (quiet magic).
• Afternoon: Grand Central (ceiling constellations!), snack at the food concourse; swing by Rockefeller Center.
• Sunset: Choose an observation deck (see comparison below).
• Dinner: Koreatown (we did Woorijip thrice because bibimbap cravings are real).

Day 2 – Parks, Art & Soul Food

• Morning: Central Park meander—enter from a new gate each time (Belvedere Castle → Shakespeare Garden → Strawberry Fields).
• Midday: The Met or MoMA (pick one to avoid museum burnout).
• Late Lunch: Harlem at Sylvia’s (smothered chicken forever) or a neighborhood café.
• Evening: Washington Square Park for buskers + arch at golden hour; dinner in Greenwich Village.

Day 3 – Across the River

• Morning: Subway to DUMBO; snap Manhattan Bridge framed by red-brick warehouses; amble Brooklyn Bridge Park.
• Lunch: Slice tour (NYC rite of passage).
• Afternoon: Roosevelt Island Tram (Spider-Man vibes), then cool off in Fort Tryon Park + The Cloisters for medieval serenity.
• Evening: Coney Island rides or boardwalk sunset if you’re feeling playful.

A Chill Brooklyn Day (Low Crowd, High Cute)

Start in Brooklyn Heights (Promenade views), brunch in Cobble Hill, browse Carroll Gardens boutiques, laze on the lawn at Domino Park, then hop over to Williamsburg for vintage shops and sunset by East River State Park.

Rainy-Day Rescue Plan

The Met Cloisters → Subway Art Safari (14th St–8th Ave mosaics; Fulton Center’s Sky Reflector-Net) → Chelsea Market grazing → MoMA quick hits → tea + scones somewhere cozy.

Food & Drink Playbook (Because NYC is Best Eaten)

Neighborhood Nibbles we loved:

• Koreatown (32nd St): casual buffets, late-night bites, matcha everything; try a noraebang if you’re brave.
• Harlem: soul food institutions + live music bars.
• Greenwich/West Village: tiny trattorias, jazz basements, gelato windows.
• DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights: espresso, bakeries, and pizza with skyline views.

Iconic Bites & Where to Find Them

• Bagel + schmear: classic corner bakeries (order like a local: “Everything with scallion, toasted”).
• Slice: fold, lean, and don’t overthink—if the line is long, it’s probably good.
• Black & white cookie: cakey, nostalgic, perfect park snack.
• Halal cart combo: street-side comfort; grab extra white sauce.
• Cheesecake: share one, trust me.

Coffee + Tea Breaks

• Bryant Park kiosks (board game bonus), indie cafés in the Village, and riverfront coffee in DUMBO. For tea lovers, there’s always a tucked-away salon within a 10-minute walk if you need quiet.

Views & Vibes: Best Lookouts Compared

Parks & Walks Worth the Steps

• Central Park Loops: Do short themed loops—Castles & Gardens (Belvedere → Shakespeare) or Water & Bridges (The Pond → Bow Bridge → The Lake).
• High Line: Go early to enjoy the plantings and art without the mid-day parade.
• Fort Tryon & The Cloisters: Medieval chill, Hudson River breezes, and wildflowers.
• Brooklyn Bridge Park: Lawns, piers, playgrounds, public art, and pizza within arm’s reach.

Photo Timing Sweet Spots

• Dawn on Brooklyn Bridge (uncrowded, pink light).
• Late afternoon in DUMBO (soft side-light).
• Golden hour at Washington Square Park (buskers + fountain sparkles).
• Blue hour from Brooklyn Heights Promenade (city lights flick on—chef’s kiss).

Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind

• Tap & Go: Subways and buses accept contactless payment (OMNY). No need to buy a physical card unless you want unlimited rides.
• Google/Citymapper: Subway entrances can be sneaky; these apps save sanity.
• Ferries: East River Ferry connects DUMBO/Williamsburg/34th St with skyline views.
• Citi Bike: Great for waterfront paths; avoid Midtown rush if you’re new.
• Walk Lanes: On narrow sidewalks, adopt the “move with purpose” shuffle; step aside before stopping for photos. New Yorkers will love you for it.

Micro-Hacks

• Enter from different Central Park gates each visit—feels like new parks every time.
• For Times Square, dip in after a show, dip out quickly—no need to linger.
• Restrooms: Museums, hotel lobbies (polite ask), Bryant Park, large bookstores.

Seasonal Cheat Sheet & What to Pack

Neighborhood Snapshots (Add One to Each Day)

• Greenwich/West Village: Brownstones, jazz bars, tiny trattorias, Washington Square.
• Harlem: Gospel brunches, soul food, historic rowhouses, Marcus Garvey Park.
• Lower East Side/Chinatown: Dumplings, delis, street art, indie galleries.
• DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights: Cobblestones + skyline; Promenade sunset.
• Williamsburg: Thrift/vintage, waterfront parks, buzzy brunches.
• Astoria (Queens): Greek bakeries, global eats, Museum of the Moving Image.
• Flushing (Queens): Food paradise for Chinese, Taiwanese, and beyond.
• Bronx (Arthur Avenue): Old-school Italian shops; bring a tote for pastries.
• Staten Island North Shore: Ferry views + lighthouse peeks; quiet promenades.

Budgeting & Passes (Do You Need One?)

Rule of thumb: If you’ll do ≥3 paid attractions in ≤3 days, a pass can save money and time. Otherwise, go à la carte and lavish your budget on food (no regrets).

Free (or Almost Free) NYC

• Staten Island Ferry (Statue views)
• Brooklyn Heights Promenade, High Line (always free)
• Bryant Park activities (chess, pétanque, winter ice rink—fee for skates)
• Chelsea galleries (open afternoons; peek between High Line stops)
• Public library & churches (architecture calm)
• Pay-what-you-wish windows at certain museums (check current policies)
• Outdoor movies & concerts in summer (parks across the city)

Handy Checklists

Pre-Trip

• ☐ Time-entry reservations for museums/decks
• ☐ Broadway/Off-Broadway tickets (rush/lottery if flexible)
• ☐ Airport transfer strategy set (train/shuttle/rideshare)
• ☐ Restaurant short-list by neighborhood
• ☐ Comfy shoes already broken in

Daypack

• ☐ Water bottle
• ☐ Compact umbrella/sunscreen (season-dependent)
• ☐ Power bank + cable
• ☐ Tissues/hand sanitizer
• ☐ Cash for small bites, cards for most else

First-Timer Photo Shotlist

• Brooklyn Bridge at dawn; DUMBO archway; Promenade at blue hour; Central Park Bow Bridge; Washington Square Arch; High Line murals; skyline from the tram; Coney Island neon.

New York City Trip FAQ

How many days do I need for a first visit?

Three full days let you taste Midtown icons, Central Park + a museum, and a Brooklyn/Queens jaunt. A week is dreamy—you can slow down, add The Cloisters and Coney Island, and leave room for spontaneous detours.

What’s the best time of year to come?

Fall is gold (literally), spring blossoms are lovely, summer bursts with outdoor events (but can be toasty), and December is twinkly and festive. If crowds worry you, aim for shoulder weeks: late April–early May or late September–mid-October midweek.

Which observation deck should I choose?

For the “Empire State in your photo” shot, go Top of the Rock. For harbor views, One World. For glass-floor thrills, Edge. For mirrored art-meets-view, SUMMIT. If you love vintage romance, Empire State at night sparkles.

Is the subway safe and easy to use?

It’s the fastest way to get around. Use contactless tap (OMNY), follow signs, and ride in busier cars at off-hours. Keep your phone zipped away when you’re near the platform edge and you’ll be fine.

What’s the easiest way to see the Statue of Liberty?

If you want to land on Liberty Island and climb the pedestal/crown, book timed tickets well in advance. If you just want great views, ride the Staten Island Ferry (free), then hop back on to return.

Do I need a city pass?

If you’re hitting 3–5 paid attractions in a short window, a pass can save money and time. If your plan is parks, neighborhoods, free views, and one museum, pay à la carte and invest in excellent meals.

Where should I stay as a first-timer?

Base where you’ll spend evenings: Midtown/Times Square is central to transit (convenient but busy), Greenwich/West Village is charming and walkable, Upper West Side is relaxed near parks/museums, and DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights offers skyline romance with easy subway links.

How do I avoid crowds at popular spots?

Go early (High Line/bridges at sunrise), pick weekdays, and make timed reservations. In museums, start on the upper floors and work down while the masses gather at the entrance.

Any ideas for a kid-friendly day?

Start at Central Park Zoo + playgrounds, ride the carousel, grab a slice, and cap it with a ferry ride or Coney Island (gentle rides abound). Plenty of bathrooms, lots of snacks—everyone wins.

What should I pack for summer heat?

Breathable layers, sunscreen, hat, refillable bottle, and comfy shoes. Plan indoor pockets midday (museums, long lunch, naps) and enjoy your big walks early and late.

How do I get from the airports to Manhattan?

From JFK: JFK AirTrain + LIRR or subway; or rideshare/taxis. From LaGuardia: city buses connect to the subway; rideshare/taxi is quickest. From Newark: AirTrain Newark + NJ Transit to Penn Station; or rideshare. Choose based on luggage/time of day.

What’s a good souvenir that isn’t “I ❤️ NY”?

Food! Bagel/babka from a beloved bakery (ask for travel wrap), small-batch hot sauce, local roasted coffee, a print from a Chelsea gallery, or a vintage postcard from a flea market. Your future self will thank you during breakfast.