You’d have to read a thousand blogs to find all the things to do in New York City. While I always stay in midtown, hit up a broadway show, stroll through Central Park, and find a few fancy places to eat, I change up the rest of my Big Apple visit.
During my most recent weekend stay in March, I logged a good 15 miles each day as I explored parks, neighborhoods, and few tourist attractions.
I made my base at the Romer Hell’s Kitchen, and I loved it. For a relatively affordable, midtown hotel, you can’t beat it. The Romer might turn into my “goto” place to stay in NYC. Located at 8th and 51st, it is conveniently located near the theatre district and an easy walk to Central Park.
The hotel features a piano bar, café, corner market, and cozy lounge with a fireplace! The rooms are clean, comfortable, and modern.
Day 1
I arrived late Thursday afternoon, checked in, and immediately went for a walk to beat the forecasted rainstorm. Having not spent too much time on the upper west side aside from visiting a few Seinfeld filming locations, I ventured west to the Hudson River and then headed north.
Hudson River Park
My route took me past the Daily Show Studio with a long line of visitors and then through Hudson River Park. What I liked most about strolling through Hudson River Park is that I was likely one of the only tourists. Joggers and walkers took to the cobblestone path which is part of the Empire State Trail as I admired sculptures, the historic railroad barge pier, and the Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial.
I only made it up to 72nd before turning back toward the Romer Hotel as rain was forecasted at any time and dusk was upon me. My return route led me past the Lincoln Center and Columbus Square and finally to the Romer’s So & So’s Piano Bar.
So & So’s Piano Bar
The piano bar has a different and discreet entrance from the hotel. It’s like finding a speakeasy. After paying a small cover charge for the nightly entertainment, I slipped onto a stool at the bar and ordered some absolutely fantastic truffle pasta! The deviled eggs were quite unique too.
Early in the night the piano bar was quiet, but it soon filled up with a great second set played by the pianist. Flying tends to wear me out, so it was an early night for me, but I certainly made up for it the next day as I walked for miles!
Day 2 – Friday in NYC
The Today Show
I started out at Rockefeller Center where the Today Show is filmed live and met Al Roker. I love his sense of humor, so it was extra special when he walked along the barrier and shook everyone’s hand. I also saw him in the Waitress another time I was a tourist in NYC.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
From Rockefeller Center I stopped by the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in the USA. What a beautiful church situated smack dab in the middle of the city! It had been under renovation for several years, so it was nice to see it again without a bunch scaffolding!
The Lunch Box
I typically eat within an hour of waking up, so by now my stomach was grumbling and I found the best place for a breakfast sandwich called The Lunch Box. It is tucked in the corner of Paley Park.
It was a little cold this March morning, but I can only imagine how popular this little spot that garners 4.9 stars on Google would be on a nice day. There’s nothing like grabbing a quick bite next to a waterfall, even if it is manmade!
Central Park
Next, I walked off my giant breakfast with a stroll through Central Park. No trip to New York is complete without visiting this amazing place. My plan was to walk through the park until I reached the Guggenheim. I’ve had that museum on my list for a while. But in March they were preparing for a new exhibit, and the building’s iconic spiral staircase was closed to the public.
Roosevelt Island
So, I turned toward the east side and after wandering the neighborhood a bit, I hopped on the subway to Roosevelt Island. I had been eyeing Roosevelt Island for a while too, but many times I visit New York in December, and the cold weather didn’t make it too inviting.
Roosevelt Island probably deserves its own post, but the highlights include the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse and Girl Puzzle Monument on the northeastern tip and the Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park and Small Pox Memorial Hospital on the Southwestern tip.
I circled the island in less than two hours which included stopping for photos at the aforementioned sites, admiring New York’s skyline from a different point of view, and even appreciating a few Cherry Blossoms in bloom on crisp, sunny day!
Roosevelt Island Tram
I don’t know how many times I have visited NYC, but I never knew there was a tram. So, I had to ride it back to Manhattan. The small fee may be paid with the subway card. It is not very big, so there was a short line, but we all managed to cram in once it arrived from across the river. For me it was another way to take in the city views which I love!
Grand Central Station
By now, I had worked up an appetite, so I joined the masses and popped into the iconic Grand Central Station. Believe it or not, the historic train station is one of the most visited places in NYC! Obviously, the trains and subway cars dump thousands of riders into the station daily, but it is also known for its architecture, history, dining and shopping which attract millions of visitors a year.
In fact, you may book a tour of the largest train station in the world. The multi-level structure is spread over 49 acres which encompass 44 platforms and 67 tracks along with dining and shopping. Don’t miss the whispering gallery, where you can whisper into one corner to whoever stands in the opposite corner.
But I digress, I sifted my way down to the famous Grand Central Oyster Bar which has been open since 1913! The friendly bar tender served a few of us visitors oysters by the dozen and fish tacos. It was a fun, late afternoon lunch!
Top of the Rock
By now, it was nearly 3:30 and I purchased an express pass with a 6 o’clock entry time for the Top of the Rock. All I can say is WOW! The extra money for the express pass was worth every penny!! There is no way I would have made it to the roof for the 7pm sunset if I had to wait in all the lines.
There were lines outside and inside, and I walked all the way to front of each line, show my ticket, and viola, I was in the elevator and on the viewing deck in no time!! Upon purchasing the ticket, I was a little confused by the options.
But after being up the top, I feel like reenacting the iconic beam picture is not worth the money, though being able to go on the Skylift would be cool for photographers. The Skylift rises above all visitors on the viewing deck, so your photo could truly be 360 degrees. That said, the price is hefty, and if you get there an hour before sunset, you will find a spot on the rail to park yourself. I stood around for an hour, longer than most, as I waited for nightfall and the spectacular city lights. Despite leaving with frozen toes and fingers it was worth it, especially when I got to cut the line and head straight down in the elevator when I was finished!!
Dinner at the White Olive
The only disappointment of the day was my pasta dinner at White Olive. I probably should have ordered Mediterranean for which it is known and saved the pasta for one of many famous Italian eateries in NYC, as it has a very high star rating on Google. I walked off my dinner as I returned to hotel and prepared for another amazing day in New York City.
Day 3 – Saturday in New York City
My Saturday morning began at Amy’s Bread, a bakery in Hell’s Kitchen that has been a staple in the neighborhood since 1992. You can’t go wrong with their breakfast treats.
The rest of Saturday I just walked and walked and walked through south Manhattan. The Garment District, Union Square Park, Washington Square Park, West Village, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side.
I logged so many miles just exploring the different neighborhoods of diverse culture. It is so fun to see how much a city can change from one neighborhood to another. And it didn’t hurt to see a commercial getting filmed and a line a mile long at Jonas Pizza. I guess one of the brothers was in town.
Peter Luger Brooklyn
I even popped over to Brooklyn on the subway to eat at the famous Peter Luger Steak House. While they have another location in New York as well as in Las Vegas and Tokyo, I wanted to visit the original which open in 1887 and has been one of NYC’s top steak restaurants for decades.
Sadly, I didn’t have enough room in my belly or my budget to order a giant steak for lunch at this cash only restaurant. But the juicy burger was a pleasant delight, as was the bar service. I’m so glad I finally made it after years of it being on my dining in NYC list! Being in Brooklyn, however, it is not conducive to pre-theatre dining.
Bar Centrale
Speaking of which, I have another great restaurant to add to my pre-theatre dining in Hell’s Kitchen list. It is a speakeasy called Bar Centrale which can be found in a brownstone between Orso and Joe Allen Restaurant. What a find!
Reservations are not accepted, but as a single at 6pm, I found a seat at the crowded bar. My tacos were excellent, and while I don’t drink, the patrons next to me ordered some fun cocktails, so be sure to ask the bartender for specialties.
Good Night, Good Luck!
Now, for the entire reason why I visited New York in March, it was time to see George Clooney in Good Night, Good Luck! Normally I purchase seats on the first row of the mezzanine because it is the best view of the show for the most reasonable price.
But for tonight, I was in the sixth row of the orchestra and George Clooney was right in front of me for the next two hours! Eye candy!! Admittedly, it wasn’t his best performance as they were still in the soft opening period, but I didn’t care. I have always wanted to meet him in person, but realistically I was happy just to see him!
He is cuter when he smiles and the serious nature of Good Night, Good Luck wasn’t conducive to his fun sense of humor, but that was still fine with me. As if I couldn’t get enough of him for two hours, I stood outside the exit and watched him drive off 45 minutes later. Despite the cold temperature, it was worth it as he rolled down his window and waved to me! Haha…ok, to the whole crowd.
Nightcap
I was scheduled to leave New York first thing in the morning, so I said sayonara to the city that never sleeps with a night cap at Joe Allen Restaurant. What a weekend in NYC!
