While I have traveled fairly widely, I have never been to New York City (NYC). My NYC excursion was made all the more special because my daughter went with me. What better way to enjoy some fun in New York City at the beginning of spring.
New York is the most populated and most densely populated city in the United States. Almost 9 million people occupy about 300 square miles. When you factor in visitors coming into the city, well, it’s obviously not for people that hate crowds. Interestingly enough, there were still a fair number of tourists despite the chilly and wet early spring.
Accommodation
It was difficult deciding on accommodation because I had trouble visualizing the most central part. In the end, I chose the hotel on the basis of things I knew we would be doing. As a result, I chose Moxy NYC Time Square Hotel near Union Square | Moxy NYC Times Square (marriott.com) in Midtown. It is in the theater district and is just two blocks from Penn Station. The location turned out to be perfect.
We were upgraded from a queen bed with a single bunk bed above it to two full beds. The room and shower were surprisingly roomy, given premium space. Additionally, the hotel provided a $30 daily food credit that could be used at Cafe d’Avignon Times Square | Hours + Location | Cafe d’Avignon | Bakery & Café in NYC (cafedavignon.com) next door, or the hotel restaurants and bar. We used it daily so as not to lose it.
Getting Around
Unlike on my prior travels, I opted to use a rideshare from the airport. I typically use traditional taxis because they feel slightly safer when traveling solo. I decided on the cheaper rideshare this go around because I was not alone. We arrived mid-morning. Traffic was apparently still significant. The Lyft driver asked us if we wanted to take the premium tunnel route ($10 more to shave off ten minutes). We declined.
We utilized the extensive subway system for the remainder of the trip. I quickly realized that the Subway system is less user-friendly and more difficult to navigate compared to contemporaries like Montreal, Toronto, and London for instance. I was annoyed at having to pay for a single ride ticket (costs $3 and has to be used within 2 hours) every time we jumped on the train. It would have been nice to have an option for a day pass, a return ticket and even a 3-, 5- and 7-day pass to negate this. The machine had options to purchase a metro card, but we were unsure what that was and there was no information provided.
At one point, we walked into a subway entrance thinking we had the right train line, only to be told to exit the station, and walk across the street to a different entrance. Please note that this was for the same station and just the opposite platform of where we needed to be.
I also found accessibility for the elderly, physically impaired and even the tired, to be a nightmare. It was painful watching a couple awkwardly carry a stroller down a narrow entrance and steps. We watched an older, mobility-impaired woman shuffle up to a short but challenging set of stairs with her rollator and two bags. We helped her up. She said there was an elevator, but it was located on the other side of the station. Even being relatively healthy, it was challenging dragging our bags up and down unforgiving steps on the way to the airport. at the trip. Escalators were few and far in between.
Unfortunately, we also found out the hard way (had to pay twice because we left the platform initially) that that different trains also utilize the same platform. We wanted the uptown C train to 168th but were confused when the E train came instead. Naturally we thought we were on the wrong platform and so we got out. Then we figured out we were not wrong. We had to pay again to go back in.
Additionally, only some of the trains map the journey, or have audible announcements. The one convenience (that we figured out late) was that one can swipe their credit/bank card to open the gates instead of buying a ticket. Otherwise, realize that the NYC subway is mostly for the unencumbered.
Things to Do
The wonderful thing about NYC is that there is plenty to do. There are experiences, both paid and free, unique only to NYC and have to tried if possible. My favorite free excursion as always is visiting a park Finding Nature in the NYC Concrete Jungle – HER//Excursions (herexcursions.com) I recommend prioritizing what you want to do before arrival, based on interest and particularly location. We batched sight-seeing based on location to maximize limited time.
Art Galleries and Museums: MOMA and American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)
Visitors are spoiled for choice in terms of museums and galleries in NYC. My daughter wanted to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MOMA), and I, the AMNH. I was able to purchase tickets for both tickets online within a couple of days of visit. They were both timed. Advance purchase is encouraged to crowds.
Both places were very busy on arrival. The MOMA MoMA | Dani Leventhal: Everyday Intuition line started at the corner of the sidewalk, it moved quickly, especially for those with tickets. We were over two hours late for our MOMA entry but were allowed in, luckily. Entry into the AMHM American Museum of Natural History | New York City (amnh.org) necessitated going through security checkpoints. Ticketed and nonticketed patrons had to be in the same line until the security point. There, I notified a guard we had tickets. We skipped the rest of the line as we were directed to security before being allowed in.
The “Crafting Pinocchio” exhibition was a highlight at MOMA. I paid a few dollars extra for the World’s Beyond Earth and the Serengeti film at AMNH, and they were both worthy add-ons.
Unfortunately, limited time meant we do other visits, to the Guggenheim and 9/11 Memorial Museums, for instance.
One World Observation
One World Observatory | Best of New York City Attractions is a cool place to visit. We enjoyed the entry visuals. Still, the trippy visuals in the super-fast elevator surpassed those. My daughter did feel a little queasy with the stop though. We loved the 360-degree views of NYC and the surrounding area. I recommend it for both first time and repeat travelers. However, the observation deck may be a little vertiginous for those that aren’t fans of heights.
Broadway: Six the Musical
Catching a Broadway show on the trip was a given. My daughter chose Six The Musical Tickets | TheatreNYC-NY.org. I admit I had never heard of it until she told me about it (she is more of a theater buff than I). I was able to purchase tickets just a few days before the show, likely due to it being low tourist season. While expensive, the Wednesday evening showing was actually cheaper than the following nights.
We had amazing seats on the mezzanine and could see the stage clearly (an on-going concern for two vertically challenged human beings). Suffice to say, Six was well worth the expense. The show was mind-blowingly phenomenal (I recommend!!!), but the cherry on top was the excitement that radiated from my daughter. It was priceless.
Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
I had initially thought I had booked the Statue/Liberty tour via TripAdvisor. Thankfully, I had not. I found another tour Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tours: E-Tickets for Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – StatueOfLibertyTickets.com. The tickets cost less and offered more (a Pedestal tour). Unfortunately, we were unable to access the Statue Crown because it was booked two months in advance. Security is tight. We had to go through airport-type security before boarding the ferry. Then again upon entry of the pedestal.
A visit is worth it, especially for history buffs. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan a Pedestal visit. You may need to skip the elevator line for a 195-step walk to the top of the Pedestal instead. Ellis Island is an eye-opening experience of the migrants who landed on its shores before moving into the interior when their immigration applications improved. The visit was a fascinating look into the history that shaped NYC and even the country.
Food Tour
I booked the Nice Guy Tours (New York City) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (tripadvisor.com) food tour of the lower east side because it highlights some quintessentially New York cuisine. We started out at Katz’s Deli Katz’s Delicatessen Katz’s Delicatessen – NYC’s oldest deli (katzsdelicatessen.com) – the primary reason for my tour choice. Even at 10:30AM, the deli was teeming and filling quickly. Later, we’d learn that on most days by noon, the line wraps around the block and the wait can be an hour forty-five minutes. And I’m here to tell you it is absolutely worth it. And the 15K to 30K sandwiches sold daily confirm that I’m not being hyperbolic.
Our next tasting foray occurred at Katz but it was a bakery treat from a block away – Russ & Daughters (russanddaughters.com). This institution has existed for over a century. Russ and Daughters operate a bakery of Eastern European pastries and breads, and another half of “appetizers” – think bagel toppers like salmon, salads, etc, but not meat. Anyway, Adam had us sample rugelach, fig-newtonesque pastry filled with raspberry jam, raisins and currents. It was scrumptious. Try some for yourself. They ship!
Next, we veered off to the edge of Chinatown, just a few streets away. Adam assured us that Vanessa’s Dumplings Best dumplings in NYC – Vanessa’s Dumpling House (vanessas.com) has some of the best dumplings in the city. The numerous Zagat stickers, and newspaper cuttings pasted on the windows supported his claim. That said, the pork and chive dumplings we sampled spoke for themselves.
A few streets, we carefully lined the walls of The Pickle Guys. We had to avoid the barrels of picked food that line the floor, including peppers, okra cauliflower, sun dried tomatoes. We tried the specialty soured pickle. Surprisingly, I liked it. The non-fermented pickle was more salad friendly. It had a much milder taste, was bright green and looked surprisingly fresh. Afterwards, the owner offered us a choice to taste whatever we wanted. I chose pickled mango. I was not sure what to expect, but it turns out I love pickled mango. The sharpness of the vinegar complimented the deliciously sweet, fresh-appearing sweet.
The next stop was one of my favorite ones. This was Kossar’s Bagels and Bialys Bagels, Bialys, and Other Baked Goods in New York, NY (kossars.com) . I had never heard of a bialy before this. I was glad to find out.
The Doughnut Plant Doughnut Plant | Doughnuts & Coffee was a treat. They specialize in cake doughnuts. The tour offered the double chocolate and the tres leches flavors. The chocolate came through loud and clear in the former. On the other hand, the latter was a letdown because it did not resemble, nor have the true flavor. Still, I preferred it over the chocolate doughnut (I like chocolate in smaller doses).
The tour ended sweetly, at Economy Candy. This was the final neighborhood institution. The shop just about bursts at the seams with candy. Adam told us that the store carries old time candies that can no longer be found elsewhere. Yet too, they offer international options, including candy from the United Kingdon and Germany.
All told, this was a phenomenal tour. Our guide, Adam, was upbeat, funny and very knowledgeable. Not only were the tastings superb, but we learned a great deal of history about this little corner of NYC. To top it off, the tour was reasonably priced .
Shopping
It goes without saying that NYC is a shopping mecca. Our hotel was a mere block or so from Macy’s, Old Navy, and Sephora just to name a few. A taxi or train ride will bring you to higher end shopping on Fifth Avenue. I was more interested in visiting the markets though.
Chelsea Market vs Essex Market
Essex Market was a brief stop on the food tour. Our foray into the Chelsea Market was longer and more measured. However, the two markets were so obviously distinct from each other.
Essex Market obviously caters for the daily needs of the neighborhood. There were a few vendors offering ready made food, however most appeared to sell specific food stuffs. We even found a branch of Cafe d’Avignon. Other vendors included a fromagerie with specialty cheese, a butcher, fish monger and some selling groceries.
On the other hand, Chelsea market appeared high end (meaning a tendency to be pricey) even before entering. The first shop was Anthropologie. There was a specialty honey stand that had the most amazing samples. We found a freshly made noodle stand that smelled divine with lines out the wazoo. Another sold Pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tarts that are to die for) that were the real deal, and a specialty Tahini stand. Aside from a few other eateries, a Chinese shop offered everything from snacks to chopsticks, stuffed anime characters to gorgeous Chinese outfits. Last but not least, a space featured different artsy vendors offering tailored clothing ($395 linen dress), leather bags with beading, jewelry in addition to other items.
Suffice to say, being a connoisseur of all things markets, I liked both and would frequent h regularly if I was a resident.
Food
What can I say. If you don’t find the food you want, or don’t like the food you try in NYC, then there’s no hope for you. We found cuisine from every corner of the planet Eating the Big Apple – HER//Excursions (herexcursions.com). Yes, the pizza is as advertised (Amazing!). My visit solidified my preference of New York-style pizza (sorry). The bagels – better.
I have to say that food prices were surprisingly better than I expected in New York City. We were able to enjoy phenomenal but low budget meals. While you should expect to pay higher prices (compared to smaller cities) for fine dining, even those choices are numerous enough that you can still get away with some lower priced but delightful meals. However, expect alcohol to be pricier.
Safety
I admit I was a little nervous visiting NYC for the first time. It’s a very big city and I’ve heard some unpleasant anecdotal stories about it. I’m glad to say that both my daughter and I felt in no way unsafe the whole time we were in NYC. This includes walking at night, as well as riding the subway. We exercised usual and due caution, but otherwise it felt safe as women traveling alone. There was also a very visible police presence at the time of our visitors (I’m not sure if this is normal or it was related to a situation that was unfolding at the time of the visit).
Miscellaneous
Like most urban cities, there was a visible homeless population. However, I have to say it was much less than I’ve seen in much smaller cities. There were panhandlers and we were approached a couple of times but for the most part we were left alone and did not feel harassed.
I did not see much in the way of public bathrooms in the city. The only public bathrooms we saw were at Hudson River Park. But fear not! There is always a subway close by and these may be good options for when you need to go.
The weather was bearably mild on the day of arrival. It quickly became cold, intermittently wet and gloomy for the rest of the trip. However, I still recommend visiting the city in early spring. You don’t have to fight with crowds as much and as long as you dress appropriately, the weather won’t be a factor.
