A few weeks ago, we travelled back to the states to handle some of our immigration/visa paperwork (insert a big YAY here, K?) in Buffalo. Along the way, we stopped over in New York City, our former home, to visit our friends and for a bit of work.
Unfortunately, Storm Stella that rolled in and covered the East Coast with snow, ended up delaying us by a day. With our flight cancelled, it meant one less day in the city. Instead of an extra day to leisurely see our favourite city in the states, we were down to 24 hours.
A quick 24 hours in New York City. Let’s do this.
So what’s a must on your list with only a day to see it all?
Pro-tip: Book as central as possible. If you know you have limited time there, you don’t want it spent fussing around on the subway. You want to be able to walk to everything if you can. Luckily, we were booked in the middle of everything. Walking was easy, I didn’t take the subway or hail a cab once.
We stayed at the Bernic Hotel one of the nights and I can’t recommend it enough. Modern, stylish, sleek. Located in midtown, there’s easy access to plenty.
Breakfast
Ess-a-bagel is excellent for an authentic New York City bagel. Right on 3rd and 51st, it was a short walk from our hotel. Normally, queues form out the door. Maybe we were in luck due to the freezing cold that no one was up for waiting, so we easily slid into line.
I had to get a bagel. PS. This isn’t a cheap bagel shop. It cost $25 for two bagels and two coffees. Worth it though. Read all about it here.
Wander
Take some time to explore. 5th Ave is a great little spot to walk around. From Bryant Park, to the New York Public Library, and plenty of stores to explore. I found a new gem while I was seeking shelter from the cold, The Shop on 5th at the Andaz. It’s a cute restaurant/coffeehouse that I stumbled upon when I was desperate for a warm coffee and a homemade rice krispie treat. YUM.
Late Nights
On our first night after we landed, we hit up one of our favourites, Salvation Taco. Seriously great tacos, even better guac, chips and margaritas. Here’s a brighter photo from a previous visit.
The next night (after I had walked a total of TEN miles out and about) we ventured to Parker & Quinn for dinner, where because we were so shockingly late for our reservation, I didn’t actually get any photos. Despite my complete lack of photos, it’s one on your must list. A little hole in the wall from the outside, Parker & Quinn opens into an incredible restaurant and bar, which just happens to be attached to the Refinery Hotel and their rooftop bar. It’s like a one stop shop for a great night, so I’d highly recommend visiting. **Terrible blogger, I’m using other photos from Instagram to show you what I’m talking about.
Is it enough?
For a first time visitor to the city, who wants to see it all and do it all. You can do a lot of your sightseeing in 24 hours. I do think it’s going to be a challenge. When we go back to NYC, I want to spend less time seeing the tourist sites and more time visiting new restaurants and seeing friends.
That said, if you’re looking to do the whole food/friends thing but want to add some extra sites in, I’d say to visit Top of the Rock for epic views. It’s super central and not tremendously expensive.
The next time we’re in the city, possibly this summer, I’m looking to add more to my ever expanding things to do lists. What are your favourites in NYC?
Kelly xox
Salvation Taco and The Refinery Bar are so good! You are making me want to get on a plane to eat and drink my way round the city right now!
Love reading about you enjoying my city! I work in Midtown and know Parker & Quinn well (Refinery rooftop is so great also, albeit pricey!). Glad you had fun!