4.14.2023
Things To Do
Explore Downtown Manhattan & the Financial District
Some of our favorite sites include our church, Trinity Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall, Fraunces Tavern (best spot for craft beer!), Harry’s, the Battery, Stone Street, and Eataly.
Visit the Observatory at the Freedom Tower and 9/11 Museum
Note that tickets for both attractions book somewhat far in advance.
Take the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty
Free! Note: The Staten Island Ferry is a FREE service provided by the City of New York. ***Scammers WILL approach you asking if you'd like to buy tickets to see the Statue of Liberty.*** Say NO and keep walking. You do NOT need to buy a ticket to ride the Staten Island Ferry.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and visit DUMBO
Access the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Path via the Manhattan entrance closest to City Hall and walk across the bridge over to the Brooklyn side to the neighborhood of DUMBO. Full Google Maps directions can be found a via the "View" link below:
Visit Brooklyn Heights and Walk Across the Promenade
Found just across the East River from Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights is one of the oldest residential communities in the City. Featuring an impressive array of elegant row-houses, the neighborhood also boasts a multi-block promenade at it's Western edge, which opens up to an unmatched view of the downtown Manhattan skyline. Note that this excursion pairs nicely with our "Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and Visit DUMBO" suggestion.
Visit Prospect Park
Designed by the same individuals who planned Central Park, Prospect Park is Brooklyn's crown jewel and ideal for those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of NYC. Sprawling over 520 acres, the park features multiple attractions, including Victorian relics such as iron bridges, stone arches, a Guilded-Age mansion, and an idyllic Boat House. The park also includes endless walking paths and hiking trails, a Zoo, and Brooklyn's only remaining indigenous forrest. During April, there's a good chance visitors will also be treated to the park's countless Magnolia and Cherry Blossom trees in full-bloom. For those taking the subway, we recommend taking the 2 or 3 trains to Grand Army Plaza. For those Ubering or taking a Taxi, we also recommend entering the Park at or near the entrance at Grand Army Plaza.
Explore Brooklyn/Park Slope
We'd be remiss if we didn't recommend our own neighborhood of Park Slope, which features one of NYC's most impressive collections of Victorian-Era Brownstone row-houses. Stroll down the leafy, tree-lined streets, or take a stop at one of the neighborhood's many of coffee shops, independent eateries, or bars. Some of our favorite spots include: -Cafe Regular (Coffee): 158 Berkeley Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (http://www.caferegular.com) -La Bagel Delight (Bagels/Deli): 284 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (labageldelight.com) -Couleur Cafe (French/Brunch): 435 Seventh Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215 (couleurcafeny.com) -Calexico (Tex-Mex): 278 Fifth Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215 (calexico.com/location/park-slope) -Sweet Chick (Southern/Soul): 341 Flatbush Ave Brooklyn, NY 11238 (sweetchick.com) Note that this excursion pairs nicely with visiting Prospect Park (see separate description), as the two border one another.
Explore Greenwich Village
Take a stroll through one of NYC's most iconic neighborhoods. Situated only a stone's throw from downtown Manhattan, Greenwich Village has something for everyone. We suggest starting in Washington Square Park and venturing out from there. Note that the West Village is somewhat quieter and more idyllic and the East Village is more lively. Restaurant Suggestions: -Balthazar (French): 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 (https://balthazarny.com) -Tre/3 Giovani (Italian): 548 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 1001 (https://www.3giovani.com/reservations) -Olio E Piu (Italian): 3 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014 (http://www.olionyc.com/menu)
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art ("The Met") is one of the world's largest Museums, and includes over two million works in its permanent collection. Note that the Met also borders the East Side of Central Park: visiting both will make a nice half-day excursion. The museum is free to NY residents and NY, NJ, and CT students. Other museums in NYC include: -The Museum of Natural History -The Guggenheim -The Museum of Modern Art -The Brooklyn Museum -The Tenement Museum -The Morgan Library -The Met Cloisters
Visit the New York Transit Museum
Take a ride through History at the NY Transit Museum. Housed within a real (now-defunct) Subway station, the museum features a collection of artifacts and history pertaining to NYC's transit system, with a specific focus on the Subway. The highlight of the museum is its set of real-life subway cars, which span all eras over the last century are and include period-appropriate advertisements in their interiors.
Tour the South Street Seaport District
Located in downtown Manhattan and only a stone's throw away from the Financial District, the South Street Seaport features an unique a combination of eateries, views, and historic charm. Walk down John Street to view its recently renovated collection of 19th century mercantile buildings, or venture out to Piers 16 and 17, which boast some of the best views of the East River and Downtown Brooklyn. The South Street Seaport Museum, which is located at 12 Fulton Street, also offers an array of activities - including a free tour of a 19th century cargo ship along the East River.
Tour Ellis Island
Just above of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island is one of the United State's most coveted landmarks, having processed nearly 12 million immigrants during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the former processing center serves as an impressive and educational museum. For those looking to visit the Statue of Liberty, the two make a great combined day-trip. Note that admission is free but the ferry ride is not--Statue City Cruises is the only National Park Service-Authorized ferry provider in lower Manhattan - we strongly recommend that you purchase ferry tickets at their specific ticket booth on the battery or via their website: https://www.statuecruises.com/
Play Broadway Roulette
$49 - $59 How it works: Choose a date to spin the wheel. Select a number of tickets (go solo or in groups of six!). Customize your spin. On the date selected, you'll find out which show you've won!
Visit our Favorite Pizzaria (Kesté)
Our vote for the best pizza in NYC (with gluten-free options to-boot). Note that pizzas are served "Neapolitan style," and meant to serve one. Our personal favorite is the Pistachio and Salsiccia. For those looking for an authentic NYC thin-crust slice, we also recommend Joe's Pizza at 7 Carmine Street in Little Italy or Brooklyn Homeslice at 567 Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Russian Tea Room
The Russian Tea Room is known for its opulent decor, which features ornate chandeliers, red velvet booths, and gold leaf accents. The menu offers a variety of Russian-inspired dishes such as borscht, caviar, and blini, as well as a selection of cocktails and teas.