New York City (Manhattan in particular) will always have a special place in my heart. Embarking on a long weekend adventure in a new city during our anniversary, it was also the weekend my love proposed to me. And NYC was the perfect city to have this adventurous weekend! There was no shortage of things to do in this hustling and bustling city. It is also one of the places in our country that has been affected severely due to COVID-19. When it becomes safer to travel again, everyone should consider a trip to NYC on their bucket list. Here are some ideas on how to spend a long weekend in Manhattan:

Grab some pizza! (or any grub you enjoy)

There are so many delicious treats to try in NYC, from the New York style pizza, cheesecake, bagels, and falafel (to name a few). I’m a pescatarian and a picky eater, but in NYC, there are no shortages of different types of food, restaurants, and food trucks to try.

See a Broadway show

There is something magical about wandering through the Theater District on your way to a Broadway performance. This was our one night of splurging in NYC (we try to be thrifty otherwise during our travels!) as Broadway tickets can be a little pricey. But there is something magical about seeing a live performance, savoring the drama, action and emotions of the characters right in front of you. Wicked was the top show on my bucket list, so we couldn’t pass this opportunity!

 

Wander Central Park

Sean and I love free activities and places! And since Central Park is huge, we spent a good portion of our day wandering from north to south of the park. From lounging in the park, to Wollman Rink (an outdoor skating rink that was popular even in the 60 degree Fahrenheit weather when we went!), to interesting artwork, there is plenty to see and  explore within the park.

See the Statue of Liberty

I highly recommend the Lady Liberty Cruise Option to see the Statue of Liberty during the warmer months. It’s a great way to relax while exploring some of NYC’s top sights. Additional sights you’ll see on the cruise include Ellis Island, the Freedom Tower, and the World Financial Center.

Visit The Empire State Building

This 102-story Art Deco skyscraper is hard to miss! Like its fellow towers, it includes observatory decks, shops, restaurants, and exhibits. And the views of the city are hard to beat!

Check out the M&M store

I mean, how can you go wrong with a 3 story, 25,000 square foot store filled with varieties of M&Ms and memorabilia. Sean and I felt like kids in….well a candy store! Not to mention, our fall adventure here made it a great time to get all of our Christmas shopping done at the store. Be warned, it can be challenging to narrow down with their variety of flavors!

Feel Small At One World Trade Tower

 

One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the United States, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the seventh-tallest in the world. I don’t I’ve ever felt smaller than standing outside looking up at it! Visitors can also view the city from the top with One World Observatory (if you’re not afraid of heights)!

Pay Your Respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The outdoor memorial and 9/11 museum is an emotional experience. The museum is made up of three sections: the first focuses on the unfolding events of 9/11 itself, from the days leading up to the attacks to the tragic aftermath. The second honors the lives lost in the attacks, and the third features relics and artifacts recovered from the wreckage.

Visit The Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is a large complex consisting of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres between 48th Street and 51st Street and can be another great place to eat, shop, and people watch! While we ended up doing the free option of wandering inside, other options include going to the top of the rock observation deck, visiting NYC TV and Movie Locations Official NBC Studios Tour, and going on an art walk.

Wander Times Square 

Another free activity! I could spend hours wandering through the chaos and people watch. There are plenty of restaurants, places to shop, and entertainment at every corner. You can also check out popular “tonight” shows, such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon or The Daily Show With Trevor Noah. Times Square also has a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum and the National Geographic Ocean Odyssey. There is so much life and energy in Times Square both during the day and nighttime!

Have you ever been to NYC? What are some of your favorite places and things to do in Manhattan?