New York is one of those special places in the world that every traveler needs to visit at least once. To many, the so-called ‘City of Dreams’ is an urban jungle, so amusing, big and exotic it would take years to fully discover and conquer. To others, it’s just a fancy and sophisticated place to vacay, indulge into often over-priced meals, go sightseeing, and shop like crazy.
Whatever reason is bringing you to The Big Apple, we want you to make the most of your time, so we have put together a quick guide of interesting things to do in Midtown Manhattan, one of the most iconic areas of NYC.
Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan
Eat for days
With the price of food being so high in NYC, any place that offers cheap yet high-quality grub is a spot worth visiting. If you are traveling to NYC by bus, you will be happy to know that, near the Port Authority Bus Terminal, there are a few hidden treasures to kick off your foodie adventure.
Located a short five-block walk away from the bus terminal is Best Bagel & Coffee, with a broad variety of spreads (bacon and cheddar! Chipotle!) and bagel sandwiches. Open starting at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday, it’s the perfect way to start your day with a robust breakfast and snag a coffee in tow.
For those of you that are in search of something filling and mouth-watering, both in the eating and the drinking department, a good option in the area is Heartland Brewery. This American-style brewpub serves unique and locally brewed craft beers and a variety of delicious entrees. With its vintage, old-school New York vibe, you’ll get a taste of what city life is really like.
Enjoy the view & fresh air
The New York City skyline is arguably one of the most recognizable in the world, so you’re gonna need some pics for the gram. The Empire State Building is the obvious first choice, but there are other observatories in NYC you can check out if you want to get off the beaten path a little.
If you’re looking for little more green and some space to kick a ball around, Central Park is definitely the place to be in Manhattan. If you are heading there from Times Square or Port Authority, you will need to walk 17 blocks north (the closest section of the park is on 59th Street and 8th Avenue). Although that might seem like a hike, there’s no better way to experience the city than walking it, so head up north on 8th Ave and explore the Big Apple like a local. Even if your feet are sore when you arrive, you’ll find it is worth it.
You are now in one of the most scenic and iconic parks in the world! In Central Park, you can visit a zoo, several ponds and trails, a carousel, and even the famous Strawberry Fields Memorial (located around West 72nd St. and Central Park West).
Shop at the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market
Instead of spending the majority of your time indoors, visit Hell’s Kitchen’s outdoor flea market! This unique market is open year round on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Even if you’re not much of a shopper, you’ll realize that this market has something to offer for everyone. From antiques to street artists, browsing your way through the flea market is a must.
Meet your idols (in wax form)
The Madame Tussauds wax museum is one of the most fun things to do in the Times Square area. From Johnny Depp to Elvis Presley, the museum has figures of all of our favorite celebrities. The famous Times Square landmark is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., so you can easily pay a visit whenever you have some free time. You can find information about fares and buy tickets here.
Cruise around the city
Embarking on a sightseeing cruise is one of the best ways to see New York City. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises offers two daytime cruises: a ‘best of NYC’ cruise and a landmark cruise. These two options are great for someone who doesn’t come to the city frequently.
If you’re someone who’s looking to cruise around the city at night with a drink in your hand, the harbor cruise will be the best option for you. Nothing quite compares to an NYC sunset cruise with the city lights bouncing off the water.
Explore Manhattan’s Nightlife
If you decide to head out and party, Beer Authority is the perfect place to start off your night. There, you can enjoy a cold brew with a great view! This rooftop bar is located directly across from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and offers spectacular views of the city at night. It was recently voted in the Top 10 Beer Gardens in Manhattan, and it is an ideal location for a sports fan, since it features several flat screens to watch games.
New York City is one of the places where you don’t have to worry about missing the last train home if you stay out too late. Many subway lines operate 24/7 and there are stations all around the city, so if you’re someone who prefers exploring at night, New York City is the perfect place to do it!
Where to stay in New York City
Since this trip could potentially be a costly one, finding a hotel that’s both cheap and nice could be time-consuming. Thankfully, we’ve done our research and we’re here to help you out.
Row NYC is just a few blocks from Port Authority and the prices are on the lower end. For $143 a night, this modernized 4-star hotel has much more to offer than others in the area. At the hotel, there are two restaurants, two bars and there’s even complimentary breakfast each morning. There’s also a fitness center on-site if you’re one of them gym rats.
For being right in the city, $151 for a night at Comfort Inn Times Square South Area isn’t a bad deal either. This hotel chain is known for their pillow-top beds and clean appearance. The fact that the hotel also includes breakfast is a plus, but the extremely strong free Wi-Fi makes everything even better.
Book a ticket to NYC on Wanderu.com or by downloading the FREE Wanderu app and enjoy your getaway to the one and only Big Apple!
About Lindsay Tavarozzi: Lindsay is an aspiring travel journalist who loves caramel iced lattes, passport stamps and her Nikon D5200. She spends her free time writing posts for her blog and binge-watching Gossip Girl. Lindsay has a Bachelors in Communication from Lasell College.
