Visiting the Big Apple can be exhilarating and overwhelming all at the same time. The energy is constant, the lights are bright, and the food is top notch. So what should you do if you’re planning your first trip to New York City? We’ll help you plan your weekend!
Let’s start in Central Park and work our way around one of the best cities in the world, all with a Be Bottle in hand! A walk in Central Park will make you forget you’re in one of the biggest cities in the world. In the summer, you can rent pedal boats, canoes, and bikes to get around the park. Rather visit in the winter? There’s ice skating wrapped by tall trees and gleaming lights in the background.
Times Square is fun both at night and during the day. The vibe changes drastically as the sun sets and the city lights start shining. Here you have great shopping, amazing Broadway shows, and hundreds of restaurants/bars. For a great city view, head up to the Marriott Marquis’ The View Restaurant & Lounge– a rotating restaurant at the top of the hotel. Just south of Times Square, Midtown boasts the lovely 34th Street, with the original Macy’s and tons of shopping. This area is beautiful at Christmas, when the department stores dress their windows in holiday storytelling designs. No fear of heights? Head to the top of the Empire State Building for breathtaking views.
Up next is the meatpacking district, home of Chelsea Market– a large grocery focused shopping experience. You’ll find all sorts of food, knick knacks, and even souvenirs. You can end at Artists & Fleas a daily market for local art, design, fashion, vintage, and artisanal food vendors. Once back outside, find the Highline, an elevated park along the west side of Manhattan. It used to be a railway, but has transformed into beautiful greenery and a scenic path.
If you’re into all things money, head down to the financial district. Here you’ll find the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street, and the Charging Bull. Another notable gem is Trinity Church, dating back to the 1800s. Just a bit to the north, you’ll find the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, where peaceful fountains now flow where the twin towers used to stand.
Up next, Chinatown & Little Italy! In this small area you can find anything from traditional sweet and sour chicken to eggplant parmigiana. Take a stroll through a few blocks packed with culture, amazing food, and lots of street vendors. Are sweets your jam? Ferrara Bakery is known for its Italian desserts, especially traditional cannolis. The bakery has been around since the 1800s and after all these years, everyone still loves it!
Last, but certainly not least, you can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for breathtaking city views. This trek is probably one of our favorites, especially if you make it past the first tower. This is typically where tourists turn around and walk back to Manhattan, but if you keep going to Brooklyn, you won’t be disappointed! Not only does the bridge get less crowded, you can explore Dumbo, a waterfront community overlooking the East River and the NYC skyline.
New York City is full of life, culture, and great eats from around the globe. It’s an energetic mecca that fully embraces its descriptor as the city that doesn’t sleep! If you’re exploring NYC, or any city for that matter, be sure you stay hydrated all day every day with your Be Bottle.