Hey there, fellow explorers! Ready to dive into the wild ride that is a 7-day adventure in the city that never sleeps? Buckle up and grab your notepad, because I've got the ultimate guide on how to make the most of your New York escapade. But wait a minute – before you go all out, there's one crucial thing you need to remember: your feet. Yes, those trusty companions that'll be carrying you through the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle. Trust me, you'll need your energy, your sense of humor, and a hearty appetite for fun!
Day 1: New York, New York!
Believe me, when it comes to conquering the Big Apple in just 7 days, time is essential. We touched down at LaGuardia Airport, filled with excitement and the desire to squeeze every drop of magic out of this city. First stop: our hotel in the heart of it all – Midtown. Insider tip: for rookie New Yorkers, Midtown is the strategic place for newcomers. Our room at the POD 39 Hotel was like a cozy little cocoon. Our hotel room makes me feel like a giant in a dollhouse, but hey, we're here to see the city, not do cartwheels in our room. the perfect spot to crash after our thrilling New York adventures.
Our journey kicked off with a bang as our feet led us through the heart of Manhattan. And before we knew it, we were standing in the dazzling heart of the city – Times Square. The billboards lit up the sky like fireworks on New Year's Eve, and the energy was electric. As we walked along, we couldn't believe our eyes when the famous Chrysler Building appeared on the horizon. Our feet quickened their pace, almost dancing with delight as we passed by this iconic piece of New York's skyline. Later in the afternoon, our journey led us to the awe-inspiring Rockefeller Center, where our feet had a rendezvous with the legendary Atlas. A photo with the iconic statue was a moment to remember, It is the cover of the book of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged which I've been reading back in early 2000. Our feet took us to another marvel – St. Patrick's Cathedral. This architectural wonder stood tall, and our feet guided us inside, where we found solace in the serenity of the space. Our feet walked the hallowed halls, connecting us with history, faith, and the marvels of human craftsmanship.
Day 2: Subway Survival and Monumental Marvels
Day 2 dawned with high spirits and a belly full of anticipation. However, let's not overlook the fact that our feet were already questioning our life choices from Day 1. No worries, we tackled the intricate web of the subway system like brave explorers navigating uncharted territories. And then, the moment of truth – the boat tour of the Statue of Liberty. A 60-minute spectacle of architectural wonders, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. Plus, I discovered that my map-reading skills were as reliable as a squirrel on
caffeine. After the exhilarating boat ride, we found ourselves in the heart of Lower Manhattan – and what's a trip to New York without a stroll through Chinatown and Little Italy. Our feet were ready for a taste of culture, and boy, did they get it. The aromatic scents of sizzling noodles and savory spices filled the air, and we couldn't resist the call of an authentic meal. As we dug into plates of noodles and slices of New York-style pizza, our feet happily rested under the table, recharging for the journey ahead. But wait, there's more! As we ventured further, Union Square beckoned with open arms – a green oasis amidst the urban jungle. Our feet welcomed the chance to take a load off, enjoying a moment of respite on a bench while the world buzzed around us. Union Square's vibrant atmosphere, complete with street performers and local vendors, provided the perfect backdrop for our feet's well-deserved break.
Day 3: Art, Avenue, and All the Awe
On Day 3, we embarked on a journey down 5th Avenue, where window shopping became a sport. The high-end stores were practically winking at us, probably aware of our shoestring budget. Grand Central Terminal's celestial ceiling had us gazing upward like kids at fireworks show. A brief sojourn at Bryant Park gave our tired feet a much-needed break, and let's not forget the rooftop deck back at the hotel –we peeked from our window, observing the Friday night revelry of the locals.
Day 4: A Walk in the Park and a Broadway Adventure
Central Park, here we come! Armed with our trusty sneakers and a sense of adventure, we strolled through the leafy oasis. But after a while, I realized that Central Park could give even the most seasoned hikers a run for their money. We stumbled upon the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) and ventured to the Strawberry Fields area, where the "Imagine" mosaic captured the essence of John Lennon's dream. And of course, a trip to New York isn't complete without a Broadway show. "Here Comes Love," an all-Filipino cast, and the legendary Lea Salonga brought the stage to life – and let me tell you, my dance moves were on point on this immersive Broadway show! It was a Broadway dream come true.
Day 5: From Heights to Memorials
Get ready, because Day 5 is action-packed! We embarked on a sightseeing tour that was like
a roller coaster for the eyes. We grabbed a ticket that allowed us to hop on and off the big red buses, giving us the perfect vantage point for exploring the city's gems. First up? The Empire State Building? Check! Then we paid our respects at the 9/11 Memorial, where the somber atmosphere was palpable, and the granite water fountain bore the names of the fallen. The One World Observatory was next on the list – and the views were so good they could bring tears to your eyes. And then we met the Wall Street bull, because dreams don't just happen in dreams, people! Jollibee in Times Square – yep, we have to get that fried chicken for our lunch. Plus, we hit Guggenheim, a giant snail shell designed by one of my favorite Architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. There is an ongoing exhibit of Gego and Sarah Sze. And let's not forget the ramps – oh, those iconic museum's ramps that guide you seamlessly from one exhibit to another. It's like a never-ending treasure hunt for creativity. Lastly, Madam Tussauds in New York. It was a star-studded affair, where my feet were graced by the presence of the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber. As a lover of music and a devotee of his compositions, seeing his waxen doppelgänger was like meeting a musical deity. From "Phantom of the Opera" to "Evita," my feet were dancing with joy – albeit metaphorically.
Day 6: Literary Dreams and Family Feasts
Time to give those feet a break on Day 6. The New York Public Library awaited us with its grandeur and iconic steps. I may have pretended to be Belle from "Beauty and the Beast," but in reality, I was just giddy with excitement. A family reunion at Carmines was the perfect way to refuel, and let me tell you, the portions were so generous they could feed a small village.
Day 7: TV Stardom and Farewell
The grand finale had us walking the red carpet – well, sort of. We snagged a spot at "Good Morning America, "the radiant Robin Roberts gracefully waved directly at us! Our feet might have been aching, but in that moment, we were on cloud nine. We have been going back and forth between Good Monring America and Nasdaq. the beating heart of financial excitement. As we peeked through the glass, catching a glimpse of the bustling world inside, we suddenly found ourselves on television screens across the nation. Our faces, filled with wonder and excitement, were captured in that snapshot of time.
But let's talk about the real sustenance that fueled our escapades – the food! We usually get our breakfast from the nearby Bagel Express. Pro tip: when you spot those ubiquitous hotdog kiosks on the street corners, give your feet a breather and grab a snack. I found my comfort food at Dim Sum Garden, where the fragrance of steaming dumplings and mouthwatering dim sum welcomed us with open arms. Another favorite is the Katagiri Japanese Grocery, the aisles lined with authentic Japanese ingredients and treats, I couldn't help but marvel at the global journey my taste buds were embarking upon. From sushi to snacks, my feet knew exactly where to take us to satisfy my culinary cravings. Another favorite of Jason is House of Lasagna, where layers of pasta perfection awaited. And what's a day without a slice of New York-style pizza? Previtti Pasta & Pizza, where Jason got his well-deserved pizza fix, everyday! New York has really an international cuisine!
And just like that, our 7-day journey through the vibrant streets of New York City was coming to an end. Our feet might have ached a lot, but they had stories to tell, memories to cherish, and a newfound appreciation for the city's energy. As we bid farewell to the city that never sleeps, we took one last glance back, knowing that our hearts were full, our spirits were soaring, and our feet – well, they deserved a standing ovation for a job well done.
So, here's to the unsung heroes of this adventure – our feet – and to the unforgettable moments that they helped us create. And as our feet found their way back home, they carried with them the echoes of laughter, the magic of discovery, and the promise of future escapades. Until next time, New York, keep shining bright!
Cast your vote in the poll below: If you were to visit New York, which iconic experience would be at the top of your list?
Exploring Times Square's Neon Wonderland
Grabbing a Classic NYC Hotdog from a Street Kiosk
Grabbing a Classic NYC Hotdog from a Street Kiosk
Indulging in Authentic New York Pizza
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