I just got back from my first short (but amazing) trip to New York City. I will be sharing more over the coming weeks of my entire trip, but I wanted to start out with an overview of what I did as a first time visitor/tourist in NYC. I had dreamed for years about visiting New York City, so I had far more things on my to-do list than I could do in the time I had. I will have to go back again soon.
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Finding a great central location to stay when traveling is important for me. I love walking and exploring the area that I am in. I put in over 20,000 steps a day during my visit to NYC. One day I surpassed 30,000 steps or about 20 km…my poor sore feet! Thank you to my Fitbit always keeping me motivated. 🙂
I was very lucky to have amazing weather each day of my visit to NYC. It was a bit warm and humid compared to what I am used to on the west coast, but bearable.
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SpringHill Suites – Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
I stayed at the New York SpringHill Suites located in the Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue area. It proved to be a great choice because it was so central to so many of the attractions and parks that I planned to see during my visit.
My room was very comfortable and nothing is better than coming back to your room to relax in a cozy bed after a long day of adventuring in the Big Apple. The wifi was fast and free (my two favourite things when we are taking about wifi) and my room had a fridge for me to keep water and some healthy snacks.
Each morning there was a warm breakfast that was included with the stay. I opted for the oatmeal and fruit each day in an effort to start my day off on the right foot. I find that I don’t eat as good on vacation. There was a nice gym at the hotel, but with all the walking I was doing, I didn’t even make it there {gasp!}.
My room had an amazing view that I just couldn’t get enough of. I woke up each morning looking at the Empire State Building, which is just a block away. I expect that view never grows tiring. I loved the old buildings and architecture…which is so different to what I see at home.
Using the SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue as my home base, these were the sites that I walked to. It is such a central location…which I LOVED! ❤❤
Empire State Building
As I mentioned, the Empire State Building is just a block away from the SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue. This photo was taken from the roof of the hotel. If you head up to the roof there is a viewing area where you can take it all in. I took my tea up there one morning.
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station is also very close to the hotel and a great place to visit your first time to New York. It amazed me at the number of people that were in NYC. I truly is the City that never sleeps.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park was a short walk from the SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue and a real gem. I really wasn’t familiar with it, but it was a great place to escape to to people watch. I had a scrumptious chocolate, banana, strawberry waffle from a vendor there…and it was so good that I had to go back another day.
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is right adjacent to Bryant Park. The building is very ornate and I was glad that I stopped by. I recognized parts of the building from so many movies.
NYC Subway Experience
No visit to New York is complete without experiencing the subway. There were several stations within a short walking distance from the SpringHill Suites. I took the subway to Brooklyn and walked back over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. I then hopped on the subway back to the vicinity of my hotel. Thank goodness for friendly NYC residents who helped me navigate the subway.
Herald Square
Herald Square is home to a gigantic Macy’s store…along with many other shops. I quickly recognized that this was were the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is each year and what the movie the Miracle on 34th Street was based on. The restaurant inside the Macy’s (Stella 34 Trattoria) had really great pizza. 🙂
Flatiron Building
I have to admit that I was walking in the wrong direction when I realized that I was walking towards the famous Flatiron Building. I ended up walking to this area several times during my visit. Eataly was a very tasty restaurant that I tried in this area.
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Times Square
Times Square is also a short walk from the SpringHill Suites. I went there during the daytime and also in the evening. As expected, it was very busy, extremely overwhelming but totally amazing!
Rockefeller Center – Top of the Rock
I walked early one morning to the Rockefeller Center to get the first tickets to the Top of the Rock. It was worth it just for the amazing view. The sky was perfectly clear that morning and you could see all around the City. I loved the aerial view of Central Park.
Central Park
Speaking of Central Park, every first visit to NYC must include a trip here. I went one afternoon riding a bike around the park and then returned another morning early so that I could get some photos without the crowds. It was a lot more beautiful and clean than I was expecting. I was not disappointed! I went to the Shake Shack close to Central Park and ate my meal in the park. The fries and burger were so good!
NYC Food Experience
There are places to eat everywhere that you look in New York. A few doors down from the SpringHill Suites I found a great place to eat. It is Pokeworks and you need to go there during non-peak times or else you will find huge lines. You can choose from their bowl creations or make your own. I actually ate here twice during my stay. I really wish there was one close to home!
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Thank you to the SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue for hosting me during my visit and allowing me to experience New York City.
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a storyteller, food lover, dog mom and adventure seeker living on the Pacific coast. She shares her passion for food, dogs, fitness, adventures, travel and philanthropy, in hopes of encouraging followers to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places and stand for a cause. Bella lives with Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease.
You stayed were close to my place the first time I went to NYC! I love that area! I haven’t visited Byant Park and I’m so sorry since you describe it as a great place! Next time I’ll go to NYC I’ll go and see for sure! I love your outfits!!
Thank you Sabrina!
What great photos! I laughed at your comment about the humidity here on the east coast – it’s brutal. Looks like you have a great time visiting NYC. Looking forward to seeing more.
Thank you so much Alli!
I have been in New York City quite a number of times I don’t think you can have time to see everything matter how many times you go there’s always more to see. New York City is probably one of the most interesting city that I have visited and I always love exploring more of it.
I know I feel like I pissed so many things!
Never had the chance yet to visit New York City, hopefully someday. Your photos are awesome of the city.
Thank you Candy!
Gorgeous pictures! I’m glad you had a great time! NY definitely has lots of places to visit 🙂
http://www.theclosetcrush.com
Thank you Alina!!
I’m heading down to NY next month and your pictures have gotten me all the more excited for my trip!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Have an awesome trip!!
It looks like you had a fantastic trip! Your view from the hotel was amazing.
Thank you Julie!
I’ve been to NYC once and I’ve been dying to go back! Your trip looks amazing and I love how you put together this post. Your outfit in front of the New York Public Library is adorable!!
X,
Cristina
cristinawashere.com
Thank you so much Christina!
So many great photos. I’ve been to NYC several times when I was younger, but I would love to go again!
Thank you!
I miss everything about NYC! A lot of my relatives are there, and my sister recently moved back. Looking forward to visiting more often again to see her! We make the trip to central park for a morning run every time I’m there. It looks like you were able to see a lot and had a great time!
Sarah
http://www.bohochiccafe.com
I didn’t get to go for a run in central park but I’m guessing its super peaceful!
I too want to re visit nyc, i went there when i was just a little girl now that i am grown now i want to go back to explore and experience it all over again
http://www.mssparkleandglow.com
Yes it would be so much fun to go back!
New York is so much fun in the summer. Glad you enjoyed your trip!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Thank you Greta!
It looks like you had so much fun. You very lucky to have a hotel right in the middle of the city. I don’t know what I would want to see first. Of course you did it in the most stylish manner, always love your cute outfits.
Awww thank you so much Chrishelle, I loved dressing so chic in NYC!
LOVE LOVE LOVE these NYC pictures! You are such a doll in the BIG APPLE! So glad that you had an amazing time! Much love, sweet friend!
I hope your day is as beautiful as you are!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you so so much Vanessa!!!
These photos are all so amazing! Makes me long for another trip. I love NYC so fun! You got in a lot of fun things.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thank you so much Amy!!!
Those are some great outfits- you really have an eye for fashion. Hope you had a great trip!
Thank you so much Sarah!
I miss NYC! I used to take the subway right at that stop you posed in front of! Bryant park is so beautiful and lovely to walk around. And herald square always has such great shopping options!
Yes so true Jenn!!
I love NYC. There is so much to see and do there. And there is so much good food to eat too!
Totally agree, the food is good!
We just returned from a family vacation to NYC as well. Loved it – we stayed in SOHO / Manhattan and didn’t plan enough time there. Another trip needs to be on the agenda soon!
I love Soho!!! its so gorgeous there
NYC is one of the places that I can’t get enough of! Your pictures are gorgeous also.
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlife.com
Thank you Alix!
Dream city . I love it to last bits! there are tons of great places in NYC but top of the rock experience is totally the best one
So true I loved the top of the rock!
Looks like you had a great time in NYC, loving all of those photos!
Thank you Brandy!
20,000 steps a day?!! That’s insane, but totally awesome. I suppose it’s often quicker to walk somewhere than catch a taxi. :]
// â–² itsCarmen.com â–²
Ya my mom and I walk a lot haha!! taxis take so long in traffic
Although I live in Chicago, my best friend lives in NYC so I visit quite often (2-3 times a year)! It’s definitely a fun city to visit and there’s always something new to discover!
Your so lucky that you get to go so much!!! I would love to go that much
I want to go to NYC now. I have been there before but it was purely business, no exploring around on foot. 20000 steps (Are you serious? That’s so awesome!).
Yes my mom and I walk a lot!!!
These photos are freaking fabulous! You look so cute in everything you’re wearing in them too!
xoxo, Jenny
Thank you so much Jenny!!
What a fun NYC adventure. I love the city! It’s awesome that you were able to check out the view from the top of the rock!
Thank you Liz, I had such a great trip!
Your pictures are beautiful! It looks like you had so much fun! My favorite pic is of the viewfinder thingy! Beautiful!!
Thank you love!!
My goodness I think you managed to cram in all of the major NYC attractions!! Looks like an incredible trip! <3
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Thank you!!
You were definitely in a great area of town! It’s so helpful being near all of the big attractions when you’re visiting a new city!
Yes, everything was waling distance and subways were all super close
Your time here sounds so fun! You hit up all the best spots and I’m glad you enjoyed! xo
http://www.katherineinbrooklyn.com
Thank you Katherine!
What an amazing trip!! I’m dying to visit NYC and hope to make the trip in a few years!! PS Obsessing over your NYC outfits…SO CUTE!
xo Ashley
Its so stunning, you would love it there!!!
Great guide! I live in New York and you are spot on with everything! Love it – I hope you had the best time! -Kendall
Thank you so much Kendall next time we will have to meet up!
I LOVE love love NYC!! You took such gorgeous photos, and the hotel you stayed in sounds ideal, especially for your first visit. Can’t wait to read your next NYC posts!
Thank you so much Marlynn!
New York is an amazing place. Such beautiful photos to be taken. I will definitely visit that place someday.
There is so many great places to take pictures!!
It’s my dream trip too! Beautiful pictures, and the view from the window is really amazing!
Thank you!!
Love the photos! I love NYC and each time I go I say I need to spend a little more time there taking it all in!
I loved it there.. I would love to go again soon.
NYC… love it! Looks like you had a lot of fun. 🙂
I had a greta time! Thank you Maggie
Theres something about this city which will never make you forget it. i loved the photographs of the skyscrapers from below as well as the scenery shot from below. those two photos were amazing.
Thank you, I loved it there it was my most favourite trip!
I am so jealous that you went to NYC, glad you had a good time and I love the black crochet lace midi dress it is so beautiful!
I loved it and thank you so much Ana!!
I love NYC! I’ve been there a couple of times and it’s just an amazing city. I’m so glad you got to go – and that you enjoyed your trip. It looks like you had such a fun time there 🙂
http://www.thesparklingdarling.com
Thank you Heidi!!
I haven’t been to NYC in years. I’m sure a lot has changed. I would love to get back to Broadway.
I didn’t get chance to go to broadway it was a little to expensive!!
New York is such an amazing city! Looks like you had a great time!
Adi xx
http://www.fancycorrectitude.com
I had such a great time thank you Adi!
I love NYC!! I can’t wait to go back. I’m glad your having an amazing time!
xoxo, Danielle
http://www.glamrme.com
Thank you Danielle!!
We took a vacation to Niagra and NYC. I found some really great deals and I loved it! Niagra I thought was by far better than NYC for kids though
Sounds fun, Ive never been to Niagra!
I love New York! It never disappoints. Love your photos!
Its so pretty, I love it there!! Thank you Suzanne
Your pics are amazing!! I love NYC and have been there several times!! I want to go back soooo bad!!!
Thank you so much Ricci!!!
I just love New York and I have experienced most of what you have. There is a really good place called, “Macs” that let’s you create your own Mac n cheese and a cake place called, “The best chcolate cake in the world” which was no lie. Glad you had a great time. I hope to visit again soon.
Sounds very yummy. I would love to go back one day soon.
I live in Brooklyn and love to go to the city. It’s a quick ride away on the subway and we always find something fun to do.
Its so fun there, I had such a great time!! Brooklyn was gorgeous
I’m obsessed with NYC!!!! I love it all. Great photos of your trip ?? you are such a beauty
xo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
I had such a great time, I would love to live there one day!!! Thank you
Sounds like you had an amazing time and your photos are just gorgeous! Love how pretty your view was from your hotel room too! Hopefully next time you come to the states you can come visit Charlotte!!
xoxo
Amy | Pastel N Pink
Thank you so much Amy and haha maybe one day!
Wow – you saw everything! What a fun trip!
Thank you so much Jenn!
Isn’t New York City electrifying!!! Great photos, Bella, made me feel like I was there with you!
Thank you!!
I’m so glad you had a great time!
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
Thank you so much Carrie! I had the best time.
Thank you Anna, Your London trip looks fantastic!!!
Thank you so much Stephanie!!
Thank you Tori!
Love your guide of NYC! I’ve always thought about staying at that Springhill Suites and it’s great to know it’s close to so many attractions!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Thank you Tina!
So glad you had a great time!
xo, Jennifer
http://www.publicistinpearls.com
Thank you so much Jennifer!
Lucky you Bella!
http://www.beautiliciousd.blogspot.com
It was such a wonderful time!
You have beautiful images to capture what looks like a beautiful NYC trip!
Lovely,
Katelyn
http://www.theyellowspectacles.com
Thank you so much!
Thank you Emma!
It was lots of fun, I would love to go back one day soon
You got so many amazing shots in New York. Makes me want to go back!