The Best of NYC

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.

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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.

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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.  🙂

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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!

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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.  Save