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.

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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SpringHill Suites – Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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.

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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!}.

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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.

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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.

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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.

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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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.

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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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.

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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.

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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.  🙂

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

© Dibrova | Dreamstime.com

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.

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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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!

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

© Dibrova | Dreamstime.com

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.

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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!

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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!

SpringHill Suites Manhattan New York City

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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

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.

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Leave a Comment

  1. Sabrina Barbante wrote:

    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!!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  2. Alli Smith wrote:

    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.

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  3. Jeanette wrote:

    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.

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  4. Candy Kage wrote:

    Never had the chance yet to visit New York City, hopefully someday. Your photos are awesome of the city.

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  5. Alina Aronow wrote:

    Gorgeous pictures! I’m glad you had a great time! NY definitely has lots of places to visit 🙂

    http://www.theclosetcrush.com

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  6. Siffat Haider wrote:

    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

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  7. It looks like you had a fantastic trip! Your view from the hotel was amazing.

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  8. 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

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  9. M Q wrote:

    So many great photos. I’ve been to NYC several times when I was younger, but I would love to go again!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  10. Sarah wrote:

    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

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
    • I didn’t get to go for a run in central park but I’m guessing its super peaceful!

      Posted 7.2.16 Reply
  11. Kerona Ledgister wrote:

    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

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  12. Greta Hollar wrote:

    New York is so much fun in the summer. Glad you enjoyed your trip!

    Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  13. Chrishelle Ebner wrote:

    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.

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  14. WhatWouldVWear wrote:

    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

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  15. 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

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  16. Sarah Twain wrote:

    Those are some great outfits- you really have an eye for fashion. Hope you had a great trip!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  17. 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!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  18. Pam W wrote:

    I love NYC. There is so much to see and do there. And there is so much good food to eat too!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  19. http://tiarastantrums.com wrote:

    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!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  20. NYC is one of the places that I can’t get enough of! Your pictures are gorgeous also.

    Alix | http://www.apintsizedlife.com

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  21. 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

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  22. Brandy wrote:

    Looks like you had a great time in NYC, loving all of those photos!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  23. 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

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  24. 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!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
    • Your so lucky that you get to go so much!!! I would love to go that much

      Posted 7.2.16 Reply
  25. 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!).

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  26. Jenny wrote:

    These photos are freaking fabulous! You look so cute in everything you’re wearing in them too!
    xoxo, Jenny

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  27. Liz Mays wrote:

    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!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  28. Wildheartsea wrote:

    Your pictures are beautiful! It looks like you had so much fun! My favorite pic is of the viewfinder thingy! Beautiful!!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  29. Miss ALK wrote:

    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

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  30. 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!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  31. Katherine Turro wrote:

    Your time here sounds so fun! You hit up all the best spots and I’m glad you enjoyed! xo

    http://www.katherineinbrooklyn.com

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  32. Ashley wrote:

    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

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  33. Adriana wrote:

    Great guide! I live in New York and you are spot on with everything! Love it – I hope you had the best time! -Kendall

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  34. 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!

    Posted 6.29.16 Reply
  35. PSD Chamber wrote:

    New York is an amazing place. Such beautiful photos to be taken. I will definitely visit that place someday.

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  36. Marta Nightingale wrote:

    It’s my dream trip too! Beautiful pictures, and the view from the window is really amazing!

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  37. 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!

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  38. Maggie Unzueta wrote:

    NYC… love it! Looks like you had a lot of fun. 🙂

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  39. Subhadrika Sen wrote:

    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.

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  40. 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!

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  41. 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

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  42. Stephanie Pass wrote:

    I haven’t been to NYC in years. I’m sure a lot has changed. I would love to get back to Broadway.

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  43. Aditi Oberoi Malhotra wrote:

    New York is such an amazing city! Looks like you had a great time!

    Adi xx
    http://www.fancycorrectitude.com

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  44. I love NYC!! I can’t wait to go back. I’m glad your having an amazing time!

    xoxo, Danielle
    http://www.glamrme.com

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  45. Ashley Winters wrote:

    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

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  46. Suzanne wrote:

    I love New York! It never disappoints. Love your photos!

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  47. Ricci wrote:

    Your pics are amazing!! I love NYC and have been there several times!! I want to go back soooo bad!!!

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  48. 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.

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  49. christina aliperti wrote:

    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.

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
  50. Angelle Marix wrote:

    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

    Posted 6.30.16 Reply
    • I had such a great time, I would love to live there one day!!! Thank you

      Posted 7.2.16 Reply
  51. Amy wrote:

    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

    Posted 7.1.16 Reply
  52. Jenn Lake wrote:

    Wow – you saw everything! What a fun trip!

    Posted 7.1.16 Reply
  53. Isn’t New York City electrifying!!! Great photos, Bella, made me feel like I was there with you!

    Posted 7.2.16 Reply
  54. Carrie Colbert wrote:

    I’m so glad you had a great time!

    Carrie

    http://www.wearwherewell.com

    Posted 7.2.16 Reply
  55. Thank you Anna, Your London trip looks fantastic!!!

    Posted 7.2.16 Reply
  56. Thank you so much Stephanie!!

    Posted 7.2.16 Reply
  57. Thank you Tori!

    Posted 7.2.16 Reply
  58. Tina Phan wrote:

    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

    Posted 7.2.16 Reply
  59. So glad you had a great time!

    xo, Jennifer
    http://www.publicistinpearls.com

    Posted 7.3.16 Reply
  60. Posted 7.4.16 Reply
  61. Katelyn Chef wrote:

    You have beautiful images to capture what looks like a beautiful NYC trip!
    Lovely,
    Katelyn
    http://www.theyellowspectacles.com

    Posted 7.4.16 Reply
  62. Thank you Emma!

    Posted 7.4.16 Reply
  63. It was lots of fun, I would love to go back one day soon

    Posted 7.4.16 Reply
  64. blm03 wrote:

    You got so many amazing shots in New York. Makes me want to go back!

    Posted 7.5.16 Reply