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I have always wanted to visit New York City baby! So when my sister said she wanted to go on a girls trip after she graduated high school I was sooo excited. Robin was a little sad because he’s never been either, so we will definitely be back! Plus I loved it there, one of my favorite big cities I’ve been to actually.

We crammed a lot into a short time, as per my usual travel style. There is a lot to see and do in New York, I mean it is a BIG city. 😉

NEEEEWWWWW YOOOOOOOOORKK! Sung like the Zebra from Madacascar.

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Quick Tip to Save Money in New York

We used the CityPass while in New York. They offer a bundle deal on several common attractions that saves you money! I recommend looking into it, especially if you plan on seeing the more common and popular New York sights.

Make sure you check out CityPass if you are traveling to most major U.S. cities!

See a Broadway Show

We saw The Lion King! This was the first broadway play I had ever seen and it was incredible! The theatrics, the costumes, the music all of it rocked. I would see it again ten times over, and I’ll probably have to. The Lion King is Robin’s favorite Disney movie and he still hasn’t seen the play so at least once more is guaranteed.

I am sure the other broadway shows are great too. Just make sure you see one while you’re in New York City. Which one is your favorite?

Visit the Empire State Building

Always a classic, this iconic building was once the tallest in New York. It is not any longer but it is still full of history and offers a great view of the New York Skyline. I definitely recommend going up to the observation deck.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

This one actually wasn’t my favorite stop. The iconic green lady is here to welcome foreigners to the Land of Liberty. However it is a little pricey and requires waiting in endless long lines. Plus did you know that your basic ticket only gets you to the island? You have to pay extra to get onto the base, and still even more to get into the crown. There are no good places to take pictures and it feels like one big tourist trap.

Ellis Island on the other hand was really cool! It has whole exhibits talking about the waves of immigrants that entered the U.S. plus they have stories from actual immigrants. You can also see the conditions that people stayed in while waiting to be granted entrance. Truly an awesome experience.

Bike Central Park

Central Park is a huge park. Do yourself a favor, get outside and explore the little nature that New York City has to offer. A bike is a good way to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time AND a good way to get some exercise on vacation. We rented the bikes for an hour but an hour and a half to two hours would be more leisurely. There are also ponds you can go out on or just have lunch on the grass.

The Natural History Museum and The MET

Two hugely famous museums full of historic art and artifacts and they are right across central park from each other. Hit them both or pick the one that you would enjoy more. Either way they are worth a visit. They are HUGE though so they will require some time.

The MET is full of art and while the art pieces are amazing they are not my scene.

The Natural History Museum on the other hand is definitely my scene. Full of science and cultural artifacts! I could have spent days wandering through here.

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See Times Square

Did you know times square is basically a giant city block with lots of bill boards? Because I didn’t realize that haha. I don’t know what I was expecting but its still a cool place with a lot of energy. Also some topless painted women so watch out for that cause that is not really what I want to see before noon.

I recommend the M&M store because they have chocolate, free samples, and fun souvenirs.

Ride the Subway and See Grand Central Station

The subway is the best way to get around in my opinion. Definitely more budget friendly than taxis or Ubers and nicer on your feet than walking. One famous stop is Grand Central Station.

I wanted to see it because of Madagascar (the movie). It was just like in the movie but not great for pictures because the lighting is AWEFUL. Just fun to see if you happen to be going past it already.

Brooklynn Bridge

The Brooklynn area is really nice! Its quieter than the rest of the city. The bridge is really an awesome place to see the city skyline. It was fun to walk across it and back. There are some really famous and delicious pizza places nearby too where you can get some New York style pizza.

Black Tap

This was my first experience with a freak shake and it was DELICIOUS!! I got the chocolate chip cookie one, Elizabeth got the birthday cake shake. I actually liked that one better but they were both good and over the top and way too much sweet for one sitting!

9/11 Museum

Do you remember where you were the morning of the 9/11 attack? I was in elementary school in the cafeteria. We all watched it together in the news.

I know most of you can remember that too. So we headed to the 9/11 memorial. The fountain/memorial is a stunning testament to all that were lost that day. The more museum portion shows pictures and artifacts from that day. I definitely recommend stopping here if you can.

The Flat Iron Building

We really only walked by here while on our way home one night but I think it is worth seeing. This architectural masterpiece makes for a great photo backdrop and there is a really nice park across the street. It would be a really nice place to read a book and people watch.

First Time in New York City

I can’t wait to visit New York again with Robin sometime in the future. If you’ve been before what was your favorite thing you did in New York? If you haven’t ever been what is the one thing you can’t wait to do?

Make sure you check out some of our other fun travels like Bali, Indonesia or Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. And If you need help affording travel make sure you check out the thrifty section of the blog to find different ways to save money. Everyones situation is unique so if one idea isn’t for you check out a couple others to find what works for you!

And don’t forget to use CityPass to save on sights you are already visiting!