New York City
/
Manhattan is best experienced by neighborhood
I had a chance to stay in a New York City apartment for three weeks. I stayed at my cousin’s apartment while he was traveling. I traveled there in the past, but three weeks gave me time to explore the city. I enjoyed my alone time and everything the city had to offer.
“New York will bestow the gift of loneliness and the gift of privacy” E.B. White
These are places I visited personally and would visit again. There are other great neighborhoods in Manhattan. I chose these because I spent so much time in them and there are lots of great places for visitors to experience.
Upper West Side
Flea markets and brunch are a great way to spend a Sunday on the Upper West Side
Play
Grand Bazaar Market 100 W 77th St. One of the oldest flea markets in New York City, formally GreenFlea Market started as a yard sale by parents to raise funds for their kid’s school in 1982. It’s profits support four public schools for over 4,000 kids. Don’t be surprised if you run into a movie star here, we did!
Central Park The park can be a nice break from the crowds and a fun place to hike around and take a picnic. There are so many great spots to see. Here are a few highlights. It is best to plan your visit before twilight. Remember the sun sets quickly behind tall building and it is safest to be out to the edges of the park before sundown.
American Museum of Natural History Central Park west at 79th This is huge, interesting museum full of exhibits with dinosaurs, space, and science founded in 1869 seen in the movie Night at the Museum is a great was to spend a day
Eat
There are so many great brunch spots on the Upper East Side (Reservations suggested):
French Roast 2340 Broadway Sarabeth's 423 Amsterdam Ave. between 80th & 81st A lovely spot to spend a relaxing brunch Red Farm 2170 Broadway between W. 76th AND W. 77th Asian dumplings, rice, noodles Jacob’s Pickles Southern comfort food A.G. Kitchen A mix of American and Latin dishes in a spot that is bright and comfortable
Cafe Viva This is a must visit spot for us. Pizza by the slice and whole pies, Vegan, Gluten free, vegetarian pizzas, they also have traditional pizza, pasta, salads and desserts. One block from the subway and worth the trip.
Pappardella 316 Columbus Ave Traditional Italian cuisine
Upper East Side
This lovely traditional upscale neighborhood is lined with brownstones and beautiful trees. The neighborhood also includes Madison Avenue and the Museum Mile
Stay
The Pierre Upscale luxury hotel that will meet your every need in the perfect location on Central Park on the East Side close to midtown. Have a drink or tea in the The Rotunda room.
Hotel Whales located in the perfect spot on the Upper East Side this historic old world boutique hotel
Play
Museums
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) 1000 5th Ave You can spend days here, it’s huge. It’s a good places to meet up with friends, get a snack or enjoy al meal, in warmer months the rooftop is lovely and in chilly months the soup is always wonderful. Feathered Empty Nest Tip tickets purchased at the museum are “pay what ever you want to give” $5 is acceptable and Take headphones with you and you can listen to the audio guide Stop and look at the Met Museum Map to decide what area you’d like to visit before you start, the size for this museum can be overwhelming
The Guggenheim Museum Housed in a 1950 Frank Lloyd Wright building this collection is one of the best in the world and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List
The Jewish Museum Open daily with beautiful ornate art and make sure you get a bagel at Russ and Daughters (they even have Gluten Free Bagels)
The Neue Galerie This gem of a museum is small and ornate. Gustav Klimt’s The Woman in Gold painting is worth the trip. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays First Fridays are free 6-9 pm Cafe Sabarshy Located inside the Neue Galerie this cafe makes you feel as though you stepped back in time when you enter this lux Viennese inspired dining room with large windows and lined with marble tables displaying a multitude of confections. Feathered Empty Nest Tips 1) Lunch reservation are only for members who donate $1000 a year but you can get a coffee or glass of wine and dessert in the afternoon or make dinner reservation 2) admissions is normally $26 but if all exhibits aren’t open they have a pay what you wish policy.
Play Outside
Take a stroll by The Holly Golightly House 169 E 71st St Made famous by the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s based on Truman Capote's novel about a single lady living in New York City staring Audrey Hepburn. This is a private residence by you can stroll the lovely neighborhood.
Central Park Zoo Located at southeast corner of Central Park, this compact zoo is on 6 1/2 acres with indoor and outdoor exhibits and you can visit the four areas: Tropics, Temperate,; Polar, and Central Garden as well as The Children’s Zoo and the 4-D Theater in under 2 hours. Feathered Empty Nest Tip hold on to your ticket because you will exit areas and enter again so you will be required to show your ticket.
Midtown
Midtown is a bustling area close to many attractions
Stay
Yotel 570 Tenth Avenue at W 42nd Street We love the economy of these tiny yet very comfortable rooms, they are centrally located, smartly designed and won’t break the bank
Play
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) A great place to see some of the most amazing modern art in the world, hang out in the garden, have lunch at Terrace 5 or one of the other great restaurants inside the museum and shop in the famous gift shop. I like to visit more than once on my visits to the city so I can take my time.
Rockefeller Center Visit the Top of the Rock observation deck
Broadway Shows
Hamilton Lottery Start entering a few days before your trip begins, Good Luck!
TKTS Discount same day show tickets Feathered Empty Nest Tip Lincoln Center location is less well known so lines are shorter and is indoors if you are waiting in bad weather
Lucky Seat Check out available tickets at least 2 days before you’d like to attend a show
Shop
Bendorf Goodman 754 5th Ave A great NYC department store experience and great sight seeing. Feathered Empty Nest Tip Walk through the perfume departments, try a few and when you find one you like ask for samples
Uniqlo 666 5th Ave This Japanese clothing brand, great place for souvenirs, kids t-shirt… this is also the wolds largest Uniqlo at 89,000 sq feet with 100 dressing rooms, 50 cash registers, a photo booth! They have MoMa t-shirts here too
Drink and Eat
The Smith 956 Second Ave (at 51st St) Big, hip eatery, great brunch
Champagne Bar at The Plaza 768 5th Ave A special spot to stop in and relax in luxury
Eataly at the Flatiron Building 200 5th Ave You will want to eat here more than once. Multiple dining options from restaurants, counters, cafe, a lovely rooftop and market. This is a foodies dream.
Chelsea
Choose a nice weather day for this part of the city
The Jane Hotel Close by in the West End, This hotel is for the adventurer. Step back in time in this micro hotel We suggest the Captains Cabin unless you want train size quarters with bunk beds and a communal bathroom you can get a standard room. Complimentory bikes available
Play
Whitney Museum of American Art The Whitney is a bit pricey but worth it to see these works of art in an uncrowded, elegant location Closed Tuesdays, there are free tours of exhibits included with admission Feathered Empty Nest Tip Bring your own headphones to stream the audio guide & “pay what you wish tickets” are available at the admissions desk on Fridays, 7–9:30 pm.
Play Outside
The High Line This park and walking trail connected to the Whitney Museum, this former freight rail line built in the 1800’s was abandon in the 1980’s, CSX donated it to the City of New York in 2006. The first opened to the public in 2009. This park is a beautiful example of how a city can celebrate nature, art and design in a park. Feathered Empty Nest Tip download the High Line App before you go
Shop
Chelsea Market 75 Ninth Avenue (between 15th & 16th St.) You can shop , eat and stroll around here for hours. Come hungry because there are so many food choices.
Artists and Flea 88 10th Ave @ W. 15th Street One of our favorite sight seeing, shopping spot.
Art Galleries There are many art galleries to hop in and out of in the neighborhood. They feature artists you could will see in great museums around the world. Fridays and Saturdays are the best days to stroll through these.
Uniqlo 500 W 33rd St Japanese clothing basics and a reasonable price. Great for buying gifts.
Eat and Drink
Pastis Traditional French food with a New York soul
Chelsea Market - see above
American Whiskey Big yet restful stop from the bustle of midtown, great cocktails, Whiskey flights and a full menu
Schmackary’s A wonderful, traditional bakery, Get a cookie while walking around, gluten free Schmaroons are tasty
Soho
Crosby Street Hotel
This is a great neighborhood for relaxed shopping, afternoon tea or lunch
Access by the Spring Street Subway Station
Crosby Street Hotel SoHo This is a Firmdale Hotel (one of our favorite boutique hotel chains) located on a cobblestone street this gem has a lovely terrace, garden, afternoon tea and The Crosby Bar Take a look HERE
Play
Judd Foundation 101 Spring Street This is the restored apartment and studio of artist Donald Judd prior to his move to Marfa Texas. Feathered Empty Nest Tip We highly recommend this tour. Reservations are required and best made prior to your trip.
Shop
Uniqlo 546 Broadway Japanese clothing basics and a reasonable price. This building is in the heart of SoHo and was designed by renowned architect Masamichi Katayama
MoMA Design Store A fun place to visit and shop for gifts
Purl Soho Sewing, knitting, embroidery supplies, classes
Eat
Balthazar NYC staple, tight quarters but if you want to eat like a New Yorker then squeeze in and enjoy.
Ladurée New York Soho this is the closest you can get to being in Paris without leaving NYC beautiful pastries made by the famous Parisian bakery and garden, afternoon tea, brunch, allergy free options
Casual healthy dining around Manhattan
Dig Inn Casual and heathy many locations around the city and a seasonal menu
The Little Beet Heathy and great tasting vegan, vegetarian and 100% gluten free with many allergy free options Many options around the city
Hu Kitchen 78 Fifth Avenue at 14th St Healthy and delicious, make sure and take some of their chocolate home with you Gluten Free, paleo, and vegan options
Necessities
Grocery stores - Whole foods has great snacks and prepared food, small neighborhood grocery stores have everything from produce to paper towels Feathered Empty Nest Tip Wine is only sold at liquor stores
Drug stores - Duane Reed is all around the city
Discount store - Harmon Face value 675 6th Ave
Getting around
Map of Manhattan with lots of my favorites saved on it
Walking Google maps gives great walking directions An Apple Watch allows you to get directions discreetly without having to take out a map or your phone
Uber, Lyft and taxis work well but can be hard to get when weather is bad and be costly in high traffic times Subway Find you’re closest station and google maps will show you routes and times
Feathered Empty Nest Tips for getting around NYC:
Check your directions before you head out because in the subway cell service can be iffy
If you get turned around slip into an upscale hotel lobby to check your phone or map
Bring a small zippered cross body bag and a small packable travel tote for shopping. Coats and jackets with interior pockets work well for carrying a small wallet or cell phone. don’t carry cell phones or wallets in back pockets.
Try to avoid the area in front of Trump tower, it’s crazy with tourists and security and Times Square is always a crowded mess
Also see this post Great Books about New York City
Guide New York City - Feathered Empty Nest