Recently I visited New York City again, and my friends and I decided to try to see as many of the sights in Manhattan as possible over the course of one weekend. While it is impossible to see all the major sights in Manhattan without spending at least a week exploring, we did manage to come up with a good 2-day tour for those visiting New York City.
Day 1
The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
Start your day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or MET, which is the largest art museum in the USA and one of the most popular museums in the world. Visiting this museum could easily take multiple days, but if you focus on seeing a few of the major sights you can keep your visit to 2-3 hours. As I had pre-paid entrance as part of my New York CityPASS I was able to save time when entering which was great as it left me more time to explore the exhibits.
I recommend visiting The Temple of Dendur in the Sackler Wing for Egyptian Art, then heading to the Arms and Armor exhibit to see the medieval armor which belonged to VIII of England and Henry II of France, then heading to the European Sculptures or Greek And Roman Art for beautiful sculptures. If time allows the roof garden on the 5th floor also provides an amazing view of Central park.
5th Ave
As you exit the MET you will find yourself on 5th Avenue, one of the most famous and certainly high-end shopping districts in New York City.
One of my favorite shops, Laduree which sells amazing macarons is just a short walk from 5th Avenue and is certainly worth a visit if you would like to try the famous French pastry.
Central Park
Right beside 5th Avenue and the MET is Central Park, one of the most famous landmarks in New York City and the perfect escape from the busy streets of New York.
While visiting the gardens just next to the MET you will find Belvedere Castle and Bethesda Fountain which famous areas in the park that happen to be close together.
Sprinkles Cupcake ATM
Next exit the Central Park at 65th street and turn onto Lexington Ave, where you can find the trendy cupcake ATM, where you can purchase a delicious Sprinkles cupcake. Right beside the ATM there is also tons of great shopping such as Bloomingdales.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
After your sugar fix, walk down Lexington until you reach 50th Street, which is where you will find neo-gothic St. Patrick’s Cathedral which is across from the Rockefeller Center. The church is free to visit and worth entering to see the breathtaking architecture. Next to the church you will also find the luxurious department store Saks 5th Ave.
Rockefeller Center
Crossing the street you will want to visit the Rockefeller Center, which is a series of buildings including Radio City. This landmark is the famous spot for seeing people skating in the winter, for a variety of stores including the popular Lego Store, and happens to offer the best view of New York City.
While visiting make sure to visit Top Of The Rock where you will tower above the city and get amazing views of the city including the Empire State Building and Central Park. Unlike at the Empire State Building where your view of the city is through a chain fence, at the Top Of The Rock, it is easier to get a better photograph as there are glass walls with spaces to fit your camera lens between, and at the highest levels only a railing that you can photograph above.
Day 2
Statue of Liberty
To start your second day in New York head to Battery Park and board a ferry to the Statue Of Liberty, or take Clipper City sailing tour as I did for a relaxing 1.5 hour tour without the crowds.
Washington Square Park
From Battery Park head to Washington Square Park by metro to see the Washington Square Arch and central fountain and explore Greenwich Village walking towards Madison Square Park.
Flatiron Building
Arriving at Madison Square Park you will find the architectural landmark, the Flatiron building which is famous for its unique shape.
It is well worth taking a short break at Madison Square Park and ordering lunch as the Shake Shack, a chain burger and shakes restaurant that makes amazing burgers where you can enjoy people watching at the outdoor tables.
New York Public Library
Following your break in the walk along 5th Ave past the Empire State Building to the New York Public Library to briefly tour the building for the spectacular architecture inside and out.
Grand Central Terminal
A few minutes away from the Library you will find Grand Central Terminal, on of the most popular tourist sites in the world.
Times Square
To end your trip in New York City there is no better place than Times Square at night where you will be able to take in all the neon signs and bustling nightlife.
Are you planning on visiting New York City? If so you might want to check out my review of the Yotel Hotel, Madame Tussauds, and Manhattan By Sail.
This post was done in partnership with CityPASS and The Offical Guide to NYC who provided me complimentary CityPASSes, all opinions are my own.