Ultimate Guide to 6 Days in New York

New York is just like what you see in TV and movies. But there is also a hidden charm to the city that you will discover on your stay. Everything they say about New York is true, and more. It's very loud, it's busy, full of life (and crazy drivers), everyone walks with a purpose, and it's the city that never sleeps. In some instances, it can be overhwelming. My advice, don't leave to NYC without this guide!

Did I also mention that the food is amazing? Seriously the best food I have ever had since there is so much diversity and quantity of restaurants that you simply can't find in another city. That is saying A LOT, considering that I am from Texas.

In this blog, I take you through the things I did each day and the places I ate. Feel more than free to follow this blog for your trip to NYC or let this inspire you to take a trip out to this diverse city!

Day 1:

- Summit One Vanderbilt: HIGHLY recommend. This is an amazing experience that will take you 1,400 feet in the air to see all of New York from above. There is plenty more to see than to just be up there, there is restaurants, coffee, shops, and activities to do in different areas. All of which give you the most amazing views.

- Times Square: A MUST on your New York trip because truly, what is New York without Times Square. Do I need to say more? I recommend visiting both during the day and also at night time!

- Brooklyn Bridge: I recommend walking the entire Brooklyn Bridge. I walked the Brooklyn Bridge at night time and it was wonderful. You get to see the entire city lit up and you can even see the statute of liberty from a distance. By walking the bridge, you're able to get some pretty neat pictures sitting on the sides of the bridge with amazing views of the city and skyline in the background.

- 99 cent Pizza: Eating a 99 cent pizza in Times Square will change your life. I don't think I have tasted a better pizza and for only 99 cents? You can't go wrong. I will say that the 99 cent version is only cheese as a topping but they offer multiple different styles and topping for additional charge.

Day 2:

- 9/11 Memorial & Museum: For everyone who loves history just as I do, this is a great stop. Did I mention that it's free to go to? Definitely worth the trip. It's gorgeous and has a lot to see.

- Central Park: A MUST on your New York trip. New York is known for Central Park and the park is absolutely beautiful with so much going on in each corner. Don't leave New York without visiting Central Park.

- Maman Coffee Shop: The cutest coffee shop that actually was highly recommended from a good friend who lived in New York for a few years. This coffee shop has the cutest aesthetics and vibes for an instagram worthy post/picture. They also make a really mean caramel latte.

- Citi Bikes: There are Citi Bikes on every corner and if you just download the app, you're able to unlock them and ride them around. I recommend doing this and riding around Central Park only because it is so big and the bikes will make it faster to go through the entire park in good time but also allowing you to stop as you wish. The bikes are also a good tip for riding around anywhere you want to go around New York so long as the things you want to do are in good distance from each other.

Day 3:

- The Vessel: When looking into things to do in NYC, I found this to be highly recommended and for good reason. It's extremely nice and a good place to stop and be a typical tourist at. This is more of a structure and a definite visitor attraction but does make for a good photo!

- NY Mets Game: If you love sports just as I do, be sure to catch a NY Mets game! I'm a sucker for a good baseball game and stadium food. The experience is 10/10 and the stadium is nice. The tickets are also inexpensive.

- Cachapas Y Mas: This is a really neat Venezuelan restaurant where you can either eat inside or give them your order and wait for it outside (took no more than 10 minutes when I waited for my order). I absolutely loved the food here. I got the YoYo and it was delicious.

Day 4:

- Fulton Center: You will be in awe at what this center has to offer. Not only is it a huge train station stop but it also has shops ranging from designer stores to the stores you typically see at the mall. They also have a neat food court. Fulton Center was neat to see. I recommend stoping here if you can and have the extra time.

- Wall Street: A MUST. Just being able to say you walked down Wall Street or saw Wall Street is so neat. If you are a fan of The Wolf of Wall Street, you need to make this a priority to visit.

- Penn Station: The main railroad intercity railroad station in New York City and the busiest transportation facility. This is also something that is really neat to see and say you've been there. I enjoyed being able to see how busy this station is.

Day 5:

- Madison Square Garden: At the time that I visited New York City, there was not any major events I was interested in, taking place at Madison Square Garden but it was still on my "must see" list just because I know that it is home to so many incredible events that I always see on TV. I still made time to pass by it and see it for myself.

- Empire State Building: A MUST. For me, I just walked by it and saw it up close and that was good enough for me. There are plenty of different things you can do such as walking by it as I did or purchasing tickets to go inside and see more. Either way, I do recommend stopping by. On your way to and from, play "Empire State of Mind".

- Chimiloko: This is a really great Dominican fast food restaurant. I ordered the Chimichuri from here and it is AMAZING. So great that I actually had it twice on my trip. Don't be afraid to open your taste buds and try food from different countries! You won't regret it. This easily became my favorite place to grab food in NYC.

- Domino Park: I went to this park at night with the goal and idea of being able to grab an amazing view of the NY skyline at night and this fulfilled and exceeded my biggest dreams of doing so. There are also benches all along the sidewalks of the waterfront that allow you to just sit and take in the view of the water and of the skyline. I will say that I do recommend this at nighttime only because NYC at night is a whole different vibe. You'll love it.

Day 6:

- Yankees Game: A MUST!! With no bias opinion at all, the Yankees game was 100x better than the Mets game. There is just something different about actually being at THEE Yankee Stadium and the passion that the fans have is unmatched. The stadium will be literally shaking with their roars and chants after a great play or homerun. You need to go and be apart of that atmosphere. The stadium food is also to die for. I cannot stress enough how much I recommend a Yankees game.

- Delis: Since Yankee Stadium is located in The Bronx, there are so many amazing delis on every corner and I HIGHLY recommend stopping at any local Deli you see and ordering a Chopped Cheese sandwich either on a roll (smaller version) or hero (bigger version) which is what I typically get. This is hands down, my favorite food to get in New York and for good reason! Try it and let me know what you think about it. Other notable items to order from delis are Sausalitos and bacon, egg, and cheese on a bagel. SO GOOD. Trust me 100% on this. Tres Leches or any dessert cake is also AMAZING from here as well. Seriously, the best I have ever had. I think in my span of 6 days, I had 3 Tres Leches. That's saying A LOT.

- Dyckman: I highly recommend Dyckman street for Night Life. It is as real as it gets for food and clubs. The street is filled with hole in the wall fast food spots and lively clubs. Picture 6th street in Austin or downtown McAllen but x100 and much better. The experience is a 10/10 but be prepared to spend a pretty penny with the cost to get into the club and the drinks once you are inside.

Recommendations:

These recommendations range from things I didn't get to do to things I truly do recommend after my stay in NYC.

1. Please please please do me a favor and jump out of your food comfort zone while in New York. You will NOT regret it. The food here is food you can only find in this city and state.

2. Do not rent a car. Uber, Train, or walk everywhere. The train is a neat and different experience. You have to do it but make sure to read maps and know where you are going. If you choose to walk (which is do-able) just be aware of your surroundings.

3. SoHo - I didn't get to go to SoHo but I have heard great things about it. It is basically a bunch of designer stores so unless you plan to window shop, I recommend bringing your $$ for this.

4. Chinatown - Also something I didn't get to do but really wanted to. I have also heard and read amazing things and will be aiming to do this next time I go.

5. Little Italy - Didn't have a chance to do this, but definitely on my list for the future. It came highly recommended from a lot of New Yorkers and bloggers.

New York definitely has my heart. It is up there in my Top 2 states to visit with Arizona being number 2. A trip to New York should be on everyone's list and I hope this blog helps to get you through the trip or inspires you to book one. Feel free to message me or reach out for additional information on any of the places I listed.

XOXO, Tess