48 Hours in NYC: Things to Do
This past October, my family and I took a trip to NYC. We stayed for about four days, but when you factor in travel, it truly leaves you with roughly 48 hours to sight-see and enjoy the city. So here’s my list of things that you can do if you have limited time to spend in the area.
Firstly, location matters. Luckily for us, we got a great deal on the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. I highly recommend this hotel! Right on the corner on Broadway, beautiful views, and right next door to the Marquis Theatre. Our room had a beautiful view of Times Square below us with our Marriott Bonvoy membership, we had $30 credit every day for room service during our stay. You have to try their burger if you order room service. It’s immaculate.
Times Square is located in Midtown and for a tourist, it is an excellent area because it is right in the heart of the action. You can walk to the Red Steps, go to the Disney Store, see a Broadway show. It’s all right there in the middle of the city.
Times Square is also a great location for food; we had Junior’s a couple of nights—I highly recommend their cheesecakes—and we had pizza a few nights too. Within Times Square there are several restaurants to choose from that are within walking distance of your hotel. You also have street vendors if you’re looking to try something new.
One of my concerns about New York City was that the area was not child friendly, but we found our inner-child while visiting FAO Schwarz Toy Store. Remember the piano that Tom Hanks played on in the movie, Big (1988)? FAO Schwarz is the the place to find it. The toy store was an amazing experience where you can find classics like Barbie, baby dolls, and robots to new-age toys like drones, experiment kits and collectibles. They even have a candy store where you can find nostalgic candies and treats everyone would like. FAO Schwarz is located across the street from the Rockefeller Center in Rockefeller Plaza.
While the weather did not permit for us to take the children to the Statue of Liberty, I was determined to see something that I had not seen before, so I convinced my sister to walk 12 blocks (about 15-20 minutes) to the Empire State Building. Now, anyone who knows me knows how much I love Eminem, so I had to go to the place where he performed since I can’t currently see him in concert. On our way, we passed through Bryant Park and Herald Square.
If you’re interested in history or industrialization in the U.S during World War II, then the Empire State Building tour is a great experience. You’ll learn about its history, the architecture. There are certain floors that you’ll stop on to learn how the building was build and its iconic moments in history including every movie and television show that featured its silhouette. There are several photo opportunities leading up to the 86th floor where you can view the entire city. It is a self-guided tour, but may enter this exhibit with a tour guide. Cost of admission was $45.00.
Of course New York is a great city for shopping. To conclude our day out, my sister and I walked to Nordstrom on W. 57th Street after visiting the New York Library. There are several stores to shop near the area of Times Square including Forever 21, Levis, American Eagle. Near the Rockefeller Center, there are stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, the Lego Store, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.
Attractions Worth Seeing
Rockefeller Plaza (especially in winter)
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The New York Library
Radio City Music Call
The Late Show
Central Park
Bryant Park
Statue of Liberty
Top of the Rock
Brooklyn Bridge
Grand Central Terminal
