NYC Sites to See on a Day Trip or a Longer Visit
The Big Apple, a city of dreams for visitors of all ages, is also a city so vast that there will never be sufficient time to see everything no matter how long a vacation might be. Fortunately, New York City is very walkable. For a visit with the family, map out a journey that will be memorable for every member, give all of you a sense that you’ve ‘done New York,’ and leave with hint of what life in the big city is like for the locals. One easy day trip that everyone will enjoy involves a stroll up Fifth Avenue
Welcome to Grand Central
To begin, make sure all your travelers are well-fueled for a busy day. Plus, a great way to learn about how New Yorkers really live is by sampling the local cuisine. New York City’s Grand Central Station (42nd Street) is a good starting point for a walking tour and for breakfast.
Order a ‘Bagel and a Schmear’
Grab some bagels, juice and coffee at Zaro’s Family Bakery—in business in the city for more than 75 years—on the Main Concourse. The more adventurous who happen to be more pescetarian in their eating habits will probably like some lox (smoked salmon) with their cream cheese. Either eat downstairs at a table in the dining concourse or, if the weather allows, head two blocks west to Bryant Park (42nd Street) behind the New York Public Library for an outdoor seat. If you prefer something more civilized, head across 42nd Street to Pershing Square Café.
Ready, Set, Walk!
The kids will have a chance to run around for a bit in this little park (or ride on its carousel) before you head up Fifth Avenue toward Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center (both at 50th Street), where you can see skaters in winter and the Lego store all of the time. Don’t forget to pose by the famous marble lions, named Patience and Fortitude, outside the front of the library (facing Fifth Avenue) for a photo.
Learning a bit of New York’s history will help you understand how the city used to operate—so read up on the Rockefellers and that cathedral before you go. Do some window shopping or power shopping as you discover the American Girl doll store (49th Street) and Saks Fifth Avenue (also at 49th Street).
Continue your walking tour of the Midtown neighborhood by heading north toward Central Park (59th Street). Along the way, marvel at Trump Tower (56th Street) and the Plaza Hotel (58th Street).
—Lori Tripoli
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