After wrapping up my trip to Canada, I crossed over into New York. Known for its notoriously high cost of living, I only stayed for a short 2-night, 3-day trip. As a world-class metropolis, there was an endless variety of things to enjoy. In this post, I’ll introduce my itinerary and route for Day 1 of my New York trip.
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Manhattan, NYC
New York City—and particularly Manhattan, often called the heart of New York—feels incredibly familiar since it frequently appears in movies, TV shows, and various mass media.
It is a city filled with iconic skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, alongside familiar landmarks like Central Park, Times Square, and Broadway.
The scaffolding set up all over the place is also one of the signature sights of New York. You can easily spot it due to the continuous renovation and redevelopment of older buildings, allowing you to truly feel that this is a city in a state of constant evolution.
Because you are surrounded by towering high-rises everywhere you go, the term “concrete jungle” fits perfectly. Yet, it’s a place where you can experience the absolute world-class best in every aspect: art, food, and shopping.
Pulaski Day Parade
My very first stop in New York was Central Park, but on my way there, I ran into a massive parade. It was so huge that they entirely blocked off 5th Avenue, one of the busiest streets in New York!
Thanks to the road closures, I was able to take a leisurely stroll right down the middle of 5th Avenue. It felt completely different from walking on the sidewalk, which was a fantastic and unique experience.
The Pulaski Day Parade is an event honoring Casimir Pulaski, a Polish hero. Since it first started in 1937, it has established itself as one of the oldest ethnic parades in New York City.
Poland Travel Guide: Flights, Costs, Weather & Tips
Rockefeller Center
Located right in the heart of Manhattan, Rockefeller Center is a great spot to casually drop by at least once during your NYC trip.
It’s incredibly famous during the winter season when the massive Christmas tree and the ice skating rink are set up. You can also spot the official plaque designating it as a National Historic Landmark.
Visit Rockefeller Center Official Website
At the very top of Rockefeller Center, there is an observation deck called “Top of the Rock,” widely considered the best vantage point for viewing Manhattan’s major landmarks. Prime time slots sell out quickly, so I highly recommend booking in advance if you plan to visit.
Central Park
Situated in the center of Manhattan island, Central Park is a space where you can briefly escape the massive concrete jungle and fully enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Bethesda Terrace and its fountain, one of the most beautiful spots in Central Park, are famous for their classic, antique architectural vibes.
Designed by Emma Stebbins, the statue at the Bethesda Fountain is also known as the “Angel of the Waters” and was erected in 1873.
The Lake, which cuts across the center of the park, is one of the most romantic places in the area. You can even rent a rowboat and peacefully float across the water.
From Belvedere Castle, you get a panoramic view overlooking Central Park. The castle itself is worth seeing, built in a style that looks straight out of a fairy tale.
Since Central Park is so vast, I only explored about half of it before heading back south toward Times Square. Right in front of the park entrance sits The Plaza Hotel, famously featured in the movie Home Alone 2. The interior has an incredibly luxurious atmosphere, so it’s definitely worth taking a peek while walking by.
Times Square
When you think of New York, one of the first images that comes to mind is likely the scenery of Times Square, packed with spectacularly bright and colorful electronic billboards.
Times Square is a place with distinctly different charms during the day and at night. By day, you can enjoy various shops and street performances in a vibrant atmosphere; by night, the glowing neon signs and LED screens create a truly overwhelming nightscape.
Beyond the flashy screens, it is also famous for the TKTS booth located in the center of Times Square, where you can buy discount tickets for Broadway musicals.
If you head behind the red steps located under the Samsung and Coca-Cola billboards, you’ll find the TKTS ticket booth. Depending on the showtime, you can score leftover tickets for almost half the price. Just keep in mind that popular musicals might be sold out, and the standby lines can get quite long.
Broadway Musical: Chicago
You absolutely cannot leave out a Broadway musical when traveling to New York. Broadway is the global epicenter of performing arts, drawing millions of tourists every year to watch top-tier performances.
The musical Chicago is one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history, set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age. It’s such a famous piece that it was even adapted into a movie. The film is great, but it simply cannot compare to the thrilling, immersive live atmosphere of the theater.
Because a live band plays all the music right there on stage, it felt so much more vivid and powerful. With iconic numbers like “All That Jazz,” you can easily enjoy the show even if you aren’t perfectly familiar with the plot. If you’re debating which musical to watch, I highly recommend Chicago.
Joe’s Pizza
After watching Chicago, I was wondering where to go for a late dinner and stumbled upon Joe’s Pizza. I’m not sure who originally coined the title, but it’s widely referred to among travelers as one of New York’s “Top 3 Pizzas.”
It actually appeared in the Spider-Man movies, and given its fame, the walls were covered in celebrity photos. I was so hungry that I scarfed it down in a hurry, so I don’t actually have a picture of the pizza itself! It has a classic, salty American flavor but baked in a brick-oven style. As long as the line isn’t too long, it’s definitely not a bad idea to try it at least once.
New York Accommodation: The Tuscany
Compared to everywhere else I’ve traveled around the world, New York felt like it had the absolute highest prices, and the cost of accommodation is equally staggering. For a decent room in Manhattan, you are basically looking at a minimum of $150 to $200 (about €125–€170) per night. At this price tier, The Tuscany is on the more budget-friendly side.
The reception staff was slightly unfriendly, and the overall vibe felt a bit disorganized, so it’s not a place I would highly recommend. However, the location is quite good, and it feels like a cost-effective choice for New York, which is why I’m sharing it for those who might want to consider it.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up my introduction to the Day 1 itinerary and course in New York. While it consisted of touring famous spots like Central Park and Times Square, I loved that I was lucky enough to experience the Pulaski Day Parade. Ending the evening by watching the musical Chicago live, it was a day where I finally understood why New York earned its reputation as the greatest city in the world. Please look forward to the story of my Day 2 in New York, where I visited Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn!
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