36 Hours In New York City
If not all, most persons perceive New York to be a bright and vibrant city filled with enormous LED screens that capture your attention. However, New York City is home to endless amounts of historical attractions that each depict a trail of its origin. From the magnificent buildings including the Rockefeller to the infamous Empire State Building, take a trip to the many significant museums that this wonderful city has to offer.

(viator.com)

Friday
1) 3 p.m. Harlem
Some visitors will look to head straight to the epicenter of New York which is Manhattan. However, Harlem is a very good starting point to experience some interesting historical attractions. Visit the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, the Museum was founded in 1997 and thrives on keeping Jazz exciting for all audiences whether old, young, avid listener, artist or you just discovered the American genre. Take a gander through the Ralph Ellison exhibit which showcases his collection of recording and his brilliant thoughts he wrote about Jazz and the musicians he enjoyed. Visiting is free of charge however it is suggested to donate $10, be aware of the hours before your visit because they are closed on Tuesday and Wednesdays but open from 11 am-5 pm the rest.

2) 6 p.m. Seafood Feast
Need to refuel after walking around the museum for a couple hours. Either catch a 7-minute cab or walk for roughly 20 minutes over to Lolo’s seafood shack and feast on some Caribbean style coastal comfort food. Try the enticing spicy crawfish plus shrimp set steam pot combo, which is 1lb of crawfish, 1/2lb of spiced shrimp with a side of corn and sweet potatoes $25. Or for those who opt for something a bit lighter try the softshell crab cake sandwich, served on johnny cakes or homemade bread $12.

( Photograph: Courtesy Lolo’s Seafood Shack)

3) 8 p.m. Marko, Apollo
The captivating lights of the Apollo theater sign become a symbol for tourism in central Harlem. Designed by New York’s own George Keister, it officially opened in 1913, as a burlesque theatre, only allowing White Patrons. However, it is now contributing and uplifting Black American performers, furthermore, it is responsible for the start of many famous performers including Elvis Presley and James Brown. Visit the Apollo for its famous amateur night, a historical tour of the building, or to enjoy a performance from the many genres of live music, dance, and comedy. Visit the official Apollo theater web page to get ticket pricing and to book upcoming events.

Saturday
4) 8 a.m. Rock of the rooftop
As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day so start your day off right at Black Seed Bagels an artisan bagel shop led by James Beard-nominated executive chef and head baker. Pick up a classic cheese pizza bagel $7.95 or the signature Miami vice turkey melt, sautéed onions, pickles, swiss cheese, and mustard $11.25. Take a trip over to the phenomenon of the Rockefeller Center. Built since 1939, by John D. Rockefeller Jr. it has become the epicenter for astonishing art, style, and entertainment. No matter the season tourist occupies this attraction in flocks, enjoying the endless opportunity of dining, exploring and shopping. Over 100 stores are in this shopping center ranging from designer outlets to souvenir stores. Or get a tour of the Rockefeller center and dive into the history and eloquent artistry while a historian guides you through the enchanting buildings, gardens, and spaces. For those of you who lack the phobia of heights and want to view New York’s Horizon from a rooftop view visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, open daily from 8 am- 12 am. However, be sure to catch the last elevator which goes up at 11 am adults’ tickets are $38 for adults, children from 6-12 years are $32 and $36 for seniors.

(topoftherock.com)

5) 11 a.m. Building an empire

Take a breezy walk via 5th Ave and arrive at the Empire State Building and for those eager to experience the classic subway life of the everyday New Yorker enter the 47-50 streets Rockefeller Center Subway Station and hop on the F train towards Kings Highway, get off at 34 St and walk 3 minutes to the Empire State building. Just starring at the building is a magnificent site however, not content on just starring at the building at a distance, who would be right, take it a step further by exploring inside. The 2nd-floor exhibits carry guests on a journey from its construction to its culture in the world today, step into an office where King Kong’s fingers bows through the wall as he hangs from the building while escaping attacks from vintage fighter planes. Those who deem brave may even step into his hands, but beautiful women beware. Experience panoramic views of New York City on either the 86th floor or the newer 102nd-floor observatory. Tickets are priced at $72 adults, $66 children, and $70 seniors, this includes viewing the 2nd-floor museum, the 86th floor, and the 102nd floor. However, purchase the New York City pass $136 adults and $112 for children, and get access to the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Top of the Rock Observation Deck or Guggenheim Museum, ferry access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and 9/11 Memorial & Museum or Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

6) 1 p.m. Meat galore
Meat lovers, your wish has been granted, all you have to do is head over to Keen’s steakhouse and feast on gigantic steaks in a historic wood-paneled room. Sit back and enjoy the classic ambiance while Manhattans popular USDA prime only steakhouse serves you steamed Maine lobster and filet mignon $72 or prime New York sirloin $56 enjoy with either a side of Keen’s creamed or sautéed spinach $14 and mashed Yukon gold potatoes $12. Feeling a sweet tooth enjoy some New York-style cheesecake $12 or chocolate mousse $12.

7) 4 p.m. Condolences
Honor the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center. The 9/11 memorial opened on September 11, 2010 10 years after the attacks in remembrance of the tragic event that left the city devastated. Explore the three main focal points which are the memorial pools which compose of the North and South pool, the names of the deceased are inscribed on bronze parapets at the pool edges. Visit the survivor tree a Callery pear tree which was found damaged by recovery workers in October 2001, however, after being dug up and nursed back to health it was returned to the site and now serves as a symbol for resilience. Lastly, take a gander at the memorial glade which signifies those who fell ill or died after exposure to the toxic fumes of the aftermath.

8) 6 p.m. Oh, my lady
Enchant on a panoramic view of New York City at sundown on a narrated cruise along the East River and watch the declining sun reflect off the water. Endure this marvelous Statue of Liberty night cruise by hopping on New York water taxi at the Seaport District, and enjoying views of Manhattans skyline while the nighttime lights are in full effect, sail past the One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge and finally get a closeup view of the much anticipated Statue of Liberty in all of its glory. Book online at TripAdvisor $19.45 and arrive at least 30 minutes before the allocated departure time. Weather conditions do affect the availability of trips so be sure to check the forecast before booking tickets.

(Photo: Courtesy of Bateaux New York Dinner Cruises)

9) 7:30 p.m. Did somebody say oysters?
Walk over to Fulton St and walk down the subway at Woodlawn, catch the 4 train and hop off at the third stop which is Grand Central 42 St. Walk for just about 4 minutes to the Grand Central Oyster bar and restaurant, opened in 1913 and serving seafood for over 90 years. Contrary to its name it was not originally a seafood restaurant but merely got famous for their oyster stew. Its unique tilled space gives a sort of remanence of how older generations were served back in the day. The restaurant is divided into two sections a formal dining area and a long bar. Enjoy over 25 types of oysters all ranging from $1.95-3.95 each. Or smoked North Atlantic salmon $13.95.

Sunday
10) 9 a.m. Next stop Coney Island!
In the mood for some eggs head over to Vinny’s lunchbox and fuel up before embarking on the daunting adventure lying ahead. The menu provides a great variety of breakfast and lunch options so take your time and choose whatever your craving. Unsure what to order, try some of the popular menu items, the hungry man which is pancakes, waffles or French toast with 2 eggs any style $12 or a cheese omelet served with toast and home fries or French fries $8.75.

11) 3 a.m. Cyclone mania

What is a trip to New York without visiting then beloved Coney Island and experiencing the daring cyclone. The cyclone debut on June 26, 1927, and has remained the main attraction in Luna Park. Albeit, a bit more thrill-seeking, step up to the plate and experience a classical experience of speeds reaching the 60 mile per hour mark over the track length of 2,640 feet. Being the second steepest wooden roller coaster in the world, it has remained a cultural phenomenon over its 90 plus years in action. Get the any day Luna pass for people 48″ and over $65 or the any day Luna pass for people under 48″ $40. These passes allow visitors access to unlimited rides, however those under 48″ are not granted access to the most jarring rides at the park.

(lunaparknyc.com)

12) 5 p.m. I’m walking here
Take a stroll through the boardwalk and prepare to soak in the sunset, but not before stopping at Nathan’s famous for arguably the best hotdog in Coney Island. The first Nathan’s famous hotdog stand was opened in 1916 and quickly became extremely popular to the point where legendary gangster and Brooklyn native Al Capone visited whenever he came back to New York. Wait for just about 15 to 20 minutes before being served your hotdogs on a colorful signature plate. Get a classic hotdog $2.49 or a cheese dog $2.99. Make one more stop to the Coney Island Brewery Co. to pick up one of the many local beers they have to offer. Now that you have got that out the way walk over to the boardwalk and enjoy your hotdog and beer while watching the sunset. Life, could not get any better.

Lodging
The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York offers modern lodging with free Wi-Fi, breakfast, fitness center, and a rooftop bar. For the price of $87 look no further, this is a great value for money especially being that it is in midtown Manhattan. Stay at the Radisson Hotel New York Midtown-Fifth Avenue located in the heart of Manhattan and get easy access to top attractions including Rockefeller Center, the Museum of Modern Art, Times Square, and Central Park which are all in walking distance.

References

National Jazz Museum in Harlem. (n.d.). About us. from
http://jazzmuseuminharlem.org/

Nathan’s Famous. (n.d.). About us. from
https://nathansfamous.com/about-us/

Empire State Building. (n.d.). 2nd floor: new exhibits. from
https://www.esbnyc.com/

9/11 Memorial & Museum. (n.d.). About the Memorial. From
https://www.911memorial.org/visit/memorial