36 Hours in Manhattan, Below 59th Street
By SARAH ADAMS DEC. 1, 2016
The power of the “City That Never Sleeps” has never been more apparent. Whether you are an early bird or night owl, there isn’t one adventure this elegant and lively city cannot accommodate to. Pack up your belongings and take a journey that will fill your stomachs, hearts, and minds with all the historical elements that Manhattan, 59th Street and below has to offer.
(photo credit: Gabriel Araujo)
Astronomical rents and roaring, rapid roads have never deterred a New Yorker or its tourists from experiencing the city’s finest components. Whether wanting to enjoy a quiet stroll along Central Park or hitting up night clubs in the Lower East Side, New York’s accessible MTA subway system has made transportation a financially feasible possibility for all. Strap on your helmet with a map in hand and your savings account in your pocket, for a swift excursion through the roads less travelled by.
Friday
- Early Bird Gets The Worm 8 A.M.
Tucked away in the madness of downtown and at the heart of Greenwich Village, lies Washington Square Park. As a great significance to our culture, the park is a gem that merges the history of our city with the social and cultural significance of the 21st century. With the evolution of the Washington Arch, designed by Stanford White between 1890-1892 and the monumental fountain, this park was redesigned to close traffic from Fifth Avenue. Grab a cup of coffee at the various cafes along MacDougal Street or admire the unique viewpoint of The Empire State Building to the North and The World Trade Center to the South. No need to spend time waiting around in interminable lines when all you need is an eclectic park to relax and unwind – these experiences are the little things that make the Village unforgettable.
2. Pit Stops 1 P.M
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” This noted saying by Arthur Fletcher is one of the many quotes you can find in a book at The Strand. Extend your morning stroll by walking a few blocks North up Broadway to browse through the 18 mile long, ceiling-high rows of novels. 90 years later and still standing, The Strand Bookstore contains books from as early as 1480, and the first editions of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – a book with extremely limited stock. Established in 1927, The Strand Bookstore is the largest and cheapest secondhand-book store in the downtown area.
Going with a date? Beauty and brains are an impeccable combination to make your significant other smile. Ask one of the 200 employees to help you find a the right read. But even if books aren’t your niche, don’t miss your chance to embrace all the historical aspects attached to The Strand Bookstore.
3. Drink, Drank, Drunk 10 P.M.
Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Babe Ruth weren’t the only people guzzling down 8-oz beers on a Friday night. Located around the corner from Astor Place in front of the Cooper Union, McSorley’s Old Ale House is the oldest remaining bar in New York City. Learn about all its history, dating back to its establishment in 1847 while sipping on bubbly – and lots of it, especially given the fact that the beers are surprising affordable at $5 a glass!
Wondering why Elizabeth Blackwell or Susan B. Anthony couldn’t join the party? McSorely’s Old Ale House only opened its business to women starting in 1970. So ladies, gentlemen, and all beer-fanatics, come snag a seat at McSorley’s Old Ale House before hitting LOUNGE 27 and Pianos for a night you probably won’t remember, but definitely won’t ever forget.
Saturday
4. The center point 11 A.M
New York City’s MTA subway system offers efficient transportation to take you to the next destination on the list. Purchase a 7-day unlimited metro pass for only $31 then squeeze yourself into an A, B, C, or D train. Next stop – Columbus Circle.
Winner of the Rudy Burner Award for its reconstruction, Columbus Circle has created a throughway for more than 60,000 cars per day via an intricate circular intersection, hence the name. This historical monument is a dedication to Christopher Columbus’ arrival in America in 1492. Fast forward 400 years later and the construction of Columbus Circle came full circle with the addition of a fountain gifted by the Delacorte Foundation in 1965.
For all art enthusiasts and aspiring photographers, the hand crafted, Carrara marbled statue of Columbus can be found in the center of the circle. Adjacent to this statue, one can easily spot the magnificent, 30-foot wide globe – a staple to the Time Warner Center where shopping and food are the cure to your Friday morning hangover. Known as the center point where all distances are measured from New York City, Colombus Circle is a site worth seeing.
5. What a time to be alive 9 P.M.
You can’t have dinner without dessert. Veniero’s Bakery is a special find in a big bustling city. Based in the East Village, Veniero’s first opened in 1894 and has flourished ever since. Cakes, cannoli’s, and tartes help fill the air with the sweet smell of pastries. Not to mention – it was an infamous getaway for locals to destress from the depression of The Great Depression during the 1930s. No reservations needed for this joint – grab a ticket and wait for your number while pondering what decadent dessert you want to dive into next.
Sunday
6. All night long 4 A.M.
After dancing and drinking because lets face it – you’re still on vacation – pierogis from Veselka are an essential end to a Saturday night out. Stumble into Veselka, open 24/7, and indulge in authentic, flavorful Ukrainian cuisine. Get a plate of seven pierogis for $12.95 and if you don’t think that’s enough, the potato pancakes are just as delicious for $10. Questionably one of the most beloved diners in town, Veselka helped start the movement of Ukrainian food into the East Village.
(photo credit: Gabriel Araujo)
7. At sea 12 P.M.
Take a taxi or if it’s not too cold, use NYC’s Citibikes which are ubiquitously located all over Manhattan and smell the ocean – or should I say, the seaport. Located along the East River, the South Street Seaport has picturesque views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Walk along the historic paths and discover the oldest buildings under the Brooklyn Bridge. If you’re lucky enough to walk along the cobblestone roads–once transportation areas during 1890 to the 1900s–then take a wander inside the Fulton Fish Market. Hold your nose and take a chance in discovering what makes Sound Street Seaport a must when in New York City.
(photo credit: Gabriel Araujo)
8. NYC’s finest 3 P.M.
If you can muster up the courage to take another 30 minute subway ride uptown on the NQR line, exit at 23rd street to view the Flatiron Building. Designed by Daniel Burnham in 1902, the Flatiron is situated on the triangular parcel of land bordered by 5th Avenue, 22nd Street, and Broadway. Upon its completion, the Flatiron distinguished itself from other Manhattan buildings despite being only 22 stories tall. The structure stands out with its perplexed and intricate architecture, and office-oriented floorplan featuring a signature triangular office on each floor. Critics from all around the world were initially doubtful about the Flatiron’s ability to withstand natural disasters. Thanks to the building’s steel structure, all doubts were put to rest.
After captivating the French and Italian influences that helped make the Flatiron District come alive, cruise through Madison Square Park and discover the original Shake Shack. Treat yourself to a burger, but don’t miss out on trying one of their infamously delicious milkshakes! For the record, calories never count on the weekends.
(photo credit: Gabriel Araujo)
9. Last Stop 5 P.M.
Before the 1980s, High Line Park was an effective railway used to transport industrial goods. However, the historic railway became nothing but abandoned space until 2002 when residents decided to turn the neglected space into an NYC treasure. Fast forward 13 years later and the High Line Park has become one of Manhattan’s greatest free attractions.
Whether you want to catch a glimpse inside Manhattan’s multimillion dollar condos that overlook the park or participate in a tour to go deeper into its history, High Line Park embraces all – from joggers, to photographers, and tourists.
Lodging
A present to New York City and amid the breathtaking views of Central Park is the Plaza Hotel. The Plaza Hotel has been a staple to New York’s City’s hospitality industry for over 100 years. From celebrity sightings to its $450 million dollar renovation in 2008, The Plaza Hotel has a significant history that has made it a world-renowned hotel and has been apart of The National Register of Historic Places since 1978.
Originally constructed in 1883, The Plaza Hotel stretches between 58th and 59th street along 5th Avenue. This classic hotel offers single rooms that are worth quite a penny, especially during this holiday season.
Book here in advance to secure a room for as low as $671 a night for a deluxe room. If you catch yourself feeling like a King or Queen, spend a minimum of $1,796 a night for suit. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the an extra in the next Home Alone or The Great Gatsby iteration…
(2016). Retrieved December 5, 2016, from https://www.instagram.com/gabearaujo/
All pictures used for this article are by Gabe Araujo
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