A Quick NYC Getaway: City Views, Broadway Magic & Hidden Gems
- Lisette Ruesch Wang
- May 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 7
With Newark Airport facing significant delays and cancellations due to air traffic control issues and staffing shortages, I opted to fly into JFK instead. The FAA recently imposed flight reductions at Newark to address these problems, including limiting arrivals and departures to 28 per hour during ongoing runway construction, with slight increases planned after June 15.
Arrival & Hotel Check-In
After landing at JFK around 8 PM, retrieving my luggage took some time. As I exited baggage claim, a taxi driver approached, insisting there was no shuttle to the Uber pickup area. Fortunately, I had done my research and knew better—always be cautious of such misinformation. The shuttle ride to the Uber pickup lot took about 10 minutes; it's advisable to call your Uber once you arrive there, as they tend to show up quickly.
The ride to Midtown Manhattan took approximately 45 minutes, costing around $100, including tolls. I checked into the Club Quarters Grand Central, a hotel with a fantastic location. While there's no on-site restaurant, the top-floor terrace offers incredible city views. The hotel provides free water (including sparkling), coffee, and tea, though the coffee is just adequate. The rooms are clean and not too small, with varying bed configurations depending on availability. The staff is attentive and friendly, and there's a $100 deposit for incidentals, refundable after checkout.
Day 1: Brunch, Broadway & Thai Delights
After sleeping in until about 8 AM (not bad considering the time difference), I headed to Little Collins around 11 AM for brunch. This quaint Aussie café, located just around the corner, offers solid breakfast options. I couldn't resist the Salmon Rosti; it was good, though the toast was a bit tough. The home fries were particularly enjoyable.
Post-brunch, I made my way to the Gershwin Theater to see if I could snag tickets for "Wicked." I managed to get orchestra seats for $99 each—a steal compared to the $250–$350 price range online, plus additional fees. If you're looking to save money, it's worth trying to get tickets in person, though seats may not be together.
With some time to spare before the show, I visited Bibble & Sip, an alpaca-themed café across the street, known for its super cute desserts. The show itself was fantastic; the cast and music were excellent. If you haven't seen "Wicked" and have a few hours to spare in NYC, I highly recommend it.
After the performance, I walked to Wondee Siam for dinner. This Thai restaurant is within walking distance and offers phenomenal food. I particularly enjoyed the steamed fish with garlic, chili, cilantro, and lemon sauce. The soft-shell blue crab and crispy pork basil were also outstanding. Rumor has it that the Princess of Thailand has her staff get takeout from here when visiting the United Nations—if it's good enough for her, it's certainly good enough for me.
Day 2: Reflective Moments & Elevated Views
Starting the day at 8 AM, I took a short walk from the hotel to Grand Central Station to catch the subway to the 9/11 Memorial. The station drops you off right at the Oculus, a shopping area across from the museum and memorial. The memorial is an emotional place; seeing the names and occasional white roses (placed on victims' birthdays) is a poignant experience. I decided to skip the museum this time, feeling unprepared for the emotional weight.
I then walked towards the Hudson River and grabbed a bacon, egg, and cheese brioche along with a cold brew from Tartinery to enjoy a late breakfast.
Next, I visited Ladder 8, the Ghostbusters HQ in Tribeca. It's an active fire station and a quick photo stop. They sell t-shirts for $20, and there's a small shrine of memorabilia from the movie.
Continuing my walk, I headed to Little Island, a unique and fabricated park where I spent about an hour enjoying the sun and breeze.
From there, I made my way to Hudson Yards via the High Line, an elevated walkway transformed from an old subway rail line, now filled with art installations and greenery.
At Hudson Yards, I visited the Vessel, which currently allows limited access to the top level. Tickets are affordable at $10, and if you're fit enough to climb the steps, the views are worth it. Just be cautious, as there have been accidents in the past.
By 3 PM, I returned to Grand Central Station for a family dinner at the Oyster Bar. I won't delve into details, but I found the experience just "okay." Personally, I prefer the Oyster Bar in Las Vegas.
For the grand finale, I had tickets to Summit at One Vanderbilt, an observation deck like no other. Most floors are made of glass and mirrors, creating fascinating reflections. I recommend getting tickets for the late afternoon or evening (around 7 PM) to catch the golden hour, sunset, and city lights. There's no time limit, so you can stay as long as you like. Arrive around 6:30–6:45 PM, as security and preparations take time.
There are three main floors, with the top one being an open-air terrace featuring a bar with fancy (and expensive) drinks. Here, you'll find the Ascent, a glass elevator that takes you even higher. Unfortunately, it wasn't operational that evening, but they compensated us with free drinks. Expect to spend at least two hours from entry to exit—it's a unique experience I highly recommend.
Overall, this quick NYC trip was packed with memorable experiences, from Broadway magic to reflective moments and breathtaking views. Despite being my fourth visit to the city, NYC continues to offer endless activities and surprises.
コメント