how would you spend 12 hours in NYC?

[shaynaatl]

We are going to a friend’s wedding in New Jersey in mid-November, and are going to be able to fit in about 12 hours in NYC as part of the trip. We will basically be there from about noon to midnight on a Saturday. How would you spend half a day in NYC? What neighborhoods would you hang out in?

We’ve been there a few times, but it’s been 8 years since our last trip. We have a comped hotel room in Times Square so that will be our base. Our main focus will likely be food- a good lunch, romantic dinner (no kids!), and a couple of dessert stops. We thought about a Broadway show but that might be too hectic to fit in. Maybe do some shopping, but also some nice walks and just taking in the atmosphere of the city (we’ve done all the big touristy stuff) . Seems like avg highs are in the mid 50s this time of year, so will dress warm.

Thanks!

[ESF]

Do lunch at Chelsea Market, and then go for a walk on the highline, which has an entrance right there.

[jd15]

I would do sarabeths for brunch and then bryant park (assuming they are set up for holidays with vendor stalls and such -i think they set up in early november). then a walk through of the library which is right next door. we like top of the rock for views.

[mbcdefg]

If you just want to walk around and pop into interesting looking shops or whatever, I like Bleecker Street. And the West Village in general.

I wouldn’t stick around Times Square. Take some photos if you want, but then take the subway or a cab someplace else.

If you’re hungry when you’re near Times Square and don’t want to run all over the city or eat in a pricey tourist trap, there are a lot of good places just west of there on Ninth Avenue.

[goldengirlz]

I really like Soho, Tribeca, the Lower East Side, the West Village and the East Village. So much character.

I would see a show. Maybe not a three-hour Broadway show but something you couldn’t see back home (and there’s always something.) Or check out a museum. Or just walk and eat and walk some more. It sounds crazy but my favorite thing to do in NY is just walk.

[mbcdefg]

Oh, for a show maybe try the Blue Man Group. MH and I saw them years ago when we were first dating. It’s a hilarious show and not too long, and the theater is small so it’s maybe more manageable than a big Broadway show.

We even got in for free by calling the box office in advance and volunteering to usher. All we had to do was hand out programs and seat people, and then we spent 15 minutes afterward picking up papers for the trash. One of the Blue Men even thanked us lol. IDK if they still offer that deal but it couldn’t hurt to call and ask.

Plus the surrounding neighborhood is neat. St Mark’s Place is an interesting street to walk. There’s a Shake Shack nearby for burgers, shakes and chicken sandwiches. Washington Square Park. Katz’s Deli is a short walk for giant sandwiches. The Flatiron Building and Eataly are a little ways north.

If you like cheese then check out Murray’s on Bleecker Street.

If you like craft beer then try Blind Tiger on Bleecker Street. Or in Midtown you can do Rattle n Hum, or The Ginger Man. There’s also Barcade downtown, which is a bar with vintage arcade games.

[wise_rita]

Personally I'd do a deep dive into the 9/11 museum, but might not fit the mood you're looking for.

It's something I want to do, probably alone with at least a day to do it.

[mrsukyankee]

I'd go on a food tour through Viator. Every single one I've been on, in any country, has been fab. You can read about it and the reviews, and pick that way.