New York City Tour Guide
by Ann Kaczka
Planning a trip to New York City? Here’s a traceuse’s guide on where to train, eat, shop and what to see.
Where to train
Begin by checking out the NYC Hotspot map. This maps out all the spots in the city so you can plan your days accordingly.
Thompkins Square Park
Have fun in TSP where you’ll find a few sets of interesting, adult-sized playgrounds!
Roosevelt Island
Head over to Roosevelt Island via the F train or take the tramway for incredible views of the city (59th & 2nd Ave). There are tons of little spots on the island so you might want to spend the afternoon just walking around and discovering them as you go.
Central Park
Bethesda Fountain is not only the city’s largest fountain, but also offers some nice traversing opportunities along the walls near the steps.
The Ramble in Central Park provides endless woodland training fun. Navigate through trees and boulders, I bet you’ll forget you’re right in the middle of New York City!
Where to eat
If you want a quick sandwich, panino or salad, head to Pax Foods. There are a bunch scattered around the city, but the 42nd st. location (bet. 7th/8th ave) is where I usually go after training in Central Park. FYI, it’s located right across the street from Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum if you want to take a few photos with celebs. $7-$10, lunch for 1
New York is famous for it’s delis. There is at least one on every block, but you can check out the famed Carnegie Deli for some mile high sandwiches! (854 7th Ave) $12-24, 1 sandwich
Feel like a gyro? Check out the Halal Cart on 53rd and 6th. Don’t be put off by the lines, it’s worth it. $5-8, 1 pita or platter
Maze by Gordon Ramsay at The London provides a hint at fine dining. It’s a casual restaurant, but you might not want to wear your sweatpants. A 3-course, prix pixe lunch menu is about $25, but if you head there for either the summer or winter NYC Restaurant Week, it’s much cheaper!
Need something sweet?
Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar serves lunch and dinner but you can stop in just for dessert! My favorite is the 20 layer Crepe Cake. Yum! (11w 31st st.) $7-$12, dessert for 1
Head to Serendipity 3 for a Frrrozen Hot Chocolate and enjoy the kitchy decor. They also serve lunch and dinner but it is a bit pricey. My second favorite is the Chocolate Blackout Cake. (E60th bet 2nd/3rd) $7-$22.50, dessert for 1
Right up the street from Serendipity is Dylan’s Candy Bar, a store that will make a kid out of anyone! Even the steps are paved with sweetness. They have every candy imaginable spread across two levels, just try not to get overwhelmed! Be sure to check out the upper level and see the newly renovated candy cafe. You can get coffee, tea, ice cream and desserts there. (E60th bet 2nd/3rd) $3-$20, dessert for 1
Where to shop
Visit the world’s largest department store, Macy’s Herald Square. The Beaux Arts building has been home to the store’s location since 1902. (34th and 6ave)
Up for some window shopping? Check out New York’s famed 5th Avenue and ogle designs from Prada (bet 56th/57th), Fendi (bet 56th/57th) and Versace (bet 51st/52nd).
Everyone needs a little sparkle in their life. Check out the displays of Tiffany & Co (bet 56th/57th) and Cartier (bet 51st/52nd), just don’t look at the price tags!
See the latest gadgets in the Apple Store (bet 58/59th) and play on the ‘Big’ piano and do some serious toy shopping in FAO Schwartz (bet 58th/59th).
What to see
Where to begin?! Spend a day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (82nd and 5th Ave). They advertise suggested entrance fees of $20, but you can pay whatever you want (I usually do $5). Check out the web site to map out your visit, there is far too much to see!
From the Met, head across Central Park to The American Museum of Natural History (79th and Columbus Ave). As with the Met, the suggested prices are steep, but you can pay what you wish. Check out massive dinosaur skeletons, habitat dioramas and the hall of ocean life.
The Empire State Building is an integral part of the NYC skyline. You can head to the 86th floor obervatory for awesome views of the city. $20, admission to 86th fl. observatory
Last but not least, save the ultimate, most eye popping New York City tourist experience for the evening, Times Square (42nd-47th and 7th Ave/Broadway).
Hope this guide helps you plan your visit to the Big Apple. See you soon, happy training!
