So, you’ve decided to plan a trip to New York – but you’ve only got 48 hours! Perhaps you’re doing a weekend break, or maybe a cheap mid-week escape. Whatever the case may be, it’s important that you use your time wisely. 48 hours is not a lot of time, and there’s a lot to see and do in The Big Apple.
Such short trips are typically the result of a tight budget or inability to book any more time off work. Ideally, it would be nice to have a bit longer, but if this isn’t possible, you need to work out the best way of squeezing everything into two days (especially if you’re not sure you’ll ever get a chance to go back).
This involves planning ahead to eliminate wasted time. Common examples of ways NYC visitors end up wasting time include long queues to attractions, cabs stuck in traffic jams and late hotel check-ins. In this post, we’ll offer a few golden tips to help you maximise every minute of your trip.
Choose Your Accommodation Location Wisely
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet, think carefully about where your accommodation will be. A hotel in central or lower Manhattan will give you quicker access to all the most popular attractions.
Of course, if you’re on a tighter budget, a hotel or hostel in The Bronx, Queens or Brooklyn will probably be cheaper. However, you’ll spend more time getting from your hotel to the sights in Manhattan (potentially a half an hour longer depending on where you stay). If you do stay in these boroughs, make sure you’re close to a subway station with a direct line to Manhattan. Avoid staying in Staten Island.
Skip The Queues With A CityPASS
CityPASS is one of the most popular discount cards – it lets you bundle-buy admission tickets to 5 to 9 major attractions at a lower price. On top of saving you money, these passes can save you time by being able to join the shorter pre-paid ticket line at a scheduled time slot instead of queuing up and buying tickets on the door.
It’s worth comparing other city passes as some may be cheaper or may have a selection of attractions to choose from that is more to your liking. Apply for this pass early and book attraction slots as soon as you can.
Book Broadway Tickets 3 Months In Advance
This is important for anyone considering a Broadway theatre show. The most popular shows can sell out quickly. Buying tickets at least 3 months in advance guarantees you available tickets.
For many shows, booking early may even get you discounted tickets. You’ll also have more choice of where you want to sit so that you’re not stuck watching from an awkward angle.
Get Tickets To The Top Of The Rock
Where do you get the best views in NYC? The Top of the Rock is arguably the best if sightseeing is your priority.
The 360 degree viewing platform at the top of the Rockefeller Center offers incredible views of the whole of Central Park. On the opposite side, you get a picture postcard view of The Empire State Building (you can pay to go up the Empire State Building instead, but if you want iconic skyline views with the Empire State Building in them, you’re not going to get these views from on top of the skyscraper itself).
Consider Splashing Out On An Evening Cruise
Evening cruises can be another opportunity for sightseeing – including potentially getting up close to the Statue of Liberty. The bonus of some of these cruises is that they also serve dinner or have performing bands on them, so you can combine sightseeing with entertainment and food.
The evening is also a magical time to capture the city skyline in a golden glow. Later cruises may even provide nighttime skyline views of the city all lit up.
Visit Museums Early In The Morning (Or Late At Night)
Some of NYC’s museums can get very crowded and this could result in you seeing less if you’re on a tight schedule. While there’s no truly quiet time, you could find that many museums are much less crowded in the morning during opening hours.
Several museums also host Night At The Museum events on certain nights. You’ll pay extra for these, but they can often mean exclusive access after dark – which is often much quieter. The American Museum of Natural History is a popular option because it’s where the movie Night At The Museum was partially filmed.
Spare Some Time To Wander Through Central Park
Walking through Central Park can provide a break from the noise and crowds of the city. Consider planning a few hours here between attractions to amble around.
Those on a budget could even plan to have a picnic here. Make sure you have access to a map – both to help you locate some of the most famous spots (like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge) and to stop you getting lost (the park is vast!).
Pack Your Most Comfortable Shoes
You’re going to do a lot of walking in NYC so bring some comfortable shoes. Avoid heels or any tight shoes that will slow you down.
On the topic of what to wear, make sure you dress for the most likely weather – check the forecast as you fly out and bring a coat/umbrella if it’s likely to rain.
Take Advantage Of Local Luggage Storage
A common problem that tourists find on a short stay is that they cannot check into their room if they arrive in the morning. This can sometimes mean having to wait around for hours to check in or having to lug around a suitcase.
This is where local luggage storage can be a lifesaver. Drop-off points such as these Brooklyn lockers can give you somewhere to securely store your luggage, allowing you to go off and explore hands-free. Similarly, you can use these luggage points if you have to check out early.
Avoid Cabs And Take The Subway
Cabs can get you from door to door, but they’re not always the fastest option. In parts of NYC, you could end up stuck in traffic jams during certain times of the day, wasting precious time.
The subway is much more efficient and a lot cheaper. The only two times you may want to use a taxi are when going to and from the airport to your hotel (taking a suitcase on the subway can be challenging).
