This was my first visit to New York. I took a really early flight over from London Heathrow and returned on a red-eye before heading straight to work. I think most people do this.
Five days is a really good amount of time to spend in New York. You'll have a chance to visit the classic tourist sites of Times Square, Broadway, Fifth Avenue, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Flatiron Building and Brooklyn Bridge. All the while taking in the day-to-day atmosphere of various districts. Not to mention hotels in New York are ridiculously priced, so spending any more time will certainly break the bank.
Aside from that, a visit to a CVS or Walgreens is a must. Stock up on copious amounts of pharmaceutical products just for the ridiculousness.
Oh, and Trader Joe's. It is good fun.
The city is actually quite walkable. Sure, the grid system means you'll be spending a lot of time waiting for traffic lights, but at least you can walk (not like many other American cities where a car is a necessity). Central Park is also a delightful place to cycle and stroll around.
Waypoints
40.64619, -73.77947 - JFK to Downtown
Getting from the airport to Downtown was a relatively simple affair, if you are packing light and only have a backpack or small suitcase. Board the AirTrain to Jamaica Station. You don't pay when you get on, but rather when you get off, by purchasing a Metrocard at the machines (cards accepted). Then walk over to the Long Island Railroad. Buy another ticket from one of the machines there and board the next train. Alight at Penn Station, which is a short walk to Times Square or change platforms to take the subway. The subway can be paid with contactless cards. Three different ways to pay for public transport. You can probably tell what I think about this.
40.75174, -73.99593 - Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station
If you have some spare time, go up to the main hall at Penn. It is classic American train station architecture with a massive glass ceiling.
40.75333, -73.97679 - Grand Central
An equally amazing train station. The main hall is absolutely beautiful with lots of archways to all the different platforms. There is also a food court in the basement too which is worth walking around.
40.77696, -73.97037 - Central Park
Take the subway north to any of the stations near Central Park. The really nice parts are towards the Lake and Reservoir. In fact, it is well worth walking all around the reservoir. If time allows, exit the park on the east side to visit the Guggenheim Museum. Alternatively, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located within Central Park itself. Try not to use any maps. Just walk along any path that looks interesting. There are lots of hidden nooks which offer great views of the city around the park.
40.75637, -74.00371 - The High Line
An elevated disused railway line turned public walking park. Really cool place to walk and take in the sights. There are plenty of benches along the length of the line to rest too.
40.74195, -74.01051 - Little Island
After walking the High Line, head to Little Island (designed by Thomas Heatherwick). The amphitheatre is a great place to relax and rest the feet.
40.74254, -74.00618 - Chelsea Market
Alternatively, if you are hungry after walking the High line, head to Chelsea Market. It is a large building housing copious amounts of food vendors. Queue up, order your food and then find a place to sit to eat. There is seating outside too. Would highly recommend a place called Very Fresh Noodles. Their noodles will leave your mouth numb indeed. There are also plenty of shops inside too to stroll around.
40.76142, -73.97761 - The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
So many floors of beautiful art. You can spend a whole day here, but 3-4 hours is plenty. There isn't really a good cafe here so when you inevitably get tired feet, it might be a good idea to head out to a nearby cafe or restaurant.
40.72243, -73.99607 - Soho
This district is filled with trendy clothes shops. All the American labels are here. Check out the perfume shops too.
40.71602, -73.99756 - Chinatown
A relatively large Chinatown with lots of restaurants (Joe's Shanghai). There is a friendly cheung fun hole-in-the-wall (Yi Ji Shi Mo), dim sum takeaway shops (Mei Lei Wah) and lots of bakeries too. Standard levels of service from any Chinatown around the world.
40.70128, -74.01321 - Staten Island Ferry
Take subway 1 to South Ferry terminal and walk over to Whitehall Terminal. Wait in the main hall for the next Staten Island Ferry. It is free to take, no ticket needed. Once on board, stand at the railings on the right hand side for views of the Statue of Liberty. Once at Staten Island, just fast walk around to catch the next one back.
40.73324, -73.99095 - Strand Bookstore
A beautiful book store over many floors. I particularly enjoyed the basement (probably because the train related books are there). They have lots of merch available to purchase too. Can't have enough tote bags.
40.71646, -73.9912 - Sweet Pickle Books
A small independent book store. Offers super comfortable t-shirts.
40.76329, -73.97832 - Astro Restaurant
Classic American diner. Go for breakfast. Order some hash and eggs whichever way you want. Coffee and an orange juice. Unbeatable combination.
40.76416, -73.97858 - Burger Joint
This 'hidden' burger restaurant can be found in a hotel. Peek behind the curtains and you'll be met with one of the best burgers.
40.73103, -73.99315 - Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company
A New York bagel is a must. This chain can be found at many locations and there are lots of other bagel places to try too. They offer a lot of choices for fillings.
40.72299, -73.99458 - Prince Street Pizza
One of New York's finest pizza places. Queue, order a slice of pepperoni pizza, pay and scoff it all down before you leave the premises. Dripping with oil, you won't be disappointed.
40.73162, -74.00344 - John's of Bleeker Street
Yet another New York institution for pizza.
40.72223, -73.98742 - Katz's Delicatessen
I think everyone knows this place for a reason. Just go.
40.73519, -74.00066 - 4 Charles Prime Rib
A great sit-down restaurant serving juicy prime rib steaks. An Old Fashioned cocktail is a must order also.
40.71928, -74.00595 - One White Street
Michelin starred restaurant. If you have a table for six, I would highly recommend just ordering the whole menu. Every dish is great.
40.77441, -73.96316 - Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel
Cosy bar at the back of the hotel. Really classic New York interior.
40.72622, -73.99469 - Levain Bakery
Located all over New York. Order a box of cookies; any flavour that takes your fancy. Sublime. Then order several boxes to take home.
40.72211, -73.99608 - Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Very good gelato on a hot summer day. Not overly powerful flavours (which is good).
40.72492, -73.99152 - Momofuku Ko
Not impossible to get a reservation, but can be tough nonetheless. Great chefs and good food.
40.77924, -73.98363 - Sushi Kaito
Located in Upper West Side, this omakase sushi restaurant seats around 10 people. You get to watch the chefs prepare your sushi in amazing detail. Savour each bite. Each bite is expensive, but so worth it. Pair the tasting menu with warm sake. Delicious.
40.7175, -73.99204 - Shu Jiao Fu Zhou
Located on the edge of Chinatown, this really bare bones restaurant reminds me of China/Hong Kong of old. Order with cash at the till. Then just grab a seat with strangers. Rustic dumplings and street-style noodles.
40.71389, -73.99093 - Kopitiam
Quaint cafe serving delicious Malaysian teh tarik and kaya toast. Perfect for a simple breakfast or afternoon snack. Sit by the window to people watch.
40.74701, -73.98583 - Gopchang Story
Hectic Korean BBQ restaurant. Order a bunch of things to share while downing bottles of soju. Fried rice is a must. Great night out.
40.74783, -73.98732 - HHD (Heuk Hwa Dang)
Round the corner from Gopchang Story serving classic Korean desserts. Good place to chat with friends.
40.73965, -73.99249 - Bom
Up-market Korean restaurant. Worth a try, if you can get a reservation.
40.73298, -74.00734 - Jeju Noodle Bar
Specialising in ramyum, this warm Korean restaurant is worth a visit. The appetisers are great too.
40.64619, -73.77947 - JFK to Downtown
40.76329, -73.97832 - Astro Restaurant
