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Dreaming about a visit to the Big Apple? Join the club.
Here’s our guide to making the most of 48 hours in the city that never sleeps.
Day One
Take a stroll along the High Line
Perched 30 feet above the city, it’s not hard to see why this beautiful park is one of New York’s best-loved green spaces. Formerly a freight rail line, the two kilometre stretch from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, through Chelsea to West 34th Street has been redesigned as an urban park in the sky.
Soak in the views of the Hudson river, explore public art installations, catch some sun on the loungers, and take in the sights and sounds of everyday life in Manhattan below. You’ll pass some of the city’s most iconic street art, The Standard Hotel and a whole lot more along the way.
Get to know the neighbourhood
After the High Line, spend some time wandering through the pretty tree-lined streets of Chelsea and Greenwich Village. Do some window-shopping, gallery-hopping and if you fancy a treat, stop in for coffee and a red velvet cupcake at the Magnolia Cafe on Bleecker Street.
Make a brunch stop
Keep walking towards Soho and you’ll reach the colourful Jack’s Wife Freda on Lafayette Street. Tuck into eggs, waffles, cocktails and do some style-spotting in this super chic bistro.
Image via jackswifefreda.com
Explore Washington Square Park
Work off your brunch with a wander through another of the city’s beloved green spaces. Surrounded by beautiful NYU campus buildings, Washington Square Park is home to brilliant buskers, a beautiful fountain and of course, the iconic white marble arch dedicated to George Washington.
Pay a visit to Ground Zero
From Washing Square Park, head all the way down West Broadway to Ground Zero. Take a 9/11 Memorial Tour, or simply spend some time reflecting at the incredible Twin Tower memorial.
While you’re in the Financial District, grab a drink in the Irish-owed The Dead Rabbit on Water Street, aka. the best bar in the world.
Chow down with tasty treats
The Gotham West Market in Hell’s Kitchen is a brilliant budget option. The bustling food court is home to an array of cuisines including tacos, burritos and tamales at Choza Taqueira, fresh sushi hand rolls at Uma Temakeria, ramen at Ivan Ramen slurp shop and a whole lot more. If you’ve still got some energy after dinner, a ten-minute walk will bring you to Times Square by night.
Day Two
Start the day with a stroll through Central Park
No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the sprawling city park. Pay a visit to Strawberry fields (and look out for the John Lennon tribute singer), hop in a paddle boat on the Lake, visit the Friends fountain, or simply find a spot in the sunshine and do some people watching.
Make (another) brunch stop
Stop in at The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, grab a sandwich from the famous Park West Deli and Grocery, or if you’re looking for something a little different, make the trip to Agave Cantina on 7th venue in Greenwich Village for some of the best Mexican food in the city.
Take the ferry to Brooklyn
Opt for the road less travelled to Brooklyn by hopping on the East River Ferry (route schedules are here). Explore downtown Brooklyn and wander through the brownstone-filled Brooklyn Heights, soaking in the incredible view of the Manhattan skyline across the East River.
Enjoy a last supper in the East Village
Book a table at The Stanton Social for a truly decadent dinner. Choose from a mouth-watering array of sharing platters including red snapper tacos, coconut curry samosa, and don’t miss out on their signature French Onion Soup dumplings.
To round off a pretty dreamy 48 hours, head to Pouring Ribbons, just a few blocks away on Avenue B. This award-winning craft cocktail bar is home to some of the most unique cocktails in the world and it’s seating only. Perfection.
Fancy taking the trip of a lifetime to the States? Check out Conor McGregor’s journey and find out how to follow your big American dream in the clip below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFsCYRp9ndo
If you want to Dream Big with thanks to Budweiser and live your American Dream to the value of €50,000 then head over to BudDreamBig.ie to enter. Over 18s only. Please enjoy Budweiser responsibly, visit DrinkAware.ie
