New York., New York, so good they name it twice! When I was a kid I always dream about this city, I thought I never have a chance to visit but now I live very close to her. In my heart it's the world capital and of course the Big Apple.
New York City is located in the southeastern part of New York State, at the mouth of the Hudson River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated on the northeastern coast of the United States and is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Its strategic coastal location has made it a major hub for trade, immigration, finance, and culture.
Valid Photo ID (e.g., driver's license)
Credit/Debit Cards (contactless if possible—many places don’t take cash)
Health Insurance Card (just in case)
Transit App: MTA app or Citymapper
Payment App: Apple Pay / Google Pay / Venmo (widely used)
OMNY (Contactless Fare System):
Use a contactless credit/debit card or smartphone (Apple/Google Pay) directly at subway/bus turnstiles.
No need to buy a MetroCard unless you prefer it.
MetroCard (Optional):
If you want unlimited rides: buy a 7-day Unlimited MetroCard.
Available at subway vending machines or station booths.
Walking Shoes: NYC = walking + stairs in the subway.
Portable Phone Charger: Essential if you're using maps and apps all day.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing (check forecast)
Umbrella
Refillable Water Bottle
Small Daypack for daily essentials
Face Masks (some places still require them)
You can buy the ticket on NJ transit app
round-trip tickets from Edison to New York Penn station
generally at $30
Morning
8:00 AM – Breakfast at Friedman’s at Grand Central
Location: 89 E 42nd St, inside Grand Central Terminal
What to Eat: Avocado toast, eggs benedict, fresh bagels, or shakshuka with coffee
Why Here? A local favorite for hearty breakfast options in a historic NYC landmark — just steps from your hotel.
9:00 AM – Empire State Building Observation Deck
Time Needed: ~1 hour
Why Visit? Get breathtaking 360° views of NYC from the iconic 86th-floor observation deck. Best visited early to avoid long lines.
How to Get There: 10-minute subway ride from Grand Central (4 min walk to 33rd St station, then 6 train downtown to 33rd St, walk 3 min).
Midday
10:30 AM – Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Time Needed: ~3 hours (includes ferry ride and time at both islands)
Why Visit? A powerful symbol of freedom and immigration history, with unforgettable skyline views from the ferry.
How to Get There: 20-minute subway from Empire State Building to Battery Park (take R/W train from 34th St to Whitehall St, then walk 5 min).
Tip: Reserve tickets in advance — especially if you want pedestal or crown access.
1:30 PM – Lunch at Fraunces Tavern
Location: 54 Pearl St (Financial District)
What to Eat: Tavern burger, lobster mac & cheese, or a Revolutionary War-era inspired entrée
Why Here? Historic setting where George Washington once dined, offering traditional American cuisine with a colonial vibe.
Afternoon
3:00 PM – One World Observatory (World Trade Center)
Time Needed: ~1 hour
Why Visit? Sky-high views from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The elevator ride itself is a mini time-travel show.
How to Get There: 10-minute walk from Fraunces Tavern
4:30 PM – 9/11 Memorial Pools & Museum (Optional)
Time Needed: ~1 hour
Why Visit? A solemn and powerful tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Evening
6:00 PM – Early Dinner at Eataly NYC Downtown
Location: 101 Liberty St, inside 4 World Trade Center
What to Eat: Wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, and Italian gelato
Why Here? Upscale Italian market and eatery with sunset views over the Financial District. Perfect for winding down.
7:30 PM – Return to Hotel (Optional Scenic Route)
How to Get There: 20-minute subway ride on the 4/5 train from Fulton St Station back to Grand Central