We spent 3 days in New York City in August 2023. Let me tell you it was hot! So keep that in mind when planning a trip to New York City. We actually took the room from my mom because she couldn’t go that weekend.
How we got there
So from the Boston area there are several ways to get to New York city. My preferred way would be by Amtrack but by the time we looked for tickets it was about $200 each. We looked into buses as well which was about $70 each so we did the math and figured out it was our best bet to drive. The parking at the hotel was $30 a night so we would spend $90. It wasn’t our first choice but it was the cheapest and easiest considering we were leaving after work.
Where we stayed
Hilton Midtown
Cost: $500 for 3 nights
Would I go back? Yes
Why? Great location, metro right on the block. The room was really big for New York. We have a couch and a full king size bed. There was plenty of space to walk around, I think you could even fit a second bed if needed. We also had a lovely view of a brick wall so that was nice.
Day 1
Dinner at Don Antonio
Cost: $100 with tip
Would I go back? Yes, it was really good.
What we got: We split a gluten free arancini, I got a pizza and T got a gluten free calzone! It was his first one ever so if you are gluten free is this a great place to go. We could even split arancini! They were very cautious and T didn’t have a reaction so I feel confident in recommending them. The food was really good too, it’s a tight place so you might want to make a reservation but think small NYC restaurants, tables are very close together so just go in with those expectations.
Day 2
Tenement Museum
Want to learn more about your trip to the tenement museum? Read more here.
Cost: $30 a person (Book in advance)
Would I go back: Yes! Absolutely, I cannot wait to go back.
What it’s like: The Tenement Museum is located at 103 Orchard St, New York. The goal of the museum is to tell the stories of those who lived at 103 Orchard St. You can pick from several different tours of the museum, you cannot tour the museum alone, you need to be with a guide. They do have an elevator but only in one of the two buildings so make sure you pick the correct tour if you need an elevator.
We chose the 100 Years Apart tour which took us to 2 different apartments where Natalie Gumpertz and Mrs. Wong lived. Natalie Gumpertz’s husband disappeared in 1873 and she became the breadwinner for herself and her children. She used her sewing machine to keep them afloat. Mrs. Wong was a union worker for the New York garment district in the 1970s. We got to tour 2 apartments and learn about the lives of those who lived there from historical documents and accounts from their families.
Chelsea Market Place
Cost: $0 – $1,000
Would I go back: Yes!
What it’s like: It’s an indoor market that used to be the National Biscuit Company. They have all sorts of cool stores, restaurants, and bars. I’ve been there a couple of times and I always want to go back. We went to a restaurant called Eat Offbeat which is run by refugees. We had delicious food and most things were gluten free. We were even able to split our meals which is unusual for us.
MoMa
Cost: $30 a person
Would I go back: Probably Not
What it’s like: If you like modern art you will love MoMa. I’m not the biggest fan, I don’t understand it that well. I love tours of modern art museums but there wasn’t one offered when we went. We chose to do it because Starry Starry Night is normally located there and we didn’t know it was on loan to the MET.
SIX
Cost: $75 a ticket
Would I go back: Maybe, only because I’ve seen it
What it’s like: SIX is an upbeat, musical battle between the six wives of Henry the 8th. I loved it, the music was excellent but if you are going for thought provoking, plot driven play. This is not it. That being said, it was a wonderful play. Also the drinks were cheap.
Want to read more on how the queens of Henry the 8th and how they are portrayed in SIX? Click Here
Schnipper’s
Cost: $10 – 30
Would I go back: Yes
What it’s like: It’s like an upscale McDonald’s. If you know Tasty Burger it’s similar to that. The best part (at least for T) is that the whole menu, even the fried stuff, can be made gluten free! I got a burger, fries and a milkshake while T got a fried chicken sandwich, fries and a milkshake. It cost us about $40 for both of us.
Barbie Movie
Cost: $29 a ticket
What it’s like: A pretty nice movie theater. It’s fun to go to the movies at 1 am in Time Square and we wanted to see Barbie, which was a great movie.
Day 3
MET
Cost: $30 for adults
Would I go back: Yes
What it’s like: Amazing, the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art is an incredible museum. They have a massive collection that features all types of art. To me it’s as amazing as the Louvre, just closer to home and somehow more expensive. You should see it at least once but make sure to book in advance.
Want to know more about the MET? Read more here.
Cyprus Exhibit
Cost: $Free with admission to the MET but book in advance
Would I go back: Maybe
What it’s like: The Cyprus exhibit was a special exhibit at the MET while we were there. It was a collection of pieces from Van Gough and his exploration of Cyprus trees. It done in chronological order with readings on his life. I would highly recommend it if you can find it.
Want to learn more about Van Gough learn more here
EJ’s Luncheonette
Cost: $20-50
Would I go back: Yes
What it’s like: It was good, classic diner food. T was able to get pancakes which is always a plus for someone who is gluten free. I got some eggs, home fries and toast. It was really good and the coffee was delicious.
Schnipper’s
Cost: $35
Would I go back: Well I did
What it’s like: I mean we went back to the same place so I would go back. We tried to find a different place for dinner but were strapped for time before our show and didn’t want to spend too much money or risk T not being able to eat.
Smackerie’s
Cost: $3.25 a cookie
Would I go back: No
What it’s like: It’s a sweet little cookie store. I would say it wasn’t my favorite but it was good. I really like soft baked cookies and these are not really that. I found them kind of hard and dry. T was able to get one and he liked it but said it wasn’t great.
Good Night Oscar
Cost: $70
Would I go back: Maybe
What it’s like: Night and day from SIX. This play is very thought provoking and really made you think. I would say it wasn’t a happy play but it was funny. I would recommend going, I would say not for kids. The drinks were insanely priced though so keep that in mind.
This is based on The Tonight Show with Jack Parr and Oscar Levant that aired in 1958. It is on YouTube as well but the play does an amazing job with the entire back story.
Junior’s Restaurant
Cost: $30
Would I go back: Yes
What it’s like: A cute and fun dinner that is always busy. They’re known for their cheese cake but we wanted milkshakes after our show so we popped in and grabber 2. They’re 9.95 each which we didn’t think was a bad price for NYC and they were massive.
Day 4
Friedman’s
Cost: $160
Would I go back: Ehh maybe
What it’s like: A cute diner with good food. I personally feel like it’s very overpriced for what it is. I found their food fine but we got a much cheaper and better quality meal the day before.
Sundae’s Best
Cost: $7
Would I go back: No
What it’s like: A cute little Asian inspired ice cream shop. The flavors were very unique. You can’t get chocolate and vanilla but you can try a whole bunch of unique flavor combos. I have to say I didn’t love my ice cream, I don’t even think I ate the whole thing. I found the flavor and texture to be off.
Final Thoughts
I personally love New York city. There is so much to do and so much history. I would happily live there for a year or 2 but T would not so in Boston we remain. That being said it is one of the priciest places to go for a weekend. It very much rivals the cost of a trip to Europe for a week, you can do it for cheaper such as skipping the plays but it is hard to do if that’s the experience you want.
Total Cost for 2: $2,078
Do you have any cost saving tips for NYC? What’s your favorite play to see?
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