A Weekend Getaway to New York City

A student friendly guide to NYC… what to do and what NOT to do. 

Back in November of 2015, Ben & I went to New York City for a long weekend to meet up with friends. Neither of us had ever been before, and we were so excited! As university students, we were budget conscious and did not want to spend too much time away from school. In total, we were away for 4 days, and spent only $1200.00 (including flights!)

Flight: We flew with Porter Airlines which was incredibly affordable and convenient. We simply took the Go Train from Stouffville to Union, and hopped onto the Porter Shuttle that took us right to the Island Airport. The flight was quick, and we were in NYC by midmorning! We highly recommend flying with Porter Airlines. Tip: Subscribe to their emails, as they occasionally have flight sales. 

Accommodations: We stayed at a hotel in New Jersey, because it was WAY cheaper than finding a place in NYC. The hotel offered daily free shuttles to Times Square, so we were just responsible for getting ourselves back afterwards via bus or cab. If we were to do this trip again, we would try to find a place in the city to avoid traveling back and forth from Jersey to NYC each day. There are lots of incredible options listed on AirBnB. 

Travel: We were absolute rookies on this trip in terms of getting from point A to point B. We walked EVERYWHERE (over the span of 4 days we walked 63.55 kilometers…which was so unnecessary). Honestly, we were too scared to use the subway system because it was so much more complicated than Toronto’s...we’re such country bumpkin’s sometimes. So, take advantage of NYC’s transit system! 

so, what should you do on your weekend getaway to New York City

Spend an Afternoon in Central Park 

We loved strolling around Central Park. Given that it was November, the fall leaves were still beautiful, and it was actually unseasonably warm...which we didn’t mind either! We checked out all the famous landmarks within the park, and I was replaying countless classic movie scenes filmed at them. (Enchanted, anyone?!)

Go on a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

We found this to be the best way to see NYC, as well as other cities, because it is such a convenient way to see all the major sights! As students under the age of 25, we were not able to rent a car, so this was perfect. We saw it all (Macy’s, Flatiron Building, SoHo, Wall Street, etc.) 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not expect to be able to hop onto the last bus when they are closing for the night! We were stranded down by Battery Park waiting for a bus for over an hour because all the buses were full! Eventually, it was another bus company that took pity on us (who had passed us multiple times waiting for our bus) who allowed us to hop on for free and take us back to Times Square. 

Top of the Rock

We were blown away by the incredible views from the Top of the Rock. It was such an amazing way to see the city from above. Just make sure you choose the clearest day to make it worthwhile. 

The MET (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) 

We were too late to go inside, but friends of ours said it was an incredible way to spend the afternoon. I just felt like I was in Gossip Girl, or going to the MET Gala, while standing on the famous steps. 

Be A Tourist

Check out some of the other world famous tourist attractions! For example, we checked out Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and The Empire State Building (at night, because we did the Top of the Rock during the day). 

Go to a show on Broadway 

We went to the booth under the red stairs in Times Square to get discounted tickets for a show that evening. We were able to snag tickets to Les Miserables for only $75 each, and the seats were incredible! There are lots of other ways to get discounted tickets that same day, so be sure to check out what is playing while you’re there. 

Bryant Park & The New York Public Library 

This was one of my favourite places in the city that we kept coming back to! Relaxing on some of the parks signature chairs, enjoying the warm fall days and people watching. The library was gorgeous; I felt just like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. 

Brooklyn Bridge 

WOW! What a way to see the city! It was so fun walking across the bridge, and enjoying lunch in Brooklyn at Shake Shack before returning back to NYC. 

The World Trade Center Site- Ground Zero

Seeing Ground Zero was incredibly moving. I was only in Grade 1 on September 11th, 2001, but remember the day quite clearly. Teachers were acting strange, and taking shifts watching us in our classroom. Coming home after school and my mom watching the news. It was a moving afternoon. 

Stroll Fifth Avenue 

We walked along Fifth Avenue for a couple blocks, popping into some stores along the way, including the legendary Apple Store and Tiffany & Co. While in Tiffany’s, I was able to try on engagement rings which was SO fun. Turns out I have pretty expensive taste, as the one that caught my eye was only $250,000… sorry, Benny.