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9 Tips to Spending a Fabulous Day in Manhattan

Written by Lindy | Dec 9, 2021 6:49:37 AM

There is so much to explore near The Concorde Hotel New York in Midtown East Manhattan. We are just one block from Park Avenue, a sixteen-minute walk from Andrew Haswell Green Park and views of the East River, and an even shorter walk from Rockefeller Plaza. We have accommodations to suit single travelers, families, groups, and even pets. Whether you’re visiting our comfortable boutique hotel for business or pleasure, we hope you’ll be able to take a day to explore the world-famous borough of Manhattan. If you’re not sure how to spend your day, we’ve taken the opportunity to collect some of our highest-recommended restaurants, sites, shows, and activities right here to show you just how much you can accomplish in one day in Manhattan.

How to spend a morning in Manhattan:

1. Breakfast

Start your day with the breakfast-in-bed package from The Concorde Hotel New York, which includes a full American breakfast for two (but we won’t tell if you keep it all for yourself!). If you prefer a more active morning, pop into Café Bonsaii after 8:00 am, conveniently located at the hotel, for coffee and a light breakfast.

2. Central Park

Grab your coffee to go and take a short walk to Central Park . Fall is coming fast, but this green space is an attractive, immaculate place of solace in any season. You could spend the entire day in this 843-acre wonderland, but Central Park attractions closest to the hotel include Central Park Zoo, Wollman Skating Rink, and Gapstow Bridge. There is no better place in NYC for a morning walk. If you’ve brought some little ones with you, be sure to stroll by Heckscher Playground.

3. Museums

By the time you’ve finished admiring the scenery and people-watching in the park, museums will be opening. Pop into the Museum of Arts and Design to view or purchase one-of-a-kind functional art, or visit the Museum of Modern Art to see works by Henri Rousseau, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Henri Matisse.

Afternoon activities in Manhattan:

4. Lunch

For lunch, you’ll be close to Ellen’s Stardust Diner . This is a great place to grab some food and get a preview of what NYC’s up-and-coming stars have to offer. This Manhattan staple is open 7:00 am-midnight, and although it looks like a typical 1950s diner, it opened in 1987. It’s an appealing spot for kids and adults alike, thanks to the singing waitstaff, good food, and retro atmosphere.

5. Shopping

What’s a trip to Manhattan without some shopping ? Lunch at Ellen’s puts you just a ten-minute walk from 5 th Avenue. Visit Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman for luxury fashion, or head toward Times Square to see the neon billboards and purchase Broadway tickets.

6. Sightseeing

You’ll be a short distance from famous Manhattan landmarks , like Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Times Square. If your feet are tired, you can always hail a taxi and relax while being transported to the Empire State Building or Flatiron Building. If you need a snack near Rockefeller Center, you’ll be a short walk from the Jerk Pan Food Truck and Jiannetto’s Pizza.

An evening in Manhattan:

7. Dinner

Pop back to your room at The Concorde Hotel New York to get ready for a night out on the town, or stay in to experience Café Bonsaii when it transforms into a wine and tapas bar. If you decide to do some more exploring, visit The Crab House for amazing seafood, just one minute’s walk from the hotel. Or, visit Avra Madison Estiatorio for an expert Greek cuisine experience.

8. Show

Visit Broadway after grabbing a bite to see classics like Phantom of the Opera or Moulin Rouge , or go for something a little more daring, like Almost Famous , SIX , or Mr. Saturday Night . Of course, Broadway isn't the only option if you're looking for a show. If the weather is nice, you may be able to catch an outdoor performance. In the mood for a laugh? Don’t forget about NYC’s Comedy Cellar or catch an ever-hilarious performance by the Drunk Shakespeare crew.

9. Cocktails

We aren’t called The City that Never Sleeps for nothing! If you aren’t ready to fall into your bed yet, grab a drink at The R Lounge or The Rum House, both located near Times Square. One of the best ways to experience a day in Manhattan is to step out onto the sidewalk and see where the wind takes you. These are some tried and true ideas, but it’s hard to go wrong when exploring such a rich, culturally diverse city. Make The Concorde Hotel New York your home base during your stay in New York City. Book your room or suite today , and be sure to ask our guest services staff for more amazing recommendations.