Kecia's Best of New York City (& Beyond)

Kecia's Best of New York City (& Beyond)

KECIA WELT
Visiting the Tri-State Area on a modest budget
Updated ago
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Arrival

My preferred airport is Newark Liberty International Airport. Both United and Alaska Airlines offer nonstop flights from Portland, OR. Upon arrival, I hop into an Uber or a Lyft for a short 4.3 miles trip to NEWARK PENN STATION (NOT New York Penn Station). The trip should take 15-20 minutes and cost under $20.

Upon arrival at Newark Penn Station, make your way to the PATH train line located between Tracks 1 or 2 on the second level. The cost is $2.75 per trip and the direct ride to World Trade Center will take approximately 25 minutes.

Alternately, if traffic is light, consider taking an Uber or Lyft directly to the hotel. With ideal traffic conditions, this trip will take 30-40 minutes and cost $60-$90 (14 miles). Use Google Maps to assess real-time traffic conditions. (My friend arrived on a red eye on May 7, 2023 at 6 am. Here Uber fare was $51 before tip from EWR to Club Quarters at World Trade)

Newark Liberty International Airport
@kecia
3 terminals (A, B & C) are connected by a convenient monorail system (AirTrain). Within the airport, AirTrain is free if you use AirTrain to connect between the airline terminals, parking lots, hotel shuttles, and rental car facilities, there is no fee to pay and no ticket is required. NOTE When you buy a NJ TRANSIT or Amtrak ticket to or from Newark Liberty International Airport Station, that one ticket includes the AirTrain Newark portion, which is $8.25. This is most practical and affordable if you plan to travel to mid-town Manhattan.
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Newark - Pennsylvania Station
@kecia
Newark Penn Station, is an intermodal passenger station in Newark, New Jersey.[7] One of the New York metropolitan area's major transportation hubs, Newark Penn Station is served by multiple rail and bus carriers, making it the seventh busiest rail station in the United States, and the fourth busiest in the New York City metropolitan area. Newark Penn Station is served by three NJ Transit commuter rail lines, the Newark Light Rail, the PATH rapid transit system, and all 11 of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor services, including the Acela.
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World Trade Center
@kecia
The Financial District (FiDi) has changed dramatically since the 9/11 attacks. In the years following the attacks, the neighborhood has undergone a massive rebuilding effort, which has resulted in the construction of new skyscrapers, parks, and other amenities. Today, FiDi is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood that is home to a diverse mix of businesses, residents, and visitors. There are many reasons why FiDi is a great neighborhood to base your trip to NYC. First, it is centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation. Second, it is home to a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Third, it is close to many of NYC's top attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and the Empire State Building. Finally, FiDi is a safe and walkable neighborhood, making it easy to get around and explore.
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Preferred Hotel (FiDi)

The Financial District (FiDi) has changed dramatically since the 9/11 attacks. In the years following the attacks, the neighborhood has undergone a massive rebuilding effort, which has resulted in the construction of new skyscrapers, parks, and other amenities. Today, FiDi is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood that is home to a diverse mix of businesses, residents, and visitors.

There are many reasons why FiDi is a great neighborhood to base your trip to NYC. First, it is centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation. Second, it is home to a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Third, it is close to many of NYC's top attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial/Museum, Tribeca, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Finally, FiDi is a safe and walkable neighborhood, making it easy to get around and explore.

Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center, New York
@kecia
I have had great success with this hotel. Spend a few more dollars and book the highest-category room with a superior view and you won't be disappointed. I love the rooftop terraces! 2 blocks West of the hotel towards the Hudson River (on Albany St), you will find a deli and grocery store (Riverside Market & Gristedes). Here you can stock your fridge, pick up craft beer and snacks for happy hour on the roof, and get a quick bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich.
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Favorite Places near WTC

The Battery
@kecia
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Battery Park City
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North Cove Yacht Harbor Battery Park City
@kecia
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Rockefeller Park
@kecia
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I highly recommend walking and running along the Hudson River. You can walk for miles (all the way to Central Park!)

Brooklyn Bridge
@kecia
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South Street Seaport
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The Fearless Girl
@kecia
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Lower East Side Walking Tour

The Lower East Side is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in New York City, and it's also a great place to go for a food walking tour.  There are many different types of food to try in the Lower East Side, from traditional Jewish delicacies to modern American cuisine.

One of the best things about doing a food walking tour in the Lower East Side is that you get to try a variety of different foods in a short amount of time. You can also learn about the history of the neighborhood and the different cultures that have influenced its cuisine.

This tour starts in SoHo at West Broadway and Grand Street. Walk East on Grand Street. You should allow several hours for this tour, expect to walk 1-2 miles.

Tenement Museum
@kecia
There are many reasons why you should visit the Tenement Museum in NYC. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of immigration in the United States. It is also a great place to experience the living conditions of immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Tenement Museum is located in a real tenement building on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The building was built in 1863 and was home to over 7,000 people over the course of its history. The museum has four apartments that have been restored to their original condition. The apartments represent the living conditions of different immigrant groups, including German, Irish, Italian, and Jewish immigrants.
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Other Favorite Places

Little Island
@kecia
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The High Line
@kecia
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John J. Harvey
@kecia
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Bethesda Fountain
@kecia
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The Ramble
@kecia
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Row Boat Rental
@kecia
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Turtle Pond Overlook
@kecia
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Belvedere Castle
@kecia
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Central Park Model Boat Sailing
@kecia
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The Mall and Literary Walk
@kecia
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American Museum of Natural History
@kecia
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
@kecia
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Entertainment

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
@kecia
"weather-permitting, I highly recommend the TWILIGHT CRUISE"
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These concerts are really unique and fun. Check one out if your schedule allows.

New York Transit Museum
@kecia
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Via Carota
@kecia
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Pastis
@kecia
Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner! Make a reservation and request a cozy banquet table. Next to the High Line and Little Island park. This is a fun area to explore
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Arturo's Coal Oven Pizza
@kecia
Old School Italian. Fun atmosphere - Call to book a reservation -- request a booth near the bar so you can enjoy the live music
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Juliana's
@kecia
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Favorite Casual Food

Scarr's Pizza
@kecia
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L'Appartement 4F
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L'Industrie Pizzeria
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West Village Treasures

Via Carota
@kecia
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Bar Pisellino
@kecia
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I Sodi
@kecia
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The Commerce Inn
@kecia
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Wellness

AIRE Ancient Baths New York
@kecia
In an industrial building from 1808, AIRE is an experience of sensations that runs through different thermal baths, massages, and other special treatments.
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* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KECIA WELT
Are you Krampus curious? Kecia Welt loves the Krampus and exploring remote alpine Christmas markets. Over the past four years, I have explored over 30 markets in five countries. I get excited about drinking glühwein, eating kaiserschmarrn, and taking long winter hikes. Let me help you plan your next trip... Specializing in: South Tyrol, Dolomites, Italy Austria Bavaria, Germany Czechia Custom itineraries start at $50 per day Schedule a free 15-minute consultation call at https://calendly.com/thewelts/30min Join me for my next Krampus Adventure in Italy Booking now for December 2023 - Space is limited! https://krampuscurious.com/trip/6yw9rqwdczxwqz2aln6fxpqxg9ussqq DM me on Instagram (@keciawelt)
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