New York City is a force of nature. It’s the city that never sleeps. The “Big Apple”. The “Center of the Universe”. The “Empire State”. It was the first stop many immigrants had when coming through Ellis Island for decades. For many, it became their home. For others, it was just a stop as they passed through with nothing but hope for a future achieving the “American Dream”. It’s a hub with nearly every culture, language, ethnicity, and religion represented. It’s a city that is constantly moving, never silent, with an energy that feels like a steady buzzing in your veins. New York has inspired art across every medium. It’s been immortalized in various ways from the romanticized version shown in Nora Ephron films to the gritty representation in Taxi Driver. It’s a city with many faces, many different personalities, and unique experiences that depend on when you visit and which part of the city you set foot in. This city is not for the weak, but it’s a city worthy of appreciation and respect. It’s also a place where you can visit a dozen times over and still have new things to experience.

Where to Stay: RIU Plaza New York Times Square

Located on the edge of Hell’s Kitchen, RIU Plaza New York Times Square is part of a family-owned chain based in Spain. There are two RIU hotels in New York City with very similar names, which can be confusing if you don’t pay very close attention to your booking information. The New York Times Square property is located on 46th Street near the corner of 8th Avenue. Coincidentally, one block north at 44th & 8th, which is where the Al Hirschfeld Theatre is – otherwise known as the home of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

For a city known to be short on space when it comes to accommodations, rooms at the RIU Plaza are spacious. A bright and airy lobby greets you upon arrival. The ceilings are high, colors are neutral with bright pops of color, and there’s plenty of space, making it immediately feel like a retreat from the city's busy, crowded atmosphere. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and eager to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Across from the front desk is the Fashion Bar & Restaurant, which serves buffet breakfast every morning. Right off the hotel entrance is a grab-and-go cafe for a quick bite.

The room was clean with floor-to-ceiling windows on the farthest wall overlooking the city streets and a spectacular skyline view. The bathroom had a large shower with a rainfall shower head, excellent lighting, and a powerful hair dryer (always important!). The room includes a mini fridge to store drinks and leftovers, a TV, temperature control access, a desk and chair, and a roomy closet with space to hang clothes as well as a safe. The beds were comfortable, and the pillows plush. Daily housekeeping service made the room feel fresh every single day, as if you had just arrived.

RIU Plaza is one of those unique properties that accommodate all types of travelers. There were professionals, families, solo travelers, couples, and groups, all of different age ranges from across the globe. The melting pot of languages in the lobby was exciting to experience and added to the magic of visiting this city. It’s understandable why it’s a favorite among any type of traveler. The location is close enough to Times Square and Midtown, making it easy to walk everywhere, but it’s off the main center of that particular area, which can be overstimulating at best. The price point is also reasonable compared to other NYC hotels, especially given the size and quality of the accommodations, along with the amenities they offer guests. Prices for the RIU Plaza New York Times Square are currently listed starting at $151 per night.

Where to Eat

New York City has more places to eat than anyone could ever write about. From hole-in-the-wall by-the-slice pizza joints to Michelin-starred fine dining to restaurants owned by celebrity chefs, there is something to eat at every price point, in every cuisine, style, and even at any hour. The below recommendations are merely a speck of dust in the infinite universe that is the New York City food scene.

Lunch (or Brunch) at Epistrophy Cafe

Head to Nolita for a hearty brunch - or lunch - to check out Epistrophy Cafe. This “Italian-ish cafe in Nolita,” according to The Infatuation, offers the coziest cafe aesthetic and a daily brunch menu. Sardinian friends founded Epistrophy, which boasts an organic, locally-sourced menu you can “count on for breakfast, brunch, lunch, drinks, or dinner”. There’s an eclectic mix of seating from a communal table to couches, with exposed brick on most of the walls giving it a rustic vibe with a light industrial touch. It feels like a cross between a coffee shop and an old-school neighborhood restaurant. Depending on the day, you might even catch live music. Overall, it’s an excellent spot for an intimate table for two or a group dinner.

Go for a savory option like the Poached Eggs and Creamy Polenta featuring a mushroom ragout or the Market Vegetable Frittata with Parmesan cheese melted over the top. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with berries, banana, and whipped ricotta are not only stunning but melt-in-your-mouth delicious. For less of a breakfast vibe, go for one of the pastas like the pappardelle with a braised beef tomato sauce or orecchiette with pancetta and radicchio in a light cream sauce. The dinner menu features a more traditional Italian restaurant line-up of dishes. Epistrophy’s drinks menu flows generously with well-balanced craft cocktails and an impressive wine menu that’s Italian-heavy, with a handful of other European countries represented as well.

Dinner at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

Located in Times Square, Lillie’s Victorian Establishment has two locations (the other in Union Square). The space is filled with decor spanning centuries, from paintings to photographs and stained glass. The restaurant is named after Lillie Langtry, a British actress and socialite of the Victorian era. It’s eclectic and unique, with a strong menu at reasonable prices. Lillie’s is open for lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends, and additionally offers an afternoon tea service. Enjoy a three-tier option available at $59 per person or the à la carte dessert menu with accompanying coffee and teas.

See a Broadway Show

With the largest theater district in the world, it would be a shame to visit New York City and not see a Broadway show. From familiar to new favorites, there’s something for everyone to see on Broadway - whether you love going all in on the musicals or prefer a captivating play. Catch a matinee or grab dinner before heading to an evening performance, glimpsing the theater lights as you head back to the hotel. Because most NYC theaters are smaller, every experience feels intimate without a bad seat in the house.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

There is no other show quite like Moulin Rouge! The Musical. This Tony Award-winning musical has been at the Al Hirschfeld Theater since 2019, and continues to thrill audiences. The movie-to-stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film opened with an all-star cast led by Aaron Tveit, Danny Burstein, and Karen Olivo. Since then, Aaron has returned, taking up the role of Christian several times - his first return with co-star Ashley Loren and his second return with co-star and popstar legend Joanna “Jojo” Levesque. With electrifying songs that offer a kick in the pants right out of the gate and emotional numbers that tear your heart out, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is for anyone who enjoys a good time, appreciates top 40 hits from the last 50 years, and award-winning talent. This show is not just an audience favorite, but a favorite of the theater community as well. Many actors with impressive resumes have graced the Al Hirschfeld stage, including Boy George, Titus Burgess, Derek Klena, Jordan Fisher, and currently, Taye Diggs and Wayne Brady.

Hadestown

If you love Greek mythology, tragic love stories, or big results in tiny packages, Hadestown is for you. The Walter Kerr Theatre is compact, but the stage production of Hadestown is magnificent. Telling the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, Hadestown is a sad, sad song, but they sing it again anyway…8 shows a week. This show has also attracted some of the industry’s strong talent, including Jordan Fisher (he gets around), Maia Reficco, Betty Who, and Rachel Tucker (a former Elphaba). The score has this subtle way of building. It is so impactful that the big numbers feel like a punch to the gut. The choreography is brilliant, with a revolving platform allowing for maximum impact of even the smallest movements. Even if you know how the story ends, you hope for a different outcome. But that’s the beauty in this tale. Those unable to make it to New York City or catch a tour production are in luck. The original cast filmed a pro-shot in the West End earlier this year that will eventually be released - hopefully sooner rather than later.

See the Sights

Unless you’re a tried and true New Yorker or regular visitor, there’s no shame in seeing the sights. Just remember to pace yourself. New York City is much larger than it seems in terms of distance. Glancing at a map, the blocks look deceptively small. While it’s a walkable city, planning to go from the Meatpacking District to Soho, for example, will take you a solid thirty minutes on foot. There are an endless number of sights to see that you can’t possibly fit into a few days.

Our recommendation, like with any city, is to choose a neighborhood or general area and map out spots to check out. For example, want to see the Friend’s building? Great! Head over to the West Village and knock out Washington Square Park, the Washington Mews, Stonewall Inn, and Greenwich Street. Make your way up to Chelsea to visit the Whitney Museum of American Art, Chelsea Market, Pier 57, Little Island, and the High Line.

Other places to put on your NYC tourist list include The Beekman, Empire State Building, Central Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Museum of Modern Art, Pier 35, Grand Bazaar, Belvedere Castle in Central Park, Times Square, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and so much more. Go on a bookstore and coffee shop crawl. Dip into any number of by-the-slice pizza joints. Indulge in delicately made pastries from any number of bakeries and pastry shops. See a comedy show, walk in the steps of your favorite fictional characters, or simply get lost in the vastness that is New York City.

Take a Day Trip to Brooklyn

Brooklyn is our favorite part of New York City. The high-traffic areas are busy, especially during peak times, but overall, it’s much quieter with a slower pace. The buildings are gorgeous, simply walking through the neighborhoods, and it’s easier to blend in with the locals if you find the right spots. Visiting for a day is just enough to get a taste of what Brooklyn has to offer, so that next time, you’ll make it a priority to spend more time on this side of the Hudson.

Photo Opp: View of the Manhattan Bridge from DUMBO

Located at Washington Street between Front and Plymouth Streets, this is the famous view of the Manhattan Bridge that has been shared on social media extensively. It is a pretty spectacular view, but it’s regularly crowded, which should be expected. The community has capitalized on the property, and there are several businesses located on Washington, including a coffee shop and a pizza place. Head to one and grab a slice or coffee before walking toward the East River.

Parks Along the East River

After grabbing your bridge shots in DUMBO, head towards the East River to Main Street Park. This area offers more views of the Manhattan Bridge, along with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. The farther you walk towards the Brooklyn Bridge, and then past it, you’ll find your way to the Squibb Park Bridge, which will take you back up to the neighborhood. It’s a lovely walk with multiple vantage points and plenty of photo opportunities of the city and historic bridges at different angles.