72 Hours in Manhattan: What To See, Eat and Do in NYC
Manhattan is one of the cities attracting more tourists since restrictions relaxed. Here's how you can see what it has to offer in three days.
By Aaron Kok -
If you're planning a trip to Times Square or the Empire State Building, you can bet that you're not alone. As Singaporeans continue their revenge travelling spree, New York has emerged as one of the several places in the world that is seeing plenty of interest. How do we know? Because this writer has just arrived home from the city that never sleeps, and we bumped into a lot of Singaporeans along the way.
Still, New York has a lot to offer travellers of all ages and agendas. And for first timers, the city can be somewhat intimidating. With that being said, we’ve done the homework and pounded the Manhattan pavements for you, so you can make full use of your time there to get the best experience – whether you’re looking to fall in love with fashion à la Sex and the City or seeking out the best nosh to have at midnight.
Are you ready to embark on your 72 hour-long Manhattan adventure?
P.S Pandemic travel still requires extra planning, paperwork and patience — be sure to use this handy travel tool that allows you to check on the right requirements for entry.
Tipping: Tipping is a big part of the culture in America, and at press time, the recommended minimum tip for dining spots is 18% of the total bill. In some dining establishments, tips are pre-calculated into your final bill, so do ensure you read through the itemised receipt before deciding if you want to tip, as you might risk double-tipping on the same bill.
Tipping your ride hail driver isn’t always necessary, though it’s recommended if they offered you good service.
Using the subway: One of the most convenient ways to get around the city (besides walking) is to use the subway. Start familiarising yourself with the Uptown and Downtown directions. For iPhone users, we also recommend setting up Apple Pay prior to your trip so that you can use Apple Pay to pay for your subway rides. This eliminates the need to buy fare cards, which you risk losing should it slip out of your pocket. The MTA also requires all riders to wear a face mask.
Useful apps to have: Most of our apps here work in New York, but make sure you have Lyft and Uber downloaded for easier transport options. Resy is also a good app to have to help you make reservations for dinner.
Areas to stay: We recommend staying in Midtown, West Village, Hell’s Kitchen, or the Upper East/ West sides. These areas offer the best access to major tourist attractions, and there are plenty of accommodation and food options around.
Going to and from the airport: You can choose to take public transport from the airport into Manhattan, thanks to its well-connected train system. However, if you’re like me and you don’t know what packing lightly means, then you might want to consider taking an Uber. A ride from John F Kennedy Airport to our hotel in Lower West Side set us back about US$90. It’s pricey, but it solves the hassle of travelling with heavy luggage.
For the return trip back to the airport, it is recommended that you reach 3 hours before your departure, so you have ample time to check in for your flight and clear customs. Check with your hotel concierge on how long it would take to get to the airport from your lodging, and if there are potential traffic jams to expect when planning your departure.
Plan ahead where possible: Lastly, whenever you get the option, pre-booking your tickets to attractions are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons in the upcoming summer months. The same goes for restaurants – make a reservation early to avoid the disappointment of being turned away or having to wait for a table.
Covid-19 testing: If you feel an onset of symptoms, there are plenty of mobile Covid-19 test sites dotting around the city! Refer to this link to find the one closest to you.
Wearing masks: At press time, New York doesn’t have a stringent mask policy, so expect to see plenty of places where people are walking around without their masks. That being said, in our two weeks spent in the city, we never attracted disapproving glances from passers-by when we wore our masks out in public. Some establishments – such as theatres on Broadway and The Met Museum – will require you to wear a mask throughout your visit, so make sure to read up on their policies.
Text: Aaron Kok/HerWorld