How to Spend an Extra Day in New York City

An island that’s roughly 13.4 miles long with a population of 1.63 million, Manhattan is home to world-famous New York City sites such as the Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Rockefeller Center.

Manhattan’s many neighborhoods each have their own appeal. Business unfolds in the skyscrapers of the Financial District and Midtown. But when you’re ready for leisure, there’s Chinatown for dim sum, Little Italy for gelato, and SoHo and TriBeCa for stylish stores. Chelsea has the art galleries, Union Square hosts the internationally celebrated Greenmarket, and Harlem is a center of African American culture.

The subway is the quickest way to get around town, but Ubers are also an option—although they’re best avoided during rush hour when traffic can triple your travel time. It’s good to traverse Manhattan on foot as much as possible. Walking offers an opportunity to absorb the sights, sounds and smells of this metropolis.

Central Park / Photo: Dolphin Photo/iStock/Getty Images

Central Park

The 843-acre park is always worth a visit, particularly to discover lesser-known gems such as The Blockhouse, at 109th Street. Constructed in 1814 to defend the city, it’s the park’s oldest building. There’s also Bank Rock Bay, a prime bird-watching spot, and the remnants of Seneca Village, a settlement where African Americans thrived in the 19th century. Artifacts from the displaced community have been uncovered in recent decades, complicating the origin story of the park.

Hudson Yards atrium / Photo: Courtesy of Related Oxford

Hudson Yards

Located on the far West Side in the 30s, this recently redeveloped neighborhood is where railroad tracks existed in the early 20th century. Today, it’s packed with attractions such as Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, and Mercado Little Spain. For a meal that’s framed by unbeatable city views, Peak, on the 101st floor, is hard to top.

Almost Famous / Photo: Matthew Murphy

Broadway

Catching a Broadway performance can be a memorable experience. Choosing among the plays and musicals can be difficult, but Broadway Inbound, a company that sells group tickets to shows, lists the highlights of each. For the 2022-23 season, that means a dozen new contenders, including Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous, based on his acclaimed movie.

Selection of dishes at Urban Hawker / Photo: Max Flatow Photography

Urban Hawker

Urban Hawker celebrates Singapore’s famous street food, with a lineup of vendors that proffer plates of Asian favorites. The setup allows hungry diners to indulge in multiple cravings. Mr. Fried Rice serves crispy fish, fried udon and a Singapore-style pork chop. Padi d’NYC is a Malay restaurant with a killer beef rendang, and Mamak’s Corner is a nod to India with spiced chicken and fish curries.

413 Salon sitting room / Photo: Courtesy of Ned Nomad

The Ned

A private club and hotel in one, The Ned, situated in a 1903 beaux arts building, is an outpost of the London venue. It’s in NoMad, and since opening last summer has become a favorite of celebrities and the glamour set. The property features a smart design, excellent service and a striking art collection of almost 300 works, while the 167 rooms are a throwback to the 1920s with their vintage pieces and art deco prints. Breakfast is served in the on-site Italian restaurant Cecconi’s, where the cacio e pepe scrambled eggs are a must.