New York City is one of the world’s greatest metropolises, so it’s no surprise visitors flock to the Big Apple to experience its dynamic culture, history, excitement and adventure. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a repeat visitor, you’ll never run out of fascinating things to do here.
Our modern, two- and three-bedroom apartments are a perfectly situated oasis amid all the action in Midtown East. Stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies allow you to soak in the city’s lively sights and sounds. We consulted our savvy Destination Manager and Local Host, Jacqueline, for some insights into how to spend three perfect days in this iconic city.
Day One: Explore Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is an often overlooked narrow, 2-mile-long island in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. Visitors and residents enjoy its many parks, historic sites, fabulous apartment buildings, a brand-new hotel, and a rooftop bar.
“The best way to reach the island is by the famous red Roosevelt Island Tramway that glides across the East River and offers up fabulous unobstructed city views,” Jacqueline says. “Catch the tram at the Tramway Station on 59th Street and Second Avenue, only a one-minute walk from our apartments.”
Once there, getting around is easy via the free Roosevelt Island Red Bus, which makes convenient stops around the island. You’ll find a plethora of events year-round, from outdoor summer movies to Fourth of July fireworks, arts festivals, Halloween celebrations, and holiday tree lighting ceremonies.
“Just north of the park, stop in to see the ivy-covered, haunted Renwick Ruins, mid-19th century, neo-gothic ruins of the former smallpox hospital designed by James Renwick, Jr.,” Jacqueline recommends. Renwick is renowned for designing other majestic NYC structures, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Grace Church. Other notable historic sites include the Blackwell Farmhouse and the 1872 stone Lighthouse (another Renwick design).
“When you’ve explored all the things to see here, grab a drink at the Panorama Room, a new rooftop bar and lounge with wonderful 360° city views inside the Graduate Hotel. For dinner, we’ll book you a table at the hotel’s bright, airy chef-driven restaurant, Anything At All,” Jacqueline says.
If you prefer not to spend the entire day on Roosevelt Island, take the tram back to Manhattan. Central Park never disappoints with its many offerings to explore–discover a hidden Gothic castle, a John Lennon memorial, an enclave of thriving elm trees, one of the country’s oldest carousels, Central Park Zoo stars, and much more on a 2.5-hour guided sunset tour. Spend a classic NYC evening dining and dancing under the hanging lights at Tavern on the Green’s recently re-opened courtyard. Broadway actors wow diners with live music performances under the stars as fireflies add to the magic!
Day Two: Visit Historic Sites
“For a quick, tasty breakfast, grab an authentic NYC bagel at Pick a Bagel, just a five-minute walk from the apartments,” Jacqueline suggests. “Then take the subway from the 59 St-Lexington Av stop down to Battery Park where you’ll board the ferry to the Statue of Liberty National Monument.” Jacqueline will make reservations well in advance to secure a spot on a morning trip over to the island. You don’t need a return reservation and can take any ferry back. “Instead of spending the extra time, money and long lines to access the pedestal, explore the grounds around the statue,” says Jacqueline. The park service offers a free audio tour, so, if you want to listen, download the free app to your phone before you leave the apartment.
“The Ellis Island and National Museum of Immigration showcases the fascinating history and the significant role it played during immigration during the mid-19th century,” Jacqueline says. If you have any family ties to immigrants who entered the U.S. during this era, you can search the 65 million records housed at the museum’s Family History Center (or start your search online first).
Once you’ve finished exploring this intriguing historical island, take the ferry back to Battery Park and then walk past the One World Trade Center over to Eataly NYC Downtown for lunch. This bustling marketplace offers a variety of Italian-inspired fast-casual counters, restaurants, and shops. After lunch, it is just a short walk over to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum for a 60-minute expert-led tour.
Take the subway from Fulton St. station back to 59 St-Lexington Av stop to return to your beautiful apartment and get ready for dinner. Experience high-end Korean cuisine at Atomix, we’ll book you at the chef’s table and enjoy dishes like veal sweetbread and strawberry gochujang or chicken and ginseng juk with sea cucumber — or indulge in delicious seafood and exquisite Italian cuisine at Marea. If you still have energy, end your evening at the historic Bemelmans Bar for Elaine’s Smokey Martini as a nightcap with live piano music surrounded by Ludwig Bemelmans’ masterpiece murals.
Day Three: Shop the City
Jacqueline has a few suggestions for how to spend your third day in the Big Apple. “The Museum of Moving Images offers a unique look into the history, technique, art and technology of moving images in all their forms,” Jacqueline explains. “You’ll find a wide range of subjects, from 19th-century optical toys to the latest in digital art, exploring every phase of moving image production, promotion and exhibition.” The engaging, highly interactive core exhibitions and film programs from around the globe are a one-of-a-kind destination for audiences of all ages and interests. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a different modern art experience, check out two other renowned NYC museums — The Guggenheim (the building alone is an art form) and the Museum of Modern Art.
For a more pop culture experience, consider touring NBC Studios inside the Rockefeller Center, where you can see stage sets for shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers and more. If you visit during winter, you can see the famous holiday tree and ice skaters. Allow us to book the Top of the Rock tour, which whisks you 70 floors up to the indoor and outdoor observation decks. Fill your camera roll with unobstructed 360-degree views of the skyline.
“If soaring above the city’s recognizable landmarks sounds even more appealing, then a 30-minute helicopter tour is a must,” Jacqueline says.
“No visit to NYC is complete without a stroll through its famous shopping stores and districts! A good place to start is Bloomingdale’s, just a one-minute walk from your residence,” Jacqueline explains. “From there, continue along 59th Street to Fifth Avenue and turn left.” Legendary stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, Henri Bendel, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany’s, Cartier, Armani, Prada, Rolex and Versace are scattered along this bustling section between 59th and 42nd Street. Also, just a few blocks west of the apartments running parallel to Fifth Avenue lies Madison Avenue, with a series of high-end shops such as Hermès, Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, LANVIN, Tory Burch, Missoni and more between 57th and 86th streets.
Once you’ve shopped and hopefully not dropped, head back to your apartment and don your theater wear for a Broadway show and dinner. For a pre-dinner show, a solid choice is Joe Allen Restaurant, where it’s likely to be a little less crowded than other Theater District eateries and you can enjoy pan roasted salmon or chicken parmesan. For a post-show dinner, consider Sardi’s, a Broadway legend since 1927.
At Home in NYC with Equity Estates
Live like a local and call NYC home during your stay in a marvelous Equity Estates’ two- or three-bedroom luxury apartment conveniently in Midtown East. Just a quick walk to the subway and several NYC landmarks, shops, restaurants and attractions, our spacious apartments include stunning views, gourmet kitchens, private balconies, a full-time doorman, garden terrace and sundeck, fitness center and more. Enjoy resort-style concierge services combined with the privacy and convenience of your own apartment. Our professional team will ensure your visit to one of the world’s greatest cities exceeds your expectations! For more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or tap this link to schedule a free consultation call.
