Short Trip Guide to New York City
Day 1 - Downtown New York
SOHO - Located just south of Houston St. and stops at Canal St. is magical location in NYC where up and down the streets are shops galore. Most of the brands you'll see on Broadway St are consumer friendly brands that you'll probably recognize. On side streets, you'll find boutiques, indie designer stores, and some high-end name brand mixed in there. There's coffee shops and cafes on just about every block, so you can shop, eat, drink, and repeat all day.Grab a bite at the NoMo Soho for a unique, picture worthy dining experience, and have afternoon tea with french macarons at Lauduree. Chinatown - Skip little Italy and head straight to Chinatown if you want to purchase trinkets/souvenirs for friends and family members. It's also a great place to go for scarves and beanies. My favorite restaurant in Chinatown is Joe's Shanghai, where I visit every time I'm in NYC to get their mouth-watering Soup Dumplings.The reason why I say to skip Little Italy is because there are far better Italian places than the ones in Little Italy. A recent favorite for me is Otto Enoteca and Otto Pizzeria - both owned by Mario Batali and has truly delicious food.Lower East Side - If you love live music, you can always catch a show in the evening at one of the bars in the lower east side. You do have to be 21 to get into most places, so be sure to check your age restrictions if you are underage. I have a special place in my heart for Rockwood Music Hall, Le Poisson Rouge, and The Bitter End.If you're not old enough to get into the venues yet, top off the night with my favorite bakery of all time; Veniero's is a gem in the city that's been operational since 1894. I swear the New York Cheesecake was invented there, and all other cheesecakes with forever more pale in comparison after you've had their's. 
DAY 2 - Midtown New York
High Line - Grab your breakfast/brunch from an array of choices the Chelsea Market, and then take the stairs outside to the High Line, where you can view the city from a linear park New York built on an unused part of the NY Railroad that goes from 14th St to 34th St. During warm months, it's fun to grab food from the Chelsea Market, and then picnic with friends on a grassy spot with a good view on the High Line.
Grand Central Terminal - In the afternoon, visit Grand Central because it's totally worth seeing even if you're not there to ride the train. The food court in Shake Shack also has plenty of goodies, including my favorite burger place Shake Shack.
Saks Fifth Avenue - If you love name brands, you'll be like a kid in a candy store at Saks. The most magical time of the year to go is during Christmas season when the store turns into a winter wonderland. Can't afford the price tag of Saks? Simply enjoy window shopping or go next door and visit the beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Top of the Rock - An hour and a half before sunset, make your way to the Rockefeller Center. The Top of the Rock exhibit allows you to see an incredible view of NYC from the 66th-68th floor. During peak tourist season, you'll want to get your ticket online ahead of time. They do allow cameras and plenty of photo opportunities.
Time Square - After dinner, walk around Time Square to see the lights, glitz, and glam. Night time is when Time Square really comes alive. There's not a whole lot to do besides shopping there, but it's a fun place to experience.
Day 3 - Upper East Side
The Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts - Start your morning off at one of the finest museums in the world. I highly recommend reserving a few hours of your morning just browsing the incredible art collection here.
Central Park - Central Park is right outside the MET, and there's no better place to spend an afternoon. During warm months, you can rent a row boat and you and your friends can row in the giant lake in the middle of Central Park. You can also dine fabulously at the Loeb Boathouse restaurant inside Central Park.
Ralph Lauren Flagship - Some of the most well-known name brands have flagships stores in the Upper East Side, but to me, none is as impeccably presented as the Ralph Lauren Flagship store for both his Men's and Women's collection. It's definitely worth visiting and shopping there. In the evening, make a reservation in advance at The Polo Bar (suggested by Sunkissed and Madeup), which is Ralph Lauren's restaurant. There have apparently been many sightings of celebrities there, and Ralph Lauren himself is a frequent patron.
Broadway Show - There's no broadway like THE Broadway. Book a ticket and enjoy a broadway show. There's also plenty of off-broadway shows available and comedy clubs as well.
Day 4 - Lower Manhattan
9/11 Memorial - I think many of us still remember this day as if it was yesterday. Visiting this memorial brings back a lot of memories, but also honors those who have made the great sacrifice that day.
World Trade Center - There are plenty of dining options and shopping options at and around the World Trade Center. You can also visit the One World Observatory and see New York from up top.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island - If you love history and want to learn more about the Statue and the early immigrants who landed in America, book a Ferry tour that allows you to visit both.
Brooklyn Bridge - Towards sunset, walk across the Brooklyn bridge for the view and experience. Afterwards, head to the South Street Seaport for evening dining and fun.
Booking LWP for your NYC Trip
If you're traveling to New York City for your family trip or senior trip, why not make that memory last with incredible photos to decorate your home? We are also happy to document engagements, best friend trips, and we will help you plan your perfect locations for photography. Group options can be as low as $500 per person for a full day of shooting in Manhattan. Inquire with us [HERE] to get started on planning with us.
We are available for travel during the summer (June, July, August) and winter months (December, January, February), and our recommended booking time is two months in advance. Less than two months, the rates may increase because travel cost for us increases.
