THE WHITE T-SHIRT GUY IN NEW YORK CITY

Some call it the Big Apple and others call it the city that never sleeps. But, no matter what you call it, New York City is one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities on the planet. And, if you’re wondering how to spend 3 perfect days in the big city, do exactly what the white T-shirt guy did. I made my way to NYC starting with a flight from Raleigh/Durham International Airport (RDU) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) for $184.

As soon as I got there it was time for me to head to the city and check into my room at New York Hilton Midtown. Due to the convenient location, it was easy to make my way to the first thing on my to-do list: Times Square. This commercial intersection and entertainment strip is something that you can’t just pass by to take pictures and leave. There’s way too much to do and see. First and foremost, I knew my travel experience in NYC wouldn’t be right without seeing a Broadway play. I had already ordered tickets to see The Lion King in advance because they have a reputation for selling out quickly, and now I understand why. The play was absolutely breathtaking and the detailed costumes blended tremendously with the beautiful choreography and special effects. Lastly, I stopped by NY Pizza Suprema to get two slices of Margherita pizza and then got an Uber back to the hotel. Any traveller who wants to embrace the full experience of Times Square, along with the surrounding activities closeby should spend at least half a day there. In my case, I spent nearly a whole day. Why? Because time goes by quicker than expected between eating at restaurants, shopping at some of the world’s largest stores, embarking in tourist activities and laughing non-stop from people watching at the lines flowing to see the Naked Cowboy.

The next two days were filled with activities through the New York Explorer Pass, a virtual ticket in which you can save up to 50% on multiple, popular tourist attractions in the city. I chose 3: 9/11 Tribute Museum and Guided Memorial, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry and the Top of the Rock Observatory. For the 9/11 Tribute Museum, I took the subway World Trade Center Station and walked up the street to the exhibition. It was a chilling experience to see the two 80-foot tall steel columns that used to part of the North Tower, the missing items placed there by rescue workers and videos capturing the tragic losses of that day. It was a sombre atmosphere, but very respectful nonetheless. It helped give a deeper understanding of the magnitude of what happened during 9/11. Next, I walked to ferry ride and tour to see the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island. The ferry ride was smooth and efficient, but actually getting the opportunity to walk around Liberty Island allowed for a closer look at Ms. Liberty and a chance to walk through the new, interactive museum on the grounds. The stunning scenery of the lower Manhattan buildings was perfect for photographs too. Speaking of photographs, the Top of the Rock Observatory was also one of the better photo-taking opportunities on the trip. It’s a panoramic 360-degree, unobstructed view from the 70th-floor observatory, so being able to view the skyline as the sunset throughout the buildings of the city was delightful. The views of the Empire State building and Chrystler buildings from the observatory were amazing as well. Once that activity commenced the last day, I grabbed a quick bite to eat near the observatory and then walked back to the Hilton to get enough rest in time for my flight back home.

I don’t think there’s much I have to say to convince you why you should go to New York… it’s New York! This city has outstanding food, amazing places to site see, museums, monuments, music, and shops. We’ve all heard about it; we’ve all seen it on TV or in movies. However, experiencing it for yourself is something totally different.

Full price breakdown: Roundtrip from RDU to LGA- $184 Uber from LGA to hotel- $20 Stay at New York Hilton Midtown- $735 Food at NY Pizza Suprema- $12.50 Uber from NY Pizza Suprema to hotel- $13 New York Explorer Pass- $94 The Lion King on Broadway- $247 Subway to 9/11 Museum and Memorial- $2.75 Subway from 9/11 museum to Statue of Liberty excursion- $2.75 Subway from Statue of Liberty excursion to hotel- $2.75 Room service at hotel- $24.75 Five Guys- $13.69 

Total price: $1,352.19 

In closing, it cost the White T-Shirt Guy $1,352.19 to spend four days in New York City and so can you.