Hey Guys!
Welcome back to Day 2 of our New York City adventure!
Here’s my Day 1 Post: One Day in Midtown Manhattan: NYC Itinerary, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt & Broadway
After a busy first day exploring Midtown Manhattan, visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and seeing The Outsiders on Broadway, we were ready for another full day in the Big Apple!
Today’s itinerary included some famous NYC candy stores, a walk along the High Line, exploring one of my favorite places in New York City, Central Park, and celebrating my sister’s birthday with a delicious steakhouse dinner!
And of course, we managed to squeeze in a few more famous NYC landmarks, movie locations and sweet treats along the way!
Breakfast at Central Perk Coffeehouse
We started our morning with breakfast at Central Perk Coffeehouse in Times Square!
If you’re a fan of the television show Friends, you’ll probably recognize the name Central Perk was the fictional coffee shop where Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe spent so much of their time hanging out.
The real-life coffeehouse is inspired by that famous gathering spot, bringing a little bit of Friends nostalgia to New York City.
It’s a fun place to stop for coffee, breakfast or a quick bite before heading out to explore the city!
Visiting the M&M’s Store in Times Square
After breakfast, my hubby and I headed over to the M&M’s Store in Times Square!
If you’ve never been inside, this place is a chocolate lover’s dream!
The multi-level store is filled with colorful M&M’s displays, candy dispensers, souvenirs, clothing and all kinds of fun merchandise featuring those famous M&M’s characters.
You can even find unusual colors and varieties of M&M’s that you don’t typically see in grocery stores.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without purchasing some unique M&M’s to take home!
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s a fun store to walk through while exploring Times Square.
Read reviews here
We spotted Krispy Kreme from the M&M store! 
A Sweet Stop at Hershey’s Chocolate World
Next, we made our way to Hershey’s Chocolate World, another popular candy store in Times Square!
Employees were handing out complimentary miniature Hershey’s chocolates when we visited!
Inside, you’ll find all kinds of Hershey’s candy, chocolate-themed souvenirs and some pretty tempting desserts.
One of the coolest things we noticed was an interactive photo station where you could take your picture and create a personalized wrapper for a Hershey’s chocolate bar!
How fun is that?!
The store also offers freshly made chocolate treats and desserts, making it another great stop for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Read reviews here
Walking Toward the High Line
After our chocolate-filled morning, we decided to head toward the High Line, an elevated park on Manhattan’s West Side.
One thing I love about walking through New York City is that you never know what interesting buildings, artwork or landmarks you’ll come across!
Along the way, we passed a beautiful fire department memorial mural honoring the firefighters and others affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made that day and the lasting impact September 11 had on New York City.
We also spotted several interesting restaurants and businesses along the way, including Sugar Factory and Chick-fil-A!
Sugar Factory
Sugar Factory is a popular restaurant and candy-themed destination known for its over-the-top desserts, colorful atmosphere and enormous goblet drinks, some of which are served with a dramatic smoky effect!
It’s the kind of place where the desserts are almost as much about the presentation as they are about the food!
We didn’t stop in, but it’s definitely an eye-catching place to pass while exploring the city.
Read reviews here
Carlo’s Bake Shop
Another place we passed was Carlo’s Bake Shop in the Garment District!
If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Carlo’s Bakery became famous through the TLC television show Cake Boss, featuring baker Buddy Valastro and his family.
The original bakery is located in Hoboken, New Jersey, and dates back to 1910.
It’s especially known for its elaborate custom cakes, cannoli and other Italian pastries.
Even though we didn’t stop for dessert, it was fun spotting such a well-known bakery during our walk!
Read reviews here
The Ralph Kramden Statue
We also came across a statue of Ralph Kramden, a fictional character made famous by comedian and actor Jackie Gleason on the classic television sitcom The Honeymooners.
The show aired in the 1950s and followed Ralph, a New York City bus driver, and his wife Alice.
Since Ralph was a bus driver, it’s only fitting that his statue stands outside the Port Authority Bus Terminal!
I love discovering little pieces of television and movie history like this while walking around NYC!
Famous Buildings Along the Way
As we continued walking, we spotted the Empire State Building, one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks.
Completed in 1931, this Art Deco skyscraper rises 1,454 feet to the tip of its antenna and is famous for its observation decks and appearances in movies.
We also passed through the area around 34th Street and Penn Station, one of the city’s busiest transportation hubs.
Penn Station serves Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit passengers, while the surrounding neighborhood has undergone major changes with new skyscrapers and developments.
In the distance, we could also spot the striking skyscraper at Hudson Yards that’s home to Edge, one of NYC’s most exciting observation decks!
Edge is famous for its outdoor sky deck on the 100th floor, featuring angled glass walls and a glass floor where visitors can look straight down at the city below.
Read reviews for the Edge here
Walking the High Line in New York City
We finally made it to the High Line!
If you’re not familiar with it, the High Line is a unique elevated public park built on a former freight railroad line along Manhattan’s West Side.
Stretching approximately 1.45 miles, the park features landscaped walking paths, gardens, public artwork and interesting views of the surrounding buildings and streets.
What makes it unusual is that you’re walking above street level, right through the middle of the city!
As we made our way along the path, we spotted several pieces of artwork, including one that was impossible to miss!
The Giant Pigeon Sculpture on the High Line.
And when I say enormous, I mean HUGE!!
The sculpture is called Dinosaur and was created by Colombian artist Iván Argote.
Standing approximately 16 feet tall on a pedestal, the realistic pigeon was installed as part of the High Line’s public art program.
The name Dinosaur is a reference to the prehistoric ancestors of modern birds.
It’s definitely not something you expect to see while walking through New York City!
Visiting the Vessel at Hudson Yards
As we continued exploring, we arrived at the Vessel, one of the most unusual architectural landmarks in New York City!
Opened in 2019, this massive honeycomb-shaped structure consists of interconnected staircases and platforms arranged in a striking geometric design.
The Vessel rises approximately 150 feet and features 154 interconnected flights of stairs and nearly 2,500 individual steps!
Its copper-colored exterior makes it especially eye-catching, and it’s become one of the most photographed attractions at Hudson Yards.
Even if you don’t climb it, the structure itself is pretty impressive to see from the ground!
Tip: Tickets start at $14 for a timed entry
Read reviews here
The Shed at Hudson Yards
We also spotted The Shed, a contemporary arts and cultural center located near the Vessel.
What makes this building so unusual is its movable outer shell, which can slide along tracks to create a large covered space for performances and events.
The Shed hosts everything from concerts and theatrical productions to art exhibitions and other creative performances.
It’s another example of the modern architecture found throughout Hudson Yards.
Read reviews here
As we continued walking, we passed more public artwork and colorful murals created by various artists.
Was the High Line Worth Visiting?
Now, I know the High Line and Hudson Yards are popular attractions in New York City, but I have to say that I wasn’t overly impressed with this area.
There were definitely some interesting things to see, especially the giant pigeon sculpture and the unusual architecture of the Vessel, but overall, it just wasn’t one of my favorite parts of the city.
If you’re visiting New York City for the first time and only have a few days, I personally wouldn’t put this area at the top of your itinerary.
However, if you’ve already visited NYC several times and are looking for something different to explore, it might be worth checking out.
Read reviews here
After spending about an hour exploring the area, we decided it was time to move on to one of my absolute favorite places in New York City — Central Park!
Exploring Central Park — One of My Favorite Places in NYC!
After leaving Hudson Yards, we requested a taxi through the Uber app and headed toward Central Park.
We were meeting up with my sister, her husband and their oldest son, who had traveled to New York City to surprise her for her birthday!
And the best part? She had absolutely NO idea he was going to be there!!
What a wonderful birthday surprise!
Once we were all together, we spent some time walking around Central Park and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
I love this park…It’s honestly one of my favorite places in the entire city!
Surrounded by enormous skyscrapers and busy streets, this beautiful park feels like a completely different world.
And at approximately 843 acres, there’s so much more to see than you could possibly explore in one visit!
Click here to see a map of the park & find the nearest restroom on the public restroom map.
Tip: Check out the dining map for a list of food vendors in the Park. Dine at iconic restaurants from your favorite films like the Central Park Boathouse or Tavern on the Green.
Strawberry Fields — A Tribute to John Lennon
One of our stops was Strawberry Fields, a peaceful memorial dedicated to John Lennon, the legendary musician and former member of The Beatles.
Located near West 72nd Street, the memorial is named after the Beatles song Strawberry Fields Forever.
Its centerpiece is a beautiful circular mosaic featuring the word IMAGINE, a tribute to Lennon’s famous song.
The memorial is located near the Dakota apartment building, where Lennon lived with his wife, Yoko Ono, and where he was tragically killed in 1980.
It’s a meaningful place to visit, especially if you’re a Beatles fan.
Read reviews here
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
As we continued walking, we made our way to one of Central Park’s most recognizable landmarks, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain!
Tip: This is where you will find the very popular Central Park Boathouse restaurant
This beautiful area is surrounded by grand staircases, decorative stonework and views of the nearby lake.
The fountain, known as Bethesda Fountain, features a bronze sculpture called Angel of the Waters, which was unveiled in 1873.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t any water flowing in the fountain during our visit, but the area was still beautiful!
Tip: Bethesda Fountain will be closed from early August 2026 to summer 2027 for a $37 million restoration. Bethesda Terrace remains open throughout construction.
There were plenty of people enjoying the park, along with street performers adding to the lively atmosphere.
And if you visit Bethesda Terrace, there’s something else you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
Read reviews here
The Beautiful Bethesda Terrace Arcade
Beneath the terrace is a gorgeous arched walkway called the Bethesda Terrace Arcade.
And WOW! What a beautiful place!
The passageway features ornate stone arches and an incredible decorative ceiling covered in colorful patterned tiles.
Here’s something interesting! The ceiling contains nearly 16,000 tiles made by the famous Minton tile company in England.
These tiles were traditionally used for flooring, making this ceiling especially unusual!
The combination of the arches, intricate details and colorful tiles makes it one of the prettiest architectural features in Central Park.
Definitely take a few minutes to walk through this area and look up!
Central Park’s Statues, Bridges and Beautiful Views
As we continued exploring, we came across several statues, scenic walking paths and beautiful views of the surrounding city.
There are several interesting statues scattered throughout the park.
One of the things I love most about Central Park is the contrast between the natural scenery and the towering Manhattan skyscrapers.
We stopped several times to take pictures with the New York City skyline in the background.
There are so many beautiful photo opportunities throughout the park!
Visiting a Home Alone 2 Filming Location
And here’s something fun for all you Home Alone fans!
We also stopped to take pictures at one of the locations featured in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York!
Remember the Pigeon Lady who befriends Kevin McCallister in Central Park?
Several memorable scenes from the movie were filmed around Bethesda Terrace and Fountain.
The Pigeon Lady was played by actress Brenda Fricker, and the scenes have become some of the most recognizable moments from the movie. Sadly, she passed away in July of this year.
It was fun visiting a place we’d seen so many times on television!
Between the beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, movie locations and incredible skyline views, Central Park continues to be one of my favorite places to visit in New York City.
I could easily spend hours here!
Tip: Horse-drawn carriage rides: As of October 13, 2026, a proposed ban targeting June 2028 has not yet become law.
Tip: The Plaza Hotel where Home Alone movie scenes were filmed, will be closing Jan. 2027 for renovations and will not open back up until 2031 or later!
Tip: Don’t miss Wollman Ice Skating Rink at Central Park…it was also used as a filming location for the movie
Read reviews for Central Park here
Birthday Dinner at Gallagher’s Steakhouse
After spending some time exploring Central Park, we headed to Gallagher’s Steakhouse for an early birthday dinner celebrating my sister!
On our way, we passed another interesting piece of New York City artwork featuring the word HOPE in enormous colorful letters.
This sculpture was created by artist Robert Indiana, who is also famous for his iconic LOVE artwork.
It’s one of those fun little landmarks you might stumble across while walking through Midtown Manhattan!
Arriving to Gallagher’s
We had made reservations at Gallagher’s Steakhouse, so we were seated right away.
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Gallagher’s is a historic New York City steakhouse that first opened in 1927.
It’s especially known for its traditional steakhouse atmosphere, dry-aged beef and classic New York dining experience.
And I have to say, we really enjoyed our meal!
See their menu here
The food was excellent, and the service was just as good!
The restaurant even brought my sister a complimentary dessert in celebration of her birthday, which was such a nice touch!
If you’re looking for a special occasion restaurant in New York City, Gallagher’s Steakhouse is definitely one I’d recommend based on our experience.
Read reviews here
Rockefeller Center and the Famous Ice-Skating Rink
After dinner, we headed toward Rockefeller Center, one of the most famous landmarks in New York City!
Of course, Rockefeller Center is especially popular during the Christmas season when its enormous Christmas tree and ice-skating rink attract visitors from all over the world.
But it’s a wonderful place to visit any time of year!
We stopped to watch the ice skaters gliding around the famous rink and took some pictures of the surrounding area.
And here’s another fun Home Alone 2 connection!
Rockefeller Center and its Christmas tree are featured in the movie when Kevin is reunited with his mother near the end.
Although the Christmas tree wasn’t there during our March visit, it was still fun standing in another location from one of our favorite Christmas movies!
Read reviews for this area here
A Sweet Stop at Ladurée
Next, we stopped at Ladurée, the famous French bakery known for its beautiful macarons!
Founded in Paris in 1862, Ladurée has become internationally known for its delicate, colorful French macarons and elegant packaging.
My sister absolutely loves macarons, so naturally, she had to purchase some!
With flavors ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to more unusual combinations, it’s a fun place to stop if you enjoy French pastries.
Read reviews here
Visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Our next stop was the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue!
But before arriving, we spotted a couple more interesting architectural details and landmarks.
One was a beautiful doorway featuring the words Dieu et mon droit.
This French phrase translates to “God and my right” and has been used as the motto of the British monarchy for centuries.
It’s amazing how much history and symbolism you can find simply by looking at the buildings around New York City!
We also passed the enormous bronze statue of Atlas, located directly across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral at Rockefeller Center.
The statue was installed in 1937 and depicts Atlas, a figure from Greek mythology, holding a large celestial sphere on his shoulders.
And here’s an interesting detail! Although it looks like he’s holding the Earth, the sculpture actually represents him carrying the heavens.
Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in New York City, and it’s definitely worth stepping inside!
Located on Fifth Avenue, directly across from Rockefeller Center, this magnificent Gothic Revival cathedral opened in 1879.
Its enormous twin spires rise approximately 330 feet above the street, making it an impressive sight among Manhattan’s modern skyscrapers.
But the interior is just as beautiful!
Inside, you’ll find soaring vaulted ceilings, magnificent stained-glass windows, beautiful altars and intricate stonework.
It’s hard to believe such a peaceful and historic place sits right in the middle of one of the busiest areas of New York City!
And here’s a little tip that many visitors might not know!
There are restroom facilities tucked away inside the cathedral. They’re not necessarily obvious when you’re walking around, so ask a staff member about visitor access if you need them.
Tip: Click here for more “secret” bathrooms & here for 11 of the most fascinating public bathrooms in NYC
Admission to the cathedral is free, although donations are appreciated.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture or simply want to admire a beautiful church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is definitely worth visiting!
Read reviews here
Having Fun at FAO Schwarz Toy Store
After leaving St. Patrick’s Cathedral, we headed over to FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Center.
And OH MY GOODNESS, what a fun store!!
FAO Schwarz is one of the most famous toy stores in the world, with a history dating back to 1862.
The store is filled with all kinds of toys, stuffed animals, interactive displays and fun experiences for kids and adults alike!
And the employees dressed as toy soldiers make the whole experience even more entertaining!
But there was one thing my sister and I especially wanted to do!
Recreating the Famous Piano Scene from Big!
Remember the 1988 movie Big, starring Tom Hanks?
There’s a famous scene where Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia play a giant floor piano using their feet!
Well, FAO Schwarz has its own giant walk-on piano, and of course, my sister and I had to give it a try!
Let’s just say we probably won’t be performing professionally anytime soon, but we had an absolute blast trying to recreate that famous movie scene!
This was definitely one of the funniest moments of our day!
If you’re visiting Rockefeller Center, I highly recommend stepping inside FAO Schwarz, even if you don’t have children with you.
It’s just a fun place to explore!
Read reviews here
Trying the Famous Banana Pudding at Magnolia Bakery
Next up was Magnolia Bakery!
If you’ve ever researched places to eat in New York City, you’ve probably heard of Magnolia Bakery and its famous banana pudding.
The bakery first opened in New York City’s West Village in 1996 and became especially popular for its cupcakes and creamy banana pudding.
Naturally, we had to see what all the fuss was about!
We purchased some of their famous banana pudding, and I also grabbed a coffee.
Then we headed outside and stood near the NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center to enjoy our treats.
Now, I know this might be an unpopular opinion, but I have to say that I wasn’t overly impressed with the banana pudding!
It was just too sweet for my taste.
And I’m sorry, but my mom makes better banana pudding!!
I know plenty of people absolutely love Magnolia Bakery, so don’t let my opinion stop you from trying it.
It just wasn’t my favorite!
Read reviews here
The Crazy Line at Adel’s Famous Halal Food
After finishing our banana pudding, we started making our way back to our hotel.
And along the way, we came across something that caught our attention!
A food cart called Adel’s Famous Halal Food had one of the LONGEST lines I’ve ever seen for a food truck!
Seriously, there were so many people waiting!
Apparently, Adel’s is a popular New York City street-food destination known for its chicken and lamb over rice, gyros and flavorful sauces.
See their menu here
It has developed quite a following, with customers often waiting in long lines for their food.
We didn’t stop since we’d already eaten, but after seeing that line, I couldn’t help thinking it must be pretty good!
Maybe something to try on a future trip!
Read reviews here
Wrapping Up Day 2 in New York City
After another busy day of sightseeing, delicious food, famous landmarks and lots of walking, we finally made our way back to our hotel.
Although the High Line wasn’t necessarily my favorite part of New York City, I absolutely loved spending time in Central Park, celebrating my sister’s birthday and revisiting some of those iconic movie locations!
And trying to recreate the piano scene from Big at FAO Schwarz was definitely a highlight!
That’s one of the things I love most about New York City. No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover!
Stay tuned for Day 3 of our New York City adventure!
Click here for 806 things to see/do in NYC & Click here for 22 hidden gems in NYC!