Welcome back to Bug-Sized Adventures in New York City – part 2 this time around! If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, be sure to click here and start from the beginning – you don’t want to miss my tales of Times Square at dawn, Chinatown explorations, and free Friday evenings at the Morgan Library.
Now, let’s dive into Part 2, where the adventures only get bigger, busier, and bolder! From stumbling into a vibrant street market to biking along traffic-free avenues, plus jaw-dropping views from high above the city, these next few days in NYC were filled with energy, excitement, and endless exploration. Ready to keep going? Let’s pick up right where we left off!
Day 4: Markets, Magnets, and the Magic of Summer Streets
Day 4 began with an unexpected discovery – a street market being set up just as we were grabbing bagels for breakfast. We couldn’t resist circling back afterward to explore. Pro tip: if you’re looking for souvenirs like keychains or magnets, skip the touristy shops and hit up street markets or Chinatown – you’ll find them for just a dollar a piece!
After stocking up on trinkets for friends and family, we made our way to Top of the Rock. Sure, it’s a bit pricey (around $40 per ticket), but it’s a must-do for first-timers. The panoramic views of the New York City skyline are breathtaking – it’s like stepping into a dream. It’s very touristy though, so be ready to wait in queues for elevators etc.
When you enter Top of the Rock, they have you start in a room that’s like a theater where you stand with a bunch of people to watch a video. It tells the history of Rockefeller Center and how it was built. It’s a nice touch that gives some context before you head up. After that, you take an elevator up to the top for the panoramic views. There’s multiple levels, you can take escalators up and down. You can even pay extra for photo opportunities – they offer various options, so make sure to check those out if you’re interested.
I really loved the views from Top of the Rock because you can see so far into the city (weather permitting – we were lucky!). Landmarks like the Empire State Building are especially stunning from this vantage point. It’s one of those experiences that truly makes you appreciate the scale and beauty of New York City.
We spent more time exploring Rockefeller Center, and by then, we had become regulars at the underground spots, including Black Seed Bagels, where we grabbed breakfast several times (highly recommend!). But this was just the beginning of what turned out to be our busiest day yet.
My brother had discovered an event called Summer Streets, where that day a stretch of Park Avenue was closed to traffic, transforming it into a car-free playground for cyclists, runners, and pedestrians from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. We couldn’t resist checking it out! We walked from Rockefeller Center all the way down Park Avenue to Madison Square Park, making a few fun stops along the way. At Grand Central Station, we treated ourselves to something sweet from Magnolia Bakery (a brownie and red velvet cupcake this time), and I finally fulfilled my wish of visiting a Bath & Body Works.
By the time we reached Madison Square Park, the streets had reopened, and traffic was back in full swing. Unfortunately, the Flatiron Building was under construction, so we didn’t get the perfect photo op, but we still enjoyed a well-deserved break before hopping on the subway back to our hotel.
Day 5: Ferries, Bikes, and Island Afternoons
Day 5 was all about islands and waterfront adventures! We hopped on the subway to the ferry terminal, where we bought tickets to Governors Island (ferry tickets cost around $4 for adults and are free before noon on weekends). Just an 8-minute ferry ride from Manhattan, Governors Island is a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Once a military outpost, it’s now a public park with abandoned historic buildings, a luxury spa, bike trails, and stunning views of the Statue of Liberty. We strolled the perimeter first, then rented Citi Bikes (a must-try for exploring!) and made another lap around the island, the breeze making it the perfect summer ride.
After soaking in the relaxed atmosphere, we ferried back to Wall Street Pier and switched boats for a trip to DUMBO, Brooklyn. The afternoon sun was blazing as we cooled off with smoothies from Häagen-Dazs before meandering through Brooklyn Bridge Park. This riverside gem offers unbeatable views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. I dreamed of walking across the bridge, but decided to save it for a future trip – the weather alternated between sweltering heat and rainy downpours, and it’s quite a trek!
Day 6: Museums, Meals, and Mouth-Tingling Surprises
On Day 6, we kicked things off with breakfast at Applebee’s in Times Square. We were determined to sample American chain restaurants, and I have to say – this one didn’t disappoint! The Impossible Meat (I’m vegetarian) was surprisingly tasty. Though we noticed something strange while in America: ultra-processed foods like meat (substitutes), and plastic cheese caused a tingling sensation in our mouths. Especially with the fast food chains we tried such as Popeyes, McDonalds, Wendy’s. Must be the ingredients that are normally banned in the EU! Did anyone else have the same experience?
Fueled up, we spent the entire afternoon at The Met. Tickets were $17 with a student discount – a bargain for one of the world’s greatest museums. Even with hours to explore, we barely scratched the surface of its vast collections. Pro tip: Look for the staffed elevator that takes you to the rooftop garden. It’s free to access, offers gorgeous views of Central Park and the city, and is the perfect spot to relax with a coffee and take in an outdoor art installation.
Day 7: A Sweet Finale and Soaring Views
By Day 7, we were running on tired feet but still eager for more. We took the subway to Hudson Yards and bought the biggest coffee of my life at Starbucks (hello, heart palpitations). We admired The Vessel (it was closed to visitors) and strolled the iconic High Line, a beautiful elevated park filled with greenery and public art. The walk led us to Little Island, a whimsical floating park with gardens and amphitheaters.
Our final hours were spent making last-minute purchases – more beauty products & candy from Target & CVS to take home and, most importantly, a legendary slice of red velvet cheesecake from Junior’s to eat in the hotel room. I still dream about it! We packed up, called it an early night, and flew home the next afternoon, landing in Amsterdam in the early morning 5.30 a.m. (ugh!) with memories to last a lifetime.
What a trip – one part adventure, one part exhaustion, and every bit worth it!
Xo Bug Girl
Instagram: @thebuggirladventures
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