A Four-Night New York City Adventure With Friends: My Third Visit, But Definitely Not the Last
New York City has a way of drawing you back time and time again. My recent four-night stay with friends—my third visit to the Big Apple—proved once again that this city never stops surprising me. From our smooth direct flight from Manchester to JFK (outbound with Virgin Atlantic, returning with Aer Lingus) to the final stroll through Times Square, every moment reminded me why New York feels like a destination you can visit endlessly.
Where We Stayed: Edison Hotel, Times Square
We based ourselves at the Edison Hotel, just steps from Times Square—our second stay here. Its unbeatable central location makes exploring the city effortless, especially when travelling with friends who all have different must-see lists.
A standout perk is the breakfast flexibility. Guests can enjoy a complimentary grab-and-go option, which includes a hot breakfast sandwich, a choice of hot drink or orange juice, and either a croissant or fruit. Ideal for early starts! For a slower morning, the sit-down breakfast starts from just $6.50, a fantastic deal in the heart of Manhattan.
https://www.edisonhotelnyc.com/
Planning Ahead to Make the Most of NYC
Before travelling, we created a loose schedule to make sure we didn’t miss anything on our wish list. And it worked perfectly—NYC can be overwhelming, but planning ahead meant we maximised our time without rushing.
Despite all the excitement, our first night tradition remained simple: a visit to a few Irish bars. Our favourite this trip was O’Donoghue’s in Times Square—a lively spot with a fantastic atmosphere and live music several times a week. A brilliant way to kick off the holiday.
Exploring the City: On Foot & Underground
We covered a lot of ground, walking as much as possible and hopping on the Subway when needed. Here’s what we managed to see and do:
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9/11 Memorial Pools – a moving and beautifully designed tribute.
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One World Observatory – breathtaking views from one of NYC’s tallest buildings.
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The Friends Apartment Building – a must for TV fans and a fun photo stop.
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DUMBO, Brooklyn – iconic Manhattan Bridge views and waterfront strolls.
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SUMMIT One Vanderbilt – an unforgettable immersive skyline experience.
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Grand Central Station – a magnificent architectural masterpiece.
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Central Park – including a peaceful stop to listen to Beatles music in Strawberry Fields.
Food Highlights: Something Delicious at Every Stop
NYC is a dream for food lovers, and we certainly made the most of it! Some of our favourite eats included:
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Chicken wings & potato skins – O’Donoghue’s, Times Square
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Burgers & more wings – Yard House
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Classic Reuben sandwiches – Blarney Stone, Trinity Place
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Breakfast with entertainment – Ellen’s Stardust Diner
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Ribs – Hard Rock Café, Times Square
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Delicious pizza – Juliana’s in DUMBO, Brooklyn
Every meal came with its own slice of NYC charm.
Retail Therapy in the Big Apple
No trip to New York is complete without a little shopping. Some of our favourite stops were:
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FAO Schwarz – a magical experience no matter your age
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Tiffany & Co. – because a little sparkle never hurts
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Bryant Park Winter Village Christmas Markets – full of festive treats
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LEGO Store – fun displays and unique sets
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Hershey’s – perfect for souvenirs (and snacks for the flight home!)
Why I’ll Be Back Again
This was my third visit to New York—and somehow the city feels bigger, brighter, and more exciting every time. Travelling with friends made it even more memorable, and planning ahead meant we ticked off everything on our list while still enjoying spontaneous moments.
One thing’s for sure: this won’t be my last New York adventure. The energy, the food, the views, and the endless things to see keep pulling me back. And if you haven’t experienced NYC yet—or you’re thinking about returning—there’s no better time to start planning your own unforgettable trip.