How to make the most out of 72 hours in New York City

There is so much more to New York City than eating greasy delicious pizza and visiting Times Square.

NYC is a concrete jungle that is always evolving, and that means there are constantly new and unique things to see and do.

New York is also a city you can take on in three days. It may seem impossible – especially when you’ve never stepped foot in the bustling metropolis – but it definitely can be done.

So if you’re thinking of NYC for a quick getaway from Vancouver, here’s how you can make your trip to the Big Apple a truly memorable stay.

Start by flying in style

When you’re travelling to the fashion capital of the world, you should most definitely start your trip in the most stylish way possible.

The new Cathay Pacific Lounge at Vancouver International Airport offers a taste of luxury for first and business class passengers.

The lounge is sleek, spacious, and relaxing–something you most definitely wouldn’t expect in an airport. A highlight of the lounge is its signature Noodle Bar, which offers a selection of soup, including wonton noodle, dan dan noodle, and authentic Hong Kong-style fish ball noodle.

Sit back, relax, grab a bowl of noodles, and soak in what the Cathay Pacific Lounge has to offer before jetting off to NYC.

Treat yourself to a swanky stay

Sometimes, you need to treat yourself, and there is no better place to do than the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel Downtown. Designed by renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern, this Four Seasons location adds a touch of luxury to the city’s skyline.

Inside, you’ll find nothing short of excellence. From the beautiful rooms to the relaxing spa, it may be difficult to leave the hotel and actually start exploring the city.

And before you depart, be sure to dine at Cut – Wolfgang Puck’s first NYC restaurant. The swanky eatery is the perfect place to grab a beautifully crafted cocktail or a perfectly seared steak.

Take in a different view from Governors Island

If you want to see a different side of the city, head over to Governors Island. A free seven-minute ferry ride will take you to this 172-acre island which once served as a military outpost.

When you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re on a mini-vacation on its own. Governors Island is filled with beautiful gardens, quaint food stalls, and winding bike paths.

The highlight of the island is four topographic installations known as ‘The Hills.’ Climb up one of the man-made hills and you’ll be able to see an incredible view of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

Get your patio fix at Rock Center Café’s summer garden and bar

In the summer months, the legendary ice rink at Rockefeller Center transforms into the Rock Center Café – a magnificent outdoor patio that’s the perfect place to people-watch and soak in all Manhattan has to offer while sipping on an ice cold glass of frozé.

Admire the architecture of the Westfield World Trade Center

The Westfield World Trade Center is one of the newest architectural marvels in New York City. The Westfield was rebuilt after the September 11 attacks and the new building was unveiled in 2016. With over 365,000 square feet of retail space, the Westfield World Trade is a shopper’s paradise.

What makes the building truly stand out is the Oculus – a jaw-dropping structure designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. From the outside, the Oculus is meant to look like a dove spreading its wings. The stunning architecture definitely Instagram-worthy.

See NYC from the sky at One World Trade Center

Located a short walk from the Westfield World Trade Center is the One World Trade Center (1WTC). Standing 1,776 feet (541 metres) tall, the 1 WTC was built after the 9/11 attacks. The tower is an extraordinary site as it dominates the New York skyline.

But the best way to truly see New York is from the top of the 1WTC. A speedy 60-second elevator ride will take you to the highest point of the tower where you will arrive at the One World Observatory.

Once you get to the Observatory, get your camera ready because you’ll discover how breathtaking NYC is from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

Go sailing on the Hudson River

If heights aren’t really your thing, head to the North Cova Marina where you can hop on a sail boat and explore New York City from the Hudson River. You’ll also be able to get an amazing view of Jersey City, the Statue of Liberty, Governor’s Island, and so much more.

Visit Brooklyn and DUMBO

Take a break from Manhattan and head over to the ultra-hip streets of Brooklyn. To get there you can take the subway but to see more of the city, try walking across the historic Brooklyn Bridge. It’s about a 40-minute journey but it is definitely worth the exercise as you’ll get to see some spectacular views of the skyline.

Once you get to Brooklyn keep your runners on and take a walking tour of DUMBO – one of Brooklyn’s most buzz-worthy neighbourhoods.

DUMBO, which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a bustling area with eclectic shops, delectable eateries, and a thriving arts and culture scene.

While you’re exploring the neighbourhood, be sure to take a break at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. The urban green space is a peaceful rest stop with quaint gardens and a must-see historic carousel which dates back to the 1920s.

Fly home in comfort and style

Now that you’ve experienced the hustle and bustle of New York City, head back home in comfort.

Cathay Pacific‘s business class offers everything you need to make the five-hour flight back to Vancouver one of the most relaxing trips yet, even if it’s an overnight flight.

See also

• Cathay Pacific boosts frequency of Vancouver to Hong Kong flights
• Cathay Pacific launches Vancouver's first Airbus A350 service (PHOTOS)
• Cathay Pacific adds more flights from Toronto to Hong Kong

Disclaimer: Travel, accommodation, and meals were made possible by Cathay Pacific. All thoughts and opinions expressed are those of the author.