“At the moment, we’re strolling from the tippity high of Manhattan to the tippity backside of Manhattan,” one of many characters declares on the beloved New York Metropolis-set present Broad Metropolis. So we needed to know what it might be prefer to certainly stroll from the tippity high to the tippity backside of Manhattan.
Seems, it’s a few 14-mile (nearly 15-mile) journey by means of a number of neighborhoods, all of Central Park, and thru layers of Manhattan historical past. We created a information on precisely learn how to embark on this epic journey your self and a map with key factors on the stroll.
RECOMMENDED: 15 uniquely New York habits folks decide up after dwelling right here
This trek has been dubbed The Broad Metropolis Problem, however the journey has been standard for some time, even discovering its approach into a movie. On Broad Metropolis, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer’s journey holds knowledge for all of us: Convey water, embrace an athleisure look, and put on snug sneakers—no platform sneakers!
We’ve acquired extra suggestions on the backside just under our step-by-step information, so let’s go:
1. Dyckman Avenue station
Save your vitality by taking the subway to your first cease at Dyckman Avenue Station. Technically, Manhattan extends a bit additional north than Dyckman, however that’s the place the Broad Metropolis gals began, in order that’s the place we began, too.
Prepare for about an hour’s stroll after you get off the prepare. You’ll head down Broadway previous Fort Tryon Park, a bunch of low-rise brick residence buildings, many buzzing companies with indicators in Spanish, and a few gorgeous avenue artwork. The terrain is hilly up right here, so be ready in your calves to really feel it.
About midway to your subsequent cease, you’ll see the GWB Market, a part of the George Washington Bridge Bus Station, simply previous the George Washington Bridge. This behemoth mid-century showpiece was designed in 1963 by Italian architect and engineer Pier Luigi Nervi, The Curious Uptowner defined, calling it “a visible jolt of hovering strains and daring geometric patterns constructed from bolstered concrete.” Along with its architectural splendor, it’s additionally an excellent cease for a loo break when you want one.
Although we’ll be utilizing Broadway for a lot of the journey, after 169th, bear east off of Broadway onto Saint Nicholas Avenue then flip onto one hundred and sixtieth to get to Morris-Jumel Mansion.
2. Morris-Jumel Mansion
As Abbi says within the present, “this has simply been right here the entire time?!” It’s a becoming response to this fascinating relic.
The white clapboard home is without doubt one of the nation’s foremost historic home museums and Manhattan’s oldest surviving residence courting again to 1765. The house served because the headquarters for Common George Washington in addition to the British army and Hessian troops through the American Revolution. Excursions are supplied Friday-Sunday when you’re visiting on a weekend.
For much more historical past, take a peek on the row of homes subsequent to the museum on Sylvan Terrace. These 20 wood townhouses date again to 1882, and strolling alongside the road appears like being transported to a different time and one other place. The houses had been designed by architect Gilbert Robinson Jr. as a part of one of many first residential initiatives within the space, which was at the moment largely farmland, Untapped Cities reported.
3. Apollo Theater
Proceed strolling south alongside Saint Nicholas Avenue the place you may have the ability to catch a glimpse of the supertalls at Columbus Circle when you look up at simply the correct time. If you happen to’re feeling daunted at this level, that’s OK. You’ve already coated a variety of floor, and a lunch break is arising quickly.
Quickly, you’ll flip onto a hundred and twenty fifth Avenue (aka Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard), house to Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater. Relationship again to its opening in 1913, the Apollo has performed a serious position within the emergence of jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, and soul. The Apollo continues as we speak with its mission as a beacon for the humanities in America. Cease by for a photograph with the legendary marquee and plan a day to come back again when you could have time for a tour.
4. Purple Rooster
Proceed alongside a hundred and twenty fifth to take a lunch break at Purple Rooster, Marcus Samuelsson’s Harlem bistro with entrees just like the Lenox smash burger, crispy chicken sandwich, and pan-fried catfish. As our Time Out reviewer put it, “All of this meals is as relaxed because the setting itself: breezy and cheerful. The sprawling house is inviting and buzzy, the definitive place to be north of a hundred and tenth Avenue.”
Ilana and Abbi eat right here throughout their tour, too, and naturally, take copious pictures. Shortly after this level of their journey, our buddies from Broad Metropolis fall right into a manhole (true NYC nightmare) and find yourself in Midtown, so we’ll fill within the gaps on our personal.
5. Hungarian Pastry Store
It’s time for dessert, and the Hungarian Pastry Store is definitely worth the teeny tiny detour. Head west on a hundred and twenty fifth to Amsterdam Avenue, after which stroll all the way down to 111th the place you’ll discover this haven for baked items.
Order the eclair, and make sure to savor this creamy, chocolatey piece of divinity. Additionally take a second to go searching and know that the subsequent nice American novel simply may be underway on somebody’s pocket book or laptop computer within the cafe, because it’s a beacon for the town’s literari. Listed below are 10 books written at The Hungarian Pastry Store so as to add to your checklist.
Lastly, order a to-go sizzling or chilly drink (relying on the climate) and head east on a hundred and tenth to Central Park, admiring The Cathedral of St. John the Divine—one of many largest church buildings on the earth—in your approach.
6. Central Park
We’ll get again to Broadway quickly sufficient, however for now, head by means of Central Park from the North Woods all the way down to Columbus Circle. It’s best to remain on West Drive the entire time, which can wind previous the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, the Delacorte Theater, Strawberry Fields, and Sheep Meadow.
At any time when that you must, seize a park bench to take a break and take in the splendor of this respite within the coronary heart of the town. Only a observe that there are many loos within the park (those by Tavern on the Inexperienced are usually the tidiest in my expertise).
7. Columbus Circle
Exit the park by means of Columbus Circle and get again onto Broadway, which we’ll take all the way in which to the top. If you happen to’re beginning to get jealous of everybody on a motorcycle or electrical scooter, similar.
8. Occasions Sq.
I do know, I do know, I’m sorry this route takes you thru Occasions Sq., however it actually is essentially the most direct path. Attempt to make the perfect of it (I noticed a man dancing on a scooter a lot to the delight of vacationers in a type of The Experience buses with the enormous home windows). I’m going to warn you: The temptation to cease on the Occasions Sq. Krispy Kreme at this level will likely be sturdy.
9. Herald Sq.
Breeze by means of this cute parklet and wave good day to this huge Macy’s.
10. The Flatiron Constructing
Proceed on Broadway to the Flatiron District, house to the triangular stunner referred to as the Flatiron Constructing. Though it’s nonetheless below scaffolding, this architectural surprise is a sight to behold.
Throughout from the Flatiron, you’ll discover Eataly, the Italian market that’s at all times value a fast cease for a candy deal with or a snack. P.S. That is one other handy toilet cease when you want one.
11. Union Sq.
If you happen to can, attempt to plan your journey on a Greenmarket Day the place you may immerse your self within the sights and smells of this beloved farmers’ market in historic Union Sq..
If you happen to’re not too drained by this level, see if yow will discover Union Sq.’s Temperance fountain. Throughout the Temperance motion, these fountains tried to encourage People to drink water, relatively than booze. Right here’s a tip from Ephemeral New York on the place to seek out it.
P.S. It looks as if from right here, our Broad Metropolis counterparts headed additional east to go for a boozy (and hilarious) meal at Russ & Daughters, so go for that if in case you have time! However we stayed on Broadway to proceed on essentially the most direct route.
12. Zuccotti Park
Keep on Broadway all the way in which to Zuccotti Park, passing by means of Soho alongside the way in which the place you’ll discover everybody’s outfits get about 10 instances cooler. You’ll additionally discover that we’re out of numbered streets territory and meaning the end line is approaching.
When you make it to the park, don’t miss the 70-foot-tall pink sculpture referred to as Joie de Vivre by Mark di Suvero. Additionally take a second to look round on the buildings, noticing how the surroundings has modified from the low-rise brick buildings of Higher Manhattan to the shiny glass skyrises of Decrease Manhattan.
13. The Charging Bull
You’ll stroll proper previous the Wall Avenue bull, however at this level, you’re most likely not going to need to cease for a photograph since you’re so shut! Possibly simply strolling previous it would present some luck to complete the course.
14. The Battery and Statue of Liberty Viewpoint
When you see Woman Liberty, you understand you’ve made it. Congratulations! Now, snap a sweaty selfie, deal with your self to a cab again house, get some relaxation, and revel within the accomplishment and enjoyable of the journey.
A couple of extra suggestions
- Verify the climate earlier than you go to be sure you’ll be snug on the journey.
- Pack gentle. Convey a small bag (ideally one thing hands-free, like a belt bag) for simply the necessities. For me, the necessities included my telephone, a transportable telephone charger, a small pockets, and a water bottle I strapped onto the bag.
- Begin within the morning, so you could have time for a lunch break and might wrap up earlier than dinnertime. How lengthy the stroll takes will, after all, rely in your velocity and the way lengthy you are taking for breaks. My journey ended up at about 5 hours, half-hour together with a couple of quick stops.
- Immerse your self within the sounds of the town. Whereas I’m often listening to a podcast or music whereas I stroll, on this journey, I left my AirPods of their case and opted for the sounds of individuals raking leaves in a park, Beyonce’s “Break My Soul” blaring from a passing automobile, and overheard bits of dialog.
- Take loads of breaks, however don’t take off your sneakers on these breaks otherwise you’ll by no means need to lace them up once more.
- Plan your stroll strategically on a day once you don’t have many different errands to run or different strolling to do. I uncared for to do that and ended up by chance strolling 25 miles in whole on the day of my trek—oops.
- Simply preserve strolling: When it will get laborious—and it’ll—I repeated “simply preserve strolling” in my thoughts, a remix of the Discovering Nemo “simply preserve swimming” recommendation.
- Be open to surprises. I noticed some spectacular artwork, ate some scrumptious meals, and helped a couple of different vacationers navigate their journey. I additionally noticed an individual gently cradling an precise reptile in line on the bakery and later noticed one other individual skillfully feeding dozens of pigeons in Central Park. Ah, New York. You by no means know what you’ll discover, and that’s precisely what makes this bucket checklist trek such a gem.
