Stephanie's Travel Diary

Saturday

Breakfast @ Big Daddy’s
Address: 239 Park Avenue.
On Saturdaymorning I went to Big Daddy’s for breakfast. I ordered the waffles with berries and they tasted good. Big Daddy’s is a fun diner and in the early morning it is not very touristy, so it is the perfect place to start your day. If you want to experience a “real American diner” this is a good place.

Morning

Tompkins Square Park
After breakfast I walked to Tompkins Square park. It was not too busy but there were already some people enjoying the sun. I sat down on the grass with a book and a Starbucks iced tea. When I got too hot, I changed to a place in the shadows.

Lunch @ Tompkins Square Bagels
Address: 165 Avenue A.
When it was time for lunch, I walked to Tompkins Square Bagel to grab a bagel. It was very busy and I had to wait about 20 minutes before I could order. I went for the bagel with cream cheese and salmon. The staff is always very friendly. The bagel was very tasty.

Afternoon

Brooklyn Bridge
Because it was a very sunny and hot day, I decided to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Eventhough it was very hot, it was also very busy.
I love walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. It is such an impressive structure and has great views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Last year I walked from Brooklyn to Manhattan in the early morning and it was very quiet, and I prefered that.
Be aware it is not the best activity to do on a sunny day, because there is barely any shade.

Brooklyn Bridge Park
All the parks around the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge are perfect to sit down and chill & relax. Enjoy the views of Manhattan, especially the tall skyscrapers.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of those parks that has a good view.
There are benches, chairs and rocks to sit on.

Snack @ Brooklyn Icecream factory
Nearby the Brooklyn Bridge is the Brooklyn Icecream Factory. It is definitely worth the wait because the line moves quick and the icecream is very good.

Manhattan Bridge
After the icecream, I walked to Jane’s Carousel and Pebble Beach, which are inbetween the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge. This is also a lovely spot to sit down and enjoy the incredible view.

DUMBO
Ofcourse a visit to this area is not complete without going to DUMBO and seeing the Manhattan Bridge up-close.

Dinner @ Smorgasburg
I then took the subway to East River State Park, which is where the “Food Festival” Smorgasburg was. This is a perfect place to be if you like food. There are a lot of stands that sell foods and drinks and you can sit by the river and enjoy the food and the view of Manhattan! This time, I went for a bao bun, some pizza muffins, some dumplings and some rolled ice cream.
Keep your eye on the time, because it closes around 6 pm, so you can not go there for a “late dinner”.

-> Have you been to New York? What was your favorite experience there? Let me know in the comments.