Some days in New York just feel iconic, and our second day, on a recent trip to the Big Apple, was exactly that. We traded the energy of downtown for a slower, classic Manhattan kind of day—starting at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, spending the afternoon wandering through Central Park, and ending with a glass of champagne at The Plaza Hotel. If you are looking for a day that feels both timeless and easy to navigate, this is one of the best ways to experience New York in the spring. It was the kind of day we wanted to hold onto a little longer.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

We arrived at The Metropolitan Museum of Art right at opening, which I would absolutely recommend. The museum is massive, and going early gave us space to move at our own pace before the crowds really picked up. Pro TIP: Purchase your tickets online ahead of time to save time at the door. They are not time specific.

We started in the Egyptian Wing, one of the most iconic parts of the museum and an easy place to get pulled in for much longer than planned. Our first stop was the Mastaba Tomb of Perneb, an ancient limestone tomb that was originally built more than 4,000 years ago in Egypt and later reconstructed inside the Met. Walking through it feels less like looking at an exhibit and more like stepping directly into history.

From there, we visited the Tomb of Meketre, which ended up being one of the most fascinating stops. Meketre was a royal chancellor during Egypt’s Middle Kingdom, and when his tomb was discovered in 1920 near Luxor, archaeologists found a hidden chamber filled with remarkably preserved wooden models. These miniature scenes showed everyday life—boats crossing the Nile, gardens, workshops, bakeries, and even servants preparing food.

What made it even more interesting was seeing the black-and-white excavation photo displayed nearby, showing how the chamber was found almost completely intact. It made the models feel less like museum pieces and more like a direct connection to the people who placed them there nearly 4,000 years ago.

Of course, the highlight of this wing is the breathtaking Temple of Dendur. Surrounded by natural light and overlooking Central Park through the museum’s massive windows, it is one of those spaces that makes you stop and just take it in. Even if you have seen photos before, it feels completely different in person.

From there, we made our way to the American Wing, where the large glass courtyard immediately changes the pace. Filled with sculpture, light, and space to pause, it feels calmer and less crowded than some of the busier galleries. We actually got a little too comfortable there and spent more time than we planned, wandering through the courtyard and surrounding rooms.

Next, as we wandered into the European galleries, one thing stood out right away—there was almost no one there. For a few quiet moments, it felt like we had entire rooms to ourselves, surrounded by centuries-old paintings and sculpture in complete stillness. Even without knowing every artist, there was something about the scale and quiet of these rooms that makes you slow down.

By the time we reached the Impressionist galleries, I found myself wishing we had moved a little faster through the American Wing. This was the section I had been most excited to see, and it ended up being my favorite part of the entire museum.

Walking into the room filled with the works of Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir felt completely different from the earlier galleries. It was softer, brighter, and somehow calmer—like the space itself slowed you down.

Claude Monet

For me, Monet was the highlight. Standing in front of one of his Water Lilies paintings, I kept finding myself stepping closer and then farther back, noticing how the colors and brushstrokes seemed to change depending on where I stood. It is one of those paintings that feels familiar from books and photos, but seeing it in person is something else entirely

It was the perfect way to end our morning at the Met, and if I could do it again, I would absolutely leave myself more time here. Some rooms you visit, and some you wish you could stay in a little longer. As we left the crowds were filling the galleries on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Pro TIP: Bring your own headphones and take advantage of the “free” audio tour from the The MET website or app: HERE

Central Park

On a beautiful Spring day in NYC it can feel like the whole city is outside. Just a few steps from the MET on 5th Avenue sits Central Pak. The first thing we came across Cleopatra's Needle almost immediately. After spending the morning in the Egyptian Wing, it felt like the perfect continuation of the day.

When we researched it, it turns out his ancient obelisk is more than 3,500 years old, originally carved in Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III and later brought to New York in the late 1800s. Standing there among the spring blooms of Central Park, it felt a little surreal—like history had followed us outside the museum walls.

After walking up the hill from the museum we found ourselves at the Great Lawn. Adjacent to the Great Lawn we found a walking path lined people walking, sitting and just enjoying the day. A nice thing about Central Park is that there are specific walking only, vs. bike paths, making it safer and more enjoyable. Spring was in full bloom!

The Great Lawn. How would you like to play baseball with the New York skyline behind you?

With no specific agenda in mind, we continued to wander through the park. We came upon the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Originally built as part of New York’s water supply system, the Reservoir is now one of the park’s most iconic landmarks. Named for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who helped champion the preservation of Central Park, it feels both grand and surprisingly peaceful—especially on a perfect spring afternoon.

One of my favorite spots in Central Park was Bow Bridge. It is one of the park’s most famous bridges, and in the middle of spring with the trees blooming and people out enjoying the sunshine, it felt like one of those classic New York moments.

It is easy to see why so many movies seem to end up here. We were really just wandering with no real plan, and suddenly found ourselves in one of the most iconic spots in the park.

We made a quick stop at Belvedere Castle, one of those spots in Central Park that feels a little unexpected. From there, looking back over the lake and seeing everyone spread out enjoying the sunshine, it felt like the whole city had decided to be outside that day.

As we kept walking south, we passed the iconic Bethesda Fountain, another one of those classic New York scenes that feels familiar even if it is your first visit. If you are following along, we’ve now just walked abut 3 miles in the park!

Carriage Rides

They are all over Central Park! We said to ourselves, “maybe next time!”

And then finally, after miles of walking through the park, we found ourselves right outside The Plaza Hotel. We stopped in for a glass of champagne—because honestly, after a perfect spring day in Central Park, it felt like exactly the right ending.