Hey, jet-setters! Have you ever found yourself with a long layover in the Big Apple? Don’t waste those precious hours twiddling your thumbs at the airport! Last summer, during my return flight from Europe, I had a 10-hour layover in New York City and made the most of every minute of exploring this vibrant city.
Whether you’re craving a slice of pizza in Brooklyn, a stroll through Central Park, or a visit to the top of the Empire State Building, I’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to maximize your time during a layover in New York City. Let’s turn that layover into a mini adventure—follow along for the ultimate guide to making the most of your time in the city that never sleeps!
Introduction
New York City is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with countless things to see and do. For travelers with a long layover at JFK Airport, it’s an alluring opportunity to escape the airport for a quick city tour. This guide provides tips for maximizing your time in the Big Apple during an extended JFK layover.
We’ll cover how to get from JFK into Manhattan, top sightseeing activities and museums to visit during the morning and afternoon, where to shop and dine, evening entertainment options, and how to get back to JFK in time for your flight. Even with just one day, you can pack in quintessential New York experiences. Follow this itinerary to make the most of your layover in the city that never sleeps.
Getting from JFK to Manhattan
The easiest and most affordable way to get from JFK airport to Manhattan is by taking public transportation. You have a few options:
Take the AirTrain to the Subway
The AirTrain is a people mover that connects JFK’s different terminals to the Jamaica and Howard Beach subway stations. From any JFK terminal, take the AirTrain to the Jamaica station to catch the E subway line, or take it to Howard Beach to catch the A subway line. Both will get you to Manhattan in around an hour for only $7.75 (the cost of a subway ride). Make sure to get a MetroCard to pay for the AirTrain and subway.
The AirTrain runs every 7-15 minutes and is free if you’re connecting between JFK terminals. It takes about 15-20 minutes to reach either Jamaica or Howard Beach. From there, subway trains to Manhattan run frequently.
This is the most direct and hassle-free public transit option. The total travel time is around 75-90 minutes to reach popular areas like Times Square and Grand Central.
Take the LIRR from Jamaica
Another option from Jamaica Station is taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Penn Station. The LIRR is a commuter rail and takes just 25-35 minutes to get to Manhattan. However, the fare is $15, nearly double the subway.
The LIRR does save you about 30-45 minutes of total travel time. If you want the fastest trip and don’t mind paying extra, it’s a good alternative to the subway. Be sure to purchase tickets before boarding.
Top Morning Activities
One of the best ways to spend your morning in New York City during a long layover is by visiting Central Park and getting a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Central Park is an iconic 843-acre urban park located in the heart of Manhattan. Some top things to do in the morning include:
- Take a stroll or jog along the 6-mile loop that circles the park interior. The scenery along the way includes lush green lawns, ponds, woodlands, and rocky outcrops.
- Rent a rowboat and paddle around the Lake. It’s a fun and affordable way to get out on the water.
- Visit Strawberry Fields, the memorial to John Lennon located at the west side of the Park. People often gather there to sing Beatles songs.
- See the Delacorte Theater, home of the annual Shakespeare in the Park festival. Even if no shows are on, the theater itself is architecturally stunning.
- Stop by the Central Park Zoo to see sea lions, snow leopards, penguins, and more up close. It opens at 10 am.
For breakfast or brunch, some top options near Central Park include:
- The Smith near Lincoln Center – known for its seasonal menus and cocktails
- Sarabeth’s on Central Park South – popular for its lemon ricotta pancakes and crab cake benedict
- The Park Restaurant inside the Park Lane Hotel – an upscale option with Central Park views
- Ess-a-Bagel – a classic New York City bagel shop serving huge portions of smoked fish and “schmear”
With so much to see and do, Central Park and a leisurely brunch make for a perfect morning activity during a long JFK layover in the city.
Afternoon Museum Visits
New York is home to some of the world’s top museums, making it a paradise for art and culture lovers with a long JFK layover. The afternoon is an ideal time to visit some of the city’s most famous museum attractions.
American Museum of Natural History
The sprawling American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side is one of the largest museums in the world. It contains incredible exhibits on space, Earth sciences, human origins, biology, and more. You can easily spend hours wandering its massive 45 exhibition halls. Don’t miss the giant model blue whale hanging from the ceiling, the dinosaur fossils, and the elaborate recreations of habitat dioramas.
The Museum of Modern Art
For modern and contemporary art, head to MoMA in midtown Manhattan. See iconic works by Dalí, Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, and Pollock. The architecture and design collections are also impressive. Grab a bite at one of MoMA’s chic restaurants when you need a museum break.
Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim with its unique spiral architecture is a museum in itself. It houses an excellent collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary art. Exhibitions rotate regularly, and past shows have featured Picasso, Kandinsky, Cézanne, and many more iconic artists.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
For a truly encyclopedic art experience, visit the sprawling Metropolitan Museum of Art, or “The Met.” It contains over 2 million works spanning 5,000 years of human culture and history. From Egyptian temples to European masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, you could spend days wandering The Met’s labyrinth of galleries.
Other Notable Museums
Some other top museum options are the Whitney Museum of American Art for a uniquely American perspective, the Frick Collection housed in a spectacular Gilded Age mansion, and the Brooklyn Museum with its diverse and eclectic collection. Many museums also offer great gift shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy.
Shopping and Restaurants
New York City is a shopper’s paradise with stores ranging from luxury designers to vintage thrift shops. The top shopping areas include:
- Fifth Avenue – This famous street is home to iconic department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. You’ll also find flagship boutiques from high-end designers like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
- SoHo – The trendy SoHo neighborhood is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Brands like Everlane, All Saints, and Madewell mix with luxury designers here. It’s great for window shopping.
- Meatpacking District – For a mix of high-end fashion and street style, head to the Meatpacking District. Shops like Intermix and Jeffrey New York are next to cool concept stores.
- Williamsburg – Across the river in Brooklyn, Williamsburg offers a hip, artsy vibe. Browse independent boutiques and vintage shops for one-of-a-kind finds.
When it’s time to refuel, New York City offers cuisine from around the world. Top picks for a quick lunch or dinner include:
- Katz’s Delicatessen – Their pastrami sandwiches are legendary. Expect long lines at this New York City institution.
- Russ & Daughters – For bagels and smoked fish, this spot can’t be beat.
- Xi’an Famous Foods – Sample delicious noodles and dumplings at this casual Chinese chain.
- The Halal Guys – Their chicken and rice carts are a street food staple.
- Carbone – For an upscale Italian meal, make a reservation at this hotspot.
With so many dining options, you’re sure to find something tempting in New York City.
Evening Shows and Nightlife
New York City is famous for its vibrant nightlife, especially its Broadway shows, comedy clubs, and lively bar scene.
Broadway Shows
No trip to New York City is complete without seeing a Broadway production. The theater district in midtown Manhattan is home to dozens of Broadway and off-Broadway theaters showcasing plays, musicals, and other performances. Some top shows include Hamilton, The Lion King, Wicked, and Chicago. You can often find last-minute discounted tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square. Evening shows typically start between 7-8pm.
Comedy Clubs
Looking for laughs? New York’s comedy clubs offer nightly stand-up comedy shows featuring famous comedians and up-and-coming talent. Top spots include the Comedy Cellar, Carolines on Broadway, Gotham Comedy Club, and the Stand New York City. Shows usually have a two drink minimum and start between 7-9:30pm.
Bars
Cap off your New York night out by grabbing drinks at one of the city’s many lively bars and pubs. Try cocktail bars like Employees Only, jazz bars like the Rum House, or a craft beer bar like Blind Tiger Ale House. The East Village and Lower East Side have great bar-hopping scenes. Most bars are open until 2 or 4am. Just remember to budget extra time for your trip back to JFK in the morning!
Getting Back to JFK
Getting back to JFK airport at the end of your long layover exploration of New York City is easy using the subway and public transportation.
The most convenient and fastest way is to take the AirTrain from Manhattan directly to JFK airport. The AirTrain provides service from midtown Manhattan and connects to the A, E, J, and Z subway lines at the Howard Beach and Jamaica stations. You can take the subway from midtown Manhattan to either Howard Beach or Jamaica and then transfer to the AirTrain to get to your JFK terminal.
The AirTrain runs 24 hours a day, with trains departing every 7-15 minutes. The full trip takes around 50-75 minutes from midtown Manhattan. Make sure to give yourself enough time to get through security at JFK before your flight. Tickets for the AirTrain are $7.75 and you can use your MetroCard from the subway to pay.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft directly from Manhattan to JFK airport. This is the quickest option, taking around 30-60 minutes depending on traffic, but also the most expensive at $60+ each way. Plan for potential rush hour traffic delays if traveling during peak times.
Checking the official MTA website or apps can help plan your route back to JFK efficiently. Time your subway and AirTrain trip to avoid waiting around at the airport longer than needed. With proper planning, public transportation makes getting to and from JFK easy and affordable.
Where to Stay If Overnight
If your layover in New York is overnight, you’ll need to decide whether to stay near the airport or venture into the city for a hotel.
The main advantage of staying at an airport hotel is convenience, especially if you have an early morning flight to catch. The Courtyard by Marriott and the Hilton Garden Inn are located right by JFK and offer comfortable rooms and shuttles to the airport.
On the other hand, staying in Manhattan will allow you to maximize your experience of the city at night. The Standard High Line, Conrad New York Downtown, and 1 Hotel Central Park are popular boutique hotels that offer stylish rooms and great locations near attractions.
Midtown hotels like the Park Hyatt and Lotte New York Palace provide luxury right in the heart of the city. And neighborhood gems like The Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn or The High Line Hotel in Chelsea offer unique, local vibes.
Consider budget, location convenience, and amenities when choosing your New York hotel for an overnight layover stay. Being able to enjoy the energy of the city at night makes staying in Manhattan a memorable experience.
Extending Your Layover
If you have more than one day for your layover in New York City, there are plenty of additional activities you can enjoy. Here are some tips for making the most of an extended JFK layover:
See More Neighborhoods
With just a single day, you’ll likely only have time to visit the most popular tourist destinations like Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. But if you have 2-3 days, you can explore New York City’s culturally distinct neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, Harlem, and Greenwich Village. Wander around their streets, shops, and restaurants to get a taste of each area’s vibe.
Take Day Trips
From New York City, you can easily take day trips on trains or buses to nearby destinations. Consider a trip to Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The beaches and boardwalks of Coney Island in Brooklyn make for a fun summer escape. For natural beauty, head north to Bear Mountain State Park or east to the Hamptons on Long Island.
See More Shows
New York City is famous for its theater scene, so if you have multiple nights, you can catch a Broadway musical, off-Broadway play, comedy club show, or concert. Planning ahead is key for getting tickets to the most popular shows that may sell out.
Relax and Recharge
Don’t try to cram too many activities into an extended layover. Be sure to build in time to simply stroll through a park, people-watch at a cafe, or hang out in your hotel room. Allowing some relaxing downtime will help you re-energize so you can better enjoy all that New York City has to offer.
Get a CityPass
If you’ll be sightseeing over multiple days, consider getting a New York CityPass. This gives you prepaid admission to 6 top attractions like the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, and Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. The pass can save you money compared to buying individual tickets.
With some advance planning, you can pack a ton of iconic New York experiences into an extended JFK layover!
Conclusion
A layover in New York City provides a thrilling opportunity to explore one of the world’s most iconic cities, even if just for a day. With efficient transportation from JFK into Manhattan, travelers can immerse themselves in world-class museums, dining, entertainment, parks, and shopping.
The guide above outlined top morning activities like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and through Central Park, followed by visits to renowned museums like the Met and MoMA in the afternoon. The evening can be spent taking in a Broadway show or comedy club before heading back to JFK.
Key tips for maximizing your time are to purchase tickets for major attractions ahead of time, travel light without checked bags, and utilize public transportation like the AirTrain, subway, and bus system. Focus your activities in neighboring areas like Midtown, Downtown, and Upper East Side to avoid wasting time traveling.
While just a brief taste of New York, a layover here allows you to experience some of its energy and culture. Follow this guide to create wonderful memories before your next flight.
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