Last weekend, I breathed the same New York air as Harry Styles. I know you want to too.
Pop star singer-songwriter Harry Styles is currently completing his second tour in Madison Square Garden, with a record-breaking 30 nights, beating his 15-night record from his last residency for Love On Tour. While fans are purchasing concert tickets to see their favorite artist, they are simultaneously buying an unforgettable trip to the city that doesn’t sleep.
Planning a trip always comes with confusion and concern about everything, from all of the research that goes into finding a place to stay and restaurants, to searching for anything else you’d like to see during your limited time in the city. Luckily, for any college student at UMass Amherst planning their next trip to NYC, I did all of the last-minute planning a day before, so I have the ultimate two-day guide to an unforgettable trip to New York City: Harry Styles edition.
Transportation and Accommodations
If you don’t have transportation to get to New York, a four- to five-hour bus trip will get you there in no time. Bus prices from Peterpan or Greyhound are affordable, ranging from $20 to $50 dollars one way. Leaving in the early morning gives you more time to spend in the city upon arrival. Besides taking the bus, there is also a train station located in Northampton, which is a 20-minute drive from Amherst. From there, you can catch an Amtrak train that takes you directly into Penn Station, which is located right underneath “Harry’s House,” or better known as Madison Square Garden.
For my baddies on a budget, splitting a room with your friends can be affordable and fun. There are multiple different options for hotels in New York, but I would advise that you find a hotel that is within walking distance to the venue, saving you money on late-night Ubers. In addition to that, the ultimate hack is if you know anybody who lives in New York City or somewhere near, don’t be afraid to reach out to them. Friends are always willing to help each other out, and an advantage of this is that you have a personal tour guide around the city to help you on your trip!
The Best Bites Around the City
New York is home to so many different shops and restaurants, so you truly can’t go wrong with any place you stumble upon. However, there are some staple coffee shops, pizza stores, and everything in between that you can’t miss.
Did you really go to New York if you didn’t eat a bagel? My personal favorite was Apollo Bagels, with freshly made bagels that were simple but tasted delicious. I paired my bagel with some coffee from Cafe Leon, which was so rich and made me miss the shop when my trip was over.
For an elevated dining experience with your friends, I would recommend Mamo Restaurant, with locations in Midtown and Soho. Beyond the delicious Italian dining the location has to offer, the aesthetics of the restaurant draw you in, perfect for pictures with your friends.
With the overpriced snacks and drinks inside the venue, you’ll want to wait until before or after the concert to get some food. Around the Garden or on any path you take, you will definitely encounter a store selling two-dollar pizza (the best post-concert meal, in my opinion).
Together Together Experience
Located at 22 East 2nd Street, there is a small pop-up event that features a unique fan experience with different photo opportunities and a chance to buy merch before the concert. Be prepared to wait in line for over 30 minutes, as the line to get in builds throughout the day. However, waiting through that line is worth every minute. It’s a great way to remember your very Harry NYC experience, with his music on loop inside. Inside, there is a photo booth, a flower photo opportunity, and even a karaoke-style experience that you can do with your friends. Don’t forget the makeshift subway, which is another perfect photo opportunity.
Although the concert is the main event of your trip to New York City, you will be bringing back the best memories that you share with your friends from all of the experiences included on your trip. For anyone planning a last minute getaway, a little preparation and a few friends can go a long way to make it the best experience!
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