New York City


Please see the bottom of the post for an itinerary.

Every time I return from New York City, "I'm in a New York state of mind" and I understand what Billy Joel's song is all about. New York, it’s incredible. I've been going to New York for over ten years. From the rooftop patios in the summer to the magical ice skating in Central Park, New York has something different to offer every time you come. Each trip I find something new, something I haven’t seen before. I'm probably biased, but only because I have friends in this city who have a special place in my heart. However, as the SNL’s favourite, Stefon, would say “yes yes yes yes yes, this place has everything”.

Excitement! As the car speeds (or slowly crawls if you’re stuck in traffic) toward Manhattan, I begin to see the glimpses of the skyline. It is so exciting to walk and explore the streets, to shop, to get glamoured up and go out to dinner and enjoy this ever energizing city. New York has an interesting energy. I'm in love with this city, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Everything about this city; the busy streets, the glamorous crowds in the evenings, the enchanting Broadway shows and the jaw dropping Times Square (to name a few) give me a boost of energy. I feel invincible when I'm here. I'm inspired.

While New York has many many wonderful things to offer in the summer (hope some of you got this reference), undoubtedly, my favourite time to come to the Big Apple is Christmas. Definitely chillier than summer months and not a great time for outdoor patios, there’s just a magical feeling in the air as everything is decorated with Christmas lights and Christmas trees and the crowded stores are filled with last minute shoppers. The excitement and an anticipation for the holidays to come is unmatched. There’s something very cozy about having been out in the cold, enjoying the Rockefeller Plaza, Bryant Park or Central Park (for example) and then going to a charming cafe somewhere nearby for a hot cup of coffee.

To be entertained in New York, all you have to do is walk. Walk the streets, stop at cafes and stores (shop shop shop), enjoy the view of the ever towering skyscrapers. It’s difficult to create an itinerary for the city that never sleeps, so I've put down my favourite places to see and you can decide for yourself where you want to explore because one trip to New York City will not be enough. That’s a fact!



















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Mid-Town / Central Park

  • Walk along 5th Avenue - pay attention to the window displays especially around Christmas time
  • Walk along Park Avenue and Madison Avenue
  • Central Park - you can spend a whole day in this park. It is massive. There are several lakes, monuments, fountains, plays, a meadow and gorgeous bridges. There is even a zoo. In the winter there is a beautiful skating rink with great city views.
  • Columbus Circle
  • Visit the Bouchon Bakery on the third floor of the Time Warner Centre and relax with a view
  • Apple Store
  • Plaza Hotel
  • Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Rockefeller Plaza - skating rink in the winter
  • Go to the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Plaza). In my opinion, you will get the best view of the city from the Rockefeller Centre than from the Empire State building because on the Top of the Rock you get to see the view of both the Empire State building and Chrysler Building. In the winter, the view is majestic as there is no haze. This is an absolute must, especially if it’s your first time in New York or if you haven’t done this before.
  • Walk along Broadway to/from Times Square. Spend some time here. It’s overwhelming
  • Have a drink at the Marriott Hotel, 8th floor lounge with a view onto the Times Square
  • Go see a Broadway show
  • You can also see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
  • Grand Central Station - one of the most beautiful stations
  • Walk through Bryant Park and the New York public library
  • Macy's - the largest Macy's in the world. Victoria's Secret is close by. For all you shoe-lovers out there, you must visit a store called DSW. It's where dreams come true!
  • Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building (you are able to see these from different locations in the city)

Museums

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
  • American Museum of Natural History

Other Neighbourhoods to Explore

  • Flatiron District, Madison Square Park
  • Union Square - a vibrant area with shopping and bars/restaurants. There is always something exciting going on in this area
  • Washington Square Park - a great place to relax and people-watch
  • East Village - many small restaurants and bars, a younger crowd
  • High Line Park - a beautiful park made from an old railway that was used to deliver meat
  • Meatpacking District - a former meatpacking area, a ton of night-life with cute restaurants and lots of cobblestone. The standard hotel is located in this area which includes a restaurant, biergarten and a rooftop lounge called Le Bain
  • Greenwich Village - a very different feel of New York with amazing restaurants, shopping and a calm feel. This area is great in the evening. Very lively. I highly recommend going to see a comedy show at the Comedy Cellar.
  • SoHo - lots of boutique high-end shopping and wine bars
  • TriBeCa - quieter neighbourhood with up-scale restaurants and loft apartments
  • Hoboken - I tend to stay in this neighbourhood when I'm in NYC. I personally love it. It has gorgeous houses, quiet streets and a beautiful waterfront. The views are awesome. There are also a few amazing restaurants located here or close to here and they tend to have insanely amazing views.
  • Brooklyn Heights Promenade - fantastic walk with even more fantastic views. Highly recommend.

Downtown

  • Ground Zero memorial - a must
  • World Trade Centre - the observatory is now open. This is absolutely a must, but not a substitute for Top of the Rock. I recommend doing both.
  • Battery Park
  • Staten Island Ferry - a great break from walking. You can see the city from the ferry as well as Statue of Liberty
  • I've personally, never been, but to go see the Statue of Liberty is also an option
  • Wall Street area, take a picture with the bull / New York Stock Exchange
  • Pier 17 (South Street Seaport) - amazing view onto the Brooklyn Bridge and a great stop for shopping and food
  • Walk along the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park

Restaurant Suggestions 

(here are some of the places I've been to that are worth visiting):

Dinner

Brunch

New York  is all about brunch!
  • The Standard Grill
  • Yerba Buena has amazing all-you-can-drink brunch in Greenwich Village
  • Atrium in DUMBO
  • Pilsner Haus & Biergarten in Hoboken - awesome place with great food and a wonderful patio
  • Turning Point - amazing brunch with a great view
  • Allswell - a great spot in Williamsburg. Interesting area to explore as well, although it's not for everyone.
  • Hudson Table in Hoboken - you have a choice to have your brunch prepared by a chef in front of you or to take a cooking class. A very cool concept and the food was superb!

Drinks/Appetisers/Snacks

Other

  • Eataly Market/Restaurants - a combination of shopping and restaurants, this is an impressive spot to check out

Recommended by friends:

For Lunch

For Happy Hour

For Dinner

For Dessert

If you've heard of other suggestions, add them to your list. I have definitely not covered everything off. As I've said, you’ll find something new every time you visit!