New York City
Favorite Things in NYC
New York City is an ever-changing landscape of cultures, histories, movements, styles and cuisine. It is a worldly city, both glamorous and gritty filled with people from all walks of life. The city attracts dreamers and offers an endless supply of inspiration as well as its own challenges. Having lived here since early 2018, we’ve had the chance to explore and experience so much of what makes NYC unlike anywhere else. In no particular order, we’ve curated a list of sights worth visiting, hidden gems to appreciate, mouthwatering food to try and activities to do.
Urban Hiking
One of the best ways to see the NYC is on foot. We often spend our weekends walking down avenues, across bridges and though Burroughs to explore the neighborhoods, discover new restaurants and see areas we would typically pass under while riding the subway. Get lost wandering, as Alicia Keys puts it, “these streets will make you feel brand new.”
Eat at an All Night Diner
NYC is known as the city that never sleeps. This couldn’t be truer than at an all night diner. Characterized by their run-on menus, cake displays and signed photos of celebrities mounted to the walls, these comforting places are waiting to welcome you at any hour of the day.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is easily the most recognizable sight in NYC. It defines the skyline and offers 360 views of the surrounding metropolis. Visit the observatory and outdoor deck on the 82nd floor then spend the extra $20 to visit the very top, at the 102nd floor. Views from both floors are well worth experiencing during day and night. At night, the building is illuminated in white or themed colorful lights. Try to spot the white lights twinkling! Other special times to see the building illuminated is during Pride, New Years Eve and Valentines Day.
Visit a Fortune Teller
Fortune Tellers are all over the city. For around $10, you can ask one look into the crystal ball or read your palm and predict your future.
Bagel Crawl
Go on a Bagel Crawl. The city is dotted with delis, bakeries, bodegas and food carts offering these quintessentially NY treats. Order from one and split it amongst friends. After your first bagel, set out for your second, third, fourth and so on…enjoying the moments in-between bites to walk off a few carbs and see the city. There is an abundance of bagel shops throughout the Lower East Side. If you only have one bagel in NYC, make sure it’s a bagel with lox (cured salmon).
Central Park
Nestled within Manhattan’s grid of concrete and skyscrapers, is Central Park. The park acts as a retreat space for every New Yorker to escape the busy life of the city, spread out and re-connect with nature. These are our favorite reasons to visit the park:
Picnic! Gather some friends, bring a blanket, drinks, snacks and have a picnic. The park is filled with all types of lawns, fields and rock formations to choose from, finding a spot is never difficult to do. A few of our favorites are Umpire Rock, Sheep Meadow and Cedar Hill.
The Lake. With so many scenic spots nearby, the lake is one of our favorite areas in all of NYC. From here, you can listen to opera singers perform at Bethesda Terrace, share a kiss on the Bow Bridge, row across The Lake and get lost in the winding trails within The Ramble.
The North Woods. Located in the northwest corner of the park between 100th & 110th streets, The North Woods is a vast section of the park with old trees, rolling hills and plenty of roads and trails to hike.
Eat NY Style Pizza
Grab a slice of New York style pizza. Characterized by its crispy thin crust and wide slices, it’s a staple of NYC cuisine. Look out for pizzerias with long counters lined with dozens of pizzas all sold by the slice. Many of these shops are open 24 hours and constantly crank out new pies ensuring a fresh and delicious slice at any time of day. The East Village hosts a large number of pizzerias.
The Cast Iron District
Spend an afternoon strolling through the cobble stone streets of the Historic Cast Iron District in SoHo. Hundreds of ornately designed cast iron clad buildings define the neighborhood, many of which are now home to high end restaurants, residences, boutiques and nightlife.
Skyline Drive-In
A drive-in theater along the East River in Greenpoint, Brooklyn paying new releases and classics. The parking lot has multiple screens overlooking the skyline playing different movies every night. If you don’t own a car (like us) the theater has a separate screen with lawn chairs set up to
Speakeasies
In a city where something new lingers around every corner, some of the best surprises remain truly hidden. A few of these hidden gems are speakeasies. Here are a few of our favorites and how to get in.
Please Don’t Tell. The entrance is located through a phone booth inside Crif Dogs on St. Marks Place. After 6pm, enter the phone booth, pick up the receiver and dial 1. The other side of the phone booth will open leading into the bar. The bar itself is known for it’s mixologists, often crafting custom cocktails to your taste.
Basement. Located in Chinatown down a flight of stairs on Mott St is a Coca Cola refrigerator door. Behind the door is a basement bar with a subtle carnival theme, emphasized by a self serve popcorn machine.
Employees Only. The entrance, hidden behind the curtains of a fortune teller’s shop in Chelsea, leads to this classy cocktail bar. The speakeasy is known for its experimental drinks and prohibition era vibes.
Fig 19. A speakeasy in the Lower East Side disguised as a white box art gallery. Once inside, behind a hidden door is a cozy cocktail lounge. Friday nights can get surprisingly busy.
The High Line
Walk The High Line in Chelsea and Meatpacking. It’s an old rail line turned into an elevated park surrounded by contemporary architecture. It’s beautiful year round but our favorite time to visit is during autumn. Midway through, stop by Chelsea Market and eat your way through the food stands and restaurants.
Essex Market
Recently relocated into a modern food hall and market, this is one of best places to shop for groceries or experience many of the different flavors that make up the city’s diverse cultural and food scene. The market carries everything from vegan cheeses, imported seafood, Puerto Rican coffee, Japanese groceries, NYC bagels, Norwegian salmon and African spices.
French Row
Relatively located along West 4th Street between 7th & 8th Avenues are a number of incredible French restaurants. The French style bistros dotted between the be beautiful brick town homes and duplexes makes this area a relaxing place to stop for a meal and drinks.
Roof Tops
New Yorkers flock to roof top bars for weekend brunch, evening drinks and city views. Here’s a shortlist of some of our favorites:
Savanna Rooftop. Located adjacent to the Queensboro Bridge in Long Island City at the Z Hotel, this fully outdoor rooftop offers delicious small plates amazing drinks and unobstructed views of Manhattan.
Last Light. Located on Bowery at the Sister City Hotel, this rooftop offers craft cocktails, chill vibes and near 360 city views.
The Boom Boom Room. Located at the top of the Standard Hotel, this iconic and ultra glitzy spot embodies the glamour of NYC. Come for the high end cocktails, live music and make sure to check out the restrooms.
The Broken Shaker. Located on the roof of the Freehand Hotel, this 70s style tiki themed rooftop features multiple bars, tropical drinks and tasty small plates.
The MET Roof Garden Bar. Located on the rooftop of the MET, this seasonal bar features outdoor art installations, skyline views and overlooks the treetops of Central Park.
Spyglass Rooftop. This intimate rooftop with some of the best views of the Empire State Building. As it’s name suggests, it even has a viewing periscope pointed directly at the building.
Admire the Brownstones
Take the subway to Brooklyn to see New York’s historic Brownstones. These architectural beauties are scattered throughout the city with large concentrations in Bed Stuy and Park Slope. Characterized by their brown stone facade, elevated stoops and narrow width, these homes exude urban charm.
Janes Carousel
It’s not just for children, for $2, take a spin on Janes Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Smorgasburg
Visit Prospect Park in Brooklyn for Smorgasburg. This reoccurring food festival is held every weekend and occupied with tents run by dozens of local vendors, restaurants and micro breweries. It’s a great spot to enjoy so many of the cuisines and cultures NYC is known for. There’s a smaller version of Smorgasburg held during the weekdays in Williamsburg at the East River Park.
Coney Island
This nostalgic and eccentric place is a usual highlight of our summer. We often spend the day here riding amusement park rides, walking the boardwalk, relaxing on the beach and eating fried foods. If you’re in NYC during mid June, make your way out to Coney Island to witness or participate in the Mermaid Parade.
See Some Art
With renowned museums, countless galleries and entire streets covered in murals & graffiti, NYC is home to some of the best art in the world.
Museums. Visit the Guggenheim and experience the museum as it was intended. Take the elevator to the top floor then walk down the spiral ramp viewing the art as you descend. Other worth while museums are MoMA PS1, The Brooklyn Museum, the MET, the Whitney and MoMA.
Graffiti Walking Tour. There are numerous free and self guided walking tours across the city to see murals, street art and graffiti. Two of our favorites are the Bushwick Collective and the Coney Art Walls.
Gallery Hopping. Galleries are found everywhere in NYC, with a high concentration in Chelsea. Spend an afternoon hopping between galleries keeping an eye out for specialty pop-up galleries and exhibits.
Tawk like a New Yawker
Easily recognizable, the New York accent comes from the mix of ethnicities, social groups and cultural influences. It’s known for its combination of excitement, hand gestures, attitude, unique phrases, cursing and drawn out words. When you’re here, it’s hard not to notice and even harder not to try speaking.
Christopher Street Pier
A wonderful spot along the West Side Highway to layout or picnic with the gays after Sunday brunch or before late afternoon cocktails in Greenwich Village.
Restaurant Row
If you haven’t figured it out by now, you’ll soon realize that NYC is known for its food scene. With thousands of restaurants across the city, representing every cuisine, good food is never hard to find. A vibrant spot to enjoy a meal is Restaurant Row located on 46th St. between 8th & 9th Aves. Here you’ll find numerous restaurants, hole in the walls and an array of nightlife.
Roosevelt Island Tram
Ride the cable car connecting the Upper East Side to Roosevelt Island. The cable runs parallel to the Queensboro Bridge and can be ridden with the swipe of the same Metro Card used on subways and buses.
Ride the Subway
There’s hardly anything glamorous about riding the subway but it’s part of the NYC experience. Take the trains across town, look and listen for performers and don’t be afraid to ask strangers for directions.
Directions to keep in mind:
Uptown = Central Park/Harlem
Midtown = Times Square
Downtown = World Trade Center
Most trains pass through Times Square or Grand Central. From either, you can transfer almost anywhere.
Grand Central Station
An icon of NYC and well worth the visit with plenty to do and see outside of your typical commute.
Wander The Great Hall, admire the celestial ceiling and check time on the Connecticut Clock.
Try a seafood tower or whole lobster at the Oyster Bar.
Whisper sweet nothings in the Whispering Hall. Outside of the Oyster Bar is a vaulted ceiling with columns at each corner. Stand diagonally across from another person speaking directly into the column. You’ll hear each other’s voice carry across the noisy hall’s ceiling.
Drink a cocktail at The Apartment Bar, an old school NYC style speakeasy behind the restaurant on the south east corner of the great hall.
Shop for produce or souvenirs at the Grand Central Market. We usually grab specialty items from here on our way home; such as spices, seafood and Murray’s Cheese.
Buy Churros from the Churro Lady. Make your way to the 7 train platform and buy a paper bag of fresh churros for a few dollars. They’re always a delicious treat!
Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge is a rare spectacle when the sun lines up precisely with Manhattan’s east/west street grid. During this time, the sun rises and sets within they city’s canyon of buildings.
East River Ferry
For an inexpensive way to see the city by water, buy a ticket and hop on the East River Ferry. Ferries operate between Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx for less than $3 one way. There’s also a bar on board and an outdoor deck. It’s an easy way to enjoy the waterfront, see the skyline and get to Rockaway Beach.
Long Island City Waterfront
The LIC waterfront is one of the most photogenic locations in NYC. This stretch of park provides sweeping views of Manhattan, especially at sunset. The north end is home to the Pepsi Cola Sign, a favorite spot of ours to picnic during the summer. The south end is a favorite for its contemporary pathways and semi-private alcoves. In-between is Gantry Plaza, where dozens of food carts line up during the late afternoon.
Both north and south ends have their own East River Ferry docks making them easily accessible. In addition, the neighborhood is only one subway station east of Grand Central via the 7 and one north of Brooklyn via the G. The surrounding neighborhood is home to several breweries, MoMA PS1 and a variety of restaurants and cafes. Try Sweet Chick for (veggie) chicken and waffles, Tournesol for southern French cuisine, Sweet Leaf for coffee or cocktails and Rockaway Brewery for beer.
If you happen to be in NYC during the 4th of July, anywhere along the LIC waterfront is the best location to watch the fireworks! It gets crowded so arrive early and bring water.
Plant District
Where the concrete jungle meets a leafy jungle. This district is located on 28th St between 6th & 7th Aves. Come here to stroll the street, walk through the shops and maybe haggle over a plant to bring home.
Bryant Park
This urban oasis is magical spot to relax and admire the city. Find an open chair or green patch of grass, sit back and listen to the hum of everything happening around you. The park is a few blocks from the energy and lights in Times Square and adjacent to the quiet and calm found within main branch of the NY Public Library. Bryant Park also hosts events year round from group yoga classes, to a square dancing and a seasonal ice rink.
Play Chess in a Park
Almost every park in the city has a series of tables with chess boards designed into their tops. Come prepared with your own pieces or test your skills playing against one of the professionals patiently awaiting their next opponent.
Order Street Food
Some of the best meals we’ve had have come from unassuming street vendors. Whether it’s tacos, falafel, kimchi or pretzels, there’s likely a street cart or food truck selling it.
Chinatown
Go to Chinatown for the food! This area of the city is packed with countless Chinese and Southeast Asian restaurants. Eat dumplings and buns, slurp on ramen, drink bubble tea and savor a purple yam ice-cream cone. The neighborhood is also known for its well priced grocery stores. If you’re cooking, buy live lobsters from one of the seafood markets, exotic fruits from a street vendor or hard to find ingredients lining shops’ shelves. Visit during Lunar New Year and participate in the neighborhoods festivities and traditions.
Little Italy
That's Amore! From pasta to pizza, visit Little Italy for authentic homestyle Italian cuisine. While looking for a place to eat, you can expect to be invited into every restaurant on the street by their respective hosts. No matter the choice, you can’t go wrong. For dessert, order a slice of tiramisu or a cannoli with espresso. If you happen to visit during September, go during the Feast of San Gennaro, the neighborhood’s yearly food festival and street fair.
Union Square Market
Cook a meal using spoils from the farmer’s market in Union Square. Saturday is the best day to buy in season produce, artisanal bread, Brooklyn honey and other specialties from local and urban farmers.
TWA Terminal
If you find yourself at JFK, visit the TWA Terminal and Hotel. This Mid Century masterpiece is an iconic symbol of the golden age of flying. With numerous things to keep you occupied during a layover or night’s stay, it is a destination in itself. Order a drink in sunken lounge or outside in a converted airplane bar, enjoy fine dining at the Paris Cafe and watch airplanes take off from the hotel’s rooftop pool.
