New Orleans

NOLA

New Orleans is a historic city with a lively, liberal and romantic atmosphere. We fell in love with NOLA so much so that it’s where we’re planning to get married in 2022. Between visiting venues and wedding planning, we spent time indulging in the city’s unique Cajun cuisine and Creole flavors, riding the street car down oak lined boulevards, walking through residential neighborhoods to look at the colorful cottages, listening to Jazz echo from the bars while drinking in the streets and learning more about the city’s past. Above all, New Orleans is a place to relax and celebrate, one of the many reason we can’t wait for our wedding day!

Things to Do

Jazz on Frenchman Street.  This is the place to be for dancing and live Jazz. There are a number of late night bars, creole restaurants and artist markets to make for a memorable night. It’s much tamer and more authentic than the famed Bourbon Street. 

Ride the St. Charles Street Car. The street car follows St. Charles Avenue, an oak tree lined street covered in Mardi Gras beads. The street car is the perfect way to get across town while admiring the historic homes and mansions in the Garden District.

Order a To-Go Daiquiri.  Almost every bar on Bourbon St. offers a selection of frozen daiquiris made to go. As long as it’s in a plastic container, it’s legal to publicly drink anywhere in New Orleans. 

Beignets at Café du Monde.  Visit the original location, located in the French Market, the most famous place to order a beignet and cafe au lait. We were lucky enough to visit while a brass band was playing out front.  

• Beignets are fried rectangular pieces of dough covered in powdered sugar.

• Cafe au lait is French for coffee with milk.

Enjoy Creole Cuisine. A mix of West African, Indigenous American, French and Spanish flavors. Some of our favorite dishes are gumbo, catfish po’ boys and charbroiled oysters. 

Watch the Sunset at Lake Pontchartrain. We visited Breakwater Park to watch the sunset. The calm shallow waters reflect every color in the sky. Afterwards, there are a number of seafood restaurants nearby to enjoy dinner.

Visit a Cemetery.  The dead in New Orleans are buried above ground in elevated plots or mausoleums because the city sits below sea level. We walked thorough the rows of St. Joseph Cemetery and Lafayette Cemetery No. 2. Both of which were open and free to tour. 

Walk down Crescent Park.  A riverfront park located along the Mississippi with a 1.4mile path. Watch the ships pass by and sound their fog horns. Afterwards, cross the “Rusty Rainbow Bridge” into the ByWater neighborhood. 

Cross the Mississippi.  There is a ferry located along the river front at the end of Canal Street that crosses the Mississippi to Algiers Point. It’s a quiet neighborhood to enjoy a po’ boy for lunch, look back at the skyline and walk the levy. 

Neighborhoods & Streets

The French Quarter.  The Quarter is the historic center of New Orleans with Spanish and French architecture, gas lit lanterns and cobble stone streets. It’s a hub for live Jazz, all night cocktail bars and Creole cuisine. We loved wandering its quiet side streets as well as bar hopping on Bourbon Street. 

Bourbon Street. The city’s most well known street located in the French Quarter. This street is often packed with people flaunting Mardi Gras beads, having the fortunes read and ordering to-go drinks from the colorfully lit all night bars. It gets a bit crazy but is worth visiting at least once.

The Garden District.  A residential district flanked between Magazine St. and St. Charles Ave. The neighborhood is home to historic mansions and cottages, large oak trees and leafy palms. It’s a beautiful neighborhood to explore on foot or along the St. Charles Street Car. 

Magazine Street.  One of the city’s Main Streets with restaurants, bars, boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops and creole architecture. It’s about 6 miles long, stretching from The French Quarter through The Garden District and into Uptown. Every stretch of it is well worth exploring.

Irish Channel.  Located between Magazine Street and the Mississippi River, this cute residential neighborhood has many of our favorites restaurants, cafes and bars. There are lots of great Airbnb’s to stay at here. 

Marigny.  This beautiful neighborhood, just outside of the French Quarter, is a charming place to walk through to look at the brightly colored Creole cottages and shotgun houses. There are also lots of great Airbnb’s here. Come for Frenchman Street, the artists markets and local restaurants. 

ByWater. Basically an extension of Marigny, this neighborhood is a little more bohemian/hipster with flea markets, cafes, cocktail bars and funky restaurants. 

Arts/Warehouse District.  A former warehouse district converted into a hub for cocktail bars, high end restaurants and art galleries. 

Uptown. A broad area on the Riverside of New Orleans. Visit Maple and Oak Streets for the restaurants and nightlife. Both areas are popular with Tulane and Loyola students.

Lavender Line. Not technically a street but it encompasses a number of gay bars in the French Quarter north of Bourbon Street, many along St. Ann Street. Some of our favorites are Café Lafitte in Exile and Good Friends Bar.

See Some Art

NOMA (New Orleans Museum of Art).  The museum has a great collection of Southern, French and Modern painting, historic and multi-cultural artifacts and a remarkable sculpture garden with beautifully landscaped grounds. There is also a rotating gallery, it had a LGBTQ+ photography exhibit when we visited. 

New Orleans Jazz Museum.  A museum teaching about the origin of Jazz, some of its most notable musicians and its importance in New Orleans. 

New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum.  A tiny but educational museum in the French Quarter with many voodoo artifacts and altars. It’s a great place to visit and learn more about the religion. They also offer cemetery tours and bone readings.

Shopping

Merchant House Collective.  An antique warehouse with mid to late 20th century furniture, home-goods and accessories. There is a plant shop and an upstairs with vintage tees, clothing and jewelry. 

Frenchman Street Market.  A nightly market located on Frenchman Street where artists sell illustrations, sculptures, jewelry, decor and perform live music. 

Second Line Art & Antiques. An antique market with old wooden furniture, vintage clothing and taxidermy insects. It’s courtyard also doubles as an artist’s market. 

Magazine Antique Mall. A classic antique mall located on Magazine Street with dozens of booths filled with miscellaneous items and treasures. We found some unique cookware and dishes. 

Voodoo Authentica.  A tiny shop in the French Quarter with a large selection of voodoo dolls. It’s an educational place to learn more about the modern practice of Voodoo. 

French Market.  A market under a series of sheds in the French Quarter with food stalls, flea market tables and souvenir vendors. Though nothing like a traditional French Market, we enjoyed walking through it after ordering beignets from the original Cafe du Monde.  

Taste Everything!

If you come to New Orleans for one thing, come for the cuisine! There are so many dishes and drinks unique to this city alone. These are some of favorites:

Crawfish Mac n Cheese.  A Cajun classic made with crawfish tails, rich gooey cheese and macaroni noodles. 

Shrimp and Grits.  A classic breakfast dish with creamy buttery grits and tender Gulf shrimp. 

Po’boy.  A classic Louisiana sandwich made on crispy bun with a fluffy center. It always has a protein, usually seafood, and comes “fully dressed” with lettuce, tomato, a pickle and mayo. 

Fried Catfish.  A slightly gamey and flaky white fish. We often ordered it on a Po’boy.

Gumbo.  A traditional soup to New Orleans often eaten from October through March. It’s a savory melting pot of flavors and cultures having influences from the Indigenous Choctaw, West Africans, French and Spanish. 

Chargrilled Oysters.  Gulf Coast oysters that have been grilled with herbs and cheese.

The Sazerac.  A sipping cocktail made from whiskey, cognac and absinthe usually garnished with a lemon peel. 

The Hurricane.  A sweet, fruity, tropical rum drink served in a tall curved glass. 

Hand Grenade.  A cocktail served on Bourbon St. by a few specific bars. It’s a very sweet drink served in a tall neon green plastic container with the shape of a grenade at the bottom. Basically a hangover waiting to happen…enjoy! 

Restaurants 

Commander's Palace.  Commander’s is an unmistakable teal and white wooden restaurant located across the street from Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. It’s a family run business offering the best of high-end Creole cuisine in New Orleans. We tried the slow cooked gumbo, pecan crusted gulf fish covered in lump crab and a version of the crawfish linguini. For dessert, the bread pudding soufflé. Be sure to make a reservation and come dressed up. 

Between dishes, the owner sat down with us to chat. She said “we go to the same church.” A discrete Southern way of identifying with other LGBTQ+ people. Needless to say, we felt very welcomed and even shared a dance in the courtyard towards the end of the evening. 

Jacques-Imos.  It’s hard to choose a favorite restaurant in New Orleans but this one is up there! Try the snail butter corn bread, Creole Bouillabaisse, Crawfish Étouffée and bread pudding. Make a reservation in advance and come ready to eat!

The Rum House.  Located on Magazine St. and a gem for á la carte tacos. We almost hired the restaurant to cater our wedding.  

Killer Po’Boys.  The best spot in the French Quarter for po’boys. In addition to the classic seafood options, they offer vegan Po’boys like roasted cauliflower or sweet potato. 

Effervescence.  Relax by the outdoor fountain with a glass of Champagne, oysters and caviar served with a mother of pearl spoon. 

Pechê.  Recommended to us by a few locals, this restaurant in the offers Cajun and Gulf style seafood. 

Green Goddess.  A vegan restaurant in a romantic string lit alley in the French Quarter. It’s a nice reprieve from some of the craziness. 

Basin Seafood & Spirits.  Come for the Po’boys and Chargrilled Oysters.

Juan’s Flying Burrito.  If you’re on Magazine St. and craving a burrito, Juan’s is the place to visit. They have two locations. One in Uptown and another in the Lower Garden District. 

Cafes

The Vintage.  A coffee shop with artisanal beignets by day and bar by night. We ordered a flight of 3, the matcha, pumpkin and raspberry.  

Café Beignet.  Another popular chain for beignets. Visit the Bourbon St. location for a beignet, cup of chicory and of course live jazz.

French Truck Coffee.  A local chain cafe with amazing coffee, biscuit sandwiches, breakfast toasts and croissants. If it’s fully brewed, try the Oji coffee. It’s Japanese method of slow brewing 1 drop at a time over 24 hours.

Bear Cat Cafe.  A breakfast and brunch spot with cajun meals, vegan options and fresh kombucha. We ordered the crab scramble and vegan biscuits + gravy. Make sure to try the breakfast potatoes. 

City Donuts & Cafe.  One of the best finds in the city. Come here for a donut breakfast sandwich! Literally egg and cheese sandwiched between two regular glazed donuts. 

Orleans Coffee Espresso Bar.  A great spot to relax with a coffee or cafe au lait. 

Bars 

Delachaise Wine Bar.  One of our favorite spots in town. Come here for a glass of wine and to watch the St. Charles street cars pass by.

QiQi.  A LGBTQ+ dive bar with inexpensive drinks, a laid back vibe and outdoor seating. 

Hot Tin.  A rooftop bar at the Pontchartrain Hotel with great cocktails and views of NoLa.

The Elysian Bar.  A former church turned into a restaurant and cocktail bar. The nave of the church is now the main dining room with multiple parlors located throughout the rectory. It’s a funky and unique experience!

Old Absinthe House.   A 200+ year old absinthe bar on Bourbon St. offering traditional absinthe drip cocktails. It stands out from the neon lit cocktail bars lining the street. The walls are covered in notes and business cards from generations of customers, 

Good Friends Bar.  One of the many gay bars in the French Quarter but also one of our favorites. The 2 floor bar is a hub for the gay community, locals and tourists. 

Café Lafitte in Exile.  Considered the oldest gay bar in the US. It’s a fun spot to grab a drink on Bourbon St. 

Mini Excursions 

Outside of New Orleans, there are a number of mini excursions to go on. We booked ours with Cajun Encounters, a local tour company. 

Swamp Tour. New Orleans is surrounded by swamps that have had a large influence on they city’s architecture, industry and cuisine. They are also natural buffers that offer protection from hurricanes. We visited the Honey Island Swamp where we saw wild bores, alligators, cypress trees and Spanish moss while boating through the bayous and past swamp houses. 

Plantation Tours. Educate yourself on the history of slavery. New Orleans’ past is one we chose to learn more about while visiting. About an hour up-river are a number of plantations offering tours. We visited the Oak Alley Plantation, named for its row of 300 year old oak trees. Here, we learned about the lives of the enslaved people that were forced to labor here, the conditions they lived in and the African influences they brought with them. There is also a great restaurant here. Order a Po’boys and a flight of Mint Juleps!

Pro tip: Book a tour or drive here yourself. Uber and Lyft don’t drive to this area. 

Getting Around 

Take the Street Car. There are 4 lines that branch out from Canal St in the city’s center to different neighborhoods. Streetcars are the easiest and most affordable way to get around town. 

Download RTAGoMobile2.0 app to buy tickets. 

• Single ride pass costs $1.25

• 1 Day pass costs $3

• 3 Day pass costs $9

• 5 Day pass costs $15

On Foot.  Grab a to-go cocktail and start walking. The city is so photogenic and great for exploring on foot. 

Lyft or Uber.  Overall, New Orleans is pretty easy and affordable to get around. 

• $10 for short distances

• $10-$20 to get across town

• $30 to/from the airport to Canal St.

Good to Know

• NOLA is short for New Orleans, Louisiana

• Dress casually chic to semi formal for higher end restaurants.

• Riverside refers to the south side or area along the Mississippi.

• Lakeside refers to the north side or area along Lake Pontchartrain

• Watch out for scam artists on Bourbon St. If any ones bets they can tell you where you got your shoes…tell them you’ve got them on Bourbon St.

Next Time in New Orleans 

With our wedding approaching, we will soon be back in New Orleans. We can’t wait to share our amazing experiences in this city with our family and friends! 

• We hope to return for Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.

• Tour St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 after their repairs are complete.

• We would love to go sailing on Lake Pontchartrain.

• Eat and drink more! Two places we wanted to try are Bar Marilou in the Warehouse District and Elizabeth’s in By Water.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Bienvenidos al Viejo San Juan

Old San Juan is an enchanting, romantic, vibrant and gay friendly neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The old town is lined with cobble stone streets, colorful colonial architecture, world famous cocktail bars, restaurants serving Caribbean cuisine and playing music during all hours of the day. It is rich in history, flanked by two fortresses and surrounded by a stone wall overlooking the North Atlantic. 

After visiting several times over the past few years, the island has become a second home to us. We often fantasize about moving here, living in the old town and opening a bakery. This guide focuses primarily on Old San Juan (OSJ) and the surrounding neighborhoods in San Juan.

Neighborhoods & Streets

La Perla.  A colorful seaside neighborhood located between the north wall of OSJ and the Atlantic Coast. Over the past years, the community in La Perla has turned their neighborhood into a destination filled with rustic bars, local hangouts and art. 

Calle San Sebastián.  This street is filled with colorful and vibrant colonial architecture and incredible nightlife. Multiple famous bars as well as a few gay bars can be found here. 

Calle San Francisco.  This street runs central through OSJ and is a good place to start exploring. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, hotels, plazas and residences here.

Calle de la Luna.  Though all streets in OSJ are flanked with beautiful architecture, this one is one of our favorites to walk down. There are many colorful buildings, colonial balconies, unique door knockers and abandoned buildings that have been retaken by nature. 

Calle Fortaleza.  This street is filled with shops, restaurants and usually has a shaded awning the block before reaching the Governor’s Palace, La Forteleza. It used to be hundreds of colorful umbrellas and most recently, the Puerto Rican flag.

Sights & Museums 

Castillo de San Cristóbal.  This is one of the largest colonial military fortress in the Caribbean and marks the entrance to OSJ. You can easily spend a half day here exploring the barracks, fortress walls, guard towers and grounds. One of the fort’s hidden gems is a surviving drawing of Spanish ships drawn on the wall of a former prison cell deep with in the tunnels. 

Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro).  This is the oldest colonial fortress in the Caribbean and a great place to learn about the history and strategic importance of OSJ. Similar to San Cristobal, you can spend an afternoon here exploring the different levels and sections. The fort is perched on the NW side of the old town. It’s accessible after crossing a large lawn known for flying Chiringas or kites and food carts selling Piraguas, tropical flavored shaved ice.

(Pro tip: Your receipt from one fort gets you access to the other on the same day you visit.)

Paseo del Morro.  A romantic seaside pathway that follows the old town’s wall. It is a beautiful place to walk, watch the sunset and look out towards the sea. It passes La Puerta de San Juan, the original entrance to the walled city and connects Paseo de la Princesa to the Maria Magdelana Cemetery. 

Maria Magdalena Cemetery.  A beautiful seaside cemetery located between La Perla and El Morro along the coast, a strategic place thought to carry the deceased souls across the ocean and into the afterlife.

Paseo de la Princesa.  A palm lined seaside promenade along the south wall. There is a nightly market with salsa dancing, food trucks offering up fried foods and sweets, gazebos selling cocktails, and tented vendors selling homemade crafts.

Capilla del Cristo.  A small but beautiful chapel dedicated to health and well being. People feed and pose with pigeons here…

Plaza das Armas.  OSJ’s historic town square with performers, a fountain, statues and pigeons. It’s a favorite spot of ours to grab a coffee and mallorca from the green gazebo in the NW corner.    

Museo de las Americas.  This museum focuses on pre-colonial and modern art and artifacts, the colonization of Puerto Rico and the island’s African heritage.

Things to Do

Hire a Photographer.  Hire a photographer to take photos of you around the old town during the morning or evening golden hours. There are a number of options available though Airbnb Experiences. We booked with Raul and couldn’t have been happier with the outcome! 

Fly a Chiringa. The ocean breezes above the lawn in front of El Morro make it a great location and fun Sunday afternoon pastime. Kites can be bought from street vendors adjacent to the lawn on Calle Norzagaray. 

Walk to the Beach

• Playa Peña. The closest beach to OSJ, located on the other side of Castillo de San Cristobal. It is a cute sand and rock beach below the cliff in front of the capitol.

• Playa El Escambrón. Less than 15 minutes from OSJ, it’s a popular beach for swimming, snorkeling, grilling and sunbathing.

Visit the Farmers Market.  Located in front of the San Juan Museum every Saturday morning. It’s a great spot to purchase local produce, fresh baked breads and flowers.

The Food Scene 

A huge part of the culture in Puerto Rico involves eating, drinking and getting together with others. With that in mind, there are so many great places to eat and drink. 

Pro tip: It’s best to make a reservation whenever dining out in OSJ. 

Restaurants 

La Garita .  A restaurant and bar serving Puerto Rican dishes and rum cocktails with a view overlooking La Perla. Ask for a Pina Colada made with a double shot of Don Q, Puerto Rico’s most popular rum. 

El Jibarito.  Another restaurant serving Puerto Rican dishes. Come here for the whole fried fish and mofongo. 

T•tuan.  A lively restaurant on the wall with live bands and drag shows on the weekends. Try the mahi mahi sliders, crab empanadillas and coconut grilled shrimp.

San Se Marisquería.  Close to the bars on San Sebastian, this is a great spot to eat before or while enjoying the nightlife. 

La Madre.  A Mexican restaurant with delicious tacos. Eat outside on the pedestrian tree-lined street. 

Cayo Caribe.  A small local chain of restaurants serving Caribbean seafood. Try the Salmorejo (stewed land crab and tomatoes)

Ladis.  A famous seaside restaurant built into the cliff between OSJ and Condado. Come here for the food, cocktails and ocean view.

Señor Paleta.  A popular spot to buy fruit and dessert popsicles mid-day or after dinner.

Cafes 

La Carreta.  Come here for the variety of sweet and savory breakfast dishes. Try a mimosa made from freshly squeezed OJ. 

St Germain.  A creative and vegetarian friendly breakfast spot. 

La Bombonera.  A historic restaurant and diner known for their Mallorca, soft, buttery sweet and fluffy bread rolls often dusted in powdered sugar. Try them alone or pressed in a sandwich grill.

Caficultura.  A good spot for breakfast and coffee, have the Mallorca con Guayaba (guava).

Pilao Bakery-Cafe.  Bakery with large portion breakfasts and coffee 

Bars 

La Factoria.  A famous cocktail bar great for music and dancing Salsa. It’s cash only and be prepared to order several drinks. 

La Cubanita.  Connected to La Factoria, this bar is offers equally as good and unique cocktails. Our favorite section is the hidden bar up the stairs and though a door to the right. 

El Batey.  The definition of a dive bar and open late. The walls and lights are covered in graffiti, notes, cash and napkins left behind from past visitors.

La Casita.  A pink house and outdoor cocktail bar serving rum and tiki drinks overlooking the bay. It’s a nice escape from the busy streets or to end the night.

La Verguenza.  This multi-level bar overlooks La Perla is the center of nightlife in OSJ. The nightly party spills out into the streets and continues early into the morning. 

La 39.  An unofficial roof top bar past the basketball courts in La Perla serving Medalla an inexpensive local beer served everywhere across the island.  People often flow between here and La Verguenza. 

La Terraza De San Juan.  This hotel has a large rooftop bar with 360 views of Old San Juan. Buy a drink from the street level bar and walk up the flight of stairs then sit back and relax in one of the lounges or tiny infinity pool.

Cannon Club.  A dueling piano bar with live parrots, multiple levels and eclectic decor. This place is more about the drinks and unique atmosphere than the food.

Explore San Juan!

Though we love Old San Juan, it’s fun to venture outside of the old town and experience life and culture beyond its historic walls. 

Neighborhoods & Streets

Santurce.  A trendy and gritty area of San Juan. It’s an affordable place to stay, admire the graffiti & murals, visit art museums and experience local culture, cuisine and nightlife.

Condado.  Popular for hotels, restaurants, bars and beaches. It’s a nice place to relax during the day before going out at night. 

Ocean Park.  A trendy yet local neighborhood popular with the LGBTQ+ community and younger crowds. Come here for the variety of restaurants, nightlife and beach.

Miramar.  A residential neighborhood with historic homes and buildings built in The Spanish Colonial Revival style. It’s central to Old San Juan, Santruce and Condado. 

Calle Loíza.  Ocean Park’s main street for restaurants, food halls and bars. A good street to walk for breakfast and lunch options. Loíza Brinca. Famous corner building featuring the Puerto Rican flag

Calle Cerra.  A gritty street in Santurce with many large murals and graffiti works. The street and surrounding neighborhood has many cafes & bars to grab a coffee or drink while exploring. 

Sights & Museums 

Fortín San Jerónimo de Boquerón.  A small fort at the mouth of the Condado Lagoon. The visiting hours are infrequent due to repairs post Hurricane Maria. It’s worth visiting if open. 

Puente Dos Hermanos.  The bridge crossing the Condado Lagoon connecting to Old San Juan. It’s beautiful to walk across with great views. There is also a ledge making it easy to jump from into the lagoon. The Condado side has a small sandy beach, Playita del Condado. 

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.  A well curated and diverse collection of Puerto Rican art and history. After touring the galleries, walk through the sculpture garden. 

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico (MAC).  A contemporary art museum with rotating galleries specific to social movements, local artists and Puerto Rican heritage. 

Things to Do

SUP or Kayak in Laguna de Condado.  Tour companies based around the lagoon offer SUP and Kayak rentals for $20/hour. The lagoon is a boat free place to spot eagle rays, star fish and sea turtles. We booked though VIP Adventures Puerto Rico.

Dance Salsa.  Take a beginners salsa class before dancing in the clubs. We took an Airbnb Experience with Angelina in the Plaza Antonia Quiñones

Visit a Rum Distillery.  The two distilleries to visit are the Bacardi Factory or Ron del Barrilito. Both offer similar experiences. Bacardi is large scale production while Ron de Barrilito is small batch and higher end. Arrive to a welcome drink, learn about the history of each distillery, their processes of rum making and afterwards take a mixology class, sample aged vintages or simply order cocktails from the bar. Either way, expect to leave tipsy.  

Beaches

Atlantic Beach.  A sandy beach great for swimming nearby the hotels in Condado. There are no public amenities (restrooms or showers) though vendors rent umbrellas and chairs for negotiable prices. There is frequently a gay section in front of The Tryst Hotel. 

Ocean Park Beach.  This vast beach is probably the most popular in San Juan. Everyone from locals, tourists, families and couples come here. There are plenty of restaurants, marine sports and activities, chair and umbrella rentals and vendors selling drinks on the beach.

Restaurants

Café Comunión.  A coffee shop and breakfast spot. Come for the coffee, open faced sandwiches and fresh sugar glazed donuts

Tostado - Calle Condado.  A coffee shop breakfast spot. Come for the coffee, tropical fruit French toast and egg dishes.

Tresbé.  Open air restaurant with multiple menus. Come for tacos, sushi, sliders and cocktails. 

La Marqueta.  An open air food hall with ocean views and palm trees. It’s a great spot to grab a bite or drink after visiting the lagoon or beach. 

Paulina Escanes-Gourmandize.  A locals restaurant in plain site. Innovative and creative Caribbean inspired dishes, cocktails and deserts. 

Wicked Lily.  The beach front bar at The Tryst Hotel. Come here for brunch, rent a pink umbrella and join the other gays soaking up the sun. 

Bottega.  We came for the inventive cocktails and music. We had the Safe Flight, Ritmo Tropica, El In-Muerto and shared the octopus salad. Lucha Libre DJ really added to the vibes of the night.

Food Truck Parks.  Quite popular across Puerto Rico, two go-tos in San Juan are Lote 23 and Miramar Food Truck Park.

La Placita

La Placita is a cultural hub. It is a place to buy local produce during the morning, where elderly locals gather during the day and an energetic place to meet people, drink late into the evening and dance Salsa. The plaza is surrounded by lively restaurants and bars.

The Produce Market.  Located inside the Plaza de Mercado in the center of the plaza. We used a machete to cut plantains from the bunch, picked out limes to make our own cocktails and selected a ripe papaya for lunch. 

La Tasca del Pescador.  The place to go for seafood. We ordered the snapper, squid Ink rice & grilled prawns.

Asere Cubano Kitchen and Bar.  A fusion of Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisine with a roof top bar overlooking the plaza. 

La Alcapurria Quemá.  A hole in the wall for Puerto Rican street food, as the name suggests they’re known for their Alcapurria. 

Jungle Bird.  Tiki bar with tropical cocktails

Getting Around 

On Foot.  Old San Juan is best explored on foot! You can walk straight from end to end in less than 20 minutes. Spend time walking though the streets, admiring the architecture, discovering bars, dancing in the plazas and finding neighborhood gems.

By Shuttle.  There is a free shuttle or multi row golf cart that weaves through the streets southern streets of Old San Juan and along the perimeter towards El Morro. 

On Scooter.  As of late 2020, there are rental scooters available around the streets of San Juan. Download the Bird app and scan the scooter’s QR code to ride. 

By Uber.  Ubers are the best way to get to/from the airport and throughout San Juan. If you request an Uber in the old town, the best place to request one is along Calle Norzagaray or Plaza Colon. 

By Car / Parking.  Rent a car if you plan on exploring outside of San Juan. Though expensive, it’s still the most affordable way to get around. Traffic gets congested in and around Old San Juan. The best place to park in Old San Juan is Dona Fella,  garage on the south side of the Old Town. Parking typically costs $1 per hour.

For Next Time…

Whether a spontaneous weekend trip or planned vacation, we will certainly be back to Puerto Rico many more times! 

Piñones.  East of the airport is the town of Pinones. It is a food hub known for it Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine. The Main Street is lined with dozens of restaurant, bars and kiosks.

Take a Sunset Sail.  Several tour companies offer sunset boat tour around OSJ, often cruising from the inner bay around the walled city and turning around at La Perla. 

Explore more of the Island.  Visit Rincón, Aguadilla and Poncé to the West and the island of Vieques to the East.

Autumn in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

We visited Amsterdam during autumn when the days were cool, the leaves falling and nights long. The crisp air and ability to dress in layers made it a cozy time to visit and appreciate the slim historic buildings lining the rings of canals. The city is rife with creative restaurants and bars, vintage and design shops, has an accepting attitude and a strong coffee culture. 

See the City

Amsterdam is a city that’s meant to be explored! We spent a lot of time walking along the canals, wandering deep into the neighborhoods and parks, ducking in and out of shops and observantly looking at art in the museums. One of the best ways to see the city is on a canal cruise. 

Cruise the Canals

During the first evening of our trip, we took a leisurely cruise through the canals while sipping on wine and sampling Dutch cheeses. From within the covered boat, we looked out at the beautifully illuminated buildings, into countless house boats and admired how effortlessly the captain seemed to navigate through the narrow passageways and low bridges. Maybe it was the jet-lag or all the wine but the cruise eased us into a perfect state of tiredness and relaxation. 

There are several ways to easily experience the canals. Here are some of the other options we considered: 

Canal Cruise. Multiple companies offer canal tours and rides too and from various points around the city. All of which are competitively priced, well reviewed and routinely operating. We booked through Stromma. Outside of the wine and cheese cruise, there are traditional sightseeing options, brunch or dinner cruises and open boat tours. 

Plastic Whale. Go “plastic fishing” and help clean the waterways of plastic waste that would inevitably flow into the oceans. Book here.

Salon Boat.   Charter a private or small group tour on one of these elegant wooden boats. Book here.

SUP or Kayak.   Paddle through the canals on a stand up paddle or kayak.

Neighborhoods

De Pijp.   The neighborhood has a local vibe and attracts less tourists than more central parts of the city. It is home to one of the city’s largest markets, Albert Cuyp Market, and numerous cafes and brunch spots. We went on a cafe crawl sipping on different brews across the neighborhood. 

Oud West.   This expansive neighborhood is a great place to visit for its many restaurants, bars, markets, vintage and interior design shops. It’s nearby the city’s largest park, Vondelpark, and home to Ten Katemarkt Market and the De Hallen Food Hall.

Amsterdam Noord.   Is a former industrial neighborhood that’s become home to a large artist community. Many former warehouses have been transformed into waterfront bars, flea markets and art studios. It’s accessible via a ferry near Central Station.

IJburg.   This neighborhood is located on the east side of Amsterdam on an artificial island built over the past 25 years. As a result, all the homes and building are ultra modern while remaining reminiscent of the canal houses in the older neighborhoods closer to the city center.

Red Light District.   The RLD is one of the oldest and probably most well known neighborhoods in Amsterdam. It’s famous for its historic architecture, narrow streets, sex-workers, nightly peep shows and coffee shops. Even if you’re not inserted in the scene, it’s an exciting neighborhood to walk through day or night.

Reguliersdwarsstraat & Kerkstraat.   Two streets with a number of gay owned businesses and nightlife 

Sights & Museums

The Canal Belt.   The canals define Amsterdam branching out in semi-circles from the city’s center. The inner 4 rings are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. Spend time exploring them, admiring the architecture and house boats. 

Canal Houses.   The narrow, ornate and sometimes slanted canal houses can be seen throughout Amsterdam. 

• Dancing Houses.   A series of highly slanted canal houses along the Amstel 

• The Golden Bend.  A bend along the Herengracht canal with the oldest and most stately canal houses 

• Twins.   Look for twins, two identical houses built side by side

Museumplein.   A public square surrounded by multiple museums. Come here to climb and sit on the I Amsterdam sign

Rijksmuseum.   The national art museum housing Dutch works created throughout the past several centuries. The most famous pieces to see are Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. The museum is also home to the Cuypers Library, a picturesque art history and research library  

Van Gogh Museum.   This museum houses hundreds of the artist’s works and tells the story of his life from when he began painting until his death. If you appreciate Van Gogh’s work, this museum is truly worth visiting. Some notable pieces include a variety of his self portraits, The Potato Eaters, Sunflowers and the Wheat Field with Crows.

Vondelpark.   The city’s largest park and green space. It’s a calm area for picnicking, bicycling and escaping the energy along the canals and streets.

Begijnhof.   A small grassy oasis surrounded by brick row houses. 

Homomonument.   A series of three triangular monuments built into the square to honor the LGBTQ+ people persecuted during the Holocaust. Next to it is the Pink Point, a resourceful gay tourist info center.

Anne Frank House.   Visit the home where Anne Frank and her family hid from persecution during WWII. 

Food & Drink

Stroopwafels.   Thin waffle crisps with caramel layered in-between. Use them to cover your hot coffee until the inside gets gooey. The best place in town to buy them is Van Wonderen Stroopwafels. Outside of the classic version, they top and decorate artisan batches with coconut, marshmallows, chocolate, nuts and sprinkles. 

Deep Dish Dutch Apple Pie.   A classic dessert but even more special when baked deep dish. Check out Wenkel 43 or look for cafes serving it. 

Pickled Herring.   Raw herring served with pickles and onions. It can be found at street carts around the city, one of which is Haring & Co.

Frites & Mayo.   Another street food, look out for Wil Graanstra Friteshuis. Order them twice fried! 

Gouda.   One of the most well known Dutch cheeses. Fromageries around the city liberally hand out samples of the different favors and ages. 

Bitterballen & Kroketten.   Two versions of a potato, sauce and meat mixture fried in a ball or cylinder.

Poffertjes.   Dutch pancakes. They are fluffy, tiny, yeasted and buckwheat pancakes covered in powdered sugar. 

Gin and Tonic.   Almost every bar offers their own take on this classic cocktail by infusing the drinks and offering creative mixes. 

Restaurants & Bars

There are endless options when it comes to dining in Amsterdam. Whether along a canal, in a historic building, near a windmill or simply on the sidewalk. We never had a bad meal anywhere we dined. One thing we quickly learned is that you need a reservation for dinner at most restaurants at least 24 hours in advance, especially on weekends! Here are number of a favorite spots enjoy a meal or drink. 

Bakers and Roasters.   An amazing brunch spot with all types of eggs inspired by different cultures, several fruit dishes, vegetarian meals and strong coffee. We went for the banana nut French toast and eggs royal. 

Van Speyk.   A romantic brick walled restaurant with glittering chandeliers, Dutch classics and North Sea seafood.

Balthazars Keuken.   A tiny homestyle restaurant with a daily three course menu. Make a reservation! 

Cafe Restaurant Stork.   A waterfront restaurant within a warehouse style building serving a variety of seafood.

IJ Brewerey.   A brewery and beer garden located next to a 16th century windmill.

Pulitzer's Bar.   A dark and moody reading room-like lounge offering high end cocktails and small bites

Café ‘t Mandje.   A very eclectic and welcoming gay bar that’s been around since 1927. 

Venus & Adonis.   A cozy restaurant and cocktail bar specializing in craft gin & tonics 

Cafes

Before visiting Amsterdam, we read somewhere that the Dutch consume more coffee per person than any other country in the world. As avid coffee drinkers ourselves, we decided to visit a number of cafes while in town. Here are a few of our favorite spots to sip on a coffee at any time of day. 

Scandinavian Embassy.   Slow and drip brewed coffees with cinnamon rolls.

Trakteren.   A great spot for cappuccinos with cute latte art.

Lot Sixty One.   House roasted coffee and tasty sweets.

Koffieschenkerij.   A cafe located in the the historic sacristy of the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest building, with a spacious outdoor cafe. 

Back to Black.   A corner cafe with a bohemian feel and an array of sweets. 

Quartier Putain.   A two level cafe located on the edge of the Red Light District.

Shopping & Markets

There are many opportunities to shop and visit markets in Amsterdam. The city is filled with small business and shops tucked into the first floors of the canal houses. Almost every neighborhood hosts its own market, whether it be mostly produce, clothes, antiques or a combination of them all. 

De 9 Straatjes.   This is probably one of our favorite areas to walk through. This district within the Canal Belt known for its picturesque streets lined with boutiques, design shops, concept stores and clothing retailers. We spent hours one afternoon walking from shop to shop, mostly looking, at all the pretty things in search of something affordable to bring home. 

Nieuwe Spiegelstraat.   A two block section of the street lined with antique shops and galleries. 

Ten Katemarkt.   An outdoor weekend market selling produce, cheeses, spices, breads, mushrooms, seafood, meats and street food located next to De Hallen, A large indoor food hall with a variety of Dutch and international cuisines, several bars offering local beers and artisan gin and tonics. 

Flea Market Ij-Hallen.   A large flea market with hundreds of booths scattered between two warehouses and an outdoor lot. It is a great places to buy vintage home goods, furniture, jewelry, clothing and misc items. The market is held on the second Saturday of every month. 

Waterlooplein Market.   A 300 booth vintage and flea market open from Monday - Saturday. The booths are filled with records, cameras, antiques and bohemian clothes. Several food carts serve Dutch favorites like stroopwafels, poffertjes, coffee and frites. 

Coffeshops.    Places that sell cannabis, edibles and space-cakes (cannabis infused desserts) They provide a place for people to enjoy them. Check out Boerejongens Coffeeshop Sloterdijk, a well reviewed coffeeshop located outside of the central neighborhoods and RLD. 

Getting Around

Getting around Amsterdam is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore and experience the city! There are countless options from bicycling, taking a canal tour, riding the tram or simply walking.  

Biking. The preferred method of transit. There are as many bikes as people in the city and a number of companies to rent from including: Ajax Bike, Yellow Bike and Mac Bike. Daily rentals range from €12 and €15, some rentals require a security deposit or minimal insurance fee incase of damage or theft. 

Public Transit. The most reliable and economical option to quickly cross the city. There are multiple options that let you ride the bus, tram and metro all in one. 

• GVB Transit Card. Unlimited transit at on buses, trams and metros for 96 hours for €22.50.

• GVB Transit Ticket. Individual 1 hour ticket for buses, trams and metros costs €3.20.

• Amsterdam Card. Unlimited transit at on buses, trams and metros, includes access to the museums and a canal cruise. The pass last for 72 hours and costs €84.

• Tickets can be purchased on any form of public transit (Pricing as of 2018)

Taxis and Ubers. The most expensive to get around the city. Luckily they’re almost unnecessary other than getting to/from the airport. They typically cost €45-€50 one way. 

Ferry to Amsterdam Noord. Crosses the IJ River from the port behind Central Station to ADAM Tower. The ferry is free and usually departs every 15 minutes.

Tips to keep in mind

• Be cautious riding bikes and watch out for cyclists when walking across streets.

• Be respectful and don’t take photos of sex-workers in the RLD. This is strictly enforced.

• Make reservations at restaurants you really want to eat at 24 hours in advance.

• Like many places in Europe, tipping more that 10% is not required.

• Avoid tourist traps near Dam Square and Central. Explore the inner canal rings and branch out further into the outer neighborhoods. 

If we had more time…

The Moco Museum.   Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art featuring a large collection of Banksy’s work, interactive and digital exhibits. 

The Heineken Experience.   Visit the Heineken Brewery, tour the facilities and cap our own bottle. 

Take a Day Trip.   With the countryside and multiple cities nearby: Utrecht, Rotterdam and The Hague. We recommend taking a day trip outside of Amsterdam if you have the time. 

Hotel Inntel Zaandam.   Spent a night at this uniquely designed hotel made to look like a stack of green country cottages typical of this area of the countryside.

Windmills.   Also in Zaandam, see the several preserved Dutch windmills.

Visit during the Summer.   Visit to the beach on Ijburg, kayak in the canals and participate in the Pride Festival.

Visit during the Winter.   Visit when the Keizersgracht freezes over and becomes an ice rink.

A Romantic Weekend in Paris

Paris, France

Paris, known as the City of Love, holds a special place in our hearts. It happens to be where we got engaged during a romantic weekend trip. Paris is an enchanting city to wander and do as Parisians do: sip on coffee at a sidewalk cafe, picnic along the banks of the Seine, admire the historic architecture and view some of the world’s most prominent artwork. While here, make an effort to speak a little French. It sounds romantic, even if you mispronounce every word. One phrase we can’t say enough is Je t'aime Paris.

Our Engagement

During our first night in Paris, we had a reservation at Les Ombres, a restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower. We started the night with wine on the terrace as our meals were being prepared. During dinner, we chatted about all the things we wanted to do and see during the long weekend. As we finished our meal, the sun had just set and a full moon was rising, when suddenly the Eiffel Tower began glittering in light. We picked up our glasses of wine and walked back out to the terrace for a better look. 

It was only us outside, overlooking the Parisian rooftops watching the Eiffel Tower shimmer. That’s when Devin said, I have a question for you. He started by saying, “almost 6 years together and 10 countries visited” while pulling out a box from his bag. He opened the box and inside was the grape soda pin from Pixar’s Up and a thin white gold ring. Almost unable to hold it together, he asked me to marry him!! After screaming YES several times, he slipped it onto my finger and pinned the badge onto my lapel. 

We called our waiter to take our photo then went back inside for celebratory Champagne and dessert before walking to the Eiffel Tower. We walked around the base of the tower, admiring it’s scale and structure from the ground before ascending to the first, second then third level at the top. The views from the top are absolutely stunning! We could see every amber glowing light and illuminated landmark in Paris. In addition to the view, there was a Champagne Bar serving flutes of French Rosé. Newly engaged, sipping on Champagne and overlooking Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower is a fairy tale night we will never forget. 

Things To Do

Visit an Arcade.   Paris’ arcades are charming passages to discover and walk through. Most of them are home to a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes. 

• Galerie Vivienne.   One of Paris’s most iconic arcades, known for its elegant storefronts and mosaic tile floor.

• Les Passages Couverts.   A series of hidden shopping arcades in the 1st, 2nd and 8th Arrondissements.

• Passages des Panoramas.   Paris’ oldest arcade. It has retained its vintage charm for over 200 years.

Walk in Julia Child’s Foot Steps. If you admire Julia Child as much as us, visit some of her old haunts:

Les Deux Magots.   The cafe where Julia Child and her husband, Paul Child, often ate.

• E Dehellerin.   The 200 year old kitchen supply store where Julia Child used to shop for enamel, stainless and copper dishes.

• Rue Mouffetard.   One of the streets where Julia Child would shop for produce and meats.  

Dine at a Sidewalk Cafe.   Practically a French pastime, enjoy a croissant and coffee at a bistro table overlooking the street scene and passersby.

River Cruise. Take a Champagne Cruise along the Seine at sunset. It was super touristy with bus loads of people but we didn’t let it distract us from Paris’ charm. Book here through Bateaux Mouche. 

Shop at a Market.   Walk through the stalls or streets of an actual French market. 

• Marché de Enfants Rouge.  Paris’ oldest food market with a diversity stalls offering meals, fruits, veggies, cheese, meats and seafood. There are a number of tiny shops surrounding the market selling rustic and vintage items. 

• Rue Montorguiel.   Vibrant central street with food markets, boulangeries, fromageries, patisseries, old world bars, restaurants and cafes.

• Rue de Martyrs.   Located in the 9th & 18th Arrondissements, this street is a giant market avenue with over 200 shops, restaurants and boutiques selling pastries, chocolates, coffee, seafood, etc. 

Picnic. Pick up a baguette, some cheese, a bottle of wine and have a picnic. These are some great locations:

• The Seine.   The main river that passes through Paris. Find a shaded tree, a bench or simply dangle your legs over the edge and watch the boats float by.

• Parc des Buttes Chaumont.   A hilly & lush park in the 19th Arr. Stop by Rosa Bonheur for a glass of Rosé.

• Champ de Mars.   The park in front of the Eiffel Tower and perfect spot for picnicking. There are accordion players serenading couples and vendors selling roses and champagne.

Read French. Buy a book from one of these classic locations.

• The Bouquinistes.   Outdoor booksellers set up along the banks of the Seine.

• Shakespeare and Company.   One of the world’s most famous book stores, often seen in movies.

Visit the Sights

Arc de Triomphe. A Napoleonic War Monument along the Champs-Élysées. Climb the 284 interior spiral stairs to the rooftop for surrounding views of Paris.

Sainte-Chapelle. A 13th Century gothic chapel with stunning stained glass windows. 

Notre Dame. The Gothic cathedral known for its rose windows, buttresses & gargoyles. We visited months after the fire that nearly destroyed the landmark. Though it was under repair, it’s a sight that shouldn’t be missed.

The Eiffel Tower

You can’t visit Paris for the first time without going to the Eiffel Tower. It is the symbol of the city and one of the most recognizable sights in the world. 

The tower has three levels. The first two are accessible by stair and elevator. We took the elevator up and the stairs down, making for a leisurely descent, twisting and winding our way through one of the towers legs. Both floors have incredible views of the inner structure and iron lattices of the tower as well as a number of restaurants, shops and a Macaron Bar.

After wandering these floors we took the tiniest elevator to the third level, the top of the tower and highest point in the city. As mentioned earlier, the views from the top are absolutely stunning! On a clear night, you can see every amber glowing light and illuminated landmark in Paris. The top floor is home to Gustave Eiffel’s Laboratory and a Champagne Bar. 

Tickets to the tower have to be reserved for a specific time slot in advance, book here.

See Some Art

With a rich culture surrounding art and artists, Paris is the best place in the world to learn about art history and see some of the world’s masterpieces. 

Centre Pompidou. A contemporary art museum built “inside out” with all the building’s equipment and escalators exposed leaving more room for gallery space inside. 

Musee de’ L'Orangerie. An Impressionist art museum famous for it’s display of Monet’s Water Lilies.

The Louvre. The world’s most well known art museum, particularly for The Mona Lisa. The museum deserves a half to full day to explore but specific pieces can be seen in less time.

Street Art & Graffiti 

• Flamingo Wall. Search for the flamingo wall in Montmartre.

• Banksy. There are a dozen artworks painted throughout the city, multiple can be found in the Latin Quarter.

• I Love You Wall. A blue tiled wall with I love you written in 311 languages located in Montmartre.

Taste Everything!

To quote Julia Child, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” This could not be truer than with the French. Here are a some of our favorite restaurants, cafes, bars and bakeries:

Les Ombres. A rooftop restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower serving modern French cuisine. The restaurant is enclosed in a fragmented glass structure inspired by the shadows of the tower. It’s also where we got engaged! 

Du Pain et des Idées. A famous bakery, known for their pistachio chocolate escargot (named for the pastry’s shell shaped swirl)

L’Escargot. Serving the their namesake since 1832, this restaurant is known for their Burgundy snails in the shell. The restaurant has an old world feel and is adorned with a giant gold snails. 

Brasserie Floderer. Classic French restaurant known for seafood, wine and ambiance.

Cafe Charlot. A small corner bistro with lovely sidewalk dining. It’s a great spot for breakfast or brunch.

Breizh Cafe. A crêperie known for their inventive crêpes and ciders.

Le Syndicat. A cocktail bar with drinks made from 100% French spirits, rated as one of the top 50 bars in the world.

Deviant. A tiny French kitchen serving serving seafood entrees with a large wine selection. The restaurant has a standing only bar inside and bistros on the sidewalk.

Arrondissements & Neighborhoods 

Paris is broken up into 20 Arrondissements. Starting in the center of the city and spiraling out like a snail shell. Different neighborhoods correspond too and overlap multiple Arrondissements.

Montmartre. Located in the 18th Arr. and known as the neighborhood on the hill. The area is popular for its Impressionist history, artists, nightlife, and charming houses. Nearby sights include the Moulin Rouge and Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur. The neighborhood is accessible via a funicular or a large set of steps. 

Le Marais. Located in the 4th Arr. This is oldest Parisian neighborhood and the center of the LGBTQ+ community. Known for its cobblestone streets, stately architecture, courtyards, cafes, cocktail bars and vintage shopping.

Latin Quarter. Located in the 5th Arr. A university neighborhood, this area of Paris is popular for its bars, cabarets and distance from large tourist attractions.

Saint Germain des Pres. Located in the 6th Arr. This neighborhood is home to many bookshops, galleries, cafes and design shops.

10th Arrondissement. A quiet neighborhood lining the Canal Saint Martin with plenty restaurants to eat at and street art to spot. We stayed here in an Airbnb that was once a bakery operated by nuns. 

2nd Arrondissement. Known for its arcades, boutiques, fine dining and cocktail bars. The neighborhood is worth wandering and getting lost in.

Getting Around 

On Foot. When we visited Paris, the city was in the middle of the largest transit strike in years. Trains, buses and all forms of public transit were shut down. As a result, we explored the city almost entirely on foot. 

By Taxi. When the distance was too far to walk, we requested Ubers and called taxis. To get across town, they were rarely more than $20. 

Airport Taxi. Taxis are the most direct way to leave/get to the airport but also the most expensive. You can expect to pay between €30 and €50 from either airport to get to the city center. 

French Words & Phrases 

Many people in Paris speak English however Parisians adore when foreigners try to speak French. Some of the most common words and phrases we used are: 

Bonjour = Hello or Good morning

Au revoir = Goodbye

Bonsoir = Good evening

Merci = Thank you

Merci beaucoup = Thank you very much

S’il vous plaît = Please

De Rien = You’re welcome

Excusez-moi = Excuse me

La carte, s’il vous plaît = The menu, please

L’addition s’il vous plaît = The check, please

Je voudrais… = I would like…

Je t'aime = I love you

Next time in Paris… 

A long weekend in Paris is great to see a number of the sights, neighborhoods and get a taste for the cuisine. We have a few ideas of what to do next time we’re back in Paris:

• Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. Paris’ most famous flea market for over 150 years with 3000+ merchants selling vintage items, antiques, artwork, books, furniture, etc.

• See More Art:

Musee d’ Orsay - Impressionist and art nouveau museum in a converted glass train station.

Musee Picasso - The largest collection of Picasso’s art in the world.

• Take a Day Trip:

Palace of Versailles - Spend a full day exploring the King Louis XIV’s famous palace and grounds.

Mont Saint Michel - Tour the medieval fortified city island surrounded by water during high tide located in Normandy, France.

Claude Monet Home - Visit the home where Monet painted many of his Impressionist works, including the famous Water Lillies.

• Take a French Baking class 

Le Cordon Bleu. 2 Day Traditional Bread Baking 

Du Pain et des Idées. 3 Day Baking Class 

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.