I’ve visited NYC five times in the last few years (three times this year) to feel comfortable enough to compile a list of my favorite things to do and places to eat. I am actually in NYC as I type this blog post so that’s pretty cool.
As you know, I am on a business trip this time so I am taking advantage of my last evening by writing this blog post, drinking my favorite fall drink, and watching television. Life is pretty great – lol! I cannot complain. Anyway, grab your best friend and fly to the Big Apple for the sweetest escape.
Things to do
- Hang out at Central Park. Go walk, people watch, run, eat, ice skate (winter months, obviously), rowboat, nap, have a picnic, you get the point. For a list of things to do, click here.
- Explore The High Line. This is also a great spot to relax, people watch, nap, read, etc. It’s basically a beautiful garden during spring/summer months.
- Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Get dropped off by an uber (or taxi) in Brooklyn/Dumbo area, explore the scene, then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to Lower Manhattan. Highly recommend to catch the sunrise or sunset!
- If you visit the Dumbo area, go to the Main Street Park and Pebble Beach – they’re next to each other…you cannot miss them.
- Go to Mercado Little Spain for delicious Spaniard food and wine!
- You must go to the Vessel and Hudson Yards area. There is so much to see in this area and super close to The High Line. Oh, guess what? The Observation Deck (Edge) is opening March 2020 – you can purchase your tickets now!
- Ok, ok, if you’ve never been to the Big Apple, you have to visit the Empire State Building at least once. Pretty cool views.
- Also, if it’s your first time visiting you have to see (or visit) the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, World Trade Center, and The Oculus structure.
- Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral – a beautiful sight to capture.
- If you go during the holidays, watch the Christmas Spectacular, visit the Rockefeller Center, and watch the Saks Fifth Avenue light show.
- Go to Times Square during the day or nighttime.
- Visit the Grand Central Terminal.
- Hop on the Staten Island Ferry, it’s FREE.
- If you’re a coffee lover, head over to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
Place to eat
- Time Out Market (Dumbo area)
- Pier 66 Maritime (Hudson Yards area)
- Antique Garage Tribeca (Tribeca area – live jazz)
- Grace’s Marketplace (Central park area – get your picnic goodies here)
- Garnet Wines and Liquors (Central park area – show your Grace’s Marketplace receipt for a discount)
- Milk Bar (Several locations)
- Little Italy
- The Original Benito One (Little Italy area)
- Caffe Roma (Little Italy area)
- Joe’s Pizza (Several locations, including Times Square)
- Pax Wholesome Foods (Several locations, quick and delicious foods)
- Friedman’s (Several locations, great brunch selection)
- Chelsea Market (Go early to avoid large crowds and long lines, but most importantly, visit on an empty stomach. Favorite vendors: Los Mariscos, Dickson’s Farmstand Meats, and Big Mozz. So many to choose from.)
I have yet to see and experience many other things! I will be counting down until my next trip to the city…it’s always a fun time!
If you have any questions about the places I’ve suggested, let me know! I’ll gladly share more details. For other NYC guides, click here and here.
