THE BEST OF NEW YORK CITY
New York City (NYC) is one of the most iconic cities in the world. From its towering skyscrapers to its bustling streets, New York City has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture vulture, or just looking for a good time, you’re sure to find it in New York City. World-class museums and galleries, Broadway shows and concerts, the best restaurants and bars offering any cuisine your heart desires (from Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall eateries), hidden gems, and iconic landmarks – what’s not to love!? If you’re planning a trip to New York City, read on for tips on what to see and do and where to eat and drink in this amazing city.
Best Time to Visit new york city
The best times to visit New York City are the spring and fall. Days will be mild in the 70s, making it the perfect temperature to walk around and enjoy the big apple.
How Much Time Do You Need in nyc
I know I’m biased, since I think New York City is one of the best cities on this planet, but I’d say you should spend at least three days in NYC, if not a week.
where to EAT in nyc
Rubirosa
Italian – Soho
Rubirosa is one of the best Italian spots in the city – get the Tie Dye pizza which combines pesto, vodka sauce, and marinara sauce. You won’t regret it. The Rubirosa Supreme is also fantastic, combining mini meatballs, small pepperonis, and fresh roasted garlic.
Prince Street Pizza
Pizza – Soho
If you’re still hungry, or want to do a little pizza tour, walk down the street and get the Pepperoni Square slice from Prince Street Pizza. There’s usually a line, but it moves fast. There’s no seating – it’s grab and go at its finest.
Joe’s Pizza
Pizza
Joe’s is a solid option for a slice. There are a couple locations around the city. If you see one, stop in!
Emmy Squared or Emily
Pizza and Burgers
While we’re on the topic of pizza – What’s better than just pizza? Pizza and burgers! These two restaurants have the same owner, but Emmy does Detroit style pizza and Emily does thin crust. Definitely get a burger with whatever pizza you end up choosing. The aioli sauce on the burger is what makes it one of the best in the city.
Freeman’s
Comfort food – Lower East Side
This dark restaurant makes for the perfect cozy vibe, and has the food to match. Hot artichoke dip, macaroni and cheese, half chicken – comfort food at its finest. I love visiting on rainy days. The restaurant can be slightly hard to find – walk down “freeman’s alley” – a fake street filled with tons of graffiti.
The Boil
Cajun Fish Boil – LES
If you order seafood, the food comes in a plastic bag mixed with sauces and spices and you wear a bib and gloves. We always get two bags – whatever seafood we’re feeling – one with garlic butter and one with the boil special sauce (a combination of garlic butter, cajun seasoning, and a bunch of other spices). If you don’t like seafood, they also have some basics like chicken fingers and burgers.
Om Indian
Indian – Upper East side
If you find yourself on the Upper East Side and craving Indian food, Om is the place to go. This no frills Indian spot offers solid food at a reasonable price. Great for dining in or takeaway.
Milon
East Village – Indian food
Truth be told, the food here is not that good, but it’s a fun experience. You might recognize the restaurants from social media – they are all decked to the nines in Christmas lights. There are four restaurants – I think they’re all the same, but it’s quite the competition to try and persuade you to visit each one. We always go to the top left one but idk why. Some other fun facts: It’s BYOB. One time we saw Michael Cera while eating here. Always say it’s your birthday, even if it’s not. The birthday song here is EPIC.
Joe’s Shanghai or Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Chinese food – Chinatown
At Joe’s Shanghai, if you’re a small group you’ll end up sharing a table with some others. This option is a bit cheaper than Nom Wah Tea Parlor. Nom Wah Tea Parlor also has dim sum.
Then go to Apotheke – a speakeasy that sometimes does burlesque. Awesome vibe. Awesome drinks.
Bagels:
NYC is known for its bagels. Some say it’s all in the water. Here are the top three places you should try:
Murray’s is good for egg sandwiches
Russ and Daughters is the spot if you like Cream Cheese and Lox
Modern Bread and Bagel has the best gluten free bagels on the planet that don’t even taste gluten free. If you like egg salad, the Jerusalem bagel is not to be missed.
Raoul’s
Awesome Burger – Soho
You’ve probably already heard about the burger at Raoul’s, but if you haven’t, it’s one you’ll definitely want to add to your hit list. It’s consistently ranked one of the best burgers in NYC. The difference between a Raoul’s burger and a regular burger is the pepper. These burgers are perfectly spiced with peppercorn and watercress. They only serve about 20 a day and ONLY if you’re seated at the counter. Go early to try and snag one! If you don’t make it in time for the burger, get the steak au poivre – it’s a close second.
Clinton Street Baking Company
Pancakes -LES
Pancakes! With blueberries, with chocolate chips, with both!? These huge, fluffy pancakes are second to none.
Two Hands or Dudley’s
Australian Cafe for breakfast – Tribeca or LES
This small chain of Australian cafes started in New York, but now has a few locations scattered across mid to large cities in the USA. We used to live next to a Two Hands and it was our go-to spot for brunch – we once even sat next to Steve Aoki there! All that to say we’ve tried most things on the menu. We love the Brassicas Salad (greens with hummus and a jammy egg), but if you’ve got the egg ick, the chicken bowl is also delicious, as well as the Two Hander Burger. Don’t sleep on the hashbrown or any of the drinks – depending on the time of day we’ll opt for a matcha or the turmeric chai latte – something a little different! The homemade lemonades are also top notch.
ABC Kitchen
American – Union Square
Expensive, but good, there’s a chance you might see a celebrity or two here.
Carbone
Italian – West Village
Another expensive, but good option. Another place you might see a celebrity. They start you off with a chunk of parmesan and bread. Who doesn’t love some free parm and bread?! I’m sure you already know about the pastas and have your order memorized, so I’m going straight to dessert. Don’t skip the carrot cake. It’s the best you’ll ever have.
Torrisi
Italian – Soho
Newer, younger sister restaurant to Carbone, Torrisi is excellent. Get the cucumber salad and the tortellini. All meals come with complimentary bread, a rainbow cookie and a sour lemon icee dessert.
Wayan
French Indonesian – Soho
French Indonesian food? Yes, please. Go with a group so you can try a bunch of things – and also the food is served family style. The Lobster Noodles are the standout on this menu – a perfect, saucy garlic ramen-like pasta with large chunks of lobster. The chicken satay with peanut sauce is simple, but delicious, and let’s not forget about the duck! You should definitely leave room if they have the dessert with bananas and ube ice cream.
Nooretuh
Hawaiian – East Village
This modern Hawaiian spot in the East Village is one of our all-time faves. Start with some musubi – all of them are fantastic, and you can try spam if you’ve never had it before! If you like Hawaiian food, think loco moco (fried rice with egg, gravy, and mac salad), and creamy mentaiko pasta. Hands down the best dessert is the pineapple upside-down cake. It’s the best we’ve ever had!
KJUN
Korean Cajun – Murray Hill
If you’re a fan of Bravo’s Top Chef, you might recognize Chef Jae Jung from the show! This cozy restaurant offers blended Korean Cajun food like you’ve never had before. Some of our favorite dishes are the Jambalaya with Korean Sausage and Kimchi and the Seafood Jjajangmyun which combines sweet potato noodles with sautéed seafood. Yum! This is one of my fave newer restaurants in NYC.
Activities in new york city
Go to Sleep No More
Unlike a traditional Broadway show, Sleep No More is an immersive theatrical experience inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Walk around a spooky old house or follow the performers and see where the night takes you. No two experiences will be the same. Go to the rooftop bar, Gallow Green, before and/or after for a drink in a forest-like atmosphere.
Take the Staten Island Ferry
Finally, something free in NYC! This is the best way to get a free view of the Statue of Liberty. After you arrive, you will get off the ferry, then grab the next ferry right back. If you miss the departing ferry, a new one comes roughly every 30 minutes.
See A Show
If you want to see a Broadway show, they sell same day tickets cheaper (still $$$ though) at TKTS counters in Times Square or by South Street Seaport. If you buy tickets twice in the same week, you can use the first ticket stubs to skip the line.
Visit a Museum
Pick a museum – any museum! NYC has some of the best museums in the world. The MET, The Museum of Natural History, The Whitney, or my favorite off the beaten path museum, the Cooper Hewitt, which is dedicated to learning about the design process. Pretty cool!
Walk the Williamsburg Bridge
This is the red one and my fave bridge to walk in NYC. While the Brooklyn Bridge is nice, it’s usually more crowded and touristy – they even had a snake performer the last time I walked it. If you walk the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll end up in Dumbo, which is a great, cute area to walk around, with plenty of food options. Go to Grimaldi’s pizza – it’s goooood, or Time Out Market and try a bit of everything from every stall. Another pizza option, but with a better view, is Fornino’s! Walk to Washington Street for the famous picture of the bridge.
Walk the Highline
Looking for a walk that’s not in Central Park? Walk the highline and visit Chelsea Market. You can make stops at Little Island, Hudson Yards, and the Vessel along the way. The Vessel if that new(ish) structure in the city that looks kind of like a beehive.
Visit World Trade One and the 9/11 Museum
World Trade One has some really cool interactive exhibits. Go when the sun is about to set so you can see the city during the day, then also when the city lights come on at night. It’s also worth checking out the 9/11 Museum, the Oculus, and taking a walk behind Brookfield Shopping Center (or just shopping if that’s more your vibe). One of my favorite little memorials is the Irish Hunger Memorial. Walk a few minutes along the water and you’ll find it. If you’re hungry, grab a bite at Le District, a French-inspired market with a variety of food vendors and shops.
Visit the New York Botanical Gardens
The New York Botanical Gardens are absolutely beautiful – and pretty expansive. You could easily spend a day exploring the different sections or have a picnic in the park. They typically have impressive exhibits from visiting artists – some of the past artists have been Yayoi Kusama and Dale Chihuly. They also host two events each year that you should go to if the timing works in your favor – The Orchid Show and the Holiday Train Show. During the Orchid Show, you’ll find rooms of different types of orchids beautifully arranged. The Holiday Train Show is renown for its impressive designs using natural materials and old school trains. They also offer festive goods, like hot chocolate, to really get you in the holiday spirit.
While you’re in the area, get an Uber to Arthur Avenue where you can find some of the best Italian food and groceries. Casa Della Mozzarella has the best fresh mozzarella in all of NYC.
Best speakeasies IN NYC
Patent Pending – Flatiron – Enter through a coffee shop
Please Don’t Tell – LES – Walk through the Criff Dogs hot dog shop then go to the phone booth on the left and dial 1 I think or maybe 0 on the phone
Blind Barber – LES – Walk through a barber shop to find this bar
Death and Co – LES – It’s located behind a big, long wooden door on the street corner
Bathtub Gin – West Village – Walk through a coffee shop to get to it
The Back Room – LES – Drinks in teacups, prohibition style
The Garrett – West Village – Go through a Five Guys burger shop to the back of the restaurant then up the stairs – there’s another The Garett on the East side – not a speak easy, but also fun . . .
BEST ROOFTOP BARS in new york city
Broken Shaker – Flatiron
Mr. Purple – LES – Did you just graduate from college? Do you work in finance? This place is for you.
Refinery Rooftop – Midtown – It’s expensive, but they also have food. If you’re on a business trip, this is a good option
Gallow Green – Chelsea – This one is nice! Maybe my favorite on this list. It’s green and cute and above the venue for Sleep No More.
Good Behavior – Nomad
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