My New York City Guide
As a former New Yorker, going back to visit this past weekend was a huge walk down memory lane. I made sure to hit all of my favorite hot spots while visiting. I loved to see what things had and hadn’t changed in my old neighborhood. Whats great about New York City is no matter how long you live there or how many times you visit, something new will always catch your eye. It is constantly evolving, changing, adapting, and I love it for that! I have a list of places and things to do that I always recommend to people, when asking about a New York City guide. Such things include certain rooftops, restaurants, neighborhood stops and attractions.
As far as attractions go, I don’t ever tell people “Go to the Empire State Building”, or similar main tourist stops. I feel that if those places, like the statute of liberty, are places you want to go, you will do so the first time around. And, most likely never want to go again. They’re constantly packed with people, expensive and not as exciting as you think they will be. Its great to always go once, but after that its pretty much set. However, a few attractions that I do always recommend to friends to stop by are Roosevelt Island, the Brooklyn Bridge (if nice weather), Washington Square Park, and Rockefeller Center, no matter the season.
Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is somewhere you can spend just a few hours, or a half day. To get there, you have the option to take the gorgeous Roosevelt Island Tram. This air tram runs over the river, lasts only four minutes and is a enclosed glass box. You have a 360 degree view of the NYC skyline, the river and streets below. Plus the gorgeous park that is most of Roosevelt Island.
The one end of the island is home to a college campus, while the other end is mostly a gorgeous park. With green grass, trees and a memorial to FDR. Spending a few hours sitting in the grass, overlooking the city skyline is super serene, peaceful and beautiful. My friend and I went right before sunset, during Golden Hour, and had the best views. It wasn’t busy, packed with tourists or overwhelming. There is even ruins of a old hospital on the ground that are covered in gorgeous ivy. It looks super creepy yet cool. Its a great stop for photos and to relax for a bit.
New York City Restaurants
In the city, there are thousands upon thousands of restaurants and bars. Knowing which to choose can be overwhelming and difficult. Some, are mostly quiet and look empty, while others have hours long wait times and are jam packed to capacity. Where is the happy middle, with still quality food and drinks? Well, for beginners, Little Italy, Greenwich Village and SoHo hold my favorites.
Along with the beautiful architecture of these neighborhoods, they hold some of my favorite restaurants and food. Almost anywhere SoHo will be incredible. To remain in business in such an expensive area, you have to hold the clients. The Little Prince in SoHo is one of the cutest cafes and has such yummy food you’ll dream about it all day after.
What About the Drinks
When wanting to explore a fun rooftop bar, try out Refinery Rooftop in Midtown. My friend and I ended up having a bit too much fun last time we visited, and ended up missing our scheduled plans to just hang out there. It is on the roof of a chic hotel, has the coolest bohemian vibe and is somewhere the locals love. If you are in the mood for a fun, quirky twist, take a peek at Loopy Doopy. Along the river, Loopy Doopy has a great views, super fun cocktails that feature make your own mixes with Popsicle’s sticking out of each one, and an assorted menu of hand crafted sweet, yet fun drinks. If you are looking for a pretty breakfast view, Versa Rooftop in Midtown also has great breakfast, yummy drinks and is such a cool old-hollywood glam vibe. Perfect to ease out of a long night.
Take a Minute to Explore
When in the city, waiting for a table isn’t all bad. It gives you a chance to wander around, sight see and stop into other bars. While my friend and I waited for Thai Villa to free up, we headed to a nearby Mexican cantina. We had the best margaritas and table-side guac. Its super fun to be able to walk around, and takes your mind off waiting for a table when hungry. Another super cool hot spot, is a speakeasy on the Lower East Side, Bathtub Gin. You enter through a bakery bookshelf and find yourself in a small speakeasy with the coolest drink menu and suited bartenders. When we first arrived and got up to the bar, we didn’t look at the menu and ordered some basic vodka sodas, only to be told “No, no, no, get this” and then were handed two tequila shots to start off. It was fun, interesting and super chill for a nightclub bar in New York City.
Back when I lived in the city, my roommate and I would frequent a super cool Lower East Side bar. Hair of the Dog, on Sundays, bring your own coffee and have it spiked to cure that hangover for fifty cents! That’s the cheapest drink you’re ever going to find in New York City. The Lower East Side is probably my favorite neighborhood when it comes to night life. It holds the coolest bars and clubs, with something for everyone. From 1 Oak night club to the famous Artichoke Pizza. You can go out, get a late night snack, and head home on the C or E train back to Midtown.
Lets Talk Shopping
Now for the most important part of your trip, the shopping. New York City has some of the best shopping selection in the world, everyone knows this. However, not everyone may know where to go or how to find the hidden gems. If you love boutique shops, individual style and original pieces, pop into SoHo and Greenwich Village. The Lower East Side is prime for art galleries, eclectic gift shops and home decor. When looking for those designer goods, stick to uptown or Broadway in Soho.
Uptown or Downtown?
Uptown with Fifth Avenue Madison Street you will find the homes to some of the most famous designer flagships. Stores such as Chanel, Tiffany’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys. Be careful when you venture uptown however if you plan on keeping you wallet buttoned up. Broadway in SoHo is famous for the SoHo Flea Market, the pink Louis Vuitton door, another Chanel boutique, Prada, and even more budget practical stops. Like such as two separate Zara’s, Brandy Melville, Levi’s and the most fun Bloomingdale’s. There are different Pop Up Shops practically daily, and new exclusive boutiques always on the rise. I wound up spending way more money than I planned on, but when in Rome (or New York).
If you have never visited the Oculus near the 9/11 Memorial, it is a must see. The gorgeous architecture and all-wide stunning design is an event in itself. Aside from the great shops inside, the outer design and even inside wow factor is somewhere you have to visit at least once. Find it directly across the street from the Memorial, somewhere you should also stop and visit at least once in your life. Every time I get near it I am overwhelmed by the overall sense of silence that surrounds the site. No one chi chats, no one is obnoxious, loud or running around. Its quiet, peaceful and full of people remembering. Some thing to definitely experience in the city that never sleeps.
I could go on and on with this New York City guide, but I have to stop myself somewhere. Plus, my puppy refuses to stop stepping my on keyboard as I am typing, and I am worried he’s going to break it. When I first moved out of New York City, I wrote a post What I learned Living in NYC, you can read that here.
Let me know your favorite city stop in the comments below this post. Don’t forget to sign up for my Newsletter here, to receive my latest sales, trips and announcements directly to your inbox, for free!
XO,
Tori
