A First-Timer’s Guide to NYC
One of the main places I get asked to provide recommendations for is NYC. I lived there for 5 years while I was working in the music industry, but I left in 2016. I’ve provided recommendations below for some of my favorite places in Manhattan that I loved. Think of this guide more as a first-timer’s guide to NYC. I plan to write a locals’ guide after I visit again.
Where to Eat
Bubby’s NYC
For a seriously yummy brunch, go to Bubby’s! They have the best pancakes I have ever had! If you look at the pic to the right you can see some more great dishes. You really can’t go wrong with what you order. There is a location in the meatpacking district.
Click here to check out the website.
Eataly
I’m obsessed with Eataly! It is an Italian marketplace with a variety of restaurants, food and beverage counters, bakery, retail items, and even a cooking school. There are a couple of these throughout the U.S. but you can never go wrong with stopping here for some Italian food, wine, or fresh groceries while you’re in NY. It’s located right at the heart of the city in the Flatiron district. Find more info here.
Photo source: Google photos
The Smith
The Smith was my go-to restaurant while I was living in NY. They serve casual American comfort food and delicious cocktails. This is the perfect spot for any occasion really. But if you want a great dinner (or brunch) while in NY, this is your spot! There are multiple locations - East Village, Lincoln Square, NoMad, & Midtown - so just find the one that’s closest to you!
Photo source: Google photos
The Seinfeld Diner
If you’re a Seinfeld fan, then you have to check out Tom’s restaurant where Jerry and his friends often gathered together. You can expect diner-style food. It’s located in the Upper Westside/Morningside Heights area and is close to Columbia University in case you want to check out something else after you go.
Katz’s Deli
Kat’s is a famous kosher-style deli in NYC. It's been around since the early 1900’s and is mostly known for its pastrami sandwich. So if you’re in the mood for a delicious sandwich then this is your spot. There will most likely be a line but they have their ordering and serving system down so that wait shouldn’t be too long.
Where to Get Dessert
Levain Bakery
For some seriously delicious cookies, you HAVE to go to Levain Bakery. They might take the #1 spot and be the best cookies you have ever had because they are that good! I always go for the OG chocolate chip cookie but they have plenty of other flavors to try.
You can find them in the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Harlem. They also deliver! Check more out here.
Photo source: @bottomlyssbites
Magnolia Bakery
This is my go-to spot when I want some yummy cupcakes! You can’t go wrong with anything you get here. There are various locations throughout NYC are in cute neighborhoods as well. So grab a cupcake and sit outside (if the weather’s nice) and enjoy your dessert!
Link to website here.
Photo source: Magnolia Bakery
Dough Donuts
I don’t know about you but I love a good donut, especially when I am traveling and in NY, Dough donuts is the spot! I always keep it simple and go with a chocolate frosted donut but they have plenty of flavors to try. There are multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Learn more here.
Photo Source: Dough Donuts
Serendipity3
This is another famous dessert spot in NYC. It’s most known for its frozen hot chocolate. The desserts are huge, so perfect for sharing. They also serve food but I’ve never had any to vouch for it. Check out some more deliciousness here.
Photo Source: Google Photos
Where to Have Cocktails
230 Fifth Rooftop
If you’re visiting NYC and looking for a place to drink with great views, then 230 Fifth is your place. It can be a little touristy but I like it! I used to go often when I was living there. They also serve food in case you want to grab a bite to eat.
Click here to view the website.
Photo Source: 230 Fifth
The Standard Biergarten
If you love a good beer and bratwurst combo, then head to the Standard Biergarten. It’s located at the base of the Standard hotel in the meatpacking district. The beerhall is pretty large for NYC standards but can get packed on the weekends so just prepare for that.
There’s plenty to walk around and see in this area afterward such as high-end shopping, the Highline (more info below), walk around beautiful neighborhoods so feel free to explore!
East Village
You can’t go wrong with some dive bar/speakeasy vibes in the East Village and Alphabet City.
Head to 1st or 2nd street, pick a bar, and go bar hopping! A lot of the bars have changed since I’ve lived in NY, so check out this list by The Infatuation for some more recent options!
What to Do
Walk through Times Square
One of the main things you have to do if this is your first time in NYC is see Times Square. The billboards and lights will definitely make you feel like you’re in a city. There’s plenty of shopping to do in this area and there are places and chain restaurants to eat at. If you’re taking the subway, you can exit 42nd st. and you’ll know when you’re there.
Hang Out in Central Park
Central Park was my first introduction to how beautiful a park can be. There is so much to do and see in this park that I didn’t even do it all when I lived in NY. But some spots that I would recommend would be to hang out or have a picnic in Sheep’s meadow and check out Belvadere Castle, Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, the Lake, and the Literary Walk.
Here’s an article that shares more info.
Take the Ferry to Statue of Liberty
Head to Battery Park and catch a free ride to the Statue of Liberty. It’s definitely a sight to see and you get a free boat ride while you’re at it! If you don’t care to go inside, you can find many ways to catch a boat ride for free. Check out this site for directions and more info.
Walk the High Line
The High Line is an approximately 1.5-mile-old rail trail that was turned into an elevated pathway and spans the lower west side of Manhattan. You can grab some food from one of the restaurants down below and then walk the High Line afterward and maybe catch a pop-up art show or dessert truck.
Catch a Concert
The number of bands and artists that come through NYC is endless so you might be lucky enough to find an artist you like performing during your visit. I’d recommend catching a concert at any of the venues - Madison Square Garden, Irving Plaza, Webster Hall, The Bowery Ballroom, Apollo Theater, Forest Hills Theater, and the list goes on!
Go Shopping
There are endless places to go shopping when you’re in NY. My favorite area is the neighborhood SoHo. It has a good mixture of high-end brands and more affordable brands. Here’s a full list of all the stores you can find here. My second rec would be 5th Ave. There are more high-end brands on this street but you should see this area and window shop at least one time. Lastly, I would recommend shopping in Time Square. It can be a bit crowded which is why it’s not my preferred place but you will definitely come across some of the largest stores you’ve seen.
See a Broadway Show
Whether or not musical theatre is your jam, I highly recommend seeing a Broadway show! You will be entertained and will have done a very New York thing. I have personally seen The School of Rock, An American in Paris, and Hamilton. I would recommend any show that seems interesting to you. The performers are all incredible!
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
If your feet aren’t hurting yet and you’ve got some more energy left in you, then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The walk will be just over a mile long and begins on the lower side of Manhattan and ends in Brooklyn. In order to access the walking path, head to the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place. Here’s a guide for more info.
Visit the 9/11 Memorial
You should absolutely go and see the 9/11 memorial if you have never been before. When I was living there, they were still developing the memorial and you had to purchase tickets and go through a security screening. Now, the park and the outdoor monument is free and open to the public and you can purchase tickets to the museum if you’d like to see it.
Visit the Oculus NYC
The Oculus is the newly (at the time of this writing) designed World Trade Center station. From what I’ve read, it is the most expensive train station in the world. So, although it is a train station, you should go and see it simply for the astounding architecture.
I learned that the structure is “a portrayal of a bird about to take a flight from the hands of a young boy to show that no matter what obstacle the city faces, it will always be hopeful.”
You can even catch the subway from here and head to your next destination.
Visit Carrie Bradshaw’s “Apartment”
To all of my SATC fans, this is a must-see! If you have binged all of the SATC shows like I have and watched Carrie come in at out of these doors, then going to see Carrie’s apartment (even its just the outside) will bring you so much joy. Although the show had Carrie living in the Upper East Side, the apartment that was used in the filming is located in Chelsea at 66 Perry St.
Go to a Yankees Game
If you’re in NY during baseball season, then catch a Yankees game! Although the old iconic stadium was demolished in 2010, the new stadium is just as beautiful to catch a game at. It’s located in the Bronx, and you can access it via the subway. Just be aware that the subway will be packeddd once the game is over and everyone is trying to get back home at the same time.
Where to Workout
Yoga Studios
I could write a whole separate post on the yoga studios I love in NY, but for now, here is a list of some of my favorite places to do yoga in NYC.
-Kula Yoga Project- Non-heated yoga with some of the best yoga teachers you will find and beautifully sequenced classes
-Y7 Studio - Heated power yoga that will get you sweaty and leave you feeling good
-Lyons Den - Heated power yoga
-Sky Ting Yoga - Physical locations are currently closed but hopefully they open up soon! You can practice online with them though.
Fitness Classes
I feel like so many great fitness establishments begin in NY. Here are some that I loved or I have heard are great.
Dance Classes
Most of the places I loved to take class at have closed but Broadway Dance Center is still open and one I would highly recommend! You can find any style and all levels of classes happening throughout the day. So if you love to dance or looking for a fun class to take check them out at the link above.
Photo Source: Google Photos