NYC is addictive. No matter how many times I visit, I leave with an insatiable longing for more. Maybe it’s the high energy you feel while walking the busy streets. Or the countless number of things to do and see. Or maybe it’s the overwhelming variety of amazing food. Oh the food!!
What I love most about NYC is the range of experiences you can have in just one city. Love to eat? You are at the epicentre of culinary innovation and diversity, with some 20 000 food spots to choose from. Into art, music, dance? Some of the most brilliant artists showcase their talant here. Looking for a romantic and relaxing getaway? There are tons of neighbourhoods that are so charming they will make you fall in love all over again.
It will take a life time to fully explore all this city has to offer. In the meantime, I’ve summed up some of my favourite things to do, see, and eat in the concrete jungle. It also helps when you have a friend who has lived there (thanks, Berna), so take note of some of NYC hidden gems below!
DESTINATION: NYC
EAT: Mighty Quinn’s, Gelso & Grand, Zucker’s Bagel, Halal Guys cart on 53rd and 6th, Nomad, Eataly, Los Taco 01, Spotted Pig, Dominique Ansel Kitchen, Dominique Ansel Bakery (Frozen S’more and Cronut), Maman (Lavender hot chocolate), Polpo Gelato, Waffles & Dinges, Devocion, Oddfellows Ice Cream, Egg Shop, Black Seed Bagels, Cafe Cortadito, Toby’s Estate, Lackawanna Coffee (Jersey City), Bucket & Bay Craft Gelato Co (Jersey City).
STAY: Upper East Side, West Village, Chelsea, Jersey City, Williamsburg
SEE: Brooklyn Bridge, World Trade Centre/Memorial, Grand Central Station, Statue of Liberty (you can take the Staten Island Ferry for an upclose view without paying tons for a tour), Solomon R Guggenheim Museum
DO: Walk the High Line, hang out at Bryant Park, stroll through SoHo and West Village, bike through Central Park (check out the Resovoir), drinks at 230 Fifth or any of these places for an amazing view, Gravenhurst Market
HIDDEN GEMS: The Love Wall down the alleyway to Freeman’s Restaurant; 1st Street Garden; part of the Berlin Wall at 520 Madison; the hidden Burger Joint behind the reception desk of Le Parker Meridien Hotel
Full map of recommended spots here
