A New York City travel guide is a must have for those heading to the big apple for the first time (or again and need a new brunch spot to hit up!). Continue reading for all the NYC info in one place!
I took a trip to New York City earlier this year and of course I wrote a few blog posts about it, but now I want to make a condensed guide on all the hot spots to hit up while you’re there!
If you’re looking for a more detailed guide of what I wore while in the city during the winter, you can check out my NYC diary for day 1 (with my new favourite store!), day 2 (my favourite outfit!), day 3 (the BEST food!) or day 4 (some of my favourite photos!) on the blog.
New York City Travel Guide
What to Do
Take a peak at Grand Central Station! It’s a must see while you’re in town, especially if you love to see the spots movies were shot. This is a classic of New York City!
Book a ticket to the Comedy Cellar. It was one of my favourite things that I did while in the city. You never know who’s going to preform but whoever you get, it’s bound to be a good show! Make sure to book early though because tickets sell out fast! You can book your tickets here.
Go Shopping in Soho for a one stop shop for literally every brand you’ve ever heard of! It has such a good selection, but the Soho vibes themselves are what would keep me going back for more.
If you’re a new brand connoisseur (like I like to think I am!), both Glossier and Mejuri have pop up shops in NYC that are definitely worth checking out.
Take a peak at the Flat Iron building! An absolute must if you’re in the city for the first time. It’s such a popular tourist spot because it’s so iconic, but lucky for you, there’s tons to do around the area to make sure it’s just one stop of many on your perfect NYC trip!
The High Line is a cool spot to see more of the city and roam. It’s an old train line turned walking path and although not as gorge in the winter (I’ve heard it’s at it’s prime in the summer), definitely worth a stroll while you’re in town.
After you’re done at the High Line, go to the Chelsea Market for a little taste of what local NYC has to offer. They have a bunch of small local artists and shops selling goods. If you’re in the market for a non-tacky souvenir, this is where you’ll find it!
Grand Central Station is a classic tourist destination, and although I was slightly disappointed by this stop, it’s worth a look at anyways.
With a few hours to kill, head into the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If you don’t have a few hours, at least visit the steps out front! If nothing else, live out your Gossip Girl dreams of sitting on the MET steps.
Since you’ve just visited the MET, now’s your perfect time to head over to Central Park! It’s right beside the museum and so lovely to walk through all day, every day.
To me, the Brooklyn Bridge gave me a similar feel to seeing the Eiffel Tour for the first time. A whole lot of awe. I don’t know what it is, but it MUST be walked over and taken multiple photos of during your time in the city.
The Westfield World Trade Centre Mall has the iconic crazy white ceilings you see in so many tourist photos. Other than that, (and the fact it has every store you’ve ever wanted to shop in in your life), nothing too special about this place. Worth the peak though since it’s so close to an absolute must in the city (below).
A rainy day is best spent at the 911 Memorial Museum and at least a small stop at the actual memorial. The museum was so well done. It really shouldn’t be missed on your trip to the city.
As always, I have to mention. If you’re a non-American visiting NYC, you have to stop at Trader Joe’s. You won’t regret it when you come home with as much Everything but the Bagel Seasoning and Coconut Chocolate Almonds as you can fit in your bag. It’s worth the detour and the time in the checkout line. All I need now is a TJ’s to come to Canada and I’ll be a happy gal.
Where to Eat/Drink
Birch Coffee is a great spot to hit up for your early morning java. It has the cutest cups and great service!
Next up, the Grey Dog is another great coffee stop, or any meal for that matter. It’s in the heart of the NYU area so it’s hip and happening with the young people and for good reason. I stopped only for a small snack, but the food everyone around me was eating looked so yumm.
Two Hands is an awesome little spot for brunch! It had some awesome choices and delicious food – definitely recommend if you’re looking to get your brunch on!
You’re wait for New York City bagels is over. You’re time is now. Go to Bagels & Schmear. You will NOT regret it. Do not let the line deter you (it was out the door when I got there). It’s worth it every. dang. time.
Breakfast, lunch or brunch is best at Ruby’s. It’s a small spot with lots of interest so make sure to get there early. The fries were some of the best I’ve had in my LIFE. And that’s saying something.
My favourite NYC dinner was at Toro. It’s a tapas bar and the food was actually incredible. I’m telling you, do not leave this place without trying the corn and the dates. TOO GOOD!
Ceconnis is a spot in Brooklyn, over the bridge and just along the water. The city lights light up the restaurant at night, and that alone should be reason to go. Now don’t even get me started on the pasta there…
Craving pizza in the city? Emmy Squared is your stop for great NYC pizza. Make sure to get the Mont Blanc!
Looking for a night cap? Head to the Happiest Hour for a drink. I had the Made to Order drink and it was so good, it definitely made up for the price of cocktails in Manhattan!
The full New York City travel guide in one spot! I can’t wait to head back to the city and add more to my list, but these places should keep you occupied for at least 5 days (and hopefully however long it takes me to travel back!)
Related: Washington DC Travel Guide
xx Victoria
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