As a born & raised New Yorker, I’ve wandered these city streets with heart & soul. My family immigrated through Ellis Island generations ago and settled in Brooklyn. We call New York “the center of the world.” It is the metropolitan hub where people from all different cultures and walks of life dream, create, and elevate. It is the land of hustle, having thick skin, grit, and determination. Wander around the city and you can hear the classic New York accent. From historic landmarks to hidden gems, enjoy my quick hitting to-do list for your next New York City adventure!
SIGHTS
Central Park – check out the boathouse, walk the Mall, relax in Sheep Meadow, sit by the pond by 74th st.
Top Of The Rock at Rockefeller Center – get your tickets and head on up to this brilliant viewpoint overlooking the city. Try to go on a clear day to maximize views.
The High Line – deserted above ground train tracks now converted into a beautiful green public walkway. Take in the views, enjoy the food, and stretch your legs with sights from above.
Chelsea Market – inside the building below the Highline. Tons of food options perfect for lunch or a snack, plus art markets.
West Village – my favorite neighborhood in NYC. So many beautiful colorful townhouses, tree-lined streets, bookstores, cafes… Just go walk around and get lost here.
Washington Square Park – Home to New York University. Street performers, live music, big fountain, famous photogenic archway. Fun to walk around and there are lots of food joints near it.
DUMBO (district under the Manhattan bridge overpass) – area of Brooklyn with a lot of art galleries, artisan chocolate shops, photo ops, etc. Eat at River Cafe right on the water with stunning views (reservation needed). Take photos with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
Rooftop bars – the best views! Heads up: drinks will be super expensive, because, well, New York. Here are my favorites I frequent:
- The Skylark (dazzling views of Midtown)
- Gallow Green (green rooftop of McKittrick Hotel)
- Le Bain (Dress nicely, because it’s hard to get in.. There’s a floor for the indoor pool, a floor for the live DJ, and a floor for the rooftop views & fresh crepes)
- Press Lounge (classy)
- Jimmy at the James (rooftop pool)
- Ides Bar at the Wythe Hotel (hip spot in Williamsburg)
Brooklyn Bridge – go on, walk across it! And go to Juliana’s Pizza on the Brooklyn side of the bridge.
World Trade Center Observatory – purchase tickets online in advance. Takes you over a hundred floors up to see all of Manhattan & Brooklyn and learn some important history while you’re at it. Meaningful tribute to the 9/11 attacks with beautiful views to accompany it, giving a sense of hope amongst the tragedy.
Roosevelt Island – if you have time, go here! It’s NY’s best kept secret. Take a cable car high above ground and over to the island. It has food options, a park with outdoor yoga classes, incredible views of NYC skyline, and overall peace of mind outside the bustling city. Great for picnics/exploration.
Staten Island ferry – ferry ride is free and has views good for skyline photography on the water!
Times Square – Self explanatory.
The Met, MoMA, Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim, Smithsonian, Neue Gallerie, Whitney, New Museum – I recommend all these museums! Diverse global art spanning eras and styles. Each museum has its own unique character.
The Strand bookstore – book shop with multiple floors, with an old vintage book section, in a peaceful environment.
Shopping in Soho (Prince Street, Spring Street) – because NYC shopping is the best! SoHo has a great variety of high-end designer stores to gawk at, and also affordable shops to actually make purchases at.
Bryant Park – I go here a lot in summer when I have time to just read a book and relax. Good to see some green space in crazy midtown. They also have outdoor movies on the lawn some nights. Also it’s right next to the NY Public Library which is worth going into!
The Flatiron Building – another great photo op. There are usually local food markets set up in Madison Square Park which is right by it.
Union Square – upbeat area with good restaurants, street performers, and shops. Also a good starting point if you plan to head into Brooklyn later.
Battery Park City – this area is so underrated! My favorite restaurant, Miramar is right there on the water (Mediterranean food). Great parks, waterside views, etc.
Little Italy – Mulberry street! Cannolis! Pasta!
South Street Seaport – fun area with boutique shops and seafront restaurants.
Grand Central train station – walk around and feel like you’re in that scene from that movie.
Smorgasburg / Brooklyn Flea – food market and flea market. In separate areas of Brooklyn but related to one another. walking around this area is also really cool.
5th Ave – high end stores great for window shopping… or more, if you’re here to splurge.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral – beautiful Cathedral uptown.
The Lincoln Center – concerts and performances abound, but also just a nice area to hang around.
Bleecker Street – adorable cheery street with so many cute cafes.
Williamsburg – how you’d imagine hipster BK: thrift shops, bicycles, concerts. Everything feels cute and mini compared to Manhattan. Walk around, do some shopping, check out the cool architecture and murals, outdoor flea markets, have brunch in a local cafe.
Hidden bars – check out this list of hidden speakeasy bars. These were inspired by prohibition times and are fun to have a drink (or three) in.
The Comedy Cellar – famous comedians, hilarious shows, cozy underground setting.
West 4 Street – I worked on this street one memorable summer. Tons of ethnic food, live jazz, fun bars, and an all around rowdy time.
Stone Street and Battery Park – head all the way south to Lower Manhattan where things feel more peaceful and green, plus waterfront views.
TriBeCa – where I dream of having a loft or penthouse! Upscale, refined area of Manhattan. If you want some solitude, go to Poet’s House. It’s a library right on the water where I’ve spent many hours writing.
FOOD
Chinatown neighborhood – authentic Chinese food. Try out The Golden Unicorn for dim sum.
Little Italy neighborhood – pay homage to New York’s Italian immigration heritage by stuffing your face with great Italian cuisine.
Katz’s Deli – did someone say world famous pastrami sandwiches? Plus other iconic Jewish deli foods, like potato knishes and pickles.
Rosemary’s – adorable lunch spot in the West Village. Don’t forget to go upstairs and check out the rooftop garden.
Rice To riches – rice pudding shop (set up like an ice cream shop) on Spring Street.
Levain – try their famous chocolate chip cookie. Thank me later.
Magnolia Bakery – eat cupcakes to your heart’s desire.
Vanessa’s – yummy dumplings for cheap. My favorite location of theirs is in Williamsburg.
Maman and Banter – I recommend these two spots if you’re in search of great coffee & brunch options.
The Grey Dog – dog friendly restaurant with fresh casual food, in case you’re traveling with your pup.
The Hugh – probably the fanciest food court I’ve ever seen. Try the handrolls at Kazu Nori!
Pizza – you weren’t going to go to NYC without eating pizza, were you? Check out this guide to the best pizza in NYC.
ACTIVITIES
Walking tours & food tours – explore Manhattan by foot, eat through Brooklyn by mouth! Book a tour in advance for groups.
Broadway – you can’t come to NYC without seeing a show on Broadway!
The Edge – see epic views of the city from wayyy up above. Not for those who fear heights! Also, go on a clear day or the clouds will ruin your visibility.
Go kayaking – really, it’s a thing! You can kayak along the Hudson on rented kayaks near TriBeCa area.
Shakespeare in the Park – exactly what it sounds like.
Zephyr Yacht – cruises around Manhattan/Brooklyn. See the skyline lit up at night while you’re on a yacht with a DJ and drinking champagne. Check tickets in advance.
Concerts. Everywhere. – check out upcoming shows at venues like Terminal 5, Central Park Summer Stage, Bowery Ballroom, Music Hall of Williamsburg.
Statue of Liberty – say less.
Start spreading the news… I’m leaving today…
I want to be a part of it, New York, New York!
Amanda Weisman 