CITY GUIDE: ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR ANY TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY
New York City is one of my favorite cities in the world and that is why I’m always happy to provide tips to any friends who are visiting for the first time, or who are looking for new experiences.
(Evening view from Madison Square Park.)
You’ll notice that most of my suggestions below are related to food and drink (I’m sure that doesn’t surprise anyone who knows me), but I’ve also tried to include some “touristy” things that you will likely enjoy. I didn’t include too many as you probably already have things in mind, and it’s easy enough just to Google touristy things to do. I’ve broken down my thoughts into a few different categories that will help you plan out your fun.
Things to Do During the Day
Standard Biergarten: Go here during the day. It is awesome. Typically lively with ping pong, pretzels and beer. Love this place.
One World Trade: Make sure you buy tickets on your phone in advance so you don’t have to wait in line.
Chelsea Market: Really cool building with funky shops, cafes, and restaurants
New York Public Library: Really beautiful inside the building and there’s no admission. Go for a visit even if you’re not looking for a book.
Bryant Park: Beautiful park in NYC that's not Central Park. Fashion fans will recoginze it as a lot of New York Fashion Week events happen here - one of my favorite spots in the city.
Central Park: You don’t need to see a lot of it if you’re short on time. Just head to the south east corner where you find the pond and rink, then go back and see the rest of the park when you have more time.
Metropolitan Museum: One of the best museums in the world, especially if you love Egyptology and medieval armor. It’s a huge place, so plan your time accordingly.
The Plaza Hotel: Check it out, just because it’s the freakin’ Plaza Hotel!
The Waldorf Astoria: Just because it's historic and beautiful. Maybe if you ask nicely they will even let you see the secret subway station under the hotel.
Serendipity 3: Have some dessert there, because that's what people do when they go there in movies.
Grand Central Terminal: Take some pics in the terminal and try not to get run over by New Yorkers who want you dead because you're in their way and they need to catch a train. However, that would probably make a great TikTok video…
Rockefeller Center - If it’s winter, go watch people who have paid like $100 to skate for 30 min.
Starbuck Reserve: NYC Roastery: Any fan of the chain should visit this place, and of course the original location in Seattle.
The High Line: Take a stroll or dance on this unique elevated railway line that has been converted into a public park.
The Vessel: I don’t know if I recommend it alone, but it does seem to be something people care about. However, it is at Hudson Yards, so if you like to shop and eat, there’s another reason to go there.
Madison Square Park: It’s a nice park, but fans of Shake Shack should swing by because this is where it originally started. There’s still a location here, but it’s not the original.
(The Vessel at Hudson Yards)
Bars when drinking is the only thing you have on your mind:
Employee’s Only: Fancy, classic speakeasy cocktail bar in West Village.
PDT - One of the OG speakeasies in the city. It’s become a bit of a tourist thing now, but it’s still fun to go through the secret entrance. You enter via Crif Dogs and use the telephone booth on the left to get in - also Crif Dogs has good hot dogs
Library Bar: Go to hang out with the cooler than thou fashion crowd, but stay for the cow pics on the walls
The Trailor Park: Go for a good time, not a respectable time. The place is a bit of a dump, but it’s lots of fun.
Buddha Bar: Drinks and stuff, kinda douchey, but good if you are in the mood for that scene.
Blind Barber: Fun for drinks and dancing, and it gets busy so go early or be ready to stand in line (it's a speakeasy in a barbershop).
St. Mark's Place: Any bar along this street, PDT is here and the Blind Barber is around the corner, but there are lots of cool bars, just wander and go into any place that seems cool if you’re having trouble getting into the other places.
The Garret: More moderate speakeasy above a Five Guys in West Village, but still a nice spot.
Blind Tiger: If you like beer, this cool bar on Bleecker St in West Village has about 1000 on tap.
Mother’s Ruin: Good cocktail bar in Nolita, but more casual.
Sweet and Vicious: Another good casual bar in Nolita.
B bar: Massive, fun bar in the Bowery; great for a later night, and a younger crowd.
Penny Farthing’s: Casual pub/bar; it’s near Union Square, a mix of college and young professional. I view it as more of a backup bar if other places are busy.
Hair of the Dog: It's a dump, but it’s a fun place in the Lower East Side. One only goes here to get drunk.
Pizza Beach: Right next to Hair of the Dog, and it’s got a similar vibe and crowd as Hair of the Dog, but a bit less sloppy.
Rooftop Bars - often full of douchebags, but good fun and pretty, just ignore the douchebags:
Jimmy at the James hotel: Amazing rooftop bar with views of downtown. Note: it’s not cheap, so good to do before dinner for a drink or two if you’re on a budget.
Mr. Purple: Sceney rooftop and it can be hard to get in, but can be fun at both night and day. Note: I’ve been told by some locals that doing “The Triangle” is hitting Pizza Beach, Hair of the Dog, and Mr. Purple all in one night.
PhD at the Dream Hotel: Great views can be found at this amazing rooftop bar, but as with most amazing places, it can get tricky to get in, so go early if you really want in.
For Michael Bolton style romantic, expensive, sexy meals:
River Cafe: One of the most amazing meals I've had in my life, and it looks onto downtown Manhattan from Brooklyn. They have a Michelin Star and it’s fully deserved.
One if by land: Good for any really special occasion, you can thank me later.
Jewel Bako: Love this place! They have a Michelin Star and I’m surprised it’s only one. You can even get spiny lobster sashimi if it's in season (as seen on the Food Network) - but you have to call and order at least two weeks in advance because they ship it over from Japan. (This was pre-pandemic, so check with the restaurant to see if it’s even available anymore.)
Palm Court: Afternoon tea here will earn you lots of sexy points - but, it's busy so book ahead.
The Breslin: Great drinks spot and good food too.
(Fun times at The Breslin)
Affordable sexy:
Spice Market: Not cheap, but prob has one of the most reasonably priced tasting menus in the city. And the food is good.
Barrio Chino: Great jalapeno margaritas, and they have decent food too.
Buvette: Great place for drinks (just get a seat at the bar) or for a meal. Food there is delicious!
Jeffrey's Grocery: Just read my comments about Buvette, LOL.
Eataly: Rooftop bar is cool, but gets busy, so fight some people to get a spot.
Sushi Katsuei: Very good, affordable Omakase sushi; if you want to pay the price for a high end experience, I would suggest Jewel Bako in the list above.
JG Melon’s: One of the best burgers in New York.
Ms. Lily’s: Awesome Jamaican restaurant / bar; the one on Houston Street is more of a restaurant, the 7A location is a great late-night bar.
Mimi: Great French place in Greenwich Village / Soho.
L’Artusi: Great Italian in West Village.
Really cheap, not as sexy: But, has a bit of a cool factor because you can brag that the first two are from the U.K., the third from Hong Kong, the final is a NYC institution, and you knew about them before everyone did, LOL.
Wagamama: Japanese inspired cuisine, and the Chicken Katsu Curry will change your life.
Pret-a-Manger: Grab-and-go sandwiches.
Tim Ho Wan: Some of the greatest Dim Sum you will ever have, their original location in Hong Kong has a Michelin Star and became famous for being the cheapest Michelin Star meal in the world.
Joe’s Pizza: Great place to grab a late night slice.