New York City Travel Guide

Oh New York City, how I love you. I was born in New York, outside the city about 45 minutes. Both my parents are born and raised in New York and it is definitely a part of my identity. Although I may not have lived there long, I still consider myself a New Yorker. For many reasons. One, I’ll never forget being made fun of as a kid living in Montreal for saying “watermelon” funny (I mean it’s WAR-ter-melon, right?) and I attribute my fast-paced, no bull shit attitude to my New York roots that were instilled in me by my parents at a young age. We visited often in the summers, and now go back every so often. I myself go back more for work and pleasure too.

New York City is a massive yet also tiny island. It’s exhausting but also inspiring. It gets me excited and also has me feeling immense regret that I never lived there in my early 20s. So many emotions when I’m in the city but I can 100% attest that I feel MOST at home in this city than almost anywhere else in the world, that even includes Atlanta. The people, the vibe, the culture, I see myself more in New York and the people than I do anywhere else.

New York City Travel Guide

NYC is quite big so although this New York City travel guide is a great list of my personal favorite things, it may not make ANY sense to visit this one restaurant in the East Village. Or to trek up to the Upper West Side for a Levain cookie. But if you can, go, the cookie is insane. These are my favorite places that I’ve been to after years of visiting the Big Apple. I clearly have more to add to the list so now I’m debating another trip to expand my list of restaurants! But here are my favorite things to see, eat and do when I visit New York City.

Getting To New York City

Flying In – It seems as though each airport has its people. I personally usually fly into Laguardia (LGA). A complete shit storm of an airport, but closest to the city. There’s a bus you can take to get into the city that takes you to Port Authority for all of $16. But then consider where you’re staying from there. I typically just take a taxi and it’s always around $55. I’ve heard JFK is much more enjoyable in terms of the airport itself, but it’s not super close to Manhattan so your cab ride may be much longer and more expensive. I say, choose what’s more important. Flight times/budget and if you’re willing to spend more time in the car. And always consider where you’re staying in the city as it may play a role in which airport you should fly into.

My Favorite Neighborhoods

New York City can be a little confusing since there are boroughs and neighborhoods. NYC Is made up of 5 boroughs. Manhattan (where all of this post is a guide to), Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Queens. But within Manhattan are loads of great neighborhoods. Here are some of my favorites because they’re full of great restaurants, are charming and where I’d like to live one day.

Lower East Side – Also known as Alphabet City, this part of town is an eclectic part of town that was more recently gentrified. There is still a ton of Jewish heritage here as it is home to Katz’s Deli and Russ & Daughters. Personally, skip Katz’s and definitely hit up R&D (bagel seen above is from them!)

Chelsea – One of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. It’s so charming and full of residential streets. It’s also home to Chelsea Market, a must visit place for all the best food. Plus, it’s where you can pick up the High Line. An elevated walkway through the city. This is one of the best things to do in the spring time!

Greenwich Village – Below Chelsea, is Greenwich Village. Nearby is Meatpacking District and the West Village. So many great little restaurants in this area and stunning homes. A few must-visit spots in this area is Washington Square Arch. Just grab some street food or a bagel nearby and head to the park to eat and do some people watching.

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Where To Eat In New York City

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Coffee, Cocktails, Pizza & More!

My Favorite NYC Hotels

Sites To See And Things To Do In NYC

Top Of The Rock – Rockefeller Center observation deck. Amazing views of the city. I’d say give yourself at least an hour to do this

Central Park – Stay as short or as long as you like. You could easily spend half a day here!

Empire State Building – I have always been told to go to Top Of The Rock to see the Empire State Building, no need to visit it.

Flatiron Building – A popular photographic corner that’s also close to Eataly!

Rockefeller Center – While at Top Of The Rock, be sure to visit Rockefeller Center and go ice skating if it’s open!

St. Patricks Cathedral – Across from Rockefeller Center

The Met – Metropolitan Museum Of Art

9/11 Museum & Observation Deck – Get the tissues ready, this was the toughest museum I’ve been to next to the Holocaust Museum. It’s really the only museum as a millennial that we can walk through and remember it happening.

Grand Central Station – A bustling destination. Visit the oyster bar upstairs for a cocktail and oysters!

Times Square – An absolute zoo, but worth a quick visit if you’ve never been.

Broadway Show – The best way to spend an evening in NYC is to check out a Broadway show. Nothing is like a show in the city.

Statue Of Liberty – I’ve never personally done this, but why not? You can also do a boat tour around the island and see the State of Liberty that way.

What To Pack

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Photos by Hannah Lozano