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 as a kid, 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-bullshit 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 since then, would go back every few years. I myself would go back more for work and pleasure too. And more recently, did nearly 2.5 months in Cobble Hill Brooklyn in 2023 to test out a potential move. Finally, I made the move official to New York City in the fall of 2023.

Since then I have been trying out tons of new to me restaurants, exploring neighborhoods in my downtime and checking out museums, parks and Broadway shows. New York City is one of my most favorite cities in the world, and if you’re planning a visit soon, this guide is for you.

New York City Travel Guide

While this post is a quick overview of visiting NYC with a handful of favorite spots, in May 2025, I launched my guide to New York City. The Indigo City Guide. This guide is PACKED with information, recommendations and insider tips. From how to get to the city from all 3 airports, the best ways to get around town, tips to seeing Broadway and other live shops and a Google Map list with over 400 recommendations.

The Google Map is one of my favorite exclusives of the guide. Everytime I visit somewhere new that I love, it gets added to the map. You can save this map to your Google Map app with one click once you get my guide. Then, when you’re out and about exploring, you can easily see where all my favorite spots are. Easily find something nearby without having to search Yelp or reviews for the best spots.

What’s Inside The NYC Guide

350+ Recommendations

Restaurants, Coffee Shops And More

There’s an abundance of favorite restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, diners, and more to add to your itinerary when visiting NYC. Whether you want something low-key in Chinatown or a fancier dinner spot to celebrate something special, this guide includes a variety of cuisines, budgets and atmospheres.

Museums, Historical Sites, Parks and More

Visit all the best places with my list of museums, historical monuments, landmarks and parks. There’s so much to see and take in and these are some of my must-visits if you’re visiting New York City. Plus, all the best information on heading to Broadway and other entertainment options throughout the city all year long.

An Exclusive Broadway Offer

$20 Off Your Broadway Show

I’m thrilled to be teaming up with TodayTix to offer a discount to customers. You’ll receive an exclusive $20 off code for first-time customers when you purchase my guide. Valid on ticket purchases over $99. This offer expires in May 2026.

My Google Map

Everything Is Linked To A Map

One of my favorite travel tips is the ease of access to my recommendations when you arrive in NYC. Everything is linked for your convenience in a Google Map List. The guide provides a link to the map that you can save to your phone. This makes on-the-go exploring super easy so you can see all my favorite spots no matter where you are in the city. Any places I add to my NYC Google Map List get automatically updated on your end, so you are always getting the most up-to-date recommendations.

Other Helpful Tips

Neighborhood Guides

The New York City guide is organized by neighborhoods with a quick overview of what makes the area special, followed by a curated list of the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore. I also include tips for what to know before you go, along with some ideas on how I’d spend my time. It’s designed to make exploring each part of New York City feel easy, exciting, and local. There are 28 neighborhoods covered in this guide.

NYC Tips For Visitors

If this is your first time visiting NYC and you’re not sure about the train, the ferry, how to get to and from the airports and more, this guide covers it all. You’ll arrive in NYC feeling confident in getting around like a local.

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My Favorite New York City Neighborhoods

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

Lower East Side

This part of town is an eclectic area that I really adore. There is still a ton of Jewish heritage here as it is home to Katz’s Deli and Russ & Daughters. This is also home to the area, Alphabet City.

Greenwich Village

Below Chelsea, is Greenwich Village. Nearby are Meatpacking District and the West Village too. 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.

Greenwich Village is also home to the Friends apartment. You can find it on 90 Bedford Street.

West Village

Oh to dream to live here one day. The West Village is a personal favorite. So much great shopping and restaurants. Many beautiful brownstones and stunning stoops. This is also home to the Carrie Bradshaw apartment on 66 Perry Street.

Upper West Side

Head up here for a slightly more quiet Manhattan experience. Steps from Central Park, and lots of great restaurants and bakeries like the original Levain Bakery, Zabar’s and Magnolia Bakery to name a few. Head to the ballet at Lincoln Center, or stroll up and down Broadway for some shopping.

Upper East Side

A posh neighborhood that’s known for lots of gorgeous brownstones and luxury high rises. Head to Museum Mile with lots of places to explore from the Guggenheim to the MET. Grab an overpriced latte at Ralph’s and do a little shopping on 5th Avenue, all right next to Central Park.

SoHo

A must visit if you’re in NYC. SoHo is your shopping destination, great restaurants and iconic colorful cast iron facades. I find myself stopping every time I’m in this neighborhood to look up and snap photos of all the beautiful buildings. Plus, the cobblestone streets make it feel extra NYC.

Tribeca

Right below SoHo is Tribeca which has historic industrial buildings, lots of cobblestone streets and just feels so hip and cool. Check out Bubby’s for brunch or lunch, and Max’s Restaurant for fantastic homemade Italian.

Coffee, Cocktails, Pizza & More!

See my roundup of the best bakeries in New York City.

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.

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.

See A 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. I suggest using TodayTix to find tickets and even get rush pricing.

After spending nearly 2.5 months in Cobble Hill to test run living in NYC, a charming neighborhood just a couple of stops from Manhattan, I have fallen in love with this borough. Here are some of my favorite places I explored.

Where To Explore In Brooklyn

There are a lot of wonderful neighborhoods that you can explore in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is LARGE, so yes, there are tons of other neighborhoods. I barely scratched the surface! Below are a few favorites that you can totally spend a full day in that I really enjoyed.

Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights and Carroll Gardens

I’m putting these all together as they are one after another in Brooklyn. Cobble Hill is super small, so you can walk right through it in a flash. These three neighborhoods are so charming. They’re lined with beautiful trees and brownstones and packed with things to explore.

So many great restaurants here and you can also explore the Brooklyn Promenade. Walk down Atlantic Ave to do some shopping. Don’t forget to walk up and down Court Street and Smith Street which are packed with restaurants and great shops. Visit Books Are Magic for a well curate beautiful local bookstore.

If you choose to stay in this area, check out 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Steps from the Brooklyn Promenade and Dumbo.

DUMBO

For incredible views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, check out DUMBO. right next to Brooklyn Heights, this small neighborhood sits on the water and has the most breathtaking views.

Check out Time Out Market for some great food options. And head to Pebble Beach to walk along the water. Grab an ice cream at Van Leeuwan’s, or pizza at Grimaldi’s. Do a little shopping from the Brooklyn Flea.

You can also head to the stairs in the underpass on Washington Street/Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a really pleasant walk to take and is a great way to spend an hour.

And don’t forget to take in the epic view at Washington and Water Street of the Manhattan Bridge. It’s stunning!

Williamsburg

This hip neighborhood definitely feels more youthful and fun. And feels a bit more like the city than the above neighborhoods. Head to Williamsburg for more great restaurants and shopping.

Plus, visit Domino Park to take in the views of Manhattan. Pack a picnic, or just talk a walk with your morning coffee here. It’s simply a beautiful park.

If you choose to stay in Williamsburg, I love a Hotel Indigo. The Hotel Indigo Williamsburg – Brooklyn is simply stunning, modern and super chic. The rooms are airy and spacious for NYC. It was also super walkable to lots of things to do.

Red Hook

This laidback seaside neighborhood is full of cool artsy stores, breweries and even wineries. It’s got a quirky and artsy vibe to it and is a great way to spend an afternoon. Grab a sandwich at Defonte’s and a beer at Keg & Lantern.

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Brooklyn Restaurants

June

A super charming wine bar with a solid menu. Enough to have a full meal. I loved the baked gnocchi and the ricotta toast. Also has a courtyard, reservations are recommended.

Poppy’s

A wonderful bakery and cafe. Come here for a coffee or treat, or even breakfast for one of their egg sandwiches. I loved the chai latte and cardamom morning bun. One of the best pastries I’ve ever had.

Bar Bête

A modern French restaurant in Carroll Gardens. Really loved the leek appetizer, it was a memorable dish that was so unique. Everything here was delicious. And be sure to finish with the yellow cake with chocolate frosting.

Frankies 457 Spuntino

Go for lunch, brunch or dinner. Everything here is fantastic but I will always remember the BLT sandwich.

Smith Street Bagels

Your typical bagel shop serving up great New York bagels with a variety of cream cheeses. They also have sandwiches, salads and some baked goods. This one is a favorite and made it on my best bagels in NYC list here.

The Long Island Bar

Neighborhood watering hole with great cocktails. But they are known for their burger. Go for the double patty. It was a delicious burger and came with even better french fries.

Shelsky’s Delicatessen

Classic Jewish deli with lots of great smoked fish and lox options to choose from. Try a breakfast sandwich too. Everything here is insanely yummy.

Sahadi’s

A middle-eastern market that also serves up prepared foods. Grab lunch here or a few groceries.

Lassen & Hennigs

My favorite spot to grab a sandwich or snack to head to Brooklyn Promenade which was just steps away. The lemon ginger iced tea is fantastic and refreshing on a hot day. The breakfast sandwich on a Kaiser roll is always a good choice. Cookies, cakes and pastries are all delicious.

K’Far

Located in The Hoxton Williamsburg, this Israeli restaurant is colorful, flavorful and fun. I loved the brick chicken and mushroom hummus.

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Where To Stay In Brooklyn

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What To Pack For A Trip To New York City

Must Pack Items

There are a few things I always recommend having on hand when you’re visiting NYC. An external charger since you’ll be relying heavily on your phone for maps and subway info or ordering an Uber.

Plus, comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a ton of walking and the comfier the shoes the better. I’m almost always in a sneaker in NYC and I would not choose any other shoe for my day to day exploring. While my platform Converse are truly so comfortable, I try to wear a real walking sneaker whenever possible as well.

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Instagram Worthy

• Brooklyn Bridge
• Minneta Street x Minnetta Lane (photo above was taken on that street)
• Flatiron Building (Broadway & 5th for that iconic shot!)
• Central Park Gapstow Bridge
• Plaza Hotel
• Washington Square Park
• Grand Central Station (inside or outside!)
• Tribeca (anywhere, but Vestry Street x Greenwich Street are, in my opinio,n most iconic to the neighborhood vibe)
• Top Of The Rock – TIP, go up one story while your subject is on the viewing deck to get an epic shot!

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Photos by Hannah Lozano and KVC Photography