As I’m sure you’ve all seen that I recently went on a trip to New York, and quite frankly I imagine you’re all sick to death of my pictures, but I just can’t stop posting them! I’ve been to New York quite a few times now and each time I post a little summary of my trip so this time I wanted to put together a guide to New York as I’ve now got quite a few tips to share!
Top Site Seeing Spots
First things first, let’s talk about the reason most people go to New York, for the site seeing. I’m really lucky that having visited New York 4 times, I’m managed to practically see all of the sites. My absolute favourite thing to do when I visit New York is to go to the top of the Rockafella centre, otherwise known as Top of the Rock. When you get to the top it really is one of those moments that take your breath away as you have 360 degree views of the whole city and it’s beyond stunning.
Next up is Central Park. This couldn’t be a guide to New York without mentioning central park, it’s in every single film about the city you’ll ever see and whatever the season it’s always a must do/see. I’d recommend walking down to the lake as you can spend hours sat by the foundation people watching and watching people paddle boats. If you happen to go between November and December head down to the ice rink as there is nothing more magical than skating in the middle of New York surrounded by sky scrappers.
Another must is the Brooklyn Bridge. There are a few options for this site, you can walk across the bridge from down town Manhattan or go the other way from Brooklyn to Manhattan. I have to recommend going to the very end of the Bridge actually in Brooklyn to an area called Dumbo as that’s where you get a stunning view of the bridge between the buildings.
Food
Let’s move on to serious matters, food! If you’re going to New York you need to seriously prepare yourself for the food because there are so many amazing choices in every single area. A restaurant I have been to quite a few times now is Tao, which is a asian restaurant that serves some of the most incredible food and cocktails I’ve ever had. Also, if you’re a fan of Sex and the City, it’s the restaurant that has the huge buddha right at the back of the room, where Samantha brings her lesbian lover. Next is Angelos in Little Italy, which is quite possibly the best Italian food I’ve ever eaten. It’s a real authentic Italian restaurant that has a real family run feel and is insanely popular, so I’d recommend either booking or going early. Now, you can’t go to New York without having a burger. I know we get Shake Shack in London now, but the first time I ever had it was in New York and nothing quite beats cheesy fries and burgers in the Big Apple.
Lastly is the Butchers Daughter, which is the cutest brunch place in Soho. Now I have to say, we didn’t exactly have the most amazing service, but the actual venue is beautiful and the food is delicious, so hopefully we just caught them on a busy, bad day! Also, they have straws with avocados on them which is always a winner in my eyes.
Hotel
If I were to make one recommendation for when you book a hotel it would be to think about your location and what you want to be close to. On my last trip to New York we stayed at The Western in Times Square, which was in the most amazing location and literally a couple of blocks away from Times Square. If you’re heading to New York for the first time I’d definitely recommend staying somewhere like The Westin because you’re basically walking distance to everywhere uptown and close to lots of places to eat. Even though the Westin Hotel is smack bang in the middle of Times Square you’re also guaranteed to get a good nights sleep as they have such comfortable beds, which is exactly what you need after a day of exploring.
Sweet Tooth
As well as not being able to go to New York without having a burger you also need to have some kind of sweet treat! I have two places that I couldn’t not recommend to you, the first is an ice cream bar called Milk Bar Bakery which you’ve probably seen all over Instagram as they serve the prettiest ice cream ever!
The second place, is of course Magnolia Bakery, which is you have ever watched Sex and the City (can you tell I’m a fan) would be on the top of you list. They do super yummy cupcakes, and it’s on Bleeker Street, which is such a beautiful street in the heart of Greenwich Village, one of my favourite areas of New York as its full of brownstone houses.
Are you planning a trip to New York, are there any places that you deifnitely want to go to? I’d also love to hear if there is anything you think I’ve missed because let’s face it, I’ll be going back again as soon as I possibly can!
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