New York, New York
Happy Thursday my friends! I recently just came back from a 2-week long trip in NYC and it was a much long-overdue trip! Here I am with my suggestions of things to do and my favorite spots in the big apple!
One of the first things I tell everyone when they go to New York is live out your Gossip Girl dreams! The first stop I always make when i'm in the big apple are the shops on 5th Avenue! From your go to retail stores to the iconic ones like Bergdorf Goodman, you'll definitely have something fun to do! I also highly suggest you check out the top floor of the Victoria's Secret store as you'll get to see all the runway looks up close and have some cool photo ops!
Another fun thing I love doing in that area is exploring Rockefeller Center, especially around Christmas because of all the pretty lights! Highly recommend you go to the Top of the Rock as well for a killer, iconic view. Make sure to buy tickets online so you know when to arrive!
If shopping isn't your thing, no worries! You can venture over to Central Park using the entrance by The Plaza Hotel. From there you can explore the Bethesda Fountain (where Chuck and Blair got married!!), The Boathouse, which is so pretty over summer, where you can rent a row boat and just have a different experience from roaming around in the city! No matter what, Central Park has endless things to do and it is definitely a nice way to spend your time.
As you continue your way on the Upper East Side, I definitely recommend checking out the museums! I love the MET, but during this trip I explored The Frick Collection which was so pretty (and free on weds!).
If you're a shopaholic like me and need to do more shopping but in a more rustic setting, its time to hit the shops in SOHO! Not only is it the perfect place to take pictures but if you're ready to splurge, this is the spot to do it! I definitely love going to NOMO SOHO and to Sezané for pictures and just along the cobblestone streets! From there you can hop on the subway station and head over to Little Italy and Chinatown to explore the other hidden gems of NYC!
After you're done shopping, you can hop on the subway over the Chelsea and explore this next district! In Chelsea, there's the iconic Chelsea Market with tons of small shops and endless options of food! When I last went, I went for about 2 hours just because there was so much to do! After you're done in Chelsea, head across the street to the Starbucks Reserve to have a super cool roasters experience if you're really into coffee!
Close by, there's also Greenwich Village which is a cute area to explore for more munchies, small boutiques, and just a picturesque area.
To continue the train down Manhattan, check out the Flatiron District! Not only is it picturesque but there's plenty of shopping and food around you! Not far from here, you can head to Union Square for more food and shopping in a different urban environment which is always super nice!
As you head out of Manhattan, you may find yourself in a place called Brooklyn. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. Not only is there amazing food (Juliana's Pizza is a must try!), but the views of the Manhattan skyline at sunset are absolutely breathtaking. If you walk to the pier towards Manhattan, there's a whole area that you can walk around and honestly, it was one of my favorite experiences. As you explore in Dumbo, you'll also find yourself by the Williamsburg Bridge or as I like to call it, the Humphrey Loft (get my gossip girl reference?) which is so picturesque and will take you over to the carousel!
Now most importantly, WHERE TO EAT?!
Here is my list of favorites:
- Ichiran Ramen
- By Chloe. (pretty good vegan food!)
- Peter Lugar (iconic steak house in Williamsburg. YOU MUST GO!)
- Dominique Ansel Bakery (get their flower hot cocoa and croissants!)
- Rosemary’s (such an amazing vibe, with yummy Italian food!)
- Serendipity (I go here for the amazing iced hot chocolate!)
- Friedman's (get their apple cider mimosa! not on the menu which makes it so much better)
- Jack's Wife Freida (PLEASE GO HERE. WILL NOT DISAPPOINT!)
- Eataly (ENDLESS Italian food options!)
- Blue Dog (pricey, but such delish brunch!)
- Vivo Ristorante (amazing pizza and pasta for a super affordable price!)
- The SMITH (just go. please.)
- Juliana's Pizza (Probably some of the best pizza I've had!)
My final tip to you is to take the subway! No walk will ever be too much if you use the subway system and if you stay in NYC for longer than a week, or you know you'll be taking the subway a lot, get the special weekly pass and it will save you a ton of money!
I hope this travel guide was helpful and you have so much fun! Make sure to tag me @fionafkntran on your travels so I can see what you're up to!
xx Fiona