New York Travel Guide
Have a Pocketful of Dreams?
If you’re craving a bustling and thrilling city experience, New York City is the place for you. From beautiful Central Park, to feeling like a star watching Broadway, to endless things to do and see, or from exploring the charming West Village, you simply have to visit at least once!
Bright lights in the big city
Oh, the city that never sleeps! Are you ready?
While I was prepping for my first visit to this amazing city, I was overwhelmed with what to spend my time doing. There are so many guides out there, and Google is just a trap. You could spend hours sifting through articles, so I wanted to help out future travelers so they can experience NYC like a boss.
First step: reflect on your travel preferences. Are you a shopper? Are you into history? Do museums interest you? Is Broadway a must-do for you?
If you don’t like crowds, let’s talk about where to stay in charming villages that will enhance your stay and give you another look at how charming the city can be.
More ideas for things to do up ahead!
How to Get There:
We flew from Boston into the Newark station, where we then took an air train into the city. In Newark this was free, however if you fly into JFK, expect to cough up some dollars. Regardless of which airport you arrive into, plan for about an hour to an hour and a half to get into New York City.
Note: on the LIRR train, some cabins don’t open for certain stops. You can check this on the LIRR App.
For general trains around the city, my phone’s digital wallet allowed me to simply tap to pay. It was super slick! This is a new feature.
Your phone’s Google Maps will guide you so very easily across the city. However, don’t expect to figure out the subway system your first attempt! Give yourself plenty of time to be human, and learn.
If we work together to design your New York experience, we will arrange a private transfer so you don’t have to think after a flight.
Where to Eat:
Grand Banks - on a boat!
Chelsea market Corkbuzz Wine Bar
Gansevoort rooftop - get the Prosciutto and fig flatbread!
Fun Korean pub, Itaewong
Brass Monkey for a NYC “dive bar”
Bar pitti
Catch
Arriviamo bar for a unique coffee experience
Full and Pistol Oyster Bar in Chelsea Market
Golden diner on the west of China town, get the egg sandwich for brunch!
Locanda verde for Italian
Smith
Blue dog
Sflitiani Italian Gourmet
Ruby Rosa
Grey dog
Peak
Tavern on the Green
Moms for brunch, local diner
Rooftop at 230 on 5th
Shop shoo Nolita
Magnolia Bakery
La Masseria (Italian)
K Rico (Peruvian Steakhouse)
tuome - Asian Fusion
Restaurants in the West Village:
St Tropez
Buvette
Boucherie
Little Owl (they have a great happy hour wine deal- and it’s super cute)
Emily's (great Detroit style pizza, lowkey vibes)
Speakeasy’s
Employees Only
Please Don’t Tell
Bathtub Gin
Little Branch
The Back Room
Apotheke
Travel Tips:
Be prepared to use Google Maps to help you navigate the subway
Pay attention to local trains versus express trains - express trains skip a handful of stops
Ask for directions if you're lost! New Yorkers aren't rude, they're just busy - just get to the point instead of small talking
Don't stop while walking in the middle of the sidewalk, this is considered very rude
NYC is the 7th most expensive city in the world - plan accordingly
Restrooms are hard to come by - take advantage when you're dining at a restaurant, or you may need to find a nearby mall
Don’t take the decision on where to stay lightly - this can impact your entire experience in New York. Let’s talk through travel specifications to find the best option - whether you’re looking to be in the heart of a fabulous shopping district, want a lively atmosphere, prefer sound-proof rooms to not hear the bustling streets, or enjoy club lounge access overlooking Central Park.
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There is something in the New York air that makes sleep useless
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Things to Do:
Central Park! I highly recommend renting bikes or a carriage
The Met
Little Italy food tour
Get high tea at the iconic Plaza
Walk on the high line / edge of town on the water
Brooklyn bridge
Make your own perfume
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Tour of the Meatpacking District
Empire State Building
Artechouse NYC
Visit the Bronx Zoo
Visit Battery Park
Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry
City Climb, NYC’s most thrilling view?
Sleep No More - a spooky, immersive theatrical experience
World Trade Center
Taking the A train down to 14th Street and walking over to the West Village and taking a selfie in front of the building
The Edge
Rockefeller, or Top of the Rock
Go shopping in Soho
Visit Chinatown
Visit Coney Island
Take a helicopter over NYC
See a show on Broadway
Visit the American Museum of Natural History
Check out Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Check out some of the best views of the city on top of the Rock Observation Deck
Cruise on the Hudson River
Bryant park
Of course, explore Times Square
Have dinner and drinks in the theater district, pre-Broadway
Summit One Vanderbilt - a must
Find your favorite Speakeasy and rooftop bar!
Enjoy the members-only retro karaoke bar and bowling alley at the Gansevoort, or secure complimentary access by booking with a luxury travel advisor.
Ask me where the best place in the city is to view the Thanksgiving Day Parade - we can secure you club access, but you need to book quite far in advance.
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Even if it ain't all it seems, I got a pocketful of dreams. Baby I'm from New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of. There's nothing you can't do. Now you're in New York. These streets will make you feel brand new. Big lights will inspire you. Hear it for New York, New York, New York
“
All in all, the city can be overwhelming if you don’t have a plan of action.
Let’s get to planning your dream NYC trip so you can just pack your bags, wake up, and welcome yourself to New York.
It’s been waiting for you, after all.