Ive been to NYC quite a few times now so here are my must haves, must dos and must eats. Not including the super touristy stuff because thats obvious. Also NYC is huge so its a work in progress!
Map
Sections
6
Hotels
Tour Options
Things to Do
Restaurants/Bars
Shopping
Etc Etc
Hotels
I love the freehand stays!
Freehand New York, New York, USA
Vintage and cool
Roxy Hotel New York, New York, USA
If you still wanna stay in Manhatten but in a less touristy area. Close to really cool restaurants (walking distance to Chinatown, Little Italy etc) and bars
Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York - NYC
More boutique hotel option
Ace Hotel New York, New York, USA
Famous Hotel. Ask about what happened in the elevator 😘
The Standard, East Village
Palm Spring vibes in NYC
The Rockaway Hotel, Queens, USA
Another Selina. great budget option
Selina Chelsea, New York, USA
Great hotel right in the thick of it. Has a great rooftop bar
MOXY NYC Times Square, New York, USA
Retrok vibes. Not quite in NYC proper but still a cool and unique stay
TWA Hotel
Cheap Hostel Option
Affordable NYC Accomodation | Chelsea International Hostel
Right in the thick of it
InterContinental New York Times Square
Staying outside of Manhatten will always be cheaper. Plus a rooftop pool
Arlo Williamsburg, Brooklyn, USA
Tour Options
Exactly how it sounds
Best of the USA Tour–New York to New York
A good way to see a bunch of NYC at once (the big tourist sights only)
New York Bus Tours
Spans the USA but starts in NYC
USA Tours | Topdeck Travel
A NYC only tour
New York Explorer
Top Insta Spots in NYC
New York Instagrammable Join In Day City Tour - Klook Australia
Things to Do
All the big must dos if its your first time
The New York Pass® | New York passes | Save up to 50%
What celeb hasnt gotten a pic? There are a few locations so check whats easiest for you
Booth by Bryant
Get the insta pics you deserve babe
NYC Photo Guide: the Best Instagram Spots In SoHo
If you're an art girlie, come here. Its free 💗
Keith Haring Bathroom - The Center
A great stop after walking the highline
Chelsea Market
A bit luxe I know, but see NYC from above
The Manhattan Helicopter Tour in New York
Cheap af way to see the NYC skyline
Tram - Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation
NYC in a Day Tour. I did this tour when I went to NYC for the first time like 15 years ago and I still stand by it. Knock out all the main tourist sites in one go so you can spend the rest of the time eating and shopping
New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
We did this for the first time in December and it was so coo. Great photography opportunities and views
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket
The newest NYC lookout. I havent been but Ive heard its good!
Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards Admission Ticket
Literally exactly what it sounds like. A secret bowling alley under the frick museum
Inaccessible New York: The Frick Collection Bowling Alley
Yes everyone will suggest walking the Brooklyn bridge, and I dont disagree. But if you walk the Manhatten- 1. its less crowded and 2. you actually have the brooklyn bridge in your view
Walking the Manhattan Bridge - A Complete Guide
get a view of the Statue of Liberty without the hefty pricetag
Staten Island Ferry
A medieval castle near NYC
The Met Cloisters
A hidden cave in Central Park
The Ramble
as much of a place to eat as it is a thing to do. Plus its walking distance from that iconic view of DUMBO
Time Out Market New York
Relax away from the hustle and bustle
AIRE The Ancient Thermal Baths & 45 min Relaxing Massage
I really enjoyed this museum. A great option if you want to slow down for a bit
Tenement Museum
Another market option
Smorgasburg
Its so beautiful lit up at night
SeaGlass Carousel
If you cant be bothered finding the good spots
Cocktail Tour in New York City
live out your Gossip Girl dreams
New York Skip-the-Line Metropolitan Museum of Art Half Day Tour
DC is close enough you can easily tack it on to any NYC trip (Philly too)
Washington DC Day Trip from New York City
Guggenheim Tix
Modern Art Elegance: Guggenheim Museum NYC Highlights Audio Guide - Klook Australia
if you need Broadway tix. Can also try to get cheaper ones on the day of. This is just Lion King but there is heaps of shows!
Lion King Broadway Tickets | Broadway Shows
If you just wanna see the Statue of Libery, I recommend the free ferry but this tour stops on Ellis Island if thats ya thing
NYC: 1-Hour Cruise Around Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Restaurants/Bars
Last Hotel Rec for now
MOXY NYC Times Square
The pineapple buns will change your life. ISTG
Menu — Mei Lai Wah
Ya its a bit basic. But the banana pudding is just too good not to include
Magnolia Bakery | Home
Get your fill
Prince Street Pizza
Rooftop bar and club. Good views of the city
Mr. Purple
Cool gals bar
Record Room
I literally buy packs of these bagels to freeze for later
Russ & Daughters
The name explains it all
City Winery
A must stop while in NYC, but you can also buy products to ship to you! (If in the US)
Milk Bar Bakery: Free Shipping on Mother's Day Orders $100+
Australian Style Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee Company
Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour
NYC Food Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy
Chelsea Market Food Tour + Highline Walk
Chelsea Market and High Line Guided Food Tour
a must when in NYC
Los Tacos No. 1 | Taquerias in New York City
not exactly a secret but still a very good Speakeasy
Please Don't Tell: Cocktail Bar | New York City
not exactly secret but still a classic. Go in the morning to stroll in with zero wait
Katz's Delicatessen
old timey. new york style
The Egg Cream, a New York Icon, Is Evolving ... - Eater NY
This was no joke my husbands favorite meal
Rubirosa
Get the Char Siu
Wah Fung No.1 Fast Food
its not open every day so make sure you check ahead of time!
Supermoon Bakehouse
You cant leave without a slice
Joe's Pizza
Shopping
Hear me out. These books are great. I LOVE travel books. You can even get the e-version so it doesnt take up space in your bag. I have this one and genuinely love it for inspo
Lonely Planet Experience New York City
Okay picture this fit- this hat, a jumper and New Balance trainers. Princess Diana vibes
47 Adults Unisex New York Yankees MVP
Unique Souvenier Option
Brooklyn Charm |
A New Yorker's uniform
Timberland Women's 6-Inch Premium Waterproof
Kate Spade and NYC are synonymous at this point. You cant go wrong with anything from there but I love this subtle luggage tag
Kate Spade Red Vegan Leather Luggage Tag
For crate digging
Ergot Records
cute souvenier
New York or Nowhere
Get your shopping done in one swoop
Brooklyn Flea
Etc Etc
Esim for USA and Canada
4G eSIM card high-speed Internet access in the United States and Canada (buy now and get QR code) - Klook
