A travel guide for NYC is probably one of the hardest things to write. There is SO MUCH good stuff to explore in this city. Given the fast-paced nature of NYC, things can go out of fashion pretty quickly, so here are a few of my favourites that are (hopefully) around to stay. Have split the below by places in Manhattan and those in Brooklyn.
Top tip: be prepared for the long slog getting out at airports in New York. Either pre-book yourself a car or get an Uber outside the airport terminal. Trust me, the last thing you want to have to do after a long-haul flight and usually a long line at passport control, is to wait another hour or so in the yellow cab line.
THINGS TO DO
Sights: Pretty obvious, but here goes: The Empire State Building; Statue of Liberty; stroll around Central Park; walk across the Brooklyn Bridge; the Chrysler Building; walk the High Line; if you can brave it (because it’s packed with tourists) check out Time Square and walk down Broadway; visit the different areas in Brooklyn and head to the flea market. Also check out The latest addition to the Manhattan architecture scene, The Oculus at The World Trade Centre
Museum: The Guggenheim; MoMA; The Met; Frick Gallery; The Whitney Museum
Where to shop: There are a few shops that are my must-gos. Madewell for super cute spring/summer attire; Warby Parker for awesome specs and sunnies; Outdoor Voices for the sickest work-out wardrobe; Glossier the ultimate millennial make up and skincare range; Reformation super cool easy breezy clothes store, perfect for summer party dress shopping. Be prepared to drop the dollars; Catbird for jewellery heaven in Williamsburg
Where to work out: If you’re anything like me, I need to work out when I go to the US. Even in New York, where you think it’s easy to be healthy, it’s not. Portions are big, even their salads (and the dressing that comes on the side!) My top two work outs that keep me eating guilt free are Barry’s Bootcamp and Soul Cycle. If you’re a spinning fiend like me, check out Peloton and IMAXShift
EAT – MANHATTAN
Burger Joint The hidden burger spot at the Parker Meridien Hotel. Just go!
Cafe Luxembourg Awesome spot in upper west NYC, serving French comfort food with a Parisian vibe. Great for brunch.
The Fat Radish Trendy modern British menu in a cosy, rustic setting
The Spotted Pig Arguably the best burger in New York. The rest of the menu is also stellar!
Donna Art deco-style taco joint with craft cocktails and and spinning DJs
Beauty in Essex Hidden behind a pawn shop, this trendy American menu with tasty cocktails
Catch Super cool seafood spot with a rooftop with beautiful people
By Chloe Vegan burgers that taste like ShakeShack
Blue Ribbon Sushi My favourite sushi spot in NYC
The Dutch A NYC staple for brunch, lunch or dinner
Little Prince Stylish bistro with a killer burger
Schillers Vintage liquor bar popular for their muscles and fries dish
Waverly Inn Awesome American resto with good food, wine and cocktails
Jack’s Wife Frieda Possibly the most popular weekend brunch/lunch spot in New York City. American menu with Middle Eastern influences.
Russ and Daughters Cafe A Jewish restaurant full of all the fish you want, from herring to caviar. Perfect for a light lunch, brunch of dinner. They also have a killer deli up the road (get the bagel) and full blown grocery store
Bond High-end sushi served in a hidden townhouse
Hundred Acres Seasonal American menu with a back garden
Indochine Super trendy French-Vietnamese menu served in an exotic decor of palm fronds & low light at this 80’s-era spot
Cafe Select Awesome Swiss menu with a Euro restaurant vibe
Sadelles’ A little over priced for what you get, but a NYC institution. Order the tower
SERRA by Birreria Rooftop restaurant of Eatly (which I love) in Flat Iron. Grab food in the building, SERRA isn’t worth it for the service or the menu
Tacombi Tacos, mezcal and creamy guac
Milk Bar Bakery A chain of dessert and bakery restaurants owned by founding chef Christina Tosi and part of the Manhattan-based Momofuku restaurant group created by Korean-American chef David Chang. Order everything. But especially the crack pie, ice cream and vegan cookies. Also in Brooklyn
Beaubourg – Le District Upscale French place with beautiful decor
Sant Ambroeus Soho Milanese cuisine and interiors
Boucherie Two-floor bistro for dry-aged steaks & other French fare, with a bar that’s strong on absinthe
Nur NYC Stylish setting for Middle Eastern small plates & shareable dishes, plus breads & desserts
Lucien Longtime East Village eatery showcasing classic French bistro cooking in a Parisian-style room
The Little Beet Table Modern restaurant offering organic, vegetarian-focused & gluten-free menu
Joe’s Shanghai Chinatown for dumplings
Dudley’s Chic all-day cafe & bar serving locally sourced American bites with an Australian twist
Katz Deli No-frills deli with theatrically cranky service serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888
Miznon In Chelsea Market. Israeli stuffed pitas with a local twist – order the minute steak pitta
EAT – BROOKLYN
Robertas Super popular pizza joint (also do great pastas and entrees) in Bushwick with a big outdoor seating area
Brooklyn Crab Crab, beer, sun, done
French Louis Trendy bistro near Cobble Hill in Brooklyn, featuring creative French-American meals in a stylish setting with patio seating
Glasserie Delicious mediterranean menu & cocktails served in a former glass factory with rustic-cool decor, bar & patio
Five Leaves Likely an hour wait for a table for weekend brunch, but well worth it. Dinner menu also on point – order the fried oysters, trust me
The Butcher’s Daughter Trendy AF vegan café, also in Manhattan
Cafe Mogador Buzzy Moroccan bistro
Sunday in Brooklyn Atera alum’s American restaurant with a marketplace, barroom & upstairs dining room & garden
Ovenly Small bakery with tasty treats and strong coffee
Cafe Colette American eatery popular for brunch, with tin ceiling & zinc bar adding a vintage vibe
Maison Premiere Oysters, cocktails & small plates in a New Orleans-styled setting with an atmospheric garden
Maman Rustic storefront showcasing classic French & American baked goods, plus soups, sandwiches & salads
Allswell Awesome American pub with a daily changing menu served in an old-time setting with a communal table. Order the brussell sprouts if they are on the menu
Hometown BBQ in Redhook
The Bedford A schoolhouse-styled front room & a dark lounge offer distinct spaces for American food & drink
Sauvage Maison Premiere sib serving French-accented American fare & cocktails in a crisp neo-bistro setting
Pony Boy Super cool bar & restaurant
Frankels A Brooklyn institution for bagels and pastrami sandwiches
Peter Pan Old-school bakery with counter seating for donuts & pastries, plus shakes & egg creams. $1.25 donuts.
Pies ‘n’ Thighs Brooklyn’s famous Pies ‘n’ Thighs has served its famous fried chicken, biscuits and pie
The Four Horsemen Wine bar from James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem serving small plates in snug digs with light woodwork
Diner Retro railcar environs & seasonal New American eats draw cool sorts to this funky spin on the diner
Oxomoco Wood-Fired Mexican
DRINK – MANHATTAN
Ludlow House The newer, cooler, younger brother of Soho House on the Lower East Side
Remi Flower and coffee shop
Bathtub Gin Speakeasy Follow the address and enter the laundrette or pizza shop, whatever is in front of it
DRINK – BROOKLYN
Devocion Colombian coffee in a super cool Williamsberg setting
Miss Favela Get a whiff of Rio de Janeiro’s carnival in Brooklyn
Baby’s Alright Cool haunt offering live music most nights
Dumbo House The newest Soho House addition. Incredible views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges. If you can get in, go.
Hotel Delamo Cool cocktail bar
Donna Vibrant, chic hangout for contemporary craft cocktails, spinning DJs & local tacos daily
Turkey’s Nest Dive bar
The Gibson Dimly lit saloon bar
The Brooklyn Whiskey Typical sports bar with great whiskey choices and a pretzel on the menu
Toby’s Estate Coffee Trendy AF coffee joint
Westlight Rooftop bar with panoramic skyline views from a terrace & glassed-in lounge plus craft cocktails
CLUB
SLEEP
Hoxton Williamsburg I love Brooklyn, in particular W’burg. The Hoxton is the latest hotel to pop up on Wythe, and it’s awesome. The rooms are tiny (such is New York) but the hotel itself is great
Soho House Because, well, Soho House NYC
Lowes Regency Uptown luxury, perfect for a work trip
I have visited New York many times since 2010. This post was published after my most recent trip in April 2017
Updated after my visit in February 2019