NEW YORK NEW YORK!

This unique city profile has been compiled for you over many years following truly memorable visits to the Big Apple. It incorporates my own personal experiences and those of my many amazing trusted friends and family, including those who have had the great privilege of calling New York home for a while or even still. I have also been keeping a close eye on social media trends and have included those recommendations in here too.

In putting this together for you, I hope that you can draw on this fabulous treasure trove of collective knowledge when you plan the itinerary for your next trip – or even your first ever trip – to the beautiful vibrant resilient energetic City that Never Sleeps……

And when you return…..the idea is to pay it forward and share your NYC top tips and adventures here with us on the Friends Travel Network 🌍💫……so start spreading the news……

Disclaimer: The content in this post is for general informational and entertainment purposes only. Use of any information provided in this post is at the reader’s own risk. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this post. The information contained in this post is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees (express or implied) of completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, availability, usefulness or timeliness. No affiliate links or compensation have been received for this post.

NEW YORK NEW YORK!!!! ❤️🍎🗽🚖

Index

• GROUND ZERO
• WALL STREET & THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT
• TRIBECA
• STATUE OF LIBERTY AND ELLIS ISLAND 
• GOVERNORS ISLAND
• CENTRAL PARK
• THE MEATPACKING DISTRICT AND HUDSON YARDS 
• CHELSEA
• WEST VILLAGE 
• MIDTOWN
• TIMES SQUARE AND BROADWAY
• HELLS KITCHEN 
• GREENWICH VILLAGE 
• SOHO
• GRAMERCY 
• FLATIRON DISTRICT 
• EAST VILLAGE/LOWER EAST SIDE
• CHINATOWN
• WILLIAMSBURG
• BROOKLYN
• GENERAL

Getting started:

The key to a great trip to NYC is to plan ahead. Make an itinerary, pre-book tickets (for the popular observatories, it is a good idea to book the earliest morning slot to avoid the lines and crowds), and make restaurant reservations well in advance (hot restaurants release slots 30 days in advance so diarise this and take the time difference into account).

This guide is a neighbourhood-based round-trip around NYC which should help you to plan your hotel stays and days out accordingly. Each section includes restaurant tips, attractions and tours.

The best way to get around NYC is on the subway (the traffic is really terrible at all times of the day and night!). The subway is now even easier to use with Apple Pay/contactless payment.

If you’re on a budget, pizza slices are very economical in NYC.

GROUND ZERO

For a really brilliant 9/11 Ground Zero walking tour and 9/11 museum expedited entry ticket….

Book at: www.911groundzero.com

Time: factor in around 3.5 hours 

Ground Zero Walking Tour

This is a 90 minute guided tour of Ground Zero with a New Yorker who has a personal connection to the events of 9/11. 

Meeting location:

1. OUTSIDE the front entrance of Saint Paul’s Chapel on 209 Broadway
2. Your guide will be there 15 minutes before the tour start time holding a sign. 
3. Please note, we do NOT meet at the 9/11 Memorial or Museum which is the last stop of the tour allowing you to stay as long as you wish.

Our guide: Dan C 

Dan is an improv actor and a comedian living in NYC. His mum was involved in helping to transport people away from the 9/11 emergency site when the twin towers fell. For most of that awful day, he did not know where his mother was or if she was safe. He was an excellent tour guide, talking us through the events of that tragic day in our history with great respect but also with an uplifting sense of humour and resilience. Highly recommend. 

9/11 Museum visit

Expedited entry is included if you choose this package. This part of the tour is not guided. The museum audio guide is recommended. The museum is one of the best, don’t miss it. So thoughtfully done with such respect and attention to detail. It preserves one of the most tragic pieces of History in a very thought-provoking and visually impacting way. 

The Memorial 

Take some time after the walking tour and the museum visit to walk around and appreciate the beautiful poignant 9/11 memorial and reflect….. do you remember where you were that day ….💔

One World Freedom Tower

Views in HD. Brand new. Book tickets at www.oneworldobservatory

Or….

Your Ground Zero walking tour and museum package can include entry to the Freedom Tower if you choose the full package at www.911groundzero.com. 

Eataly at Westfield World Trade Centre A great option for an amazing Italian lunch or dinner after Ground Zero at 185 Greenwich St, NY 10006.

Le District 

Stop for delicious food on the way to the Media Boat – walk across the big dual carriageway opposite One World Tower in the direction of the water and in the smart building opposite you will find a lovely market type food court with loads of different options called Le District:

Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty Street, NYC

www.ledistrict.com

Adjacent to the North Cove Harbor, Le District is steps away from some of New York’s most acclaimed destinations: City Hall, the Statue of Liberty Ferry, the New York Stock Exchange, World Trade, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and Brookfield Place.

New York Media Boat 

www.nymediaboat.com

Absolutely amazing 1.5 hour Adventure Sightseeing Speedboat Tour showcasing the world-famous Manhattan skyline and top sights from the unique vantage point of the Hudson River aboard the boat that media companies charter to follow breaking news!

The tour:

We’ll leave Manhattan and head out on the Hudson River to get spectacular views of downtown and midtown with the Empire State and Chrysler buildings. We run north to the Aviation Pier, the FDNY Fireboat Station, Chelsea Piers, and head for the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier and Cruise Ship Terminal, before turning south along the New Jersey shoreline. From Hoboken we cross back over to Manhattan and stop right in front of the Financial District and Freedom Tower. Rounding Battery Park, we enter the East River where you’ll see the helicopters take-off and land as we cruise past South Street Seaport, go under the Brooklyn Bridge and to the Manhattan Bridge. After taking in the iconic views, we run along the Brooklyn waterfront, the Red Hook Container Terminal and around Governors Island. Crossing the Upper Bay you’ll see commercial vessels such as tug boats, oil barges, and the Staten Island Ferry as we make our way to the Statue of Liberty. We stop right outside the security zone so you can get an up-close and unobstructed view of Lady Liberty. Returning to Manhattan, we pass Ellis Island, and you’ll have great views of the entire world-famous NYC skyline. 

ADDRESS: North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place
225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10286

DIRECTIONS: From the corner of South End Avenue and Liberty Street, walk past the security barrier and down the ramp towards North Cove Marina. A small park (Pumphouse Park) will be on your right hand side. Our boats pick you up at the first floating dock in the South East corner of the boat basin. There is a blue sign on the railing that reads ‘New York Media Boat’. Please wait at the gate and our captains will greet you there. You can always call or text us at +1 347-789-0588 or +1 347-933-1472.

Wall Street & the Financial District

Fun to see the iconic NY Stock Exchange and Maestro Arturo Di Modica’s Charging Bull – the iconic Charging Bull is located in Bowling Green, New York City at the intersections of Broadway and Morris Street. Factor in some time here because you need to queue now to touch the bull. Trinity Church is beautiful. 

Dead Rabbit  – 30 Water Street – the world’s most awarded pub; 2-story spot combining a lunch taproom with a parlor serving small plates and vintage cocktails.

Crown Shy – 70 Pine Street Groundfloor (Michelin Star, one of NYC’s hottest new restaurants) – a neighbourhood seasonal restaurant elevated by fine dining training and technique (rec: sticky toffee pudding with apple sorbet).

In the summer months you could take the NYC Ferry to Rockaway Beach from Pier 11/Wall St. at South St, New York, NY 10005.

TRIBECA

The TriBeCa Grill (Robert De Niro’s restaurant) is really good. 

The Greenwich Hotel in TriBeca (owned by Robert De Niro) at 377 Greenwich Street Tribeca NY 10013 is recommended for drinks. 

Locanda Verde is a TriBeCa hot spot showcasing rustic Italian cuisine in a lively atmosphere at 377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013.

Restaurant Marc Forgione – bold farm-to-table cuisine in candlelit, rustic-chic environs attracts romance-minded foodies at 134 Reade St, New York, NY 10013.

Tiny’s – Historical 1810 bi-level townhouse showcasing New American fare in a dimly lit, rustic setting in TriBeca at 135 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013.

Tamarind TriBeca – rated as one of the best Indian restaurants in NYC. High-end Indian kitchen serving upscale versions of classic dishes in a modern, soaring space at 99 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013.

Sushi of Gari a sushi lover’s dream, where traditional meets innovation. Come try some of the best and most creative sushi in New York City – 130 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013.

Bubby’s – 120 Hudson St – weekend brunch hotspot serving homestyle American comfort food.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island 

To visit these sights, the National Parks website (www.nps.gov) recommends that you only book tickets through www.statuecruises.com. Here you can reserve tickets for different options including pedestal and crown access to the Statue of Liberty. It is recommended that you book these in advance as the tickets for the pedestal and crown access are limited.  The new Statue of Liberty Museum (https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/visiting-the-museum.htm) opened on Liberty Island in May 2019 to showcase the history of the Statue of Liberty in three interactive galleries and to house Lady Liberty’s original torch.

The Ellis Island audio tour is very basic. You can do a free ranger-guided tour (about 40 minutes). Tours depart from the information desk on the hour. Tickets are not required for walking tours. You can also reserve a “Hard Hat Tour” of the Hospital Complex at www.statuecruises.com. Guided 90-minute tours will take you to select areas of the 750-bed Ellis Island Hospital Complex.

The New York Media boat sightseeing adventure trip takes you right up to these sights if you don’t actually want to visit. 

The Statten Island ferry is a very New York experience and provides a fantastic view of the Statue of Liberty. 

Helicopter trip – a fantastic way to see this incredible city with its iconic skyscrapers and famous landmarks if the budget can stretch. You can take one near the Statten Island ferry building. 

Governors Island

One of the most popular outings in New York City is a trip to Governors Island (https://www.govisland.com/). The 172-acre site in the middle of New York Harbor was used for 200 years for military training purposes, but now is a popular and convenient summer escape for New Yorkers and tourists alike.

The island is open every day from 1st May to 31 October. 

An award-winning new park the Hills is complemented by dozens of unique historic buildings, environmental educational facilities, a rich arts and culture program and a 22-acre National Monument managed by the National Park Service. Unlike anywhere else in New York, Governors Island offers peaceful settings with sweeping views of the Harbor, Lower Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. 

It’s only a 10-minute ferry ride from either Manhattan or Brooklyn, and the island offers miles of biking and walking paths, an urban farm, art installations, music festivals, a playground, and extraordinary views of New York City.

Central Park

Cycling 

A lovely way to experience Central Park, there are many bike rental places near the park.

The Loeb Boathouse Restaurant

Lovely location but pricey. Booking essential. Only open for brunch on the weekend. 

www.thecentralparkboathouse.com

The Boathouse express cafe  

Nice little cafe right at the Boathouse – good for a cycling/walking pit stop.

Exploring Central Park

It is vast and lovely to walk the length and breadth to see the famous movie spots including the zoo, the Alice in Wonderland statue, Sheep’s Meadow, the lake (boat hire available in the summer months) and a horse and carriage ride is fun! Ice skating in Central Park at Christmas time is very special. 

Museums near Central Park

The Frick Collection 

A beautiful private collection of old masters and some exquisite impressionist paintings in a Fifth Avenue mansion. 1 East 70th Street NY 10021.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

An absolute must visit – an incredible art collection full of extraordinary treasures but also the building itself is amazing. Have a glass of wine on the rooftop of the Met.  1000 5th Avenue NY 10028. 

The Neue Galerie 

Klimt’s exquisite “Woman in Gold” painting – the portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer (1907) is housed in this wonderful small Austrian German art gallery. There are other beautiful Klimts there too. The Austrian Cafe Sabarsky – wood-panelled gorgeous Austrian cafe overlooking Central Park is quite special! The warm apple strudel is worth queuing for. 1048 5th Avenue NY 10028. 

The Guggenheim Museum

Fantastic modern and contemporary art collection housed in the most stunning of modern architectural NY icons designed by Frank Lloyd-Wright. 1071 5th Avenue NY between 88th and 89th St. 

Museum of the City of New York

In East Harlem at the top of Museum Mile at 1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St. – a history and art museum intending to preserve and present the history of NYC and its people.

Colombus Circle

Visit The Shops at Columbus Circle, a lovely shopping mall. There is a great J Crew there and the Center Bar on the fourth floor has a kale and duck salad that is amazing. They also do truffle grilled cheese to die for. The views from there of Central Park are spectacular. 10 Columbus Circle 4th Floor NY 10019. 

It’s lovely to walk around Columbus Avenue and that area – the Lincoln Centre is very iconic NY. There is also Century 21 for fantastic deals on designer clothing and shoes.

The Meatpacking District and Hudson Yards

The Standard Grill High Line 848 Washington Street – enjoy a lovely breakfast before walking the High Line www.thehighline.org – starting at Gansevoort Street to Hudson Yards: “Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through gardens, view art, experience a performance, savour delicious food, or connect with friends and neighbours – all while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.” (It’s a nice 5km run from the starting point of the High Line in Meatpacking to the Vessel and back).

The Vessel at 20 Hudson Yards – comprised of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs – this attraction is temporarily closed.

Edge NYC at 30 Hudson Yards – incredible protruding 100-stories-high observation deck with a glass floor, bar and 360 degree spectacular NYC views. This was definitely a big favourite and well worth it! Afterwards we explored the amazing shopping centre and grabbed milkshakes at Shake Shack and some sweet treats at Dylan’s Candy Store.

Estiatorio Milos Wine Bar and Restaurant – 20 Hudson Yards, 5th Floor – stylish Greek restaurant serving fresh seafood in a Mediterranean-style white washed setting.

Catch NYC – 21 9th Avenue – lively seafood restaurant, known for celebrity sightings.

The Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney at 99 Gansevoort St is a contemporary museum near the High Line presenting the full range of twentieth-century American art. Look out for incredible exhibitions like the recent Edward Hopper.

Pastis 52 Gansevoort St – traditional French fare: bistro food and high-energy atmospherics from a chic crowd.

The Intrepid is a fantastic sea, air and space museum on a massive aircraft carrier ship – 

“A floating museum – get up close to the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, a British Airways Concorde and submarine Growler, wander through interactive exhibitions, explore historic artifacts and discover the history of American innovation and bravery.”

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located on the West side of Manhattan on Pier 86, 12th Ave. & 46th Street. 

The Beast Boat Adventure

Another fun (and wet!) summer boat experience is The Beast (1hour):

www.circleline42.com/cruises-and-schedules/beast-speedboat-ride/ at the circle line ferry dock which is right next to the Intrepid Sea and Space Museum 

Little Island at Pier 55 is an artificial island park in the Hudson River adjoining Hudson River Park. Near the intersection of West Street and 13th Street in the Meatpacking District and Chelsea neighbourhoods. Visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis on the Hudson River. A great spot for sundowners in the summer months.

Chelsea

Chelsea Piers Field House Batting Cages

You can hire an alley and hit baseballs for half an hour / an hour – great fun! 62 Chelsea Piers NY 10011. 

Chelsea Market

At 75 Ninth Avenue (between 15th and 16th St.) NY 10011. Explore the wonderful market which has lots of great food places and a few artisan stalls. Lobster Place Chelsea Marketplace has every type of seafood, oyster and sushi. Free People is a great women’s clothing shop near Chelsea Market at 58 9th Avenue NY 10011. 

Buddakan is an amazing Asian jewel of a restaurant – “Otherworldly art, ornate chandeliers and a bevy of gilded details kick the senses into overdrive, setting a dramatic precedent for fanciful, shareable pan-Asian fare inspired by multiple traditions. Dim sum, noodle soups, seafood and house specialties like whole Peking duck join a bevy of elegant wines and specialty cocktails on a menu made to suit any celebration.” Highly recommend. 

West Village 

West Village neighbourhood restaurants: 

L’Artusi presents a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine, combining comfort and creativity. The 110 seat restaurant, features two floors of comfortable banquette seating, extended traditional bar, cheese bar and a chef’s counter overlooking the open kitchen. 228 West 10th Street NY 10014. 

Joseph Leonard is a casual West Village neighbourhood spot with heart and soul, serving seasonal American food in a welcoming, relaxed setting. Joseph Leonard is part of the Happy Cooking family of restaurants, started by restaurateur Gabriel Stulman. Jeffrey’s Grocery, Fedora, Fairfax, and bar Sardine, all in the West Village, are also part of the family. Find Joseph Leonard at 170 Waverly Place NY 10014. 

Empellon Taqueria is a trendy Mexican hot spot serving up innovative tacos & creative drinks in an upscale setting at 230 West 4th Street NY 10014. 
Bar Pitti – blackboard specials supplement the small menu at this Italian spot known for its glamorous jet-set crowd at 268 6th Ave NY 10014.

Aria West Village – rustic Italian wine bar brings Venice-style small plates to the winding streets of the West Village at 117 Perry Street NY 10014.

The Clam – a seasonal, clam-focused seafood menu presented in a cozy, brick-walled space with large windows at 420 Hudson Street NY 10014. Fairfax – combination all-day cafe & wine bar with Mediterranean small plates & stylish, homey furnishings at 234 West 4th Street NY 10014. 

Jeffrey’s Grocery – this homey American eatery is notable for its oyster bar, creative Caesar salads & Bloody Marys (“Jeffrey’s Grocery in the West Village is one of the few restaurants in town we return to regularly. It is Perfect for pretty much everything”.) at 172 Waverly Place NY 10014. 

Waverly Inn and Gardens 16 Bank Street – American comfort food, cocktails, clubby space, celeb hangout.

Murray’s Cheese Bar – small, casual restaurant pairing cheese-laden flights & mains with wines & craft beers at 264 Bleecker Street NY 10014.

Saint Theo’s – 340 Bleeker St – upmarket Italian. The hype lies with their famous ricotta and chilli oil pasta.

Don Angie – 103 Greenwich Ave – updated Michelin starred modern Italian-American classics with wine and cocktails in a marble-accented space.

Via Carota – 51 Grove St – Italian trattoria serving traditional plates and aperitifs in a rustic cozy space.

Employees Only  510 Hudson St – inventive drinks, retro-looking Prohibition-style speakeasy bar and restaurant.

Midtown 

A trip to NYC is not complete without a walk down Fifth Avenue. Sights include The Trump Tower, beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral, the New York Public Library (476 Fifth Avenue nr Bryant Park) and all the incredible shops. SAKS Fifth Avenue is absolutely wonderful and  Stuart Weitzman Fifth Avenue a real treat.

Include a trip to the historic Grand Central Station to marvel at the architecture. Stop in for lunch or a coffee at Cipriani’s which overlooks the whole station concourse. There is also Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant for an oyster experience New York style. 

Opposite Grand Central Station is a lovely American diner called Pershing Square. 

Visit the United Nations in the heart of New York City! A one-hour guided tour offers an exciting opportunity to discover UN Headquarters. One of our multilingual Tour Guides will take you on a brief journey through the corridors of international diplomacy. You will learn about the history and work of the United Nations and visit the famous General Assembly Hall and Security Council Chamber (meetings permitting). Start your visit at the  Visitor  Check-in Office  (801 1st Avenue at 45th  Street, across the street from the UN Visitors Entrance).  After receiving your security pass/wrist band, proceed across the street to the United Nations Visitors Entrance (46th Street and 1st Avenue) for security screening and access to UN Headquarters. For security screening, please arrive 60 minutes before the start of your tour. https://www.un.org/en/visit

MOMA is an absolute must visit for its exquisite collection of modern art including Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” which takes your breath away. There are also two amazing places to eat there (booking essential):

The Modern at MOMA (more formal)

The Bar Room at MOMA

The Polo Bar 1 E 55th St – Ralph Lauren’s first NY restaurant, serving seasonal American classics (elegant dress code). Cocktails and light meals at the bar; dinner in the main dining room downstairs.

Estiatorio Milos – 125 W 55th St – stylish Greek restaurant serving fresh seafood in a Mediterranean-style white washed setting.

The Town Hall – check this out for great gigs and concerts. 

Classy restaurants include Eleven Madison (def need reservations, very pricey, Michelin stars). Have a cocktail and canapés at the bar at DANIEL on Upper East Side.

The Parker Meridien West 56th Street is a quick and dirty burger joint which kids love.

Madison and Vine at the Library Hotel on Madison Avenue does a lovely breakfast – the poached eggs, avocado and chilli flakes is delicious!

Have drinks at the Peninsula’s roof top bar at 700 5th Avenue NY 10019.

Keen’s Steakhouse – 72 W 36th St – enormous steaks and signature mutton chops served in a maze of clubby, wood-panelled rooms.

STK Steakhouse – 1114 Avenue of the Americas – top rated steakhouse.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt 45 E 42nd St – Midtown’s tallest skyscraper – a blend of art, technology, architecture and thrill taking the concept of “observation deck” to the next level! An amazing interactive and sensory experience. There is the option of taking the glass elevator to the top – it is quite a bit more expensive and there is no guarantee that you will have clear views when you pre-book.

Times Square and Broadway 

Such a bustling NY hub with great people watching. Radio City lights. 

Have dinner at Carmine’s Italian – slightly touristy but really great food – sharing platters! 200 West 44th Street New York, NY 10036. Or the famous Gallagher’s Steakhouse 228 West 52nd Street.

Bryant Park nearby is lovely too especially at Christmas time as there is a Christmas market and an ice skating rink there. 

Madison Square Gardens for sports fixtures or a tour. We watched a New York Rangers ice hockey match which was absolutely brilliant fun.

Broadway theatres – take in a show. Hamilton is fantastic and Pretty Woman the musical is relatively new. 

Sardi’s restaurant located at 234 West 44th Street – a Broadway classic “the greatest theatrical restaurant in the world” – a popular spot for lunch, cocktails, pre-theatre meals (very popular) and dinner. Sardi’s seasonal continental cuisine combines flavours of the Middle East, Caribbean and Europe. The fabulous decor – red walls, dark wood panelling and plush seats – create the atmosphere of an English clubhouse.

Carnegie Hall is impressive too. 

Ellen’s Stardust Diner – very touristy but fun (booking essential)

Lovely Italian Trattoria Dell Arte (57th street and 7th) and a great little French bistro Brasserie Cognac de Monsieur Ballon. 

Serafina (Italian) – 210 West 55th Street And Broadway – casual-cool setting, charming service, creative twist on homestyle Italian dishes. Loved by locals and celebrities.

Empire State

A trip up the Empire State Building is really special, especially for a first visit to NYC as it is in so many movies! Pre-booking is recommended and it’s lovely to do in the late afternoon in summer when the light is perfect. 

Afterwards, enjoy a lovely evening tapas style dinner outside at The Refinery Rooftop bar which has fantastic views of the Empire State Building and the food is amazing – great sharing plates. 

Rockefeller Centre, Top of the Rock and Radio City

Another iconic landmark in NYC and, if you have the time, it is a fun trip up to the Top of the Rock with a different perspective of NYC. At Christmas time, ice skating there is a must (booking required) and take photos of the stunning Christmas tree! 

At Christmas time, the famous Radio City Rockettes do a Christmas spectacular www.rockettes.com

Del Frisco’s Grille – a sophisticated chophouse chain serving steak, seafood, sandwiches & cocktails in a trendy space at 50 Rockefeller Plaza NY 10020.

Hells Kitchen

The Meatball Shop is a fantastic little gem of a restaurant, don’t miss this. They have great veggie options too! At 798 9th Avenue NY 10019. 

The Sullivan Street Bakery makes amazing bread. 

Greenwich Village

Visit Washington Square Park walking through the iconic arch.  

The famous apartment in the TV series “Friends” can be found at 90 Bedford Avenue – this tan brick building served as the exterior. You can book “Friends Building” tours:

According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Friends Building:

• NYC TV & Movie Tour (On Location Tours) (From £49.23)
• East Village TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour – Private (On Location Tours) (From £55.49)
• Semi-Private Greenwich Village Walking Tour (From £37.93)
• New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village (From £29.01)
• New York’s West Village Food Tour (From £60.53)

Joes Pizza 7 Carmine street  (very popular pizza, with other locations in NYC).

John’s Pizzeria of Bleecker Street – 278 Bleecker Street (cool vibe, great service, fairly good pizza).

Banter is an Australian coffee shop/cafe at 169 Sullivan Street NY 10012 serving health-conscious fare including an amazing all day breakfast. Their other cafe is in the West Village. Both walk-in only.

Carbone 181 Thompson Street high-end Italian-American – right now NYC’S hottest ticket, bookings 30 days in advance – reservations go live at 10am NYC time (3pm UK time) 30 days before and you have to be on it (remember the 5 hour time difference and set your alarm!), they go fast.

American Bar – 33 Greenwich Avenue – classic American bistro dishes & cocktails in a traditional dining room.

Vic’s 31 Great Jones Street NOHO – updated Italian dishes plus cocktails & house-made limoncello in spacious, low-key digs. Delicious innovative Italian dishes in a real neighbourhood local, we loved it!

Terra Blues NYC 149 Bleeker Street – highly recommended live blues club.

The Uncommons board game cafe – 230 Thompson Street – combining board games with a coffee shop.

Soho 

This is such a cool district for great shopping and fabulous restaurants. There are good vegan options here. 

Soho Shopping

On Broadway: Scoop, lululemon, small Bloomingdales, Sephora, Anthropologie 

On Spring Street: Alo Yoga store – lovely yoga pieces which you can’t get in London!

Mercer Street : J Crew and Mac. 

Cobigelow Apothecary (the oldest in the USA) in Mulberry Street.

Soho food

There’s an amazing Italian between Soho and Greenwich Village called Lupa.  It’s delicious. Here is link:

http://luparestaurant.com/

On Broadway, Dean and Deluca for quick take away food which you can stand up and eat in at front of the shop.  

The cafe at the Mercer Hotel on Mercer Street is also lovely and not too pricey.       

Luxe restaurant is in the basement of the building on the opposite corner of the Mercer Hotel.  It does burgers, sushi etc and is reasonable and good. 

The Crosby Street Hotel (Kit Kemp) at 79 Crosby Street NY 10012 is recommended for pre-dinner drinks in the beautiful bar; high tea is also lovely here.  

Dominique Ansel Bakery – he created the CroNut – a donut made of a croissant. Beware: people form a line for his stuff everyday and the cronuts sell out early! 

Sadelle’s for fresh bagels 

Balthazar iconic French brasserie at 80 Spring Street is great especially for brunch.

Black Tap does amazing burgers and crazy milkshakes (Oreo heaven!)

La Esquina at 114 Kenmare is an authentic Mexican basement brasserie, taqueria & tequila bar; it’s a sceney spot with no frills, the tables are tightly packed in and the lights are very low lit inside. The facade of this cool spot is a grungy deli/diner and they take you downstairs into the basement with a super impressive tequila selection. The food was really authentic and amazing.

Jack’s Wife Freda 226 Lafayette St “South African Israeli Jewish Grandmother Cuisine” (other locations in the West Village, Chelsea, Brooklyn). It was the South African malva pudding in their recipe book that caught my attention.

Lola Taverna – 210 6th Avenue – lively, cozy option specialising in Greek classics.

Shoo Shoo – 371 Broome St – a contemporary take on Mediterranean cuisine.

Union Square 

Kids love Dylan’s Candy Store  (look out for the cookie dough in the freezer – it’s called Doh). 

Gramercy

The Gramercy Tavern is a great spot for lunch. 

The Gramercy Park Hotel at 2 Lexington Avenue NY 10010 is recommended for drinks.

Simon & The Whale, Studio and George Washington Bar can all be found within the Freehand Hotel in the Gramercy neighbourhood at 23 Lexington Avenue NY 10010 with their newest location, The Jones, in NoHo at 54 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012. 

Flatiron District

EATALY NYC Flatiron at 200 Fifth Avenue NY 10010. Italian amazingness by Mario Batali. It’s like a foodie’s paradise of all things Italian….. a marketplace, plus cafes, wine bars, restaurants all houses under same roof.

Penelope NYC at159 Lexington Ave NY 10016 is such a lovely brunch type place with delicious eggs and pancakes.

You can do walking tours of this interesting district which abounds in stories about the New York mob. 

East Village/Lower East Side

La Cabra -❗️❗️incredible Danish coffee shop at 152 2nd Ave (rec: cardamom knot bun & coffee).

Prince Street Pizza  27 Prince St. Square pies named for streets in the neighbourhood nourish & amuse at this NoLita pizzeria. (Rec: spicy pepperoni with vodka sauce, margarita).

Double Chicken Please  – Nolita LES 115 Allen Street – trendy, snug cocktail bar serving finger foods, chicken sandwiches & creative drinks.

Kobrick Coffee – 24 Ninth Ave…where the baristas are cross-trained as mixologists and the creative synergy between the twin disciplines of craft coffee and craft cocktails rises to the level of art.

The Immigrant – 341 E 9th St – unassuming watering hole in an old tenement home with wine, craft cocktails and upscale snacks.

The Crown at 50 Bowery – boutique-hotel rooftop bar with stunning views, cocktails and small bites.

Scarr’s Pizza – 22 Orchard Street- the line can take up to an hour 😳, rec: pepperoni hot boy slice.

Economy Candy at 108 Rivington Street NY 10002 is a veritable treasure trove of all things sweet, kids’ candy heaven. 

Canal Street is great for shopping especially for NYC souvenirs. 

Russ & Daughters Appetisers at 179 E Houston St for takeaways – all the best smoked fish ever – it’s a contemporary Jewish cafe/deli but trendy and cool. Amazing pickled fish, smoked salmons, latkes, coffee…. no reservations, go early, there’s a line all day long. We had the most delicious cream cheese and smoked salmon bagels.

Katz’s Delicatessen (since 1888) at 205 E Houston St – Iconic Jewish deli for classic eats – the pastrami & pickles on rye is a mile-high sandwich literally to die for. The portions are insanely large, sharing is recommended! It is an experience you’ll never forget – you get various tickets at the entrance (don’t lose them, you’ll need them to exit!) and you collect your food and drinks at different stations. The “cutters” professionally glide the warm meat off the slab, it’s an art form. The table set up is utter chaos, you need a beady eye and swift legs to grab a free table! This is where the infamous scene in “When Harry Met Sally” was filmed! One of our best NY experiences ever!

The Tenement Museum (Immigration Museum) at 103 Orchard Street NY 10002 can only be visited by guided tour. The Museum offers a variety of educator led apartment tours inside their two historic tenement buildings — 97 and 103 Orchard Street — and walking tours within the Lower East Side neighbourhood to educate visitors about the immigrant experience in the United States. We did the one hour tour of the tenements of the Epstein and Saez Velez families, so interesting and incredibly moving.

The New Museum at 235 Bowery is a dedicated contemporary art museum, there is usually an interesting window display, check it out if you are walking past.

Momofuku Noodle Bar at 171 1st Avenue (between 10th and 11th Streets) NY 10003. It’s small and railroad, but you sit at the bar and will have some of the best ramen with Berkshire pork ever, famous pork buns too. The chef: David Chang, also has Momofuku Milk Bar.

The beautiful Bowery Hotel – at 335 The Bowery NY 10003 is recommended for drinks.  

Hotel Indigo 171 Ludlow Street – a good reasonable option for a family of 4 sharing a room as the double beds were roomy and comfortable and the room was spacious. Downsides: it was noisy from the busy street sounds and the pumping music from the nightclub on the top floor. The neighbourhood was very dirty and grungy but the location for accessing Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and Williamsburg was excellent.

Ludlow Coffee Supply – opposite Hotel Indigo on Ludlow Street – really excellent coffee.

Beauty and Essex 146 Essex Street – the entrance to this restaurant starts in a pawn shop; at the back of the shop, a door swings open to reveal a grand circular staircase wrapped around a two-story chandelier. The restaurant is New York cool, dimly lit, and the small share plate dining experience is delicious.

Attaboy Cocktail Bar 134 Eldridge Street trendy cocktails in an industrial-style space – it was once a speakeasy.

Clinton St. Baking Company 4 Clinton St – NY institution – American restaurant especially known for its very popular weekend brunch and its pancakes – quite literally the fluffiest pancakes – we chose plain and chocolate chip….SO good. Go for opening time if you can’t get a reservation.

Tompkins Square Bagels 165 Avenue A – good bagel recommendation.

Lil’ Frankie’s 19 1st Avenue popular casual Italian.

PDT  – Please Don’t Tell – 113 St Marks Place – award winning cocktail bar hidden behind the phone booth in famed East Village hot dog joint Crif Dogs.

Chinatown

The Golden Unicorn 18 East Broadway – Sunday Dim Sum brunch (no bookings) – incredible dim sum at this NY Chinatown institution. Ask for recommendations!

Williamsburg (neighbourhood of Brooklyn)

Bedford Avenue Williamsburg is a great place to see cool graffiti mural art.

Domino Park is a lovely NY public park spreading along the East River in this neighbourhood of Brooklyn, near the Williamsburg Bridge, at the Domino Sugar Refinery site. An elevated walkway extends much of the length of the park, resembling the interior of the old refinery.

Maison Premiere 298 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn is an oyster bar restaurant serving oysters, cocktails and small plates in a New Orleans-styled setting with an atmospheric garden (beautiful twinkly lights!). It is such a pearl of a place with a great vibe, really amazing cocktails and mocktails, excellent service and a wonderful menu.

Peter Luger Steak House 178 Broadway Brooklyn – cash-only steak icon where old-school waiters serve aged beef in a German beer hall setting. It is eye-wateringly expensive but worth it for the INCREDIBLE steak (aged on the premisses) – it has a three-star Michelin rating. We LOVED the experience, the food, our waiter was awesome!

Bar Blondeau – French-style rooftop bar located on the 6th floor of the Wythe Hotel for a sunset cocktail and a view of the Manhattan skyline at 80 Wythe Avenue. Also at this hotel is the very popular Le Crocodile, an all-day neighbourhood brasserie serving French fare in a beautiful setting.

Brooklyn

A walk over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is an absolute MUST – and it’s FREE! The views of the Manhattan skyline are really magical and the bridge is the perfect backdrop for special memorable photos.

Cecconis Dumbo 55 Water Street Brooklyn – ask for an outside table (in the colder months they have outside heaters) – the view of the river and the Brooklyn Bridge is spectacular. The pizza is so good!

Randolph Beer Dumbo 82 Prospect St Brooklyn – brewery, American meals, craft beers (with fun self pour beer!) & cocktails and games: you can play shuffle board, pinball, skeeball and NYC’s only feather bowling. There is a classic arcade and a rooftop bar. (Closed on Mondays).

% Arabica coffee in Dumbo 20 Old Fulton Street, Brooklyn – awesome view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Sey Coffee in Brooklyn (famous) 18 Grattan St Brooklyn.

L’Industrie Pizzeria ❗️❗️BEST PIZZA IN NYC ❗️❗️254 S 2nd St, Brooklyn (rec: Mike’s hot honey & prosciutto slice, burrata slice).

Harriet’s Rooftop 60 Furman Street Brooklyn located in Brooklyn Bridge Park – rooftop spot for fancy cocktails & choice bites on the roof of 1 Hotel with Manhattan views.

Nick + Sons Bakery – 205 Leonard St Brooklyn – amazing pastries.

Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn – a really interesting place to explore – lovely independent boutiques, vintage stores and artisan cafes. Some lovely recommendations include: Mud 402 Atlantic Ave (Australian ceramics); Jao Social Club 357 Atlantic Ave (modern apothecary and lifestyle wares); Radicle 394 Atlantic Ave (herbal products); Humble House 396 Atlantic Avenue (New England vintage and antique furniture); M. Patmos 380 Atlantic Ave (clothing); Meg 376 Atlantic Avenue (women’s clothing); Consignment Brooklyn 371 Atlantic Ave (secondhand women’s designer clothing and accessories); Collier West 375-377 Atlantic Avenue (vintage and new furniture, textiles, homewares, print & art gallery); GRDN 103 Hoyt St (garden store); City Foundry 369 Atlantic Ave (vintage 20th century furniture and home goods); Seaport Flowers & Home 309 Henry Street (fresh flowers, home goods); Holler & Squall 304 Henry Street (antiques, vintage, curiosities); Salter House 119 Atlantic Avenue (coffee shop selling natural and sustainable housewares and children’s goods); Goose Barnacle 91 Atlantic Ave (menswear with gallery and bar, by invitation only).

Brooklyn Botanic Garden – 3 entrances: 150 Eastern Parkway; 455 Flatbush Avenue; 990 Washington Avenue. There is a mobile phone app for visitors. No picnicking allowed. For food, there is the Yellow Magnolia Cafe (full service setting), the Yellow Magnolia Canteen (seasonal, outdoor), or the Coffee Bar at the Visitor Centre (sandwiches, snacks, drinks).

Visit Lemon’s 6th floor rooftop bar at the top of the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn for a sunset cocktail and a view of the skyline at 80 Wythe Avenue at N. 11th Williamsburg Brooklyn NY 11249.

GENERAL

Ice Cream MUST visits:

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (Lower East Side)

Milkbar rec: cereal milk soft serve (East Village)

Anita Gelato  (Upper East Side) 

Popular chains:

Le Pain Quotidien is ubiquitous in NYC, but a solid stop for tea/coffee/open face sandwiches that are delicious. 

Maison Kayser – amazing Parisian pastries, coffee. 

More than one location in NYC:

Il Buco – Mediterranean fine dining

Sant Ambroeus – Italian pasticceria and confetteria

Vegan options:

The Butcher’s Daughter – various locations (rec: smashed avocado toast; spicy kale caesar salad; delicious smoothies; matcha latte with almond milk).

Souen – East Village – 326 E 6th Street Between 1st & 2nd Avenue – macrobiotic health food with a Japanese emphasis.

Grafitti art and murals:

Be sure to keep your eyes open for the most amazing murals done by famous graffiti artists all over the buildings of NYC for example Stik, Osgemeos, Kobra.

A note about hotels

It always seems tricky in NYC to find that winning combination of comfort, space, value for money, location, noise-free, family-friendly…..I can’t say I’ve found that yet but here are some ideas to suit all budgets based on our stays and recommendations made to me:

HIGH END/LUXURY

Equinox NY – Hudson Yards

Mandarin Oriental – Columbus Circle

1 Hotel Central Park

BOUTIQUE

The Kitano Hotel – Midtown

The Library – Midtown

The James New York Nomad – Midtown

The Whitby – Midtown

The Crosby – Soho

Gansevoort – Meatpacking District

The Beekman – Financial District

The Bowery – Lower East Side

Hotel 50 Bowery (JdV by Hyatt) – Lower East Side

The Wythe – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

The Williamsburg Hotel – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Arlo Hotels (various locations)

TRENDY/INDUSTRIAL VIBE

The Moxy (Marriott Bonvoy) – Chelsea

The Refinery – Midtown

The Hoxton – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

MODERN MID-RANGE

INNSIDE New York NoMad – Midtown

FAMILY ROOMS

Knickerbocker – Times Square

Hard Rock Hotel – Midtown

The Roxy – Tribeca

Hotel Indigo on Ludlow – Lower East Side

CORPORATE

Grand Hyatt NY – Midtown

The London – Midtown

The Hilton – Midtown