NYC Itinerary
If I could live anywhere ELSE in the world, it would be New York City. There’s so much to say about it and why I am obsessed, but if I could sum it up in just a few words: Its energy is intoxicating. Addicting, even. The hustle, the grind, and the beauty in it all. There’s inspiration in everything you eat, see, hear, smell - (Ok maybe not smell.) and it’s all just one subway ride away. I LOVE IT ALL.
Though I never made the move, I vowed (since my first time there) to visit frequently to soak in that New York energy - and I’ve kept my promise. My favorite time of the year in NYC is, hands down, fall. October, specifically. The leaves are starting to change. The weather is fashion-ready; warm enough to wear dresses, but cold enough to layer. And it also is comfortable to walk around in, which makes all the difference in NYC.
I compiled a list of go-tos that I’ve try to visit every trip and a couple of newer spots I enjoyed in my recent trip in October 2021.
To Eat
River Cafe is a dream come true. It has everything you hope to experience in a restaurant. Delicious food, attentive staff, extensive wine selection, and one-of-a-kind, breathtaking skyline views. Located right on the water and underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Unique Prix fixe menu and set price pp. Dress code - suit jackets required. Yas, get your fancy on!
There's always a wait BUT don't worry, there's a bar that offers more than beer and house sake. :) Their Japanese whisky selection is exquisite. Order the chicken buns for your app. I think they’re definitely better than the pork. And contrary to my belief, the best ramen offered is NOT the first one listed on the menu. **BEST ADVICE from our waiter: If you not into spicy food order the akamaru modern and if you are into spicy food, order the Karaka-men. YOU'RE WELCOME! Enjoy...
You can’t leave NYC without having a bagel! Leo’s has been around since 2007 and they serve some of the best bagels I’ve ever had, periodt. They have a variety of bagels, spreads, and specialty sandwiches. If you’re into lox, you gotta order the Whole Shebang - nova scotia salmon, scallion cream cheese, tomato bermuda onion, cucumbers, capers. YUM.
Three words: Anthony Bourdain approved and the hype is well deserved and real. If you haven’t had hand pulled/ripped noodles, Xi’an is THE place to go. The noodles are made fresh in front of you; wide, thicc, and just the perfect texture. And the mouthwatering, flavorful, spicy sauce - cumin, hot oil, and pepper galore. Recommend ordering:
L2 Spicy cucumber salad. The cucumber is so refreshing and the sauce has a perfect balance of vinegar and spice.
“N” dry noodle. My favorite dry noodle is the N2 beef, but they also have other options like oxtail, lamb or pork depending on your preference.
Order an “NS” noodle soup. Fave soup is the NS10 oxtail, but same as the dry noodle the have other meat options.
I mean, take a look at that steak. Do you really need more convincing? Quintessential NY steak house. Fancy, loud, fun. JUICY STEAK precut for your eating pleasure. This is a must. One steak is definitely enough for 2 people; maybe 3. All other apps are mediocre but we always order a vegetable to balance our the meal.
The dining experience surpassed all of my high expectations. The word perfect doesn't suffice! Service is above and beyond. The ambiance is very elegant and relaxed. High ceilings and gorgeous views of Central Park. And the food... is perfection. I absolutely loved loved loved the foie gras brulé, duck confit, and tuna ribbon. Make reservations for lunch for their prix fixe, amazing deal.
Ok we obviously have access to Halal Guys in LA, but back in the day - the only way you could try Halal Guys is by going to NYC and to THIS EXACT CART. (There’s a bunch of imposters so beware!) It’s only right to pay your respects and grab a late night post drink snack at the OG location. There’s always a line, but it moves fast. For those who haven’t had it, the dish is not complete without the white and red sauce. Pro tip: red sauce is not for the weak. Use sparingly.
The best chocolate chip cookie you’ll ever have in your entire life. The end.
Peak
Another breathtaking view of the city and water in the Hudson Yard. Trendy, chic, and fun. We had a lovely date night here. The cocktails are well done. We enjoyed our meal, but I have to say it didn't wow me. You’re mainly here for the ambiance. We ended our celebration with a bottle from their champagne cart service; it was definitely the cherry on top of an excellent time.
For an added perk, you get free entrance to Edge (observatory deck) before or after dinner. This is typically $45 per person so it’s a great perk!
Katz’s Delicatessen
My first time having Katz’s? I was beyond smashed after hours and hours and hours and hours of bar hopping all over LES. It was a crazy night and it was a bit hazy, but tell me why I remember every single detail of the pastrami sandwich??? Absolutely delicious. The right amount of saltiness, super juicy, and the rye was perfect with the pastrami. I’ve gone back (sober) and never miss a Katz visit in every single NYC trip. I love Katz!
Prince Street Pizza
Very casual, stand-up-and-eat spot where you order pizzas by the slice. There's always a line, but it moves quickly so don't worry. The pepperoni squares are perfection-- pepperoni is next level!!!
Ichiran Ramen
Ichiran takes me back to hole-in-the-wall ramen spots in Tokyo that my family would frequent when I was growing up. Ichiran caters to solo diners with individual booths. The ramen is absolutely delicious and made up of everything that makes ramen great: tender chashu, fresh noodles, hearty broth, and perfectly poached egg. Wash it down with a matcha beer and you got yourself a perfect meal.
Clinton Street Baking Company
Want to taste a piece of heaven?
Blueberry pancakes with maple butter............ *sigh* I love you.
To See/To Do/Views
The High Line - Another beautiful place to walk through with a friend and admire the apartments around fantasizing about which one we'd live in and the day we move to New York City. The day I went there was a violinist playing... made it even more perfect. Definitely something I would love to walk through every single day if I could.
The Edge - A new spot in the Hudson Yard to enjoy the view of the cityscape and water. My husband and I had dinner at the Peak, which gave us free admission to the Edge. It’s a lovely view, but in my opinion - not worth paying a $45 standalone admission fee.
The Vessel - IG famous but rightfully so! It’s a beautiful, intricate, and unique building that’s made up of over 150 flights of stairs. If you want to go up, you can get a same day tickets for FREE or make reservations ahead of time on their website. We didn’t go up, we enjoyed the views from below after having dinner at the Peak and chillin at the Edge. It’s worth a visit.
MetLife Stadium - My husband is a huge NY Giants fan so we made the trip to New Jersey to experience a live game. It was so much fun.
Summit ONE at the Vanderbilt - Not your basic observation deck. This one not only has gorgeous views of the city, it has really cool interactive art installations. I really enjoyed it! The floors are made out of mirrors so dress appropriately to avoid exposure. I wore a skirt because I had no idea, but thankfully someone noticed and gave me a pair of biker shorts right away. General admission is $39 - you can make reservations ahead of time and purchase tickets on their website. It’s a new spot that has a lot of hype right now so even though you make reservations, be prepared to wait a bit.
Top of the Rock - Beautiful view, I think better than the Empire State Bldg well... simply because you can see the Empire State Bldg lol. I suggest going right before sunset; you get to capture the day, sunset, and night views. I love the outdoor level. Make reservations ahead of time on their website.
Empire State Building - Classic and romantic NYC.
Central Park - One of my favorite places in NYC and in the world. There’s something magical about Central Park. It’s a reminder that in the middle of chaos, you can always find peace. I love spending time here- whether it’s a picnic, a morning run, or just a quick pass through in between other plans, it’s an absolute must. I especially love Central Park in the fall with all the changing leaves.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Tip: Entrance fee is a donation of any amount (your choice). The prices displayed are only suggested donations. I make it a point to visit The Met every single time I'm in NYC. It's a beautiful, beautiful place filled with so much beauty from all around the world and I can't get enough of it.
Brooklyn Bridge - Walked across the bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan and of course the view was breathtaking... I'll always remember my first site of the bridge; stunning.
Statue of Liberty - I admit that in my first few visits to NYC, the Statue of Liberty was never on my list. When I finally visited, I wondered why I waited so long. Literally breathtaking and brings up so much emotion. An American icon and a definite must visit at least once in your lifetime.
9/11 Tribute - Never Forget.
Broadway Show - I’ve only seen one show - Aladdin - and I had a blast. Definitely looking forward to enjoying more. There’s a cool online lottery system where you can sign up the morning of the show and win tickets for about $30 - what a deal! This includes Aladdin, Lion King, Wicked, and more.
Times Square - I mean I would never stay in this area because it’s pretty hectic, but it’s definitely a must visit at night to see all of the bright lights.
Little Italy - We go here to pick up charcuterie goodies to bring back home.
SoHo - $HOPPING $HOPPING $HOPPING
Rooftop and speakeasy bars - I love visiting rooftops and speakeasy bars because I mean I just love them and NYC’s are on a next level. My favorite rooftop bar is the one at the Met, but it’s seasonal. The Arlo Bar (hotel where we stayed in our recent trip) is small but has great views. Plenty of cool ones in Brooklyn. Fave speakeasies are Please Don’t Tell, Angel’s Share, and Beauty & Essex (now in LA too!).
Get lost in the city - And lastly, while it’s nice to have plans because there’s just SO MUCH to see and do - my favorite thing to do is stumble upon a random bakery, bar, restaurant.