New York City: Your Ultimate Guide to the Big Apple
Where to stay
I highly recommend you stay in Manhattan as it will make it way easier for you to explore as opposed to staying in New Jersey.
The Element New York
Located in Midtown near Times Square, I loved the fact that the breakfast buffet was included. This hotel was perfect and came at an affordable price.
The Hudson New York
The location was great, right by Central Park close to Columbus Circle. The rooms are not huge by very clean and trendy. This hotel is gorgeous and has a nice rooftop.Â
The Millenium Times Square
It’s located in the centre of Times Square and close to a subway station. Rooms are spacious with a great view!
How to get around
Where to eat
Eataly
Eataly houses several restaurants, cafes, and counters where visitors can enjoy freshly prepared dishes, including handmade pasta, Neapolitan-style pizza, and gelato.Â
SERRA
This restaurant encompasses a lively and welcoming ambiance reminiscent of the lush Italian countryside, placing an emphasis on evergreen botanicals and pops of colour throughout.
The Cauldron
Harry Potter fans, brew your own potions at the Cauldron!
Serendipity 3
Serendipity 3 is a legendary restaurant and dessert spot located in the heart of New York City. Famous for its whimsical decor and extravagant desserts, it has been a favourite among locals and celebrities alike since its founding in 1954. Visitors flock to Serendipity 3 to indulge in its iconic Frozen Hot Chocolate, a rich and decadent treat that has become a signature dish. You may recognize the restaurant from the Holiday movie: Serendipity.
Rolf's
A magical restaurant where the decorations are up year round. Try their pumpkin martini if you're visiting in the Fall season.
MarieBelle
MarieBelle New York is a luxury chocolate shop and boutique located in SoHo. Known for its exquisite artisan chocolates and European-style decor, MarieBelle offers a decadent experience for chocolate lovers. MarieBelle New York provides a sophisticated ambiance, blending Old World charm with modern elegance.
Ralph's Coffee
Twenty Three Grand SoHo
For a lovely brunch with live jazz music on Sundays.
Glace
Try their out of this world hot chocolates!
Activities by neighbourhoods
Chelsea
The High Line
The High Line, which opened in 2009, is a 2.33 km-long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former abandoned railroad viaduct spur on the West side of the city in the Meatpacking District through Chelsea.
Starbucks Reserve
At ground level, the cobblestone streets are filled with trendy restaurants and shops. I strongly suggest you visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery located on the 9th Avenue across the Chelsea Market East entrance, it’s incredible!
Chelsea Market
The Chelsea Market is an indoor marketplace renowned for its wide range of grocers, shops & eateries. I love shopping and eating there as I always find little treasures to bring back home.
The Vessel
The Vessel is a newer attraction in New York as it was inaugurated in March of 2019. It’s a structure and visitor attraction built as part of the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project. The honeycomb-like structure rises 16 stories high and consists of 154 flights of stairs.Â
Dylan's Candy Bar
Did you know that Ralph Lauren’s granddaughter had a candy bar in New York?
Dylan Lauren was inspired to create the largest unique candy store in the world. Most of her inspiration came from the story of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The shop stocks more than 7 000 candies from around the world.
Midtown & Times Square
New York Public Library
A great free activity is to visit the emblematic Public Library. You may have seen it in many movies such as: The Day After Tomorrow.
The Library is a public library has nearly 53 million items and is the second largest public library in the United States and the third largest in the world.
Chrysler Building
A striking symbol of Art Deco architecture and New York City's skyline. Completed in 1930, it stands as an enduring icon of innovation and design, with its distinctive spire and stainless steel crown. Admired for its elegance and detailed ornamentation, the Chrysler Building remains a testament to the city's architectural prowess and cultural legacy, captivating both residents and tourists alike with its timeless beauty and historical significance.
Go on Broadway
The Lion KingÂ
Based on the 1994 Disney movie, the musical debuted on Broadway in 1997. It is Broadway’s third longest-running show in history, and has grossed more than $1 billion, making it the highest grossing Broadway production of all time!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Grand Central Terminal
Opened in 1913, the iconic Grand Central is a commuter rail terminal located in Midtown. The terminal is the third-busiest train station in North America and has 44 platforms!Â
The main concourse is often featured in films and television. Grand Central Terminal contains a variety of stores and food vendors, including a food court and the renowned Oyster Bar.
There’s also an indoor Christmas Market during the Holiday Season. It’s located on the main concourse.
The concourses are connected by two ramps. They intersect a slight slope from the Dining Concourse just outside the Oyster Bar. The arch creates a whispering gallery which means that someone standing in one corner can hear the other speaking softly in the opposite corner.Â
Empire State Building
For an amazing view of New York, you must go to the Empire State Building observatory deck. The skyscraper is 102-story-high. It was completed in 1931 and stands a total of 1,454 feet tall.
Rockefeller Center
A must visit if you are in NYC during the Holiday Season.
The tradition of lighting a big Christmas tree began in 1931 during the Great Depression and has since become an iconic part of Christmas celebrations in NYC. The tree is usually a Norway Spruce and is donated by a private individual or family. Lighting the tree is a major event, broadcasted nationally, and the tree remains on display throughout the holiday season, spreading festive cheer to all who visit Rockefeller Center.
Opened in 1932, Radio City Music Hall was designed as part of Rockefeller Center during the Great Depression. It was intended to be a grand theater that combined art, entertainment, and technology to lift spirits during tough times.
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden is a renowned multi-purpose indoor arena. It's considered one of the world's most famous venues and has a rich history spanning over 140 years.Â
It hosts a wide range of events including concerts, sports events, circuses, and other live performances. It's home to the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL).
Times Square
Times Square is the epicenter of Manhattan. It’s a major entertainment center and commercial intersection lit by numerous billboards and advertisements. You’ll find great stores for shopping and various restaurants.Â
Harry Potter New York Store
This enchanting store immerses visitors in the magic of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts with themed merchandise, interactive experiences, and exclusive collectibles. From wands and wizarding apparel to magical creatures and potions, every corner of the store invites fans to explore and indulge in their love for all things magical.
Flatiron Building
This iconic landmark in New York City, is renowned for its distinctive triangular shape and historical significance. Completed in 1902, it stands as one of the city's earliest skyscrapers and is admired for its innovative architectural design. Located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, the Flatiron Building has become a symbol of New York's architectural prowess and urban landscape.
Macy's
Macy's began as a dry goods store in New York City and quickly grew into one of the nation's largest and most well-known retail chains. Its flagship store, Macy's Herald Square, opened in 1902 and remains a prominent landmark in NYC.
It is one of the largest department stores in the world, spanning multiple floors and offering a wide range of merchandise including clothing, accessories, cosmetics and home goods.
Macy's is famous for its annual events, most notably the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ever since 1924. The parade features giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and performances, culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a public park located between 5th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan. It’s right next to the New York Public Library. The park hosts many merchants in the summer and in the winter there’s a skating rink and a Holiday Market.
FAO Schwarz
FAO Schwarz is an iconic toy store known for its vast selection of toys, games, and interactive experiences. Founded in 1862, FAO Schwarz has a rich history and is celebrated for its unique and whimsical atmosphere. One of the highlights of FAO Schwarz is the famous piano mat, where visitors can recreate the iconic scene from the movie "Big" by playing music with their feet.
The Guggenheim
This museum is an architectural masterpiece and a renowned cultural institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1959, the museum's distinctive spiral structure is a work of art in itself,Â
Upper Manhattan
Central Park
Here are the must do activities in Central Park:
Ice Skate on the iconic Wollman Rink (just like in the Christmas movie: Serendipity).
Visit John Lennon's tribute at Strawberry Fields.
Do a Horse Carriage ride - in the winter it is truly magical.
Adorned with the Angel of the Waters sculpture, the historic landmark of Bethesda Fountain offers a peaceful retreat amidst the park's bustling energy.
Built in the late 19th century, the picturesque Belvedere Castle serves as a popular spot for visitors to enjoy breathtaking vistas of the park and beyond.
And finally, step into the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland while enjoying the beauty of Central Park.
The MET
Located on Fifth Avenue at the edge of Central Park, The Met is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world.
Founded in 1870, The Met's vast collection spans over 5,000 years of art history, featuring masterpieces from ancient civilizations to contemporary works.Â
The Lincoln Center
During the holiday period, you can catch The Nutcracker. The Ballet with live musicians is simply whimsical!
Roosevelt Island Tramway
The Roosevelt Island Tramway offers a unique and scenic mode of transportation in New York City, connecting Manhattan with Roosevelt Island across the East River. Originally built in 1976, the tramway provides stunning aerial views of the city skyline and the East River, making it a popular attraction.
The MoMA
MoMA houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and multimedia installations.
The American Museum of Natural History
Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, the AMNH is a renowned institution dedicated to the exploration of nature, science, and human culture. Founded in 1869, the museum's vast collection spans millions of artifacts, specimens, and exhibitions that showcase the diversity of life on Earth and the cosmos.
Colombus Circle
If you're lucky enough to visit New York around the Holiday season, you must visit this Christmas Market.
Lower Manhattan
Tip: I recommend booking a boat tour that goes to both Ellis Island and Liberty Island.
Ellis Island - Museum of Immigration
Ellis Island is a 27.5-acre island located in the New York Harbour next to Liberty Island. From 1892 to 1954, it was the country’s busiest immigration station. It processed nearly 12 millions immigrants to the US. If you’re a History buff, this place is definitely for you!
It now contains a museum and it’s not to be missed! The South side of the island, includes the Immigrant Hospital which is abandoned but accessible to the public through guided tours.Â
Liberty Island: Statue of Liberty
Since 1886, the Statue has been known to be a welcoming sight to immigrants arriving from abroad. Did you know that the Statue was a gift from France to the people of the US and that you could see her little sister, which is quarter-scale replica, in Paris by the Seine?!
The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge stands as a timeless marvel of engineering and a cherished symbol of New York City's skyline. Completed in 1883, it spans the East River, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn with its distinctive Gothic towers and elegant suspension cables. Walking across the bridge offers breathtaking views of the cityscape, including the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
Trinity Church
If you've seen the movie National Treasure with Nicholas Cage you will recognize Trinity Church.
Established in 1697, it stands as one of the oldest churches in the United States, with its current Neo-Gothic structure dating back to the mid-19th century.
Museum of Ice Cream
Washington Square Park
Urban oasis steeped in history and cultural significance. Nestled in Greenwich Village, its origins trace back to the early 19th century, evolving from a marshland to a burial ground and eventually a bustling public space. At its heart stands the iconic Washington Square Arch.
Wall Street
Synonymous with global finance and economic power. As the heart of New York City's Financial District, it serves as the headquarters for major financial institutions, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Charging Bull Statue
The iconic bull statue symbolizes optimism and prosperity in the stock market, as well as its role in shaping global markets and economies.
Ground Zero & One World Trade Center
The former World Trade Center site, referred to as Ground Zero is an area in Lower Manhattan. I recommend you get tickets to visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the view from the top of the One World Trade Center tower is beautiful.
Chinatown
Established in the mid-19th century, it is one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns outside of Asia, offering visitors a vibrant mosaic of Asian culture, traditions, and flavours.
Little Italy
Once a bustling enclave for Italian immigrants, it retains its charm with narrow cobblestone streets, authentic trattorias, and charming cafes. Visitors flock to Little Italy to savour traditional Italian cuisine, from hearty pasta dishes and pizza to cannoli and gelato.
Have a glorious time in the city that never sleeps!
Marie - Mlle Wanderlust
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