New York City Top Spots
New York City Top Spots
Elizabeth Palumbi
Available for hire
Here are some quick New York City recommendations from the girl whose tried over 50 restaurants and bars, along with taking a few cool experiences in the past 3 years from my pinned google maps.
These are inclusive for all kinds of experiences including:
-Variety of Places to Eat
-Different Places to Drink
-Bookable Fun Activities
-Places to Stay
and more!
This is a living guide - if you save it you will receive future updates including new places and deeper insights! Feel free to send me an email with your feedback & tag me in your photos! @lifeofthetravelingpin
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What kind of vibe is it?
If you’re visiting from out of town?
Balthazar
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This place is an iconic NYC brasserie with steak frites, brunch, and classic pastries. It’s located in Lower Manhattan and close to Soho. People’s top takes are the steak frites, steak Au poivre, onion soup, and beef stroganoff. The best subway stops nearby are Bleeker Street and Canal Street.
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John's of Times Square
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Famous Italian eatery serving trademark thin-crust pizza in a Times Square former church. The interior gives you a very antique and unique vibe to the restaurant. People rave about the garlic knots and pizza!
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If you’re going on a date night?
Don Angie
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Worth the wait and definitely harder to get a reservation! I am in love with the food, ambiance, and service. It’s an updated Italian restaurant with wine and specialty cocktails. Everyone talks about the chrysanthemum, sweet potatoes, lasagna, and tiramisu.
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Joseph Leonard
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This place was so good the first time that I had to make it back about six months later. The menu changes with the seasons. There hasn’t been one thing that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed from the roasted chicken, to the pork chop, and to the burger on a English muffin.
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Gnoccheria East Village
@lifeofthetravelingpin
No lie I’ve been coming back to this place regularly for date nights because it’s just THAT good. The ambiance is lovely but service can be slower sometimes. The gnocchi is out of this world and there’s a ton of different sauces to pick from, but they also have a three tasting sampler. It’s also relatively cheaper.
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LOULOU
@lifeofthetravelingpin
They have the most unique cocktails and their food is divine. You could come here for a brunch date or dinner date, but don’t expect it to disappoint you because WOW!
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Au Cheval
@lifeofthetravelingpin
So we went here originally in Chicago but when they opened up a sister location in NYC I knew I had to go back. The burger is one of the best burgers I’ve ever had & if they have the bone marrow definitely order it.
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If you’re looking for a good cocktail?
The Dead Rabbit
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is an Irish bar down in the financial district with a cozy atmosphere and tasty drinks. Most people talk about their Irish whiskey and old fashioned. I am not a big whiskey drinker but loved the Queen Bee and Espresso Martini. Cocktails will run you about $16-19.
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Dante West Village
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Located in the West Village this place is amazing with an Old New York spirit menu. It was named on the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2019. They have multiple different kinds of Negronis.
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If you’re looking for bagels?
Absolute Bagels
@lifeofthetravelingpin
They are spectacular bagels, definitely up there on the best bagels I’ve ever had list. My top tips would be to go during the weekdays, remember cash, and try them all out! The crunch, freshness, and taste all live up to the reviews.
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Ess-a-Bagel
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They have a huge variety of cream cheese and sandwich options to choose from, but I love the bacon egg and cheese. The line can get pretty long here as well but definitely worth the wait or come during the week. The service is great and the line moves quick.
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If you’re looking for a good cookie?
Chip City - West Village
@lifeofthetravelingpin
If anyone knows me I don’t shut up about these cookies, honestly there my guilty pleasure when it comes to a quick dessert and I know one is nearby. The chocolate chip is my go-to but they have a rotating menu that gets updated on their Instagram weekly. They are very large and gooey!
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Levain Bakery - UWS
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This would be my second go-to, but is preferred by many. They have giant cookies that hold signature flavors along with a potential seasonal special. The chocolate chip is crispier on the outside but gooey on the inside and holds tons of chocolate chips.
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If you’re looking for coffee?
SEY Coffee
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This Brooklyn located coffee roaster has the best atmosphere and ambiance I’ve ever walked into for coffee and tea. There’s plants at every turn with a more industrial feel. There’s usually a line but it moves pretty quickly. The space is small and usually doesn’t hold enough people but that just goes to show it’s quick made popularity. The coffee has developed a cult-like following online, and each bag of coffee comes with a card to tell you everything you need to know about where it came from.
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Culture Espresso
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This tiny art-adorned coffeehouse has made a name for themselves in the city serving high quality coffee. They have a couple locations around the city and feature good cold brew and lattes. This spot could very easily make it into the cookies list as well, as these are some of the best you’ll find.
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Bird & Branch
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Small coffee shop with limited seating but also some nice outdoor tables as well. They serve coffee and drinks, along with pastries. If you are big on coffee quality they know what they’re doing!
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If you’re looking for a good rooftop bar?
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The Highlight Room
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Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar
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Somewhere Nowhere NYC - Lounge, Nightclub & Rooftop Pool
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Westlight
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The Water Tower Bar
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This is located on top of the Williamsburg Hotel over in Brooklyn with a dual rooftop bar and water tower bar. Enjoy the stunning views of Manhattan while sipping on a delicious cocktail. In my opinion one of the best views of the skyline!
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230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
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It has been a longtime popular tourist attraction for its great view of Empire State Building. It offers great menus, including finger food items, entrees, hot and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. During the winter months, they provide cabins and igloos. Their service is fast, and the staff is helpful. My favorite was the rose slushie in a juice pouch.
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If you’re looking for cheap drinks?
Mickey Spillane's
@lifeofthetravelingpin
In the Hells Kitchen area, this is a super lively neighborhood bar that serves a plethora of drinks and frozen drinks. Food was alright so only go for a couple drinks if you’re around. Would highly recommend checking out this place!
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Jimmy's Corner
@lifeofthetravelingpin
One of the cheapest bar in Manhattan and a short 2-min walk from Times Square, but not to worry it's good too. Drinks are nice according to the price. It's pretty crowded on weekends so if you want a table then you need to get here early.
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If you’re looking for pizza?
Joe's Pizza
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is a longtime Greenwich village pizzeria that has gained a lot of momentum over the years. They have multiple locations over the city, but the original is the one on Carmine Street. It is a New York style thin crust pizza with a lot of flavor in each bite.
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Sal and Carmine Pizza
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Great spot for a slice or pie in the Upper West Side area. Just pure no frills pizza place! The pizza is well done with a crisp bottom and generous toppings.
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John's of Bleecker Street
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Brick oven pies (no individual slices) with a New York style thin crust, which makes for a delicious taste. Immediately when you walk in you are greeted with walls of pictures of celebrities that have been through the restaurant.
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If you’re craving a French cuisine?
Buvette
@lifeofthetravelingpin
It’s a quaint, smaller eatery with outdoor and indoor seating in the charming neighborhood of the West Village. They have locations in multiple countries but this is actually the original location. It is a spot to walk in at any time of the day but I previously have been for dinner.
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Cafe Du Soleil
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This French restaurant is located in the Upper West side and holds a romantic, intimate atmosphere. I would define it as a traditional French fare with old-time décor. They do have an extensive menu and it’s well-priced for the quality. The mussels and French onion soup were amazing!
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If you’re looking for a jazz club?
Smalls Jazz Club
@lifeofthetravelingpin
It is a basement located club with an old school, low-key vibe and a minimal amount of chairs. It is best to buy tickets ahead of time by going to their website but some can be accessed when you arrive. A line will form outside before showtime usually around 7 and 10 PM.
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Bill's Place
@lifeofthetravelingpin
BYOB jazz speakeasy located in the first floor of an apartment building, which gives an unique vibe. Bill Saxton places with a rotating ensemble of musicians from Thursday to Saturday night. It is best to purchase a ticket ahead of time online and is recommended to arrive 15-20 min before showtime since seating is minimal.
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If you’re looking for a brewery?
Brooklyn Brewery
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Home of the iconic Brooklyn lager serving several other beers that are gaining momentum as well. They have collaborations with other breweries and distilleries across the USA. The inside very much reminds me of a beer hall with longer wooden tables and a walk up bar.
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Evil Twin Brewing NYC
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Their beers all have fun names and they collaborate a great deal with local New York breweries. They have a long list of unique sours, IPAs, and other varieties to appeal to all types of drinkers. The space is beautiful in a relaxed beer garden and greenhouse.
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If you’re looking for a speakeasy?
Attaboy
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is a dimly lit, dark area with barstools and only a couple booths inside. It is a menu-free environment with drinks inspired by whatever you tell the bartender you are in the mood for. Best thing to do is get there right when it opens and snatch a booth. How to get in? Look for a metal door marked "AB" in the LES and ring the buzzer.
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Bathtub Gin
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is a cool place with a dimness of the area that really bumps up the atmosphere. Despite not being a fan of gin, I wanted to check this place out to see if it delivered the hype. The entrance definitely had a speakeasy vibe and the live music was awesome. How to get in? Enter through Stone Street Coffee which ironically sells a pretty good cappuccino in Manhattan too.
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Apotheke Chinatown
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Swing by this and be transported back into the old days where each drink is an experience. The bar is stunning, ambiance is on point, and it doesn't get too crowded inside. This spot is not cut out for larger groups but better to go on a night when you are catching up with someone or on a date night. How to get in? So when you first get there you might be a little hesitant because there isn't a sign and the alley looks a little sketchy, but just look for the Chemist sign and that's your place.
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If you’re looking for a fun activity?
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is a new observatory experience in Manhattan with spectacular 360-views of the city. It’s located just off the Grand Central terminal, so it’s well situated to other tourist attractions in the city. This link below includes: Admission to SUMMIT, all access to the indoor immersive art experiences, and access to "Apres" eatery & cafe. Tickets are timed so make sure to show up when indicated!
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BOOK HERE:
The FRIENDS Experience New York
@lifeofthetravelingpin
If you love Friends you will love this, but advice would be to book an early slot to spend more time experiencing the place. Walk through two floors of interactive exhibits. Snap pictures of you and your friends posing on the iconic orange couch, sitting at Monica and Rachel’s kitchen table, and kicking back and relaxing in Joey and Chandler’s comfy chairs.
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BOOK HERE:
Zip Aviation
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Want to experience the city skyline from above? Want to see it during sunset or at night? Take a helicopter tour of the city! I did this and would 1000% recommend, but make sure to try and time it on a clear night.
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Edge
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Want to go out on the highest outdoor deck in the Northern Hemisphere? Want to see the city skyline from the best vantage point in the city? Take a quick elevator ride to reach the Edge in Hudson Yards NYC. Make sure to go during a weekday or in the off seasons if you can, because it does get crowded!
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Statue of Liberty
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Ellis Island
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a perfect fun activity for those who love history and iconic symbols. This is perfect for a family outing when in New York City and good for all ages. To visit both in one day, I'd recommend an earlier departure and to purchase these in advance.
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Grand Central Terminal
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New York
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Need a place to stay while you’re in NYC?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Palumbi
Available for hire
Hello! My name is Elizabeth! I’m here to help you prepare for your trip without having to do hours of research yourself! That's a win-win!!
My guides focus on:
- Places to Stay
- Itineraries ranging from 3 to 5 days
- Places to Eat and Drink
- Bookable Experiences
______________________________________
About me:
- based out of New York City 🌃
- meteorologist by day ⚡️🌦️
- digital nomad for parts of the year
- studied abroad in Florence in college 🇮🇹
- featured in Reuters and Bloomberg articles about traveling 🗞️
- avid traveler (30+ states and 20+ countries!) 🌎
- strong supporter of solo female travel 💃🏼
______________________________________
Find me on Instagram 📸 @lifeofthetravelingpin for your daily female solo travels
Email me at lifeofthetravelingpin@gmail.com
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