Notables of New York

Try all the most famous spots on a day guaranteed to satisfy your stomach:

• Ess-a-bagel: Consistently praised spot for classic bagel combos. Bagels are the go-to in NYC! Go early to avoid long lines.

• Salswee Bakery: Trending bakery that has beautiful fruit-themed pastries, or something out of the ordinary. Either go right when they open or around 3 pm so they have a chance to restock. I tried their desert called the cloud, it was so refreshing and interesting. My friends loved the pear.

NYC is a cultural melting pot, so depending on what you like for lunch and dinner:

• Tao Downtown: Asian fusion. It has a great atmosphere and the night club here starts at 11. Reservations required in advance. This is an amazing spot to get those NYC night-out pics. I personally love the chicken satay and obsessed with the peanut sauce that comes with it.

• Ayza: Lovely French brunch spot. So cute and refreshing. Reservations required in advance. The chocolate martinis here are such a treat.

• Roza Mexicano: Amazing cultural spot near Columbus Circle.The guac is a must here! Reservations required in advance.

• Rubirosa Pizza: Everything is so good here, not just the pizza. It does feel authentic and homey just like Italy, but the seating situation here can be a little tight. Reservations required in advance. The calamari and honey pie were the best! The pizza is thin but big and serves two people well.

• Catch NY: A semi-casual ambiance steak house experience. Everything truly melts in your mouth here! It’s one of my family’s staples for celebratory dining. Reservations required in advance. We love brazino, brussel sprouts, and the pretzel-like bread they give.

• STK_ Fine dining steak house experience but very popular, so expect wait times even when having a reservation in advance. The crab cake, mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, and steak are great options!

• Cathedrale: Good option if looking for a very elegant and intimate dining experience. Reservation required in advance. They had this amazing birthday cookie they brought out for me as a surprise, so sweet!

• Cafeteria: An old garage converted into a restaurant. Urban and modern vibe, best suited for young adults. Reservation required in advance. I love the wildberry mojito here!

• Max Brenner: Has food options but best to drop by in the desert. If going for food, try the pizza, mac n cheese, and fries and I would also say this is a good spot for families with young children. Reservation required in advance unless bar seat or visiting the small store. Their hazelnut hot chocolate is my fav!

• Lady M: Great crepe cake! Be careful and make sure to not order a whole cake by accident since that’s their default option, unless you mean to ;)

Rooftop/bars:

• Lilians Victorian/Oscar Wilde: These are sister establishments and one of the best places to visit during seasons like Halloween and Christmas. They really do go all out with decor. The food and drinks do not disappoint! Reservation required in advance for table. I had quite a few drinks in both of these places; impossible to just pick one they are all great.

• Magic Hour Moxy: Definitely a spot to go out with the girlies. Everything is pink and made to look so cute! Gives fantasy land vibes. Reservation required in advance for table. The green tea shots feel like you are having drinks with Alice in Wonderland characters.

• RH rooftop: A sophisticated day spot with a great view and outdoor seating arrangement. This is in the RH furniture building/shop. Reservations required in advance. I recommend the Chinese chicken salad. Lots of bars have this option on the menu, but RH does it best.

• PHD Terrace: Feels like you stepped into a dream. Such beautiful decor and creative additions to the drinks. Try the cotton candy drink! Reservations required in advance.

• 230 Rooftop: A great spot for chic and chill party vibes. Everything about it just screams party. I loved how they were so accommodating in the winter and during covid. Not every establishment took the time to set up modern and safe “bubbles” for outdoor rooftop dining, even had a virtual fire escape, so we felt cozy. Reservations required in advance.

If there’s two things Manhattan has for you besides the endless dining options, it’s shopping opportunities and getting your steps in. Check out some of these famous centers, streets, and shops.

• Pier 55: A beautiful artificial and futuristic island that was recently built to overlook the Hudson River. Great place to have a picnic, go for a stroll, read a book, or just chill out. (Tip: if you take an Uber/ taxi from here, they won’t be able to pick you up right in front of here due to the intersection and heavy traffic, so walk a few blocks away from it before calling one).

• Central Park: This is the natural heart of the city! Perfect for a spot to balance out nature with the city’s energy. This is a great way to meet tourists and locals alike; there are always so many people here and keep an eye out for their website because they do sometimes organize events.

• Times Square: This is the place to be for all things entertainment. Giant billboards, plenty of pop-up events, and always a buzzing place of energy and fun. Just be ready to handle crowds at 4 pm or 4 am, especially at certain times like New Year.

• 5th Ave.: This is one of the most famous streets in NY, and for good reason. All of your luxe shopping needs will be met if you end up wandering on this ave. It’s also nearby a great supplemental center, Rockefeller and if you are here during the winter, come see the tree!

• Soho: This is a mix of historical feel streets and chic shops and galleries. Great area to check out! Most of the shopping stores are between what’s hyped up on TikTok but there’s a great mix for any age group or style from thrift, hip, and luxe brands. There are also good gyms and spas here, like Equinox. If you ever wanted to try out an AI massage, select Equinox locations offer this! I did personally enjoy it and if there’s one thing about me, it’s that I will test out any unique spa experience.

• The Highline: Great place for an evening stroll and close to the vessel (Hudson Yards)

Check out these iconic landmarks and visit some world-renowned spots in NYC:

• Empire State Building: A historical staple and most likely can be done as a pass by if dining in that area.

• World Trade Center: A very interesting architectural place to check out, and sometimes they host events, like Halloween-themed ones.

• Statue of Liberty: Hello! The very picture of New York. Pro tip: Staten Island ferry passes by this.

• Broadway: Check out a Broadway special musical or play. Never disappoints! I loved the take on Bridgerton, so realistic and so much detail.

• MET: One of the most renowned and largest collections, like ever! You can spend hours and hours here, and usually you can choose just to donate as admission.

• American Museum of Natural History: Also another popular museum that is a must-see. Get up close and personal with pieces of history with so many large and realistic replicas.