An Authentic New York City Travel Guide

I encourage you to venture beyond Manhattan and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens. As a proud Queens girl, I love inviting people to visit the outer boroughs where you'll find so much more than just the iconic Manhattan skyline. From hidden gems to local favorites, these are the places that truly capture the spirit and diversity of New York City. Enjoy your adventure!

• Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City: Take a short subway trip from Manhattan to Queens and visit Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza State Park. It offers the best views of Manhattan. The waterfront is stunning, and there are tons of food trucks lining up around the park. It's very kid and family-friendly, and you'll see lots of locals walking their dogs here. If you're visiting during the summer, the park hosts a variety of events all season long.

• Museum of the Moving Image: Located in Astoria, this museum offers a fascinating look into the history of film and its development over the years. If you’re a fan of Jim Henson, there's an excellent exhibit dedicated to his work. With the same admission ticket, you can also attend a screening, making it perfect for a hot day when you want to stay indoors or a rainy day.

• Queens Museum — Flushing: Take a delightful stroll through Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and marvel at the iconic Unisphere from the New York World’s Fair. While you're there, visit the Queens Museum to see the Panorama of the City of New York. This impressive scale model of NYC is like a miniature version of the city, but it's huge! Fun fact: Zac Efron visited this spot in the movie “New Year’s Eve.” It's a must-see for anyone wanting a unique perspective on the city.

• Attend an off-off-Broadway show at SoHo Playhouse: Support your local theater and experience a show you wouldn’t normally see advertised on a Times Square billboard. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the unique and vibrant culture of New York City's theater scene.

• Fishs Eddy: Check out Fishs Eddy, a quirky store with kooky houseware items and fun souvenirs. It's a delightful place to find something unique to take home.

• The Strand bookstore: This iconic spot might be on every list, but it’s worth it. You can easily spend over an hour here exploring all the books. Make sure to take the elevator up to the rare books floor. It's conveniently located between Union Square and Washington Square Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

• The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts: Visit this beautiful library, which is different from the main branch you might be thinking of. While it doesn’t have your typical fiction books, it’s a great place to work or relax. You can also explore Lincoln Center and sit by its famous fountain. It's ideal if you need to get some work done or just want to unwind with a good read.

• Grand Bazaar on the Upper West Side: Only open on Sundays, this massive flea market features dozens of vendors selling artisan goods, antiques and thrifted items. It’s a great spot for thriftier and anyone looking for a unique souvenir.

• Museum of Sex: Perfect for a girls' night out or a fun couples' afternoon, this museum offers more than just exhibits about sex — it's an educational journey through the history of how sex has evolved in society. My favorite part is the exhibit on animal mating. Even if you don't spend time in the museum, the gift shop is a fun and saucy way to spend some time with friends. Plus, you’re right next to the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park, great spots for a walk.

Day Trips:

• New York Botanical Garden: The New York Botanical Garden is absolutely worth the trip. Every few years, you can witness the rare and fascinating bloom of the Corpse Flower, known for its pungent smell. The grounds are stunning, and you’ll want to spend several hours exploring the greenhouses and gardens. The journey via mass transit can take between one hour and 45 minutes to two-and-a-half hours, depending on your starting point, so plan for a full-day trip. The garden is open year-round and offers plenty of seasonal activities. It's especially beautiful in winter, featuring the enchanting Holiday Train Show.

• Fire Island: For a true day trip outside of the city, take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Fire Island. This adventure involves a train ride, an Uber and a ferry trip to reach the island, so plan to start early. If possible, go on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds. Fire Island is car-free and entirely walkable, with plenty of restaurants, shops and beautiful beaches to lounge on. It's a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

• Rolling Bagels Food Cart - Long Island City: Start your day with a delicious bagel from Rolling Bagels. This charming food cart is owned and operated by a single person, located right on the waterfront in Gantry Plaza State Park.

• The Bagel Shop - Upper East Side: Head to the Upper East Side for the best bagel you’ll ever have. The Bagel Shop is a must-visit for bagel enthusiasts.

• Kobrick Coffee Co. - Chelsea: Looking for a cozy spot to sip coffee and read for a few hours? Kobrick Coffee Co. is your go-to place, offering a charming and relaxed atmosphere.

• Randolph Beer — Dumbo: For good food, drinks and a fun time, check out Randolph Beer. This brewery and eatery offers arcade games, skee-ball, shuffleboard and feather bowling. It's perfect for a lively outing.

• Veniero’s - East Village: This over 100-year-old bakery in the East Village is famous for its cheesecake, which you won’t regret trying. While you’re there, take some time to explore the vibrant East Village neighborhood.

• Oscar Wilde — Flat Iron: For upscale drinks and a fun vibe, Oscar Wilde is the place to be. It's a great spot to enjoy unique cocktails in a stylish setting.

• Traif - Williamsburg: Traif is worth every penny. The prix-fixe menu offers the best upscale, New American dining experience I've ever had in NYC. It’s a culinary adventure you won’t forget.

• Raku Ramen - East Village: Have you even been to a ramen speakeasy? Hidden behind a curtain, you’ll find Raku, the best Ramen in Manhattan. It's very tiny, so I recommend going with a small group of two to three people. Visit during lunch when it's less crowded to enjoy an intimate and cozy dining experience.

• Jacob’s Pickles - Upper West Side: Take the train up to the Upper West Side for the best southern comfort food in all of NYC at Jacob’s Pickles. While you’re there, explore the beautiful buildings in the area and take a short walk to Central Park. You’re also just a few blocks away from where they film "Only Murders in the Building."