New York City: Travel Guide
NYC!!! The city of dreams and bright lights. The city that never sleeps and never goes out of style. It's unlike any other place I've ever been. Skyscrapers, landmarks, shopping, museums, Broadway shows, etc. I've visited the Big Apple 8+ times and it never gets old. It's starting to feel like this is my second home. It's one of the top cities in the US I actually know pretty well. I've been lucky; visiting for work & play since 2007. I still remember my first trip like it was yesterday. I was in 9th grade, only about 15 years old, and got to see the city as a true tourist. Now, I have 3 very close friends that live in the city and I go and visit a couple times a year. I want to share some of the places and things that I think are a must see and must do in this marvelous and magical city. Every outfit shown below is shopable, click here!
PLACES TO SEE/ THINGS TO DO:
Central Park
One of the mot famous landmarks of Central Park
Restaurant, bar, & cafe
Boat rentals and gondola ride
These rides are easy to grab anywhere around the park, but you can make reservations online.
This is one of my favorite things to do in NYC because day or night you're inspired by others. The park is always filled with bikers, runners, walkers. There are also numerous beautiful massive rocks you can rest at and view the sites and sounds or have a picnic.
Brooklyn Bridge
Photo Op
If you're looking for a great place to snap a good Instagram pic this is it. The bridge has so much history, it's free to walk, and takes only about 30 minutes. In 2015, my best friend and I actually ran the 'Holiday Half Marathon' in Brooklyn perpendicular to the bridge. It was my first half ever and such an amazing experience.
Times Square
Broadway District
This is a must for me; I love musicals. 'Wicked', 'Finding Neverland', 'The Color Purple', etc.
Good Morning America
Rockefeller Center
Today Show
Famous Ice Skating Rink
Top of the Rock
NBC Tour (Tonight Show Staring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, etc.)
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Visiting the museum is on my bucket list. I've been to ground zero but haven't gotten a chance to do the full tour. The tour takes about 90 minutes, not including the time at the museum. Packages run $30- $109 depending on what you pick and your age.
RESTAURANTS/FOOD EXPERIENCES I LOVE
Brunch: Tavern on the Green
Yet another beautiful and iconic place in Central Park. We went here for a celebration brunch once my bff found her wedding dress. The homemade pastry basket is to die for, no it's not gluten free, but it's worth the tummy pain hehe. Our table split lots of yummy foods like; Avocado Poached Eggs, Brioche French Toast, and the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. YASSS!
Pizza: Joe's Pizza
This is known to be the best thin crust pizza in NYC, and I'd have to agree. I may or may not have eaten 2 massive slices hehe (as big as your head).
Candy Shop/Bakery:
Magnolia Bakery- yummy cupcakes and famous banana pudding
Dinner: Lexington Brass
Looking for a place to grab dinner in midtown Manhattan? This was delicious, and with lots of healthy options. I enjoyed a glass of red wine, butternut squash soup (the best I've ever had) and brussels sprouts.
Dessert: Serendipity
Dessert HEAVEN, in my opinion hehe! I've been here 3 times and always get the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate or the Banana Split. Reservations book really far out, so if you know you want to go here, I'd definitely call ahead. They were founded in 1954, and well known for hosting lots of celebrities. You may have seen Serendipity 3 in movies like; One Fine Day, Serendipity, Trust The Man, etc.
Drinks: Rooftop bars with a view