It’s the city that never sleeps… And I really get that! There’s just so much to do, and ten days is not enough to do it all (but I sure did try).
Here’s a list of all the fun spots I checked out, and how much I loved them. Comment below if you agree (or disagree), and especially if you’ve got some awesome recommendations for next time!
Let’s start with places to eat…
Buvette
Open all day (sunlight to candlelight), this adorable French bistro describes itself as a place committed to the pleasure of good food… I agree!
Tip: Go for a meal, and definitely stay for dessert. I had to go back for the Mousse Au Chocolat!
For more details, click here.
Khe-Yo
Serving Laotian dishes, every bowl, every plate pops with flavours and beautiful colors. Warm and welcoming, the menu is designed in a way to encourage sharing, with most dishes paired with a tower of sticky rice.
Tip: Get your hands dirty! Part of the experience (and tradition) is to use your fingers to roll the rice into balls and dip it in different sauces. My personal favourite was the bang bang sauce.
For more details, click here.
Cafe Sabarsky
Located in the Neue Galerie, this Viennese cafe has a beautiful old-world charm and ease to it. Sunshine pours in while you bite into the house specials like bratwurst and goulash.
Tip: Coffee and strudel, the best way to go. Right after, just cross the street and enjoy a walk through Central Park.
For more details, click here.
Shake Shack
Once a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park, now an institution! Described as the modern day ‘roadside’ burger, they just do it better than everyone else!
Tip: Don’t walk away from the long lines, they move fast (and it’s worth the wait).
For more details, click here.
La Palapa
A great place to go to for ‘Mexico City style’ cooking.
Tip: Try the Brunch specials… Great vegetarian options too!
For more details, click here.
Udon West
If you’re looking for a quick bowlful of Udon goodness, this is the place to go. Delicious Japanese bites, perfect for a quick lunch or midnight munchies.
For more details, click here.
Koi
Sitting right next to Bryant Park, this beautiful restaurant offers traditional Japanese dishes, but with a very modern twist.
Tip: They’ve got great cold dishes (like Yellowtail Carpaccio)… If you’re a healthy carnivore, give it a try!
For more details, click here.
Buddakan
This must be the city’s grandest dining room! The view as you walk down their steep stairs is breathtaking enough, but then you bite into their edamame dumplings… New levels of #nomnom!
Tip: Try to go with a bunch of friends, so that you can go for the tasting menu. That way you get to try a little bit of a lot of dishes.
For more details, click here.
Galli
Located on the cobblestoned Mercer Street in Soho, this is a great place to get some good ol’ Italian comfort food.
For more details, click here.
John Dory
Located at Ace Hotel, John Dory is very popular for their raw bar menu.
Tip: Definitely try the Oyster happy hour! That’s from 5 pm to 7 pm, everyday.
For more details, click here.
Balthazar
Love their bakery! Fresh bread, divine pastries, made every morning for customers to enjoy at home or at work… And we did, several times!
For more details, click here.
Artichoke
https://instagram.com/p/9P55lbifAJ/
For those very late night munchies, when you’re craving a slice of delicious pizza, this is the place to head to!
For more details, click here.
Now for the part that comes after the delicious meals… Here are the places to get your drinks on!
Angel’s Share
The best cocktail I tried during this trip was at Angel’s Share. Their mixologists are too good at what they do.
Tip: This one’s a speakeasy, so be prepared for the search. When you reach the address (provided by your Google search), you’ll find yourself in a casual, quiet Japanese restaurant. Then look for the unmarked, wooden back door… Open it and you should be at Angel’s Share!
For more details, click here.
Little Branch
Another speakeasy, you’ll find this one behind an unmarked door on 20 Seventh Avenue, in West Village. A must visit to try their old-fashioned cocktails.
Tip: Try to make it for one of their live jazz sessions (they usually have them Sunday through Thursday).
For more details, click here.
Employees Only
The bright red neon sign might say ‘Psychic’, but pass through and you’ll find this fantastic speakeasy, Employees Only is a beautiful space without pretense, with some of the best mixologists in the city.
Tip: Every Sunday is their burlesque night. I didn’t make it for one, but am sure it’s a lot of fun too!
For more details, click here.
1 Oak
Short for ‘One of a kind’, this is one of the hottest clubs in New York right now.
Tip: Try to make reservations beforehand. The lines (especially during weekends) can be very long, so getting in can take ages, if at all!
For more details, click here.
The Park
Late nights at The Park can be fun. They have two different levels, with different music playing on each… So you can take your pick.
For more details, click here.
Tao
Definitely the biggest Buddha I’ve seen so far! This restaurant also has a great bar area, which is where I spent one evening with friends.
For more details, click here.
Dream Downtown Hotel
Not your typical hotel, Dream Downtown is lively, loud, and seems to have 6 parties going on at the same time!
Tip: Try the PH-D Rooftop Lounge (or La Bain at The Standard). I ran out of weekends but hear that it’s the ultimate penthouse party!
For more details about Dream Downtown Hotel, click here. To check out La Bain, click here.
All the wining and dining aside, here are the few other things I loved.
Sunset At LIC Landing
What a view! Watch the sunset, and the city light up… This COFFEED outlet is set against the gorgeous backdrop of Manhattan’s skyline.
Tip: Avoid the beer bucket, because the restrooms aren’t top notch.
For more details, click here.
Walk On The High Line
Owned by the City of New York, this public park is quite unlike any other. An out-of-use railroad trestle converted into a public landscape, a morning spent walking on the High Line is a must.
Tip: It can be a lovely long walk, so be comfortable, head to toe.
For more details, click here.
Broadway!
Wherever I go, to watch a play is always #1 on my holiday bucket list! This time, it was a classic. The Phantom of The Opera. Absolutely brilliant.
For more details, click here.
Water Taxi
New York’s iconic yellow taxi… On the water! I actually tried this during my previous visit, and would recommend it for anyone’s first time in the city. It’s a fun ride around the island, for a closer look at Lady Liberty while the sun sets.
Tip: Enjoy happy hour at one of the many pubs on Pier 16 before you hop on for your taxi ride.
For more details, click here.
Keep Up With The Classics
There are few things you’ve got to do every time you’re in this city… Take a walk in Central Park, and spend an afternoon at the MET.
Tip: After your afternoon at the MET, try to make it to the Roof Garden Cafe & Martini Bar upstairs… Another beautiful view of the city.
For more details about Central Park, click here, and for more about the MET, here.
Marathon Shopping
This had to happen at some point! Personally, love shopping on 34th St. You’ll find everything here… Macy’s, Zara, 2 giant H&M outlets and a bunch more! Also enjoyed a little retail therapy at Uniqlo and Muji (cool Japanese brands, coming soon to India!).
For those who don’t mind a long hunt (in the name of fashion), try outlets like Century 21… You can find some great designer haul here at amazing prices. Even spotted a colourful Manish Arora rack!
Last on the shopping list (but definitely not the least), if you’re someone who appreciates a fresh, delicious loaf of bread (or just anything Italian!), definitely stop by Eataly.
And that’s a wrap!
The great thing about New York is that no matter which street or borough you find yourself in, there are always few (very cool) places to try. Sometimes to shop, sometimes, just for a glass of wine… So the best tip I can give you is: just keep on walking and discover the many surprises this city has to share. Salut!