photo by Clay Banks
Travel
The Not-Your-Average First Timer's Guide to New York City
Going to New York City for the first time is unquestionably overwhelming: the sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes, the feels. There’s so much to do in so little time. How will you fit in the Hudson Yards, Empire State...
photo by Clay Banks
Going to New York City for the first time is unquestionably overwhelming: the sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes, the feels. There’s so much to do in so little time. How will you fit in the Hudson Yards, Empire State Building, Central Park and all the bars, restaurants, and shops you’ve been IG stalking for ages? Ask anyone who’s been to NYC one time or someone who’s lived there for years, and you’ll be even more inundated with amazing recommendations and opinions about the “best” way to see the city. One thing is for sure: you definitely don’t want to get stuck in tourist traps where you’re packed like sardines and overpaying for everything in sight. Fret not for we’ve done the hard work for you of compiling the ultimate, not-so-average first timer’s guide to NYC.
Reporter: Heather Ash
Thank you Sex and the City and Gossip Girl for forever romanticizing Manhattan in our minds – especially for those who have never been before. Beyond fiction, Manhattan claims some of the world’s best hotels, dining and activities. Go for a boat ride in Central Park, walk The High Line, or go to the top of the Empire State Building followed by drinks at one of the stunning rooftop bars of the city and dinner at any of the only-in-New-York restaurants. Overwhelmed? We’re breaking it down below.
One peruse of hotels in Manhattan will send your head spinning. Gorgeous hotels are found on every corner with sweeping views of the city. Of course, the experience comes at a price so we’re recommending three hotels that make your dollar go farther – we’re talking rooftop bars, rooms almost too cool to leave, and onsite dining not to be missed.
This sought-after hotel is centrally located in Flatiron, perfect for those with a long list of sights and experiences to get through. The impeccably designed space by Roman and Williams is a destination in itself from the communal spaces to the rooms. The onsite tropical-meets-city rooftop bar, Broken Shaker, is a must whether you stay at the hotel or not – just get there early to snag a seat. Inside tip: trying to save on room costs? Book the bunk room, able to sleep four, to seriously save on sleeping arrangements.
The most luxe option we’re recommending for first timer’s, Loews Regency New York Hotel is at the intersection of Midtown and the Upper East Side. For those looking for a Modern Art Deco getaway less than two blocks from Central Park, this is your spot. Start your day with coffee in the hotel’s plush lobby lounge, then exit through the marble clad foyer right into Central Park where you’ll spend your day strolling, eating and drinking, and feeding the birds. Xoxo, Gossip Girl.
From the minds behind Ace Hotels, Sister City in the Lower East Side is an experiment in essentialism: find everything you need and nothing you don’t. And you definitely need another rooftop bar, which they have (hello, sunset drinks). The rooms are minimalistic and functional but also extremely beautiful, filled with warm woods and terrazzo accents. We did say they’re in the Ace family, right?
Where to begin in the realm of food and drink in NYC? Bagels and pizza are a given but what about all of the cocktails, famous dishes and sweets to be had? We called on our NYC aficionados to give us the inside scoop on what’s what of the NYC dining scene.
Named one of the top 50 bars in the world, we have confirmation from an inside source that Caffe Dante has the best negroni in the city. The only way to find out? To try it for yourself. Here’s what you’re going to do: grab a seat at the bar or a bistro table outside, say, around sunset and order a round of negronis for your crew. Need something to snack on? Go for the burrata or octopus. And please report back to us on your findings.
If it’s good enough for Bon Appetit, it’s good enough for us: the Lower East Side’s Supermoon Bakehouse is a sweet destination any time of day. The inventive treats – ranging from cruffins to sweet-filled croissants to anything-but-basic doughnuts – are served all day to satisfy your sweet tooth on demand. What to order: the cruffin with lemon, vanilla & ricotta cannoli filling and a tart cherry jam.
Rumored to be the best pizza in the city by locals, Emily in the West Village thinks inside the box, as in, their pizza is square. Beyond pizza, burger lovers absolutely can not pass up ordering one of their larger-than-life, Instagram ready burgers. It’s elevated comfort food at its finest in a simple yet well appointed space. Inside tip: reservations are encouraged because everyone loves pizza.
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This no-frills Irish pub is your answer for getting your buzz on (or continuing it late night) on a dime. Offering nightly drink specials and live music on Sundays, The Scratcher is where savvy visitors and locals collide in a mutually respectful fashion. Inside tip: happy hour goes until 8pm so there’s no rush getting here… or leaving.
There are several ways to experience Momofuku restaurant group in the city dependent on how immersive you would like to get (read: expensive). With seven restaurants in NYC alone, you can keep it casual at the walk-in only Noodle Bar and Bar Wayō; stop in for breakfast or lunch at Bang Bar; or take it up a few notches at Kawi, Nishi or Ssam Bar which we’ll assign $$$ to all three. To take it all the way up, go for dinner at Ko: a highly recommended, market-driven, tasting menu experience priced at $225 per person.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Soho, New York, New York
A Soho staple since 2011, Dominique Ansel Bakery is another sweet spot worth a stop in. Remember the cronut? You can thank Dominique Ansel for that invention when he first launched them in 2013. Now a worldwide sensation, ordering one of these cronuts is basically tasting history.
Take a stylish step back in time at The Flower Shop in the Lower East Side. Taking a page from the 60’s, the bar and restaurant is part diner, lounge and game room, all decked out in funky wallpaper, wood paneling and vinyl booths. While they have a full food and drink menu, you’re coming here for post-dinner drinks in the lounge, bolo tie in tow.
A favorite among NYC’s blogger scene, locals and tourists alike, Jack’s Wife Freda is a veritable “must” during your trip. With three locations across the city, the Soho location is the original and sightings of owner Maya are frequent. The menu is best described as Israeli-meets-South African-meets-New York featuring dishes like rosewater waffles and peri-peri chicken wings. Good to know: they do not take reservations for parties under 6, so get there early or invite your whole crew to snag a reso.
Another “must” during your visit, Please Don’t Tell is a speakeasy on the Lower East Side that is just as much about the experience as it is the drinks. First, you’ll need to find Crif Dogs (a hot dog shop) then, locate the old school phone booth within the dog shop that grants you access into Please Don’t Tell. Once inside, you’re greeted by a sultry and intimate interior able to accommodate just the right amount people at the bar. Reservations are recommended and made via phone. And yes, you can order hot dogs to accompany your cocktails.
The bagel shop to beat the rest, Russ & Daughters Café in the Lower East Side offers the spread of your dreams. The full menu elevates the typical bagel experience with abundant caviar, smoked fish, roe, and creme fraiche. We suggest going with one of the “boards” served with a bagel of your choice, smoked fish, cream cheese and toppings. Dining with a group? Opt for a platter that serves the aforementioned goodies but fit for four people.
There’s more to experience in New York City than what’s possible to accomplish in one trip or even several, but we’re breaking down our favorite activities that you just might not have heard of… until now. We didn’t include spots like Times Square or the Empire State Building because you already know about those and this is your not-so-average guide to NYC!
First things first, the Flatiron Building is not open to the public so your visit here will be brief but don’t worry, we’ve got more for you to do nearby. Fun fact: it’s named for its triangular shape resembling a clothing iron. Once you’ve seen it and snapped your photo momento, it’s time to head to Eataly a mere block away for pizza, pasta and wine. Home to six restaurants, cafes, a market, a wine shop, and several food and wine counters, there is a lot to do here. Many of the restaurants are walk-in only, and you can also just peruse the different floors with a glass of wine if the abundant options get the best of you. Bonus: Staying at the Freehand? It’s just a 7 minute walk home.
Yep, this is where the “beehive” (actually called the Vessel) is located. Hudson Yards is a very new, very mega multi-use space of residences, shopping, dining, event venues and more. Oh, and it’s home to one of the most anticipated new hotels of this year: Equinox Hotel. Back to the Vessel, it’s an interactive art piece that helps you get your steps in at the same time: it’s a giant spiral staircase consisting of 154 flights of stairs and 2,500 steps. After all that walking, take a load off with lunch and a drink at Queensyard, located on the 4th floor.
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A favorite among photographer’s, the all-white, cathedral-like shopping experience at the Oculus in the new World Trade Center is just one of the many spots you can visit onsite. The Tribeca hub is also home to the 9/11 memorial and museum – a beautiful and breathtaking place for a moment of remembrance.
Here’s something you don’t see on every corner in New York City – a surf shop. Saturdays NYC’s flagship store in Soho is a little slice of the beach in the city: find their own label of men’s clothing alongside wetsuits, surfboards, fine art and other goods. Not in the mood to shop? Grab a drink at the La Colombe espresso bar up front and enjoy it in their landscaped backyard for a little escape from the streets of NYC.
One more Gossip Girl reference – apologies – but you too can eat yogurt like Blair and her posse on the steps of The MET, see the exhibitions (sorry, Camp: Notes on Fashion just ended in early September), and explore the influential world of art at the country’s largest art museum. Just a half mile from The Loeb Boathouse, The MET is the perfect addition to your day of exploring Central Park.
Whether or not you intend to take a train out of Grand Central Terminal, it’s worth a trip over to the magnificent Midtown site to experience the grandeur of time’s past (did you notice the Gossip Girl plug was avoided here?). Once you’ve taken it all in, take a five minute walk to the New York Public Library just down the street. Pop culture buffs know it as Carrie Bradshaw’s almost wedding venue. The stunning architecture evokes more feelings of bygone eras and maybe a little Hogwarts’ vibe as well. Either way you see it, these historic sites need to be on your to-do list.
What exactly is The High Line? It’s a public park built on a former freight rail line above the streets of the West Side. Free to the public (can we get a hallelujah?), it’s a 1.5 mile stretch of walkway from Gansevoort to 34th St filled with lush lookouts, woodlands (seriously), sundecks, and plenty of food and drink options along the way. Inside tip: Start at the 34th St access point and walk south to the Chelsea Market and The Standard for celebratory rooftop drinks.
Central Park is massive, like 2.5 miles long massive, so you definitely need to plan your day accordingly. Two top things to make sure you fit in? First, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain – you know, where Blair and Chuck got married – is an obvious choice to see and maybe even take a reenactment photo. After you’ve done that, go on a five minute lakeside walk to The Loeb Boathouse where you can rent one of those adorable boats as well as have lunch and drinks at the Boathouse. Weather permitting (and with some advanced planning), you could also bring along a picnic to make a whole day out of it.
We know, seeing a Broadway Show is a well known thing to do in NYC and for good reason! These shows are unparalleled in quality and there’s really no wrong choice when selecting a show. Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, Mean Girls, and The Lion King are just a few of the current offerings playing across Midtown.
Brooklyn has been on the NYC map as a cool kid destination for years now but much of it feels new and exciting to visitors and residents from across the waterway. Bursting with restaurant-lined streets, stunning bridge and skyline views, and one-of-a-kind shops – here’s what you need to know about visiting Brooklyn for the first time.
Hotels in Brooklyn are all around more casual than hotels in Manhattan but without sacrificing good design and amazing views. More urban in nature (leave the crystal chandeliers and marble lobbies to Manhattan), hotels here are undeniably effortless and rooftops come standard just about anywhere you stay.
One of the original boutique hotels of Williamsburg, Wythe Hotel sits on prime waterfront property overlooking the Manhattan skyline. It’s all in the details here, find intricate wallpaper, exposed brick walls, industrial framed windows, and 200 year old pine ceilings – just to name a few. Onsite, find two dining and drinking options: Lemon’s, a rooftop bar and restaurant with bridge views and Reynard, a charming space with arched windows.
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You know The Williamsburg Hotel for those turquoise bathrooms and that rainbow bar. While the rest of the hotel sticks to a more neutral palette, save accents of deep teal, you’re here for the thriving bar and restaurant scene (more on that later), classic rooms with a touch of mid-century modern, and overall buzz about the space. This is a spot where you’ll hang out, enjoy, and even make some new friends while you’re at it.
One of the newer hotels of Williamsburg, The Hoxton opened last year to much anticipation as the brand’s first installment in America. Inside, you’re greeted with an eclectic lobby filled with sofas, cozy nooks and unique fixtures all awash in a calming palette. Taking it to the efficiently designed rooms: think fun patterns, classic finishings, and a place for everything and everything in its place vibe. And the rooftop well, we’ll get to that in a minute.
Brooklyn’s dining and drinking scene can certainly hold its own against Manhattan – no three month in-advance reservation required. Chill coffee shops are found on every corner, cozy bars are tucked in between shops, and restaurants that have perfected their craft (and design) are aplenty. Oh, and we’ll cover all the aforementioned rooftop bars you need to know about too.
Don’t let the name fool you, Sunday in Brooklyn is open seven days a week but with a Sunday state of mind every day. The three-story, corner building is filled with light even in winter and features a sunny, California inspired interior. There’s a window filled sunroom as well as a couple dining rooms, each relying on lightened-up natural materials to set the scene. What to order: the smoked salmon tartine, fried chicken sandwich and Sunday pancakes, all to share with the table, of course.
Summer is a state of mind at The Hoxton’s rooftop bar, Summerly. The airy oasis feels like a piece of the Hamptons right in Williamsburg, with lobster rolls and flowing rosé to boot. Operating on a first come, first serve basis for parties under 6, we suggest staking out your spot on the early side if you’re trying to catch the sunset. And also to come with a group of 6+ to snag a reservation for the couches.
If there’s one place we get again and again and an absolute “must” in Brooklyn, it’s Maison Premiere. The southern-inspired restaurant – filled with vintage details, a horseshoe-shaped bar and plantation-esque patio – is most loved for their oysters and cocktails and even offers a weekend happy hour. Fun fact: planning a party (personal or professional)? Hire Maison Premiere for oyster catering and they’ll even recreate their in-restaurant bar.
Let’s hear it for the rooftop bars! Another excellent Williamsburg rooftop bar, Westlight belongs to The William Vale. This massive indoor-outdoor space is perched on the waterway with unobstructed Manhattan views (there are even old-school telescopes around the perimeter for better viewing). Day, night or anytime in between is the right time to visit Westlight, just grab a reservation ahead of time.
Double the locations, double the pizza – that’s the saying right? Vinnie’s Pizzeria in both Greenpoint and Williamsburg serves up XL pizza by the slice but they’re most known for their “Special Boreds.” Yep, the dry erase boards that display the daily specials are terrifically bad (think: cheesy puns and illustrations) and even have landed Vinnie’s on Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Stop in for late-night slices to appreciate their inventive work IRL.
Despite its name, Hotel Delmano is not a hotel but rather an intimate cocktail, wine and raw bar in Williamsburg. With an extensive spirit list and those peeling paint walls (you know, the good kind), this is exactly the post-dinner, quiet yet still happening place to cap off your evening at.
“In search of Tropical Japan,” is how The Hidden Pearl describes themselves and well, we’re happy to join their search. The cocktail and small bite institution seats a max of 20 people at a time so every guest gets a personalized experience. The interior is bright and sleek while the drinks are served over crushed ice with tropical garnishes and food offerings include pork buns and uni shooters.
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This stunning DUMBO space is elegant and charming with a beautiful interior and patio overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge – basically everything you want in a restaurant. Officially part of Soho House, Cecconi’s has an all-day menu occupied with Italian classics but you’re here for the aperitivo hour from 3-6pm. With $7 wines and $9 cocktails (Aperol Spritzes and negronis included), sit outside on a nice day or hole up at the bar on uncooperative days to instantly transport yourself to Italy.
This tiny Japanese restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner in Williamsburg. This beloved spot serves traditional ichiju-sansai set meals by day and transforms into YUJI Ramen by night serving seafood-forward ramen and mazemen. The simple yet sophisticated interior feels rich and comforting, just like its ramen. Good to know: There are no reservations offered so get here early to avoid a wait.
You need a night on the town when visiting NYC for the first time and The Water Tower at The Williamsburg Hotel is up for the task. Open nightly from 6pm-4am, this is the place to be on any given night for Manhattan views and good vibes. Order rare spirits, champagne or artisanal cocktails while listening to NYC’s top DJs perform.
Samurai Papa’s philosophy starts with energy. And that energy starts with water, Kaiki Water to be specific, used for all food preparation and drinks. This water is chemical free (unlike tap water) and minerally balanced for optimized energy of the food, drinking water, tea and, in turn, guests. Onto the food, Samurai Papa is a ramen bar, woohoo! Offering Bukkake style of ramen – choose a concentrated pork, chicken or vegan broth base, served with a side of dashi – there’s something for every type of eater.
This oasis, serving brunch all day, feels like a cafe or roadside diner on a tropical island. Once inside, you’ll quickly escape from the streets of Brooklyn and your hardest decision will be choosing between the Okinawan Taco Rice or Croissant French Toast. This is exactly the kind of place you need to be on a gloomy fall day for a dose of someplace warmer.
Every Saturday from 11am-6pm at East River Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s finest food vendors and trucks assemble for America’s largest open-air food market. A favorite among both locals and visitors, Smorgasburg is an easy guarantee for a weekend afternoon well-spent.
You know what’s coming when we share our favorite shops in Brooklyn – they’re just the coolest. From the OG dainty jewelry brand to artist showcases, there’s something for every budget and shopper. Looking for a new stacking ring? Head to Catbird. Need some funky art for your living room? Artists & Fleas has you covered.
A curated collection of home goods from emerging designers, pop into Mociun when you’re looking for that distinctly “Brooklyn” piece to take home with you. If you’re ready to commit to a slightly larger purchase, Caitlin Mociun crafts engagement rings, both custom and her own creations, that are shockingly beautiful (and come at a price, of course).
Catbird has been doing dainty jewelry since most of us were still in our statement jewelry phase in 2004, and has been occupying Williamsburg since then. Today, you can visit Catbird’s flagship location, wedding annex, and welding annex to get a piece of jewelry welded to your measurements so it lasts forever.
Artists & Fleas
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York
Photo by Shinya Suzuki
75+ sellers convene every weekend for one of Brooklyn’s local treasures: Artists & Fleas. The flagship space is located in North Brooklyn and the former warehouse is now a destination for designers, creatives, shoppers and tourists alike. Check out their website for the most up-to-date list of sellers and turn it into a day with Artists & Fleas’ local recommendations like grabbing a beer at The Hive or continuing your day of shopping at The Vale Collective.
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Leave most of the touristy activities behind in Manhattan and get ready to laze away your days eating and drinking in Brooklyn. This list of activities can be combined into one day or spread out to keep the chill vibes going.
After aperitivo hour at Cecconi’s, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park and Jane’s Carousel. Once you’ve walked around a bit, hang out at the park and watch the evening’s traffic play out on the water and the bridge. Plan just a little ahead and bring some drinks (and snacks if needed) and take in the beauty of the skyline ahead of you.
Do: walk the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan and back. Optional: joining the hordes of tourists taking jumping photos on the bridge. Notice how we haven’t recommended seeing the Statue of Liberty yet? Now is the time: observe Lady Liberty from a unique vantage point right on the bridge. How’s that for multitasking?
Feeling especially active? Rent a bike (pro tip: see if your hotel can arrange this) and head to the Williamsburg Bridge. Once you’ve ridden across it and back, cruise around McCarren Park and then reward yourselves with a drink at one of the local watering holes – just no biking under the influence, please.
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