Like many, I have always dreamed of living out my Carrie Bradshaw fantasy along the mean streets of New York City. The lights, the hustle and bustle, the possibility—it all seemed so sweet and I was desperate to get amongst it one day. Luckily for me, this sentiment was shared by my trip-planner-extraordinaire aunty (shoutout Ali G) and so, in April of this year, we set off (with my grandma, sister, cousins and uncle in tow) and headed straight for the big apple.
Surprisingly, as someone who typically has their entire life planned out to the most minute detail, when it comes to travel I am pretty blase. I headed into the trip with a couple of recommendations from friends and an itinerary for the family but, for the most part, my favoruite part about visiting a new place is just being able to walk aimlessly for hours and see what you stumble across.
And so, my NYC travel guide is relatively small but you best believe it is filled with all the best stuff. From food to shopping to hotels and fun activities to tick off, let this be your go-to guide if you feel so-inclined to enter an Empire State of Mind.
Where To Stay
Andaz 5th Avenue
Location? Tick. Views? Tick. Cool interiors? Tick. The Andaz on 5th Avenue was a stay to write home about. Situated opposite the New York Public Library (yes, where Carrie was set to marry Big in that elaborate-wedding-gone-wrong), the location is super central which makes it easy to get to every must-visit area. The rooms were also large with high ceilings and quirky accents that felt very very New York.
Where To Eat
Russ & Daughters
For legitimately the best bagel you will ever eat, Russ & Daughters is a must visit. With every possible combination of bagels, cream cheese and toppings to choose from there is something to satisfy every craving. I went with the classic lox on an everything bagel but can confirm that the blueberry bagels certainly caught my eye.
Pep’s On Grand
It would be rude not to indulge in a slice while in NYC and Pep’s On Grand is up there with some of the best pizza (and pasta, for that matter) that I have had. Located in Little Italy, this home-style restaurant is perfect for a big group so that you can try a little bit of everything.
Eli’s Table
One of the fancier dining experiences we had, Eli’s Table is a must-visit. Located on the Upper East Side, it is a true farm to table restaurant with food that is fresh, simple and delicious. Perfect for big groups, it is a homely contrast to the big city outside.
Caffe Dante
Dante was a welcomed reprieve from a torrential rain storm when we were in NYC—and the experience was made that much better with the delectable food. With flatbreads, pastas and tiramisu on the menu, it was the perfect winter warmer meal to keep us going during our shopping spree.
Where To Play
Circle Line Cruise
For a fun way to learn about the history of New York, the Circle Line Cruise is fantastic. I’d recommend doing it on day one or two so you have the context of the city before you begin exploring it on foot. You can also tick off seeing the Statue of Liberty up close and you will learn all about the monuments, structure of the city and different areas all from the water.
NBA At Madison Square Garden
For any sports heads, going to an NBA at Madison Square Garden was a must-do. Getting amongst the #atmos of a Knicks game was absolutely a highlight for me. Go the full nine yards and get a hotdog and a foam Knicks hand for the fun of it.
Cabaret On Broadway
Now, I will admit that I am not much of a theatre buff. However, I am so glad that I was able to see Cabaret on Broadway while in NYC. Starring Eddie Redmayne, this show was spectacular in every sense of the word and even just the novelty of attending a Broadway show was fun. Also the people watching was A1.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Incredibly moving and solemn, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a must-visit. As such a large and pivotal part of the city’s history, visiting the memorial and museum was incredibly eye opening and emotional. Bring tissues.
Where To Shop
Aime Leon Dore Soho
If there is one thing I am, ahem, very good at, it’s shopping. So I had a couple of key places on my hit list while I was in the USA. First cab off the rank was the Aime Leon Dore store in Soho. Ultra-cool caps, graphic tees, tailoring and the perfect collision of street and smart, this shop has something for everyone. If I was a multi-millionaire I would have bought one of everything.
Celine Upper East Side
Another must-do is a day shopping on the Upper East Side. Sure, when we went it was sideways raining with gail force winds but it was enjoyable(ish) nonetheless. While I didn’t purchase anything in the dreamy Celine store, the shopping experience was phenomenal and it delivered inspiration in spades.
Frame Denim Upper East Side
Another winner on the Upper East Side is the OG Frame Denim store. Recently updated, the space is oh-so cool and makes for a I-never-want-to-leave shopping experience. The staff were also super helpful and even got me to try on a pair of jeans I would have never considered on the rack that I now have sitting pretty in my wardrobe.
Zitomer Pharmacy
A favourite of the super chic influencer Matilda Djerf, Zitomer Pharmacy is for the girls who love a little trinket or two. Whether you want to stock up on your French pharmacy goodies or buy any number of tortoise shell claw clips, be warned that you will spend an exorbitant amount of money on what may seem like teeny weeny beauty bits.
Sporty & Rich NYC
One of the only regrets I have in my life (lol) is that I never made it to the Sporty & Rich store in NYC. A health club-meets-boutique, it is my idea of heaven. With a smoothie bar and a plethora of athleisure wear to choose from, if you are ever in the Soho area, you must pop in.
Kith
This was the other must-hit store on my list before arriving in NYC—and it did not disappoint. Despite not making a purchase, the sneaker offering at Kith was unparalleled and required an immense amount of self control not to buy six pairs at a time. I had my eye on a pair of chocolate brown Salomons but the sneaker gods weren’t on my side and my size was missing in action. Sad face.