A Cool Girls Guide to New York City
Ive been to NYC quite a few times now so here are my must haves, must dos and must eats. Not including the super touristy stuff because thats obvious. Also NYC is huge so its a work in progress!
Map
Hotels
I love the freehand stays!
Vintage and cool
If you still wanna stay in Manhatten but in a less touristy area. Close to really cool restaurants (walking distance to Chinatown, Little Italy etc) and bars
More boutique hotel option
Famous Hotel. Ask about what happened in the elevator 😘
Palm Spring vibes in NYC
Another Selina. great budget option
Great hotel right in the thick of it. Has a great rooftop bar
Retrok vibes. Not quite in NYC proper but still a cool and unique stay
Cheap Hostel Option
Right in the thick of it
Staying outside of Manhatten will always be cheaper. Plus a rooftop pool
Tour Options
Exactly how it sounds
A good way to see a bunch of NYC at once (the big tourist sights only)
Spans the USA but starts in NYC
A NYC only tour
Top Insta Spots in NYC
Things to Do
All the big must dos if its your first time
What celeb hasnt gotten a pic? There are a few locations so check whats easiest for you
Get the insta pics you deserve babe
If you're an art girlie, come here. Its free 💗
A great stop after walking the highline
A bit luxe I know, but see NYC from above
Cheap af way to see the NYC skyline
NYC in a Day Tour. I did this tour when I went to NYC for the first time like 15 years ago and I still stand by it. Knock out all the main tourist sites in one go so you can spend the rest of the time eating and shopping
We did this for the first time in December and it was so coo. Great photography opportunities and views
The newest NYC lookout. I havent been but Ive heard its good!
Literally exactly what it sounds like. A secret bowling alley under the frick museum
Yes everyone will suggest walking the Brooklyn bridge, and I dont disagree. But if you walk the Manhatten- 1. its less crowded and 2. you actually have the brooklyn bridge in your view
get a view of the Statue of Liberty without the hefty pricetag
A medieval castle near NYC
A hidden cave in Central Park
as much of a place to eat as it is a thing to do. Plus its walking distance from that iconic view of DUMBO
Relax away from the hustle and bustle
I really enjoyed this museum. A great option if you want to slow down for a bit
Another market option
Its so beautiful lit up at night
If you cant be bothered finding the good spots
live out your Gossip Girl dreams
DC is close enough you can easily tack it on to any NYC trip (Philly too)
Guggenheim Tix
if you need Broadway tix. Can also try to get cheaper ones on the day of. This is just Lion King but there is heaps of shows!
If you just wanna see the Statue of Libery, I recommend the free ferry but this tour stops on Ellis Island if thats ya thing
Restaurants/Bars
Last Hotel Rec for now
The pineapple buns will change your life. ISTG
Ya its a bit basic. But the banana pudding is just too good not to include
Get your fill
Rooftop bar and club. Good views of the city
Cool gals bar
I literally buy packs of these bagels to freeze for later
The name explains it all
A must stop while in NYC, but you can also buy products to ship to you! (If in the US)
Australian Style Coffee
Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour
Chelsea Market Food Tour + Highline Walk
a must when in NYC
not exactly a secret but still a very good Speakeasy
not exactly secret but still a classic. Go in the morning to stroll in with zero wait
old timey. new york style
This was no joke my husbands favorite meal
Get the Char Siu
its not open every day so make sure you check ahead of time!
You cant leave without a slice
Shopping
Hear me out. These books are great. I LOVE travel books. You can even get the e-version so it doesnt take up space in your bag. I have this one and genuinely love it for inspo
Okay picture this fit- this hat, a jumper and New Balance trainers. Princess Diana vibes
Unique Souvenier Option
A New Yorker's uniform
Kate Spade and NYC are synonymous at this point. You cant go wrong with anything from there but I love this subtle luggage tag
For crate digging
cute souvenier
Get your shopping done in one swoop
Etc Etc
Esim for USA and Canada
NYC Metro Map