Lauren Mack

Walk down any street in NYC and you won't have to go far before stumbling across the best food in the world. Each borough is a globetrotting feast for the senses. It's no wonder the Big Apple has many iconic foods that are famous all over the world. From breakfast bagels, bialys and BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich) to lunchtime pizza and hot doga to sweet treats like black & white cookies, babka, and cheesecake, these are the iconic NYC foods you have to try — and where to get them!

When buying mass-produced makeup, accessories, and gifts simply won't do, there's dozens of DIY shops for sourcing one-of-a-kind treasures in NYC. Even if you're not a crafty or creative person, the city is full of shops, lounges, and workshops where you can learn skills that match your creativity to make personalized goodies. From beaded bracelets with inspiring word affirmations to custom makeup to freshly designed fashion, the best DIY destinations in NYC have you covered from head to toe! It's time to get crafty.

NYC is one of the most walkable cities in the world.

Ahhh….Who doesn't love a spa-liday? New York boasts some of the best spas in the world — many which won't break the bank. Whether you are looking for a fantastic facial, a soothing soak, or a magnificent massage, these are the best spas in NYC that won't break the bank. I know because I've tried each one and visit them as often as I can. Since this is an NYC-centric list, it's worth mentioning that just a short drive to Edgewater, New Jersey is SoJo Spa Club (sojospaclub.com), a eight-story Korean bath house that offers the best hydrotherapy and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Life is too short to drink bad booze, When it comes to bars, New York City is spoiled for choice. From bars within hotels and restaurants to traditional pubs to innovative standalone bars and funky dive bars, there's a bar for everyone. There are more than 2,000 bars in New York City, according to the The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment. Here are best bars in NYC for drinks that are shaken, stirred, or served straight up. Don't forget to tip your bartender.

Do you believe in magic? New York is a magical place…if you know where to look. The world's most mesmerizing magicians come to the Big Apple to show off their illustons and close-up magic. Get ready to get up close and personal and perhaps even assist with some tricks. From hotels to speakeasies to magic shops, here's where you can watch some of the best magic in the world. Get tickets to these shows before they disappear before your very eyes.

I've been a food writer for 20+ years and a New Yorker for 10+ years. These are THE BEST places to get coffee in New York City.