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seeing new york (as a new yorker)
36
items the must-see, must-go, must-experience places of nyc. as a new yorker who spent childhood in brooklyn and adulthood in manhattan, prepare for the ins-and-outs of real nyc (not just the one on tiktok).
Map
Sections
5
OUTDOORS
FOOD
BARS
ACTIVITY
DESSERT
OUTDOORS
classic
Marcus Garvey Park
this secret garden is a hidden gem
Lotus Garden
might seem like an obvious choice, but pay attention to the less busy vendors and i guarantee you’ll be surprised what you can find! i’ve bought the cutest beaded bracelets and headscarfs from a vendor in the square.
Union Square Greenmarket
jewelry, vintage, small business galore AND affordable. most places accept card as well as cash.
Grand Bazaar NYC
everyone knows central park but not everyone knows this spot on the upper end. close to harlem and frequented by local communities, conservatory garden has been a “secret” best kept amongst new york’s upper manhattan students and professionals. never...
Conservatory Garden
this is quite literally the place to go when city life is getting to you and you want to feel like your vacationing in italy. so peaceful and serene, beautiful architecture. you’ll find it hard to believe you’re in new york city here (and even harder...
The Met Cloisters
i don’t see enough people talking advantage of the outdoor area on chelsea pier. serene, pet-friendly, and good sesh spot (iykyk).
Little Island
FOOD
BEST thai food in the city. vibes are great for a group, unique drinks and a good aesthetic for pictures.
Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill
simple place but amazing food. lunch time specials well priced too.
Sathi
classic new yorker spot with so many options. not a tourist trap, just genuinely good local pizza.
Rosa Pizza
definitely famous for a reason. a thicker classic with staple topping options.
Prince Street Pizza
bottomless is pricey but the vibes are solid, drinks are strong, and there are good appetizer options. definitely a louder, more transplant-esque place but still good for happy hour or the weekday "party" vibe.
Poco NYC
you didn't hear it from me but drinks and food here are good and SO CHEAP. you could literally have 5+ drinks and not pay over $50. for the city, you know this is unreal. there's a dj always maintaining the latin and caribbean vibe.
El Coco
can never go wrong with italian. staple food options available, solid drinks, and aesthetic decor.
La Pecora Bianca
for the real finds, you gotta be willing to leave manhattan. blend is an astoria must. vibes are high, drinks are strong. on the pricier side but worthwhile.
Blend Astoria
seafood lovers… this is paradise. sometimes boils can be hit or miss in the city, with the sauces tasting either a bit fishy or rushed—but not with this place. literally never had a boil that was short of perfection from here. the seafood quality is ...
theBoil
might be my favorite chicken over rice platter in the city. yes it’s that serious.
Halal Flamez
good italian spot for happy hour and apps. gets pretty packed, definitely make a reservation.
Gelso & Grand
unmatched, authentic colombian food. strong drinks. has both indoor and outdoor seating but is on the busier side, so i’d definitely play it safe and make a reservation.
Bogota Latin Bistro
go show love to the most elite west indies grocery store. for those outside nyc, they literally deliver too. as a west indian person myself, their food hits the spot whenever I find myself missing home or my family. check out the plait bread, my guya...
West Indian Groceries - Tropical Isle Roti Shop and Bakery
BARS
vibey cocktail longue great for a date or more casual night out. large bar with different seating BUT space fills up very fast.
Art Bar - NYC
dimly-lit wine bar with intimate vibes. perfect for a date night. drinks are strong and well made.
the otheroom (@theotheroomnyc)
iconic karaoke bar (and a possibly even more iconic vintage photo booth inside). cozy vibe but gets packed and high energy.
Baby Grand Flatiron
~the~ place for late night club vibes. outdoor rooftop area as well with AMAZING city views. usually hosts events with DJs and promoters.
Jolene Sound Room
one of my favorite rooftop bars in the city. at the citizen hotel in bowery. drinks are pricey but the seats are comfy and you just can’t replicate that view.
New York Bowery rooftop bar
my favorite speakeasy (and not just because i have a 222 tattoo…). also love the location, this is a def when in the upper west side.
222 Speakeasy
ACTIVITY
seen some of the coolest art in chelsea. definitely worth checking out if you're into both abstract and fine arts.
Chelsea New York Art Guide | Gallery & Exhibition Listings
even though bowling is not something you associate with nyc, this place is so fun for a friend group. closes late and has decent bars around for after.
Lucky Strike Chelsea Piers
a board game cafe… need i say more? honestly wish every single city had one of these. small, cozy place (so seats can def fill fast) but ENDLESS board game options. if you’re looking for a more lowkey activity rather than high energy spot, this is th...
The Uncommons
ok hear me out. yes it’s a classic movie theater, BUT it’s dine-in with comfy seats (and food is sent straight to you!). they usually have random older movies showing, i literally watched the one direction movie there after liam passed. 10/10 experie...
LOOK Dine-In Cinemas W57
exactly what it sounds like—and just as cool and weird you’d imagine. this activity is a splurge but a super unique and fun experience for those into VR gaming.
VR World®️ (@vrworldnyc)
a jungle gym open late to adults. unleash your inner child here, i promise you it’s impossible not to enjoy yourselves. you’re definitely gonna be into it more than you think, especially with some liquid assistance. ;-)
Area 53
alphabet city has such a special place in my heart and this spot is the center of it. books, bevs, antique vibe. what more could a reader/writer dream of.
Book Club Bar
DESSERT
i have no words for this place. it has my entire heart. my favorite bakery and place in the city.
Paris Baguette in New York, NY
this is a geniue new york classic, iykyk. soft serve is SO good.
Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices and Ice Cream
when i think of my childhood, veniero’s is the dessert place i most associate it with. not to be dramatic but this is honestly the best italian pastry spot in the city and most authentic you can find ~not~ in staten island. all the classic options a...
Veniero's Pasticceria & Caffe