New York City has always had my heart. Ever since I saw the Devil Wears Prada as a teenager, I knew I had to make my way to the city at some point. Jon and I lived there for a year and a half before we got the opportunity to move to Amsterdam.
This past weekend, I got to go back to NYC for the first time since we moved. It was magical to be back in the city with my friends. And I loved getting to go back to all my favorite places. I get asked a lot about my favorite spots, so I wanted to share a complete travel guide to NYC – all the best restaurants, shopping, rooftop bars, and even Instagram spots.
Have you ever been to NYC? What’s your favorite thing about it?
Xx, Kelsey
WHERE TO EAT
I could honestly write a list ten miles long. NYC has some of the best food ever. Be prepared to eat yourself silly.
Best Pizza by the Slice – NY Pizza Suprema
Best Pizza Pie – Grimaldi’s on 6th Ave
Pizza on the Lower East Side – Sauce
Happy Hour – Tappo (buy a bottle of wine & get a whole cheese pizza)
Happy Hour – Mexicue (strongest $5 margs you’ll find in the city)
Italian on a Monday – Galli Restaurant (they offer a complimentary bottle of wine to parties of more than 4 on Mondays)
Tex Mex – Javelina (just like they do it in Texas, including the Whataburger sign and queso)
Fancy Mexican – Empellon (the shisito peppers are to die for)
Table Side Guac – Rosa Mexicano
Burgers – Shake Shack Madison Square Park
Instagram Brunch – While We Were Young
Brunch – Sweet Chick
Aussie Brunch – Good Thanks (highly recommend the scrambled eggs with avocado!)
Authentic Chinese – Joe’s Shanghai
Authentic Thai – Fish Cheeks
Fancy Brunch – Balthazar
Bagel Sandwich – Have a Bagel in Williamsburg
Healthy Dinner – Westville
Casual Vegan Lunch – By Chloe
Dose of France – Laduree
Fancy Steak – Capital Grille
NYC Brasserie – The Smith
Chicken Wings – Croxley’s
High Tea – Bergdorf Goodman
WHERE TO WORKOUT
NYC has so many amazing workout spots. If you’re in the city for a few days, pop into one of the below classes. If you’re in the city for longer, Classpass is a great way to visit a bunch of different locations.
Boxing – Rumble (also your best chance of running into a Victoria’s Secret model)
Spin – Soulcycle, Flywheel, or Monster ( I couldn’t pick just one since I love them all for different reasons)
Barre – Pure Barre, Pop Physique
WHERE TO SHOP
NYC has some of the best shopping in the world. No doubt about it. And while it’s really cool to see Fifth Avenue up near Central Park, the best shopping sans the crowds can be found elsewhere.
Trendy Shopping – Soho
Best Street for All Your Favorite Stores in One – Fifth Avenue between 22nd and 14th (Banana Republic, Sephora, Zara, J. Crew, and Anthro all in a row)
Sample Sales – 260 Sample Sale (sign up for their emails to get notifications for the best sales as they come up. Worth it for everything except your wallet.)
Best Zara – Fifth Avenue between 17th and 18th
Best Banana Republic – Fifth Avenue and 18th
Place to Window Shop – Bergdorf Goodman
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST ROOFTOP VIEWS
Touristy View – Top of the Rock
Best View of the Entire Island – One World Trade (pay a little extra to get a beer or champagne flight at the top)
View of Uptown and Downtown – Public Hotel
Rooftop View from Brooklyn – William Vale Hotel
Rooftop Bar in Midtown – Rare Rooftop Bar
Rooftop View from Chelsea – Whitney Museum
Rooftop Views without Tourists – Find yourself a friend with a rooftop. Nothing beats it.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK
Fanciest Cocktails – The Plaza Hotel
Best Margaritas – Mexicue
Best Night Out – Mother’s Ruin
Unique Cocktail Bar – Genuine Liquorette
Quiet Glass of Wine – The Immigrant
Wine and Cheese – Beecher’s
Best for Beer – Clinton Hall
Karaoke – Sing Sing
Casual Dancing – Tijuana Picnic
Outdoor in Williamsburg – Freehold
Casual but Busy Bar – 310 Bowery
Large Groups – Houston Hall
WHERE TO GET THE GRAM
Best Street Style Spots – Soho (Start at Mercer & Spring and then wander around)
Best with a Rooftop View – Top of the Rock
View of the Williamsburg Bridge – Domino Park
Quintessential NY Landmark – Flatiron Building
Central Park – Bow Bridge (especially good in the fall!)
Gossip Girl Moment – Met Steps
The Pink Coffee Shop on Everyone’s IG – Pietro Nolita
Best Imposing Skyscrapers – Financial District
The Shot That’s All Over Instagram – Brooklyn Bridge (I think this one’s a bit cliche and overdone, but to each his own!)
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Outfit 1: Vero Moda blazer dress | Mango boots
Outfit 2: Chicwish faux fur coat | Turtleneck is old J. Crew (similar style here) | Gap black skinny jeans
Outfit 3: Banana Republic puffer jacket | Banana Republic sweater | Michael Kors bag | Nike sneakers
Outfit 4: J. Crew cocoon coat | Banana Republic scarf | Steve Madden boots | Kate Spade bag
