As promised in 24-Hours in NYC for the First Timer, I wanted to write a post about my favorite things to do in NYC—a New York City guide. Having just moved out of NYC to the New England suburbs, I’m still experiencing that bittersweet feeling of enjoying the change (More space! A yard! Not sharing walls with strangers!), while missing the beloved city I called home for 3 years. I’m also, selfishly, writing this post as a reminder of the AMAZING hidden—and not so hidden— gems throughout NYC.

This also marks the first post in a new series: A Local’s Guide. There is no better way to learn about or experience a new place than with some advice from locals. I have been fortunate to have friends and family all over the U.S. (and world!) who have served as amazing hosts when I visit their cities. If you are thinking of visiting a new place, the first thing you should do is ask for recommendations from any friends/family members who live there. If you don’t know anyone in some cities you are looking to visit, start following A Local’s Guide to see what city comes next!

Now—back to NYC!

Since NYC has a little bit of something for everyone, the list below includes my personal favorites and will vary from New Yorker to New Yorker. Also, as a budget-conscious consumer and traveler, this list includes stops that are either free or affordable. The best way to get around? By foot or Subway! Using the subway is a simple and inexpensive way to get around so don’t be afraid to use it.

New York City Guide: To Do

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and Highline with [almost] no other people

Brooklyn Bridge

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of my favorite things to do in NYC—only in the morning though! If you wake up early and walk the Brooklyn Bridge first thing, it will be a peaceful, beautiful walk that allows you to admire the architecture of the bridge and the views of the city (if you go later in the day, the bridge is very overcrowded with people which makes it a lot less pleasant).

Having lived in Brooklyn, I’ve always walked across the bridge from Brooklyn TO Manhattan. But there are pros to both:

• Brooklyn to Manhattan
  • You are walking towards Manhattan so you can see the skyline throughout the entire walk
• Manhattan to Brooklyn
  • Your back will be to the Manhattan skyline but you will end your walk in Dumbo where the views are truly amazing. There are also places to eat, shop, and hang out in Dumbo while looking at the skyline.

Regardless of which direction you decide to walk on the bridge, make sure you walk to the other side. You will even catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty along the way!

• Neighborhood:
  • Financial District (Manhattan)/Dumbo (Brooklyn)
• Nearest Subway Stations:
  • Brooklyn Bridge City Hall – 4, 5, 6 (in Manhattan)
  • High St—Brooklyn Bridge – A, C (in Brooklyn)

The Highline

Similar to walking the Brooklyn Bridge, the Highline is best first thing in the morning when there are very few people walking. When it is less crowded, it is easier to see the buildings, plants, and everything that makes this train track-turned-park what it is today. There are also plenty of benches for you to enjoy your morning latte, read, or chat with a friend. I used to work near the Highline and would purposely leave extra early in the morning to read on a bench overlooking 26th Street.

• Neighborhood:
  • Chelsea/Hudson Yards
• Nearest Subway Stations:
  • 8 Ave – A, C, E, L
  • 34 St Hudson Yards – 7

Rent a Citi Bike

Riding a bike on the streets of NYC can be fun or terrifying, depending on where and when you ride. If you are in the city on a Saturday in August, take advantage of Summer Streets. About 7 miles of roads are closed for Summer Streets to allow bikers, joggers, and walkers to explore the streets of NYC without any cars getting in their way. From the base of the Brooklyn Bridge up towards Central Park via Park Ave, you can get in plenty of exercise while enjoying the sites along the way.

If you aren’t lucky enough to be in the city during those 3 Saturdays of the year, there are plenty of other places to bike through. Central Park is a great option as well as Hudson River Park, where you can bike without the worry of cars. Citi Bikes can be rented at stations throughout the city for 24-hours, just make sure to check your bike into a station before each 30-minute ride ends or you will be charged extra!

New York City Guide: To See

West Village

The West Village feels like a small town in a big city—but with endless shops and restaurants that will remind you that you are in fact in a big city. The streets are also lined with beautiful townhouses and trees that are almost too perfect to be true. Wandering the streets of the West Village is one of my favorite things to do in the city. Do not miss seeing this neighborhood! 

• Neighborhood:
  • West Village
• Nearest Subway Stations:
  • Christopher St – 1
  • W 4 St – A, C, E, B, D, F, M

Unique Architecture

Inside The Vessel in Hudson Yards

While there are plenty of ordinary buildings throughout the city, there is also a wonderful mix of unique buildings and structures that are worth taking a detour for.

• Flatiron Building –  Flatiron
  • The Flatiron building is an NYC classic. There are plenty of benches around Madison Square Park for you to sit and enjoy the view!
• The Oculus – Financial District
  • This futuristic dinosaur bone-looking structure actually houses a mall and train station. It is an amazing structure to see, from the inside and out. There is also a window at the top of the Oculus where you can see the Freedom Tower!
• The Vessel – Hudson Yards
  • The newest addition to the city, this structure and “park” is also an extremely unique addition to the city. Tickets are free to walk to the top. You can get them in advance or can get them onsite if there are still timeslots available. The views from the inside are worth the hike!
• 56 Leonard Street (“Jenga building”) – Tribeca
  • A 57-story building that literally looks like a Jenga game. It’s the tallest building in Tribeca so you can’t miss it if you are in the neighborhood!

Dumbo, Brooklyn

This stop can go hand-in-hand with the Brooklyn Bridge walk. Dumbo is one of Brooklyn’s most visited neighborhoods, and with good reason. The views from Brooklyn Bridge Park are unbelievable. You can sit on a bench between both the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge and see all of lower Manhattan. After taking a few pictures of the views, sit back and enjoy the surroundings!

• Neighborhood:
  • Dumbo 
• Nearest Subway Station:
  • High St—Brooklyn Bridge – A, C

New York City Guide: To Eat

Banana Bread from Two Hands and Vodka Pizza from Artichoke

The “To Eat” list could truly go on FOREVER (or at least could include hundreds of spots). And while New York has plenty of fine dining options, I’ve always preferred the quirky cafes and coffee shops. Plus—restaurants in the city are expensive so most of my favorites are on the affordable side.

Two Hands

Two Hands is an Australian owned cafe in Nolita (there is also a location in Tribeca). It is great for breakfast and lunch and has plenty of healthy dishes and amazing lattes. You have to try the Banana Walnut Bread, which has an espresso mascarpone spread and is the best slice of banana bread I’ve ever had!

• Neighborhood:
  • Nolita/Tribeca
• Nearest Subway Stations:
  • Spring St – 6, Bowery – J, Z, Grand St – B, D (for Nolita location)
  • Franklin St – 1, Canal St – A, C, E (for Tribeca location)

Maman

There are multiple Maman locations throughout the city and it is the perfect place to stop in for coffee and a snack. Their lavender hot chocolate is heavenly and the interiors of the shops are so cozy you will want to stay all day. If it is raining or snowing during your trip, a visit to Maman is especially a must!

• Locations:
  • Soho
  • Tribeca
  • Nomad
  • Hudson
  • Meatpacking
  • Greenpoint (Brooklyn)

Murray’s Bagels

There are so many great bagel shops throughout the city but Murray’s is one of the best. The bagels are hand-rolled and made fresh daily—and are the perfect texture. There are tons of flavors and spreads to choose from as well. The only downside to NYC bagels is that when you leave the city, it will be hard for another bagel to measure up!

• Neighborhood:
  • Greenwich Village
• Nearest Subway Stations:
  • 6th Ave – L, 14th St –  F, M

Pizza

There is so much great pizza throughout the city that it almost deserves its own category. Pizza-by-the-slice shops are great for inexpensive meals ($1-5 a slice!) and some are surprisingly really good. The Vodka slice at Artichoke Pizza is a personal favorite while my husband loves the Crab. Other favorites: Emily Pizza (The Emily), Prince St. Pizza

New York City Guide: To Shop

Idlewild Books

If you are a traveler (which I assume you are or you wouldn’t be here!), visit Idlewild Books in the West Village. It is a travel bookstore and sells travel guides and travelogues and also offers language classes if you are in NYC long term!

• Neighborhood:
  • West Village
• Nearest Subway Stations:
  • Christopher St – 1, 14 St – 1, 2, 3 

Soho-Nolita

Soho is a great neighborhood for one-stop shopping. It has many of your favorite chain stores along with plenty of high-end luxury shops that have amazing window displays. You can also make your way east to Nolita for smaller independently owned shops and specialty boutiques.

• Neighborhood: 
  • Soho/Nolita
• Nearest Subway Stations:
  • Prince St – R, W, Spring St – 6, Broadway-Lafayette St- B, D, F, M, 6

Sézane storefront in Nolita

Flea Markets

New York has plenty of great flea markets where you can find one-of-a-kind items. From jewelry to clothes and special gifts, there are so many items to be discovered. Be prepared to negotiate to get the best deal!

Grand Bazaar –  Upper West Side market open every Sunday year-round

• Neighborhood:
  • Upper West Side
• Nearest Subway Stations:
  • 79 St – 1, 81 St – B, C

Artists & Fleas – The flagship location is in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with over 75 vendors and is indoors

• Neighborhoods:
  • • Williamsburg/Chelsea/Soho
• Nearest Subway Station:
  • Bedford Ave – L (Williamsburg)
  • 8 Ave – A, C, E, L (Chelsea)
  • Broadway-Lafayette St- B, D, F, M, 6 (Soho)

I hope this New York City Guide gives you some ideas for your next visit! If you are also a local, what are some of your favorite things to do, see, eat, and shop in NYC?

Check back soon to see what city will be featured next in A Local’s Guide!