North America Travel USA

Things to do in NYC

By on Thursday, March 14, 2013
All too soon (or not soon enough), my current love affair with NYC has ended. Maybe another time, in another decade, lovely NYC, but for now I go West, surprisingly. 

Everyone is asking me why, and I can’t really put my finger on it except to say that I haven’t been able to explore as much of the city as I would have liked. Every day was really about commuting, not finding all the great spots to play, and I don’t like operating in a heads-down let’s work all the time world. So I’ll return to NYC when I don’t have to think so much about my career (i.e., must more established) so much and I can have a little time to get to know the city.

But just because I’m leaving doesn’t mean there aren’t things I will miss. NYC offers SO MUCH amazingness, it is tough to go elsewhere, because you know you’ll be locked in a cultural black hole in comparison. 

So, if you’re ever in NYC there are places I insist you MUST try including:

the Russian Samovar for some infused vodka (try the horseradish, I promise it’s delish!)

 Fort Greene in Brooklyn. Very quaint little brownstones, women with kids, organic food shops, good book stores, coffee shops and nice brunch spots.
 Bryant Park with friends. I especially like it because there’s a Pret a Manger across the street, so I can reminisce about life in London
 Birch Coffee, the best little coffee shop in Manhattan
 Obviously you know what this is. Just go for a walk up 5th Avenue to 34th. Kind of cool to hit the ESB all of a sudden.
 Barcelona Bar. Just to warn you, this is NOT a classy place. But they do make you wear ridiculous hats and do a dance to take a shot. Why not!?
 Other favorites on mine include:

Pastis for some French cuisine, if you can stand the wait. Don’t worry, there’s a Sephora, Zadig and Voltaire and Apple store nearby, so more than likely, you can stand the wait.

The Mercer Hotel, which is amazing whether you get annoyed with your roommate for the night or if you want a drink at the bar.

Little Branch is a must, especially if you love Milk and Honey in London. This underground Prohibition-style bar makes the best cocktails hands down.


Lillie’s Victorian, a cute little bar that the American Girl in me just loves.

Salon Shizen, where Yoko, the most adorable hairstylist in the world, will work wonders with your hair.

Luke’s Lobster for the best lobster rolls outside of Maine.


Cornelia Spa at the Surrey. Great facials, and my mom and I once saw Mischa Barton there, so that was pretty cool.

Any Broadway play, but my favorite right now is the Book of Mormon. Don’t go if you’re sensitive, as I was a little paranoid I was going to be struck by lightening for laughing.

Deniz Turkish. Amazing vegetarian options and great wine specials abound.

Oh, and as an added bonus, All Saints and Topshop, my favorite shops, are literally one block from each other.

…this list is by no means exhaustive. What is your favorite thing to do in NYC?

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Comments

  2. Anonymous

    New York City is a big city, it is good for those who love to live in cities.

    For those who love country sides, NYC may not be a good option.

    Thanks for the photos.

  3. Chase Howard

    SInce I am visiting New York City this summer, I have been looking for a list of things to do and places to see since I will be visiting for the first time. One of the things that I am doing while in the city is going on New York bus tours so that I have an opportunity to see a lot of the city for myself without having to walk around or get lost that much.

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