There are some destinations that feel exciting the first time you visit, and then there are places like New York City, cities that somehow feel just as magical no matter how many times you return, especially when it comes to finding new things to do in New York City each time you go.
We recently found ourselves back in New York City for a quick weekend trip to celebrate one of my best friends eloping in Central Park, and as soon as we booked the trip, I found myself looking forward to revisiting so many of the places that have become traditions for us over the years.
This trip felt especially sentimental because Asher and I made time to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, the exact place where he proposed to me back in December 2018. I love reminiscing about it every time we visit the city.
While I love visiting Manhattan any time of year, I will always say that Christmastime in New York City is my absolute favorite time to visit. There is simply nowhere else that feels quite as magical during the holiday season. Between the decorated storefronts on Fifth Avenue, festive window displays, ice skating in Central Park, holiday markets, and seeing the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, the entire city is transformed into a Griswold world.
After visiting several times over the years, we’ve built our own list of favorite places we find ourselves returning to every single trip. If you’re planning a trip and searching for the best things to do in New York City, the best restaurants in New York City, or the best coffee shops in NYC, this guide includes all of our favorite spots after years of visiting the city Frank Sinatra loved so much.
New York City Travel Guide: What You’ll Find in This Post
In this guide, I’m sharing all of our favorite places in New York City after visiting multiple times, including:
- Best restaurants in New York City
- Best coffee shops in NYC
- Our favorite things to do in New York City
- Must-see New York City attractions
- Where to eat in New York City
- Our favorite places we revisit every time we visit NYC
The Best Restaurants in New York City We Always Recommend
One of the best parts of planning a New York City itinerary is deciding where to eat. The food scene in NYC is one of the best in the world, and every neighborhood has incredible options. If you’re wondering where to eat in New York City, these are the restaurants we always recommend.
Quick Restaurant List
- Jack’s Wife Freda
- Citizens of Chelsea
- Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor
- Gray’s Papaya
- The Butcher’s Daughter
- Tacombi
- Zucker’s Bagels
- Juliana’s Pizza
- Lombardi’s Pizza
- Los Tacos No. 1
- Levain Bakery
- Magnolia Bakery
- Venchi
- Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
Jack’s Wife Freda
If you’re looking for one of the best brunch spots in New York City, Jack’s Wife Freda is always one of our first recommendations. Known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu and consistently excellent atmosphere, this iconic NYC brunch spot has become one of our favorite ways to start a day exploring Manhattan. It’s fun, trendy, and the food is excellent.
Citizens of Chelsea
Located near Chelsea Market, Citizens of Chelsea has become one of our favorite breakfast and brunch spots in Manhattan. The coffee is excellent, the Aussie-inspired breakfast menu is simple but incredibly well done, and it makes the perfect stop before walking the High Line or exploring nearby Hudson Yards.
Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs
Of all the restaurants we’ve visited in New York City, this is my favorite dinner we’ve ever had in the city. Located in Tribeca inside a historic pink townhouse, Tiny’s feels intimate, cozy, romantic, and incredibly memorable. If you’re planning a couple’s trip to New York City, I would absolutely put this on your list of the best restaurants in New York City for date night.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
If you want one of the most historic dining experiences in Manhattan, Nom Wah Tea Parlor in Chinatown is a must. Open since 1920, it’s one of the oldest dim sum restaurants in New York City and offers one of those classic old-school New York dining experiences that feels timeless.
Gray’s Papaya
No New York City food guide feels complete without mentioning Gray’s Papaya. If you want the quintessential New York hot dog experience, this iconic Manhattan institution is one of the most classic and affordable food stops in the city.
The Butcher’s Daughter
The Butcher’s Daughter is one of our favorite healthy brunch spots in New York City, especially when we’re craving fresh juices, avocado toast, or lighter breakfast options after several days of indulging in all the incredible food the city has to offer.
Tacombi
Whenever we’re exploring Manhattan and need a quick lunch stop, Tacombi is one of our go-to casual restaurants in NYC. The tacos are delicious, the atmosphere is fun, and it always feels like the perfect easy stop during a busy sightseeing day.
Zucker’s Bagels
If it’s your first time visiting New York City, getting a classic New York bagel should be part of your itinerary. Zucker’s has become one of our favorite places to grab breakfast before heading out for a full day exploring Manhattan.
Juliana’s Pizza
Located in Brooklyn near DUMBO and the Brooklyn Bridge, Juliana’s consistently ranks among the best pizza restaurants in New York City. We especially love stopping here after spending the day walking around Brooklyn.
Lombardi’s Pizza
As America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s feels like one of those classic New York experiences every visitor should have at least once. If you’re searching for historic restaurants and authentic New York pizza, this belongs on your list.
Los Tacos No. 1
Los Tacos No. 1 is arguably one of the best quick meals in Manhattan. It’s affordable, consistently excellent, and easily one of our favorite casual food stops when we’re exploring the city.
Levain Bakery
You simply cannot talk about the best desserts in New York City without mentioning Levain Bakery. Their oversized cookies somehow live up to all the hype and have become a mandatory stop every time we visit. This is Asher’s must-visit.
Magnolia Bakery
If you visit New York City and skip Magnolia Bakery’s famous banana pudding, I would argue you’re missing one of the city’s most iconic desserts. It’s one of those classic New York stops we always recommend to first-time visitors.
Venchi
This is the perfect for an afternoon gelato stop. Venchi has become one of our favorite dessert spots for gelato ever since we discovered it on our honeymoon in Italy. Don’t skip the pistachio gelato.
Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
The Aldo Sohm Wine Bar was a memorable stop for us. We’ve had Aldo Sohm’s Wine Simple book sitting in our living room for years, so finally visiting his wine bar and trying wines from his label made this feel like such a fun full-circle experience. If you enjoy wine-focused experiences, this is one of the most unique bars in Manhattan, and it’s a quiet respite from the busy city.
The Best Coffee Shops in New York City
Finding great coffee while traveling is always one of our priorities, and thankfully, New York City has no shortage of incredible cafés. If you’re searching for the best coffee shops in NYC, these are the ones we keep returning to. With so many coffee shops in NYC, I’d love to hear your favorites as well—comment below!
Quick Coffee Shop List
- Ralph’s Coffee
- Bluestone Lane
- Maman
- Butler
- Urban Backyard
- Good Thanks Cafe
Ralph’s Coffee
Located inside Ralph Lauren, Ralph’s Coffee may be one of the most aesthetically beautiful coffee shops in Manhattan. The entire space feels timeless, elegant, and somehow perfectly fits the classic New York aesthetic. You’ve probably seen their iconic cup and saucer on Instagram. They also have cute coffee mugs (like the one shown in the picture) too!
Bluestone Lane
One of our favorite reliable coffee shops in New York City. Their Australian-style coffee menu is excellent, and with several locations throughout Manhattan, it’s always an easy stop during busy sightseeing days. We suggest visiting the Church of Heavenly Rest Location (1085 Fifth Ave.) for the beautiful architecture.
Maman
Maman is easily one of the prettiest cafés in New York City. The French-inspired pastries, cozy atmosphere, and beautiful interiors make this one of our favorite places to slow down.
Butler
One of our favorite traditions after walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is stopping at Butler in DUMBO afterward. If you’re exploring Brooklyn, this is one of the best coffee shops near the Brooklyn Bridge. We stopped for soup and lattes after our chilly engagement on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Urban Backyard
A hidden gem in Manhattan, Urban Backyard feels surprisingly peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of the city around it. The outdoor courtyard makes this feel like a quiet little escape.
Good Thanks Cafe
Good Thanks Coffee is small, beautifully designed, and consistently excellent coffee. This has become one of our favorite quick coffee stops while exploring lower Manhattan neighborhoods.
The Best Things to Do in New York City
There are endless attractions and iconic landmarks throughout New York City, but after visiting several times, these are the places and experiences we personally think belong on every New York City itinerary.
Quick NYC Activities List
- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
- Visit DUMBO and see the Manhattan Bridge view
- Visit the Empire State Building
- Walk the High Line
- Explore Grand Central Terminal
- See the Flatiron Building
- Take the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty
- Visit the Oculus
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- Explore Chelsea Market
- Walk Stone Street
- Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Visit The Guggenheim Museum
- Explore the West Village
- Visit the Friends apartment building
- Shop in SoHo
- Walk through Central Park and visit Bethesda Fountain
- See a Broadway Show
- Visit The Vessel at Hudson Yards
- Visit Smalls Jazz Club
- See the Rockettes at Christmas
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
This will always be one of our favorite things to do in New York City. Beyond the fact that we got engaged here, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge offers some of the best skyline views anywhere in the city and remains one of the most iconic NYC experiences.
Visit DUMBO for the Manhattan Bridge View
After crossing into Brooklyn, walking over to the famous Manhattan Bridge photo spot in DUMBO is one of the most photographed locations in New York City and worth the extra few minutes.
Visit the Empire State Building
If it’s your first time visiting New York City, this belongs on your list. Seeing Manhattan from the top of the Empire State Building remains one of the most classic New York experiences.
Walk the High Line
Walking the High Line is one of the best free things to do in New York City. This elevated walking park offers beautiful views of Manhattan while connecting Chelsea, Hudson Yards, and some of the city’s best neighborhoods.
Explore Grand Central Terminal
Even if you aren’t catching a train, Grand Central remains one of the most beautiful historic buildings in New York City and definitely deserves a stop on your itinerary.
See the Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building is one of Manhattan’s most recognizable architectural landmarks and an easy stop while exploring Midtown.
Take the Ferry to See the Statue of Liberty
Taking the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty of the easiest and most affordable ways to enjoy incredible harbor views while seeing one of America’s most iconic landmarks. Plus, it gives your feet a break from all the walking.
Visit the Oculus
Located in Lower Manhattan near the 9/11 Memorial, the Oculus has become one of the city’s most photographed modern architectural landmarks. It’s a cool site to experience!
Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is one of the most meaningful experiences in New York City. Every visitor should take time to experience this incredibly powerful part of the city’s history. While seeing the museum exhibits can be emotionally hard, it’s worth visiting to remember those who lost their lives and how our country rallied together during such a difficult time.
Explore Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is one of our favorite indoor spots for food, shopping, and taking a break while exploring Manhattan. We love the store Fishs Eddy inside the market. The market is a great place to support local makers and find some of the best NYC food!
Walk Stone Street
If you need a photo for Instagram, I recommend visiting Stone Street, one of the oldest streets in New York City and one of our favorite hidden gems in Lower Manhattan.
Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is one of the most iconic museums in the world and one of the most impressive cultural attractions in New York City. You could spend all day in the museum, so block out lots of time for exploring.
Visit The Guggenheim Museum
Even if you aren’t a huge museum person, the architecture alone makes the Guggenheim worth visiting. Filled with modern and contemporary art, this museum is a piece of artwork in and of itself.
Explore the West Village
If I could spend an entire day wandering one neighborhood in Manhattan, it would be the West Village. The charming brownstones, boutique shops, tree-lined streets, and neighborhood cafés make this one of my favorite parts of New York City. Grab an Aperol Spritz and spend the day people-watching.
Visit the Friends Apartment Building
This is a fun stop for anyone who grew up watching Friends and one of the most recognizable TV landmarks in Manhattan. You can find the apartment at 90 Bedford St.
Shop in SoHo
If shopping is part of your New York City itinerary, SoHo remains one of the best neighborhoods for boutique shopping, designer stores, and spending an afternoon wandering.
Walk Through Central Park and Visit Bethesda Fountain
No trip to New York City feels complete without spending time in Central Park. Bethesda Fountain remains one of our favorite spots, especially during fall and Christmas season.
See a Broadway Show
A Broadway show is one of the most iconic New York City experiences and something every visitor should experience at least once. We loved seeing the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway!
Visit The Vessel at Hudson Yards
One of the newer iconic landmarks in Manhattan, The Vessel at Hudson Yards has quickly become one of the most recognizable architectural attractions in New York City. Even if you’re simply visiting for photos and exploring the surrounding area, it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
Visit Smalls Jazz Club
If you love intimate live music experiences, Smalls Jazz Club in Greenwich Village is one of the best authentic jazz clubs in New York City. I love a jazz club, and one in New York City is all the more magical!
See the Rockettes at Christmas
If you’re visiting during Christmas in New York City, seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall is one of the most iconic holiday experiences in the city.
Final Thoughts on Visiting New York City
The reason we keep coming back to New York City is simple. Every trip feels completely different. There are always new restaurants to discover, neighborhoods to wander, coffee shops to try, and hidden gems to find.
But no matter how many times we visit, we always find ourselves returning to the places we love, especially walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, revisiting our favorite restaurants, and simply spending time wandering through the neighborhoods that make New York feel unlike anywhere else.
And if you ask me the best time to visit New York City, my answer will always be the same.
Christmas in New York City. Every single time.
Love big cities? Check out how we spent two days in Boston, Massachusetts.
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