Explore with Kate’s Guide to
NEW YORK CITY
New York, New York — there’s truly no place like it. I was lucky enough to live in New York for two years. I experienced my early twenties here, which was equally fun and chaotic. I started my career here, made wonderful friends, and experienced all the city has to offer. I ate incredible meals, stayed out until sunrise, and eventually left New York with countless memories and zero regrets.
This guide includes my top recommendations and a few suggestions from close friends. I’ve focused on the more popular areas of the city that I’m familiar with, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out.
I love this city, and I know you’ll love it too. Read below for my guide to New York City!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
WHAT TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY
“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.”
― Tom Wolfe
It’s nearly impossible to be bored in New York City. With that being said, it’s easy to be overwhelmed when trying to decide what to do. If you’d like to experience the city like a New Yorker, my advice is to see the famous sights you’d like to see, then spend as much time as possible outside touristy areas. Get lost exploring the Village, visit the vintage stores in Brooklyn, and eat some amazing food in Queens. This is the authentic New York experience.
I’ve listed some of the most popular activities and landmarks below, sorted by neighborhood. I’ve also included some of my personal favorite activities. I’d recommend trying to do as much as possible while in any given neighborhood to limit the time you spend commuting to your next activity.
Misc. - Baseball Game (Bronx/Queens) - Governor's Island - Bronx Zoo (Bronx) - Walking Tour (Anywhere) - NYC Ferry (Anywhere)
Upper Manhattan - Museum of Natural History (UWS) - The Met (UES) - Central Park (UES & UWS) - The Met Cloisters (Washington Heights) - Riverside Park (UWS)
East/West/Greenwich Village - Union Square Park - Jazz Clubs - Comedy Shows - Washington Square Park - The High Line - Little Island - West Side Highway
Brooklyn - Brooklyn Bridge - DUMBO - Prospect Park - Coney Island - Vintage Shopping - Smorgasburg (seasonal)
Financial District - The Statue of Liberty - Wall Street - Battery Park - Trinity Church - 9/11 Memorial
Midtown - Times Square - Vanderbilt Summit - Empire State Building - Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - Broadway Shows
WHERE TO EAT IN NEW YORK CITY
“When I’m back in New York — and this is a terrible thing to complain about — I eat a lot more really, really good food than perhaps I’d like to.”
— Anthony Bourdain
It’s well-known that you could eat at a different restaurant in New York City every day for the rest of your life, and you still won’t have come close to trying all of them. Restaurants are constantly opening and closing their doors in the city, meaning there’s always something new to try. I’ve rounded up my top picks below, but eat anywhere that calls your name — you probably won’t go wrong.
West Village - Dante (Italian) - Olio E Piu (Italian) - American Bar (American) - Alta (Mediterranean)
East Village - Nowon (Korean/Asian Fusion) - Little Ruby's (Australian) - Thursday Kitchen (Korean/Asian Fusion) - Bar Primi (Italian)
Nolita - Rubirosa (Italian) - Tacombi (Mexican) - Parm Mulberry Street (Italian) - Emporio (Italian) - Birria-Landia (Mexican/Food Truck)
SoHo - Piccola Cucina (Italian) - Paisley (Indian) - A Pasta Bar (Italian) - Ladurée (French) - Pepolino (Italian)
Midtown - Monkey Bar (Italian) - P.J. Clarke's (American) - TacoVision (Mexican) - VIV (Thai) - Briciola (Italian)
Brooklyn - Misi (Italian - Williamsburg) - Faun (Italian - Prospect Heights) - Westlight (American - Williamsburg) - Time Out Market (Mix - DUMBO) - Leland (American - Prospect Heights)
WHERE TO DRINK IN NEW YORK CITY
“New York is a city of possibility and endless exploration. There’s always something new to discover around every corner.”
— Elizabeth Gilbert
One of the many things New York is famous for is its nightlife, and there’s certainly no shortage of options. Whether you like to be at the club until the sun comes up, prefer a chill dive bar, or even if you’d rather stick to mocktails, the bars of New York have you covered.
This list was extra tough to put together because the vibe of a bar can change depending on the night, and every neighborhood has its share of great places. Once again, you can’t go wrong following your heart and popping into a bar that just looks cool for a drink.
Lower East Side - Clandestino (Cocktail Bar) - Tom and Jerry's (Pub) - Pretty Ricky's (Cocktail Bar) - Pianos (Cocktail Bar) - The Crown (Rooftop Cocktail Bar)
Brooklyn - Radegast (Beer Hall - Williamsburg) - Carousel (Cocktail Bar - Bushwick) - Spritzenhaus 33 (Beer Hall - Greenpoint) - Skinny Dennis (Dive Bar - Williamsburg) - Westlight (Rooftop - Williamsburg)
Misc. - The Dead Rabbit (Irish Pub - FiDi) - Little Ways (Cocktail Bar - SoHo) - Rintintin (Cocktail Bar - NoLita) - The Portrait Bar (Cocktail Bar - Flatiron) - The Raven (Irish Pub - Upper East Side)
Midtown - Agency of Record (Cocktail Bar) - Hibernia (Irish Pub) - Don't Tell Mama (Piano Bar) - Deacon Brodie's (Irish Pub) - Flaming Saddles (Gay Bar) - Bar Centrale (Cocktail Bar)
West Village - Employees Only (Cocktail Bar) - Automatic Slim's (Cocktail Bar) - Wilfie & Nell (Pub) - Mezzrow (Jazz Bar)
East Village - Ruffian (Wine Bar) - 11th Street Bar (Pub) - The Immigrant (Wine Bar) - Dream Baby (Cocktail Bar) - Doc Holliday's (Dive Bar) - Blind Barber (Cocktail Bar)
WHERE TO STAY IN NEW YORK CITY
“There is something in the New York air that makes sleep useless.”
— Simone de Beauvoir
Public transit can quickly take you anywhere in the city, so don’t stress too much about which neighborhood to stay in. I’d pick somewhere close to most of the things you’d like to do.
This is the only section of the article where I recommend places I haven’t been since I lived here and had an apartment. But these options are well-vetted (some recommended by family and friends), have great reviews, and are sorted by neighborhood and budget. Remember, New York City is expensive, and accommodation is not cheap! Do your research to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Lower East Side - Hotel Indigo (Low-Budget) - Hotel Richland LES (Mid-Budget) - NobleDEN Hotel (High-Budget)
East Village - East Village Hotel (Low-Budget) - Moxy Hotel (Mid-Budget) - The Standard (High-Budget)
Brooklyn - Moore Hostel (Low-Budget - Williamsburg) - Henry Norman (Mid-Budget - Greenpoint) - William Vale (High-Budget - Williamsburg)
Midtown - Nap York Sleep Station (Low-Budget) - The Pearl Hotel (Mid-Budget) - LUMA Hotel Times Square (High-Budget)
West Village/West Side - Chelsea Pines Inn (Low-Budget) - Hyatt Place Chelsea (Mid-Budget) - Gansevoort Meatpacking (High-Budget)
Lower Manhattan - Hotel Indigo Downtown (Low Budget - FiDi) - 33 Hotel (Medium-Budget - FiDi) - Warren Street Hotel (High-Budget - Tribeca)
TRANSPORTATION IN NEW YORK CITY
Public transit in New York City is great. The Subway can take you anywhere you’d like to go — I’d recommend this as your main way of getting around. There are also buses around Manhattan, but I find the Subway quicker and more efficient. All 3 airports in the New York area are accessible by public transit, which is amazing. Just type your destination into Apple Maps, and it will give you the route. I do this every time I fly in and out of NYC.
I’ve taken the Subway after late nights out, but be super careful taking public transit late at night. The Subway has seen a spike in crime in the last few years. If you feel uncomfortable, take an Uber — you’d rather be safe than sorry. On that note, Uber is typically the cheapest rideshare in New York and is usually cheaper than taxis.
OTHER NEW YORK TIPS
Here are some general tips I’d give to anyone visiting New York City:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. New Yorkers are not as mean as they look; they’re impatient and have to dodge tourists daily. But really, if you’re lost in the Subway and unsure which way to go, don’t be afraid to ask someone. They’re more than happy to help.
Bring cash. A lot of dive bars and street vendors are cash-only.
Be aware of your surroundings. New York City isn’t the safest place in the world. Always be cautious, especially at night.
New York is best seen on foot! Take the Subway for long distances, but walk around as much as possible — I can’t even count how many cool bars, restaurants, and shops I’ve discovered just by walking by.
Plan a budget before your trip. New York is very expensive, so be careful how and when you spend your money, especially if you're on a tight budget.
FAQ
Is New York City Safe?
New York City has its fair share of crime, so it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Be careful going home at night, especially if you’re alone or taking the Subway. I’ve gone home alone at night plenty of times, but be on your guard.
Is New York City Expensive?
This might be the most obvious one, and that’s a big yes. New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world. All aspects of traveling here are costly, so make sure to set a budget and manage your expectations before coming here. Try to find accommodation with deals. Look up menus for the bars and restaurants you want to go to so you know how much you’ll be paying.
Is New York City Kid-Friendly?
New York is not the first place I’d bring a kid for vacation. Families come, but it’s definitely an adult-oriented city. A lot of the focus is on the food scene and the nightlife. Plus, the days are filled with walking, and the city is busy, loud, and crowded — overall, I’d suggest waiting for kids to be a bit older.
How’s the Weather in New York City?
New York experiences all four seasons. Winter is cold but not horrible — it’s summer that’s the killer. If you visit in the summer, be prepared for intense heat and humidity. Fall and spring are really lovely times in the city.