New York is for sure a place to visit. This trip was my fourth visit so my goal was to go through a more in-depth itinerary, taking more time to visit the different neighbourhoods and pass the touristic attractions even though I still to stop by some of them.
From these few days, I will remember how New Yorkers are always ready to help you, and not only in shops or restaurants. Every time you’re looking for a place in the street, need information, they will take time to help you. They have a sense of service like nowhere else. I also admire their taste in making everything look nice. From shops to restaurants, houses, streets, it is decorated with so much taste that every corner of the city worth a picture.
I have organized this article by area to visit because it is the best way to see the most of “the Big Apple” and anyway, who wants to waste time in New York?
In therms of HOTEL, you want to stay at the Redbury New York. It is super well located in the center of Manhattan located just a few blocks away on 28th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It features 259 newly renovated guest rooms with interiors with plush 300-thread-count bedding, sleek and spacious bathrooms, and signature Ciel Bath Amenities. The hotel also has three different Roman inspired restaurants but the best one is Marta. Super useful, they have a concierge who can really help with whatever recommandation you could need.
BROOKLYN
Brooklyn has many shops and restaurants, all decorated differently and with much taste. It has kept this raw style and hosts a good part of the New York hipster population. You won’t see many tourists. Williamsburg is part of Brooklyn but you’d have to walk quite a lot to reach this area.
Cross the Brooklyn bridge.
Once on the other side, admire Manhattan from Dumbo. Here you can take some amazing pictures of the bridge.
WILLIAMSBURG
Williamsburg is New York’s most hipster area. You can’t be bored of it!
Brunch like an American at 5 leaves on Bedford avenue. It is a place where the locals have their habits. Their ricotta pancakes avocado toasts are delicious.
Shop…
Fine handmade jewelries at Dearest: this is the first shop of the avenue and after walking it all, I can say it was the one I loved the most. They have beautiful designer jewelleries and clothes.
Boho stuff at Space Ninety 8: from Urban Outfitters to designer clothes, music and even a rooftop bar, this is a feel good place.
Unique pieces at The Mini Mall: many different shops from clothes to goodies but my favorite one was X where I found a beautiful Lush dress and unique sunglasses.
Chill & eat at East river skate park is a great place to admire Manhattan from the other side of the river before heading to the Smorgasburg Market (only on the Saturdays) where around 100 young chefs take propose all kinds of meals from vegan burgers to meat or giant cookies.
SOHO
Soho is the place to be to see the latest shops and trendy restaurants or bars but you can also find amazing clothes and design brands.
Have lunch at Maman NYC. This restaurant which also sells home stuffs has been opened by a French guy. On the menu, healthy but tasty only meals!
Book your diner in advance at La Mercerie. This restaurant has a French menu with fine meals. I personally enjoyed an oeuf cocotte with mushroom brioche and a Niçoise salad.
Shop at Bloomingdales. From beauty to clothes or whatever else, they have everything you could need. I personally always buy my beauty products there because the American brands are much cheaper than in France or even the duty frees.
Have a break at Nomo Soho for a coffee or lunch. The outside and inside setting is amazing. It is also a hotel with a good reputation.
LOWER MANHATTAN
Lower Manhattan is the central borough for business, culture, and government in the City of New York
Eat Mexican in an arty place at La Esquina Taqueria and Café. Small plates, tacos, mains and deserts, they have everything at a very reasonable price and the staff there is very nice! You’ll feel at home.
Have cocktails at De Maria, a spacious, neighborhood spot that serves food all day. It’s hub for creatives, the community and food-focused individuals. On the menu, you will find traditional flavors and ingredients transformed in a contemporary and healthy way. The Chef finds inspiration from Japanese, Mediterranean, and French cuisine.
Get some culture at the New Museum, New York’s contemporary art museum.
EAST VILLAGE
This area has the best restaurants, bars and stores to go check out.
Eat the most instagramable sweet at the Cupcake Market where you can find beautiful rose-designed cupcakes or eat your preferred celebritie’s faces.
Chill and drink tasty cocktails at Bua Bar. It is basically the best bar in the East Village for cold beer, honest drinks, late night food and killer people watching. The barmaid is the nicest!
NOLITA
From what I felt of Nolita, it is the area with the biggest mix of culture. It used to be an Italian area.
Shop amazing clothes at Sézane and take a few photos in front of New York’s best window!
Travel to Mexico at Tacombi. They serve tacos from a Volkswagen parked inside a garage. Corn-tortilla tacos are sold at one station, flour-tortilla ones at another, drinks somewhere else. You will leave the place speaking Mexican!
HARLEM
Harlem is safe since a long time now. It is a major African American residential, cultural and business center. My recommandation is to head to the area on a Sunday in order to see a gospel.
Experience a gospel at Salem United Methodist Church. You will be very well welcomed by the community and see a real show from piano to singers.
Have lunch at Sylvia’s. They have a “Sunday gospel breakfast” that you will love. Ideally book in advance or you will experience a queue.
TIME SQUARE
It is the busiest area in New York and a must-see place if it’s your first time in New York.
Head to Central Park. My best advice to see everything from the park – and because your feet will probably get tired of the kilometers you would have walked – is to take a bike cab. You can give whatever you want.
Get New York’s best view from the Rockefeller Center, NYC’s historic building, which today also hosts the Saturdnay Night Live studios. Buy your tickets in advance.
Walk between the buildings on a green line at The High Line, a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues.
FLATIRON
Take an amazing shot at the Flatiron building, a triangular 22-story steel-
Enjoy some delicious Dough Donuts. It is not a touristic place like Dunkin Donus but a one where you’ll only find Americans.
HELL’S KITCHEN
Enjoy a rooftop cocktail at The Press Lounge. It is known as one of the best rooftop bars in the world!