My Never Ending New York City Post

If you told my third grade self I would be living in New York City in my twenties, she would be overcome with emotions. She would be curious, scared and excited for the future she was going to have. She would also realize that all the decisions she would make would lead her to this dream.

There is so many things I love about this city. Boredom seeks to exist, how walkable it is, the opportunities that is presented- the list can go on and on. I know that I am suppose to be here and would have regretted it one day if I never tried. I am not sure how long I will spend in NYC but I am continuing to enjoy every minute of it.

I have officially lived here since August 2021 and to keep a record of my time in this city, this post is going to be an on going blog of all of the adventures I have had to reflect on later and to also share with others of my travel guide for New York City to use for your next visit. This is by no means the best travel NYC travel guide but I hope you learn something new from it!

UPTOWN THINGS TO DO

THE MET, THE MET CLOISTERS AND ROOFTOP

Address: The MET- 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028

The MET Cloisters- 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040

Cost: If you are a NYC/NY resident or a student, the MET is a pay what you wish as long as you have proof of your zip code/student ID. Otherwise $30 for adults. You can purchase online or in person.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest museum in Western Hemisphere and has over two millions works of art throughout the last 5,000 years housed inside. The MET being a large as it is can be overwhelming but remember you do not need to see everything inside if timing doesn’t permit. Walk around and enjoy as the MET will always be here.

During the summer months- the MET opens their rooftop to the public. Up there you can enjoy the view, grab a drink and sometimes they will have live music as well. Directions to the rooftop is not an easy task. We asked multiple employees on how to get there and was given the incorrect directions each time. To direct you in simple terms- go up the stairs from the main entrance and take a left until you get to the 19th and Early 20th Century European Paintings and Sculptures exhibit. If you see any Monet you are in the right spot. In that are there will be a section of a couple of different elevators- take the elevator up to the 4th floor and follow the stairs up and you will arrive!

Another segment of the MET is located up in Washington Heights/Tyron Park- The MET Cloisters. The only museum in America dedicated to the Middle Ages with Medieval art and architecture with stunning courtyards. It feels like a museum in Europe yet somehow in the middle of NYC.

CENTRAL PARK

Central Park is a pocket of peace throughout the hustle and bustle of New York City. While here just for a short moment you forget you are in a concrete jungle and not somewhere in the country. Due to it 840 acres of land, it is hard to digest Central Park in one visit. My favorite areas are Bow Bridge and Bethesda Fountain (to be honest mainly because 27 Dresses was filmed in this area), Conservatory Garden (enter on the East Side between 104th and 106th street) and the area near the Gapstow Bridge.

Tip: End of April/early May is cherry blossom time. It only last a few weeks and is so unbelievably gorgeous.

THE GUGGENHEIM

Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128

Cost: $25 for adults, can order tickets online

Part of museum mile on Fifth Ave, the Guggenheim is known for its unusual bowl shape and spiral ramp leading up to the sky light. The museum hosts around 8,000 modern and contemporary works of art and hosts around 1 million visitors a year.

ADMIRE THE BROWNSTONE APARTMENTS

Someone had asked me not that long ago, if you were able to buy property in New York City, what neighbood would you chose? I would still choose the neighborhood I live in now, but in a million dollar Upper East Side brownstone. Taking a walk throughout the neighborhood is an activity in itself. Walk between 65-96th aves between Lexington, Madison and Park to see the most gorgeous homes.

Museum of the City of New York

Address: 1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029

Cost: Pay what you wish or free with Culture Pass through the NYPL

Favorite Exhibit: NYC in Film

Timing: Can spend 2-3 hours here

A lesser known museum is The Museum of the City of New York. It is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and heritage of New York City. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and documents that showcase the city's rich and diverse history.

Fun Fact- this museum is used as the film location for the school in the original Gossip Girl series.

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN THINGS TO DO

THE MORGAN LIBRARY

Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016

Cost: $22 for adults. If you are a NYC resident you can go for free using your library card via Culture Pass.

The Morgan Library is the former residence of J.P Morgan displaying rare books, fine art and artifacts. The East Room has floor to ceiling bookcases and is every book lovers dream.

CHRISTMAS TIME IN NYC

The most magical time of year. There are various of activities to do in the city during this time-

• Rockefeller Center: to see the iconic tree. The tree lighting ceremony is usually the end of November beginning of December and stays up until January. The closer Christmas time gets, the busier this area is.

• Ice Skating: Bryant Park is the close to tree and is free entrance to skate, but the bigger rink is in Central Park at Wollman Rink.

• Rockettes: The Rockettes every year have a Christmas Spectacular at Radio City.

• Christmas Markets: The Winter Market in Bryant Park.

• Walking along Fifth Ave: All of the luxury retail stores along Fifth Ave really go all out in the festive decor. Some of the bigger businesses like Saks have light shows that go off every 15 minutes.

ENTERED AND WON BROADWAY LOTTERIES

When you live in New York City, you have to take advantage all that the city offers. One of the top attractions here is seeing a Broadway show. But because I can really go any day after work, entering the lotteries is the most cost effective way to see as many shows as possible. Within a year I saw 8 broadway shows all for an average of $50 a show. Sometimes the seats were in the very front row, others in the last row of the theater. I use the website linked below to enter. The website organizes by show and tells you how to enter. Easy as that! They will notify you the day of the show to see if you have been selected. I have entered way more than I actually won but you never know what you can win!

WEBSITE FOR LOTTERY

The shows I won this year:

1. Wicked

2. Funny Girl

3. Harry Potter and The Cursed Child *honestly save your time not going to this one

4. Phantom of the Opera

5. Book of Morman *a great show to bring people who haven’t see many Broadway shows- always a fan fave

6. Six

7. POTUS *my FAVE!!!! so sad it is not on Broadway anymore

8. Chicago

9. Sweeney Todd

10. Kimberly Akimbo

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001

Concert and sports lovers united! Madison Square Garden or MSG- is an indoor arena home to the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. Every time I go here I am amazed that an arena of this size (can hold 20,000 people!) is in the middle of Manhattan. So far I have been Harry Styles (4 times lol), Kacey Musgraves, Florence and the Machine and The Jonas Brothers.

SNL AUDIENCE MEMBER

I was lucky enough to win the SNL lottery to see Micheal B Jordan host and had the best experience. 

All ticket requests must be sent to SNLTickets@NBCUNI.com with your name, email address, and a reason why you want to attend the show. Making the email as eye-catching as possible! Usually you have the entire month of August to send your email in. 

Some requirements:

• You must be over the age of 16 at the time of the show

• Show valid photo I.D. must be presented or else the audience member will not be admitted to the show

• You cannot request a specific show date to see SNL, so flexibility is a must if you intend to travel to NYC for the show

One thing I thought that was so interesting was some of the skits don’t make the final taping. They test the audience's reaction to see how well it goes. 

They do not allow any recording or phones out during the entire taping and will kick you out if you are seen with your phone.

BETWEEN MIDTOWN AND LOWER MANHATTAN THINGS TO DO

THE EDGE

Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

Cost: $40 per adult- prebook online before going

The Edge is one of the newest sky decks in NYC. It is the highest sky deck in the Western hemisphere with 360 degree views of all of NYC. Tip: If you go during sunset- be prepared to wait in some lines to take a photo.

LOWER MANHATTAN THINGS TO DO

911 GROUND ZERO

Address: 180 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10281
Ground Zero a memorial dedicated to those were killed by the Twin Towers collapsing from the terrorist attack in 2001. Also located at Ground Zero is the 9/11 Memorial Museum which tells the stories of 9/11 from the point of view of the victims and through the media. Please please be respectful of this space. It was not intended for you to take selfies at- but for a moment of peace for reflection of the horrors that happened here.

EXPLORE TRIBECA

Tribeca aka- “Triangle below Canal Street” was once industrial buildings, but now one of the most expensive and trendy neighborhood to live in. It’s the home to many wealthy celebrities as its quiet on the weekends but has shops, art galleries, bars, restaurants, cobblestone streets and home to the Tribeca Film Festival. If you like the idea of Soho with less crowds, you love Tribeca.

SHOPPING IN SOHO

Crosby, Mercer, Greene, and Wooster Streets- just some popular streets in the area.

Soho meaning South of Houston Street gained popularity during the 70s for artists lofts but today is more popular for the shopping ranging from chain stores and trendy boutiques. Many people come to see the cast iron buildings, art galleries and various shops.

EXPLORE WEST VILLAGE

The charming West Village has cobblestone streets, ivy lined brownstones, is where many NYC movies are filmed and was home to the LGBTQ+ movement. This would be a neighborhood I’d love to live in someday (if I could ever afford it.)

Photo Spots in West Village:

• Carrie Bradshaw Apartment (Film Location)

  • 66 Perry Street

• Friends Apartment (used for the exterior of the gang’s apartment in the TV show Friends

  • 90 Bedford Street

• Grove Court

• St. Luke's in the Fields

  • 487 Hudson St

WALKING THE HIGH LINE

The High Line is a 1.4 mile linear park in NYC built on an abandoned railway. On the walk you’ll see greenery, art and great views of NYC’s skyline in the Chelsea neighborhood on the west side.

The Whitney Museum

Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014

Cost: $30 or free with the Culture Pass through the NYPL

The Whitney Museum of American Art, located in the Chelsea neighbor of NYC is renowned for its focus on 20th- and 21st-century American art. It features a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more, showcasing the evolution of American art over the years.
It’s not as popular as other NYC museums but make a great way to spend an afternoon away from the cold and learn something.

BROOKLYN THINGS TO DO

WALK ACROSS THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest cable suspension bridges connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn together. Throughout the walk on the Brooklyn Bridge you are able to see various sites- the skyline of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. To enter the Brooklyn Bridge from the Manhattan side, use Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway at the northeast corner of City Hall Park along Centre Street. The total length of the bridge is just over a mile. If you are walking over the bridge during the summertime heat, I suggest to bring some water before you start. At the start of the bridge, be prepared for the amount of people selling you ugly NYC merchandise, selfie sticks, etc. It is quite annoying but they are harmless.

UPPER MANHATTAN THINGS TO DO

YANKEES GAME

Address: 1 E 161 St, The Bronx, NY 10451

Being from Massachusetts, going to Yankee Stadium is a big betrayal to Fenway Park but is a right of passage being a New York resident to go see a game. I wore my Red Sox hat proud and not one person made a comment to me where as in Fenway I have seen people get destroyed for wearing any Yankees merch.

NYC Restaurants

One of the best parts of New York City- the never ending restaurants to try. You can eat at a new place every single day of your life and still wouldn’t run out of places. Below is a list of favorite places I have ate at so far (not particular order)

• Ruby’s Cafe

  • Address: 219 Mulberry St A, New York, NY 10012 (multiple locations)

  • Cuisine: Australian

• Bar Primi

  • Address: 325 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Cafe Buon Gusto

  • Address: 236 E 77th St, New York, NY 10075

  • Cuisine: Italian

• San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina

  • Address: 1559 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Emmett's on Grove

  • Address: 39 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Carbone

  • Address: 181 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Buvette (both breakfast and dinner)

  • Address: 42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

  • Cuisine: French

• Pineapple Club

  • Address: 509 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009

  • Cuisine: Cocktails and tapas

• Sant Ambroeus (both breakfast and dinner)

  • Address: 1000 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Frank

  • Address: 88 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Cipriani

  • Address: 376 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (multiple locations)

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Emmy Squared

  • Address: 1426 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028 (multiple locations)

  • Cuisine: Pizza

• Via Carota

  • Address: 51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Beyond Sushi

  • Address: 1429 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028

  • Cuisine: Vegan Asian

• Thyme and Tonic

  • Address: 474 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024

  • Cuisine: Vegan

• Playa Betty’s

  • Address: 320 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023

    Cuisine: Mexican

• Maman

  • Address: 1424 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028 (multiple locations but this is my favorite one)

  • Cuisine: Cafe

• Faicco’s

  • Address: 260 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

  • Cuisine: Italian Deli

• Miss Madeleine

  • Address: 400 E 82nd St, New York, NY 10028

  • Cuisine: Bakery

• Mono Mono

  • Address: 116 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003

  • Cuisine: Asian

• L’Artusi

  • Address: 228 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Siena

  • Address: 1580 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Parm

  • Address: 235 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Via Quadrinni

  • Address: 25 E 73rd St, New York, NY 10021

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Anejo Tribeca

  • Address: 301 Church St, New York, NY 10013

  • Cuisine: Mexican (go for brunch!)

• Katz's Delicatessen

  • Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

  • Cuisine: Deli

• Beauty and Essex

  • Address: 146 Essex St, New York, NY 10002

  • Cuisine: American

• Don Angie

  • Address: 103 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill

  • Address: 1611 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

  • Cuisine: Asian

• Botte

  • Address: 1606 First Ave, New York, NY 10028

  • Cuisine: Italian

• The Elk

  • Address: 128 Charles St, New York, NY 10014

  • Cuisine: Cafe

• Rubirosa

  • Address: 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

  • Cuisine: Italian

• Saint Theos

  • Address: 340 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

  • Cuisine: Italian

    Cheap Eats-

• La Mia Pizza

  • Address: 1580 1st Ave., New York, NY 10028

• Tal Bagels

  • Address: 333 East 86th St #1, New York, NY 10028 (multiple locations but this is my favorite one)

  • Cuisine: Bagels and deli

• Prince Street Pizza

  • Address: 27 Prince St A, New York, NY 10012

  • Cuisine: Pizza

Desserts-

• Anita’s Gelato

  • Address: 1561 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

NYC BARS BY NEIGHBORHOOD

BROOKLYN

• The Four Horseman

• Brooklyn Brewery

• Radegast Hall

CHELSEA

• Hotel Chelsea

EAST VILLAGE

• Lovers of Today

• Little Sister

• Juke Bar

• Joyface

FLATIRON

• Dear Irving

• Nubeluz

• Veronika

GREENWICH VILLAGE

• The Up & Up

• 3 Sheets

• Blue Note

• Air’s Champagne Parlor

LOWER EAST SIDE

• Pretty Ricky’s

• Double Chicken Please

• Lullaby

• Skin Contact

• Black Crescent

• Home Sweet Home

• Attaboy

• Forget me Not

• The DL

• Sons of Essex

• E’S Bar

• Ray’s Bar

• Fig 19

• The Grayson

• Writing on the Wall

• 82 Stanton

• Vig Bar

MIDTOWN

• Valerie

• Slate

MEATPACKING

• Common Ground

• Brass Monkey

TRIBECA

• The Django

UPPER EAST SIDE

• The Five Lamps

• Stella and Fly

• The Penrose

• Dorrian’s

• Ryan’s Daughter

UPPER WEST SIDE

• Arthouse Bar

WEST VILLAGE

• The Jane Hotel

• Fiddlesticks

• Employees Only

• Wifle and Nell

• Hudson Hound

• Village Tavern

• Down the Hatch

• Bandits

• Due West

• Little Branch

I hope you enjoyed this list of things I have experienced so far while living in Manhattan. There is still so much I have explored yet- so keep checking back for more!