Cue “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys. I mean, this song has repeatedly played in mind and has became my personal theme song to New York. NYC is hands-down one of my favorite places to visit, and now after my second visit (third trip coming soon), I can share with you the ultimate beginners guide to New York City.

I visited NYC in April 2021 and again in May 2022. When I visited in April of 2021, it was cold and a jacket was required, whereas May 2022 had warm weather everyday, staying around 72-74^oF. Both trips were similar in activities, since the second time around was a graduation gift to my sister-in-law. I definitely didn’t mind trying the same things twice, especially with my love for NYC after my first trip and the itch to return ever since I left. But, don’t expect me to do the same things on my third trip, I’ll definitely be trying new things to be able to share with you all! TIP: Purchase a New York City pass, this will be the cheapest option if you want to visit multiple sites and tours around the city. There are many websites that offer these passes, so you can find one that best suits your needs. On my first trip I purchased the New York Pass, which gives you entry to 115 attractions and was definitely worth it. On my second trip, I purchased a Groupon with New York City Explorer which allowed me to purchase a pass to visit the only 2 sites that we wanted to see.

Jump to a Section

I have grouped “Things to do” and “Food to try” together in sections of New York City’s neighborhoods. These sections below are listed from top to bottom, when viewing a map of New York. I have also included a map to give you a better visual at where these neighborhoods are located.

• How to Get to New York
• Getting Around New York
• Where to Stay
• Manhattan/Central Park
• Midtown Manhattan
  • Koreatown
• Chelsea/Hudson Yard
• East Village
• SoHo (Lower Manhattan)
• Little Chinatown & Little Italy
• The Battery/Financial District
• Brooklyn
• Overview

Photo credit to Bkyln Public Library

How to Get to New York

If you’re searching for flights to New York, you’ve probably seen the three airports (LaGuardia, Newark, and JFK) and found yourself wondering which one is the best option to land in. The most important thing to know is that all of the airports will require a transit into the city and the decision will depend on the price and type of transportation. I’ve only flown into LaGuardia and Newark airport, and LaGuardia is definitely the easier way to reach the city. It only requires one free bus ride and a train ride to the Lower Manhattan area; whereas Newark is actually located in New Jersey and requires an $18 bus ticket to reach the city. Both options will take about an hour to get to Manhattan.

How to Get Around New York

The easiest and cheapest option to get around the city is through the public transit, where each ride costs about $2.75. If you choose this option, you will have to purchase a Metro card at a kiosk situated at the entrance of the subway, which are pretty user friendly. It will cost you $1 for a physical metro card and offers different options to pay for rides, like reloading the card as you go or purchasing a pass. During both of my visits, I purchased the 7-days unlimited pass for $33 and it was definitely worth it. There are no worries about reloading the card, but the catch is that each swipe is timed. This means you can’t swipe it twice within a few minutes, so be sure you are entering the subway on the correct side of the street. Read the signs at every entrance and again at the platform to make sure you are on the correct side of traffic! And don’t forget to pay attention to the letters/numbers on the trains before hopping on; there are multiple trains that stop at each station but are going to different locations. TIP: I found that Google maps was the easiest way to get around the city; it even tells you which entrance to go to and which train to ride. For first time subway riders, I recommend sticking to the letter trains, which is easier to navigate than the number trains. After your subway ride, expect to walk anywhere between 5-15 mins to your destination. Please bring your most comfortable shoes, trust me you’re going to need it, after walking 10-12 miles a day.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Hyatt in South of Manhattan for both trips, but located in different areas. On our first visit, we stayed in Midtown South and this time around we stayed near Chelsea Area. Both locations were great and easily accessible to the subway, but the room at Hyatt in Chelsea Area was significantly smaller than Midtown South. TIP: When looking for a place to stay, get one closest to the Metro. It is much more convenient to take the subway than the bus, and significantly cheaper than taking a ride share.

Manhattan/Central Park Area

One of the must-dos for all first time visitors is walk through Central Park. This place is HUGE! I always get scared that I will get lost in it, but the good news is that Google maps works inside the park too. This is a great place to take a rest from the rush of the city and really take in nature’s beauty. You can have a picnic, play sports, take a walk or even visit the zoo (which requires tickets to visit). I usually enter the park through the MET entrance, and make my way to Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrance. And yes, it’s just as beautiful as you see in the movies.

Right next to Central Park, you can tour The Metropolitan Museum of Art and take a picture on the infamous entrance steps. This does require a reserved timed ticket to enter and is usually included in the New York passes, if you purchased one. The MET is an iconic museum and a great one to see artifacts, art, and the new exhibits that changes year round. Just keep in mind, it’s an enormous museum and would probably require a whole day to view all of it. My husband and I spent about 4 hours here and felt that we barely scratched the surface.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat around the area, you have to stop by Magnolia Bakery for their World-Famous Banana Pudding! It is the perfect amount of sweetness, served with fresh bananas, vanilla pudding, and super soft vanilla wafers. YUM!! My husband and I like to share a medium cup, but truthfully, a small is enough to share too. You can also take the banana pudding to go; I ate mine after two days in the fridge and it was still delicious. I also tried their cupcakes, which I found to be really dry and didn’t bother with again on my second visit. On the other hand, their cafe serves really good lattes and hot chocolate, if you need something warm in your belly. There are several Magnolia Bakery locations across New York, I always visit the one on the Upper West Side after my visit to Bow Bridge in Central Park (about a 12 mins walk).

Midtown Manhattan

I mean, you have to visit the Empire State Building at least once during your time in New York… no ifs, ands, or buts. It seems like you can see this landmark all over the city, with its pointed structure standing tall in the skyline. And my goodness, to stop and watch it light up in the night sky really feels like a main character moment. But, I do have to admit that the view from the top of the Empire State Building isn’t the best, however, I still think it’s something all new visitors should do.

Another place that I think first timers should experience, at least once, is Time Square. Stay as long as you please to watch street performers and the bright lights on the big screens, but truth be told, I didn’t spend more than half an hour here on either visits. I think it’s just nice to be able to see it in person, especially since this is one of the most known locations in New York City. I mean, don’t you picture Time Square when you think of New York?

Okay, so agree or disagree, Top of the Rock has the most beautiful overview of the whole city. This is my favorite place to take in all of New York City and has the best view of the Empire State Building. We went during sunset, where we were able to catch a glimpse of the view with some daylight and a view of the city at night. However, if you plan to go during this time, expect a wait and a large crowd; and if you don’t have a pass, it will cost you extra to go during this time. An employee advised us to visit in the morning when the sky is clear and offered the best views. I will definitely be visiting Top of the Rock during this time during my next visit! But, I wonder if the views ever gets old? I can’t imagine not being enchanted every time.

Grab a slice of pizza on your way out of Time Square at Joe’s Pizza. You’ve probably heard of Joe’s in your search for NYC pizza, I mean, who hasn’t? This is a perfect option for a late night snack, but be prepared to wait in line for your turn to order at the counter. This is a pretty popular spot and offers several topping options to choose from. I tried their margarita and cheese pizza and personally thought it was just okay. But, hey! Others swears it’s one of the best. I’d like to know your opinion on Joe’s Pizza, so let me know what you think in the comments, if you’ve tried it.

After a little research for my second trip, I stumbled upon Angelinas Paris NYC. It’s a French pâtisserie shop known for their hot chocolate, beautiful desserts, and even has a dining room area. I originally tried Angelina’s on my trip to Paris, back in 2019, and have raved about their hot chocolate since. It’s so thick and chocolatey that it feels like you’re drinking a melted milk chocolate bar. I definitely only recommend a small cup (to share, maybe?), since it’s rather rich. I find that Angelina’s hot chocolate is either a hit or miss, depending on the person. Me? I love it. My husband and sister-in-law, not so much.

Koreatown (Part of Midtown Manhattan)

You can find all sorts of diverse towns in New York, Koreatown being one of the many to visit. It stretches over 2 to 3 blocks, with shops and restaurants lined along the streets, waiting for you to stop by in. One of my first shops was The Face Shop. This is a cute Korean beauty store that sells beauty products, cute accessories and toys, and even BTS memorabilia. I left the store with 10 facial masks and some eye masks, which were all really good quality. I already feel more youthful after one mask treatment.

I stopped by bb.Q Chicken Ktown for a fast and small lunch. Once you walk through the doors, you’ll find a wall lined with different flavors of chicken (with bones and boneless options) to choose from. Each box has about 10 pieces of chicken in it, so it’s definitely something you’ll want to share. I ended up sharing the Honey Garlic Wings, which were delicious and very fresh. This is also a great option for those on a budget!

You can’t go to Koreatown without trying a Korean hot dog. Think of it as a gourmet corndog. There are all sorts of topping that you can choose from like potatoes, Hot Cheetos, or sugar, with either a beef sausage or a cheese filling… or a combination of both! I stopped by Jongro Rice Hot Dogs, located in one of the food courts named Afternoon. These hot dogs were hot and delicious, and you’ll be even more impressed with the melted cheese that stretches out a few inches with each bite. To think of it, I’ve never had a bad Korean hot dog.

After you’ve ordered your Korean hot dog, stop by the next station at Mochi Mochi Donuts for a sweet treat. These Japanese donuts have a softer and chewier dough compared to a regular donut, and even offers unique flavors to try.

If you can’t get enough of New York Bagels, stop by Ess-a-Bagel on W 32nd street, or at one of their many other locations. This was once my favorite bagel place in NYC, which was knocked out of its spot after trying Tompskin Square Bagel in the East Village. Needless to say, this is still a great place for bagels and sandwiches and the lines proves it too.

Chelsea/Hudson Yard

Kickstart your day with a cup of coffee at one of the three U.S.’ Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Here, you’ll find yourself immersed in a 3 story building, watching coffee beans getting roasted, guests ordering drinks from the bar upstairs, and what looks like baristas performing science experiments on the level below. At these Reserve locations, you can try all sorts of speciality drinks and foods that aren’t offered on a normal Starbucks menu. My sister-in-law and I tried the Strawberry Balsamic Spritz, while my husband had a latte. This is a great spot to rest and to use the restroom, since bathrooms are not readily available around the city. Or even better, it’s located right across the street from Chelsea Market, so you can sip while you shop.

After your quick caffeine fix, make your way to the birth place of Oreo cookies at the Chelsea Market. This large and historic brick building is known for its huge indoor market filled with food vendors and shops. Definitely a great place to explore and to grab a bite to eat. Don’t forget to stop by Los Tacos No.1 for some authentic tacos. It is so delicious and fun to watch your tacos being made. Or if you’re in a rush, you can order from their Togo window stationed on the side of the building.

Take in the beauty of New York with a walk along the High Line, a past railroad track turned walking trail. There are several entrances that will take you upstairs to begin your walk on the trail. I love this walk, especially with my husband. It always make me wonder what life would be like as a New Yorker, as you pass people’s apartments and offices, watch the cars pass by on the streets, and watch others sitting on the benches absorbing the day. It’s a beautiful and short walking trail along the city and is definitely one of my favorite things to do in New York. I find it to be very peaceful.

Only a 5 minute walk from the High Line, you can stop by and view The Vessel. Located in the Hudson Yard, this massive and reflective attraction is an excellent spot for a photo-op. However, you can only visit the ground level of The Vessel due to its permanent closure to the public. I recommend seeing the The Vessel during the day, so that you can see more definition of the structure and the sun’s bright rays shined against it.

Once the sun begins to set, make your way to The Edge, where you will get a breathtaking 360^o view of the city. Usually included in the New York City passes, you’ll get to walk on the platform, which is suspended mid-air and even has a glass floor, to view the city 100 stories below. It is an astonishing view and definitely worth visiting to watch the whole city come alive at night.

East Village

I didn’t do much in East village… other than eat. But, I definitely recommend walking through Ukrainian Village and eating your way through this part of the city too!

Start your food tour with brunch at Clinton St. Baking Company. Their blueberry pancakes with warmed maple butter is what they’re known for, and what I’ve been dying to reunite with for over a year. The pancakes does not disappoint and you definitely wouldn’t want to share. The 3 stacks of pancakes just melt in your mouth with blueberries that are both sweet and slightly sour, but is beautifully balanced with the sweet maple syrup. It’ll make you want to lick the whole plate when you’re done. If you’re not a pancake person, there are other delicious items on their menu to try. Along with my pancakes, I ordered the Farmer’s plate with chicken sausage, which is very delicious. TIP: I highly recommend getting reservations ahead of time to guarantee a table. If you do choose to walk in, be prepared to wait, the restaurant fills up pretty quickly.

If you’d rather a quick breakfast option, try Tompkins Square Bagels. I mean, you HAVE to try NYC bagels while you’re there, and trust me, it doesn’t disappoint. Tompkins Square Bagels is now my favorite place for bagels in New York. They offer freshly made bagels with at least an inch of fillings on each half, and will definitely make you wonder if you have room for another one. The options are limitless with the various amount of spreads to choose from or one of their many sandwich bagel options. My go-to order is a toasted everything bagel with scallion cream cheese….. yum. Take me back now.

If you’re looking for a quick snack to munch on during your tour of Ukrainian Village, stop by Mamoun’s Falafel. I tried a side of their falafel, and wow, was it delicious. It had the best crust to bite into, which gave you the right amount of crunch with the perfectly seasoned chickpea blend. This place is the real deal, and one of the best places to get falafel, that even my Palestinian husband and sister-in-law gave their stamps of approval. Mamoun’s Falafel is also a great spot for a quick and affordable lunch, offering sandwiches and plates on their menu.

After your bite to eat, you’re going to need something to sip on during your adventure, and if you love bubble tea, then you’ll definitely want to stop by Xing Fu Tang. This Taiwanese boba chain is known for their freshly made boba and Brown Sugar Boba Milk, and I could definitely see why. Usually, I’m not a huge fan of tapioca, but Xing Fu Tang had the best bobas I’ve ever tasted. It was so soft with the perfect amount of sweetness, that I probably could have eaten a whole cup of these. I tried their Brown Sugar Milk tea, while my husband had their Brown Sugar Boba Milk (with oat milk) and it was **chef’s kiss.** Holy moly, was it good, I definitely recommend this place to try! They also offer dairy-free options and herbal teas, if these are more of your preference.

I’m convinced that New York has the best ramen shops in the country, and it’s something that I will always stop by to indulge in during my visits. And if you have anymore room left in your stomach, you have to try a hot bowl of ramen from Ippudo NY. This modern Japanese restaurant is a great place for lunch and dinner, offering hand-made noodles in a rich and flavorful broth. I started with a chicken bun as an appetizer, followed with a Nirvana Karaka Spicy ramen with a side of chicken. Their chicken bun was just okay; it was a fried chicken thigh covered in a sweet sauce, placed between a steam bun. On the other hand, the Nirvana Karaka Spicy ramen was to die for. This is one of their three vegetarian options, and the side of chicken is enough to share with another person. Even as a vegetarian ramen, the broth was so decadent and tasty, that if I wasn’t so stuffed, I would’ve picked up the whole bowl and slurp the rest of the broth.

SoHo (Lower Manhattan)

Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Museum of Ice Cream. This place is an Instagramer’s dream! (Which, by the way, have you followed me on Instagram?) Each room is vibrant and different from the other, with someone offering you a scoop of ice cream in almost every other corner. My favorite rooms were the banana room and the play room with swings and a pingpong table. Here, you can take as many photos as you please and a ride on their indoor slide! But don’t forget to take a dip in their infamous sprinkle pool before you exit! It’s like living out your childhood dream! Tip: I visited this museum twice, both times there were lines to enter but it passed fairly quickly. I would recommend visiting early in the day. Also, keep in mind, when making your itinerary, that this place only sells tickets online and is closed on Tuesdays.

Another Instagram worthy spot for all of my photo-lovers is the Color Factory. The factory is very interactive, with each room offering a new experience and some providing a perfect pairing of snacks. Take unlimited photos with your QR card, at various spots in the rooms, and after your visit, the photos will be emailed to you. You’ll definitely want to have this card when you make your way to the infamous powder blue ball pit. TIP: Don’t forget to remove any jewelry before entering the pit! I witnessed someone lose their ring in it and had to leave without it, even with employees helping her search for it. This was my second time visiting the Color Factory NYC, and I was happy to see that some of the rooms were changed to provide new experiences to every visitor. With this, I had so much fun on both of my visits to the factory and is definitely an experience I would recommend to everyone of all ages. TIP: Color Factory requires a timed entry slot with each ticket purchased online. It is also closed on Monday and Tuesdays.

Only a 10 mins walk from the Color Factory and located in Greenwich Village, make a stop at Washington Square Park for some people watching or some much needed rest for your feet. You can enter through the arch and take a seat around the fountain at the center of the park, while soaking in the sun and the energetic atmosphere.

Visit one of New York’s famous skyscraper, the Flat Iron Building. Located near Madison Square Park, you can stop by and take in the beautiful view and wonder how this building came to be. I was extremely fascinated by its structure and the history of this skyscraper. It is definitely worth a quick stop if you have time!

If you love dumplings, Pinch Chinese is the place to go. This modern Chinese restaurant offers fresh plates and hand-made dumplings, with a young and lively ambiance. It’s a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends, where each dish is more than enough to share. I had the Chicken Soup Dumplings, which were AMAZING and hot, so be careful eating them. They were so good that I ended up ordering three of these for the table, which comes with six pieces per order. Another favorite was the Beef Pan Fried Dumplings and the Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup; both so rich in flavor and very, very delicious. I also tried the cucumber appetizer and the vegetable fried rice, which were both “eh.” I found the fried rice to be severely under seasoned and would not recommend it. But overall, this is a great spot to dine in. Do keep in mind that the restaurant is pretty small, so I do recommend reservations to guarantee a table.

You’ve probably heard of Levain Bakery’s cookies. Hey! If you read my Washington D.C. post, you’ll know how I love those thick, gooey, chocolate chip walnut cookies. Seriously, it’s worth the hype. With just one bite of the crispy, buttery crust and the mixture of the melted chocolate chips with walnuts will make you wonder how you’ve lived this long without it. There are several locations all over the city, and if you aren’t sugared out from your visit from the Museum of Ice Cream, its a short 6 mins walk to the Levain NoHo location.

Like I said, if you’ve read any of my other posts, you’ll also know my favorite macaron place is Ladurée. Also a 6 min walk from the Museum of Ice Cream, you can make a quick stop to try one or all of their picture perfect French pastries. My go-to macaron flavors are pistachio, raspberry, and passionfruit. You can also dine-in at Ladurée restaurant, which is in the back of the store behind the curtains, but beware that it may require reservations.

After your visit from the Color Factory, take a 3 mins stroll to Dominique Ansel Bakery, the inventors of Cronuts. What’s a cronut? Just the latest pastry invention that merges a flaky, buttery croissant with a sweet, caramelized crust-like donut. I personally thought the cronut was okay, slightly dry, and didn’t stop by again on my second trip.

Little Chinatown & Little Italy

Little Chinatown and Little Italy is one of my favorite places to visit in the city. The culture and atmosphere automatically puts me in a happy mood and there’s so much great foods to try. These two neighborhoods are located right next to each other. Seriously, you’ll walk down a street in Little Chinatown and then all of a sudden you’re walking upon the “Welcome to Little Italy” sign.

In Little Chinatown, you’ll be immersed in the culture as you walk through the lanterned street and stores with fresh produces and herbs on display. You’ll even stumble upon stores selling clothes, traditional Chinese decorations, and household items, which makes it the perfect spot to purchase some souvenirs. There also seems to be an unlimited amount of bubble tea shops in the area, which I stopped by Miss Du’s Tea Shop and Teado Tea Shop. Both were delicious and fresh but if you only have room for one, I would definitely recommend stopping at Teado Tea Shop. Teado makes your drink to order, just the way you want it. You can adjust your sweetness level and the intensity of the tea flavor until it meets your preference. They even provide you with samples along the way until it is perfect for you and will not make your drink until you have approve it. I don’t know about you, but I thought that was pretty awesome! And if you’re hungry, you can stop by one of the many restaurants offered in the neighborhood. For a quick and cheap lunch, stop by Xi’an Famous Food for some hand-pulled noodles dishes. The menu has so much variety, that it’s a great spot for every type of foodie.

Little Italy has many, many restaurants to choose from, but you cannot leave there without trying a slice of pizza. If you’re looking for a sit-down pizzeria, try Lombardi’s, America’s first pizzeria established in 1905. They offer all sorts of toppings to try, even a clam topping, which I thought was pretty good but overpriced. My all-time favorite pizzeria in the city is Nolita Pizza, where you can purchase by the slice or the pie. I stop by Nolita Pizza at least twice during my trips to grab a slice of cheese and a margarita pizza. And trust me, it NEVER disappoints. After my fix of NYC pizza, I make my way around the corner to treat myself to FIGO Il Gelato Italiano (previously known as M’O Gelato). And y’all… it will be one of the best gelatos you’ll ever have. My go-to flavors are Pistachio and Hazelnut. It’s so smooth and rich in flavor, that you can’t go wrong with any of the flavor options.

The Battery/Financial District

Located at the very edge/end of NYC, you can take a ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These tours are usually included in the New York Passes and will require a reserved time slot to visit. TIP: Arrive early to your tour. You will have to go through a TSA-type security search prior to boarding the ferry. The Statue of Liberty is on its own island and even offers a museum on the making of the Statue of Liberty. This monument was truly beautiful to see up close and in person; and for a different view, you could pay to climb up to the crown. After your visit to the Statue of Liberty, you can hop onto another ferry to take you to Ellis Island. This island offers The National Immigration Museum, which tells the stories of the experiences and struggles of immigrants coming to America. They offer audio tours and displays throughout the museum and I found this place to be so fascinating and informative.

Near the docks, you can take a ride on the SeaGlass Carousel. which offers different sea animals for you to ride on. I’ve been told that it’s even more beautiful at night, when the carousel lights up.

Located in the Financial District, I definitely recommend visiting the 9/11 Tribute Museum. This is one of the best museums I’ve ever visited and is usually included in the New York Pass. The museum did a great job explaining the events leading to the attack and the impact it has had on the country and the world. You’ll also be able to view displays of some of the remnants of the attack and the photos of the victims during this historic day. Be sure to bring some tissues, you’ll need them going through the museum.

Brooklyn

You can make your way to Brooklyn by either train or walking on the Brooklyn Bridge. If you choose to walk, you’ll make your way on the 1.1 mile bridge that is suspended over a highway and some water. I recommend visiting early in the day or later in the evening to beat the crowds and the heat. The walk across the bridge is an unforgettable experience, where you can take in the views from both ends of the bridge and stop to look at some local arts and souvenirs. It’s also a great photo-op place for my fellow photo-lovers.

If you’re looking for an iconic photo spot in New York, you’ll definitely want to stop by Dumbo, a neighborhood in Brooklyn. You’ll find yourself on a cobbled stone street, in-between two red bricked buildings, with a great view of the Manhattan Bridge in the background. After your photos, you can rest and catch a nice breeze at the Brooklyn Bridge Park while getting a better view of both bridges and New York’s skyline.

Overview

I love New York. I love everything about it and its endless opportunities. I fell in love with the city after my first visit, and from then on, I am always talking about it and longing to go back. New York is really a city that has something to offer for every visitor, but is probably better suited for those who loves larger cities. I can’t wait to return to NYC again to discover every corner. On every visit, I have to visit the Top of the Rock (to soak in the views), grab myself something sweet from Levain Bakery and Laudree, a hot bowl of ramen, and a slice (or three) of pizza from Nolita. Even after a jam packed 3-4 days trip, it feels like you’ve barely scratched the surface of New York, but you know what? It’s even more reason to love the city and to keep coming back. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find myself moving there one day. A girl can dream right?

I hope that you have a great trip to New York and that it is just as magical as I believe it is. Please stay safe and aware of your surroundings in the city, and in general. But, don’t let this stop you from discovering the world.

As always, thank you for being here!

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