New York City baby! This never-sleeping metropolitan city is always pushing and creating; the birthplace to so many of the world’s latest trends, yet also has such a rich history. It is a perfect blend between the old and the new. If this town is just an apple, let us take a huge damn bite.
MANHATTAN
New York Public Library
There is always something about libraries – the marble arches, the high ceilings, the extensive bookshelves, the heads buried deep into books – it almost feels like paying a pilgrimage in a way.
Bryant Park
Right behind the Library is Bryant Park, a nice small green area in the middle of the city with plenty of food stalls and other stores around. One of my must-do’s in New York is getting the speculoos ice cream and waffle and also a jar of their speculoos spread at Wafel&Dinges.
There also are events like outdoor cinemas and walking tours happening here. During winter the park transforms into a Winter Village, with over 125 boutique-style vendors, as well as a free-admission ice skating rink!
Fifth Avenue
Along Bryant Park is the famous Fifth Avenue, which stretches all the way from Washington Square Park to Central Park. Other than being one of the best shopping streets in the world, it also is home to many major sites such as the Empire State Building, St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (which are all very worth checking out) and more.
Lox bagels @ Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish
What is a trip to New York without a good Bagel? There are so many stores but you honestly can’t go wrong. Tucked next to the Grand Central Station, Zucker’s has the most convenient location, in my opinion at least. With a great variety of combinations, I remember being overwhelmed by the menu. Lox might be a bit too salty for some, and even though we all know salmon’s the best thing out there, Sable (smoked black cod) is a very good alternative. Zucker’s also have nitrogen coffee on tap!
Grand Central Station – 370 Lexington Ave (open maps)
Tribeca – 146 Chambers Street (open maps)
Here‘s a list of other places to get Bagel in New York.
Grand Central Station
More than just a photogenic railroad terminal, the Grand Central Station also has a lovely food market, as well as a decent Dining Concourse downstairs (Shake Shack! Magnolia Bakery!), and also just a greaft place to people-watch in general.
Museum of Natural History
Did not see Dumdum or Roosevelt like he was in Nightmare in the Museum, but I definitely was impressed by the exhibition. The displays were all very well spaced, and actually very pretty. I normally do not find museums fascinating, but I actually enjoyed this visit very much and as cheesey as this sounds I do regret not getting there a bit earlier (I got there a little under an hour before it closed).
Central Park
Central Park of New York City, I don’t think I need to say anymore here. This place is just absolutely gorgeous. If I were in the city any longer I would no doubt spend a full day here cycling / kayaking / stealing doggo cuddles / picnicking.
Also check these places out!!
+ DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY
The creator of Cronuts, but his legacy does not stop there – cookie shot glasses, frozen s’mores, and now the blossoming hot chocolate!
189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 (open maps)
+ LOMBARDI’S PIZZA
Other than bagels, New York is also famous for her Pizza. This joint was founded in 1905, making it the first pizzeria in the United States. There must be a reason why it is still standing strong after 100 years in the middle of Manhattan, and the reason is obvious. Take a bite and you will understand.
32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 (open maps)
+ CHELSEA MARKET
food / artists&flea
+ HIGH LINE
Directly above the Chelsea Markets is the High Line, an elevated park which was built from a disused New York Central Railroad. You don’t need to be an architect to appreciate this amazingly designed urban intervention.
High Line, New York, NY 10011 (open maps)
BROOKLYN
Smorgasburg (weekends only)
Smorgasburg is a food market that happens every Saturday on the Williamsburg waterfront at East River State Park. Vendors include everything from craft kombucha to Dough donuts to Ramen Burgers to Wowfulls eggette waffles.
In winter Smorgasburg merges with the Brooklyn Flea into a Holiday Market in another location (2016 – Skylight One Hanson in Fort Greene)
Sweetleaf
For some reason every time I go to Brooklyn I somehow unconsciously make my way back to this café. It is a nice little rustic looking place which always feels homey and welcoming. The coffee is definitely up to my Australian standard, and the strawberry iced black tea is a must too especially on a hot summer day. Other than that, they also have a great selection of tea, my favorite being Coconut Oolong.
135 Kent Ave
New York, NY 11211 (open maps)
Open until 7pm daily, might differ on Public Holidays
Rough Trade
A London-born independent records label – with their huge selection you can basically find anything you’re after. Other than music related products, they also have a coffee cart, a ping-pong table, and a photobooth; a very cool place to hang out or to spend an afternoon digging crates. Check out their website for special in-store performances, talks and gigs.
64 N 9th St
Brooklyn, NY 11249 (open maps)
Artist & Fleas
How can anyone resist a good designers market? Featuring local art, vintage clothing, artisanal food, and others such as edible jewelries and more, Artist & Fleas is your go-to for a classic weekend market. Other than the Williamsburg branch, they are also at Chelsea Markets.
Williamsburg (weekends only) – 70 N 7th St Brooklyn, NY 11249 (open maps)
Chealsea Market – 88 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (open maps)
Second hand stores
And what is Brooklyn without a quirky little antique knickknack store. Get off at the Bedford Ave Subway station and explore the neighborhood – discover all the hidden gems including cute little thrift shops and vintage stores, and even Toby’s Estate Coffee which came from all the way down under.
DUMBO
DUMBO aka Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass is a touristy neighborhood between Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge. It is a super photogenic area with a lot of character. I didn’t notice until afterwards that you can actually see the Empire State Building in this photo! (under the bridge in the arch).
Ferry – East River Ferry
Subway – A/C train to High Street; 2/3 train to Clark Street; F train to York Street
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
I have been to New York City 4 times and still have not had enough of it yet. The city is so fast-paced, it always seem to be somewhat different every time. There are still yet so many places to visit and revisit. Till next time!
chowdowntheearth 