The Best Things To Do In New York City

In 2022, NYC had almost 56 million tourists and in 2023, the city expects to see 61 million (courtesy of Thrillist.com). With that said, NYC is a huge destination for travelers near and far. When it comes to figuring out where to go, what to do, and places to eat- it’s just as overwhelming as it seems. Given that I have grown up here my whole life, I know the hidden gems, touristy spots (that even locals go to) & free events, experiences and areas to explore that’ll want you practically begging to live here. For more NYC travel trends, click here for more information. This blog post is long & juicy so feel free to skip around, save these recs, send it to a friend & get excited for your upcoming trip to NYC!

Cheat Sheet: The Ultimate NYC Travel Guide

As mentioned, this blog post is very juicy, so feel free to skip around by clicking these links that’ll direct you to that specific part of the page!

Best Places to Eat In NYC
Best Brunches In NYC
The Best Museums In NYC
The Best Experiences In NYC
Checklist of the Best Parks In NYC
Checklist of the Top Landmarks In NYC
Best Bars In NYC
Best Happy Hour Deals In NYC
AreasToExplore

NYC By Season

No matter the season, NYC is always a great place to visit. From the endless Broadway musicals and museums to the nearby hikes, rooftops to explore, winter markets & window shopping, you’re destined to have a great time.

Fall Activities in NYC | Winter Activities in NYC | Spring Activities In NYC

Book a Custom Itinerary With Me

Maybe this whole planning thing isn’t as easy as you thought. That’s where I come in! Let me help you plan your trip so that you can maximize your time & energy instead of being burned out from searching through hundreds of tabs on your computer! All you have to do is click THIS LINK to get started!

Book Your NYC Trip Today!

Save With The Go City Explorer Pass (Up to 90+ Tours & Attractions)

You have the chance to save up to 50% (and that’s a big deal with NYC prices) on some of your favorite tourist destinations. Check it out to learn more & have the best time visiting my favorite city in the world.

New York: Go City Explorer Pass With 90+ Tours & Attractions

Best Places to Eat In NYC

Best Pizza Hands Down

1. Table 87: If pizza is on your mind, this place is 100% where you have to be. Welcome to Table 87, home to the most authentic pizzas. There are three locations perfect for any time you’re in Brooklyn looking for a quick, tasty bite (Sunset Park, Park Slope & Brooklyn Heights). My family has been going here for years and every bite feels like the first time. We’ve celebrated birthdays, soccer wins, academic achievements & even just going to celebrate life. Pro Tip: 10/10 recommend the margarita & pepperoni slices, the arugula salad & the Nutella desserts.

International Cusine: Best Places to Eat In NYC

2. Boqueria: If you’re looking for authentic Spanish food, this is your spot. Welcome to Boqueria. The ambiance, vibes, and food are exquisite. Pro Tip: Just remember that the paella takes a while to make (around 40 minutes) so you’ll definitely want to order an appetizer (hint the Jamon Serrano)

3. Spanish Diner at Mercado Little Spain: Another great authentic Spanish cuisine spot is Little Spain. It’s part of the little Spain markets in the Hudson Yards with so many places to choose from, this being my favorite. Pro Tip: They have happy hour from 4-6 pm with $5 sangria drinks.

4. Xi’an Foods: Spicy Ramen has quickly become one of my favorite foods. Highly recommend the spinach dumplings, noodles & the lamp burger. Pro Tip: They have locations all over NYC – I’d recommend the one in LIC & Greenpoint

5. La Caverna: Have you ever had food in a cave? Well at La Caverna, enjoy authentic Mexican food in a very cool atmosphere. Pro Tip: They have $3 tacos, $8 mugs & $6 beers every Tuesday, and after go to the Back Room speakeasy!

6. Barzola: THE best food I have ever tasted. Just WOW! The chaulafan, bandera & empanadas dishes were my absolute favorites! The food is extremely rich in flavor and the location is near the Broadway station in Astoria. The place is super spacious for all crowds! Pro Tip: Get the Calelazo (a hot cinnamon cocktail) and the berry shake – 10/10

Best Decor: Places to Eat In NYC

7. Oscar Wilde: Oscar Wilde is one of those places that goes all out for every season. You’ll find its extra-ness to be admirable. I 100% respect the effort put in. This restaurant has amazing food and a great drink menu. Make sure you book in advance since it gets booked pretty quickly. Pro Tip: I loved the burrata, frutti de mares, Pheobe Bridges & PJ Harvey!!

My Top NYC Recommendations

From Beginning to End: Chinatown, The MET, The Back Room, Boqueria (44th st location), The Climb at the Edge, 230 Fifth Rooftop, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Table 87, Oscar Wilde, Broadway, La Caverna

Best Brunches In NYC

1.Trestle: This place is a local favorite and for good reason. The brunches here are my particular favorite and you get a really good bank for your buck. It’s also two blocks from the train!! Pro Tip: Their happy hour is from 4-7pm and Friday 12pm-7pm and they have an amazing bottomless brunch. If you go say you know Alyssa Carr & they’ll give you top-notch service.

2. Mojave: Went here for an overpriced bday brunch but for bottomless drinks and delicious food- it all made sense. I would highly recommend the chicken & waffles along with sangria. Great location, super spacious & wonderful service! Pro Tip: This place is great for groups and for celebrations

3. 230 5th Rooftop: I rate the service 12/10: The waitress was SOOO kind and it really added to the whole experience. I wouldn’t say the food was amazing- it’s just regular bar food, nothing too impressive. The drinks were immaculate and overall had a great time. Pro Tip: Take your pictures of the Empire State Building right before your food comes!

4. La Barca Cantina: Brunch in NYC is always a good idea. Now brunch on a boat is iconic. Unlimited food & drinks, fun vibes, skyline views & wholesome memories are why this is a bucket list experience. For $100 per person, the 3+ hour ride is everything!

The Best Museums In NYC

Classic Museums

1.Museum of Natural History: This is one of my favorite museums here in NYC and I continue to come here every other year because there is always something new. Pro Tip: Check out the shark exhibit & the new Gilder Center all about fascinating bugs & insects. Check it out here

2. 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Pay your respects to the fallen heroes of 9/11. A devastating time in American history that changed so many aspects of life now. It’s worth coming to commemorate the 2,977 who died on this tragic day. Check it out here

3. The Met Museum: This also goes hand in hand with one of my favorite museums. You could literally get quite lost in all of the history and amazing information that comes from here. Pro Tip: They now have a rooftop with an incredible exhibit and equally incredible views and if you have time on the weekends, they’re open for Date Night where they have cool events going on as well. Check it out here

My Fav Hidden Gems

4. Tenement Museum: It’s not NYC if you don’t hear about the true immigrant experience. As a proud 4th gen American, the Irish have had an impeccable comeback in society as they were treated in some of the poorest conditions this country has ever seen. Explore the tenements (the name of the cramped buildings they’d stay in) all along the Lower East Side.

5. Museum of Moving Image: Before high tech, people like Jim Henson, a puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, inventor & filmmaker that created The Muppets, did all of the work manually. Check out cool movie props from some of your favorite films here! Pro Tip: Explore Astoria now that you’re here

6. Brooklyn Museum: It’s NYC’s second largest museum and for good reason. Explore the many exhibits here and walk over to Prospect Park afterward! Pro Tip: On Select days throughout the weekend free yoga and admission for only $16

Popular Museums

7. Intrepid: An impressive sea, space & air museum all in one. You get to learn all about the military aircraft and ships used throughout history and explore life as it was during the wars. Pro Tip: Every last Friday is FREE & they have some free movie nights on the ship!

8. The Cloisters: I actually have yet to come here, but have always wanted to. It’s part of the Met and has some incredibly impressive architecture that’s worth checking out.

9. NY Transit Museum: The NYC Subway system is one of the most iconic public transit systems in the world. It’s not known for being the best, but iconic. As you might experience in your own travels, there’s room for improvement, but we can’t stop there. Let’s go back in time to see how different the train carts were.

The Best Experiences In NYC

The Arts

1.Drag Brunch: NYC and Drag are besties so the vibes are immaculate. I love going to Lips as they put on the best show and its location is right in the heart of the city. Pro Tip: Each day they have a specific theme so check out their website for more info!

2. Circus/Acrobatic Performance: Looking for a fun night out? This is definitely an experience that will blow your mind. Journey into the goddesses of the zodiac and prepare to be amazed by the pure talent these performers have. Pro Tip: Once you attend the event, they offer 50% off their cocktail experience for the same night or a different day! Check it out here

3. Broadway: Raise those hands if you love Broadway!! Okay, I see you! Whether you have been to them all or none yet, the Broadway community is nothing short of welcoming. If you are a lover of the arts, then Broadway week is something I would highly consider doing because you get to experience TWO FOR ONE ticket & get to see some of your favorite musicals for that much cheaper. Especially with the pandemic, the performers went so long without work and not even knowing when Broadway was going to be back and the look on their faces just watching them do what they love was a showstopper in itself. Check out the post to see the best Broadway shows you must see!

Everything You Need To Know About Broadway Week: Right here

Bucket List Experiences

4. The Edge & NYC City Climb: Welcome to the tallest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere with great views of the iconic Empire State Building, Chrysler, and some other favorites! Pro Tip: If you’re looking for adventure, climb on the side of the building and get a lil thrill while you’re at it.

NYC: Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

NYC: City Climb Skyscraping Experience Ticket

5. Bike Tour of Central Park: If you love biking, then you’d love biking around Central Park. (I’d recommend biking in Central Park versus the crazy NYC drivers out in the streets). No, but seriously, it’s the perfect activity to do on a nice day!

Central Park Bike Rentals

6. NYC Boat Ride: If you love to party, then Fever has some pretty great boat parties that are worth it and the best part is that it’s $15!

Checklist of the Best Parks In NYC

Central Park
Washington Square Park
High Line
Prospect Park
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Bryant Park
New York Botanical Garden

Checklist of the Top Landmarks In NYC

Brooklyn Bridge
Statue of Liberty: tickets here
Empire State Building: tickets here
New York Public Library
Vessel
Top of the Rock
Flat Iron Building
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Times Square
Carnegie Hall
Lincoln Center

Best Bars In NYC

Dancing Spots

1.Slate: Here is my favorite club, introducing SLATE. They play the best music hands down. I’m talking 2000’s throwbacks to today’s hits to reggaetón. This place seriously has such a vibe. There’s the main floor which has the dancing and two bars & then there’s A SLIDE that goes to the bottom floor which is more like a lounge & has fun arcade games if you want a break from dancing.

2. Papatzul: if you’re looking to have a lit time with reggaetón music, then THIS is your spot! Welcome to Patazul, a place I am dying to go back to. Waited in line for a bit, but I promise you it is so worth it since people are constantly coming in and out. The DJ played an amazing twist on pop songs and we had a whole conga line of dancers from one wall to the other. Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for perreando!!

3. Bad Habits: If you are looking for a fun night out. Bad Habits is the place for you. love to channel my Hispanic culture and the reggaeton music just made this place THAT much better. The service is excellent and the vibes are just too good. Pro Tip: They named a drink after me, be sure to check it out, the Veróniquita: Show me your bad side: an Irresistible Gin with lemonade & agave. Mint & orange on top for your pleasure

Lowkey Spots

4. Back Room: If you’re looking for a prohibition-themed speakeasy (one of two speakeasies that actually operated during that time) this is your go-to place. Pro Tip: Go on Mondays for Jazz all night long! They bring special guests that

5. Frances Tavern: If you’re looking for an authentic Irish bar, then this is one that even George Washington went to. Overall, such a V I B E. This place is super spacious (lots of rooms and walkways so you’ll never feel like you’re bumping next to someone and completely stuck). Pro Tip: Come here on St.Patrick’s Day, they put on a great celebration!

Best Happy Hour Deals In NYC

1.Factory 380: So this is a place that I have been to three times already. Of course, it’s always a 10/10 when they have lemonade for my gin lemonades, and the music was awesome! What is cool about this place is that it wasn’t too crowded so we felt comfortable moving around and not feeling like sardines! This is one of my friend’s FAVORITE bars and comes here often so you know it’s a keeper! If you have the chance, please check it out. Pro Tip: They have a filler food menu & happy hour deals that are affordable.

2. Madam Marie’s: This place is a CLASSIC. Happy hour deals you really can’t beat and you get free popcorn, I mean what is not to like? It’s giving a hip-dive bar & we love those vibes. If you like trivia, they have that every Wednesday which I have yet to go to! Absolutely love the outdoor seating here as well! Pro Tip: There’s a taco truck outside with delicious options for $

3. El Coco: $3 empanadas & $5 margs in Hell’s Kitchen is hard to compete with. This place does it consistently right EVERY TIME. Music is always immaculate, the food is scrumptious and the vibes most importantly pass the vibe check. Pro Tip: Sit at the bar (sometimes they’ll give you free drinks & shots!)

Areas to Explore

Coney Island/Sheepshead Bay: Best Things To Do In Coney Island
Rockaway, Queens: Best Things To Do In Rockaway
Astoria, Queens: Best Bars in Astoria | Best Restaurants In Astoria
Chinatown Best Things To Do In Chinatown
Roosevelt Island
Governor’s Island

Day Trips

New Paltz: Best Things To Do in New Paltz
The Catskills:
The Adirondacks: Upstate Weekend In The Catskills
Philadelphia
Long Island

There You Have It

After living here my whole life, it’s so hard to put my top places to visit into one blog post. That’s why I am constantly refreshing and adding new places to the list to offer everyone the best experiences at affordable prices. I highly encourage you all to explore off-the-beaten-path places and get out of your comfort zone. There is always time to relax when you get home but you have to show us that you can keep up with the NYC energy!