Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it has already been 4 months since Aaron and I returned from the trip of a lifetime! As I shared in my 2018 year in review, I surprised Aaron with a trip to New York for our first anniversary/30th birthday. It was so fun to be able to spoil him and take him to a place he had never been!
Denim Short Overalls | Black Off-The-Should – only $7!| Flannel (this color is sold out, but same top) | Converse Shoreline Slides
I hadn’t been to New York as an adult, only once when I was in 8th grade for a school trip, so I did A LOT of planning and preparing! I wanted to share my experience with you and everything I found in case you are planning a trip to New York in the near future! I’ll also of course, share my outfits, and link any that are still available! If you haven’t been to New York – GO! You won’t be disappointed! There is such a fun mix of exploring and tourist activities that you can do! We are already planning to go back at Christmas time because HOLY COW it just looks so beautiful!
When did we go: September 14-20, 2018 – We enjoyed going this time of year! Most of the days were still very warm with humidity so prepare for that! However, we didn’t have to worry too much about bad weather interfering with any of our plans.
Satin Cami | Black Pants | Heels
Where did we stay: Paramount Hotel – Locals will say to avoid Time Square. BUT in my humble opinion, if you haven’t been to New York – Time Square is where you need to be! Yes, it is tourist-central, but it is also a great location to get anywhere you need to go, and you can also walk to a lot of things nearby! We really enjoyed our stay at the Paramount Hotel! Everyone on staff was very friendly, and because they knew we were staying there for Aaron’s 30th, they even offered us a few vouchers! It was also so pretty from the outside and the lobby was gorgeous! The room wasn’t huge, but don’t expect that in New York! However, it was spacious compared to a lot of other hotels I saw and it had a bathroom inside our room…which was huge! I would recommend it!
Activities: Ok – this one is going to be long, so buckle up – it’s worth it, I promise!
- Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO Walking Tour. We did the “Free Tours By Foot” which is awesome because these people WORK for their tips! Our tour guide did so great! He was a Brooklyn native so he has seen Brooklyn in multiple stages of life and knows so much about that area. You decide what it’s worth at the end (We paid/tipped him$ $40 – so $20/person, because he was that good! But we saw other people pay less…it’s all up to you!). There was so much history you learn, it was amazing! Plenty of breathtaking views and great photo ops! You start the tour in Manhatten, walk across the bridge, go through Brooklyn heights (see some pretty iconic buildings) and end in DUMBO – plus alllll the good stuff in-between. Because we ended in DUMBO, we decided to spend a full day in Brooklyn and we LOVED it! The tour guide also gives great recommendations on places to eat right where the tour ends (seriously THE BEST pizza…I’ll get to that below) as well as instructions on how to get back into Manhattan. DO THIS TOUR. I REPEAT…DO THIS TOUR! I know so many people stay in Manhattan but Brooklyn is SO worth checking out! Honestly, I wish we had more time there and will definitely go back when we are there and this tour teaches you so much about this city! 100% recommend! (fyi – they offer tons of different kinds of tours! Their East Village food tour is high on my list for next time we are in the city! This is also offered in other cities such as Washington, New Orleans, Boston, Chicago, etc.)
- Smorgasburg. In Williamsburg on Saturdays. I believe it is closed during the colder months, so it is dependent on that. It worked out perfectly that our tour was on Saturday because I heard sooo many great things and got tons of recommendations to check this out…unfortunately no one told us to COME HUNGRY! We had just had a big lunch and ice cream when we headed over and were so full, which was such a bummer. It’s an open-air market with just food vendors. I imagined something more like a farmers market with food trucks sprinkled in, but it is all food. So we walked around, all we could handle was getting a drink (which was still delicious) and enjoyed the views!
- Central Park Bike Tour – This was a company recommended through the Tours on Foot. This tour was OK. Definitely could not learn as much because you are on a bike with your tour guide ahead of you. There were a decent amount of stops along the way where there would be more explanation. Be ready to keep up with you guide! If you enjoy biking, you’ll have a lot of fun biking alongside NY locals. I would be hesitant to try and bike this without going on a tour if it is your first time in the area! Also, I want everyone to be aware that it is somewhat strenuous activity. I consider myself to be in decent shape and you definitely go through definite uphill sections where you will be panting at the end!
- Explorer Pass – This is a great way to pre-pay for attractions that you want to do! FYI, the bike tour from above can be purchased with the explorer pass! Just make sure you have time for everything! We only used 2 out of the 3 options, but I say it is still worth it! Especially if you’re going to be hitting some of the main tourist attractions! We used it for the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall Tour, our third would have been Top of the Rock. You can pick anywhere from 3-10 attractions and they offer 82 options! *After we bought the pass, we did not to buy anything additional for the attractions beforehand, your explorer pass will take care of it when you go to buy your tickets! It might depend on what attractions you plan on doing so check up on that.
- Empire State Building – I feel like this is a must, especially when you’re coming to New York for the first time! On the first night, we hit up some rooftop bars that gave us some good views, but nothing like the Empire State Building! Not sure if it’s worth doing more than once…but once is definitely worth it!
- Radio City Music Tour – This tour was so much fun and I loved learning the history about Radio City Music Hall. The history of the building and all the events that have happened there are so neat! We were lucky because there wasn’t any current productions going on so we were able to actually go onto the stage! Definitely would recommend this attraction as part of the NY explorer pass! Great family friendly event too! 🙂 If you are there when the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is going on…do yourself a favor and buy the tickets and see those amazing Rockettes! (We will definitely be doing that if/when we are there are Christmas!)
- Empire State Building – I feel like this is a must, especially when you’re coming to New York for the first time! On the first night, we hit up some rooftop bars that gave us some good views, but nothing like the Empire State Building! Not sure if it’s worth doing more than once…but once is definitely worth it!
- Rockefeller Center / Jimmy Fallon – Whether you are doing top of the rock (which I heard is better than doing the Empire State building – same view and way less crowded. Keep in mind, they are also at different parts of the city, so what you’re seeing will differ slightly) or doing an NBC studio tour, Rockefeller Center is iconic and a must see. If you want to see a taping, do you research on how to request those tickets! We didn’t get to go to the actual taping of Jimmy Fallon because those went to quickly, but we did get to see his monologue rehearsal and to see him in action was so fun! Would definitely try to see the full taping next time we are there!
- Broadway Play – Anastasia – This movie was one of my absolute favorites growing up, so when I heard it was going to be on Broadway I knew I had to be there someway to see it. I was so grateful that Aaron didn’t mind sacrificing one of the nights of his birthday trip to go see this! The production was fabulous, I absolutely loved it! Aaron really enjoyed it too! I think he was secretly really, really impressed! 😉 You can not come to New York and not see a play. Also check out the different lotteries to get cheap tickets if you don’t mind living your life a little on the edge.
- Yankees Game – I think this is what Aaron was most excited for on our trip, being the huge baseball fan he is – getting to go to Yankees Stadium and seeing the Yankees play is huge! And we were even more fortunate, the series they were playing when we were there was against the Red Sox! How lucky is that we got to see two of the biggest rivals?! Talk about an awesome birthday gift! I wanted to guarantee us good seats so I bought the tickets way in advance, but I am sure you could wait and get them for way cheaper! Definitely amazing to go to Yankees Stadium though! Definitely want to do a stadium tour next time we are there! If you can’t make it to the game but still want to enjoy some serious Yankees atmosphere, you can always go watch it at Billy’s…read more about it below! 🙂
- New York Harbor & Statue of Liberty Jet Ski Tour with Sea the City – You guys…I pulled a Hitch! 😉 Anyone else love that movie? I was SO stoked when my friend told me about this! He has been living there for the past 5 years, so I would call him a local and he was like “if you’re going to do some tourist things – at least do it in a cool way.” This was hands down, the coolest thing! Seriously so much fun! We got the photo package, which was SO worth it, because they are so unique and something you can only get if you do this tour. *SUGGESTION: Just splurge and do a jet ski per person. Aaron and I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal to share – let me tell you…it was NOT fun for the person in the back. We switched off because we both wanted to drive while the other was holding on for dear life and trying to hold back screams. The water is so choppy because it is such a busy harbor – don’t try and tough it out, you’ll enjoy it so much more if you are driving! Because it was part of Aaron’s bday gift I tried to be tough and hang in the back most of the time and let me tell you – my arms were so sore the next day! haha Once I got the hang of the grip that made me feel most secure I enjoyed it! It was so incredibly cool to see the NY skyline and the Statue of Liberty from that view!
- 9/11 Memorial – We only walked through here and saw the two memorial sites. We did not do the museum which I heard it great. I would recommend everyone stop by and pay their respects. It is humbling and incredibly saddening, but a beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives that day.
- SHOPPING! (DUH!) and Macy’s – OK…way to go from something so sad to shopping, but had to end on something happy! You must stop by the Macy’s and just see the inside of that incredible store – it’s seriously like an entire mall! Totally worth looking around and doing some window …or some real shopping! For other shopping – there are stores throughout the whole city, huge H&M’s and tons of other places…but if you want to go to the good shopping…go to SOHO! I wish I had more time to spend there, but I was taking my husband on his birthday trip and I knew he did not want to spend an entire day gallivanting through stores and pining at things we couldn’t afford lol! So I took what I could get! But it is just shop after shop…tons and tons of great stuff! I think I could spend an entire week there!
- F•R•I•E•N•D•S Apartment & The Village – so pretty to walk around, see the brownstones and of course the iconic apartment!! There are also a lot of great restaurants in the area! This is also a stop in one of the Free Tours by Foot! 🙂 This link is a guide to everything FRIENDS if you’re as a big of a fan as I am 😉
Restaurants and Bars:
- Beauty & Essex – THE BEST FOOD WE HAD THE ENTIRE TIME IN NYC! I am not kidding! I made reservations for Aaron’s birthday dinner (made them exactly a month out – so I would recommend that if I were you) and I am so glad I did. I was leery because they have a location in LA and Vegas and I wanted it to be special to New York, but apparently the New York one is THE one to go to! You enter through a pawn shop, which gives is a speakeasy feel and it is absolutely stunning inside and o.m.g. the food is to die for! Everything we had was so so so yummy! They also offer a full ferris wheel of desserts! It’s insanely ridiculous and beautiful all at the same time! We could not stop talking about this meal. If you are looking for a fancy meal while you’re there, you will not be disappointed!
- St. Cloud at Knickerbocker Hotel – This was the first rooftop bar we went to while we were there. It is really pretty and we were able to enjoy a cocktail. We walked around, but then wanted to find a place with a better view. I would say this is great for a happy hour or pre-dinner drinks!
- Bar 54 at the Hyatt – This was our favorite rooftop bar! You are 54 floors up and it offers an amazing view of the city. The walls are glass so if you’re afraid of heights like I am, it might take awhile to adjust or get close to the edge. I was finally able to creep close enough for some pics and to enjoy the view – but not without my hands sweating a little! haha. Definitely worth going to for some drinks!!
- Magic Hour at Moxy Hotel – Personally, I would not waste my time. I had seen this on Refinery 29 I think and it looked so awesome! I think some of the pieces that make it really cool aren’t offered at night. We waited in line for a long time – towards the end of the line it was there were some interesting pieces in the area that you walk through (hard to explain), but then when you get up to the actual bar it is soooo packed and over crowded. It may be worth it if you are with a group of friends and you get there earlier. But going at 11:30 pm with just two people…I would not recommend.
- Loopy Doopy – Another fabulous rooftop bar! If you haven’t been able to tell, I was all about the rooftop bars – I mean where else can you get views like that? We went here after jet skis and it was great to get a refreshing cocktail! They offer alcoholic popsicles in a glass of champagne! It was super fun and delicious! I definitely enjoyed going there during the day rather than night!
- Please Don’t Tell – In addition to rooftops, I was also all about speakeasys! This one was new and apparently very popular! It is very small so it books up quickly! You have to call at 3pm right when it opens. Call and call until you can finally get through to make a reservation. I think it was about 3:15pm when my call finally went through and they offered us two time slots, 7:30 and 12am. The way you entered was probably my favorite. Through a hot dog shop and in a telephone booth. Fun specialized drinks and some good snacks to munch on!
- The Back Door – THIS! This was an awesome speakeasy. It was actually one that was functioning back in the prohibition era. You use the same door that they did almost 100 years ago and you drink out of tea cups just as people did back in the day. They had a live band and the ambiance was amazing! Much bigger and spread out. We went during the week and did not have reservations. If you’re going on the weekend, you may want to call ahead.
- Magnolia Bakery – Three words…banana bread pudding. Oh my God, yum!!! We just quickly stopped in for that, and it was amazing!
- Juliana’s – Arguably the best pizza in Brooklyn. There is apparently some debate, but according to Brooklyn natives…this is the winner. We totally agreed! We ate here after our walking tour and scarfed it down (the tour ends right in front of it)! It was so good! They have a large wood burning oven where they cook the pizzas in front of everyone! Don’t be intimidated by the long line…it moves surprisingly fast.
- Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory – Right there in DUMBO (which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and right down the street from Juliana’s. I’m not quite sure how we ate here after we completely stuffed ourselves with pizza. If you want to completely over stuff yourself – get the milkshake!
- Sweet Chick – There are tonsss of good places to eat in Brooklyn – it’s a city of foodies. This one happened to be near where we were and it did not disappoint! Long community tables and mood lighting, plus some of the best chicken and waffles I’ve ever had!
- The Bagel Store – home of the original rainbow bagel! You guys it was so worth it and it was so yummy! I’m a big fan of sweets…so if you aren’t, this may not be for you. I topped it with funfetti cream cheese! Definitely worth s try! So so delish!
- Halal Guys – This was our very first meal in New York and definitely the best street food we had! Don’t be fooled and go to a cart where it says “Halal” food. Make sure you follow your GPS to the Halal Guys and find the guys wearing the yellow shirts! These are the originals and the best! It is seriously delicious.
- Milk and Cream – If your two favorite foods are cereal and ice cream like me, you absolutely have to go here! They combine two things into one amazing masterpiece and it is heaven! This was also featured on Buzzfeed or Refinery (I can’t remember?) and it has been in the back of my mind ever since. It was so freaking good, my mouth is watering just thinking about it now!
- The View – Probably one of the coolest rooftop bars. Definitely a tourist attraction, and slightly over priced since there is a cover charge, but if you have an hour to kill – it is so worth it. The top rotates so you get a 360 degree view of the city and you don’t have to leave your seat! It takes 1 hour to do a full rotation. I tend to get motion sickness pretty easily, so at the end I was starting to feel it just a bit, but nothing bad – still so worth it (the cocktail may not have helped lol).
- Artichoke Pizza – YUM! Please don’t do what my hubby did and come here and not get the artichoke pizza. It just doesn’t make sense (serious face palm). This is a place a lot of people told us to go. There are a few locations throughout the city so when you are craving a bite to eat, pull up your Google maps and find the one nearest you. You won’t be disappointed!
- Billy’s Sports Bar (no website). The best place to pre-game, watch the game, or go to after if you’re a Yankees fan. It is right across from the stadium. We went in for a couple beers before the game and it is huge! I can definitely imagine people pack in there to watch the game!
- Wo Hop – GO DURING THE DAY! This is in the middle of Chinatown and we went well after midnight because it was our last night and we were told by someone who grew up that it was a must. The streets were empty and you had to walk down steps to get to the restaurant. I was a little sketched out, but the food – SUPER GOOD! If you want to go where the locals who grew up there go…this is the spot. Also, important to note – it was cash only.
- Carmine’s Italian Restaurant – This isn’t a place you go if you’re looking to be swept off your feet by the food (not to say it’s bad, but when you’re having so much great food in NY, this is really nothing special), however it is a super iconic place and great to go before or after you see a Broadway play! The caricatures bring so much character to the restaurant – the walls are filled with them! It’s really something special to see!
Other (these are things we didn’t spend a lot of time at or are on our list for our next visit!):
- The Oculus at the World Trade Center – if you like to shop, check it out!
- Rolf’s German Restaurant – Just look at the pics! Majorly on our list, especially if we go at Christmas time!
- Upland – My friend that lives there told me its one of his favorite places and has amazing food! Apparently also a favorite or former President Obama.
- Rubirosa Ristorante – Very nice and fancy restaurant, but serves great pizza! So I am told!
- Tavern on the Green – in the middle of Central Park! Will definitely be going there on our next visit!
- Wall Street – didn’t make it to see the bull, but will definitely walk through next time!
- Little Italy – I was really bummed we weren’t able to make it over to Little Italy, especially being Italian! It is high priority next time we are there!
- Eataly – Make sure you go to the Eataly with a view…not the one in the mall 🙂 Birreria is the rooftop restaurant on top of Eataly!
- Battery Park – Really pretty, right on the water and can see the Statue of Liberty. Also has a really pretty sea shell merry-go-round.
- Serendipity – We originally had reservations (which I made 3 months out FYI), but some things got rearranged so we had to put this on the back burner for next time. I’ve only heard amazing things about their frozen hot chocolate.
- Katz Deli – I’m not a big Pastrami fan, but if you are and you want to see where Harry Met Sally, go! Even the locals say it’s the best Pastrami sandwich, and it’s big enough to share!
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral – I went here on my first trip and we were planning to go, but again some things got rearranged and we didn’t make it. We did walk by the outside and it is gorgeous. The inside is just as, if not more, stunning!
A few more notes/thoughts from me…
- Google maps or your iPhone maps will be your best friend! Get an unlimited metro card! We did a week one and it was only like $30 and it was so nice to not worry reloading it and getting around on the subway is so easy
- Do your own research! I spent months planning and researching! There is truly so much to do in the city and new things popping up all the time! As we plan or go on our next trip to NYC, I will try to update or create an amendment post with new things that I find!
- ENJOY! Prepare yourself for crowds and traffic – but you’re in an amazing city, soak it all in (except for maybe the smells down by the subway! lol).
Wow…did you make it to the end of this? If you did…I hope you found it helpful in planning your trip to NYC…or hey, maybe you just wanted to kick back for a few and live vicariously through a blog post! But seriously, this was a trip of a lifetime! I was so excited and I wanted to maximize our time so our days were packed from start to finish! If you have any places that you love to go to in NYC, tell me in the comments so I can put it on my list for next time!
Wow!!! Beautiful romantic trip ❤️