Always updated: New York Recs

New York is approximately five hours from DC, so I’ve been lucky to visit many times over the past decade. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the city through the changing seasons—discovering everything from the iconic spots I once watched on TV (thanks, Sex & the City, Gossip Girl, and the Bold Type!) to hidden gems off the beaten path (for an out of towner).

Here’s my ultimate list of favorite things to do, eat, and see in the City.

Magical Places:

Albertine: On our way to the MET, I spotted the cutest statue of The Little Prince. As I stopped to take a picture, I realized we were outside Albertine—a gorgeous bookstore and cultural space dedicated to English and French literature. If you love books or are a Francophile, this is a must-visit. Though small, the store is preceded by a regal room, with shelves adorned with classical busts. The second-floor reading room is nothing short of magical, offering a cozy escape for both kids and adults to immerse themselves in new literary worlds.

Strolls:

Central Park is a New York staple—and rightly so. No matter how many times I visit the city, I always find myself drawn back. It transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own charm, yet it remains a lively oasis where everything feels just right.

The High Line is another favorite—a scenic walk along repurposed train tracks, overlooking luxurious apartments, contemporary art installations, and lush greenery.

The West Village is the perfect place to wander, steeped in pop culture history. Here, you’ll find the Friends apartment building and, my personal favorite, Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic brownstone from Sex and the City. Beyond these famous landmarks, the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets, charming brownstones, and abundance of restaurants make it an ideal spot to explore.

DUMBO- What’s not to love? It’s my favorite area in all of New York. Is it the glass carousel, the cobblestone streets, the bohemian yet elevated vibe, or the chance to run into my style icon, Olivia Palermo? I’m not sure, but I couldn’t recommend it enough.

Experiences:

MoMA: The Museum of Modern Art is one of those places you can visit again and again without ever growing tired of its beauty. The permanent collection includes masterpieces by Picasso, Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Matisse, and, of course, Monet—always a favorite of mine, no matter where I go. At the heart of the museum, there’s a stunning café—perfect for people-watching beneath the trees and sculptures.

The MET: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest museum in the region and an absolute must-visit. As an encyclopedic museum, it categorizes human knowledge through both local and global examples. The Egyptian and Asian art pavilions are particularly impressive, and the museum’s rotating temporary exhibitions are always worth checking out. After all, they inspire the theme of the iconic Met Gala each year.

Catch a Broadway Show: Seeing a Broadway production was a dream come true for me, and I can’t recommend it enough! Though I’m not a theater expert, I absolutely loved The Great Gatsby and was thrilled to see Colombian singer Sebastián Yatra perform in Chicago. You can always opt for a beloved classic like Wicked or The Lion King, or try something modern like & Juliet, which I’ve heard is phenomenal.

Summit One Vanderbilt: If you’ve never been to one of New York’s observation decks, make this the one!

Bars & Rooftops:

Electric Lemon Panorama Room Serra at Eataly

New York is a rooftop paradise, and I’ve found some incredible spots to enjoy both the views and the ambiance. Some of my favorites include Electric Lemon (Hudson Yards), Panorama Room at the Graduate Hotel (Roosevelt Island), and Serra by Birreria at Eataly Flatiron. But if I had to pick just one, Harriett’s Rooftop Brooklyn takes the crown—it’s simply unbeatable.

Harriet's Rooftop

Restaurants:

Little Spain Time Out Market Sugar Hill Creamery

When it comes to food, New York’s restaurant scene is truly humbling, both in variety and quality. I especially love its markets:

• Chelsea Market for Los Tacos No. 1, a must-try for taco lovers.

• Little Spain for their rich tapas and indulgent Colacao dessert.

• Timeout Market for the decadent treats at Sugar Hill Creamery.

  
  

But more often than not, I love a good sit-down restaurant where I can relax and order with ease. Over the years, some of my favorite spots have been:

Boucherie The Wooly Mono Mono

• Dante – West Village

• Buvette – West Village

• Boucherie – West Village

• The Wooly – Nolita

• Sarabeth’s – Greenwich Village

• ABC Kitchen – Flatiron

• Mono + Mono – East Village

• Locanda Verde – Tribeca

Coffee & Dessert:

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  • Lafayette – Soho (coffee and croissants to die for! also, the ambiance is amazing)

  • Sant Ambroeus – Soho

  • Magnolia Bakery – Central Park South (their banana pudding is their staple and it's to die for!)

That's it for now! Hope you enjoy these tips!