It’s been almost two weeks since our long weekend trip to the city and I can say without a doubt there is no short list of things to do, places to see, or foods to eat in the city. New York has it all! While we hardly hit a fraction of all the city had to offer, we did check a few big moments off our list — with definite plans of heading back later this year— I’m still trying to figure out why it’s been over 15 years since I stayed in the city (outside of small 24 hour stays for events) …but thankfully after receiving an invite to the 10 year anniversary of FIGS, we booked our tickets to the big apple!

We ended up booking our stay at The Standard hotel in East Village (our first time staying at one of their hotels) and had such a beautiful view of the city! This hotel was definitely a vibe as well as their cocktail bar, No Bar was located downstairs- although we actually never stopped to try it out amidst our plans!

As far as transportation goes, we spent a lot of our time either walking or taking the metro, and took Uber’s at night after dinner if we felt like the location was too far to walk in the chilly / rainy weather that we had while we were there.

Some of the places we tried out & also a few locations that came highly recommended that are still on our list to try when we go back:

• Boucherie west village
• John’s of Bleekers St (our fave pizza ever to date) 
• Jacks wife Freda – you can’t go wrong
• Katz deli for a classic pastrami on rye- remember the scene from ‘When Harry Met Sally’?  
• Russ and Daughters – another classic
• Prince St.Pizza – sicilian pizza that’s 👌🏼
• Cathedral Restaurant – East Village 
• Ceccino’s – Brooklyn
• The 1 Hotel – upstairs lounge for drinks/apps (has the best views of Brooklyn bridge / water view of Manhattan)
• Beauty & Essex – cocktails
• Brunch at the Plaza hotel
• Go-to brunch at La Mercerie – French Riviera inspired
• Brooklyn Bagels (East Village) – for a quick brek on the go
• Nubeluz is a def must for elevated cocktails at the Ritz + perfect view of Empire State building
• Nobu – Financial district if you’re in the mood for sushi / cocktails
• Porterhouse – for an upscale steak dinner
• Au Cheval Diner 
• Eataly’s rooftop restaurant, Serra by Birreria
• Mr.Purple Rooftop (Lower East side) – vibe rooftop bar

Things to do:

• Stroll through Central Park (we want to go back when the lawn is open for a romantic picnic)
• The high line / Chelsea market 
• Grand central station
• Walk the Brooklyn bridge – also a perfect photo opp if whether permits
• Stroll through Dumbo & Brooklyn heights, a completely diff vibe from the city and so beautiful
• Take a touristy boat tour around Manhattan in the evening or at night for amazing views 
• Check out the MoMA or the Met museums
• Rockefeller center – esp, if it’s holidays Eason 
• Shop in SOHO & 5th ave 
• Visit the 9/11 Memorial (Freedom Tower)
• The Edge- an outdoor sky deck giving a 360 view of the city, def a prime picturesque view
• The oculus structure at the one world center 
• Empire State Building
• Broadway shows (ofc) – see below for ticket details

Broadway Tickets:
If you’re interested in seeing a broadway show, I learned while we were traveling that there are several ways of buying these tickets—

• Online (probably the most expensive option, but if needing to secure ahead of time, then likely the avenue you’ll want to take
• Go to timeshare and stand in the ticket line (the area in the center of Times Square that says ‘TKTS’) – this line can vary in wait times & not always guaranteed to work if it’s too close to the showtime. 
• Most budget friendly: You can sign up for a broadway lottery system through this site Broadway4BrokePeople,  where you register for the show of your choice (you can attempt for multiple showings) for at a super discounted rate! Of course, if there’s a show in particular you’ve been dying to see, then this probably isn’t your best route- but def a great option if you’re trying to save a bit while visiting! The way it works is the afternoon of the show, you’ll receive an email that prompts you to claim tickets if there’s a show you won the lottery for—   some being only $30-40 each!

I know Jared and I both can’t wait to go back and experience more of the city with a longer stay next time! If there’s anywhere you’d add to this list, comment below!