New York is always a good idea.

I had the pleasure of spending my Christmas & New Year in New York! Although I didn’t see a white Christmas, seeing this city during the holidays at least once in your life is a must! New York is absolute MADNESS during Christmas & New Year. I’ve never seen a busier city, ever! The first time I visited New York, I really fell in love with the fast paced city. At first, it can be a bit startling, but you get used to it quickly. It’s such an intense place, where every day always has something new, waiting to be explored. Sadly, we left New York one day before snow fell (would you believe my luck!), but of course, it was still another unforgettable adventure. So, here is a massive post of my recommendations in New York City!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

If you like history, culture, art, or even if you’re just a Gossip Girl fan, make a trip to the MET. The building itself has it’s own charm! There’ so much to see, in a huge range of topics. Highly recommended on a rainy day in the city!

(The Metropolitan Museum of Art is part of the New York CityPASS)

We waited twenty minutes to enter, and spent approximately two hours here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Museum of Natural History

For the Night of The Museum fans, the American Museum of Natural History is a great family friendly adventure. Also great on a rainy day! I studied American History during high school, so I really loved this place, and took my time here. It’s huge. You could honestly spend a full day here if you wanted to see everything.

The museum also play shows throughout the day. We chose to see the Intergalactic show about stars and space … it was trippy AF. It’s shown in a gigantic dome-like cinema. I can’t wait to go back to see the show on Dinosaurs or Arctic animals – if they are still showing!

(The American Museum of Natural History is part of the New York CityPASS)

We waited twenty minutes to enter, and spent approximately three hours here.

New Museum: Pixel Exhibit

This was an interesting one! Located in Soho, the New Museum changes it’s exhibits every few months, and has no permanent collection. They currently dedicate their entire space to the multi-media video artist, Pipiloti Rist. The string lights are my favourite part, because I’m basically a child and shiny things always get my attention. The entire exhibit is unique and quite strange. You can take your time here, as there are several levels to be explored. Lay back on pillows and watch the videos that mirror the LEDs in the synapses display across the room, or walk through the pixel forest of dangling LED lights.

Ends soon – on the 15th of January!

We waited twenty minutes to enter, and spent approximately two hours here.

 

Flatiron District

Head over to the Flatiron District to simply see the famous Flatiron building. I always go here for a photo (hehe), and you can eat at Eataly afterwards! When it was completed in 1902, it was one of the tallest buildings in the city at 20 storeys high. Oh how times have changed!

Central Park / Ice Skating in Central Park

Ice Skating in Central Park is a must in Winter! However, go early because lines can be hours long during peak time. As much as we wanted to go Ice Skating under the Rockefeller Tree, the rink is much larger in Central Park, therefore … more fun? Haha! Also, the Rockefeller rink is basically impossible to get into during Christmas time!

Brooklyn Bridge

A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge – necessary. We went during sunrise to avoid the crowds. Sadly, it was a cloudy one so we had no sunrise, but I’m determined to go back when it is a sunny day in New York. I’ve also been during sunset at the same time of year, which is very beautiful. However, there are always stacks of people during that time of day.

 

230 Fifth

Igloos? On a roof top? In New York City? And drinks? Yaaass!

I’m not sure how long the igloos will be up there for, but 230 Fifth is one of the best bars to visit for a great view of the city & Empire State Building. You can’t reserve the igloos, but if you get there really early (4-5pm), you might be able to secure a spot in an igloo with a group of friends.

 

EAT

Dominique Ansel Bakery (Breakfast or Lunch)

A personal favourite in New York, located in Soho. Dominique Ansel is the creator of cronuts, so of course they are the best here! I always get the hearty warm soup of the day, an avocado toast & one of the cute pastries on the side! Also a must try – the toasted marshmallows!!!

 

Black Tap (Lunch)

 

Sant Ambroeus (Lunch)

Charming little restaurant, serving simple Italian food. It has a lovely atmosphere, we spent over five hours in here with friends, talking and eating and talking some more as it was cold & rainy outside. A great place to go if you’re around Soho! There are three locations of Sant Ambroeus in New York.

Another favourite, Jack’s Wife Freda. Just look at the photos! It’s always packed in here, and the food is tasty (and healthy). There are two locations, we visited the one in Soho.

Momoya (Dinner)

Sadly, I don’t have any pictures of Somoya, but it was my favourite dinner meal in New York. We ordered three random dishes between two, and all of them were absolutely divine. I highly recommend this spot for dinner in Manhattan.

Rolf’s (Dinner & Drinks)

During Christmas time, Rolf’s is the most festive restaurant in the city. You need to go just to see the decor! The restaurant spends roughly $60,000USD per year to do it up, and I love them for it. You have to book to get a table, we just had drinks by the bar, but also had to wait half an hour to even get inside. I had an eggnog, which was so American Christmas of me, and it was damn good too.

Integral Cafe (Coffee & Snack)

A great place to get yourself a matcha latte & doughnut on the go in Soho! They do a small range of baked goods (including doughnuts & croissants)

Sweets By Chloe (Coffee & Snack)

We stopped at Sweets By Chloe before walking over to the New Museum to pick up a coffee & giant cookie. A great place for a snack, and also next to By Chloe, which apparently serves some of the best burgers in New York. I have not tried them so I can’t say (yet!).

Doughnut Plant (Snack)

Doughnuts, doughnuts, doughnuts! You guys know how much I love them! Make sure you get the carrot cake (personal favourite – from someone who LOVES carrot cake), also the peanut butter & jelly. Y. U. M.! 

 

Eggloo (Dessert)

We had egg waffles for dessert on the go in Chinatown after stuffing our faces at the Golden Unicorn (Yum Cha). You can customise your own egg waffle, from waffle flavour to toppings. This is probably my favourite dessert snack in the city, but the waffles are huge, so make sure you’re sharing!

 

STAY

Quin Hotel

The Quin Hotel is located right next to Central Park, on 57th between 6th & 7th. It’s the perfect location for Central Park, Times Square, and Fifth Avenue Shopping (these are all walking distance). The subway is located across the street. It’s so easy to get around, and a great base for exploring the city.

Right next to Times Square, on 44th, the Chatwal is the perfect hotel for anyone who loves the hustle & bustle of New York City. Also great for first timers looking to see all the touristy things! Everything in Midtown is walkable from here. It’s a ten minute walk from the Rockefeller, which we walked to many many times during Christmas & New Year.

This post was create in collaboration with Qantas & NYC & Company.
www.qantas.com
www.nycgo.com

Photos taken by me using Canon 5D MK IV.