Welcome to another whopper of a blog post! Here is my guide to NYC based on some of the things I experienced on my recent trip. Below are some super fun eats & to-dos you can experience in NYC over Summer/Fall. If you’re looking for more fun spots, see my last blog post about NYC here.

Please note this is not a ‘top ten’. I’m just sharing some of the things I enjoyed while we were in town. There’s so much that NYC has to offer, it’s truly endless. Let me know where I should visit next time in the comments!

FLY

Qantas

We were lucky enough to fly first class courtesy of Qantas. This was my second time ever in the Qantas First Class cabin and it’s simply a divine experience! We flew from Melbourne to JFK via Los Angeles. Hope you caught my stories on the experience. If you didn’t, you can find the journey in my ‘travel’ highlights on Instagram, or see below for a closer look into my meal onboard.

I started with the soup, followed by tuna salad, then the lamb chops, and the choice raspberry brownie to finish. Oh and the famous cheese plate of course. The experience had us refreshed and ready to take on New York – and no jet lag!

EAT

So let’s dive right into it and here’s some of my favourite eats around NYC from our trip.

By Chloe

You might remember Sweets by Chloe from my previous blog on New York. This time round we stopped by the delicious vegan restaurant that is By Chloe! As everything is vegan, they do a super interesting take on a mac & cheese. It’s definitely not the real deal, but I’d give it a solid 7/10!

Chelsea Market 

As you can tell from the name, Chelsea Market is located in the Chelsea neighbourhood of Manhattan. Here you’ll find a huge range of fresh produce, restaurants and cafes all under one roof in a rustic style setting. The food hall has really become quite iconic and you can find some of the best and tastiest food here.

We ordered a lobsters roll set from Lobster Place, where you can find a wide range of fresh seafood. However there’s no seating here, only standing tables. After a walk along the high line and a visit to The Pint Shop we returned for Korean ramen and cuisine at Mokbar. The kimchi ramen and spicy tofu bowl were so delicious!

   

Dominique Ansel Bakery 

I visit Dominique Ansel every time I’m in New York or Tokyo. Why? Because the menu changes every time and it’s always some of the best food ever! Dominique Ansel can do no wrong, and I’ll never say no to a cheeky cronut. This time we shared the leek soup, cronut and carrot cake, and you’ll definitely find me back here on the next guide because of how good it is!

Cha Cha Matcha

Literally do not go here if you don’t like matcha. But I love it so this was on my list! This place is matcha everything and I live for it. We got the soft serve, latte, iced latte & cronuts! Super yum. I’m also in love with the decor in there. It’s millennial pink everything and very gram worthy of course.

    

Taiyaki NYC

Originally from Japan, or is is Taiwan? Either way you can now find it in NYC at Taiyaki NYC.

Bibble and Sip

Located in Midtown, this cafe is simply the cutest! They have a range of super cute treats from Totoro to Llama shaped macarons. You can even get toter in your latte. This place was just around the corner from my NYC besties place so I know I’ll be back when I’m next in town for more.

Bar Pa Tea

Ya girl had to have her bubble tea fix at least once during her NYC trip, and she found it at Bar Pa Tea. They have such funky flavours too like Grapefruit Yakult! They also offer oolong soft serves with pearls. Honestly, I simply salivate as I recount our order. Get me some milk tea now!

Bakeri

Located a few blocks down from The Williamsburg Hotel, Bakeri is a really cute place you’ll find delish cookies as well as a coffee to kickstart your day in Williamsburg.

Serendipity 3 

Who’s seen Serendipity? If you’re feeling nostalgic for this ’01 rom com, you need to pop by here. Honestly, the restaurant itself is pretty tacky, in my opinion, but it’s kind of a ‘must do’ anyway? And the frozen hot chocolates from the film are a must try. I loved the mint choc one.

DO

Visit The Pint Shop

Now a permanent shop created by The Museum of Ice Cream, The Pint Shop is the most unique and fun Ice Cream shop you’ll ever visit. Entry is free and it’s pretty much pastel heaven. Created to look like a supermarket, the MOI team has clearly had a lot of fun creating this place. We popped by after our visit to Chelsea Market because it was just around the corner. The line was longer at opening than when we walked out. It’s here to stay as a permanent shop and opens at 12pm daily.

Walk along The High Line

The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail. It was created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. It’s a really great walk to do if you want to see the sitting a little higher up. The only issue would be that it’s packed a lot of the time. I would suggest walking in the early morning to avoid the crowds.

Visit Jane’s Carousel 

While staying at 1 Hotel Brooklyn, Jane’s Carousel was a two minute walk. The carousel is a gorgeous and iconic merry go round. It was built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. It has been beautifully restored and is located in Brooklyn Bridge Park and open year-round. It’ll only cost you $2 to take the three minute ride, which we did of course!

View the city from Top of The Rock 

You’re finding this one on my list again because it’s a must do every time I visit the city. It was also Damian’s first time up here! It’s included in the NYC Citypass, which includes tickets to several of the main attractions in New York. Most people would think to visit the Empire State Building, which is also included on a city pass, but if you want to get the best view of the Empire State and the whole city, you do Top of The Rock. Also, perhaps if you’re a 30 Rock fan then why not too?

Have a picnic in Central Park 

I’ve wanted to do this for years, but never had the chance due to the times I’ve always visited NYC (winter). My friend Patty and I had the best sushi/fruit/cheeseboard date in the park on a day with the best weather. We picked everything up from whole foods on the way in. If you’re a little too lazy to do it yourself, you can book a picnic to be set up for you by The Perfect Picnic. Find their Instagram here.

Relax at Sojo Spa

This one was a recommendation from our friends and the best double date we’ve ever been on. Sojo Spa is located in New Jersey, so it’s about thirty minutes away from Times Square. I know that because there’s a free shuttle from Times Square that will take you to the spa daily, on a first come first serve basis. We spent the whole day at the spa enjoying the different hot tubs and saunas the facility provides. I’d highly recommend going with a group of friends or just a partner/friend. The entry fee is $75USD and gives you full access to all the facilities including hot tubs, saunas, infinity pool and even a waterslide! It felt like an adult playground and was the perfect way for us all to relax and unwind. Food is extra, but there are several restaurants located onsite along with services like massages and nail treatments which are also extra charge and must be booked weeks in advance. Details here.

Go shopping at Oculus

Since we stayed Downtown, which was also a first for me, we found ourselves shopping at the Westfield located ate Oculus. The building is incredibly unique and is a must see if you find yourself in Downtown, perhaps when visiting Freedom Tower.

STAY

The Beekman

Location: Downtown Manhattan

See a more detailed look into my stay at The Beekman Hotel here.

Four Seasons Downtown

Location: Downtown Manhattan

See a more detailed look into my stay at Four Seasons Downtown here.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge 

Location: Dumbo, Brooklyn

See a more detailed look into my stay at 1 Hotel Brooklyn here.

The Williamsburg Hotel

Location: Williamsburg Brooklyn

See a more detailed look into my stay at The Williamsburg Hotel here.

Hope you guys enjoyed this one! For more on NYC you can check out their page here.