10 New York Tips!
New York, New York
Each time I come back I fall in love with it a little more. This was the longest I had ever stayed in the city, so suffice to say, there were lots of new discoveries, from places to shop, things to do and food to eat. Well…as you’ll discover, mainly the latter.
I know how important other bloggers’ guides are when I’m planning trips to cities (how would I know where to go for dinner without you guys?!) so I tried to snap just about everything that might be useful to you to share here on the blog. As we spent so much time wandering and eating, I’ve come away with far more than a post’s worth of recommendations, so here are my first ten tips (keep your eyes peeled for the second half coming soon)
Until the week I travelled to New York with La Compagnie, I’d never flown long-haul in business class before. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. I was invited over by boutique airline La Compagnie to experience what it’s like to travel on one of their business-class only flights.
From the priority lanes and lounge at the airport (where I instinctively fill up on as much free food as I possibly can) to the lie-down beds and personal tablets on the plane, the level of comfort and convenience is so much more than you’d get on your standard flight. And when this is your fifth flight in a week, comfort and convenience are extremely important!
It’s La Compagnie’s aim to make business class affordable, with returns from £1000 (compare that to your other favourite airlines and see the difference!) This French airline is only available for flights to and from Paris, New York and London at the moment, but if you’re in one of the three you should most definitely consider travelling with them for your next trip across the pond, especially if you’re a frequent traveller!
I’m not sure how I’ll feel about having to travel economy ever again after experiencing lying down and sleeping for an entire flight. So much sleep in fact that I can’t even comment on the food.
Believe it or not, this was the first time that I’d ever stayed in a New York hotel. I’d only stayed at Airbnbs in Brooklyn on previous occasions, so I was excited to see what high-rise manhattan living would feel like.
As soon as we arrived at The Viceroy Central Park I knew it was my kind of place. We had arrived at night, and I already had an aching neck from craning up at the skyscrapers, but that wasn’t going to stop me putting on a bit of Frank Sinatra and having a dance in my room.
The decor was perfect mid-century New York. It looked like something straight out of Mad Men, with leather and caramel brown furniture. I could imagine Don Draper here with one of his women, drinking liquor from the mini-bar. As well as having the decor down to a tee, it’s location isn’t something to be sniffed at either. Although in what could be described as a fairly touristy area, you’re just a short walk from Central Park and Subways that’ll take you downtown in no time at all.
120 W 57th Street
If you’re staying at The Viceroy, it’s likely that you’ll head down to it’s restaurant, Kingside, for breakfast. I couldn’t get enough of their Lemon Ricotta Pancakes (well, figuratively more than literally as the portions were huge) and when we went in for dinner we were just as pleased with our order, so it’s worth stopping by if you’re in the area whether you’re staying at the hotel or not. Plus, it’s totally Instagram-friendly, and that’s what we all look for in a breakfast-spot, right?
124 W 57th Street
Sailing isn’t something that first comes to mind when I think of New York, but it was a refreshing way to spend a warm day in the city. We had a trip booked with Offshore Sailing School, where we would learn the ropes (oh dear) whilst taking in the sights. I couldn’t stop thinking of that episode of Friends where Rachel teaches Joey to sail, bus alas, we didn’t have Rachel Green as our instructor, and I was probably more entranced with the skyline and Lady Liberty than pulling on any ropes.
We watched as the overstuffed tourist shuttles went across to Liberty Island and I couldn’t help but feel rather grateful that I was on my own little private boat!
North Cove Marina
Here’s something a little different for you! If you’re planning a special occasion in New York (birthdays or hen weekends would be ideal!) this might be of interest.
We all made our way up to the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center for brunch at the Rainbow Room, and it was an experience like no other. After gawping at the view for a good while, we were ushered to our seats and presented with a menu as long as my arm – and it was all included in the price. We stared at it dumbfounded for at least 20 minutes before ordering anything. Around us families celebrating various occasions were feasting.
As well as items available to order from the menu, there was a rather overwhelmingly sized buffet to pick from too (including a BACON BAR. Yep, you read that correctly). I think I managed to make my way through monkey bread, bacon biscuits, truffle mac and cheese, potatoes, and bread and butter pudding, all whilst a live band played jazzy vintage tunes in the background.
We probably could have stayed there all day, grazing from the huge dessert section, but the view of Manhattan was calling our name.
30 Rockefeller Plaza
Now, a slightly more down-to-earth foodie offering; Egg Shop. Reem and I stumbled across it whilst looking for somewhere to eat lunch. Here you’ll find eggs cooked in all manner of ways. Reem ordered a salad whilst I did a create-your-own option of scrambled eggs, cheese and sausage in a biscuit. Slightly random, but you really can’t go wrong with breakfast foods (and cheese..) can you?
151 Elizabeth St
Did I mention just how hot New York was? We needed constant refreshment, and one afternoon that took the form of a big, colourful soft-serve ice cream from the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop. Whilst you won’t find a huge selection of ice cream flavours, but a huge list of toppings. It’s worth a trip for the rainbow sprinkles alone. I opted for a vanilla-chocolate mix.
I spent so long taking pictures of mine that it melted completely before I could even get a third of the way through. Lesson learnt.
61 Grove Street
One evening after a a day of walking non-stop in the heat, we stopped off at Doughnut Plant so I could treat myself. Had to make up those calories somehow, eh? Doughnuts are another one of those things that Americans just seem to do so much better, and this Pride-themed triangle was totally worth it.
The menu was pretty impressive, I only wish it were socially acceptable to eat more than one in a day so I could have tried another flavour too!
220 W 23rd Street
When I come to New York I’m most excited about eating local favourites – I know I can get good pizza in London, but there is just something about eating a massive slice here in New York that makes it taste even better. Reem had been talking about Joe’s Pizza since her last trip to the Big Apple, and I trust her Pizza-instincts, so had to give it a go. The girl knows what she’s talking about! I could have eaten another slice straight after if had less willpower. Don’t expect to sit down here, it’s a grab-n-go situ.
7 Carmine Street
Spinkle’s
Cupcake
ATM
You’ve all seen it Instagrammed and pinned numerous times, but I still hadn’t stopped by any of the Sprinkle’s Cupcake ATMs, so when walking past the branch on the Upper East Side, I had to give it a go. It totally suited my need for not having to interact with any other human being whilst ordering cake. That coupled the novelty of your cake appearing from an opening door like a contestant on Stars in their Eyes is reason enough to visit. Oh, and the cake was A too!
780 Lexington Ave
