KAT's NYC Neighborhood Guidei've spent a decent amount of time in NYC over the years, living there for a bit in brooklyn and visiting on weekends through the seasons. here are some of my favorite museums, food stops, iconic viewpoints, shops, and more to explore on your next visit!Authorskatherinebeard
DestinationsNew YorkItinerary

Midtown

Ess-a-Bagel
A super popular, iconic NYC-style bagel spot in the heart of Midtown. Try one of their many cream cheeses, and definitely pair your bagel with an iced coffee.
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Remi Flower & Coffee
A lovely flower shop x coffee spot to come and do work at. They have nice little tables outside too!
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Times Square
An iconic spot in the heart of downtown NYC that is essential for any first-time visits.
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Radio City Music Hall
A must-see, iconic spot. See about a show here or the Rockettes around Christmas time!
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The Rink At Rockefeller Center
During the winter, you have to come skate under the iconic NYC Christmas tree in the heart of the city here. ent some skates and make sure to reserve a timeslot ahead of time.
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Empire State Building
Head up to the observation decks of the most recognizable building in the nyc skyline for views over downtown. Come up at sunset or on a clear day!
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The Museum of Modern Art
Take a few hours to explore the wide breadth of exhibits, both permanent and rotating, in this modern art museum. One of my favorites for a rainy or cooler day in the city.
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Dough Doughnuts Rockefeller
HUGE doughnuts that have unique flavors to try! Right next to Rockefeller plaza.
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Refinery Rooftop
An upscale, cute, and yummy brunch spot with amazing views of the empire state building. On the expensive side, $$$!
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Tribeca

Staple Street Skybridge
A hidden gem in the quainter, quieter Tribeca.
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The Westside
An adorable clothing store with beautiful decor during every season.
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Takahachi Bakery
A cute, little bakery with delicious pastries, treats, and morning coffee.
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9/11 Memorial & Museum
A short walk from Tribeca, this memorial and museum educates visitors on that tragic day, the history, and now the present.
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One World Trade Center
Also known as the Freedom Tower, this is the main building of the new WTC. It is famous amongst the buildings in the NYC skyline now too.
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World Trade Center
The new WTC is a complex of buildings that replace the ones previously lost during 9/11.
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The Palace
A super fun nightclub for dancing and drinks.
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Queens

Museum of the Moving Image
Media museum that explores the different mediums and eras of filmmaking. They often host screenings of different films and panels as well, so check their schedule ahead of your visit!
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Sotto la Luna
A short walk from the Museum of the Moving Image, this Italian spot serves killer pizzas and upscale twist dishes!
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Sala Astoria
Grab a glass of sangria and indulge in their traditional Spanish cuisine. A short walk from the Museum of the Moving Image as well!
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Rockaway Beach
Farther out, head to the east coast where you can take a dip in the chilly waters of the Atlantic or even try surfing. You CAN take the subway all the way out here!
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Brooklyn

DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View
This iconic photo spot is a must-visit when in DUMBO / Brooklyn. snap. away! (but make sure not to block traffic).
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Lucali
One of the city's best pizzerias, you must arrive early and wait for a phone call to get your table. It is also cash only, so come prepared! Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Mark Wahlberg, and more have alllllll eaten here.
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Trip Highlight
Right on the docks and waters of DUMBO, this is the famous park with the carousel and skyline views. Come as the sun is setting to watch the city that never sleeps light up.
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Bushwick Inlet Park
Amazing views of the Manhattan skyline from this little park in Bushwick!
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Awoke Vintage Brooklyn
A favorite for unique vintage shopping. It is all color-coded in here too!
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Brooklyn Bridge
One of my favorite spots in the whole city at sunset. Walking across the bridge, either direction has outstanding skyline views!
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Ursula Brooklyn
Insanely delicious breakfast burritos. There is a wait, so go early!
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Vinegar Hill House
A favorite for hearty Brooklyn brunches!
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New York Transit Museum
Explore old subway cars and the origins of the NYC subway system that about 3.6 million people use each day.
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Greenberg's Bagels
My favorite local bagel spot. Their bagel sandwiches were always perfect on the go!
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F&F Restaurant and Bar
Grab a pizza to share at Frankie and Val's!
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Little Roy Coffee Co.
A quaint little coffee shop with delicious lattes. A great spot to come sit and work.
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Iris Café
A breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot right on the water across from Manhattan. It is an easy, great spot, great spot.
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L Train Vintage
My FAVORITE vintage chain in the city. Prices are still reasonable, but the thrifting is curated!
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Chelsea / Hudson Yards / West Village

Vessel
The vessel is a modern architectural piece and installation for visitors to climb to the top and admire skyline views or look straight up from below at its wondrous shape.
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The High Line
My favorite FREE thing to do in Chelsea is walk along the once railroad now turns pedestrian path. Admire architecture along the way or stop at different landmarks and shops.
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Chelsea Market
Wander around here, stopping at different shops inside or grabbing a bite to eat. Love love love it in here!
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Whitney Museum of American Art
Probably my favorite museum in NYC, this spot is home to a host of exhibitions, both rotating and permanent. Head out to their rooftop deck for amazing views over the meatpacking district and harbor.
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Magnolia Bakery
A quintessential stop for NYC treats, like cupcakes and pastries. (this one is technically in West Village)
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LOS TACOS No.1
A favorite for quick and easy street tacos. Make sure to pair it with their delicious horchata.
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Hudson Yards
Shop till you drop, at designer and name-brand retailers, at this new, indoor shopping facility.
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UES

Central Park
Another iconic NYC spot, that you must visit no matter the season. Take a bike around, walk, or sit in one of those carriages to see the sights of the park.
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
An iconic collection of work spanning centuries and continents. You would need a day or more to really take this whole place in. Make sure to snap a photo of you on the steps, just like in Gossip Girl!
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Museum of the City of New York
A museum uniquely focused on just the history of the city. They have super cool rotating exhibits. When I was there, they had one specifically exploring jazz in NYC.
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Serendipity 3 - Upper East Side
My FAVORITE stop for desserts and of course, the famous, frozen hot chocolate.
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The Palm Court
Come into the Plaza Hotel for high tea!
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Piccola Cucina Uptown
A delicious Italian spot with a cool ambiance and the BEST staff.
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SoHo / NoHo

Balthazar
An iconic, must-stop brunch spot.
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A Pasta Bar
An upscale, trendy pasta bar. Sit at the bar to watch as chefs devise up all kinds of pasta dishes.
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Washington Square Park
Near the NYU campus, this spot is a hub of activity at all times.
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The Uncommons
A café, bar, and game room, this is a favorite spot for gatherings of friends. Come in, pick up a game off the wall, grab a drink, and have a cozy and competitive evening.
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Dominique Ansel Bakery
The famous Dominque Ansel opened up a bakery in Soho that serves up seasonal and ever changing treats. A cronut is a must try!
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Dumpling N’ Dips
An underground spot that has delicious bites of dumplings and noodles.
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Local 92
Great Mediterranean food in a casual, exposed-brick setting. Cocktails and pitchers are great too!
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Mother's Ruin
Hole in the wall style bar with delicious cocktails. Super fun spot with friends.
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Mure and Grand - Soho
A colorful, playful spot to shop for womenswear.
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& Other Stories
Classic pieces from a more reasonably priced brand.
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Flatiron District

Ralph's Coffee
Cutesie coffee spot to grab a quick cup and walk around 5th Ave for architecture and shopping.
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Harry Potter Shop New York
Take a look around if you're a Harry Potter fan like me! This spot was so fun to see all of the gear and wands, and of course, decor. You can get a butterbeer and other Hogwarts' classic treats!
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Flatiron Building
An iconic building in the heart of Manhattan. Stop at the neighboring streets to capture it!
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The Smith
A modern brunch spot with hearty dishes. The french toast is delish!
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LES / East Village

The Battery
For a view of the Statue of Liberty from Manhattan, this is the spot! On a clear day during sunset, the view is beautiful here.
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Sake No Hana
A delicious sushi spot is hidden in the basement. Super vibey and the sashimi and sushi boats are mouthwatering.
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Silver Lining Lounge
Head next door for an upscale jazz lounge and drinks.
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Kind Regards
An underground nightclub with great drinks and a fun, dancing atmosphere.
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PUBLIC Hotel
Head up to the rooftop bar here for drinks, dinner, and a wonderful view of downtown. totally ~cool girl~ vibes here.
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Book
Wiggle Room
A favorite amongst young people to dance and get drinks with friends. The downstairs is a total club while the upstairs has more of a bar vibe. The wait can take a while so get here earlier!
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The Bean
My favorite spot for a cup of joe and to sit and work for a while.
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The Vintage Twin
The coolest vintage finds. I got the cutest dickie's jacket here and they help you find great jeans too!
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Freemans
An upscale american, almost hidden restaurant in an alleyway.
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San Marzano
A reasonable, pre-fix Italian menu with drinks! A great spot to come with friends and not break the bank.
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New York Comedy Club - East Village
Book tickets ahead of time for some evening giggles here!
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UWS

The Plug
North of Columbia, this café has delicious pastries and coffees for all. It is a FAVORITE & hole in the wall vibes.
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Columbia University
Obsessed with this campus. Walk around this academic oasis with green space and cafés.
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Tavern On the Green
An iconic Central Park restaurant that is fancy schmancyyy! Grab a cocktail at their bar and enjoy a meal here.
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Baazi Nyc
A delicious, well-regarded Indian spot. Great for a pre-comedy show dinner.
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West Side Comedy Club
This popular comedy club is known as one of the best. Get tickets in advance, grab a drink, and know that you will be laughing so hard your stomach will hurt.
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Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Check the schedules to see a show at this modern, beautiful venue we saw an opera show that was incredible!
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