Finally the big New York post is ready, with all my favorite tips and recommendations. I hope it comes in handy to those of you who have New York trips planned in the foreseeable future. I planned to just do one big post, but as I was writing I saw that it would’ve been way too big. Therefore I’ll divide my tips into two posts, and I also created a category with New York tips so they will be easier for you to find. Enjoy girls♥

Basically as long as you’re on Manhattan, I think you’re fine. The subway system is amazing so it’s no problem getting from A to B no matter where you stay. And as we all know, yellow cabs aren’t exactly a rarity in New York either. If you’re planning a trip to the city, I would recommend looking for good offers at pages like hotels.com or booking.com, that’s what I always do. I’ve been lucky and found crazy discounts every time I’ve gone. I think it’s better to have a little more pocket money than staying at a fancy hotel, you shouldn’t spend too much time there anyway. Hotels in the Times Square area are most often the cheapest, which is OK, especially if it’s the first time you’re going and think Times Square is fun. I would definitely recommend staying downtown instead though, the atmosphere is so much more real and magic than the touristy area around Times Square. To me, that area isn’t the real New York, downtown is. If you find something around 14th street that’s the best! You’ll have great subway connections, walking distance to the hottest clubs and stores, and the atmosphere is so relaxed and cool. But again, prioritize pocket money for experiences and shopping rather than a fancy hotel.

I’ve gotten a lot of questions on my own experiences on the hotels I’ve stayed at, so I thought I’d share the three last ones I’ve visited.

The Milford was pretty, and the rooms were fresh. A big minus was the location, as it’s almost in the middle of Times Square and the Broadway musical district. At night I seriously had to stand in line at the curb just to get in to the hotel, because the area out front was so crowded with people headed to Broadway shows. In the mornings when I got outside it was like a stress wave slapped me in the face. So many stressed out people overcrowded the street, which I didn’t like. But other than that it was good.

The location was a little bit better at Stay Hotel, even though it’s just a few streets up. The hotel was super modern and nice, definitely recommended if you don’t mind the location.

My absolute favorite hotel in New York is Dream Downtown. It’s by far the best hotel I’ve ever visited, and living there was an experience in itself. Where do I begin – the design is out of this world cool, the location is perfect, one of New York’s hottest clubs is on the roof so just an elevator ride up, the staff is super nice (and hot!!).. A lot of celebrities stay there, with good reason. It’s located on 16th street, so it’s in the Chelsea/Meatpacking area. Right around the corner is the Chelsea market (which I’ll come back to in the next post), and all the hottest clubs on Manhattan. Within walking distance is West Village which is my favorite area of New York, Union Square, the Meatpacking District and the Highline park, just to name a few. The hotel has an amazing view over the city, a pool which is a huge rarity in New York, great restaurants and the hotel is just super fancy and ridiculously cool. There’s only two downsides I can think of, which weren’t a very big deal. Even though it was super fun to have a night club on the roof, the music was so loud all night, and the bed was actually shaking to the beat of the music they played up there. Some nights I almost couldn’t sleep because of it. The other downside, which isn’t really a downside, is that there’s sooo many fancy and hot people there, so we almost didn’t dare to go through the lobby without serious outfit planning and styling, haha. In the evenings the lobby was filled with more models than there’s yellow cabs in New York (or at least it felt like it), and if you stay there the chances of running into a celebrity or two are pretty big. But again, no big deal, it was mostly just fun.

Bottom line, if you can afford it, book this hotel!!

Other hotels that are really cool are The Standard and Gansevoort, both located in the meatpacking district. I really want to stay there the next time I go!!

The first thing you should do when arriving in New York is to buy a Metro card for your whole stay. It’s cheaper than taxis, it can actually be quicker than taking a cab because of the traffic, and it’s just a fun experience riding the subway with all the New Yorkers. I love just sitting there doing people watching so much that I’ve lost count over how many times I’ve forgotten to get off at the right stop, haha. Be sure to download the app ‘NYC Subway’ to your phone, and getting from A to B shouldn’t be a problem at all. Now that we have transportation covered, let’s bring on the fun stuff to do!

♦Renting bicycles in Central Park♦

Central Park is of course a must, but the park is so enormous that it will probably take the whole day to see everything. Renting bicycles is the way to go if you want to see as much of the park as possible. Not only is it a great way of sightseeing in the gorgeous park, but it’s also super fun to ride around and take in the atmosphere. There’s so many things to see in the park, so that’s a big fun must!

♦Broadway Show♦

Maybe a cliché tip, but the Broadway shows in New York are incredible! The music, the costumes, the actors, the dancers.. It’s so inspiring, feel-good and such a good time!

♦Comedy show♦

I always try to visit a comedy show when I’m in the city. The Comic Strip Live on the Upper East Side is by far the best one! It’s New York’s eldest comedy club, and famous comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock were discovered here. Most of the comedians performing are well known from TV, and seriously just so hysterically funny! Somehow their bits always revolve around sex though, so maybe skip this one if you’re traveling with your parents. Believe you me, I brought my parents there and it was beyond awkward, haha. They always interact a lot with the audience so this isn’t the place to be shy. I would go in the end of the week. I was there with my cousin on a Monday and it wasn’t nearly as good as it’s been earlier.

♦A helicopter ride over the city♦

I’ve never done this, but I have friends who’ve done it and they all say it’s a-m-a-z-i-n-g!! The view is sick, and the whole experience of riding a helicopter seems like such an adrenalin rush!

♦Do Yoga in Bryant Park♦

Another thing I haven’t done myself, but it looks like so much fun! Bryant Park is a must see, there’s always fun things happening in the park. When it’s yoga there the huge lawn is filled with hundreds of people and one instructor on a stage, surrounded by tall buildings and the busy New York life. I definitely want to try that sometime.

Me in Bryant Park two years ago

♦Go to the movies♦

Maybe an odd tips, but I definitely recommend a trip to the movies on Times Square! It’s such a fun experience with the huge theaters, and the classic red velvet seats. The sodas and snacks are beyond huge, and everyone talks and comments during the movie. I just love it! If it’s raining one night while you’re there, head to the movies! And remember, there’s no shame in going alone, everyone does it and I did it all the time when I lived there.

♦Brooklyn♦

Spend a day in Brooklyn if you get the chance! The atmosphere there is completely different from Manhattan, I can’t pinpoint what it is, but it’s so different. Relaxed, chill, cool, and incredibly charming! There are so many hip people to spot, and so many cute places to see.

♦Museums♦

You should definitely try to squeeze in a trip to one of the numerous museums in New York while visiting. Head to MoMa if you want to see modern and untraditional art, or the American Museum of Natural History if you want to be amazed by real dinosaur fossils and the amazing animal worlds. Other cool museums are of course the Met and Guggenheim, just to name a few.

♦Wander around♦

One of the most fun things I know in the city is just wander around in new areas, especially the first time when everything was so  new to me. Forget the map, the tourist attractions and the day plans, and just see where the city takes you. Talk to the people you meet on the streets, take in the atmosphere and get inspired by the architecture, the people, the boutiques, the smells, the sounds, everything! My fave place for wandering is the West Village.

 

 

♦Rockefeller Center + Empire State Building♦

The view from Rockefeller Center and Empire State Building is simply magical. I prefer Rockefeller Center because it’s much more spacious and less crowded. If your budget isn’t too tight, I would recommend visiting one of the buildings during a clear day, and the other one at night.

♦Brooklyn Bridge♦

Walking over Brooklyn bridge and relaxing in the park on the Brooklyn side is a big must! The whole experience is just so amazing, romantic, and again, magical. I would recommend starting on the Brooklyn side so that you can take in the view over the skyline to the fullest. Don’t forget to visit the park underneath the bridge, the view from there is surreal.

♦Times Square♦

A very touristy place, but of course a must see. Go at night and check out the huge billboards and the red steps, it’s pretty cool!

♦Central Park♦

It goes without saying, visit Central Park!! If you have time, enjoy a full day there and just relax. Read a book on the Great Lawn, visit famous places like Strawberry Fields, watch the dancing acts that are always to be found around in the park, dine at the Boathouse Restaurant, rent a boat and row around in the lake.. There’s so much to do there!

♦Ground Zero♦

Ground Zero is a very emotional place to visit, but I definitely recommend a visit. You can get guided tours of the area every day, and learn so much about what happened that horrible day. The new tower they’re building, Freedom Tower, is almost finished, it’s h-u-g-e!!

♦The statue of Liberty♦

The statue of Liberty also a must see if you’re in the city. If you have time check out the museum on Ellis Island to learn more about the history, and do a boat ride around the island. If you don’t have much time or your cultural budget is tight, grab a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. It’s free and goes right past the statue so you’ll get a great view.

♦The view from Hoboken♦

If you have time one night I would take the train over to New Jersey/Hoboken and enjoy the view of the skyline. I feel like I’ve used the word ‘magical’ way too much in the post, but seriously, the view is magical!! Haha. If you have a very tight schedule this tip can probably be skipped, but it’s definitely worth the trip over.

♦5th Avenue♦

5th Avenue is also probably a cliché tip, but it really deserves a visit, and not only for the shopping. Get inspired by the amazing store windows, visit the churches, the New York City Library, Bryant Park, the big expensive warehouses, and of course people watch. I love to try to spot the real New Yorkers, or should I say Upper East Siders, often characterized by ridiculously expensive handbags and faces that have been victims of even more ridiculous amounts of plastic surgery.

♦Carrie’s steps♦

If you’re a Sex and the City fan like me, Carrie’s steps is a huuge must! In the series her apartment was located on the upper east side, but in reality the apartment used for filming can be found in the West Village. 66 Perry Street, to be more precise. Be sure to take pictures there, and after that you can head over to Magnolia Bakery and buy cupcakes, just like Carrie and Miranda did.

Puh!! I think I’ll end it here. I feel like there are so many tips I’ve forgotten, so feel free to add tips if you have some. Also if you have any questions, bring ’em on :)

The next post will include my best shopping tips, dining tips and where to go out! Don’t miss it ladies♥