My New York - A Guide
I went to New York last week for my birthday, or really so I could forget it was my birthday. I turned 28 against my will, and thought I should get out of town before anyone noticed the deepening fine line on my forehead. My goal was not to fall into a depression this birthday, and my plan worked! Turns out if you spend your entire birthday on an airplane watching Mulan and then sleeping, you tend to forget what day it is.
Full disclosure, I am in New York a lot. I used to live there, my family is from there, and a lot of my dearest friends live there (when I say this I mean I have 2 friends who live there, but they are my best friends so I feel like that counts for more). Point is, I go there to eat, drink, shop, and sit. So if you’d like to know the amazing places where I do those activities, keep reading, but if you want to know about the Empire State Building, I really have no answers for you (I went there once though, it was pricey, and I don’t really remember what happened).
WHERE I STAY:
THE GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL 2 Lexington Ave, New York 10010
The Gramercy Park Hotel is and will forever be, my hotel of choice. This place is stupid magical. The rooms are so incredibly well decorated it makes me mad. From top to bottom, there is not a single detail missing. Each spacious room is beautifully appointed with custom pieces from the bed, to the side tables, to the curtains. It’s dramatic, cozy, and nostalgic all at the same time.
The hotel is located directly on Gramercy Park (if you couldn’t gather that from the name), everyone’s favorite private park. Yes, I said PRIVATE park, meaning you need a key to get in, no free basing or public sex in this city park! The hotel holds multiple keys and will let you in and out to explore. You really can’t do much in there except quietly stroll, and then quietly sit, and then leave, but it’s lovely.
The surrounding area has no shortage of amazing restaurants and shopping. There are also plenty of subway lines nearby to get you around the rest of the city.
WHERE I EAT:
I could write an Anna Karenina length novel on where to eat in New York, but I’ll spare you. Instead I will tell you some of the best places I went on this particular trip, because they are fresh in my mind, and I remembered to take pictures (big win for me).
Nom Wah Tea Parlor 13 Doyers St., New York, NY 10013 - best dumplings of your life and super affordable too!
Momofuku Noodle Bar 171 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003 - unreal ramen that’s rich without being too salty.
Sarabeth’s multiple locations throughout the city - a New York classic with tomato soup to die for, and delicious Eggs Benedict
Alice’s Tea Cup 102 West 73rd St., New York, NY 10023 - don’t @ me, this place is amazing with the best scones and shockingly delicious tuna salad.
La Bonne Soupe 48 West 55th St., New York, NY 10019 - the most delicious crepes I have ever eaten, great salads, and classic french onion soup.
Serafina multiple locations throughout the city - a New York classic incredible pizza, pasta, and everything else Italian
WHERE I SHOP:
New York is truly, truly, the best city to shop in. There are an endless amount of incredible stores to spend every last ounce of money you have in. I’m listing my absolute must see, can’t miss spots, that I make sure to visit every trip.
Saks 5th Avenue 611 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10022 - unlike any other Saks, a New York institution, the best shoe collection you will ever be witness to, and clothes and accessories for days.
Century 21 multiple locations throughout the city - forget any other designer/department store outlet you’ve ever been to, because this is the best, enjoy racks and racks of insanely marked down designer items from YSL bags to Pucci dresses
Olive & Bette’s 252 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10023 - the epitome of a New York boutique, this colorful shop is perfectly curated with all your favorite mid range designers, it’s hard to go wrong with any piece from here
ABC Carpet and Home 888 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 - some of the chicest furniture and home pieces can be found in this exquisitely curated massive store, it’s pricey, but worth it
Fish Eddy’s 889 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 - my favorite small business filled to the brim with amazing dishware including American Glassware (which I happen to collect like an old lady) and some awesome original pieces
If you want ANY other suggestions comment below, and I will answer! There are seriously endless amounts of amazing places to go, I just put together the best summary I could (IM ONLY 1 PERSON).