In the city that never sleeps...if someone told me they were visiting New York for only 48 hours, this is the list of restaurants, bars, sites and stores I'd tell them to add to their itinerary.
Sections
4
Food
Sites
Stores
Drinks
Food
You truly can't go wrong, but after exploring a handful of different neighborhoods, these spots rank high on my list.
Easily one of my favorites for sharing pasta and sides!
Max Restaurant
An absolute classic! Go here for dinner or brunch, the food is the same!
JG Melon
Lunch here can't be beat. The staff is incredible, just like the food.
Oxomoco
DELICIOUS brunch! Their bakery is fabulous as well. Sit out on the back porch!
GERTIE
Another one of my favorite spots, this one downtown. Rustic tables + Italian = my kind of spot!
il Buco Restaurants
Go here for coffee, brunch, lunch, a snack…any time of day! Wonderful seating on the back porch.
MUD SPOT aka MUD
I love the 4th street location for Ippudo! Upscale ramen that can't be beat.
IPPUDO NY
While you can also eat here in DC, my experience at Sugarfish was one of the best I'd had at any restaurant. The food is amazing and comes out perfectly timed. Get the Trust Me!
SUGARFISH
The wait for their sandwiches is so worth it! Grab their veggie banh mi and you won’t be sorry!
WINNER Bakery
Sites
You can see so much just from walking down a block, but here are my must see landmarks and activities.
I mean, a must! This is my favorite museum in the city. Check out their European wing!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Also a classic, and can't miss. Check out Bethesda Fountain and The Great Lawn.
Central Park
This is my favorite neighborhood to walk around in. Stroll down Irving Place and hit the gated park, and plot how to find a key!
Gramercy Park
This is my favorite park in the city. If you're wanting to wander around Park Slope area, go to this park and a brewery after! Or, lunch at Winner bakery.
Prospect Park
Take this up and down the west side! It's a spectacular view of the city.
The High Line
For a museum that takes 1 hour to go through, and has fantastic exhibitions!
Whitney Museum of American Art
Go take a picture with the bridge!
DUMBO, Brooklyn
This is a newer area of the city that I love visiting. Wander down from the Lower East Side and walk along the water.
The Seaport
A comedy show is a must...sometimes famous comics practice new jokes here!
Comedy Cellar
If you can swing it, going to Broadway is an amazing time. Times Square is hectic, but I'd brave it to see a show.
See A Broadway Musical
Stores
For browsing, and perhaps picking up a souvenir or two (that you'll actually love).
The ultimate dinner party/food/kitchen store. I get all of my gifts here!
Big Night
The book! From Big Night
Big Night: Dinners, Parties & Dinner Parties
OBSESSED with olives and candles 🫒 from Big Night
The Olive Candle
Kitchen essentials, from Big Night
Dusen Dusen Sail Apron
How fun are these wine charms! From Big Night
Big Night Wine Charms (Set of 6)
Stepping inside these stores is like stepping into Alice & Wonderland...I often walk away with a notebook or puzzle.
John Derian Company Inc
The sweetest notebook set from John Derian
Kitchen Delight Notebook Set - John Derian Company Inc
Currently working on this puzzle! From John Derian
The Library - John Derian Company Inc
The coolest vintage finds...I walk away with a basket, candle, keychain or shirt!
Front General Store
In love with this ceramics brand. From Front General Store
Mug 15oz
Can't go wrong with a plain white T. From Front General Store
Boxy Soft T-shirts
Vintage gold chain from Front General Store
14k Gold Chain Necklace
Drinks
New York is home to some of the most beautiful and inventive bars. I love a speakeasy and a lovely design!
The most beautiful bar in the city, in my opinion. Have you ever read Madeline?
Bemelmans Bar
Ranked as one of the best bars in the US...seems like a hidden gem but it's really incredible, and the drinks are inventive with an Asian fusion twist.
Katana Kitten
Go because it's a really chic speakeasy in Grand Central! I always feel like I'm in a James Bond movie.
The Campbell
Chill bar that you can go to late at night or in the afternoon, pick your poison! This spot never disappoints.
The Penrose
A lively scene upstairs, and a jazzy scene downstairs (it's a speakeasy!)
St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club
This place has never let me down, and if you want to people watch on St. Marks Place this is the spot. Close by Lil Frankie's for dinner!
Bua
Buy a book, stay for a glass of wine or cup of coffee.
