A First Timer’s Guide to New York
that doubled as a mother/daughter trip
This year, my mom and I went on our long awaited, covid-postponed girls trip to New York City. The big apple if you will. This was my first time ever to New York so I took the more touristy approach. However I will give you the rundown of what we did, recommendations I received, and my tbh (to be honest) review of them.
I believe a girls’ weekend getaway to New York is what every soul needs.
GETTING AROUND
Subway: Taking the subway is an easy, cheap way to get around the city but I would try to avoid it at night. You don’t need to buy tickets if you have Apple Pay on your phone. Just tap your phone to the scanner and walk through the turnstile. I’ve found that Citymapper and Google Maps are the most reliable apps for real-time updates on trains and accurate directions. I encourage you to just take it once to say you did!
Curb: This was mostly what we used in NY. Curb is an app that connects you to taxi’s in the city -> download here. It was significantly cheaper than getting an Uber/Lyft and I personally thought the experience with these drivers was better.
Uber/Lyft/Taxi: The obvious one. I thought Uber/Lyft was typically more expensive but the more comfortable choice for most people. We also hailed a few taxi’s which was fun for us and usually cheaper as well!
WHAT TO SEE
Let’s start with my favorites that I think are absolutely worth it!
Empire State Building: Highly recommend. The view from the top is unbeatable! It’s a bit windy so don’t wear a dress like I did or everyone will see what’s underneath it lol.
Times Square - I know it’s the typical tourist trap but I absolutely loved it!! I would put this as my #1 favorite thing we did. It was very busy, people from everywhere, a lot of entertainment and performers. My suggestion is to go at night but don’t fall for people trying to sell you stuff like CD’s. They are persuasive enough that my mom bought two.
Brooklyn Bridge & Chinatown - We did these in the same day as they are relatively close to one another. The Brooklyn Bridge is really cool and a NY staple. If you are aiming for that insta photo, go early in the morning because it gets very crowded. We also adored Chinatown, it really feels immersive into the culture and there are so many cute shops, restaurants, and decorative alleyways.
9/11 Memorial & Museum - This was one of my mom’s favorite parts of the trip. We didn’t get a chance to go inside the museum but I do recommend it because we wish we did! You do need a ticket to go inside so be sure to purchase that online beforehand to reserve a spot.
A quick (and honest) rundown of the other places we visited:
The Met: I personally didn’t think buying a ticket was worth it but if museums and art is your thing, do it! I did love getting my classic gossip girl photo outside on steps.
Grand Central Station: The building is absolutely beautiful and it’s fun to relive some favorite movies or TV shows that were filmed there. It’s close by to Rockefeller and Top of the Rock so do these together.
Harry Potter Store: We are huge HP fans so we loved this store but it does get very crowded so I recommend to go early. This is by the Flatiron Building.
Cocktails at the Pier: The cocktails are subpar but the views are great and I do know they have concerts there sometimes - take a look.
Central Park: This park is a breath of fresh air in the midst of a city - great for a coffee stroll or a picnic. The Met is right here too so plan accordingly.
The High Line: You can take the high line for a more scenic route as opposed to walking the streets.
Rockefeller Center: It’s always decorated according to the season, we went during Pride and it was so vibrant complete with roller-skating in the plaza.
Chelsea Market: This is the place if you want lots of really good food options and need something quick and easy and don’t want to sit down.
4 things I’m dying to do when I go back (and links):
Spend a day in Brooklyn
See a Broadway Show
Take a walking food tour: Here is the link - United Kitchens Tour is the one my friend did and she raved about it
Top of the Rock or The Summit at sunset
See Statue of Liberty
WHERE TO EAT
These were my favorite places we ate at that I would 100% go back to (don’t worry, I did the work for you and provided both the website and the insta links)
12 Chairs Cafe: This was my favorite place we went to. We had brunch here but I did some stalking on their Insta and dinner looks like such a fun, lively atmosphere. The have traditional Middle Eastern dishes, the employees were extremely personable and full of personality, the regulars there were awesome, and I just loved the family style vibe. *My Dish Rec’s: Shakshuka, Israeli Breakfast, Eggs Siniya
Barbounia: This was simply picked based on convenience as it was near my mom’s work event. It’s a bit overpriced but the drinks were yummy and we absolutely loved our appetizer. It has a cool Mediterranean vibe. This would be a good place for after work drinks and app. *My Dish Rec’s: Mezze App
Catch NYC: This place IS. A. SCENE. In a good way. It was right up my alley with the vibe, the music was fun, and the atmosphere was young adults. My expectations were low considering all the hype around it but to my surprise, I enjoyed it. It’s right by the meatpacking district which is a good place for going out so you can even just grab a drink and head out after if you don’t want to sit down. Keep in mind, it is expensive but the service, the dishes, and the cocktails were chef’s kiss! *My Dish Rec’s: Wagyu Surf & Turf Roll, Truffle Sashimi, Cripsy Chicken Bao Buns.
Honorable Mentions (still good but didn’t get any pics): Joe’s Shanghai (Chinatown), Joe’s Pizza, Barney Brown (Sandwiches), Sauce
In addition, here are the recommendations I received that I did not get to
Pizza
John’s of Bleecker Street
Prince Street Pizza
Artichoke Basille Pizza
Scarr’s Pizza
Deli
Katz’
Russ & Daughters
Breakfast/Brunch
Rosemary’s
Grand Banks
Frying Pan
Jack’s Wife Frieds
Best Bagel and Coffee
Ess A Bagel
Sadelle’s
Dinner
Dante’s
DomoDomo
La Contenta Oeste
Ruby’s Cafe
Gitano
Lucien
Agave
BondST
Italian
Don Angie
Carbone
Saint Ambroeus
Il Mulino
Lil Frankie’s
Charlie Bird
It’s hard to cram everything into one trip in New York - there is so much to do. For your first time, my biggest tip is to embrace the tourist in you. It’s okay to go do all the touristy type things, that’s why they are there.
My mom’s biggest tip to you is “whatever you do, bring multiple pairs of comfortable walking shoes!!!” Do with that what you will.
Next trip there, I want to focus more on the nightlife and food/drink scene so I’ll be back with some more going out rec’s. Until next time. XOXO Gossip Girl (sorry I had to).
