Welcome to the Big Apple, where the bustling streets are filled with endless opportunity, unique experiences, and tasty treasures at every corner. From the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge to the unmatched shopping and dining experiences, you could spend weeks trying to discover it all. That's why I am sharing a full-weekend travel guide of some of the most iconic and Instagrammable spots in the city. So, hail the next taxicab or tap your apple pay to get on the next subway!
Where to Stay
304 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Located next to Grand Central Station - which will come in very handy when catching a subway from destination to the next - is the Westgate Hotel. This recently renovated hotel boasts elegance from the stunning balconies to the immense natural light that fills your suite. Pictured below, I stayed in the Luxe King Room which had an attached private balcony that provided stunning sunrises and cocktail hours at night. The suite displayed a chic appearance with quartz countertops, herringbone floors, king bed, floor to ceiling mirror, and LED vanity.
Where to Eat
Let's plan your weekend stay with some of the best food spots in the city! Tap here for live stories from each spot I'm sharing below.
Brunch:
485 7th Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018
This is truly where the magic happens; with 25,000 rhinestones, endless flowers, and pink everything, this is what brunch dreams are made of! If you’re looking for an Instagrammable, picturesque, spot to take your girlfriends or to celebrate a birthday then look no further than Magic Hour. From the Pink AF pancakes (yes there’s even cotton candy stacked miles high on top) to the Momager cocktail (with floral ice cubes) everything from start to finish is truly incredible and unlike anything I've experienced before. Make a reservation for the carousel which slowly rotates in 360° for unmatched views of the city while you dine. If this isn’t an Empire State of mind, then I don’t know what is!
Dinner:
POV: you’re living your rooftop dreams in NYC...does it get better than that?! Views like this don’t come often, so if you’re looking for an iconic dinner spot in Manhattan, then look no further than PHD Terrace. They are known for their Daisy Dreaming tunnel which is completely covered with thousands of daisies to the endless 360° views of the NYC skyline from their two-story rooftop. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail (seriously some of the best cocktails I’ve had) and delicious shareable bites. I recommend the Filet Minion Skewers and Tuna Poke Chips to share, as they're so full of flavor! And let me just say, don’t skip out on the dessert! It was presented so beautifully in a look-alike flowerpot that you break open before your eyes for a tasty treat inside! P.S. they change their tunnel with the season!
112 East 11th St, New York City, NY 10003
All the noods please; the East Village treated us well, thanks to Cathédrale! It paints the picture that you’re in France while being able to watch the chefs prepare your meal in the open style kitchen. This French-Mediterranean concept by TAO Group was absolutely spectacular from start to finish (let's be honest, what concepts of TAO's aren't spectacular). From the Truffle Fettuccine (the picture describes it all) to the An Affair to Remember cocktail that was topped with caviar and a gold leaf, to the lemon dessert that you get to break open before you, the entire experience was elevated and exquisite.
Coffee:
450 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016
Next, I'm bringing you some morning motivation in a cup, just a short walk from the Westgate Hotel. I found the most exquisite coffee shop where the vibes are top notch from the friendliest baristas to the charming interior. It's the perfect place to start your day, enjoy a mid-day pick me up, or to simply elevate your work from home experience.
40 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
What better way is there than to start your day than with a coffee and pastry in hand while gazing at views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges?! Start your morning with a quick train ride to Dumbo to the cutest (and tastiest) coffee shop, Butler. I ordered the Iced Latte and Everything Cruffin which literally had endless layers of deliciousness. Both the coffee and food far exceeded all of my expectations! Just two blocks down from the Bakeshop you will have the most picturesque views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, so grab your camera and be ready to snap a pic!
Activities to Try
30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Sky high; let's take a walk in the sky to as far as the eye can see! A must during your NYC visit is Edge, 100 stories above the city with endless 360° skyline views! From an all-glass floor to many lookout points, and even a climb on the side of the building, you’ll literally be on cloud 9. Talk about a quiet and serene view above the hustle and bustle of the streets.
89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017
Gossip Girl here! For any of my fellow Blair Waldorf and Serena Van der Woodsen fans, you will recognize this train station as the iconic one pictured many times in Gossip Girl. Not only is it home to this iconic teen drama but also is just a short walk from the Westgate Hotel where you can easily catch a subway to any point in the city; it's about to become your best friend during your travels.
575, Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Stairway to heaven; make sure to add shopping in SOHO to your itinerary. This cool, artsy, and historic neighborhood offers endless shopping and dining experiences even including high end luxury as well. Plan several hours of your afternoon to explore the area; it's truly stunning! If you're looking for an iconic phot while in SOHO, just type in the address above to get to the Prada store, which has these magnificent blue steps.
43 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
I'm not going to lie, for the longest time I thought this iconic scene was the Brooklyn Bridge just to find out it most definitely is not. But I have to say this is the most stunning view from Dumbo of the Manhattan skyline and the bridge! Grab coffee at Butler (that I shared before this) and just walk two blocks to the corner of Washington and Water Street for this iconic view.
Where am I jetting off the runway to next? I'll see you back here soon!
XO,
Hanna Rose
