New York City, a 14-mile long island with more people on it than in some countries. And my former home and lover. The energy is contagious and the possibilities endless. The "City That Never Sleeps" attracts more than 12.4 million visitors annually, and for good reason. It's culturally diverse, has a deep history, is jam-packed with dreamers and creators, and boasts a roster of some of the best restaurants, bars, and entertainment options in the world.
Nyc
Before you go...
1. Check the weather. New York has all of the seasons. Depending on the time of year, you could be in a puffer or your thinnest linen shorts. When it's cold, more is more! And when it's hot, prepare to sweat, less is more.
2. New Yorkers get a bad reputation for being cold and rude. In reality, New Yorkers respond to your energy. Strike up a conversation and see what happens, most likely it will be a positive and stimulating interaction.
3. Walking is the best way to see the city, pack shoes that you can get your 10,000 steps in comfortably.
4. You won't want to go back and forth to get things, pack what you need in a big bag or backpack.
5. Each neighborhood has a different vibe. You'll notice it in the people, dress, languages, smells, and foods as you walk through each. My favorite neighborhoods are below 23rd in Manhattan, that includes the East Village, Lower East Side, Soho, Greenwich, West Village, Chinatown, Chelsea, and the Meatpacking District.
6. Make reservations for restaurants and plays in advance. There are millions of people in the city that probably want to go to the same place.​​
Where to...
|Eat & Drink|
A rustic, photo-packed nook in the West Village with baked goods & organic, Fair Trade coffee specially brewed.
From the creative agency Spreadhouse, this cafe is an eclectic spot in the LES to grab a coffee, fresh pastry, toasts, or beer.
My favorite brunch spot in town! When it's nice out the Mediterranean restaurant rolls back the garage door and have live jazz performances.
An ode to vintage Jewish delicatessens but in swanky digs. You can't pass up the lox or the caviar and soft scrambled eggs.
A cash-only neighborhood joint, perfect for grabbing a beer and some seriously good tacos after a ride.
Our go-to restaurant if we didn't know what we wanted that night. It's straightforward Greek food in warm digs where one red wine carafe never seems to be enough.
They have a proper restaurant and a to-go pizza counter. Grab one of their pizzas and head outside to sit on the patio to share a pitcher of beer with friends.
A West Village favorite thanks to its easygoing neighborhood vibe and their Fedora Burger and Lambrusco by the glass.
I still crave the cookies and truffles from Milkbar, Christina Tosi's bakery. Drop by for a cereal milk ice cream cone, a corn cookie or a slice of crack pie.
No frills and full of pups, Lucky Dog has a dog-friendly policy, booze, games & a backyard to enjoy.
Walk through a secret art gallery entry into a warm, chandelier-lit hideaway with craft cocktails and a cool crowd.
Neighborhood gastropub with a throwback vibe. It's a larger space with big booths and lots of seats at the bar, so bring friends and meet your neighbors.
|See & DO|
Permanent and rotating modern art exhibits as well as the cinema that combines art-house fare and more accessible offerings. Also, Fridays are free!
Less art, more eroticism. Their mission is to educate people on the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality. The experiential exhibits that are loads of fun, like the boob bouncy house.
A hockey fan myself, I always go to a game in the fall for some ice fights and New York style camaraderie.
The beloved no-frills basement that always has the best live jazz bands & jam sessions. There's usually a $20 cover charge, but it's well worth it. Go early or after 10 pm to find a seat.
Head over to Rough Trade NYC, a huge independent record store, to find records or see live music.
Rent some rollerblades and skate in Central Park. Head to Skater's Circle on Saturday and Sundays to watch others do tricks, dance, and glide.
Need to release some pent up anger? Head over to the Wrecking Club to break shit. They give you a room with breakables, a crowbar, and a stereo to blast your favorite jams. It's a serious thrill.
The online luxury consignment shop now has a sophisticated store in Soho. There's a delicious selection of women's clothing, accessories, shoes and you can consign with them if you need to purge some of your designer duds.
A one-stop-shop of goodies with food vendors, a dining area & arty retail booths with home goods, accessories, clothing and more. You'll find one-of-a-kind pieces at great prices.
|MOTO SPOTS|
A favorite amongst motorcyclists in NYC, this stylish Williamsburg shop has espresso drinks, custom motorcycles, gear, clothing and other gearheads to chat with.
Mediterranean cafe and my former neighborhood hangout and motorcyclist haunt. On Two-Wheel Tuesday's moto enthusiasts from every burrow gather on their bikes to grab a beer.
A community motorcycle
garage in Brooklyn that brings together moto enthusiasts. They have tools and space to work on your bike and storage options. There's also a taco stand to grab a bite from.
A Soho shop that sells motorcycles, equipment & apparel for a multitude of outdoor activities. They also make custom leather motorcycle jackets, so stop by if you need quality leathers.
A safe place to store and work on your bike long or short term in the East Village. The husband-wife team running the garage are kind, professional and incredibly generous with their knowledge.
All over the city! Start in the West Village and head to Delancey St. to go over the Williamsburg Bridge to end at McCarren Park. Take a day trip to the Cloister or head to the Rockaways for a swim or surf session.
RIDES
Apps.
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Download the Smooth Parking app, a map of available parking spots in the city. The app makes it easy to find street parking and gives real-time updates about street cleaning days, times, locations, and meter locations so you can avoid tickets.