Top 10 Tips For New York City From A Local
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links through which you can buy things if you like. If you decide to make a purchase, I receive a small commission at zero extra cost to you. This helps me to keep this site running.
New York City is one of the most amazing cities in the world. It’s one of those cities that you can’t travel to without liking it. When I hear that people say it’s too crowded or too busy for them, I just think they haven’t visited the right places that this city has to offer. This is why I always recommend, if possible, to get insider tips from a local and especially for a huge city like New York.
There are so many things to do and see in New York. Sightseeing can fill up many days if you want to cover them all. Shopping can take even more than that. And then there are the parks, the restaurants, rooftop bars and so much more.
I sat down with Danielle, a local friend, to ask her what she likes most about the city. Curious to know what she had to say? Here are the top 10 tips for New York City from a local:
Must-Visit Tourist Site To Take Your Friends
The Oculus in downtown Manhattan is a must-visit. From the outside, it looks like a wrecked building, and from the inside, it’s a fancy shopping mall that was built two floors in the ground with a super high ceiling. I’m a big fan of architecture and this building got me ever since I saw it for the first time. It is located in the heart of Tribeca, right next to the Twin Towers Memorial. For me, it’s a symbol of how the city has overcome the 9/11 terror attack.
Weekend Activity
Brooklyn Bridge is one of the icons of the city, and after a long week at work, I enjoy connecting with what makes New York so special. I take CityBikes and cross Brooklyn Bridge straight to the magical neighborhood of Dumbo. I love going to Brooklyn on the weekends to get some peace and quiet. Unlike Manhattan, that part of Brooklyn is not full of high-rise towers. Dumbo is an easy going neighborhood, located on the water of East River, where you can chill out and view the beautiful skyline of Downtown Manhattan.
Best Park To Hang Out At
I live on the west side of Manhattan so I like to walk up to Central Park and stay on the west side. The park is huge, so there is always a spot to sit down with friends, or just have quality time with my dog. It is also the best spot for sunsets, and to enjoy nature at its best, while we live in a big city like New York.
My Favorite Museum
The Whitney Museum Of American Art in the Meatpacking district of Manhattan is my favorite. I love modern art rather than classic, and Whitney has some beautiful works to see – realistic, abstract, and many works that are related to the development of New York. I usually go there twice a month to explore the exhibitions and enjoy myself on the rooftop.
One of my most memorable exhibitions was the Andy Warhol – From A to B and back again. We are using a lot of Andy Warhol pieces in our properties and I’m a big fan of his history and work.
Whitney Museum Of American Art
Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
General Admission: $18-$25
Closest subway station: 14th Sand 8th Ave. Lines A, C, E, L. and 8 minutes walk.
If you want to know more about the museums of New York, check out The 10 Best Museums In New York City
Best Rooftop Bar In The City
There are lots of great rooftop bars in New York City, but the Press Lounge at the Ink48 Hotel is my favorite. The place has a gorgeous view of the perfect city’s skyline and the Hudson River, and their interior design is beyond amazing.
Where I Go For Shopping
Soho is an iconic neighborhood of New York City which I enjoy strolling in during the weekends. It’s not too crowded compared to other shopping streets and has the best stores from well-known retailers like H&M and Zara to luxury brands and boutique designers.
The Best Coffee Brand
For New Yorkers, coffee is like a drug. On the way to work, back from work, and on every work break, people must get their daily dose of coffee. I fell in love with this tradition and for me, the Colombian coffee of Devocion has the taste of the gods. They have few branches in the city, but the coffee shop in Williamsburg is really worth a visit. They show their coffee factory there and it has an incredible indoor design to chill or work.
DEVOCIÓN, Roastery & Coffee Shop
Address: 69 Grand St. (at Wythe), Brooklyn, NY 11249
Hours of Operation: Mon–Fri: 7 am – 7 pm. Sat-Sun: 8 am – 7 pm
Closest subway station: Bedford Ave. Line L and 10 minutes walk.
My Favorite Bakery And Pastry
Dominique Ansel in Soho. This guy is a genius, his cronut (a croissant-doughnut hybrid) is the best pastry I have ever had. It is worth the calories for sure, and the early wake-up. They make a limited amount every day, which runs out pretty quickly.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Address: 189 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012
Hours of Operation: Mon – Thurs: 8 am to 7 pm, Fri- Sat: 8 am to 8 pm, Sun: 9 am to 7 pm
Closest subway station: Spring Street. Lines C, E, and 2 minutes walk.
Brunch Time!
Nomo Soho is a modern hotel in the heart of Soho and they have the best place for Brunch. The restaurant has young vibes, great prices, and amazing food.
NOMO SOHO
Address: 9 Crosby St. New York, NY 10013
Price Range: $$$ (According to Google)
Closest subway station: Canal Street. Lines N, Q, R, W, J, Z, 6, and 2-4 minutes walk.
Best New York City Instagram Account
@nybucketlist is the best! It brings all the good things to do in NYC – activities and food-related stuff. They update regularly about new places, and especially nowadays, with all the restrictions of Covid19, they help to understand how the city opens up.
***
Who is Danielle?
Danielle is 29 years old, Originally from Tel-Aviv, and has been living in New York City since 2015. She adores New York but has a “love and hate relationship” with this city. Danielle studied Business Management and Economics and now she works in Real Estate, as a Property & Operation Manager. She loves her work – she loves to manage, deal with numbers, and live by the rhythm of New York City.
Do you want to know more about Danielle? follow her on IG. The account is private, so send a message and tell her you read about her on The Top Ten Traveler.
More tips for New York City from a local
Favorite restaurant – Buddakan, Chelsea.
Favorite pizza – Prince st. Pizza, Soho.
Favorite bubble tea – Le Tea, Flatiron district
Favorite ramen – Toto Ramen, Hell’s Kitchen.
Want to find a cheap flight to New York? Check out Kayak
Looking for hotels in New York? Check out Hotels.com
Searching for activities in New York? Check out Get your Guide
If you want to get updates about new posts from The Top Ten Traveler, subscribe to my newsletter below, and also get the ultimate packing list for free.
If you like this post, don’t forget to Pin it
From Our Sponsors
You might also like
Photo Credit: Oculus – Alexander Naumann, Brooklyn Bridge – Chris Molloy
These are some great tips!! I’d love to visit NYC someday, it looks and seems amazing!!
Thanks, Holly! I hope you can make it soon 🙂
Hey Danielle! All the greats of NYC. Interesting to hear that the Whitney is your favorite. Last time, I went to the Guggenheim and the Met. Just didn’t have time for that one! Next time 🙂
Ugh I love this city! My favorite areas are Union Square, Park Slope, and Forest Hills in Queens. I think I need to make a trip to Williamsburg and try that coffee asap!
I am sure you will enjoy it!!
This is a great post and very timely for us. We were talking on the weekend about what we’d do if we went back. Been twice but would love to visit in Summer. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you Ross! I hope you’ll enjoy NY as much as you can 🙂
This is a wonderful list of the top 10 things to do in New York. Especially when it comes from a local, you know that the tips are authentic and non-touristy.
Pingback:Top Things To Do in New York City – Planning Away