We were so surprised when we fell in love with New York. We usually absolutely hate cities, but New York was different and we had the best time.
Here are some highlights:
Walking over Brooklyn Bridge
We highly recommend walking over Brooklyn Bridge to Dumbo. Dumbo is such a great area of New York and super foodie too. Some suggestions:
Evil Twin Brewing - loved this brewery and they had a great choice of sours
Cecconi's - an italian with a view. This place is gorgeous as are their cocktails. Try and get a table out the front for a gorgoeus view, but be preapred to queue!
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory - expensive but delicious ice cream. The portion sizes are massive. Be prepared to queue!
% Arabica - stunning coffee shop with equally stunning views
Time Out Market - lots of food and drink places to explore. Head to the roof for a photo opportunity.
High Line
You need to visit the High Line when in New York and if you have time walk along the whole thing. We started at the entrance on W 34th Street which was opposite the Hudson River Pickleball Courts (definitely check a game out too as pickleball seems to be MASSIVE in NYC).
Whilst walking along the High Line pop into Hudson Yards. It's a cool shopping mall and outside they often has events on. When we were there in the summer a massive screen was up with deck chairs to chill in and watch the Olympics.
As you continue to walk along the High Line you will get to Chelsea Market which of course you must visit too.
We also recommend a rooftop drink at The Standard, High Line.
Also close to here pop over to Little Island for some wonderful views of The Hudson River & also check out Gansevoort Beach.
Near to the High Line some places for food and drink we also like - Wildflower, Milk & Hops
Free ferry past Statue of Liberty
Did you know you can take a free ferry from Whitehall Street, Manhatten to Staten Island. The ferry takes 25 minutes and usually departs every half an hour.
Make sure you don't get tricked into paying for a tour to the Statue of Liberty (unless of course you wanted to get up close and personal with her!).
We were not bothered so the free ferry was ideal for us.
When you get to Staten Island you can take some amazing pictures of the NY skyline and there is also an outlet. The Nike is AMAZING!!
SoHo
We stumbled across SoHo and loved it, the expensive shops and restaurants.
Definitely wander the streets here and do some window shopping!
We had the most incredible meal at Piccola Cucina, we knew it would be good when there was a queue (again!!). We ended up giving our number and they text when a table was available - would suggest booking online if you don't want to wait! On the edge of SoHo we also went to Torch & Crown brewery.
Other places that looked nice, King, Balthazar,
Central Park
We visited Central Park twice, first time we just wandered around, second time we decided to run the whole thing - which is about 6 miles.
Running was a great way to explore the whole park and there is a road that literally goes around the perimeter.
