Things To Do
Upper East Side
Central Park: Since Anna’s parents live on the Upper East Side, Central Park has become a bit of a sanctuary for us, and November is the best time of year to enjoy the fall colors. Beyond the Literary Walk and the Boathouse, head up to the newly renovated Conservatory Gardens on the north side of the park. Enjoy this quiet getaway with great picture opportunities. The Museum of the City of New York: (5th and 103rd) The Met Museum is an obvious stop, but across the street from the Conservatory Garden is a little gem called The Museum of the City of New York. If you do nothing else, go see the 30-minute documentary on the lower level narrated by Stanley Tucci. The gift shop is great as well! Butterfield Market: (77th and Lexington and 84th and Madison) A Pins family favorite for picnic items in the park and "sweet treats" after a long walk. Enjoy Anna's favorite Caffe Panna ice cream!
West Side
The Edge Observatory at Hudson Yards is a tourist destination worth the ticket price. We have taken many guests here and everyone loves the 360 view of the Manhattan skyline 100 floors above street level. If you are brave enough, you can even lay on the glass floor for some great pictures. Once you've made the trip back down, catch the High Line and walk on 1.5 miles towards Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. This elevated park, built on an old freight line, features gardens, art installations and views inside some very cool apartment buildings! Take a break for some lunch and shopping at Chelsea Market. We love the posters, original art, jewelry and vintage finds at the Artist and Flea Market located at the front entrance. We also highly recommend the Japanese inspired Mexican Taco at Takumi followed by a milkshake at Creamline. End your walk in the West Village, where charming streets are lined with gorgeous townhouses and some of the best shopping and restaurants in the city.
The Bowery/Lower East Side
The Bowery and Lower East Side are packed with classic NYC energy, blending rich history with great food, shopping, and nightlife. Start with a stroll down the Bowery—one of Manhattan’s oldest streets—and stop by the New Museum for contemporary art and skyline views. Nearby, the Tenement Museum offers a fascinating look at the immigrant stories that shaped the city (advance tickets recommended). Wander through the Lower East Side’s lively streets filled with vintage shops and local boutiques, or pop into Canal Street Market for unique finds and quick bites. Grab a classic pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen—it’s famous for a reason. In the evening, enjoy cocktails at Attaboy or Beauty & Essex, then catch live music at Bowery Ballroom or Rockwood Music Hall. This is a neighborhood best explored on foot, where every block has something fun to discover.
Brooklyn Bridge, FiDi & Battery Park
One of our favorite activities to do with visitors is walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. The views of Manhattan are incredible, and it’s an unforgettable experience. Once you cross, grab a drink on the rooftop of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, then head over to the Brooklyn Flea in DUMBO for delicious food and shopping. We highly recommend visiting the 9/11 Memorial, one of the most important sights in the city. From there, take a walk down to Battery Park for a view of the Statue of Liberty, and finish with a drink on historic Stone Street in FiDi or grab a pint at Fraunces Tavern, the meeting place for the Sons of Liberty and where George Washington bid farewell to his officers.
Shopping!
SoHo really is the ultimate shopping destination. Grab a slice at Prince Street Pizza or a donut at Donut Pub to fuel your shopping spree. Our favorite street for unique, New York–exclusive stores is Elizabeth Street in Nolita—definitely worth the short walk.
Dining & Sweet Treats
Nightly's - upscale American, try the "Marry Me Chicken" and the "Misfit Martini." (UES) Toloache - best carne asada, homemade chips and endless margs. (UES/Midtown) Parla - delicious brick-oven pizza and great service. (UWS) Barbounia - beautiful dining room serving Mediterranean food, must try the lamb kofta. (Gramercy) Cecchi's - classic New York supper club vibe, try the $25 "New York Happy Hour Meal" including a martini and fries. (Village) Pig Heaven - authentic Chinese known for their BBQ spare ribs (UES) Locanda Verde - delicious modern Italian in Greenwich Hotel (Tribeca) Lupa - local Roman Italian neighborhood restaurant we've eaten at countless times. (Village) Martha's Country Bakery - a pie lovers dream! (Williamsburg) The Grey Dog - favorite place to grab lunch, the grilled cheese is a must! Levain Bakery - a New York institution, try the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip. Tompkins Square Bagel - endless options and spreads. Leon's Bagels - soft, chewy and handmade.
Live Music & Cocktails
The Wren - straight across from the Bowery Hotel, great vibes, playlist and crowd. (Bowery) Jac's on Bond - 200 year-old townhouse turned late night hotspot. (NoHo) Sweet Linda - coxy vintage candlelit bar, try the flora martini. (East Village) The Bitter End - old school music bar in the Village where a young Bob Dylan once played (Village) Cellar Dog - large basement bar with live jazz, pool tables, ping-pong and shuffleboard (West Village) The Waylon - live country music and Packer fans. (Hell's Kitchen) The Penrose - Upper East Side classic with craft cocktails and elevated bar food. (UES) Brandy's - Upper East Side dive bar with Broadway sing-alongs. (UES) Prohibition - live cover bands for all ages, decent drinks and a speakeasy in the back. (UWS) The Cutting Room - seated music venue for all ages owned by "Mr. Big." (Koreatown)