Take the suspension boardwalk down from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, past peerless views of the Freedom Tower, and into the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Grab some ice cream at the Ample Hills Creamery nestled between the many kid-friendly parks and piers, or check out the carousel at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. The best place to watch the sunset in the city.
Though there are many bakeries to savor along Broadway St, this new kid on the block is tops. Their cream cheese-filled croissant + muffin “cruffins” are to die for, but you can’t go wrong with anything. Just ask the eager owner and they’ll describe everything in mouth-watering detail. (Warning: Get there early for the Cruffins).
If you’ve been to New York before and already sampled the MET, be sure to check out the MOMA. Featuring Van Gough’s Starry Night among many other fine works (Salvador Dalí, Claude Monet,& More), and there’s always a Halal Guys food cart down the corner when you’re done.
A Canadian-owned French restaurant in the up-and-coming Long Island City, you can’t go wrong with a cocktail and samplings from the oyster bar, or go all-out with a juicy steak or other fine cuisines. A black tie is not required, but an appetite is. Sharing plates is encouraged.
Grab some brunch at Sauvage or Five Leaves, and people-watch some street-style and thrift finds from local outlets like Beacon’s Closet or Mother of Junk. You’ll also find fields, a running track, and the best assortment of dogs to swoon over.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to this gargantuan museum, as you could easily spend all day wandering the halls of its many exhibits. The planetarium and space section is a particular standout, with lots to do for kids.
Born from the ruins of the Domino sugar factory, this sparkling new sight sports a water play area for kids, and a watering hole for adults. Get some tacos to go with your Margarita from Tacocina and stroll along the boardwalk for views of the city.
Cobblestone streets meet brand new eats right off the Brooklyn Bridge. One of the trendiest areas of the city, you can find pretty much every cuisine in the Time Out Food Market. If you’re feeling brave, you can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan, but watch out for bikes!
Looking for a different cinema experience? Escape the heat and come with an empty stomach for this indie moving picture house. From old favorites to new releases, both locations provide a safe and meal-and-a-movie experience. With two locations (Williamsburg & Prospect Park), the Prospect Park location houses the classic marquee used in Dan and Katie’s wedding proposal.
As old school as it gets, which also extends to the prices. Come early before the good stuff is gone, or try the nearby and equally great Moe’s Doughs for your fix. If you’re not feeling sweet, coffee and their bacon-egg-and-cheese will hit the spot.
As approved by a certified Southerner, this is still the best chicken biscuit the city has to offer. Don’t skimp on the sides or dessert either, and give yourself time to explore the quirky side streets and vintage shops in the neighborhood.
Located along the Upper New York Bay waterfront in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, Industry City’s food hall is like a permanent Smorgasburg-- only better. Behind each kiosk, patrons can watch bakers roll croissants, butchers cure meats, and chocolatiers spread cocoa into molds.
An above-ground railway converted into a glamorous park, it snakes through some of the most unique and valuable real estate in NYC. We recommend starting your journey from the entrance at Hudson Yards. Then, at the end of your walk, you'll find yourself in the Garment and Meatpacking district where you can then grab a book or some grub at the nearby Chelsea Market. See if you can spot any celebrities within the trendy neighborhood.
Greenwich Village is the place to be for students and artists, and you can see the creativity on full display under the famous archway of this park. Grab a bench and soak in some freestyle jazz music or energetic dance troupe.
Want to feel like you’re in a Wes Anderson film? Pastels and ambiance rule in this classy choice to sit-and-sip a Chai Latte with Star Anise or munch on Ricotta and Fig Toast. A trendy choice when looking to catch your breath from strolling in SoHo.
Enter at the base and try to find the Statue of Balto, the Belvedere Castle, and the Spiderman Bridge. When you’re done with the Bethesda Fountain, walk around the Jacqueline Kennedy Reservoir before ducking out to your museum of choice, or stretch your legs to The Glen Span Arch and get lost in the meadows.
Nestled in the hub of quirky joints and the unique eats of East Village, this sandwich joint is easy on the wallet but not on the taste buds. Grab a quick bite to go and enjoy it on the curb while the hip-hop beats from inside empty into the street.
Don't let the interior fool you. This casual restaurant situated in Chinatown beats out even the most well-known restaurants with their steamy soup dumplings and plates to share. You will leave happy and full with your wallet near unscathed.
Ordinarily home to the gigantic Smorgaburg food market, the views of Manhattan are still hard to beat. Grab a tour or a pint at the nearby Brooklyn Brewery, and sample the many hand-painted ads and murals along Wythe Ave before bringing takeaway to the park.
Without a doubt the best zoo in the Eastern Hemisphere, you won’t even feel like you’re in the city once you reach this Bronx oasis via subway. Pick an animal, and chances are it’s there. Come Wednesday for heavily discounted tickets.
A free option to catch views of the Statue of Liberty and views of downtown along the way. When you make it to Staten Island, take in the new September 11 Memorial Waterfront with views of Manhattan while you wait for the next ferry to take you back to Manhattan.