Stephanie & Laith
Things To Do
Hudson River Greenway
Rent city bikes using the CitiBike app or Lyft and ride the length of Manhattan along the Hudson. Alternatively, a great walking path!
The High Line
An awesome walking path/art exhibit above street level for a cool view of the city made from an old above-ground subway line. Hudson Yards and the Chelsea Market are great stops for food and shopping along the way. (free)
Central Park Conservatory Fountain
Our favorite spot in Central Park!
The Edge
Laith's favorite observation deck and there's a glass bottom section for a view straight down! Other observation deck options in the city are The Top of the Rock (Steph's favorite, centrally located for views of everything and a cool upper deck), the Empire State Building (cool, but then you don't get the Empire State building in your views...), and the Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center, view from lower Manhattan).
Brooklyn Bridge
One of the best views of the city and it's free!
Tramway Plaza
An air tram from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island. Another one of the best views in the city and it's only the cost of a subway swipe!
Bryant Park
Our favorite park in the city :)
Little Island
Floating Park! (Free, but may need to book timed entry tickets online)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Our favorite museum. If you go, be sure to check out the rooftop with central park views!
American Museum of Natural History
Fun museum, especially for the kids, but get your tickets online ahead of time to avoid the long lines.
Los Tacos No.1
The visible menu is pretty limited, but the "secret menu" contains the most amazing tacos (that might clog your arteries, but they're worth it). Order a "queso taco" with either chicken, steak (the best), pork, or cactus. The taco shell is literally just made out fo melted cheese. It's as amazing as it sounds.
Artichoke Basille's Pizza
Best spot for a slice of pizza in Manhattan if you ask Steph... but it has to be their Artichoke Pizza, the other slices are a bit of a letdown.
Chelsea Market
There are so many fun food finds in here. Special shout out to Doughnuttery (vanilla glazed are the best), Los Tacos No 1 (see the note on here about queso tacos), and the gelato stand by the south entrance. It's also part of the Chelsea High Line (see other note).
Gray's Papaya
If you're going to get a NYC hotdog, it should be from here or from a street car (Nathan's Famous!)
The Craftsman
Our favorite bar... with great live jazz on Sunday evening, but be prepared as it gets pretty busy! Plus it's the location of our second date :)
Carnegie Diner & Cafe
Our favorite spot for weekend brunch. Super yummy, but the milkshakes will get you (sharing is recommended!)
Shake Shack
Shake Shack is well-known for a reason, but it's really not worth standing in line at the Times Square location. If you run into it anywhere else, check it out!
Panna II Garden
Indian food restaurant with wall-to-wall, full ceiling strings of Christmas lights covering the place all year long. Fun atmosphere, okay food.
Frying Pan
Floating restaurant - super fun atmosphere, especially at sunset/after dark, but go for the atmosphere more than for the food.
O'Hara's
If visiting the 9/11 memorial, this stop is a must. O'Hara's Pub was a respite for rescue workers on and after 9/11 and every inch of the walls are covered with badges from police, fire, and other emergency services from around the world who came to help with the recovery effort. While you're there, ask to see the scrapbooks.
Wafels & Dinges
I don't even really like waffles, but I love this spot. Best with specula's spread and/or chocolate!
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
Themed milkshakes topped with full-sized pieces of cake - as beautiful as they are delicious!
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Get a cronut! (Croissant Doughnut) They were invented here and they're famous for a reason, but go in the morning or they will sell out for the day.
Magnolia Bakery - Rockefeller Center
Get. The. Banana. Pudding. Just get it.
Levain Bakery - Amsterdam Avenue
Laith's favorite cookies! Get the chocolate chip walnut!
DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections
An edible cookie dough parlor. It's good, but best in small doses. Grab a scoop and take it to the nearby Washington Square Park
Panda Bubble Tea
Another favorite of ours... Taro milkshake with bubbles! If they don't have milkshakes (often they don't) just get the taro bubble tea, not as mind-blowing, but still good!
Clinton Hall
Location of our first date :) follow in our footsteps and take a walk along the river after! (but will you have a Laith around to carry your backpack for you...?)
Ample Hills Creamery Chelsea
Our favorite ice cream!
The Flame Diner
Steph's favorite spot for a bagel sandwich! If you don't get one here, get one somewhere! A breakfast sandwich is a NYC-must... any breakfast meat plus an egg and cheese on (the most important part) an everything bagel!
Starbucks Reserve Roastery New York
Laith's recommendation, obviously...
Bahamas Deli Market
This is our favorite place for a chopped cheese, but you can get one at just about any bodega anywhere in the city. Greasy, but delicious! The menu will say chopped cheeseburger, but order a chopped cheese on a hero and thank us later :) bonus points if you ask for chipotle mayo!
Dollar Slice Pizza
If you come across any Dollar Slice Pizza spot, don't be afraid of it! Get a dollar slice (just cheese)
Luna Park in Coney Island
Amusement park in Coney Island... A fun trip, but plan for an hour and a half on the train both ways.
Rockaway Beach
Our favorite beach... but plan for an hour and a half on the train each way!
Aug 4th Outdoor Movie in the Park (Ghostbusters)
On Wednesday, Aug 4th, there's a free outdoor movie on the lawn here from 8:30-10:45pm (Ghostbusters). We love movies in the parks!
Aug 5th Outdoor Movie in the Park (The Goonies)
On Thursday, Aug 5th, there's a free outdoor movie on the lawn here from 8-11pm (Ghostbusters). We love movies in the parks!
Saturday Street Fair
Street fair from 60th-61st St on Broadway Saturday morning until about 5pm.
SummerStage in Central Park (Aug 8)
On Sunday, Aug 8th there's a free Met Opera Summer Recital in Central Park from 7-8:30pm.
Sunday Street Fair
Street fair on Sunday on Broadway from 17th-23rd Steets