New York: Live Like a Local
Curated by Morgan Jones
Guest post by Morgan Marie Jones, @morganmariejones
The elevator pitch: Whether you’re heading to New York for a long weekend for a girls trip, planning a romantic few days in the city, or considering calling New York City home in the near future, there are endless things to do. New York is known for its culture, diversity, and offerings for anyone and everyone. With some of the best food in the world, so many different sights to see, and things that you can only experience in New York, it is the greatest city in the world for a reason – and that’s a fact ;) This guide will show you the best of New York to live like a local for three days.
When to go: Because New York has extreme weather (think scorching summers and frigid winders), Spring and Fall are the best times to visit New York. Specifically, May/June or September/October are hands down the best times to visit.
Where to stay: Depending on your vibe, Lower Manhattan (SoHo, Tribeca, Greenwich Village) is the best for being able to get around anywhere in the city, with The Bowery Hotel ($400+, check prices here), Greenwich Hotel ($825+, check prices here), or The Ace ($320+, check prices here), and are great options. If you’re traveling with older family members or want something a bit quieter, the Upper East Side is perfect for getting around while being in a cleaner, more low-key environment while still being in one of the most iconic areas of the city. My favorite hotels there are The Mark ($1075+) or The Carlyle ($950+)!
How to get around: Don’t be afraid of public transportation in New York! The subway and bus system is incredible, costs less than $3 each way, and can get you anywhere in the 5 boroughs in usually less time than getting an Uber or taxi. At night, have a New York moment and hail a yellow cab or call an Uber/Lyft.
TRIP OVERVIEW
What this is: a true locals guide to all the best spots in New York
What this isn’t: a list of overcrowded bars and restaurants that everyone goes to
Day 1: Downtown Manhattan (SoHo, West Village, and Meatpacking District)
Breakfast at Sadelle’s in Soho
Get your shopping fix in Soho
Lunch at American Bar
Stroll to the Meatpacking District and hit the Whitney Museum
Drinks at the Restoration Hardware rooftop
Dinner at Via Carota
Day 2: Brooklyn, baby! (Williamsburg)
Breakfast at Egg Shop if you’re hungry
Bakeri if you’re more of a coffee and pastries kinda person
Head to Bathhouse in Williamsburg
Slice of pizza from L’Industrie
Stroll throughout Williamsburg
Dinner at Lilia
Day 3: Uptown Manhattan
Breakfast at H&H Bagels
Wander the streets of the Upper East Side
Lunch at JG Melon, a New York classic
Pick 1-2 museums on Museum Mile to visit
Dinner at Serafina on 61st Street (there are a few locations but this one is the best by far).
THE DETAILED GUIDE
Day 1: Downtown Manhattan (SoHo, West Village, and Meatpacking District)
Sadelle’s
Breakfast in Soho
map | reserve | site | @majorfoodgroup
Traditional and quintessential. Head to Sadelle’s in Soho to fuel up for the day over incredible traditional New York Jewish fare. Must try their breakfast tower with bagels and lox!
Soho Shopping
Famous and artistic. From illesteva sunglasses to Farm Rio dresses and Rag & Bone sweaters, the abundance of storefronts to choose from is truly limitless. Find a shop that catches your eye and meander on from there! You will easily satisfy your shopping needs.
American Bar
Lunch in West Village
map | reserve | site | @americanbarnyc
Cozy and nostalgic. Now that you’re in one of the chicest parts of the city, head to American Bar – a place to people watch and to be seen. It’s great for large parties and the classic cuisine will you happy and full. Try the whipped ricotta and the filet!
Meatpacking District
A chance to take a leisurely walk!
map | wiki
Hip and trendy. The Meatpacking district is a unique commercial area on the west side of town with cobblestone sidewalks and tons of restaurants and clubs. Stroll over the high-line for beautiful views and a breath of fresh air, soak in your surroundings at Chelsea Market and hit the Whitney Museum.
Restoration Hardware Rooftop
Drinks in Meatpacking
map | reserve | site
Upscale and chic. Grab a drink at the Restoration Hardware rooftop after your stroll through meatpacking. The ambiance and views are unmatched! Be sure to order an artisanal wine or a craft beer!
Via Carota
Dinner in West Village
map | reserve | site | @viacarota
Rustic and chic. This Italian spot is a local favorite. Reservations are highly recommended but they welcome walk-ins as well. With their classic yet upscale menu you’ll meet the Italian feast of your dreams.
Day 2: Brooklyn, baby! (Williamsburg)
Egg Shop
Breakfast in Williamsburg
map | reserve | site | @eggshopnyc
Casual and cool. This is more of a sit-down breakfast, featuring Southern breakfast staples alongside healthier New York options. This is a great place to go in the morning if you’re hungry!
Bakeri
Pastries in Williamsburg
map | site | @bakeribrooklyn
French and fabulous. Hit up Bakeri (French-inspired coffee shop & bakery) if you’re more of a coffee and pastries kinda person. Whether you leave with a baguette or a slice of their coffee cake, you won’t be left unsatisfied.
Williamsburg Bathhouse
A chance to relax!
map | reserve | @abathhouse
Modern and cool. When you hear “converted 1930s factory building”, you might not think “relaxing”, but Bathhouse is here to change your mind. You can opt for a day pass ($70) to use their thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms, or splurge for a treatment - we love their Hannam Scrub ($130).
L’Industrie
Pizza in Williamsburg
map | site | @lindustriebk
Casual and to-go. Grab a slice of pizza from this spot and you won’t be disappointed! You must try their burrata slice. They also have specialty sandwiches rotating on and off the menu such as the lamb souvlaki with tzatziki or the steak sandwich that are so mouth watering.
Williamsburg Stroll
Young and fashionable. Stroll throughout Williamsburg, walk through the green market in McCarren Park, venture to Greenpoint to hit the vintage stores! Grab a coffee at or tea at Black Brick Coffee or a drink at Sauvage and enjoy the bright and buzzing surroundings.
Lillia
Dinner in Williamsburg
map | reserve | site | @lilianewyork
Modern and elegant. This is a must do on your trip to New York! The food is outstanding, the staff are lovely and the entire experience will be near perfect. Reservations are necessary. Be sure to try their sheep’s milk filled agnolotti and the roasted ramp focaccia.
Day 3: Uptown Manhattan
H&H Bagels
Breakfast in Upper East Side
map | site | @hhbagels
Hearty and wholesome. You can’t leave New York without having a bagel, so get a toasted sesame (or everything) bagel toasted with cream cheese…add lox if that’s your vibe.
Upper East Side Stroll
Wander the streets of the Upper East Side!
map | wiki
Posh and residential. My recommendation is from the low 70’s to the mid-90’s (avoiding 86th Street). Pop into some stores on Madison Ave, namely the Ralph Lauren Mansion on 72nd and Madison and get a cup of Ralph’s coffee. Both the women’s and mens stores (across the street from each other) are absolute masterpieces and give a great feel for the quintessential Upper East Side. Play a game of pick-your-brownstone as you see some of the most beautiful townhomes.
JG Melon
Lunch in Upper East Side
map | site | @jgmelon_nyc
Cozy and iconic. A New York classic - with a comfortable atmosphere and a laid back crowd. Get a burger and fries!
Museum Mile
Go on an art adventure!
map
Iconic and cultural. Pick 1-2 museums on Museum Mile to visit - my favorites are The Guggenheim and The Met - and then make your way to Central Park with a few bottles of wine in hand and have an aperitivo picnic as the sun sets. My favorite spot is Sheep’s Meadow!
Serafina
Dinner in Upper East Side
map | reserve | site | @serafinanewyork
Elegant and cozy. There are a few locations but the one on 61st Street is the best by far. I recommend the penne alla vodka - it’s so delicious!
What didn’t make the list?
For your next visit…
Top of the Rock will get you the best views of the city – recommend going here instead of Empire State Building as it is equally as panoramic, but with views that include the Empire State Building
Taquiera Ramirez – the best tacos in NYC, located in Greenpoint. Don’t be intimidated by the line outside - it moves relatively quick and it is well worth it!
Drinks at Westlight – views of the city, but from Brooklyn, and with a cocktail in hand!
If you love NEW YORK, you’ll also love
Nearby places to visit
The Hamptons. A quick train ride away. Jaunt coming soon!