Things To Do
Christian and Caitlin’s Perfect Day in NYC (Graphics with links)
Check out this link to see our itineraries for how we would spend the perfect day in NYC. Let us know if you do any of the things on our lists (and whose day you enjoyed more ;) )
TopView Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
We think one of the best ways to maximize your time in NYC is top buy tickets for the TopView “Hop on Hop off” bus tour. This tour allows you to be hop on the bus right next to the ferry terminal in NYC and then enjoy a bus tour of NYC’s most famous spots. (A great option for those not as comfortable navigating the subways.) If you see something you like, you can hop off the bus at any time and hop back on at the nearest stop. More instructions/visuals in this link.
Magnolia Bakery - Rockefeller Center
We had banana pudding on one of our first dates… it will always have a special place in our hearts
Blue Bottle Coffee
Not sure if we go into the city without getting a New Orleans Style Cold Brew
Artichoke Basille's Pizza
Get the artichoke pizza- trust us
Little Canal
Cutest little wine/coffee bar right next to Caitlin’s first NYC apartment. This was where we hung out alone outside of work for the first time <3
Kossar's Bagels & Bialys (LES)
Our favorite bagel place :’)
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
We used to live in the Financial District, so we spent many nights having ice cream at the Seaport.
Pier 35
Take that VanLueewan ice cream to Pier 35 and enjoy the skyline view on the swings. Best to go in the late evening!
Jacob's Pickles
HONEY CHICKEN, PICKLES, AND MAC AND CHEESE
Time Out Market New York
Food court of famous NYC locations with a beautiful rooftop bar
Governors Island
Take a quick 5 minute ferry to Govenor’s Island. Enjoy the ferry ride and an island full of history, art exhibits, and views.
QC NY SPA
If you go to Govenor’s Island, you should definitely check out QC NY Spa. It offers an unparalleled experience full of saunas, hot tubs, and views.
Au Cheval
Definitely a top burger in the city
Emily: West Village
Also on the list for a top burger
Joe's Shanghai
Throwing it back to the Chinatown days: get the soup dumplings
Scarr's Pizza
If you want a more authentic NYC pizza
The Back Room
Many good memories in this speakeasy :’)
Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar
Fun fact, we considered this rooftop bar for our wedding venue
Antique Bar & Bakery
Don’t want to cross the river? Definitely a favorite restaurant in Jersey
Semicolon Cafe
Don’t want to cross the river? This is the coffee shop in our apartment building. Highly recommend the bulgogi beef breakfast sandwich and tiramisu latte!
Hudson & Co.
Don’t want to cross the river? Enjoy the skyline view at one of our favorite fusion restaurants.
ONDO Jersey City
Don’t want to cross the river? Our favorite Korean fusion restaurant is in JC! The charred bulgogi and bulgogi cream perilla pasta is to die for
Hawksmoor NYC
Fantastic cocktails, but the Earl of Houston is an all time favorite (thank you, Maria Newton)
Le Pavillon
If you want a fancy dining experience - Le Pavillion is a favorite. It has earned a Michelin Star and you’ll be able to see why.
Fraunces Tavern
The oldest bar in NYC and where George Washington made his farewell address. (You can still see the room where he made the speech.) Make a reservation for the piano room - they have a piano player/singer everyday from 6:30-late.
Travelers Poets & Friends
A coffee bar in the morning turned a homemade pasta restaurant in the evening
L’industrie Pizzeria West Village
Fig jam and bacon pizza… need I say more?
Via Carota
make sure to snag a reservation 30 days in advance- they go quick!
I Sodi
make sure to snag a reservation 15 days in advance for this one (they also go very quick)
Bird Dog
Unique dining experience with a pri fix menu. Perfect for groups who like dining family style!
SING SING St.Marks Karaoke
Highly recommend renting a karaoke room for you and your friends - definitely makes for a memorable night
The Hive
Not too far from the hotel. If you wake up early on Saturday, go get a cinnamon roll - they sell out quick :)