I've never been a fan of visiting the same place twice but New York is the one place that is opium to me, since my first trip I have been addicted. One blog post would not do this magical city justice so, I am going to break it into a series of posts which will include, my fav restaurants, places to visit, best shopping, how to get the best hotels at the lowest prices etc.
But first, this blog is a list of my New York favourites.... the things you ABSOLUTELY must see while in the Big Apple. I'm going to do it in list format so you can print it off.
1: The highline: My absolute favourite. It's an old railway walk elevated above New York's west side. It starts on 30th street at 11th avenue and runs all the way to 10th street. Along the way you can grab a coffee/wine or food at the Chelsea market. The views of NYC's skyline and street art are amazing, with vendors selling prints of the featured street art.
2: Bryant park: A hidden gem. Surrounded by cafes and outdoors seating. In summer it provides the perfect setting for an outdoor breakfast with a view of the Empire State building. In winter it transforms into a winter wonderland complete with a Christmas market and ice rink. It is also home to the Byrant Grill restaurant which is a fav of mine. A word of caution though, in summer pile on the mosquito repellant (DEET) as myself & my friend got eaten alive by mosquitos dining al fresco last September.
3: 230 fifth rooftop bar- New York's largest rooftop bar. Spectacular views of the city. In winter they have glass igloo domes to shield you from the cold.
4: Top of the Rock: In my opinion it provides a nicer view of Manhattan's skyline compared to the Empire State building. It hosts Bar SixtyFive, a cocktail bar on Rockfellar's 65th floor.
5: BITE Lipstick lip lab: As you know it can be so difficult to find the right shade of lipstick. Right?! Well drop by the lip lab and make your very own custom lipstick. They use natural ingredients to help you find the perfect bespoke shade. You even get to choose the scent! Located at 174 prince street, NYC.
6: Carlos Bakery- Home of "cake boss" Buddy. They have an amazing range of treats.
7: Afternoon tea at the plaza- Well worth the splurge. Located in the palm court in the plaza hotel.
8: The Met Museum: No self respecting fashionista can go to NYC without visiting "the Met". Not only does it have fabulous fashion exhibits but it is also home to the roof garden cafe and Martini bar. It hosts the "Met Gala ball" every year.
9: Dumbo ( Down under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)Brooklyn. Stunning views of the NYC skyline, cobblestone streets, fantastic coffee and really trendy restaurants.
10: FAO Swartz: The toy shop made famous by the movie "Home Alone"has reopened right beside the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree.
This is by no means a definitive list to NYC. I just wanted to give you alternatives to the usual tourist traps. Now I must go and pack for our buying trip to NYC. We plan to buy lots of jewellery for our Laveesha website so that you all will be fabulously sparkling for the party season ahead.
Louise xoxo
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