City of Dreams: Your Guide to the Best of New York City

Sunrise behind the Empire State Building in NYC

New York, NY

New York City: There’s no place like it in the world. A city that is ever-changing and on the move yet manages to keep a sense of “same.” Unique for so many reasons, what I love most about NYC is its diversity in people, cultures, and cuisines. It’s an entire world at your fingertips every day.

Ask any New Yorker, and they’ll tell you their list of go-to favorites. Here’s my guide, which includes old and new places I go back to repeatedly. From what I think are the best places to eat and drink to things to do in and around the city - including day trips from NYC, I've meticulously curated a list of what I feel is the best this incredible city has to offer.

Whether you’re a tourist visiting the Big Apple for the first time or a local looking to try something different - I hope this guide offers you a glimpse at something new in NYC.

“Somewhere between living and dreaming there’s New York”
— @whyilovenewyorkcity @w57th
 

BEST PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN NYC

 

BEST BRUNCH IN NYC

 
 

BEST RAMEN IN NYC

 
 

BEST THAI IN NYC

 
 

BEST MEXICAN IN NYC

 
 
 

BEST BRAZILIAN IN NYC

 
 

BEST ITALIAN IN NYC

 
 
 

BEST GREEK IN NYC

 
 

BEST VEGAN IN NYC

 
 

BEST CAFÉS IN NYC

 
 
 
 
 

BEST HAPPY HOUR IN NYC

 
 

BEST THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND NYC

 

BEST THINGS TO DO INDOORS IN NYC

 

VISIT ANY OF THE MANY MUSEUMS IN NYC

 
 

BEST THINGS TO DO OUTDOORS IN NYC

 

LOOK FOR THE 19 MURALS PAINTED BY EDUARDO KOBRA SPREAD THROUGHOUT NYC

@kobrastreetart

 

SPEND TIME EXPLORING a piece of CENTRAL PARK’s 843 acres

@centralparknyc

Central Park, NY

 

STOP IN TO SEE WHAT’S BLOOMING AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS

NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

@nybg

2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458

 
 

WALK The High Line above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side

@highlineny

The High Line

 

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM NYC

 

Kaaterskill Falls

A dramatic two-tiered waterfall tucked deep in the Catskills, where a short hike leads to sweeping views and forest magic.

COLD SPRING, NY

A riverfront village perfect for browsing stores on Main Street and sunset walks along the Hudson.

HUDSON, NY

A creative, design-forward escape filled with galleries, wine bars, and curated vintage finds on every block.

KINGSTON, NY

Historic charm meets modern energy with cobblestone streets, farm-to-table restaurants, and a thriving arts scene.

NEW PALTZ, NY

A college town with a free-spirited vibe, surrounded by mountain hikes, roadside farm stands, and historic stone houses.

HUNTER, NY

A peaceful Catskills town surrounded by waterfalls, winding roads, and cozy spots to unwind after a day outside.

BEACON, NY

Home to DIA: Beacon and a buzzing creative community, this former factory town is now a haven for art, indie shops, and river views.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville NJ

A breathtaking white-marble temple carved by hand and nestled in suburban New Jersey; peaceful, stunning, and transports you with every detail.

NARROWSBURG, NY

A low-key, design-minded town along the Delaware River with charming shops and slow-living vibes.

STORM KING, NY

An open-air museum with monumental sculptures on rolling hills — perfect for wandering, picnicking, and letting art surprise you around every corner.

Whether you’re visiting NYC for the first time or lived here for years, we’re all tourists because this city is full of new and exciting flavors and experiences to try every day. As you visit the places I’ve shared, I hope you discover your slice of what makes NYC extraordinary. Whether it’s a cozy café tucked away on a quiet street, a bustling restaurant, or a new day trip from NYC that rounds out your time here, let these recommendations be the starting point for your adventure. Happy exploring!

 

✧ For the intentionally curious traveler — pass it on.

North America, New York, Travel Guide, Featured, Offbeat City GuidesKaren GomezNew York, NYC, Minca, Samurai Papa, Ippudo, Ramen, Thai Villa, Room Service, Chinese Tuxedo, Thai, Chinese, El Centro, La Diagonal Agaveria, Tacuba, Mexican, Kana Tapas Bar, Spanish Tapas, Empanada Mama, Pio Pio, Cuisines, Ovest Pizzoteca, La Pecora Bianca, Trattoria Spaghetto, Ethos Gallery 51, Estiatorio Milos, Uncle Nick's, Greek, Remi Flower & Coffee, La Mercerie Cafe, The Butcher's Daughter, The Office, Raines Law Room, Speakeasy Bars, Wolffer Estate Vineyard, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Wineries, The Whitney, Guggenheim, The Met Cloisters, Museums, National Sawdust, Sofar, The High Line, Kobra, NYC Parks, Day Trips, Cold Spring, Fishkill Farms, USAComment