New York City is the mecca of the world. It’s where everyone from any culture or background can come together to create a place that can only be understood by visiting there. Manhattan has all the best restaurants, clubs and bars, but sometimes there are too many great places that it’s overwhelming to choose. We’re here to give you an in-depth guide of where to go and what do for your visit to the greatest city. 

Where To Eat

Boozy Brunch

After a wild night out, sometimes you just need the hair of the dog and the only thing curing your hangover is more alcohol. Boozy brunches in NYC are unparalleled. Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s are flying and the music is bumping. 

San Marzano

San Marzano, pictured above and located in the East Village, is the perfect boozy brunch if you’re looking for a laid-back brunch vibe but with a kick. San Marzano offers bottomless pitchers of mimosas for $10, as long as you order food with it. Aside from the loud patrons, San Marzano isn’t too rowdy compared to other brunch places. 

Bagatelle

Bagatelle is basically a morning club. Their brunches get rowdy. If you don’t want your previous night to end and you want the party to continue then this is your place. Located in meatpacking, Bagatelle offers premium cocktails and everyone there is basically in club attire getting ready to rage. 

Dinner

NYC is known for their restaurants and most of these restaurants fall under the dinner category. Ranging from fancy to casual, all the food you consume will be some of the best you’ll have. 

Lilia

This restaurant has been one of the hottest restaurants in NYC for a while now and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Located in Williamsburg, Lilia serves an inventive and highly-personal style of Italian cuisine.  The restaurant is a repurposed auto body shop, which something you don’t see every day!

Peter Luger Steakhouse

Pictured above,  Peter Luger’s is probably one of the most famous steakhouses in NYC, and maybe even in the US. Located in Williamsburg. Peter Luger was founded in 1887 and has been churning out some of the best pieces of meat you’ll ever have.

Hillstone

 Hillstone isn’t a prestigious restaurant in NYC but it gives an upscale vibe without having to dress to the nines and completely destroy your wallet. There are two locations, one in Murray Hill and the other in Midtown East. They’re famous for their spinach artichoke dip and their Osaka style sushi roll. When you want a good, hearty meal but don’t want to make a whole event of it, Hillstone is the place for you!

While you should definitely go to Times Square and see a Broadway show or visit Central Park, there are places in NYC that you must see before you go home.        

Empire State Building Observation Deck

You should go to this for the view but more so to see the iconic Empire State building lobby as well. You take an elevator that goes so high up your ears pop, and once you step onto the observation deck it’s the most magical view of New York City. 

Oculus

Pictured above and located at One World Trade, the Oculus represents the most integrated network of underground pedestrian connections in New York City. It was recently opened and the architecture of the building is breathtaking. Inside is a train station, as well as a plaza and shopping mall and even an Apple store. 

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Also known as the MET, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a place you don’t want to miss out on. Whether you want to see the infamous Gossip Girl steps, the display from the most recent MET Gala, or you just love good art, you must go to the MET. You walk into the MET and get this overwhelming feeling like that you’re somewhere important. The MET is an iconic landmark of New York City. 

Where To Stay

Hotels in NYC don’t always have to break the bank. While there are definitely luxurious hotels, there are also hotels that don’t charge too much and can still elevate your trip. 

Hotel Hugo

Located by the Hudson river, Hotel Hugo offers beautiful hotel rooms and a gorgeous rooftop bar that gives you magnificent views of New York City. Pictured above, Hotel Hugo rooms are usually around $250 per night. 

Dream Downtown

The Dream hotel, located in meatpacking, is the perfect place to stay in the summer. They have a pool on the roof, and their location is perfect if you want to party every night.  A night at the Dream ranges from $300-$350 per night. 

Gramercy Park Hotel

Located in Gramercy, the lobby of the Gramercy Park Hotel is red and gold accents and feels extravagant yet intimate at the same time. They have a rose bar in the lobby that is an NYC hotspot. A night at the Gramercy Park Hotel will cost you about $350-$400 per night. 

While NYC is one of the greatest places to visit with so many things to do, there are some things you should know before heading there!

1. Don’t walk everywhere: people in NYC are rude and crass and if you stop to take pictures they will probably yell at you. Take the subway! It’s an experience in and of itself. 
2. Don’t eat at chain restaurants in NYC. You can eat there at any time, go to places that are singular to New York. 
3. If you’re visiting New York during the holidays, be aware that it is very expensive but it is also magical.
4. Don’t overdo it. While Manhattan may be an island, there is so much to see. Don’t try to see everything in one trip. 
5. While New Yorkers are rude, they’re not that rude. They’re only rude if you get in their way. New Yorkers hate slow walkers but if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask a New York for directions – they won’t turn you away. 
6. Don’t walk and be on your phone. Be aware and alert. New York is incredibly safe but there’s a lot going on at once, so keep your eyes open.