NYC Favorites: Advanced Must See

"Didn't I tell you this was a wonderful place?"

Photo Source: 

http://loveisspeed.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-favorite-movie-everbreakfast-at.html

Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my all time favorite movies. In fact, I actually had breakfast at Tiffany's one morning (kinda by accident) and it was kind of perfect. In honor of that classic New York movie and moment, here is a list of some places that are worth seeing if you have extended time in the city:

1. The Guggenheim.

 Classic New York City museum, needs no introduction!

2. Chinatown.

 Chinatown can be daunting and crowded but its worth it to feel like you are in a different city for a few hours. I love to head down there just to walk the streets, grab a bubble tea and maybe dim sum with friends.

Little Italy

 is also nearby (but mostly getting taken over by Chinatown) but its fun to walk up the street lined with Italian restaurants.

3. Union Square.

  The unsung hero of NYC parks. I love Union Square (and sure I'm a bit biased because I lived nearby). But it has a farmer's market open all year (complete with local wine, jam and cheese), great shops and a Christmas market during the holidays. Plus, two of my all time favorite stores are nearby

Union Square Wines

(offering free wine tastings basically every Saturday from 2-5) and

The Stand

 (an amazing bookstore).

4. The Highline.

  Eco-friendly park built on an old elevated railway. Offering great views of Chelsea and the Hudson river.

5. Chelsea Market.

  I have to admit that I lived in NYC for two years and never visited this market until right before I left. Big mistake! (Though I blame the misery that is traveling east-west in NYC). This market is just full of interesting stores and restaurants. All I can say is check it out now!

6. Theater.

  The BROADWAY! Check out the student rush deals or TKTS daily deals before springing for the full priced tickets. You can easily see a show in the city for $40 if you research. (Though don't even bother for Book of Mormon tickets).

7. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

8. MoMA PS1.

 This modern art space is located in Long Island City. If the timing is right check out PS1:Warm Up - its a 

9. SOHO (Alternative Flatiron).

 For those shopaholics, SOHO is a must see for NYC's latest trends. I prefer to head to SOHO for speciality food shops and tiny boutiques that aren't offered elsewhere. A personal favorite - Vosges Chocolate. Beginners beware, it is always crowded down there, so be sure you know where you are going or you WILL be run-over by locals. The overcrowding in SOHO is why I prefer Flatiron, basically all the same shops are there, but they are much bigger.

10. Eataly.

 The must see Italian Market in the city. Sure Eataly is a global chain, but the NYC location features at least five restaurants and a roof top brew-pub. My favorite is the vegetarian bar, the dishes are fresh and delicious. FYI - wine is served at most restaurants!

And that wraps up my favorite NYC sights, check out the must see sights for

beginners

if you want to revisit old classic spots. As always, I'd love to hear some comments on your favorite places in the city!

Cheers!