Guides · 64 guides
Best of NYC.
My Best of NYC guides, every place from my own visits, with my verdict on each.
Start with these
What I’d read first in Best of NYC- Things to See at The Metropolitan Museum of Art20 places, 20 worth it
- Things to Do for Christmas in NYC30 places, 23 worth it
- Bagels in New York City12 places, 12 worth it
- Special Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in New York City11 places, 8 worth it
- New York City Flea Market Guide10 places, 9 worth it
- Iconic New York City Thrift Stores You’ll Want to Visit9 places, 8 worth it
Inside Best of NYC
30 topics- Desserts7
- Shops5
- Landmarks and history4
- Museums3
- Beer, pubs and breweries3
- Pizza3
- Iconic and old New York3
- Things to do3
- Bagels2
- Jazz and comedy2
- By cuisine2
- Coffee2
- Views2
- Bakeries2
- Christmas1
- Winter1
- Markets1
- Central Park1
- Cocktail bars and speakeasies1
- Happy hour1
- Ice cream1
- Burgers and hot dogs1
- Cheap eats1
- At night1
- Wine and whisky1
- Fall1
- Shows1
- Photo spots1
- Pools and beaches1
- More6
The Best of New York
Every list- The best things to do for Christmas in New York
- The best bagels in New York
- The best Valentine’s Day things to do in New York
- The best flea markets in New York
- The best thrift stores in New York
- The best comedy clubs in New York
- The best ramen in New York
- The best coffee in New York
- The best jazz clubs in New York
- The best skyline views of New York
- The best museums in New York
- The best cocktail bars in New York
What readers asked about Best of NYC
Ask meNYC at night is a completely different city. Jazz at Smalls and then a late night walk through the Village is one of my favorite things to do.
Jazz and a late night Village walk is such a good combo. I've got Village Vanguard in the guide but Smalls is a great shout too, that neighborhood at night has a totally different energy than during the day. Trust me,…
Things to Do in New York at NightCan you comment on Our Daily Bread & The Gluten Free Bakery , Chatham NY please? showed up on my feed . Looks great but no reviews. thank You for a quick response!
Hi Sandy, thanks for reading! I haven't made it up to Chatham yet so I can't vouch for it personally, this list sticks to the five boroughs. A dedicated gluten free bakery in that part of New York sounds promising…
Gluten-Free Bakeries in New YorkBreads Bakery babka is the real MVP. Chocolate and cinnamon are both incredible. Great list overall.
Tom, the chocolate babka is the reason people wait in that line, I won't lie to you. Never actually tried the cinnamon, which feels like a personal failing at this point. Might be my next mission. Glad the list…
New York BakeriesEvery guide in Best of NYC
64, by topicDesserts 7
- Top-Tier Chocolate Cakes in New York CityI have an embarrassing confession. I’ve eaten chocolate cake at every single bakery on this list more than once, sometimes twice in the same week.10 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
- Tantalizing New York City CookiesI’m a glutton for sweets (I promise I have some redeeming qualities) and if there’s one dessert that brings me to my knees, it’s a warm chocolate…9 places, 9 worth it · Sep 2026
- Can’t Miss Cannolis in New York CityThere are a handful of foods synonymous with New York City, like pizza, bagels, and cheesecakes. Finding great cannoli in NYC can be tricky, but…10 places, 9 worth it · Sep 2026
- Tantalizing Cheesecakes in New York CityThe one person who loves cheesecake more than me is my mother-in-law. Finding great cheesecake in NYC can be tricky, but after years of eating my way…11 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
- Doughnuts in New York CityThe Big Apple is home to plenty of bakeries that have mastered the incredible fried treat. And all of the best donuts in New York City have something…16 places, 16 worth it · Sep 2026
- New York City DessertsI’ve been known to plan entire afternoons around a single dessert. A crosstown subway ride for a cronut? Done it. A 45-minute wait for banana…12 places, 12 worth it · Sep 2026
- Birthday Cakes in New York CityEvery year around my birthday I face the same delicious dilemma. Which cake? In a city with this many bakeries, picking one feels like choosing a…11 places, 11 worth it · Sep 2026
Shops 5
- Iconic New York City Thrift Stores You’ll Want to VisitThrifting in New York City is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon you never know what you’re going to find! Some stores are highly picked…9 places, 8 worth it · Sep 2026
- New York City Bookstores You Can’t Help But LoveAs an avid bookworm myself, I’m a sucker for the charming independent bookstores in NYC. Over the past 10 years, I’ve stumbled upon some real gems…12 places, 4 worth it · Sep 2026
- New York City Souvenir IdeasBack by popular demand for 2024, my limited edition black and white NYC prints are now live! Due to my pregnancy I won't be offering custom prints…10 places, 8 worth it · Sep 2026
- Top 15 Gift Shops in New York CityThe best gifts are often the most unique, there’s only so many times you can gift mugs or candles before you stop getting an invite. Luckily,…15 places, 13 worth it · Sep 2026
- NYC Plant ShopsIf you’re looking for the best plant stores in New York City you’ve come to the right place. I was a botanical bro long before the plant boom and…14 places, 10 worth it · Jan 2024
Landmarks and history 4
- The Most Visited Attractions in New York CityNew York City has no shortage of iconic attractions, and there’s a reason millions of people come to see them each year. I’ve lived here long enough…25 places, 23 worth it · Sep 2026
- Most Beautiful Churches in New York CityOften overlooked, the stunning churches in New York City Let’s dive in are nothing short of awe-inspiring. From magestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral to…13 places, 9 worth it · Sep 2026
- Notorious Mafia Hangouts in New York CityNew York City is the birthplace of the American Mafia, and for more than 150 years gangsters have left their mark on the Big Apple.13 places, 0 worth it · Sep 2026
- Murals in New York CityIn recent decades, street art in New York City has transitioned from an act of rebellion to a revered art form. Artists from around the world flock…15 places, 6 worth it · Feb 2024
Museums 3
- Things to See at The Metropolitan Museum of ArtOne of my favorite things about living in New York City is having daily access to world-class museums. If things to see at the Met is on your list,…20 places, 20 worth it · Sep 2026
- Museums in New York CityHome to more than 83 museums (including the fifth largest museum in the world), there’s no shortage of great museums in New York City to choose from.16 places, 16 worth it · Sep 2026
- FREE New York City MuseumsWhen I first moved to New York, I was broke enough that free museum days weren’t a nice-to-have, they were the only option. That’s how I accidentally…9 places, 9 worth it · Sep 2026
Beer, pubs and breweries 3
- Buzz-Worthy Breweries in New York CityForget the corner bodega’s luke-warm six packs – New York City’s exciting craft beer scene brims with bold IPAs, funky sours, and memorable ales. NYC…15 places, 15 worth it · Sep 2026
- Beer Gardens in New York CityIf you’re wondering what exactly a beer garden is you wouldn’t be the first. In short, they’re outdoor seating areas attached to a bar or tavern.…14 places, 13 worth it · Sep 2026
- Irish Pubs in New York CityIrish pubs in New York City have found a way to intertwine themselves into the fabric of the city. If Irish pubs in New York. Even folks who aren’t…11 places, 9 worth it · Sep 2026
Pizza 3
- Pizza Joints in New York CityAs a local New Yorker, pizza might as well be my middle name. I’ve spent countless hours searching for the best pizza in New York City. Spoiler…16 places, 16 worth it · Sep 2026
- Gluten-Free Pizza Spots in New York CityLet me save you some time. New York City has no shortage of Gluten-Free Pizza Spots options, but most of them aren’t worth the walk. The good news…12 places, 12 worth it · Sep 2026
- Spots For Vegan Pizza in NYCInstead of gatekeeping what I’ve come to discover over the last few years, I thought I’d write this post to share some of the best spots I’ve tried.9 places, 9 worth it · Sep 2026
Iconic and old New York 3
- New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to TrySome restaurants in this city have been around longer than most of us have been alive. I’m not talking about the trendy spots that open with a PR…15 places, 15 worth it · Sep 2026
- Reasonably-Priced Michelin Restaurants in New York CityThere are currently 70 Michelin starred restaurants in New York City and the variety spans the gamut. I mean, we have the usual suspect, those with…10 places, 10 worth it · Feb 2024
- Dog Friendly Restaurants in New York CityIt’s evident that New Yorkers have a special love for their canine companions. Whether spotted in strollers, backpacks, or adorned in raincoats and…15 places, 14 worth it · Jan 2024
Things to do 3
- (Non-Cheesy) Romantic Things to Do in New York CityNew York City, the fast-paced Concrete Jungle, is known for ambitious locals that walk too fast and smile too little. Seldom is the city mistaken for…18 places, 18 worth it · Sep 2026
- Things to Do in New York CityI visited the city six times before making an official move to the Big Apple. As a local, I get to experience the Big Apple from a unique perspective…38 places, 35 worth it · Sep 2026
- Rainy Day Activities in New York CityRainy days in New York City have a way of throwing a curveball into travel plans. Unpredictable weather can have you scrambling for a plan B. The…25 places, 23 worth it · Sep 2026
Bagels 2
- Bagels in New York CityI’ve probably spent more on bagels this year than most people spend on groceries. No shame. When you live in a city with this many options, you have…12 places, 12 worth it · Sep 2026
- Bagels & Lox in New York CityAsk any local about the best bagel and lox in New York City and raised voices are bound to follow. New Yorkers are a passionate bunch. All this to…7 places, 7 worth it · Sep 2026
Jazz and comedy 2
- Fail-Proof Comedy Clubs in New York CityOne of my favorite things about living in the Big Apple is having access to world-renowned comedy clubs in New York City, it feels like a classic…14 places, 13 worth it · Sep 2026
- Jazz Clubs in New York CityNew York City’s jazz history runs deep, with over a century of influential musicians gracing stages (from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis), the jazz…14 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
By cuisine 2
- Tasty Ramen Restaurants in New York CityI still remember the first time I had truly great ramen in New York City, it changed what I thought was possible. Since then, I’ve been on a mission…10 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
- The Best Greek Food in AstoriaAstoria ruined me for Greek food everywhere else, and I mean that as a compliment to Astoria and a genuine problem for me. I know that sounds…8 places, 8 worth it · Sep 2026
Coffee 2
- New York City CafesIncapable of playing second fiddle, New York City offers the best of everything and coffee is no exception.15 places, 15 worth it · Sep 2026
- Working Cafes in New York CityAs someone who’s called New York City home, I take my working cafes recommendations seriously. The places on this list aren’t just good, they’re the…15 places, 15 worth it · Sep 2026
Views 2
- Skyline Views of New York CityLike moths to a flame, millions of people visit NYC every year for a chance to see the epic New York City skyline for themselves. From the soaring…18 places, 15 worth it · Sep 2026
- All 5 Observation Decks in New York CityVisiting an observation deck in New York City is a must for first-time visitors. The city is full of skyscrapers, but the question I always get from…5 places, 5 worth it · Sep 2026
Bakeries 2
- Gluten-Free Bakeries in New York CityMy best friend has celiac disease, but that doesn’t stop her insatiable craving for baked goods. When she visited NYC last spring we went on a…10 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
- Delightful New York City BakeriesI’m a self-professed bakery enthusiasts. There’s nothing I enjoy more than seeking out local bakeries and acting surprised when I accidentally order…10 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
Christmas 1
Winter 1
Markets 1
Central Park 1
Cocktail bars and speakeasies 1
Happy hour 1
Ice cream 1
Burgers and hot dogs 1
Cheap eats 1
At night 1
Wine and whisky 1
Fall 1
Shows 1
Photo spots 1
Pools and beaches 1
More 6
- The 11 Best Neighborhoods to Explore in ManhattanVisiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best…Updated · Sep 2026
- Epic One Day in NYC ItineraryWelcome to the City that Never Sleeps, where every street corner tells a story and skyscrapers touch the clouds – New York! As a proud local, I'm…Updated · Sep 2026
- Places to Stay in New York CityAre you trying to figure out where to stay in New York City? You're in good hands. I've hosted a ton of family and friends over the years, giving me…Updated · Sep 2026
- Where to Shop in New York CityIf you're visiting the Big Apple with the intention of doing some shopping in New York City, you're in the right place. My name is Antonina and I'm a…Updated · Sep 2026
- Enchanting New York City QuotesIt's no secret that I absolutely adore New York City Let's dive in. After years of dreaming (and hard work!) I finally have the privilege of calling…Updated · Sep 2026
- Where to Eat Near the High LineAs a New Yorker who lived in the city for six years, I have walked the High Line more times than I can count. With out-of-town friends. On dates with…Updated · Jul 2026
