Ten Favorite Places in New York City

Looking back towards Manhattan from the Roosevelt Island Tram

After our graduation from UW-Madison, our friend Becky moved to New York City, and it’s been so fun to visit her each year. Though visiting Becky and her husband Pete are always the favorite highlight of any trip, there is so much to love in this city. Even after a dozen years of visiting, I certainly cannot claim any expertise over the best things to see, eat, drink, and experience, but I do have some favorites to share!

The view from the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on a November morning

The Museums

The quality and quantity of museums in NYC is unmatched. The Met never disappoints (make a stop on the rooftop if the weather is nice). I also love the new Whitney Museum of American Art, and can’t wait to visit the newly-renovated MOMA. The Tenement Museum in Lower East Side is also worth a visit, and the 20 minute video about New York’s history at the New York Historical Society is the perfect overview of the city.

2. Cobble Hill in Brooklyn

This was a charming Brooklyn neighborhood to walk around on a perfect October day. We admired the brownstones, stopped for wine and charcuterie at June, and visited the delightful Books Are Magic, which is owned by the author Emma Straub and has long been on my list of bookstores to visit.

The cutest little bookstore in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

3. The West Village

This is another neighborhood of beautiful brownstones to walk and gawk at, choosing the ones we “want” and imagining what our lives would be like if we lived there.

After one of our West Village walks, we stopped at Cafe Dante in Greenwich Village. This Italian bar/restaurant was named one of the World’s Best Bars. Their space is so pretty and we had delicious negronis at the bar.

4. The Roosevelt Island Tramway

You can use a standard MTA metro card to take this quick tram ride to Roosevelt Island. The views are worth the 4 bucks, even if you exit the tram only to immediately get in line to come right back.

5. Russ and Daughters

Russ and Daughters deli is on Houston St, but several years ago they opened a cafe a few blocks south (there is also a location at the Jewish Museum on the Upper East Side). Though the wait was long, it was worth it for the delicious bagels and lox, matzo ball soup, and cocktails. This would be great paired with a visit to the Tenement Museum.

6. A view of the city from above

It’s always fun to see a city from above. In New York, I’ve visited the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, and the Observation deck at 30 Rock. All are worthwhile. One World Observatory is the tallest, but I prefer the view from 30 Rock, with its views of Central Park on one side and the Empire State Building from another. It’s expensive, but I’d recommend doing it at least once.

7. Seeing stand-up comedy show

We love seeing stand-up while traveling, and New York is the perfect city to do so. Becky and Pete live near a dependable (and affordable) venue, The Comic Strip. On our most recent trip, we saw a show at the Comedy Cellar. It was more of a time and financial commitment, but it’s a well-regarded venue known for the celebrities who occasionally stop by.

Looking west across the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park

8. Central Park

It never gets old. Sheep Meadow is great, as is Gapstow Bridge (always reminds me of Home Alone 2) and the Mall, but no matter where you go, you’ll enjoy it!

9. The view of Manhattan from Brooklyn

Whether walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, exploring Greenpoint, taking the ferry from the Upper East Side, or soaking it in from Brooklyn Bridge Park, Manhattan’s skyline is another part of visiting the city that never gets old.

Beware, though, that the Brooklyn Bridge is a scene. Unless you are visiting quite early or late in the day, it will be crowded. Frustrated commuters on bikes, influencers, vendors, and hordes of tourists will all mix in this iconic place. On a sunny day, though, the walk is sill a worthwhile one; there’s a reason it’s so popular.

10. Our Favorite Cocktails, Wine and Beer

Grimm’s Artisanal Ales in Brooklyn- This brewery was perfect. It was a lively tasting room and all the beers we tried were great.
Dante in Greenwich Village- As I described above, the negronis and ambiance at this Italian bar were excellent
Estela in Soho- This was a perfect spot for dry Riesling and perfect burrata before we shopped in Soho
June in Cobble Hill- We had a nice wine and charcuterie board on the beautiful back patio at this cozy spot.
The Auction House on the Upper East Side- this the was the first place I’ve ever had a martini and the dark, moody lighting and vintage furniture was a perfect place for it
The White Horse Tavern in West Village- Drew loved this bar, one of the oldest continuously running in NYC. It has a classic pub interior and is known for some of its famous patrons, including Dylan Thomas