New York for Christmas
We did Christmas in New York perfectly (minus some family drama bull shit). But actually though. I even surprised myself with my planning skills on this five day trip to the big apple if I’m being honest.
New York really is the best city in America in a lot of ways. It has a little bit of everything to offer, so here’s how to thrive in the city.
Where to get a bagel after your red-eye flight: Ess-a-bagel
This is a popular New York bagel shop with a couple locations around the city. It was the first thing we did when we arrived because we figured we had to dive right into the culture with a proper bagel sandwich, and Ess-a-bagel delivers. There are dozens of options and hundreds of combinations to suit your fancy.
Where to take advantage of the early morning lack of crowds: Hudson Yards
This is a new development that has become the Instagram epicenter of a city full of photogenic spots. The Vessel is the star of the show here, a massive, honey-comb shaped sculpture that you can walk up and down. Make a reservation (free of charge) and get a little workout in while taking spectacular photos and taking in the great views. There is also a spectacular observation deck, a huge mall, and several interesting architecture projects in this area.
Where to walk on a train line: The Highline
You can go from the Hudson Yards straight onto the high line and enjoy a stroll on this train-line-turned-into-public-park all the way down to Chelsea. It’s a great example of repurposed architecture, and you really have to walk down it on any visit to the city. It is best enjoyed when it isn’t 30 degrees and vendors line the park selling juices and snacks and burgers and whatnot, but nonetheless, the views, gardens, and artwork throughout the walk are completely worth it.
Where to have Starbucks: Starbucks Reserve Roastery
This is one of the cooler Starbucks I have ever been to. It’s absolutely massive, and the drink options are basically endless (I had some Whiskey Barrel Aged Cold Brew coffee from Guatemala for $12 and it was worth every cent). So if you HAVE to get your Starbucks fix in, do so here. Plus, its in a great part of town so it serves as a good starting off point.
Where to have some Thai food (and Vietnamese and Mexican and Chinese and Southern and … you get the point): Chelsea Market
Stroll through this place and stumble upon dozens of awesome stores and restaurants. We honestly had a hard time figuring out what we wanted to eat because there was just so many options! Definitely a place you have to stop by at, especially during the holiday season to get inside a warm place with cute decorations and seemingly endless choices.
Where to get French style tapas with your local cousin: Buvette
This place is located in the charming West Village and serves great French-inspired food in a quaint setting. Be warned though, quaint is great, but it IS very tight. Which also means that you’ll need a reservation for this place or be prepared to wait for an hour or so for a table to open up. Regardless, this place had great food, and the small size of the restaurant coupled with a few glasses of wine made for a lively and entertaining evening.
Where to have an Italian lunch under beautiful flowers: SERRA by Birreria
Located on the rooftop of the spectacular Eataly, this place is an absolute must. Make your reservation well in advance and enjoy some burrata cheese to go along with absolutely fire Insta stories.
Where to have some spiked Hot Chocolate while overlooking the city in a clear bubble: 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
I recognize the length of this title here, but it really is a pretty unique place. I think you have to reserve a spot in the igloo-inspired clear bubbles, but they provide a beautiful foreground to go along with the Empire State Building causally dominating the background of the New York skyline. Highly recommend stopping by here for a bit.
Where to go to a Christmas Market: Bryant Park
This is probably the best, although there are other options around the city depending on where you’re located. You can buy basically any holiday-themed trinket from this place, plus you can ice-skate and have a cup of coffee and people watch for hours (and trust me, there is a LOT of people to be watched, as Bryant Park was PACKED when we were there).
Where to go shopping: SOHO
This is the best part of the city to go shopping. Basically every street around the Apple Soho in every direction is filled with a glorious combination of high-end fashion and low key boutiques. I’m not a big shopping guy, but this part of town is definitely a place that can make any guy want to do some shopping.
Where to go to get an Insta and have some bomb food: DUMBO
First and foremost, you gotta take a picture of the Empire State through the Brooklyn Bridge at the intersection of Washington and Water. Then, have your choice of dozens of options at the Timeout Market, and finish it off with a drink at The 1 Hotel Brooklyn.
Where to take a subway in the coolest transportation center you’ve ever been in: World Trade Center Station
Known as the world’s most expensive train station, this Santiago Calatrava designed masterpiece is an gem in the city. It’s down by the World Trade Center, and you really can’t miss it when you’re in the area. The photos don’t do this place justice (even though they’re sick).
Where to have some pizza with views of the Empire State Building: Refinery Rooftop
This is a very well designed bar located underneath the Empire State Building. Bricks and cobblestone add to the vibe of the bar, and the pizza here is fire. Highly recommend.
Where to get bagels when the line at Katz is too long: Russ and Daughters
When I say the line at Katz’s was long, I mean like around the block and back again type long. And we had a flight to catch, so we decided to go down one block and get another bagel instead. The wait was also long, but a little bit more reasonable, and totally worth it. But, with that said, if you can go to Katz’s and the line isn’t too long, go there.
We also went to the MET one day, which I highly recommend. This photo is Egyptian ruins that now sit inside this beautiful building in the middle of Central Park.