Swapping the pre-Christmas shopping mayhem for the tarmac, I recently spent a whirlwind five days sightseeing, shopping and eating bagels in NYC!
I have been dreaming about going to New York for as long as I can remember. The scene for so many a silver screen (and Gossip Girl) moment, the Big Apple is a mesmerising city, especially at Christmas time. Fairy lights sparkle everywhere you look, the stores have decadent and meticulously styled window displays, and the welcoming strains of Christmas carols greet you as you step inside off the chilly streets.
With only five days to explore, I was adamant I wanted to absorb as much as possible. The best way to tackle Manhattan is to focus on a different area or borough per day – it’s overwhelmingly huge and although in theory the grid-like structure of the streets seems simple, even if you’re pretty handy with directions like me, it may take a day or two to get your bearings. The good news is the subway is easy to use and you can get a Metro card that will take you anywhere for only $27 for a whole week.
My friend and I decided to kick off our week with the Sex and the City bus tour. Our host Staci took us on a trip down memory lane as we passed notable locations from the show and films, showing accompanying clips on the bus’s TV screens. We stopped to have a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery, visited trendy Asian fusion restaurant Buddakan (site of the rehearsal dinner in the first film), took a peek inside the Pleasure Chest (where Charlotte bought ‘the rabbit’) and had a Cosmo at Aidan’s bar. At a cost of $41 for three-and-a-half hours, I would highly recommend!
The snow may not have been falling while I was there, but there are plenty of ice rinks smattered throughout the city for you to get a winter wonderland fix. We chose the iconic Rockafeller Centre rink in midtown, overlooked by its towering Christmas tree. It can get a little crowded but if you’re happy just taking it easy and absorbing the atmosphere like me, it’s lots of fun and will bring a smile to kids and big kids alike.
While staying in midtown I also took the opportunity to see Central Park from a horse and carriage ride and lined up at the TKTS booth in Times Square to score tickets to West Side Story at 50 per cent off! Tip: Get there early and check the screens to make sure the show you want has tickets available that day. You will never find Wicked or The Lion King on the screen - they’re far too popular and have no need to discount!
Times Square is an assault to the senses – towering buildings splashed with bold flashing neon lights as far as the eye can see. It’s impressive and you’ll surely spend at least one night here if you want to catch a Broadway show but venture further out for post-show dinner and drinks… the less touristy spots are so much cooler and the sidewalks much less crowded.
It wouldn’t be a visit to New York without spending a dedicated couple of days hitting the shops! Basing ourselves on the Lower East Side, I wandered and checked out the big chains and one-off boutiques throughout Greenwich Village, Soho, Noho and The West Village. I am completely envious of the local’s close proximity to these fab finds on a daily basis. I splurged on a Marc Jacobs wallet from the Bleeker Street accessories store and am absolutely in love with my purchase!
Yes, it was freezing, but oh my it was magical! I’m already planning my next trip!
Not just a place to rest your weary head…
The New York Palace
455 Madison Avenue (Midtown)
The only thing I was left wanting for at this amazing hotel was more time! The Palace plays a major recurring role in Gossip Girl as Bart Bass’s hotel, and the location for memorable moments such as Dan and Serena’s first meeting, Bart and Lily’s wedding reception and Jenny’s controversial fashion show. Its impressive façade (the late nineteenth century Villard Mansion) is even more beautiful at Christmas time with its sparkling courtyard leading into the sprawling lobby, dripping with chandeliers.
Relaunched in August 2010, The Towers at The New York Palace is a “hotel within a hotel”, housing luxurious one, two and three bedroom apartments. Think sumptuous bed linen, spacious living areas, impeccable service and exclusive access to the Towers Club, which provides complimentary breakfast, light lunch, evening cocktails and canapés as well as WiFi and iPads available for guest’s use. It’s the perfect New York experience!
Hotel on Rivington
107 Rivington St (Lower East Side)
This trendy boutique hotel is in a perfect position for shopping, eating and drinking on the Lower East Side. With an amazing candy shop directly across the road, cupcakes from Sugar Sweet Sunshine just a block away, and a Steve Madden shoe sale on the corner, what more could a girl ask for? The rooms are compact but functional, and the best part is the ceiling-to-floor glass that allows you to look out over the area, even from the shower!
Food, glorious food! Places you’ll definitely want to visit…
Sugar Sweet Sunshine
126 Rivington St (Lower East Side)
Divine freshly baked cupcakes with moorish frosting – and only $1.50 each! Sadly I only had time to sample one on this trip (red velvet) but oh how I wish this shop were in my local neighbourhood. Thanks for the tip off, Gala Darling!
Café Habana
17 Prince St (Soho)
I tracked this café down on my Soho shopping day on the recommendation from a friend of the “best corn ever” and somehow ended up not ordering corn. But my pulled pork sandwich served with fries and jalapenos was super tasty and I loved having my meal at the bar surrounded by the hustle and bustle of this corner café.
Southern Hospitality BBQ
1460 Second Ave (Upper East Side)
Justin Timberlake’s good ol’ home-cookin’ style BBQ restaurant is a cosy and comfortable spot for some delicious comfort food and $10 frozen margaritas (coconut was my fave). With dishes such as mac and cheese, ribs, burgers and southern fried chicken, you won’t leave here feeling hungry.
Pastis
9 Ninth Avenue (Meatpacking district)
Ah, Pastis! Carrie and the girls were big fans of this French bistro and I am most definitely with them. Their brunch menu is to die for and the wait staff could not be faulted. Fill up with a delicious eggs benedict or ham and cheese croissant, freshly baked from their own bakery (and other hot spot) Balthazar, then explore this trendy area’s fab boutiques and cobblestone streets.
What's your favourite thing about NYC? Leave a comment and share your wisdom!
Celeste x
What's your favourite thing about NYC? Leave a comment and share your wisdom!
Celeste x
