A few years ago I fulfilled one of my dreams: spending a summer in New York City. Not as a tourist, but as a local. I enrolled in a screenwriting course at NYFA, writing a screenplay from scratch, and what followed was one of the most exciting and surreal summers of my life.

New York, for me, became a city of little rituals. Walking endlessly, going out constantly, and somehow always finding something cool tucked into a corner I hadn’t noticed before. Most of my time was split between school and everything I managed to squeeze in around it — which meant a lot of spontaneous plans, solo dates, going out with a girlfriend, drinking wine, eating dessert, and following my mood more than any itinerary.

I’ve since gone back a couple of times and slowly started compiling a list that I should have shared sooner. But hey, better late than never! I’m sure there will be another NYC guide at some point because that city keeps choosing me and I keep going back for more.

This isn’t a perfect guide to NYC. It’s just a collection of places I kept going back to, things I loved, and moments that made the city feel like mine.

What I Ate in NYC

Joe’s Pizza — The most classic New York slice I had and exactly what I wanted after walking all day.

Magnolia Bakery — Touristy, but the banana pudding had me going back again and again. It lives up to the hype.

Paris Baguette — I kept finding this bakery no matter what part of the city I was in. I went back again and again for their jalapeño cheddar croissant — the perfect savoury breakfast or snack. I even took my cousins here when they came to visit.

Ladurée — one of my absolute favourites and honestly a non-negotiable stop in New York. The macarons are as good as everyone says they are, and the whole experience feels so indulgent and Parisian in the middle of the city. The kind of place that just makes you happy the second you walk in.

Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery — We stumbled upon this place on a stroll after dinner and decided to stop for wine and dessert. Their pistachio croissant was so good, even for someone who rarely has a sweet tooth.

Ralph’s Coffee (Madison Ave) — This place is the definition of chic. I usually stopped by the one on Madison Ave after wandering around the Upper East Side. It’s exactly what you’d imagine a Ralph Lauren café to be: sophisticated, and very “Old Money” New York. Even if you’re just grabbing a quick latte, it feels like a whole experience. Definitely a spot where you want to dress up a little just for the coffee run.

Juliana’s Pizza (Brooklyn) — New York is full of pizza, so it’s hard to say what’s best, but Juliana’s was definitely one of my favorites and a must-try. We waited in line to get seated and it was worth every bite!!! The pizza came out literally steaming hot from the oven with a thin crispy crust and fresh mozzarella melting into the sauce. Perfect touch.

Da Nico — I stumbled onto this little jewel-box Italian restaurant in the heart of Little Italy during a festival. It’s family-owned and full of charm. The Caesar salad was crisp and fresh, the pasta was mouthwatering, and they brought us zeppole on the house after our meal…such a thoughtful touch.

The Bao — We went here for a quick munchie craving since it was right across the street from where we were staying. My friend and I ordered a bunch of food, but the vegetarian dan dan noodles were definitely the winner of the night.

Lin & Daughters (West Village)— Some of the best Asian food I’ve had outside of Asia. This place is tiny but packed with flavor. We loved everything so much we were almost speechless. I still think about the crispy vegetarian dumplings and the dan dan noodles. The quality and authenticity blew me away.

Cafe Habana — We stopped here on a casual morning stroll while doing some shopping and decided to grab a light breakfast. I tried the tacos with rice and beans and it took me straight to the streets of Cuba. It’s that good.

Parm (Upper West Side) — A terrific spot for classic comfort food. I ordered the vodka rigatoni with Italian fries on the side and I was in heaven. Cannot recommend this enough.

TAO Uptown — I stumbled upon this place after an intense study session at a nearby library. Even though I went solo, this would be a great date-night spot. The restaurant is stunning and the vibes are immaculate. I had an appetizer and a cocktail, both great. I’d love to come back here on a date or with a group.

Khaosan (Brooklyn)— I found this on a day when I was craving spicy Thai food and it hit the spot!! I fell in love with their drunken noodles, and after eating them here the bar is definitely higher now. Don’t settle: not for noodles or men.

LTD Pizza — From the first bite, I knew this place was special. The crust was perfectly crisp on the outside but soft and chewy inside, just the way it should be. The sauce was rich without overpowering, and the cheese melted perfectly. It’s a true hole-in-the-wall spot, but I promise the pizza is absolutely worth it.

Zaza — Super impressed with their pancakes, and that’s coming from a breakfast diva. Definitely a must-go for breakfast in NYC.

Clark’s Diner (Brooklyn) — I became a brunch regular at this spot. Their waffles, pancakes, and hash browns always hit the spot. I think this is one of the places I went to the most during my stay in NYC, and it really became my place.

Mia’s Bakery — One of the best pumpkin pies I’ve had in my life. It was so good that I still get random cravings for it on a Tuesday…years later. I even have a picture of the slice on my phone. I genuinely cannot put into words what that pumpkin pie did to me.

Bevacco (Brooklyn) — Found this place totally by accident while looking for dinner. The vibe pulled me in, and I’m so glad it did. One of those rare random finds that actually lives up to the hype. It’s officially on my Brooklyn favorites list.

Oscar Wilde — Walking into this place feels like stepping straight into a Victorian dream: lavish, theatrical, and unforgettable. Every time I went, it was decorated for the season or a holiday, which made it feel even more special. It’s one of those rare spots where the atmosphere alone is worth the visit, but the food and drinks hold their own. I’ve been recommending it to everyone I know visiting NYC.

IT Italian Trattoria — I spotted this place while passing by. The food in the window looked too good to ignore. I stepped in for some pasta and fries and it was so good. There’s no shortage of exceptional Italian food in NYC, but this definitely deserves a spot on your list.

Pepe Rosso — A friend who lived in the city for years recommended this place, and it did not disappoint. Their penne arrabbiata is to die for. You’ll definitely find yourself going back.

Trattoria Bianca — Another Italian spot to die for. Honestly, NYC might be the best place to feed an Italian food obsession. I don’t even remember exactly what I ordered here, but I remember loving every bite especially the Caesar salad, which was so fresh and crisp.

Pasta Eater — I tried the penne vodka and oh my, it literally tasted like it was cooked with love and hugs. Absolutely chef’s kiss. A high-quality hidden gem I’d highly recommend.

Serafina — Came here for small bites and it did not disappoint. Would definitely go back for a proper dinner.

Lamonte — Stumbled upon this place while strolling around the neighbourhood — stopped in for a cocktail and fries!! The music and atmosphere were really vibey.

Little Ruby’s — Recommended by a friend born and raised in NYC, of course I had to try it. I ordered the spicy vodka pasta: super creamy, fresh, and hauntingly delicious. Must recommended!!

Balthazar — Went here for cocktails with a friend and it ended up being one of my favorite spots for it. It does get pretty crowded, so it’s best to get a reservation.

Where I Shopped

Shopping in New York feels like a sport — there’s always something to discover if you’re willing to walk a little more. If there’s anything I did in NYC besides eating, it was shopping…the two really went hand in hand. I found myself drawn to vintage, thrift, and consignment stores, and local Sunday markets where you’d stumble upon those once-in-a-lifetime pieces. There’s something so special about finding a rare vintage piece that adds real personality to a wardrobe, and New York has no shortage of places to look. These are the spots I explored and couldn’t stop thinking about.

Le Grand Strip — one of those places where you feel like you might find something really special if you take your time.

Michael’s Luxury Consignment — perfect if you’re in the mood to browse high-end pieces without the full commitment.

Housing Works Thrift Shops (West Village) — a classic for a reason, you really have to dig but it’s always worth it.

Monk Vintage — racks and racks of vintage, a bit chaotic in the best way.

The Niche Shop — a small but well-curated spot where everything felt thoughtfully picked.

Malin Landaeus — one of those stores where the pieces feel more like finds than just clothes.

Awoke Vintage — always ended up finding something here… one of those stores you keep going back into.

DUMBO Market (Sundays) — such a fun weekend activity, full of random, one-of-a-kind finds. It operates every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m under the DUMBO Archway (80 Pearl St). You’re welcome!!!

John Fluevog — bought one of the best pink shoes with cute flowers here. Honestly, all of their shoes felt like statement pieces I wanted in my closet.

🎨 Art, Museums & Slow Afternoons

If you know me, you know there’s nothing I love more than an art date. Wandering through museums and galleries, taking my time, and just soaking it all in. And, NYC is the perfect place for that. Most of my after-school plans ended up being solo art dates, and honestly, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Here are some of my favourites…

MoMA — one of those places where you can just keep walking and discovering something new in every room. Also, don’t skip their café. The food was honestly splendid, especially the tomato soup with garlic toast.

The Met Museum — I went back here multiple times. You really can’t do it all in one day without feeling completely overstimulated, and every visit felt different.

Eden Gallery (SoHo) — a nice change of pace, smaller and more intimate but still really engaging.

Candlelight Concerts– If you want to feel like you’re starring in your own movie, you have to go to one of these. I went for the Beethoven tribute, and honestly, sitting in a historic church illuminated by thousands of flickering candles while listening to those classics was absolutely magical. It’s a core memory for me now. The atmosphere is so intimate and serene; it’s the perfect way to actually slow down and just feel the music. It is a total vibe and a 10/10 recommendation for a solo “me-time” date or a romantic evening.

A Night on Broadway– Moulin Rouge was genuinely one of the highlights of the whole trip. I also went to see The Lion King which was spectacular in its own right, but Moulin Rouge just had this electric energy that I couldn’t stop thinking about after…the costumes, the music, the performances. There is something about watching a Broadway show live in New York that just hits differently. It felt like the whole city came alive inside that theatre. Do not leave NYC without catching at least one show, you will not regret it.

📚 Bookstores

Argosy Book Store — stumbled across this on the way to the park and just had to walk in. The academia vibes are immaculate, old books, artwork and records filling every corner. It even has that old book smell that just adds to the whole experience. There’s a table to sit and read like you’re in a library, but it’s a bookshop. One of those places you don’t plan to find but are so glad you did.

The Drama Bookshop — I was not expecting The Drama Bookshop to be as beautiful as it is inside. The interior alone is stunning and unlike any bookstore I’ve ever been in. It’s an absolute must for theatre lovers. They offer an incredible selection of scripts and specialty merch that you won’t find anywhere else. But honestly even if theatre isn’t your thing, it’s worth visiting just for the experience. And if you’re a local, they host so many free events so there’s really no excuse not to go.

🎬 Little New York Moments

One of my favorite things I did was watching old Hollywood movies outdoors in the park. There are so many Instagram pages that post summer movie schedules happening all over the city. We watched Psycho, and honestly, it was one of my favorite movie watching experiences. I really wish I got to watch more because the selection was so good, but school and homework kept me busy. Still, this is one of those experiences you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Beyond that, some of my favorite moments in New York were the simplest ones. The kind that don’t always make it onto an itinerary.

• Long walks around the city, especially slow Sunday walks by the Brooklyn waterfront with the bridge in view.
• Watching sunsets near the Brooklyn Bridge, something about the way the light hits the water just makes everything feel a little more magical.
• A proper girlie picnic in Central Park with a friend. We came fully prepared: a vintage film camera, books, cherries, and pastries from Magnolia Bakery. Found a sunny spot on the grass and just stayed there for hours. One of those afternoons you genuinely don’t want to end..
• A spontaneous stand up comedy night with a friend, such a fun way to end the day. We had no plans and just stumbled into it. Sometimes the best NYC nights are the ones you never planned.

All in all, just make the most of your time there and really soak in the energy of the city. It’s something you can’t quite explain, only experience.

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New York is one of those cities that gives you something different every time you’re there. You could plan everything or nothing at all and still have the best time.

For me, it was never just about the places, it was the feeling of being there. The long walks, the random finds, the meals that turned into memories. And I think that’s the best way to experience it. Just go, be curious, and let the city surprise you.

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Been to NYC or planning a trip? Drop your favourite spots in the comments… I always love a good recommendation! And if this guide helped you, share it with someone who needs it. 🗽

P.S. If you enjoyed this, you might also like- a day at one of my favourite exhibits & a beachy travel guide.

xo

Yachna