best things to do in NYC!

there's nowhere in the world like New York City.

every single time i've visited i left feeling energized, 

inspired and full of amazing new memories.

here is the list of my favorite things to do in NYC

Classic Sight Seeing

1. Times Square

must go at night (also fun during day)

2. ice skating during winter 

either at rockafeller center or central park - there is also a rink at bryant park

3. see a broadway show

you can get great/cheap tickets day of - just go to the box office to ask

4. 30 Rock OR Empire State Building

both have great top of the city views - but you only need to do one (not both) 

some people do 30 rock so you can see the empire state building

5. Central Park

you can pop into the park from any direction, 

but one nice way to do it is to take the subway to the north end 

of the park and then walk down - it gives you the full view of everything.

6. 9-11 Memorial

(you'll want get tickets ahead of time online)

i wouldn't put this at the top of the list, unless you are really interested. 

BUT, it is a powerful experience and one that you need to see eventually.

7. Grand Central Station

one of my favorite buildings!!! 

great just to walk through - there is a really cool bar called 'Campbell's Apartment'

also search for the 'whispering corner'

8. Brooklyn Bridge

visit while in the financial district - really pretty to walk across (especially at sunset!)

if you get across, the brooklyn bridge park is really pretty too!

9. Statue of Liberty

never been all the way out to it - heard it's a trek, long lines, etc.

BUT if you are near brooklyn bridge you can walk down 
to the park and see the statue from Manhattan.

Bonus Site Seeing

10. The Plaza

definitely a must just to walk through 
(right by the entrance to central park)

11. The Hi-Line

LOVE the hi-line - it's like an elevated walking path/park thing. 

i would take the subway to the south end and then walk it all the way back into the city. 

pretty at night - but better during daytime or dusk

12. Gotham West Market

Treats

1. Magnolia Cupcake

classic NY cupcake shop 

(they claim they started the cupcake craze 10 years ago, 

but Sprinkles in LA claims the same thing) 

right next to 30 rock

2. Laduree - for the best macarons! :) 

this is on the east side of central park (just in case you're walking in that hood)

Restaurants/Bars

1. Rainbow Room

2. Lantern's Keep

3. The Nomad

4. Eataly

LOVE this place - it's a little market with restaurants in it.

definitely worth a visit.

5. The Little Owl 

my fave restaurant i went to in NYC 

(right near the friends & sex & the city apartments)

6. Babbo

super popular.

good for a celebration dinner of sorts.

7. Met's Rooftop
from may-october, the Metropolitan Museum of Art features an amazing exhibit on it's rooftop.
go to back of museum, take elevator up, have cocktails while looking over central park!

8. Sky Terrace at Hudson

Neighborhoods

Upper East Side - so stinking pretty!

what did i miss? 
what would YOU add to the list of your favorite things to do in NYC? 
i would love to hear! :)