The Ultimate New York City Guide

• Financial District: Home to the infamous Wall Street, America’s financial hub has a lot of attractions. This includes the Charging Bull and the Fearless Girl statues, Battery Park and you could even include the Statue of Liberty in this area. The district is also where the 9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center are located, which is a moving tribute to the historical event.

• SoHo/NoHo/Nolita: These three neighborhoods are where you’ll find the famous fires escape stairs architecture. Wander around the area and take in the distinct buildings. This is also home to NYU’s Washington Square campus which encompasses Washington Square park, as green space bursting with life. SoHo is also home to some of the best shopping in New York, so make sure you reserve some time to browse.

• West Village/Chelsea/Hudson Yards: Starting off in the West Village, here is where you’ll find the iconic Friends apartment building, as well as Cornelia Street for all you Swifties! Further north is Chelsea Market, home to loads of local and global eateries. This is also where the High Line begins, leading you to Hudson Yards. This new flashy district is where the Vessel structure is and the EDGE observation deck.

• Midtown: This area is where you will find all the main tourist attractions. This includes Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observatory and Grand Central Station. Midtown is also home to the famous Broadway, so be sure to catch one of the amazing theater productions on offer. This is also where Ellen’s Stardust Diner is, a musical theater lover's paradise where the waiters sing while serving. MoMA is also located here, so be sure to stop by and see some of the best pieces from all over the world, including Starry Night by Van Gogh.

• Upper West Side/Upper East Side: The city’s two northern neighborhoods that are separated by Central Park also have a variety of things to explore. Starting with the East Side, the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art, more commonly known as "The Met," is located here. While further up on the West Side is where Ivy League Columbia University is located. Its suburban campus is peaceful and makes you forget that you're in the city that never sleeps.

• Brooklyn/Williamsburg: The hip and more laid-back neighborhood that is separated from Manhattan by the East River is a popular place to visit. Start by traveling across the Brooklyn Bridge and then head to some of the best thrift shops in New York in Williamsburg, such as Beacon’s Closet and Mother of Junk. Don’t forget to visit Dumbo and take in some of the best views of Manhattan.

Restaurants/Bars:

• Sveta: A flowery oasis with delicious hearty meals in the West Village. This Ukrainian restaurant also has a variety of quirky cocktails, such as the Dove of Ukraine, which is served in a bird-shaped glass with cotton candy.

• Cipriani: A wholesome Italian restaurant with various locations across the city. Traditionally designed serving classic pasta dishes, this celebrity hot spot should be top of your list.

• Tavern on the Green: Nestled inside Central Park, this iconic restaurant has been featured in multiple films and its food lives up to the buzz. Its hearty menu is fitting to its surroundings and I would especially recommend the birthday cake slice for dessert.

• La Pecora Bianca: A modern chain of Italian restaurants that is popular with the locals. Serves simple dishes in a nicely designed space that is always full of energy.

• ONE DINE at One World: Indulge in classic American dishes stories above the city in the new World Trade Center. They offer dining packages that are great value for money, so sit back and take in the scenery.

• Mercado Little Spain: Located in New York’s hip new Hudson Yards district, this restaurant is comprised of various stalls offering traditional dishes from all over Spain. You can walk around and order things to take away or grab a table and take in the atmosphere.

• The Fulton by Jean-Georges: Situated on the East River overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge, this Pier 17 restaurant exudes class and elegance. Specializing in seafood, there is great variety on the menu so there is something for everyone.

• Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar: Inside the Conrad Downtown Hotel on the Hudson River, this rooftop bar offers what they call "poptails": an alcoholic ice pop served in a fizzy beverage of choice. Its unique signature drink alongside its incredible views of Jersey City are not to be missed.

• Ploume Bar: Hidden underground in The Ivory Peacock in the NOMAD district, this secret bar has an exclusive feel to it. This sexy space offers flavorsome cocktails with fitting music to complete the experience.

• Mr Purple: 16 floors up at Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, this bar is extremely popular for drinks with a view. The queue outside the entrance speaks volumes to its exclusivity.

Cafes/Brunch

• Good Thanks Cafe: A chill cafe on the Lower East Side with a great brunch menu and coffee. A great place to start your day.

• The Butchers Daughter: A popular vegetarian cafe with various locations across the city. Designed with light green walls and surrounded in plants, it brings a refreshing feel to New York.

• Jack’s Wife Freida: A homely and cozy brunch destination with great dishes with multiple locations. Perfect combination of tradition and modernity.

• Sonnyboy: An Australian-inspired cafe that serves great food. Vibrant but a calm environment, there is something for everyone.

• Maman: A New York staple that everyone loves. Its blue and white decor is encompassed with flora and fauna; you haven’t visited New York if you haven’t been to Maman.

Grab and Go

• Joe’s Pizza: Known as the best pizza in New York, it certainly deserves the title. It is a must-try for tourists, but it's super popular with the locals as well. There is no better place to grab a New York slice.

• Playa Bowls: An acai bowl paradise brings tropical flavors to the city. They have multiple bases and options on the menu, but you can also choose your own toppings. Be sure to get a sweet cream cold brew to complete the experience.

• Black Seed Bagel: Bagels are also a classic New Yorker meal and Black Seed is a great place to grab one. They have multiple locations and many items on the menu, or feel free to build your own.

• Joe and the Juice: Even though this chain was established in Denmark, it has solidified its status as a New York staple. A variety of juices, sandwiches and great coffee, it brings Scandinavia to New York.

• 7th Street Burger: You can’t go anywhere in the States without grabbing a burger, and 7th Street is the place to do it in New York. It is simply fast food at its best.

• Magnolia Bakery: For all you people with a sweet tooth, this is the one for you. It offers an array of cupcakes, as well as made-to-order cakes and its world-famous banana pudding.