Top 10 Things To Do In New York City

Took a mini trip to NYC and sharing my top ten places!

1. Times Square

WOW.  Time Square is spectacular!  It’s nothing like I’ve ever seen before.  It’s alive and invigorating.

2. Brooklyn Bridge

This is definitely a must.  It’s such a nice walk across the bridge and there are views everywhere.  We went on a very hot/humid day which was not a great situation for me.  I don’t do well in intense humidity.  LOL  I would recommend going during sunrise or sunset.  The lighting is supposed to be magical.

3. Grand Central Station

My dress: Betsey Johnson (size XS) | Sandals: Target

If you need a break from the heat and sun, this is great place to walk around, shop and get a small bite to eat (and obviously do a few twirls). 🙂

4. Little Italy

We went to Little Italy several times.  Our favorite restaurant was Il Cortile.  The back of the restuarant is absolutely gorgeous but hard to get into without a reservation.  Super romantic and the food is delicious. We are huge fans of The Sopranos and I usually don’t care about TV shows or celebrities but we got to eat at the same table where James Gandolfini used to frequent.  We thought it was pretty awesome.  Would definitely recommend this restaurant!

5. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

This is not a great photo because the humidity got the best of me and I didn’t have any energy left to snap off any more pics. From what I’ve read and seen online, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is best during Spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.  I told my husband that we have to come back so I can see all the pink trees.

6. Central Park

I had no idea Central Park was so big.  Make sure you wear comfy shoes!  I must have walked a million miles that day.  I liked the Bow Bridge the best.  This park would be AMAZING during Fall.

7. Empire State Building

Dress: House of Harlow (size XS) | Sandals: Target (so comfy and wore them everyday walking)

By far one of my favorite spots.  I’m all about the views and you literally are on top of NYC.  You can see everything for miles and miles.  It’s spectacular!

8. Tea at the Plaza

Unfortunately we weren’t able to get reservations but the Fairmont hotel is beautiful and was totally worth checking out.  It’s definitely something I would go back to do.  If you have kids, there is tea for kids called Eloise at the Plaza which was held downstairs in a separate area from adults but apparently they closed it. 🙁 Hopefully they will re-open because it sounds amazing.  As of now, all reservations are in the main restaurant.

9. Statue of Liberty

We took a boat ride and it was so much fun.  You get to see everything including the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.  Loved it and would recommend.

10. WTC (World Trade Center)

This was very hard to see.  Incredibly heartbreaking.  Surreal.  I honestly have no words.  Just so sad. 🙁

I have always wanted to go to NYC but never really had a reason to go.  Mr. Right had to go on a business trip and invited us to tag along to see his hometown (yes he’s a New Yorker).  🙂 Since Milan was with her grandparents, I was only able to take Meadow.  I wanted to give Milan the opportunity to spend as much time as possible with her grandparents before she starts Summer camp.  It was a bummer she didn’t get to come with us but there’s always next time.  All of Mr. Right’s Italian family are from New York so I know we will be back!

NYC was an amazing experience.  I was a little nervous taking Meadow because she’s so active and it’s hard to get her to sit still but she did fantastic!  She slept like a champ at night (11-12 hours straight).  I have her on a  pretty tight schedule at home so wasn’t sure how she would handle being off track.  Luckily she did great.  I think she enjoyed the hustle and bustle just like her dada.  Haha It wasn’t easy traveling to a busy city with an almost 2 year old.  I brought tons of snacks with us everywhere we went and made sure she was hydrated at all times.  No matter how prepared you are, toddlers are toddlers and tantrums/meltdowns are to be expected.

I am so grateful we had this opportunity to make all these new memories.  New York City is exciting, overwhelming, exhausting, romantic, exhilarating, magical and sexy.  There is just something so special about it that you can’t really articulate.  There’s no other city like it! We went to a bunch of other places like Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park and a few other places that I can’t think off the top of my head because I am SO TIRED.

On a side note, I’ve always heard that New Yorkers are rude but I did not experience this at all.  Everyone was super nice, friendly and helpful.  We can’t wait to go back!