Ever wish you had a curated list of where to eat, drink, shop and play in New York City? We do too. In the city that never sleeps, there’s an endless array of things to see and do, which can feel overwhelming without a guide. That’s where ours comes in. The Big Apple is a playground for culture lovers, and our team has rounded up the very best—from restaurants and coffee shops to bars, hotels and activities. To make it even easier, we’ve mapped our City Edit out for you with bonus locations, available on Google Maps and Apple Maps. Put on your comfiest shoes, and let’s explore the city.
What To Eat
Balthazar
Call it cliché all you want, but Balthazar is a tried and true classic. From seafood towers to steak au poivre, it’s a chic and reliable choice.
Thai Diner
Thai Diner might just be our top pick of restaurants in all of the city—and that says a lot in a city filled with them. We like the Thai tea babka french toast, tom yom bisque, cheesesteak and pad see ew.
Tatiana by Kwame Onwuschi
This Afro-Caribbean-inspired Lincoln Center restaurant, Tatiana by Kwame Onwuschi, is the kind of place you book weeks in advance and leave raving about the oxtail dumplings for months on end.
Lucali
Lucali consistently has lines wrapped around the block, and they don’t take reservations. You might be wondering how that’s possible since “it’s just a pizza place,” but try it for yourself before you speak too soon.
Casino
Casino is one of our favorite restaurants in the city. It’s a chaotic-good energy in the heart of downtown, serving coastal Italian food. It’s a celebrity hotspot, so reservations are recommended.
Where To Get Coffee
Casetta
Owned by the same team behind Casino, Casetta is their coffee shop and wine bar with small bites.
Rhythm Zero
Rhythm Zero is a stunning cafe is with locations in Greenpoint and West Village with another in Williamsburg on its way. The interior design is what our aesthetic dreams are made of.
Cafe MSMN
A beautiful space filled with mcm furniture, Cafe MSMN is a lovely coffee shop in Greenpoint. If you’re a matcha connoisseur, this spot is for you.
Eat OffBeat at Atelier Jolie
Inside her store and art space called Atelier Jolie, Angelina Jolie has teamed up with Eat OffBeat—a food organization spotlighting home cooking by refugee chefs—to launch a café. Fun fact: the space used to be painter Jean-Michel Basquiat’s home and studio.
Caffè Reggio
Having been around since 1927, Caffè Reggio is a historic establishment. For example, movies like The Godfather II have been filmed there and John F. Kennedy even made a speech outside. Located in the Greenwich Village, the coffee shop is deeply beloved.
Where To Drink
Time Again
There’s always something going on at Time Again. With cocktails, natural wine and small plates, they frequently have pop-ups with small businesses, so follow them on Instagram to see what’s going on each week.
Russian Samovar
Russian Samovar is somewhat of an institution—an “if you know, you know.” Go there for infused vodka shots, borscht martinis, Russian food and live piano—pure, unfiltered energy.
Dirty French
For drinks, Dirty French at The Ludlow Hotel is incredible. With a French flair, it has a brasserie-inspired ambiance.
Bar Blondeau
The rooftop views at Bar Blondeau are some of the best in the city. They serve French-inspired food with a seafood-focused menu, and we love going for a glass of natural wine at sunset.
The Django
For a drink alongside jazz, you’ll love The Django inside of The Roxy hotel.
Where To Stay
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
You can find another stunning view of the Manhattan skyline at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. The saltwater pool on the rooftop is beyond.
The Ludlow Hotel
Right in the heart of the Lower East Side, it’s fun to stay at The Ludlow Hotel to be in the mix of it all. The best part? It’s walkable to a few of the restaurants, bars and shops on our list.
The Edition
The Edition offers a luxe experience with two prime locations—we recommend the one near Madison Square Park.
Fouquet’s
Designer Martin Brudnizki brings his signature pastel tones and Art Deco–inspired furniture to Fouquet’s. Dubbed ‘your Parisian abode in Tribeca,’ it’s the perfect place to indulge in elegance.
Hotel Chelsea
Hotel Chelsea is deeply rooted in New York City’s history, with a lineage of celebrity guests from Bob Dylan to Patti Smith. Its baroque interiors and uptown location make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a European getaway.
Where To Shop
Stéle
If you’re a fan of niche fragrances or looking to discover a new scent, Stéle is a true gem with an impeccable curation.
Fabulous Fanny’s
If you’re looking to step up your eyewear game, Fabulous Franny’s is the place to shop. The vintage eyewear and accessories store has a curation second to none.
Essx
Essx, a Lower East Side concept store, is a haven for designer and emerging labels. Shop their selection that includes Acne Studios, Ann Demeulemeester, Camper, Courrèges, Jean Paul Gaultier, Luar, Mowalola, Ottolinger and more.
Yan’s Antique Jewlery
For what feels like an infinite amount of treasures to sift through, Yan’s Antique Jewelry offers rare, vintage pieces—from watches to rings.
Lara Koleji
We liken Lara Koleji to the IRL and second-hand version of SSENSE. Their curation speaks for itself—if the piece is hanging on their racks, it should be in your closet as well.
What To Do
Russian & Turkish Baths
For a no-frills bathhouse experience, the Russian & Turkish Baths are a known go-to.
Winnie’s Bar
Into karaoke? Winnie’s is the only place you need to know.
McNally Jackson
We love going to McNally Jackson to browse. The independent bookstore is one of the best in the city, and hosts events to check out as well.
OJAS Listening Room at USM NY
Devon Turnbull’s OJAS Listening Room has been all over TikTok recently. Open to the public at the USM NY Showroom, guests must make an appointment for a listening session ahead of time.
The Roxy Cinema
The Roxy Cinema is one of our tops theaters for a night at the movies, thanks to its impeccable programming. Specializing in first-run indie films, rare archival prints and 35mm cult classics, it also regularly hosts Q&As with directors and actors.
