Lost in New York City: My Weekend Recap

I just got back from a brief trip to New York City and it was just what I needed after not being able to leave Canada for so long. I love New York and throughout my life, I frequently visited the big apple. At one point, it almost became a second home when my boyfriend at the time lived in the city for school and I often found myself visiting almost every weekend. I soon became familiar with the neighborhoods, the nooks, crannies, and all of the amazing things the city has to offer. There is something for everyone in New York.

The purpose for the trip was my annual sibling’s trip. A few years ago, my siblings and I made a pact that we would go on a yearly adventure together in a way to cultivate our relationships. You can read about the 5 things i’ve learned about our annual trips here.

It is impossible to do a blog post about ‘the best places to visit in NYC’ because truth be told, there are too many places and it all depends on your taste. With that said, here is a recap on the highlights from my trip.

Traveling During Covid-19
Traveling during covid was not as bad as I thought it would be. The main things to consider are ensuring you have your proof of vaccination and a negative covid antigen or PCR test taken within 72 hours (or 3 days) of traveling to New York. I got my test done at Shoppers Drug Mart for $40 and it was an easy process. You simply call them and book an appointment. In New York, negative tests are also required within 72 hours of your flight back to Canada. Luckily, they are 100% free and there are covid pop up tents and vans spread throughout the city that provide the tests. Again, it was a super easy process.

Stay

If you know me, you know that I’m a sucker for a good Airbnb. There’s just something about them that makes me feel like a local and allows me to experience the city as If I lived there. I found this nice gem in Brooklyn and I fell in love with the street lined with brownstones and limestones with large stoops that New York is known for. The apartment was nice and cozy and our host Shelley was super attentive and welcoming. I felt like a true New Yorker coming in and out of the apartment.

Beautiful limestone building on a Brownstone lined street in Brooklyn

Living room with the comfiest couch and day bed!

Activities

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a new observatory in NYC that features unparalleled views of the New York City skyline, but that only scratches the surface. Picture this: mirrored floors and ceilings that reflect off each other creating a truly unique and immersive experience. Each room offers a different experience and I almost felt like I was in an art exhibit in an alternate universe. There are so many creative ways to take photos.
Tips: I recommend getting tickets for 9:00 AM in the morning and arriving early in order to be one of the first into the space. I did this and it allowed for great photos without anyone in them and it really allows you to experience it on another level. Otherwise, I hear the sunset is also stunning if you visit on the right day. Regardless, there are so many spots to take photos, that even if it’s busy, you are bound to get great photos!
Cost: $39 - $59 (depending on the experience and time you choose).

Stroll Through Central Park
I never go to New York without taking a stroll through Central Park. It’s a beautiful park in the middle of the city and the perfect little escape from the hustle and bustle. New York can be a bit overwhelming at times, so popping into nature is a nice way to catch your breath. During my visit it was peak fall season so the colours were vibrant. The air was crisp and I enjoyed sipping my warm coffee as I took in the beauty.

It was the perfect autumn day in the park!

Enjoying the Christmas Lights
New York City is incredible during Christmas time. Unfortunately I visited just before thanksgiving and they normally don’t go into full blown Christmas mode until after American thanksgiving. With that said, several stores already had up their lights and I particularly enjoyed the Cartier store which is known for its big bow wrapped around the building.

The Cartier building in NYC is Christmas goals!

Drink

Rolf’s Restaurant for the ULTIMATE Christmas Experience:
Rolf’s is a must see place if you’re a Christmas enthusiast like me. I should start by saying that this place is not really about the food, but more so the extremely elaborate and ornate Christmas decor that gives you that cozy Christmas feeling. I highly recommend coming here for a drink at the bar in between site seeing.
Note: To be seated at an actual table requires that each person in your party order a main and it’s just not worth it. They’re not known for their food, but the experience is more so about having a drink and enjoying the atmosphere with some friends.

Eat

Marea NYC
My sister’s birthday took place just before our trip so we wanted to treat her to a special dinner at a popular Michelin star restaurant called Marea. The food was delicious. I ordered their most popular dish which was the fusilli with red wine braised octopus and bone marrow. It was delicious but the true star of the meal was the AstIce salad which consists of Nova Scotia lobster, burrata, basil and eggplant al funghetto. The salad was to. die. for.

Ajo y Oregano
New York has a big Dominican population and whenever I visit, I have to find a place that serves the cuisine from my birth country. I just love good, authentic Dominican food and it’s hard to come by in Toronto. This restaurant surpassed my expectations. The decor made me feel like I was whisked away to the DR and I could almost smell the salt from the sea as I divulged into the most delicious and flavourful meal. I got the chicharron de pollo (Dominican fried chicken) with rice and beans, along with mofonguitos for starters. We had so much food that we took it all home and had it for dinner later that night.

Shelter
I met up with some old friends that live in Brooklyn and we went to Shelter, an Italian restaurant located in Williamsburg. It was delicious. My sister and I ordered a prosciutto pizza, oysters and empanadas and it was all super delicious. What I loved about this place in addition to the delicious food was the cozy ambiance. It almost feels like a cottage and we sat next to a real cracklings fire as we sipped our cocktails and wine and caught up. Shout out to Lindsay and Luis for the company , recommendation and treating us!

New York did not disappoint and it felt so good to be back. This giant melting pot is filled with things to do and places to explore. I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in it.

What are your favourite things to do in New York? Comment below!