Planning a big-city trip to NYC can become overwhelming, especially when there are so many options to visit in a short amount of time. The desire to visit niche and touristy places only complicates matters.
On my trip to NYC last year, we could not visit museums because we spent time exploring little shops in the East Village. We prioritized spending our four days there as if NYC were our home. Upon that objective, I stumbled upon a cute shop I will return to this year.
Yes, New York will be seeing me again, and I’m preparing even more stores to visit, given we will be staying for longer in addition to the places we missed last year. So, as I’m scrolling on TikTok and walking through the streets of NYC on Google Maps, I’ve grown this list, and I can’t wait to visit them, and hopefully, you can too on your upcoming NYC trip.
Eating Your Way Through The City
One of the most important things to plan when traveling is where you’ll eat. This way, our other activities go smoothly without us getting hungry. NYC is also jam-packed with cafes and delicious eats wherever you go. But it’s essential to pick the genuinely good places. Here are places for every craving. Sweet or Savory, you’ll find what you want at one of these places.
Starting with Cha Cha Matcha. When I saw that my hotel was a 10-minute walk away, it quickly became my daily spot. I tried their strawberry matcha; the first sip was heavenly—10/10. Of course, their specialty, the regular matcha, was delicious. I tried their pastries with the drink, but they also have more savory options, like avocado toast, smoked salmon, etc. Not to mention that the baristas were extremely kind, and the space looked gorgeous with all the pink.
Up next is Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company. It had to be done. How could you visit New York and not get a bagel? I ordered online for pick up because it would’ve been busy. Once we arrived, it wasn’t as bad. The workers were again extraordinarily kind and helpful. Now, the bagel. It was the most stuffed-up bagel I have ever had, but it was super good. I couldn’t finish it because of its size, but it was worth trying.
Because I can’t get enough bagels, I introduce Apollo Bagels. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to visit, but it’s on my list for my next trip. All I’ve heard from this place is good things and their delicious bagels. Their options seem perfect for those who like to eat fresh and savory in the morning. You have three different spreads to choose from if you’d like a fluffy cream cheese-filled bagel, and they also carry yummy bagel sandwiches.
And finally, we have yet another cafe/ brunch spot. Good Thanks Cafe has two locations: one on the Lower East Side, the cafe/brunch location, and one in Williamsburg, their restaurant. The Lower East Side menu has a very diverse menu with many options, from sandwiches to salads, along with coffees, smoothies, and teas. The Williamsburg location offers a menu filled with salmon, meat, chicken, and classics like a Caesar salad. They also carry some yummy desserts to finish up the perfect meal.
These were some places I’m glad I visited and some I can’t wait to see again. Adding these as one of your food stops will be something you won’t regret. But this is just a glimpse into the city’s culinary world.
Shopping in NYC
Having been complete after eating, shopping, and walking around the city, train to train, will help us make space for the many treats to come. Also, who doesn’t like shopping in a city like NYC? When I visited, I realized that it’s best if you don’t have a plan for shopping since you can go into areas like SoHo, West Village, and Lower East Side and walk around and find such incredible places. In my ventures, I found some shops worth visiting in addition to your venture through NYC.
First, this is for my stationary girlies. Goods For The Study became my favorite place, and I will return because I sadly lost the pencil I had bought. Besides, I could be there for hours on end. The store has two sides. You first walk into the store on the left, where you can find all the writing tools you need: pencils, pens, and highlighters. And then, once you’ve acquired your perfect pencil lineup, you head next door to find the ideal journal. Again, it is an excellent selection of journals. I could spend all my money here.
Another place I stumbled upon was Coming Soon. This colorful store offers an array of unique home decor and gifts for loved ones. I purchased a very cool glass catch-all tray and wanted to buy all their kitchenware. They have something for everyone, and the staff is extremely friendly and welcoming.
For more trinkets, An.mé gives you the excitement of the unknown with their surprise boxes, where a miniature friend awaits inside. They carry the beloved Sonny Angels as well as Calico Critters. And my personal favorite is Monchichi/Bebechichi. Amongst the well-known nostalgic toys, you can also find other cool toys.
Because of the city’s overwhelming number of clothing stores, it’s hard to choose which vintage store has the best selection. Kalimera is an excellent choice since all the fashion girlies stop here during their Brooklyn visit. However, some pieces are expensive, so it’s worth the splurge since you’re purchasing unique pieces. Another clothing store I can’t wait to visit is Procell. Influencer Ruby Lyn mentioned they had a good selection of cool basic graphic t-shirts everyone needs in their closet. The best part is you take a piece of the city with you.
And, of course, you can’t forget to accessorize since you have a whole outfit set. My favorite accessory, apart from jewelry, is glasses. They add so much, and you can have a collection of them to have one that fits every outfit. Fabulous Fannies is a vintage glasses and eyewear store where you can find your forever pairs. Their collection consists of original vintage, classic reproduction, and sunglasses. So, if you want to include glasses in your outfits this 2025, this is the place for you.
NYC Amusement
While it’s essential to purchase items that remind you of your trip and eat at suitable places, let’s not forget the historical sights and fun interactive activities the city offers. I prioritize these activities more than the previous ones because I want to learn about the place and its history. Connecting with a space is incredible, especially in a vibrant city like New York.
The first stop was the Financial District on my trip to NYC last year. This area of the city has a lot to offer when it comes to finding things to do, such as eating or shopping, but of course, if you’re no less than a five-minute walk away. Here in the area, you’ll find Battery Park with paths to take a pleasant stroll, and most importantly, you can catch a ferry or stand near the edge to see Lady Liberty herself. You can visit by walking or taking the subway—the World Trade Center. I also admire the rib-like architecture of the Westfield World Trade Center. It’s truly a gem.
Up next is the Brooklyn Bridge. This is for when you’re feeling energetic and crave a lovely walk with a view. The walk to the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan is peaceful, and once you get a glimpse of the bridge, you’ll know it’s worth it. Walking toward the middle is already a task, but if you put on headphones and your favorite tunes, you’ve created a core memory. This will make you feel like the main character.
Heading towards the city’s heart, the MoMA and the MET await. You’ll find the most incredible art pieces you’ll want to see here. At the MoM, you can see iconic pieces by artists such as Vincent Van Gog, Matisse, Picasso, Kahl, and many more. The MET offers an insight into more classical/historical pieces of art. You’ll find yourself here for a full day.
And lastly, instead of looking at art, why don’t you make some and get creative? Now, NY has a lot of creative spaces to offer, but BeadKraft has become my favorite. At BeadKraft, customers can make bracelets or necklaces with charms and chains. Not only is it fun to scour their charms and find the perfect ones that represent you, but it will hold this trip as a memory forever. To this day, I wear the bracelet I made. It’s very special to me, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.
So, as you plan your next trip to the Big Apple, include one of these hidden gems to experience the great big city that NYC is. Happy traveling!
