Disclaimer: this highlights my favorite things/places to eat, reflective of two different visits to NYC. Both trips were about 4 days, one in June 2022 & one in June 2023

CITY: Brooklyn/Gramercy Park

HOW LONG: 4 NIGHTS 2x

ACCOMMODATION:

Stephen’s apartment in Brooklyn- everyone is welcome!! JK

Honestly I can’t even imagine visiting NYC and having to pay for accommodation. So expensive! Luckily I have a few friends in NYC that have kindly hosted me 🙂

WHERE TO EAT:

Food:

Friend of a Farmer– Great brunch place right next to the famous Caffé Panna. Food was yummy and the vibe was fun/happening.

Sisters– Vibey, earthy brunch spot in Brooklyn. Great food and great atmosphere.

Baker & co. – brunch in the West Village – fun spot.

Novita– Super cute Italian spot. Food was delicious and is a family run restaurant. Great for dinner near Gramercy Park.

Malt & Mold– Came here to have a late lunch/snack. They have great beer + charcuterie boards. We sat outside and played cards, while munching on cheese + prosciutto. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

I Sodi– Tuscan food on Bleeker Street in the West Village. So yummy!

Emmy’s Squared Pizza– While they are known for their pizza, the burger is out of this world!

Union Square Cafe– Danny Meyer’s casually refined spot for dinner. Not cheap, but worth the $$$. Very cool building. Food was incredibly delicious & sophisticated. A friend described it as “a great spot to take parents when they are in town” 🙂

Cipriani Dolci – Located in Central station. Great spot for drinks + people watching.

Bergen Bagels – Yummy NY bagels – need I say more??

Modern Love – Great vegan restaurant in Brooklyn.

Lil’ Frankies – Delicious NYC pizza!

Ice cream/dessert

Caffé Panna – very famous ice cream stop. There is always a very long line, but just go and enjoy the experience!!

Magnolia Bakery – my favorite banana pudding.

Levain Bakery – Delicious cookies – but I still think mine are better 😉

Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream – Fun ice cream shop – line is long but there is ice cream on the other side of it so just be patient.

Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream – such a fun spot to get a highly customized ice cream experience. A million fun, random flavors + toppings.

Ample Hills – Closed, but it was so delicious!

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream – A NYC staple. Such fun flavors!

WHAT TO DO:

I admittedly am not a museum person, and given both visits were in June, the goal is always to be outside to soak up the delicious sunny warmth.

Highlights include:

• Walking around Central Park
• Running through Prospect Park
• Walking the Highline
• Eating our way through NYC (see above haha)
• Going to a Yankees game
• Board game nights with friends
• Rec league volleyball game

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

New York in June is fabulous. Both times, as I walk around without needing a sweater during the day or night (compared to SF), I thought to myself, why don’t I just move here?! But then I remember this weather is not representative of what NYC faces the rest of the year haha. Honestly, even though I am from another major metropolitan area (the Bay Area), I find NYC to be incredible overwhelming. Not necessarily in a bad way, but it just always makes me feel so small. It’s a humbling city. That being said, I thoroughly enjoy it when I go! The list of great restaurants are never ending, and there is always something to do. I also can’t say enough good things about the people watching. There is always something fun to see or a conversation to overhear. Can’t wait for the next visit!