This past weekend my friend from Delaware visited New York for her second time, as her first time only included a trip to Times Square. Me being the person she was visiting, I found it only necessary to show her that there is so much more to New York than what she has already seen. That being said, I have created a short list of places in New York that I would highly recommend to anyone having a friend visit the city for the first time!
1. Chelsea
This being one of my favorite places in the city, I have no choice but to recommend to anyone visiting to go on a stroll through this neighborhood. If you do find yourself in the area, be sure to hit up Chelsea Market. Whether you are looking for a cozy lunch or dinner, or just feel like browsing small shops with handmade items, this is the place for you. Not only that, but the neighborhood has tons of cute, aesthetic brunch spots like Citizens of Chelsea, as well as the famous High Line, an elevated walkway and park that weaves between the city buildings.
2. Madison Square Park
Of course you have to show your friend the Flatiron building, so be sure to hit up Madison Square Park. The Empire State Building is also not too far from there, giving you another crucial destination within walking distance. This place is perfect for the Fall or Spring because of the outdoor seating and great photo-ops. If you are in the need to go shopping, all of 5th Ave’s greatest shopping is right there, along with great foodie spots along E 23rd St and down other side streets.
3. SoHo
SoHo is exactly where you need to be for a Sunday morning coffee, afternoon brunch, a shopping trip, or if you are like any other college kid, just looking to window shop. This neighborhood is totally insta-worthy and is a decent walking distance to its surrounding areas like Washington Square Park or Little Italy.
4. Battery Park
If you are visiting in the midst of Fall or Spring, you must visit Battery Park. Starting at the tip of Downtown Manhattan is a small grassy area with chairs and benches for the public, and following up along Lower Manhattan is a pathway along the water perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll. Battery Park is also home to the Staten Island Ferry as well as the ferry that takes you to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
5. East Village
This neighborhood is especially perfect for any college kid visiting. The nightlife, one-dollar pizza, multiple dining locations and music spots make it a complete weekend night.
Whether you have your family or friends visiting for a few days, be sure to use my go-to spots for taking your visitors. Show them there is much more to New York than Times Square, introduce them to the different neighborhoods and parks, and give them a little inside scoop to what it is like to live in one of the greatest cities in the world!
