As much as I love living in Paris, there’s something that always pulls me back to New York City.
Over the years, I’ve returned time and time again – sometimes for work, sometimes for inspiration – and each visit feels like seeing the city for the first time all over again.
From iconic addresses to hidden gems, this guide is a collection of my favorite places and experiences 🙂
I hope that it helps you discover new places, no matter if you are local or just spending a few days here.
Oh, and if you are visiting New York soon and need help planning your itinerary or making reservations, make sure to check out my travel and concierge services. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more beautiful and elegant places to visit over there.
You might also enjoy these guides: Nice | Paris | Monaco | Cannes | Antibes | Saint-Tropez | New York | London
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Where to Stay in New York: My Favorite Hotels
The Beekman
Historic charm meets downtown cool in this architectural gem near Tribeca, with a beautiful atrium and dining by Tom Colicchio. Book here.
The Surrey
An Upper East Side classic, offering discreet luxury steps from Central Park and Madison Avenue. Book here.
The Peninsula New York
The epithome of Fifth Avenue glamour with a rooftop bar, serene spa, and timeless rooms. This hotel is just so beautiful. Book here.
The Mark New York
Another Upper East Side icon. Book here.
The St. Regis New York
This gorgeous hotel is one of the classiest in New York City and is also home to one of my favorite bars – the legendary King Cole Bar. Book here.
Baccarat Hotel New York
Parisian opulence in the heart of Manhattan, where crystal, couture, and champagne define the mood. Book here.
Other more affordable – but still beautiful – hotels worth considering include: World Center Hotel, Pestana Park Avenue, Soho Grand Hotel, and The Evelyn NoMad.
Best restaurants
New York is home to SO many goos restaurants. So far, these have been my faves:
- Polo Bar (classic NYC)
- 4 Charles (classic NYC)
- Delmonico’s (steakhouse)
- Le Crocodile (French)
- Joo Ok (Korean, Michelin-starred)
- Frevo (Michelin-starred)
- Cosme (upscale mexican)
- Carbone (Italian)
- Enso (Japanese)
- Raoul’s (classic NYC)
- Le Coucou (French, Michelin-starred)
- Monkey Bar (classic NYC)
- Torrisi (Italian, Michelin-starred)
Having trouble booking any restaurant in New York? Check out my travel concierge services or send an email to hello@camiexplores.com.
Favorite bars
- Raines Law Room at The William
- The Campbell
- The Portrait Bar
- The Nines
- Nubeluz
- Bemelmans Bar
- Manhatta
- Baccarat
- King Cole Bar
The Ultimate List of Things to Do in New York City
1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Nothing is more New York than starting your day at the Blue Box Café, surrounded by Tiffany blue and Fifth Avenue sparkle, just like Audrey Hepburn did once.
I loved this experience! If you are not able to go for breakfast, afternoon tea and lunch are just as nice.
No time for planning? No worries, I can design your custom itinerary according to your preferences.
18. Dinner at The Polo Bar
Ralph Lauren’s restaurant is another NYC classic. Tables here are very hard to get but definitely worth it for the ambiance and the food.
3- Have the best burger of your life at Polo Bar or 4 Charles
When in NYC, having a fantastic burger is a must, and nothing compares to the one at 4 Charles Prime Rib.
This is another of the hardest tables to get in New York, but if you ever need help securing a reservation, you can always email me at hello@camiexplores.com – I’m happy to take care of it for you as part of my concierge services.
2. Private Helicopter Tour Over Manhattan
If you are looking for a bucket list experience in the city, how about flying over Central Park and seeing the skyline from a helicopter? I recommend booking this company.
3. Walk The High Line
An elevated park winding through Chelsea, The High Line offers skyline views, art installations, and is just the perfect place for a walk in the morning or at sunset.
4. Coffee at Ralph’s
I absolutely love going for a coffee at Ralph’s.
Located in the Upper East Side, the place is beautiful no matter the season (altough Christmas is my favorite!).
I love sitting there for a bit, just reading and people watching. Their pastries are very tasty as well – especially their zuccini muffins!
5. Visit The Met with a Private Guide
The Met is one of my favorite museums in the world. It is, however, massive and a bit confusing to get around.
A private tour lets you explore the masterpieces quietly, with someone that will guide you to the most interesting exhibits and share their knowledge.
You can book a guided tour here.
6. Champagne at The Plaza’s Champagne Bar
For a little afternoon pick-me-up or a nightcap, slip into The Plaza for a glass of rosé champagne and a moment of old-world glamour.
7. Shopping in SoHo
Spend a chic afternoon wandering cobblestone streets, designer boutiques, and hidden concept stores.
I recommend stopping for macarons at Ladurée or an iced latte at La Cabra when you need a break.
8. Yoga at the World Trade Center Observatory
If you love yoga, you need to add a class at the top of the One World Observatory to your bucket list; the views are phenomenal. You can book this experience here.
9. Lunch at Monkey Bar
A Midtown classic where red leather booths, power lunches, and hand-painted murals create that perfectly nostalgic New York atmosphere.
Their whitefish caesar salad is one of the best I’ve ever had.
Little reminder: if you are visiting New York soon and need help planning your itinerary or making reservations, make sure to check out my travel and concierge services.
10. See art at the Frick Collection
Quiet, elegant, and beautifully curated, The Frick is home to European masterpieces in a peaceful, minimalist setting.
11. Caviar at Caviar Kaspia (The Mark Hotel)
Located in the Upper East Side and a Fashion Week staple, at Kaspia Paris meets Manhattan luxury.
This is the place to go all out on caviar and champagne.
12. Jazz at The Django
Hidden under The Roxy Hotel, The Django is another of my favorite hidden-gems in the city.
Picture candlelight, velvet, and live jazz. The perfect way to end an evening downtown.
13. Dessert Stop at Magnolia Bakery
An NYC classic, the banana pudding is as iconic as ever. Grab one to go and enjoy it while exploring the West Village.
14. Afternoon Tea at Baccarat Hotel
Tea and champagne served in crystal beneath chandeliers, Baccarat is pure Parisian opulence in the heart of Manhattan.
This is, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful hotels in New York.
15. A Drink at The Campbell Bar
Inside Grand Central, this stunning cocktail bar feels like a hidden piece of New York history – perfect for pre-dinner drinks.
Oh and if you’ve seen Gossip Girl, this is the place where Serena and Nate kiss for the first time in the series.
17. Indulge in some of the city’s best fine dining
For a truly elevated evening, book a Michelin-starred experience. My favorites are Jean-Georges, Atomix, and Frevo.
19. Have a martini at The Nines
Velvet booths, live piano, and some of the best martinis New York City has to offer.
20. Steak Night at Delmonico’s
An NYC institution since 1837. The steaks here are fantastic, and the restaurant is very beautiful.
21. Explore Hudson Yards & Edge
For sweeping city views, head to The Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
You can access it (and over 100 other attractions) effortlessly with the New York Pass, which I highly recommend getting.
22. Escape to the Hamptons for the Day
In the summer, the sunny Hamptons are where New Yorkers go to unwind.
This is an easy-day trip from New York, and you can spend a pretty perfect day strolling through the upscale streets of Southampton, exploring the picturesque harbor town of Sag Harbor, and wine tasting at a local vineyard before ending the day with a bit of shopping.
Book: Hamptons, Sag Harbor, and Outlet Shopping from New York
23. Watch a Broadway Show
I love Broadway shows so much! Even if musicals are not your favorite thing in the world (which is my case), watching a Broadway Show is an absolute must in New York.
My favorites so far have been Mamma Mia and Anastasia!
24. Catch a New York Giants Game
If you love sports, another fun thing to do is to experience the city’s sporting spirit in style at MetLife Stadium. Remember to book your New York Giants Football Game Ticket in advance.
25. Explore the West Village
Tree-lined streets, brownstones, and cozy cafés make the West Village endlessly charming. Stop by Dante or Café Cluny for a lovely meal.
26. End the Night at Bemelmans Bar
Inside The Carlyle, Bemelmans is one of the most elegant bars in the city. Order a martini, sink into a velvet chair, and let the night linger a little longer.
That’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Nice. For more elegant places to visit in New York, make sure to follow me on Instagram. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out for a custom itinerary or restaurant reservations.