Josh & Sydney explore the art, culture and food of NYC on their romantic anniversary trip!
New York City
Activities
The Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum is a beautiful modern art museum with a large impressive collection. The museum is very well organized and has great views of Chelsea harbor. We really enjoyed the third floor where they incorporated technology into art – it gave a totally different perspective! It’s in the Meatpacking District. We really enjoyed our visit!
Metropolitan Museum of Art
We had been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on a previous trip, and it’s our favorite museum for classical art. It’s so well done. I don’t want to overhype it, but it really is one of the best museums in America, in our opinion. Give yourself several hours to see it all. Buy tickets in advance because the lines can be long. They also have a great rooftop bar that’s open during the summer. Unfortunately we were there in November and didn’t get to experience it this trip, but we did grab drinks there on a previous trip.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
We love modern art, and we hadn’t been to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum yet. It was a little different from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice (which we loved!), as it was less modern art paintings, and more sculptures and abstract. The impressive building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and that was so interesting to see. It’s located right across from Central park, so we enjoyed a long walk through Central Park after.
Top of the Rock
We much prefer Top of the Rock, the observation deck on top of Rockefeller Center, over the Empire State Building. It’s less crowded/touristy. Plus, this way you can see the Empire State Building! You also get a great view of Central Park that you can’t see from the Empire State Building.
Ice skating in Central Park
Rockefeller is the iconic spot, but we found Central Park is bigger, less expensive and less crowded. We skated at night and enjoyed the gorgeous night skyline. You can rent your skates there and they also offer skating classes.
Exploring Central Park in the daytime
Exploring Central Park in the daytime
Restaurants
One If By Land, Two If By Sea
One If By Land, Two If By Sea was recommended to us by a friend as the best restaurant in the West Village. It was very romantic, and we went on our actual anniversary night. Josh ordered the Beef Wellington and highly recommends it. It’s pretty expensive; make a reservation.
Freeman’s Restaurant
Freeman’s is an awesome restaurant at end of an alley in the Lower East side. We went for brunch and it was amazing. It was the best spinach artichoke dip we’ve ever had. Warning: they have very strong drinks! 🙂
Buona Notte
We spent some time wandering through Little Italy and stumbled across Buona Notte. The food was awesome – we have spent some time in Italy and this was legitimate Italian pasta! Great atmosphere too – we’ll definitely be coming back here on future New York trips.
Exploring Little Italy
Ippudo Ramen
We had some of the best ramen and pork buns we’ve ever had at Ippudo Ramen! It’s a small restaurant and very popular. We waited a while to be seated, but once we were, the service was fast. Definitely recommend!
Hotel
Gansevoort Park Hotel
We had a great stay at the Gansevoort Park Hotel! It’s pretty pricey (the Kardashians have stayed here), but we splurged since it was our Anniversary trip. We lucked out and our room had a view of the Empire State Building. There is a fun rooftop bar we spent a night at – worth checking out even if you aren’t staying here. It’s located on Park Avenue in a very central location.
View of the Empire State Building from our room
Cozy Hotel Lobby
Transportation
We took the subway and cabs everywhere within the city. The subway system is easy to figure out, and a must-do to get the true New York experience. We took a cab into the city when we landed at JFK and it was $75. (Wow!) So I recommend finding the train to go into the city if you fly into JFK. We took the train back to the airport at the end and it was easy.
Other Travel Guides you Might Like:
New York City, New York – Girls’ Weekend in Iconic New York City
Cape Cod, Massachusetts – Beaches and Lobsters: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Chicago, Illinois – Weekend Guide: Chicago, Illinois
Las Vegas, Nevada – Guide to Gambling and Eating in Las Vegas, Nevada
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