So you’ve done the typical New York City routine—bustling through Times Square, elbowing your way onto the subway, and maybe even (gasp) paying full price for a Broadway ticket. Sure, it was an experience, but let’s face it: you’re ready to level up. Whether this is your second trip, your fifth, or your twentieth, there are always new ways to make your adventure bolder, tastier, and, dare we say, more fabulous…
Skip the Standard Hotel, Book a Stylish One
You know the saying: “Location is everything.” Don’t settle for an out-of-the-way spot with dingy carpets and questionable room service. Treat yourself to a Midtown East hotel like The Concorde, where you’ll find sleek design, stellar city views, and easy access to iconic landmarks. You’ll be steps away from Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center, and those Fifth Avenue shopping temptations that keep your credit card company oh-so-happy.
Embrace the Rooftop Craze
Sure, rooftop bars have been “a thing” forever, but if you haven’t tried it in NYC, you’re missing out. Picture this: twinkling skyline views, creative cocktails named after sassy Manhattan neighborhoods, and maybe even a heated rooftop igloo if you’re visiting in winter. It’s not just about the selfies—though the Instagram potential is off the charts. It’s also about savoring that city energy from a vantage point that makes you feel unstoppable.
Explore the “Uncool” Neighborhoods
We get it: Brooklyn, the Lower East Side, and SoHo are the trendy trifecta. But don’t forget about those “in-between” neighborhoods that haven’t fully succumbed to $18 artisanal avocado toast. Wander around East Harlem or Jackson Heights, and discover authentic eateries, eclectic shops, and street art that might blow your mind. Real talk: you’ll get a more genuine taste of New York here than in the overly curated corners of the city.
Get Lost on Purpose
One of the best ways to level up your NYC trip is to ditch Google Maps for an afternoon. Yes, you might accidentally end up circling the same block for 20 minutes, but you’ll also stumble upon hidden gems—like that hole-in-the-wall pizza joint with the best garlic knots you’ve ever tasted. Let the city guide you for a change. You’ll live to tell the tale (and eat some seriously good pizza along the way).
See a Bizarre Show
Broadway is iconic, sure, but why not embrace the city’s eclectic fringe scene? Check out off-Broadway or off-off-Broadway performances for wild, boundary-pushing theater that’ll leave you buzzing for days. You might find yourself seated on a cushion in a makeshift warehouse, watching interpretive dance with strobe lights and a string quartet. Will it be strange? Absolutely. Will you regret it? Probably not.
Try Street Eats Beyond Hot Dogs
Yes, NYC hot dogs are classic, but the city’s street food game is so much deeper. Think halal carts grilling up succulent lamb, taco trucks slinging authentic birria, and stands serving bubble waffles piled high with ice cream. The more adventurous you get, the more epic your food coma will be. Don’t worry, you can walk it off in Central Park—or not. No judgment here.
Sign Up for an Obscure Tour
Museums are great, but if you’re craving something offbeat, sign up for a specialized walking tour that caters to your quirkiest interests. Want to see haunted spots in Greenwich Village? You got it. Want the lowdown on secret speakeasies? Done. Fancy a food crawl through Chinatown’s best dim sum joints? Absolutely. These tours let you peel back the layers of NYC in a way that’s anything but cookie-cutter.
Do NYC in fun and luxury!
