6 Things to do in New York City

from my personal experience as a woman solo traveler

New York has it all! New York City is a place you could explore for years and never get to everything. And I was only there for a weekend! But I managed to pack a lot in and explore some hidden jewels as well as popular spots. Here are 6 things to do in New York City for a long weekend.

1. Eat great food

How can you even choose? I tried everything from cheap eats in Chinatown, to delicious Cuban food and a great brunch. Chinatown: The staff at Golden Shanghai were making wontons from scratch that went in the most delicious soup. I also loved the use cream puff from Alimama NYC. Cuban food: Cuba NYC was fabulous with classic Cuban dishes in an elegant setting.

2. EXPLORE Brooklyn

What an incredible city! The views, the food, the shopping. It’s fun even to just walk around and see Manhattan’s skyline. Things to do: walk across the Brooklyn bridge, and check out DUMBO, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park, and the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. Don’t miss a pizza tour with Scott’s Pizza Tours!

3. DANCE & DRINK

At a speakeasy. There are so many places to go dancing and have a great drink. One of my favorite was Apotheke in Chinatown (Happened to be Cuban music the night I went). They are an upscale lounge speakeasy with just a door and no sign to enter!

4. BRUNCH in Chelsea

Brunch is clearly a verb and NYC is the place to do it. I loved the food at Citizens of Chelsea – don’t miss their fluffy drinks and biscuits! Based in Australian brunch traditions (yes, that’s a thing!) they offer incredible dishes you might not find elsewhere such an bane bread French toast. And of course Vegemite and toast. I loved the bowls and the eggs Benedict.

5. VISIT a museum

There are many museums to choose from. I went to the Whitney Museum of Art and saw some incredible art as well as an entire room dedication to Alvin Ailey. They even have free admission on certain nights, programs for teens and dance classes. Absolutely worth a visit.

6.SEE an off Broadway show

In the land of Broadway, seeing an off Broadway show is also a (cheaper) option. I went to Brooklyn to see Nutcracker rouge and it was FANTASTIC! Check out the other offerings at Theater XIV in Bushwick.

Is NYC on your bucket list this year?