New York City - The City of Dreams
NYC might be one of the most popular places in the world. Being featured in so many iconic movies it makes you feel like you’ve already been there, although you never did. MAGPAPER had its first NYC experience, and we’re sharing it with you.
Pro tip: play Empire State of Mind when landing. Cheesy but hey, nothing can beat those skyscraper views, and it does pump up the mood for the landing in the Big Apple:)
Seeing the New York skyline for the first time was impressive, emotional even. It does feel like you are on top of the world, big city life, hustle and bustle. It also felt like you were in a different world. People look and dress differently, they have a casual chic flare or they have a total extravaganza going on, anything goes in New York City.
The neighborhoods are just like in the movies. There is Brooklyn, and you teleport to Gossip Girl and wonder if you will run into Dan Humphry. You visit West Village, and here you are at the Friends apartment or Carrie Bradshaw steps. It’s the old 90s rom coms or sitcoms from the 80s. It gives you the feeling that you know New York. It is new and totally different to what you are used to but you know it.
It is interesting how the neighborhoods are so different. You go to Williamsburg in Brooklyn and the buildings are smaller, lot’s of cool places, shops and cafes, a young and stylish crowd having fun. Then you visit SOHO and you have the fancy shops, chic restaurants and people enjoying espresso martinis on the terrace during lunch break. At Chelsea you have dozens of galleries and an artsy crowd gallery hopping when people-watching is a more exciting activity than discovering the art. The famous Times Square is an experience on its own with the flashing lights and buzzing atmosphere. Anyone can find the right fit.
The city has lots of energy. It’s fast, it’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it feels like so many things are happening at the same time. It may be a good thing or not, you decide.
The city also has lots of parks. From the enormous Central Park to the smaller green spaces like Bryant Park making it a pleasant experience to have a break from walking and exploring in a calmer setting.
When in New York visit some of the famous museums: MET (also has a rooftop) for admiring historical beauty, Whitney Museum for the modern art and also the views from the building or MOMA for more of the contemporary art.
One of the iconic experiences would be to visit the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center for the skyline views from the 70th floor.
Being in the big city could get overwhelming when it comes to choosing where to go. MAGPAPER prepared a list of cafes and food places that are not to be missed:
Coffee:
Rythm Zero NYC - has two locations: Greenpoint & West Village
Minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing coffee place with modern design. They even change designer furniture every month.
Do Not Feed the Alligators - 337 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Coffee place by day, cocktails by night. The design is very New York, friendly and cosy, highly recommend to try the berry tart (goes well with the cocktail hour too:))
La Cabra - multiple locations
While the place is originally from Denmark, you simply cannot miss their cardamom buns. Soft, gooey, aromatic and basically the best cardamom buns our lives. The coffee is amazing too.
Food:
Tompkins Square Bagels - multiple locations
When in New York, you gotta go for bagels, and it better be a good one:) Tompkins Square Bagels did not disappoint. If you are feeling adventurous try the French toast version with the Birthday cream. It was delicious.
Ivan Ramen - 25 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Famous ramen from the local ramen legend, Ivan, that teleports you to Japan to one of the best (or the best) ramen experiences of your life.
LOS TACOS No.1 - multiple locations
We haven’t been to Mexico but it felt like this must be it. Cantina like restaurants with classic tacos that blew us away. Can we go back to tacos in Europe? Probably not.
Honestly, we can go and on but you will just have to see it all for yourself:) Hope we inspired you for the New York visit of your dreams. We’ll be happy if you tag @magpaper.digital when you visit our recommendations.