New York

I love New York, I was there in December and it was magical, I even spotted NYC icon Bill Cunningham. Here are my suggestions to have great time in ‘The Big Apple’. 

Sleep

Affinia Manhattan 371 Seventh Avenue 

Right in the heart of midtown, across from Madison Square Garden and around the corner from Macy’s this hotel is very central. It is also a very short walk to Times Square.   

Shop

Bloomindales 1000 Third Avenue

The iconic New York department store, is a must stop shop for your time in New York. You will not resist walking away without a Big Brown Bag full of purchases! Make sure you go to the Information Desk and pick up the International Travellers discount.

Saks Fifth Avenue 611 Fifth Avenue

The Saks Flagship store is a must visit! Drape yourself in designer jewels and accessories and purchase those Louboutins you’ve always wanted. The Christmas window displays are one of a kind! Make sure you check these out if you are there during the Holidays. 

Marc Jacobs Bookmarc 400 Bleecker Street

This cute quirky shop everything from coffee table books, stationary and Marc by Marc Jacobs bottles of water for $5. Grab a Marc Jacobs souvenir for yourself and your friends back home. 

Sephora

One could not visit The States and not stumble across a Sephora store. Loose yourself in the world of cosmetics, beauty products and accessories. I love Sephora for their great range of products you didn’t even know you wanted! I found roll on perfumes for $20 in a range of designer brands, which made great gifts!

Victoria’s Secret 34^th Street Herald Square

There are plenty of Victoria’s Secret stores around, however the 34^th Street store is a massive three floors of lingerie and other items!

Dylan’s Candy Bar 1011 Third Avenue

The daughter of Ralph Lauren has created a candy empire in the US, make sure you pick up a S’mores chocolate bar and chocolate covered cookie dough bites! This is a must stop shop for celebrities in New York City and also the scene of many Gossip Girl episodes.

Paige in Victoria's Secret 

Eat

There are thousands of restaurants in NYC, however I prefer to indulge in the cities favourite foods . Make sure you sample a NYC slice, pretzel, burger and Disco Fries! The calories don’t count when you’re on holidays...

Serendipity 3 225 E 60th Street

The location of the film Serendipity, this restaurant is famous for its American ‘cuisine’ including its Frozen Hot Chocolate.

Magnolia’s Bakery 401 Bleecker Street

Made famous by Sex and the City, Magnolia’s Bakery is known for its old fashion sweet treats and vanilla cupcakes. Make sure you plan ahead and avoid the SATC tour bus, or you will be lining up around the block. 

Brownstones in the West Village 

See

Drybar

The perfect pick me up in-between a long day shopping and your evening on the town. Grab a blow dry for $40 and leave feeling a new woman.

A New York Knicks game

Become a local and attend a basketball game. I didn't know anything about the sport but it was a great atmosphere with a celebrity following, so keep an eye out. 

Metropolitan Museum of Art

You must visit a museum whilst in New York, and mine is the Met it has something for everyone, including Warhol, Monet and Van Gogh. 

Empire State Building

One of the cities most famous buildings, catch 360-degree views of NYC and further afar.

Spotted! The famous Bill Cunningham, blue coat and all

Watch Bill Cunningham New York here  to catch a glimpse of other NYC hot spots. There are millions of fabulous sights to see in NYC, hopefully these will get you started. Happy exploring!